Breathe

Taking many deep breaths these last few weeks. Since I posted last life has been challenging, I have not found nearly enough time in my "quilt studio" and I have struggled to meet my self-imposed deadlines.

Last week I came across a tutorial for converting a wooden folding table (TV tray) into a portable ironing board. Here is how mine turned out, I found it on Martha Stewart's website..gotta love Martha Right??? 
This took less than an hour to complete. I did buy the table but all the other supplies I already had. I bought this fabric a couple of years ago hoping to make a new cover for my "other" ironing board but I love it on this. I find this size very useful next to my sewing machine and works great with the smaller travel size iron.
Now I can fold up the "big" one and just bring it out when I need to press bigger things..allows much more room in my space!!

Now for what I have managed to sew this month. Still working on the "secret" quilt, so can't show progress on that yet, but finished my 12 dresden plates for the Bunny Hill Designs free pattern, just deciding on what to use for sashing .

I have purchased a wonderful red and white polka dot for the border.

not the final arrangement!

I recently bought a new book called Sliver Quilts by Lisa O'Neil. The concept intrigued me and when I turned to page 35 and saw the "Stella" quilt...then read that this quilt was designed to celebrate the 4th of July...well I had to buy the book and make this quilt. The reason?? Well I have a grand daughter named Stella and her birthday is the 4th of July :-)..I hope to get this at least pieced together by her birthday and I will add a border to make it a little bigger to snuggle under. Oh by the way, Stella will be 11 this year.

Here is a Baby Quilt made for youngest gran daughter's Kindergarten teacher for her first grand child.
My daughter used the art work made my the children in  the kindergarten classes to make a piece of art to auction at the annual  spring auction this year. Then she printed the art work on transfer fabric by EQ.
I assembled the blocks and machine quilted it just in time for the last day of school. It was a real hit.

 I had to take a break from the Year of Schnibbles that I have been participating in, hubby was in ICU for three days at the beginning of the month total of 7 days in hospital. Had to concentrate on my immediate deadlines and I plan on making June and July next month. I really love the design for June called Leap Year so I hope I can catch up!!
Speaking of catching up.. better get started.
Today's goal...finish piecing the Stella blocks !
Have a great weekend and a great 4th of July!!!
ox Kay

A Few New Things

Well, here we are at the end of another month. The summer is getting closer and closer, at least on
the calendar. I have finished a few projects and still have many more waiting for me to remember them.
I finished  the Year of Schnibbles pattern for May, Doc using 30's playtime as the fabric choice.

I like the vintage feel that this paring has. It seems Card Trick and 30's reproductions are a good match.
My next finish is from the pattern called Victory Garden. I have been working on it off and on all month and when I finished it Monday I realized that it would be done in time to celebrate the Queens Jubilee. I have British roots and family that reside there. I ordered the kit for "Baby Brit" using Cabbages and Roses Northcote Range.

. Today the weather is very grey and raining so hard to get a real good picture. I will take another when it is quilted.
I have also been working on something using Fig Tree and a double pinwheel pattern. It needs to remain a secret for now but I thought I could at least share the first 2 blocks.

So long May and hello June, I hope you bring some sunny days!!
Take care
Kay xo

Summer Day

Dreaming of a Summer Day as a California Girl!!!

April's Schnibble "Summer Day" using "California Girl"

I grew up here in Western Washington and as a teen envied those girls lucky enough to live in California.

Those Beach Boy songs made sun and the beach sound very appealing!! 

This will be a great little Summer quilt to hang on the porch. 

We won't see summer weather here until July but I can dream.

At least my favorite flower is blooming..Lilac. 

I think I will go out and cut a bouquet and enjoy their lovely scent :-)

Here's to Summer Days!!

ox Kay

Planning, Starting and Finishing

Not much to report here at the Studio. Did manage to get "Bibelot" the March Year of Schnibbles quilt finished and quilted before the end of the month..Yea :-).
I used Blueberry Crumb Cake charm packs. I have always been in love with Blue quilts and this fabric line worked just great with this pattern.

