Ahhhhs.....

While I'm gone I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of the hand project that's been following me around the world the last couple of months.  Inspired by the lovely Tonya over at Hillbilly Handiworks, I decided to kick my English paper piecing up a notch.  She has been presenting an awesome series of English paper pieced blocks (called Ahhs), you guys should totally check it out.

I was getting bored with regular hexies, so I decided to make a block based on her  Ahhh #4 Little Girl's Star and is a bit like Ahhhh #25, Seven Stars.  She mentions that this block was first published in 1950.  You should check out her version, I love the way she fussy cuts the fabric to give a nifty kaleidoscope/snowflake effect.  I went with a more geometrical version.

The whole thing is about 7" across, so each of the pieces is pretty small.  I thought it was going to be finished with this much (I figured I'd hand quilt it to be a mini-mini-quilt), but it just doesn't feel done.  I have it with me on this trip to add some more layers around the outside.  I love the rainbow of colors with the black and white (of course the ugly white basting thread will come out when I remove the papers).  It's been a fun, small thing to carry around and stitch on,

WIP Wednesday: Deadlines Again!

I’ve been feeling a little stressed lately.  I have so many projects going, so many cool quilts to make, and a couple projects with deadlines in progress, yet I’m often so tired when I get home from work I don’t have the energy to work on anything.  Then I feel guilty that I’m wasting valuable time!

Anyway,  I thought it would be good to write an in progress post and link up with Lee.  I always love her linky party; seeing what everyone else is working on is motivating and inspiring.

Finished this week:
Nothing. 

In progress:
Diaper bag for Becky (deadline March 11th)
15 fabric ribbons for Oklahoma Single Stack Championships (deadline March 11th).  This is all I’ve done so far!  One half of one ribbon!  Eek.

Amy  Butler Footstool (this is soooo cool, and we found the perfect fabric, more on that later).

Flower crochet blocks  (I’ve made 6-8 of those and am really enjoying them).

Bobbin Quilting/Trapunto blocks


No Progress:
Dog thread painting
Chile Quilt
Christmas Nativity

New Projects:
Not that I need any new projects, but I’ve decided that my next big art quilt will be an entry into the upcoming juried show put on by SAQA New Mexico.  I’ve never entered a juried show before but I figure now is as goo as ever.  The quilt is to be banner style, long and skinny (24 x 80 or so) and should be “outdoor New Mexico” in theme.  I’m super excited for the design process.  I’ve decided to make the New Mexico State Dinosaur my focus.  He’s called Coeleophysis, and I’ll have much more info on him soon (if I ever get some creative design time).

I hope you guys are having fun and making more progress than I am!

Sneak Peak of Swap Quilt

I've been busy working away on my swap quilt for Jenna's Sew Happy Geek Tablerunner/Wall Hanging Swap and since it's a secret swap, detailed posts on it will have to wait a while.  So for today, just a quick sneak peak of that project.

And then some pictures of my four legged family members.  I mean, what better blog filler is there than puppies!

This is Bentley, the super lovable SUPER BOUNCY pit bull mix.

This is my sweet pea Bullett, also known as Bratwurst (for his fat sausage shape).  We have no idea what he is, but love him a bunch. Don't let his adorable face fool you,  he and Bentley get into all sorts of trouble together.

And this is Missy the tiny Shih Tzu.  Don't let her cute face fool you either-  she's the boss dog who rules the roost.

I hope everyone has a fabulous fall weekend!