For the last ‘Closer Look’ of the ‘It’s Where I Live Challenge’ we’re going to take a closer look at the piece I created – Tree Topography. 

Tree Topography

I live on Kroncke Road, Poynette, WI
so my three colors were
'K'haki
'P'ersimmon (shades of Persimmon...of course I had to go with Persimmon - my daughter's name is Persimoni!)
'W'alnut
Browsing flickr for some inspiration I came across some topography quilts - as soon as I saw one I knew this was what I had to do! Not only is it perfectly fitting for the 'where I live' theme but I used to be a civil engineer and my husband is a land surveyor. PERFECT! To make it even better - we had a topo map of our orchard from when we built out house. I had to use 14 different fabrics to create the topo of our land and I used both reverse appliqué and raw edge appliqué to create the look you see.

When I was done with the topo portion of the quilt I looked at it the long way and I saw a tree trunk forming for me in the higher contours. I just couldn't shake that feeling that this piece wanted to become a tree. And so I listened to it and I'm super happy that I did!
I used brown thread for the appliqué and then two different shades of orange for the free motion quilting of the tree and contours. I added a bit of copper metallic thread to the tree just to add a touch of sparkle.
I am beyond happy with this piece!
This piece measures approximately: 28.5" x 14.25"

The next and LAST Project QUILTING Challenge goes up tomorrow at NOON!  It’s not too late to get into all the fun – great prizes and the Grand Prize is AMAZING!

Miss Earlier Closer Looks? No Worries!

• A Closer Look, Part 1
• A Closer Look, Part 2
• A Closer Look, Part 3

I’m really excited to be a part of the Quilting Gallery’s big St. Patty’s Day Blog Hop Party.  If this is your first time here I just want to welcome you to my blog!  I’ll just give you a quick overview of the major things that happen on here: (and yes – I will ship internationally…)

Project QUILTING

The biggest thing that happens on my blog is ‘Project QUILTING’.  To find out more about Project QUILTING click HERE.  This is actually perfect timing since the FINAL challenge of Season 3 is going to be posted this Sunday, March 18th at NOON.  There are so many great PRIZES and it’s not too late for you to have a chance to win one (or even the grand prize!).

The FINAL Challenge is POSTED!  Ziggin and Zaggin

Home Sweet Home Quilt Along

I’m also currently running a really fun Quilt Along where each block has to have either a tree, a house, or both incorporated into the block design.  16 block tutorials will be posted by different quilters by the time this quilt along is complete.  12 are already up but it wouldn’t take too long to catch up  - AND in the end you’ll have an adorable, whimsical house and tree quilt to cherish. 
Not only am I hosting a quilt along on my blog but I have become addicted with working on other quilt alongs as well.  You get to follow along as my blocks grow into quilts and find out what I had trouble with, great new tricks I’ve learned, and see what colors I decide to go with. 

Etsy

I’m an avid seller (KimsCraftyApple and TheApple)  and supporter on etsy so I do post tips/tricks/tutorials to help you on your way to be a successful etsy seller.  I also enjoy featuring great items I find on there. 

Family and Orchard

I do have separate blogs for my family and orchard (yes, I own an apple orchard) but sometimes the news is just too great I can’t help but to share it on here too!
Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter, Like me on Facebook, follow my boards on pinterest and follow me on twitter - so you don’t miss out on all the fun that happens on KimsCraftyApple.

GIVEAWAY!

So – what am I giving away? Well – I’m going to give one lucky winner $25 in credit to either (or both) of my etsy shops - KimsCraftyApple and TheApple. And it’s simple to be entered!

Required for ENTRY:  All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me which one of the fabric and textile art items in my etsy shop is your favorite:  Click HERE  Be sure to include your email in your comment so I can notify you of your prize!  If I can't get a hold of you I will redraw!

If you want to be entered more than once – these are some bonus entry options:

• subscribe to my newsletter
• Like me on Facebook (I would love it if you said 'Hi!!)
• Like Project QUILTING on Facebook
• follow my boards on pinterest 
• follow me on twitter AND tweet about this giveaway

That’s it – just let me know you’re favorite piece of mine for your entry.  If you really want my prize and are going for bonus entries – there are five opportunities for you!