I attended the Sewing Expo at the beginning of the month and bought a fabulous pattern at the Shabby Fabrics booth (the best booth there!!!!) from designer Brenda Riddle from The Acorn Quilt Co called "By My Hand",

I have been obsessed with finding what I had in my stash and then supplementing with a few fabrics found at work and on the internet. I was very pleased with what I found that I already had in my collection. This will be a beautiful quilt..I just love that it is a Sampler!!!! I will let you know how it progresses.
I just finished piecing a quilt Stars in the Garden from Shabby Fabrics started last spring. I used some of my Pom Pom left-overs and a Robin Pandolph called Hannah Bella that I bought just two pieces of  ages ago and decided it was time for it get out of the cupboard and into a quilt. I really love the colors in the large floral stripe and used them for my inspiration for the stars.

I also have a commitment to make the Athill Range model for the shop .

I am feeling really good about how much of my stash I have managed to use lately and I will continue to get those ufo's out remember why I loved them in the first place.
Well there you have it!!
Here's to a productive weekend!!
Hope you all find some time to do what you really love!!!
Ta ta for now :) Kay ox

I.s.t.h. February A. Y. O. S.

I have just finished piecing the Feb Schnibbles pattern I.S.T. H, I used fabric from French Generals line
Rural Jardin. I am happy with the "faded" look this line gives to this pattern.

Sugar Shop  by Late Bloomer Quilts using Flower Sugar 

I made this cutie at quilt retreat a couple of weekends ago. I love this pattern and will make it again!!!

I bought the kit for these pincushions last summer and finally got around to making them. Aren't they cute!!!
I'm already planning on making them again with some hand-dyed wool that I have in my stash :-).
The pattern is designed by Verna Mosquera. from The Vintage Spool.

And last but not least, here is a little project using more French General , basted and ready to hand applique and embroider tonight while watching some Brit-Coms on PBS. This pattern came with a greeting card and I have had it in my pattern "stash" for quite some time. I had my French General "collection" out and they just came together like long lost friends..I love it when that happens.....serendipity :-)


Looking back at this post I notice that everything looks very Spring--ish, we woke up to snow this morning and it has all melted now but I think I must be ready for spring!! I know it is a bit early to be thinking about spring but at least I can be ready when it get here, right??

Wishing you all a very hopeful Saturday.....OX Kay

Welcome Home to 58 Berry Street

Happy Groundhog Day everyone.

We have quite a nice, partly sunny, day so far here in my part of  Washington State.

I wanted to introduce you to the next finished block for the Home Sweet Home quilt.
I am a little concerned that this block is brighter than the rest .
The blue photographed much more royal than the actual color. I will move on tho, to the next one.
 "62 Holly Hill" sounds like a pleasant place to call Home!!
More of those tiny strips on the windows, but a very charming house just the same.
Now I just need to select all the fabrics...sometimes this is the most challenging part!!

I"m anxious to start the February Schnibbles.. still need to decide what fabrics to use.
Maybe Valentine's theme??? Hummmmm.
Enjoy the day!
ooxx Kay

PS decided to add this "group shot" of all the blocks together...Nice neighborhood don't you think??
:-) K

A Year Of Schnibbles.....January

Full House is finished, quilted and bound with label attached. Amazing what you can accomplish during a 4-day snow storm!!! I have been happily sewing and occasionally checking the snow totals and the news updates.

Winter Wonderland

Happy "snow  dog" Blue. She didn't want to come in!!

This pattern was such fun to make (thanks Carrie) and I just love the "happy" look that these fabrics from Hide-Away line gives these houses.
Tomorrow it should start raining and life will get back to normal, but I have really enjoyed the opportunity to
sew the hours away. :-)
Making good progress on 58 Berry Street as well.
Stay tuned...more to come.
Stay warm!!!!!
Kay  ooxx