I came in from lunch today and was pleasantly surprised to see this:

My Vintage Paper Doll Ornament Natalie was featured in WickedDarling’s Great Gift Ideas Under $20 Treasury that made it to the front page of etsy during lunchtime (perfect timing) today!  Thanks so much for including me in your collection WickedDarling!

What made you decide to join Project QUILTING?

I always like a good challenge! Sometimes it’s easier to get an idea if someone gives you an easy start with a topic.

What was your favorite part about Project QUILTING?

My favorite part was waiting to hear what the judges had to say because I respect their opinions and knew they would be honest.

Which Challenge in Season 1 (you can include the 2 pre-season projects) was your favorite? and why…

I liked the black and white with one color. I had wanted to do a quilt with a person in it and it was the perfect opportunity. I was also happy with it along the whole process and excited to see how it would turn out.

Which Challenge in Season 1 (including the 2 per-season challenges) was your least favorite? and why…

I would say the Road Trip. It was really hard coming up with an idea and I had to rely on my husband for that one. He gave me the route 66 idea and then I took it from there. I was happy with how it came out.

Which Challenges did you come up with your idea immediately and which took some marinating?

I would say that the Nursery Rhyme quilt I came up with the quickest (not right away) and Road Trip took awhile to figure out.

Did you try any new techniques for your projects during these challenges and if so, what were they?

The main new technique I used was making some quilts an odd shape so I really had to work with the binding. That was a challenge for me. I also attached some photos and the dog collar to the one which was really different for me.

How has Project QUILTING made you a better Quilter?

It’s made me realize that I can try new things with my quilting and not be afraid of ruining the final piece. Even if I do, I can always start over. The Shoofly one was one I didn’t get done in time because of the fabric I chose. It was quite a challenge to work with an old sheet but in the end I got it finished even if it wasn’t on time.

What didn’t you like about Project QUILTING?

I loved waiting to hear what the next challenge would be so that I could get my brain going and start picturing end results. I liked the anticipation.

Did you find the judges comments beneficial, annoying, or inconsequential?  Why?

I loved hearing what the judges had to say. Having gone to an art school where every singe piece of art was critiqued in front of the class, I was used to these kinds of suggestions. I did agree with some comments and thought they were good ideas and others I wanted to say: but I had planned to do it that way! It was all good though and I really appreciated their time and efforts. Seems like there was one judge always out to get me for some reason and always scored low when the others were really high so I had to wrap my brain around that and not take it personal.

Do you think the judging format should be more structured, less structured, stay the same? and why?

I liked it the way it was. It worked for me!

What was your favorite piece that you created for the Project QUILTING challenge?

My favorite piece had to be “Black and White” that I named “Soul Searching.” I’m just really happy with how she turned out.

What was your top three favorite pieces that someone else created for the ProjectQUILTING challenge?

It’s really hard to pick just three but I would have to choose

“Galaxies Converge” by Kim,

the Rectangle Challenge by Penny and

“The Crooked House” by Ebony.

What changes would you make to future Project QUILTING Seasons?

Like you said, Kim, I think I would make the season a little shorter. The last two weeks I found myself wanting to work on more of my projects.

Is there anything you’d like to add or comments you’d like to share with me and my readers?

I’d just like to thank everyone involved in making it all happen; the judges, Kim, the people who generously supplied the prizes and my fellow competitors. It was a really fun experience and I hope we can get more people to participate next time.

I'll admit it.  I’ve been loosely following Etsy’s Boot Camp Guidelines.  I read as much as I have time to and try to jot notes and complete the tasks between customers.  I think I’ll be ready to get started when apple season comes to a slow end next month.  One thing really caught my eye in this weeks lesson and I wanted to post it so I can help spread the word to as many fellow entrepreneur's as possible…

Adam Braun, the founder of Pencils of Promise, spoke at The Feast Conference, (watch the full video here) and above are his 7 life lessons that he shared.

What made you decide to join Project QUILTING? I was only able to join for one week, but I wanted to do others. I like the idea of coming up with an original idea – not following somebody’s pattern. Pushes me to try new things.

Which Challenge in Season 1 (you can include the 2 pre-season projects) was your favorite? and why…

I wish I could have done the log cabin one because it’s an old pattern and it would be fun to put a totally new twist on it.

Which Challenges did you come up with your idea immediately and which took some marinating?

The black and white one was immediate! The nursery rhyme one, while I knew I didn’t have the time to do it, I did mull ideas in my brain, and didn’t have one I liked. Actually, I thought of all sorts of quilts for children’s BOOKS – lots and lots – but not for nursery rhymes.

Did you try any new techniques for your projects during these challenges and if so, what were they?

I was only able to do one challenge, and I did many new things: raw edge appliqué’, not a square shape, and doing a small piece. Oh, and quilting on my little machine, not on my long arm.

How has Project QUILTING made you a better Quilter?

Too early to tell yet, but my guess is yes.

What didn’t you like about Project QUILTING?

Summer is so busy for me with backpacking and camping and fishing trips, that I wasn’t home to do the challenges. During the school year – I’m a teacher – would work much better for me. Then I use quilting as a de-stresser.

Did you find the judges comments beneficial, annoying, or inconsequential?  Why?

NO, not at all helpful. It’s nice to hear “your piece is lovely”, but I want to know why they didn’t like mine as much as somebody else's. What do I need to improve on??? Was it color? Technique? Poor use of negative space? Unbalanced? I was an art major before getting a degree in science, and we’d critique each others’ work all the time. It was useful to help us grow as artists. I was really disappointed, actually. All I got was compliments – ok, so if you liked it, why did somebody else win?

Do you think the judging format should be more structured, less structured, stay the same?  and why?

It’s OK, since I don’t know how to make it more objective. It’s art!

What changes would you make to future Project QUILTING Seasons? Do you take suggestions for challenges? I bet there are lots of people with cool ideas!

Is there anything you’d like to add or comments you’d like to share with me and my readers? 

1.  Why do people submit their pieces under their business name? That seems odd to me. I’d like to see first names and not feel like I’m competing with a professional. 

2.  Two-dimensional and three-dimensional might be two dif categories.

As an avid quilter I love to see all the fun things that can be done with patchwork.  Here are a few of those fantastic finds!

Custom String Theory Rainbow Festival Apron Dress from gbellasmom

Paisley Loves Flowers -- messenger bag with vintage ribbon trim from NellGleason

Handmade Patchwork Twirl Skirt from OriginalsbyLaurenToo

Grunge Graphic Journal from borchisko

featuring Bella Grace the Patchwork Pig from pigandcompany

Modern Snowflakes on Black and White Holiday Jumper from lillipopsdesigns

Deer Love Textile Cuff Bracelet from VioletBella

Reversible Patchwork Mid Calf Wrap Skirt size 0-16 from StudioCherie

See, more than just beautiful quilts can be made from patchwork!

This beautiful treasury Amazing Grace Grace by  Hagarae made it to etsy’s front page this morning and took my Patchwork Belt in Pumpkin Spice with it. 

I received a convo saying that I was included in this treasury on October 3rd, just a few days after we had buried Grandpa.  When I opened it up and saw the name of the treasury – Amazing Grace – tears immediately came to my eyes.  The last song sung at the funeral for Grandpa was Amazing Grace… 

This has just been an amazing collection all together.