Well, Baby #3 seems completely happy in my belly so I won’t miss out on this week’s WIP report.  I haven’t accomplished a super lot but I do have a few things to share…

the Bloom Quilt:

I have not made any more progress from last week….

Patchwork Squared Modern Solids Quilt Along

I'm not a huge fan of quilts that end up as a square (thanks to my sister-in-law, Karma) so I decided that I would add three more blocks to my final project.  I loved the freedom of choosing our own middle block but at the same time I also loved the examples that were given to us.  So, I decided to start by making both of the blocks showed to us from Ryan and Amanda Jennings. 

Here's my Tonganoxie 9 patch that was taught by Amanda Jennings. I’m actually really happy with how it turned out.  It’s far from perfect but there were LOTS of tiny little squares we had to work with which really isn’t my thing.  I love the final look of the block though so that’s what prompted me to make it. Okay - this is the block that Ryan showed us that he did for the first block.  You may look at it and wonder what's off about it...well, I made it at 4am.  I'm 40 weeks pregnant and tend to wake up at odd times.  I decided I would work on the block.  I did great, until the last seam.  I was supposed to sew what is now the top and bottom edges together but I did it upside down.  Instead of having a grey middle diamond - I have one with all four colors.  Oops.  I still think it looks cool so I'm not going to rip it out - but, these are the types of things that tend to happen during the wee hours of the morning... My blocks so far…the next two blocks will be posted on Thursdays – can’t wait!

Quilted Art Tote Bag

 

Finished!

 

Off Season Project QUIL-TING Challenge – It’s All in Your Initials

All the buttons are sewn on!  I love how it looks with them all so squished together like this.  I’m at the point with this piece that I’m going to let it marinate in my mind for awhile.  It may be done – it may not.  I have until NOON on May 8th to determine this…

Block-A-Palooza Quilt

I still have them all basted.  I trimmed one down and was going to start quilting it but got distracted by the fact that I should probably get my bills in order first.  If this baby continues to hold out this is going to be one of my ‘patiently’ waiting projects. 

Runner #1:  Block 6, Block 13, Block 11

Runner #2:  Block 10, Block 2, Block 14

Runner #3:  Block 7, Block 12, Block 3

Runner #4:  Block 16, Block 8, Block 9

Runner #5:  Block 1, Block 15, Block 5, Block 4

Goals for this Week: – since I failed at this goal last week I’ll keep it on as my main goal for this week…

• Keeping it simple with – HAVE THIS BABY!

A look back:

• WIP Wednesday – Round 1
• WIP Wednesday – Round 2
• WIP Wednesday – Round 3
• WIP Wednesday – Round 4
• WIP Wednesday – Round 5
• WIP Wednesday – Round 6
• WIP Wednesday – Round 7
• WIP Wednesday – Round 8
• WIP Wednesday – Round 9

How Far Along: 40 weeks

Size of baby: 7 1/2 pounds and 20 inches

Heart rate at Last Doctor’s Visit(4/21): 135

Measuring at Last Doctor’s Visit(4/21): 39 weeks

What to Look Forward to at the Next Doctor Visit (4/27): I’m hoping I won’t be going to my next visit but if I do…I hope to find out I’m more dilated than 2cm and another membrane strip…

Total Weight Gain/Loss:+Maternity Clothes: ~36 lbs no change from last week – woo hoo!

Gender: It’s a GIRL; name will be chosen when we see her!

Please – keep suggesting names…we really don’t decide until we meet her…

Movement: I can definitely feel feet and knees…sort of weird…

Sleep: pretty terrible – but I’m starting to things done in the middle of the night…

What I miss: champagne, beer, being able to walk without pain, sleeping on my back, my ankles

Cravings: nothing really – I’m tired of eating in general

Symptoms: heartburn, terrible hips, ridiculously emotional, an enlarged stomach, anxious

Best Moment of the Week: Jared, the girls and I have been walking the orchard a lot lately.  I’m really enjoying all this family time together.  Watching the girls just run and being able to chat casually with Jared has been so nice.  We are all so ready to start the next phase of our little family.  Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a planner – all this waiting and not knowing is literally driving me crazy!

Still time to get in on the Baby Pool!

What made you decide to join Project QUILTING?

I was a judge for the first season of Project Quilting because I had too many commitments, and it was so fun to see what people came up with. Since winter is somewhat slower for me, I knew I wanted to join in on the fun.

What was your favorite part about Project QUILTING?

Other than winning? I liked reading the challenges and the initial design process when I had many ideas to sort through. I also really enjoyed completing a quilt and loading the photos up to the Flickr account.

Which Challenge in Season 2  was your favorite? and why…

My favorite challenge was Hardware Store because it all came together easily for me. Most of my time on this project was sewing the silver cord through the drain cover and I found it relaxing.

Which Challenge in Season 2 was your least favorite? and why…

My least favorite challenge was the Flying Geese challenge and I think it’s because I’m not fond of working with contrasting color schemes. I interpreted this to mean that we could only use the complimentary colors but some others interpreted that you could add some other colors as long as the contrasting colors were the most prominent. I might have enjoyed this one more if I hadn’t been so literal. It also took me awhile to come up with a layout (I had over 21 pages of ideas) and maybe it would have gone better if I’d picked a different layout.