***OPEN to everyone – I will ship internationally!****
The winner will be selected randomly on Sunday, March 25th.

Be sure to click on the link to see all the other AMAZING giveaways being offered with this party!  http://quiltinggallery.com/quilters-fun/quilters-blog-hop-party/

Don't miss out on the FINAL Project QUILTING Challenge:  http://kimscraftyapple.blogspot.com/2012/03/project-quilting-season-3-challenge-6.html

close up of the Barn Quilt at Lapacek’s Orchard 

Wow!  As I was typing up the title of this post I realized we’re half way through the 3rd season.  I don’t know about you but I’ve really enjoyed myself this far – can’t wait to see what the last three challenges bring us!
Sticking with tradition, before we get to the challenge – let’s go over all the

PRIZES

Prize 1 QuiltsbyBarb is giving a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting. The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable

Prize 2 Quilties is giving away an adorable ‘I Love Quilting’ Keychain!

Prize 3 Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.

Prize 4 The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving one lucky winner a layer cake of their choice!

Prize 5 LoveBugStudios is giving a Quiltspirations! Mystery Card Pack  from her latest venture, quiltspirations.com.

Prize 6 Dye Candy is donating one yard of stunning hand-dyed fabric.

Prize 7 Fabric Fascination is donating a Fabric Bundle: 6 Fat Quarters from Kathy Davis Happiness Collection for Free Spirit in Indigo - 1 1/2 YDs (ps. I have this collection in another color way – SPECTACULAR!

Prize 8 Quiltology is giving a coupon for her longarm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online.

Prize 9 PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

Prize 10 OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a beautiful small, original collage on a wooden block and a fun pin with a print of her original art work. 

Prize 11 TheApple is donated $10 to be redeemed at her etsy store on her handmade jewelry.  (aka my other etsy shop)

AccuQuilt’s Barn Quilt

The Challenge – Barn Quilts

As many of you already know, we have a barn quilt at Lapacek's Orchard.  Last week, a new barn quilt went up a few miles for us on a barn that is being converted into a wedding venue. Since barn quilts are on my mind, this week's challenge is inspired by barn quilts.

1. Your inspiration for this week is Barn Quilts.
2. Your project must include at least one block that would make a great barn quilt. Official barn quilts are usually 8 feet square, but you can make yours any size you choose.
3. The block can be manipulated and/or incorporated into a larger project, or it can stand on its own. 
4. Both the block and the project must have a name.  It is OK for the name of each to be the same, but it is not necessary.
5. Please remember that these projects need to be created during the week of the challenge.
6. POST your entries with a description of your creative process, including where you are (ie, I create in Madison, WI) and the size of your project by Sunday, February 26th, 2012, at noon, CDT, to this flickr group – Project QUILTING with KimsCraftyApple: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1401824@N21/ OR email a picture/description of your completed project to {lapaceksorchard at gmail dot com} with PROJECT QUILTING in the subject line.
7. If you wish to receive critiques on your piece – the good and critical – please add your photo’s to this group as well:http://www.flickr.com/groups/1628629@N24/
8. Are you stuck?  Need a little ‘Tim Gunn’ advice during the week?  Or are you just so excited on how things are going along and what to share your WIP?  We have a group for that!http://www.flickr.com/groups/1430386@N24/
9. If this is the first Project Quilting challenge you've participated in, please email Kim at {lapaceksorchard at gmail dot com} with PROJECT QUILTING in the subject line so that Kim can keep you updated on the behind the scenes going-ons.

Illinois barn Quilt – photo by wantadog 

EXTRA LINKS for this week!

If you want to see how our Barn Quilt was put together check out these blog posts:

• Barn Quilts
• How to Make a Barn Quilt
• Barn Quilt – Orange
• Barn Quilt – Time for Purple
• Barn Quilt – Poppy
• Barn Quilt – Last Color – Bumblebee
• How to Make a Barn Quilt – Hanging the Quilt

• Cre8tive Quilter from Wisconsin has a ‘Quilt Block son Barns’ Block of the Week Blog you should definitely check out!

Barn Quilt photo by burke_wicker

If you want your name to be entered into the drawing for the prizes your piece has to follow ALL the rules – including being a FINISHED quilt and completed within the allotted time.
Remember, these challenges are intended to help you “Think Outside the Square”. Be creative. Take a risk. DO SOMETHING NO ONE ELSE WILL THINK OF DOING and of course, HAVE SOME FUN!

