Samples, Classes and Retreats - Oh my!

The past week has been a lot of fun and very busy - and this coming week will be no different, in fact it should be a blast!

I finished the quilt top sample for Moda's Dilly Dally kit. A colorful rail fence-type pattern. It's adorable!

I finally learned how to properly paper piece!

This week I am off on my very first quilting retreat! I have heard wonderful tales for years and never had the opportunity to go. this week I am making that opportunity and can't wait! 45+ quilters on a bus, stopping at quilt shops, quilting and socializing (and from what I hear a lot of laughing, chatting, snacking and plain 'ole good times!) My camera is packed, as is my sewing machine and a few projects to work on. I am finally getting to make a quilt with Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms for my room. Or at least that is my plan. No computers on the trip (just my ipad but I don't think I can post, can I?). See you later in the week.

Where does the Time Go?

I can't believe it is almost the end of January!! Where does the time go? I have been running the shops, quilting samples, participating in some online swaps (mug rugs!), vending in a show and taking care of the family and dogs. Sigh. Yawn. (no, really, I just yawned writing this just thinking about everything.

Next week I get to attend my very first quilting retreat! I am joining the Gold Coast guild on a trip to a retreat center on the west coast of Florida. Stopping at quilt shops, quilting and socializing with quilters for 3 days! I have to say, I am super excited! I just have to decide what projects to take. Hmmmm

random thought...

I got my hair cut (and colored) today - it was a long time overdue and I hate sitting for 2 and a half hours in a salon. I had a good amount of hair cut and went with a bit of bangs - 'botox bangs' as my friend Tanya calls them (to hide the lines on the forehead without injection, get it?). Like you care about any of this.....

My husband loved it and my older son and he both said it made me look MUCH younger and was much better. My thought?.... did I not look okay before? Why didn't you tell me to cut my hair. Just some random thoughts for today.

Another Block

for the Modern Stash Quilt Bee


The colors were yellow, gray, black and white and the theme were freeform 'window blocks'. As usual I took a crummy photo but I am happy with the block.

Laundry List of Crafty Projects

With infinite crafting desires clashing for time with the two shops I run and family needs, I need to prioritize. Or not sleep.
I am working on two store samples right now, a Quilting Sisters wall hanging and a table runner using the brand new Fresh Flowers Fabric from Moda. I'll post photos of the shop blogs, but this blog if for my stuff. I just finished the second block for the Modern Stash Quilting Bee (it came out great in my humble opinion). I am gathering fabrics for my 3x6 Quilting Bee Hive (six blocks of the same pattern but with the fabric colors chosen by the hive members). A mug rug is next up for a swap.

I am currently loving this circles pattern:

Isn't it cool? I just got a AccuQuilt GoBaby and need to get the circle templates.

so much fabric, so little time.

Virtual Quilting Bees

I am participating in two virtual quilt bees - I'm so excited about it. In the MSQB we are given color hints and block pattern ideas. It is fun to see how the quilters interpret it. My first block, in a Bento pattern, has warm tones (fuscia), white and teal.

I think the final quilt will look great.