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

With the exception of the Flying Geese challenge, all the other ideas came pretty quickly.

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

I incorporated fabric mosaics into a quilt for the first time (the What’s in a Name and Large Scale Print challenges), a folded piecing technique (the Flying Geese challenge), and used two new binding technique (pillow case for the Be My Valentine challenge and facing for the Hardware Store and Flying Geese challenges).

How has Project QUILTING made you a better Quilter?

I think I was more critical when I was making these pieces since I knew that the judges were going to be looking very closely to them. I made some more conscious decisions with how I wanted to quilt the pieces instead of just quilting in the ditch.

What didn’t you like about Project QUILTING?

After the first few weeks it started to get a little time consuming as I was working on custom quilts on the off weeks. The next challenge would be posted and I’d think “Already? Didn’t we just do one?” I don’t think this should be changed, however, as I think that 6 is a good number of projects and 12 is a good number of weeks.

How did you find the time to make such beautiful pieces!?!?

Well, I don’t have kids, I don’t have a job outside of the house, and my husband is self-sufficient. I knew for the first season that I didn’t have time to commit to it so I didn’t participate as a contestant. Even if you can’t do all of the challenges, I urge people to try to participate in one or two, or get the idea started even if it means finishing after the deadline.

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

I found the comments mostly helpful although there were a few times when I wanted to respond to a judge’s comment.

***Note from Kim – This is something I recommend doing on your personal blogs!  Makes for a great read!***

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

The only change I’d suggest would be having a chance to respond to the judges regarding their comments or have the opportunity to answer their questions before the actual scoring.

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

I really like how “After the Rain” came out, I like the simplicity of the design but the fact that it also has movement and texture. I think I’m most proud of “Sometimes I Dream of Flying” which was my largest and most ambitious project.

What were your top three favorite pieces that someone else created for the Project QUILTING challenge?

My absolute favorite was Quilties “Buttonwillow” by Quilties for the What’s in a Name challenge.

I also really liked “I’ll Remember You” by Moran for the Be My Valentine challenge and

“Geese of Gettysburg” bySpringWaterDesings

What changes would you make to future Project QUILTING Seasons?

I’d like to see more emphasis on traditional quilting layouts so quilters who don’t want to make art quilts will also participate. And possibly some way to communicate with the judges, but only if they also think it would be helpful.

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

Winning the prizes was really great, but the best thing about Project Quilting is that I now have 6 really great quilts. I encourage your readers to participate in the challenges if for no other reason that expanding their horizons and making some great quilts.

Here’s a blog post I wrote about winning project quilting:

http://forquiltssake.blogspot.com/2011/04/what-i-got-from-project-quilting.html

And my regular blog address: http://forquiltssake.blogspot.com

Website: www.forquiltssake.com

Etsy store: forquiltssake.etsy.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ForQuiltsSake

 

Thanks for taking the time to answer some more in-depth questions on Project QUILTING Pam!  Fantastic job last season!

I’m due with Baby #3 in just three days – April 25th. I’m going crazy! One of my etsy teams has started a baby pool on when they think the new little one will arrive and it seems to be helping with my miserable-ness. So, I thought I’d create a little fun for my blog readers.

If you want to enter the pool all you have to do is leave a day, exact time AND an email address (very important if you want your prize!). If you guess the correct day and within the correct hour I will send you a coupon for $10 redeemable at either of my etsy shops:

www.kimscraftyapple.etsy.com

www.theapple.etsy.com

for anything that is ‘ready to ship.’

If you guess correctly to the exact minute – I’ll double that to $20.

Here’s a background on previous babies and where I’m currently at:

Due Date: 4/25/11

Daughter 1 (Mercedi):

3 days late but induced due to high blood pressure (not happening this time – blood pressure is completely normal) - once I got the first dose of pitocin I had Cedi 4.5 hours later

Daughter 2 (Capri): on due date (and I still confuse her birth date!) - from the first thought of, 'Huh, is that a contraction? I had Capri 5.5 hours later'

I was checked yesterday (4/21) - 2 cm...

Also, I wouldn't guess later than May 6th - Doctor won't let me get 2 weeks over cooked.

Good luck everyone! And have fun!

I’ve been working on some fun and new Vintage Shoe Button Cha Cha Rings this week:

 

The STORY behind the Buttons:

Burgundy

I was visiting a local art gallery - Capri Gallery and the shop owner showed me a jar full of shoe buttons she had. I passed - I didn't know what I would do with them and I figured I had enough things in my art room.

Natural

I left the store and headed over to pick up my girls from their grandma's house. On the way over I realized that I knew the perfect thing for those vintage shoe buttons - RINGS! 

Burgundy and Black

I had to have them. I quickly picked up the girls and told them we had to make a stop back into town.

Natural 2.0

 

On the way there I told my youngest daughter, Capri (who I had and named just weeks before the Capri Gallery opened) that we were going to 'her gallery.'