View from the road of Lapacek’s Orchard’s Barn Quilt

1. Sewing Day, 2. Coat of Arms, 3. IMG_0164, 4. close up 'Quilter's Garden' Project QUILTING Season 3, Challenge 3, 5. A Quilter's Mug Rug, 6. tool-chatelaine, 7. Tools, Time, Talent close-up, 8. .CloseUp of the Featherweight, 9. Howdy girl, 10. Happy Times - Close up of spool, 11. Tools just wanna have fun!, 12. detail scissors, 13. mmmm PIE closeup, 14. Project quilting challenge 3, 15. Paths of Life Quilt, 16. Project Quilting Week 3- Tools, 17. Dream Big - Project Quilting challenge #3, 18. And Sew It Begins.., 19. projectquilting, 20. 021212 010 Created with fd's Flickr Toys

Happy Sunday everyone!  Hope you had an amazing week!  I’m super excited about the 17 quilts finished for this weeks challenge (and the one that was almost finished – I can’t wait to see new pictures of your puppy Virginia!).  I know I had a super busy week so I was happy to even get mine done – and then I was super happy to see how it turned out!  Okay – enough of that…I’m sure you are all anxious to see who won some prizes!
Prize 1

Quilties is sending Sharon H this adorable Valentine Style Teddy Bear!
Prize 2
Quiltology is giving SweetDreamsbySarah a coupon for her long arm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online.
Prize 3
LoveBugStudios will be giving SewLizz three patterns from her Quilt Possible! site. The patterns have instructions for die & rotary cutting.
Prize 4
LoveBugStudios is also sending WayMooreFunQuilts a Quiltspirations! Mystery Card Pack from her latest venture, quiltspirations.com.
Prize 5
Dashasel was chosen to receive the yard of fabric from Dye Candy!
Prize 6
Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering Dotty Jane a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.
Prize 7
The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving Becky’s Blabber a layer cake of their choice!
Prize 8
QuiltsbyBarb is giving Pat Denino a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting. The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable
Prize 9
Nancy’s Unique Boutique will be getting a scarf/arm warm set from ThePaintedDaisy.
Prize 10
Shout4Joy will be getting  pretty little mini quilts from PennyFabricArt!
Prize 11
OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a greeting card, patch and button with prints of her amazing original artwork to AllThingsBelle.

I will be emailing the winners and the sponsors later tonight/early tomorrow morning with more details on redeeming/sending prizes.  If you haven’t heard from me by Monday night please send me an email.

Well – you get a week off from Project QUILTING.  The next challenge goes up on Sunday, February 19th at NOON.  I’ll be posting ‘Closer Look’ Project QUILTING Posts all week AND two new Home Sweet Home Quilt Block Tutorials will be up on Tuesday and Thursday.  Please help spread the word about how much fun you’re having on my blog to your quilty friends!

I can’t even expressed how grateful I am for all the sponsors that have donated prizes for the upcoming season of Project QUITLING.  I think I’m going to LOVE the change to randomly drawing winners of anyone that participates.  All these great prizes deserved to be spread out to as many people as possible!  Without making you wait too much longer…here’s a breakdown of our prize packages! (I just figured it out and there are OVER $1,500 worth of prizes being given away this season – WOW!)

Week 1:

Prize 1

StudioCherie is giving a free pattern to EVERYONE that participates in the first challenge!

***Yeah!  I seriously had the hardest time even picking an example picture of all the AMAZING options of patterns she has!  AND I know they’re well written because I’ve made a few myself :)

Prize 2

The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving one lucky winner a layer cake of their choice! – WINNER: Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting

Prize 3

FabricFascination is having the random drawing winner choose from either of these colors:

Batik 5" Charms: 40 Tonga Treat Mini Squares in BlueBerry OR

Batik 5" Charms: 40 Tonga Treat Mini Squares in Pomegranate

WINNER: AllThingsBelle

Prize 4

1. Easy to Sew Table Runners, 2. First Morning Glory Bloom Quilt, 3. Quilts for a Cause 2011 Created with fd's Flickr Toys

Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like. WINNER: Dashasel

Prize 5

 Dye Candy is donating one yard of stunning hand-dyed fabric. (photo is just an example of her work…) WINNER: Sweet Dreams by Sarah

Prize 6

LoveBugStudios is giving a Quiltspirations! Mystery Card Pack from her latest venture, quiltspirations.com. WINNER: Gock’s Frocks

Prize 7

Quilties is giving away an adorable ‘I Love Quilting’ Keychain!

website.  WINNER: Shout4Joy

Prize 8

Quiltology is giving a coupon for her longarm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online

WINNER: Katie’s Quilts and Crafts

Prize 9

QuiltsbyBarb is giving a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting.  The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable.  WINNER: Sharon S

Prize 10

$10 to ThePaintedDaisy good for in stock merchandise in her Etsy shop (or local peeps are welcome to visit her and shop her inventory in person).  I had to show off the picture of me (and my adorable goddaughter) in my FANTASTIC/GORGEOUS/STUNNING sweater coat I got from Jenny this year.  I am so in LOVE with it!  One of my favorite purchases EVER!

WINNER: Bomblet

Prize 11

PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

WINNER: WayMooreFunQuilts

Week 2

Prize 1

The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving one lucky winner a layer cake of their choice!

Prize 2

LoveBugStudio (aka the Grand Prize Winner of Season 1): is giving one semi-annual subscription to Blocks to Die For magazine. The subscription can be gifted as well. The magazine is geared toward people with fabric die cutters.

Prize 3

LoveBugStudios is also giving a Quiltspirations! Mystery Card Pack from her latest venture, quiltspirations.com.

Prize 4

Quiltology is giving a coupon for her longarm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online.

Prize 5

Dye Candy is donating one yard of stunning hand-dyed fabric. (photo is just an example of her work…)

Prize 6

 

Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.

Prize 7

Quilties is giving away an adorable ‘I Love Quilting’ Keychain!

Prize 8

QuiltsbyBarb is giving a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting. The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable

Prize 9

PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

Prize 10

Emma Jean’s Boutique will be sending one lucky winner 2 packs of 25 squares of I-Spy fabric in cotton-quilting weight.

Prize 11

OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a greeting card, patch and button with prints of her amazing original artwork.

Prize 12

TheApple is donated $10 to be redeemed at her etsy store on her handmade jewelry.  (aka my other etsy shop)

 

Week 3

Prize 1

Quilties is going to make one lucky winner an adorable Valentine Style Teddy Bear!  (photo is just an example of her work…)

Prize 2

Quiltology is giving a coupon for her longarm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online.

Prize 3

LoveBugStudios is giving away three patterns from her Quilt Possible! site. The patterns have instructions for die & rotary cutting.

Prize 4

LoveBugStudios is also giving a Quiltspirations! Mystery Card Pack from her latest venture, quiltspirations.com.

Prize 5

Dye Candy is donating one yard of stunning hand-dyed fabric.  (photo is just an example of her work…)

Prize 6

Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.

Prize 7

The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving one lucky winner a layer cake of their choice!

Prize 8

QuiltsbyBarb is giving a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting. The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable

Prize 9

A scarf/arm warm set from ThePaintedDaisy.  *photo coming soon*

Prize 10

PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

Prize 11

OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a greeting card, patch and button with prints of her amazing original artwork.

Week 4

Prize 1

QuiltsbyBarb is giving a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting. The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable

Prize 2

Quilties is giving away an adorable ‘I Love Quilting’ Keychain!

Prize 3

Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.

Prize 4

The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving one lucky winner a layer cake of their choice!

Prize 5

LoveBugStudios is giving a Quiltspirations! Mystery Card Pack  from her latest venture, quiltspirations.com.

Prize 6

Dye Candy is donating one yard of stunning hand-dyed fabric.

Prize 7

Fabric Fascination is donating a Fabric Bundle: 6 Fat Quarters from Kathy Davis Happiness Collection for Free Spirit in Indigo - 1 1/2 YDs (ps. I have this collection in another color way – SPECTACULAR!

Prize 8

Quiltology is giving a coupon for her longarm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online.

Prize 9

PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

Prize 10

OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a beautiful small, original collage on a wooden block and a fun pin with a print of her original art work.  

Week 5

Prize 1

$10 to ThePaintedDaisy good for in stock merchandise in her Etsy shop (or local peeps are welcome to visit her and shop her inventory in person).

Prize 2

Quilties is giving away an adorable ‘I Love Quilting’ Keychain!

Prize 3

LoveBugStudios is giving a Quiltspirations! Mystery Card Pack from her latest venture, quiltspirations.com.