Black and Grey 

On the way into the store my oldest daughter looked sad and I asked what was wrong. "Mama, I'm sad because I don't have a gallery."

Shoe Button Earrings

Does anyone know of a ‘Mercedi Gallery’ that I can bring my oldest daughter to?!

Still sitting and waiting for Baby #3 to decide to join us so I do have a few things to report on this week. 

the Bloom Quilt:

I have managed to get all of the largest and second largest ‘blooms’ sewn onto the quilt.  I apologize about the absolutely terrible pictures – hope to get some better ones once the weather takes a turn for ‘normal’. 

Patchwork Squared Modern Solids Quilt Along

Nothing new since yesterday…

Fabric Rosette’s

I made a few more rosettes last week…still not sure what I’m going to do with them… 

Pillow Cases

A friend of mine is getting married in June.  She’s themed her wedding after a patchwork quilt.  Using some of the scraps from various wedding projects I’ve created these 10 pillow tops for decorations at the wedding. They range from 14” to 16” to 18” pillows and I had a TON of fun making them!  Now I just have to add the backs…

Quilted Art Tote Bag

Last year I applied for an amazing craft fair in Milwaukee, WI – Art Vs. Craft – I didn’t get in.  Instead of getting upset about the rejection I’m using it as a motivator for me to make more of my ‘artsy’ creations and I’ll cross my fingers that those will get me in this year.Some of what I’m doing is making more bags and creations using hand painted fabric (by me).  This is a bag I started on Monday – I’m combining my hand-painted fabric with a fun pink commercial print and then quilting it with really tight, geometric patterns. Now I just have to sew up the bag, the lining and add the handles and I’ll have a functional piece of art.

English Paper Pieced Project

I really enjoyed the handwork involved in all of my yoyo’s for the Bloom Quilt so I decided it was time for me to try English Paper Piecing.  Here’s the first ‘piece’ I made – just a small embellishment for a bucket hat…

Candy Drop and Vintage Shoe Button Cha Cha Rings

I took a break from my sewing machine yesterday and I made up some new cha cha rings – both vintage shoe button ones and candy drop ones.  I enjoyed mixing up my creativeness a bit and it’s always nice to have a project I can work on not in the basement.

 

Off Season Project QUIL-TING Challenge – It’s All in Your Initials

So, here are my three colors -

K(im): Kohl

A(nn): Ash

L(apacek): Lime I decided to keep my project small and simple – with hopefully lots of drama inside of that.  My first step was to fuse the leaves on.  Then, I stitched in my tree for my plans to try my hand at reverse applique. I free motion raw edge apppliqued the leaves and then I started to cut away the tree. Here it is! My next step was embellishing.  I knew my tree needed a ‘tire’ swing so I added that on first.  Then, I really loved how the buttons looked in Quilties Button Willow Piece and I decided I needed to try using that sort of effect on my quilt – for the grass.  I’m still working on putting them all in place.  I know I could use my machine to put the buttons on, but it’s turned into a nice couch project which I need these days.  Once the buttons are one…we’ll just have to see what else ‘needs’ to be added. 

 

Block-A-Palooza Quilt

So I don’t have a picture of it but I did manage to baste my ‘quilt sand which’ for each of these five table runners.  Next step quilting!

Runner #1:  Block 6, Block 13, Block 11

Runner #2:  Block 10, Block 2, Block 14

Runner #3:  Block 7, Block 12, Block 3

Runner #4:  Block 16, Block 8, Block 9

Runner #5:  Block 1, Block 15, Block 5, Block 4

Goals from last week:

• Work on the Modern Solids Quilt Along  - check
• Keep working on the Blossom Quilt - check
• Make some Ruffle Coffee Cozies
• Work on the ‘Off Season’ Project QUILTING Challenge - check

Goals for this Week:

• Keeping it simple with – HAVE THIS BABY!

A look back:

• WIP Wednesday – Round 1
• WIP Wednesday – Round 2
• WIP Wednesday – Round 3
• WIP Wednesday – Round 4
• WIP Wednesday – Round 5
• WIP Wednesday – Round 6
• WIP Wednesday – Round 7
• WIP Wednesday – Round 8

I also finished up the 5th block of the quilt along -

Fourth Inning

Again…I did some minor tweaking – all of the larger squares were supposed to be one color but I wanted to add one other into the quilt so I chose to use two colors.

A Look Back

Block 1

Block 2: Center Aisle

Block 3: Biggest Fan

Block 4: Diamond Mine

Progress so far…

It’s not too late for you to join in the fun! Just click on the link to the left to see what to do.

Still no baby so I whipped up the blocks for this weeks Patchwork Squared Modern Solids Quilt Along right away. I wanted to be sure I got in on the giveaway!

Here’s my 4th block…

Diamond Mine

I did minorly tweak this design. I was supposed to use the same fabric on the outer corners as I did around the pink inner diamond…but I wanted to use my fabric colors. I think it works this way too.

A Look Back

Block 1

Block 2: Center Aisle

Block 3: Biggest Fan

It’s not too late for you to join in the fun! Just click on the link to see what to do.