Prize 4

Dye Candy is donating one yard of stunning hand-dyed fabric. (photo is just an example of her work…)

Prize 5

Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.

Prize 6

 

The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving one lucky winner a layer cake of their choice!

Prize 7

Quiltology is giving a coupon for her longarm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online.

Prize 8

QuiltsbyBarb is giving a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting. The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable

Prize 9

PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

Prize 10

Emma Jean’s Boutique will be sending one lucky winner a yard of fabric (1/2 yard of each shown above) of the cotton-quilt weight fabric.

Prize 11

OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a greeting card, patch and button with prints of her amazing original artwork.

Prize 12

The Glitter Workshop is giving five pins or magnets (winner chooses the backing) of fabric/quilt prints.  

Week 6

Prizes

Dye Candy is donating one yard of stunning hand-dyed fabric. (photo is just an example of her work…)

Prize 2

QuiltsbyBarb is giving a gift certificate for $20 off machine quilting. The coupon expires in 6 months from the date issued and is not transferable

Prize 3

Quilties is giving away an adorable ‘I Love Quilting’ Keychain!

Prize 4

Quiltology is giving a coupon for her longarm quilting services for 20% off with a minimum $40 purchase. All of her patterns are online.

Prize 5

LoveBugStudio (aka the Grand Prize Winner of Season 1) is giving a full pack of Quiltspiration cards!

Prize 6

Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $30.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.

Prize 7

The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving one lucky winner a layer cake of their choice!

Prize 8

$10 to ThePaintedDaisy good for in stock merchandise in her Etsy shop (or local peeps are welcome to visit her and shop her inventory in person).

Prize 9

PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

Prize 10

 QuiltingDiva will send a winner their choice of 4” or 5” novelty squares themed either boy/girl/neutral. 

Prize 11

OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a fiber art necklace, a patch and button with prints of her amazing original artwork.

Prize 12

The Glitter Workshop is giving five pins or magnets (winner chooses the backing) of fabric/quilt prints.

 

GRAND PRIZE

(YES – ALL of this will go to ONE lucky person!  You increase your chances of winning with the more challenges you complete – 6 challenges = 6 entries)

DyeCandy is giving one yard of hand-dyed fabric OR an $18 credit to her shop to buy a piece of her jewelry. 

LoveBugStudios is giving a $75 gift certificate to be used for her long arm quilting service.  The winner can discuss the details with her.  Ebony is the Chicago-area quilter for Mary Fons and has been featured on Quilty and in her magazine!

LoveBugStudio (aka the Grand Prize Winner of Season 1) is ALSO giving a FULL pack of Quiltspiration cards!

Quiltology will be giving away a Creative Grid!

Poplin will be giving $15 to be used at her etsy shop!

SallysAngelWorks is giving away an apron like the one shown above.  You get to go to her  friend, Julie's store, the Intrepid Thread, and pick two fabrics and Sally will make you an apron like the picture above.

FabricFascination will be donating $15 to be redeemable at her amazing online fabric shop!

PennyFabricArt is donating pretty little mini quilts from for a prize!

 Heather Lair Designs will be sending the winner 10 Art Quilt Postcards!

 Jenny Blasen Pottery is giving four handmade ceramic buttons glazed in turquoise blue.  Each button is approximately 1 inch wide – perfect for embellishing a quilt or a bag!

The Bookish Life is giving away this adorable Owls in Love Print on Wood Veneer!

 

1. Easy to Sew Table Runners, 2. First Morning Glory Bloom Quilt, 3. Quilts for a Cause 2011 Created with fd's Flickr Toys

Marcia’s Crafty Sewing and Quilting is offering a Gift Certificate of $50.00 off Quilting on a Baby size or larger. The Gift Certificate will be good for 60 days from the date of issue. The gift certificate is transferable so you can share it with a friend if you’d like.

OddStuffbyXanthe is giving a beautiful small, original collage on a wooden block and a fun pin with a print of her original art work.

The Glitter Workshop is giving five pins or magnets (winner chooses the backing) of fabric/quilt prints.

 QuiltsbyBarb is giving a $100 gift certificate to 2012 Quilt Retreat Getaway Weekend to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of her retreats.  Not transferable.  The quilt shown above is the quilt that will be taught during the weekend – of course, with a few of Barb’s ‘twists’.

 

***BONUS***

The Fat Quarter Shop will be giving FOUR lucky winners $25 gift certificates to their site!