Around the World Blog Hop

You have probably seen the "Around the World" blog hop going on around the blogosphere.  I was invited to participate by Shelley Folkerts of The Carpenter's Daughter Who Quilts.  Shelley is a fellow Iowan.  She has been quilting for over 20 years, but just recently started blogging.  Go check out her blog (after you look over my post, of course).

Painted Ladies WIP

1. What am I working on?

Currently, I am working on a Painted Ladies quilt using a quilt kit from Fig Tree & Co.  The fabric line is Honeysweet.  I absolutely fell in love with this pattern and fabric line in May of 2013 and ordered the quilt kit directly from Fig Tree & Co.  I had unrealistically high hopes that I would get a chance to work on it LAST fall.  I don't know what I was thinking since I had Easton on September 23rd (2013) and we were trying to get our house finished before winter.  I really want to get this quilt finished before fall is over so I can enjoy it before winter sets in!

Sidewalk by October Afternoon & Miss Kate by Bonnie & Camille recently purchased from Latimer Lane Quilting

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I don't really know how to answer this question.  I have made 2 quilts using patterns (Swoon & Painted Ladies).  The rest of my quilts haven't required patterns or I designed them myself.  I am hoping to continue to design my own patterns.  I don't think anything I do is particularly different or unique.  I just like making quilts with pretty fabric.

Little House pins & some mini-charms from Miss Rosie's Quilt Co

3. Why do I create what I do?

Mostly for relaxation and for a "hobby".  I find it really relaxing to cut & piece fabric.  Pressing - not so much, but I guess it is a necessary evil.  And of course, there is the satisfaction of knowing you made something with your 2 hands that is both beautiful & functional.  I think we all hope that the quilts we make will remind our loved ones of us after we are gone.

Just a little crafty organization for my daughter's art supplies. Acrylic jars, chalkboard labels, and chalkboard marker were all from Amazon.

If you want to participate in this blog hop, just write a blog post and let me know!  I will link it up here. 

Thanks for reading!
-Valerie

Linked to:
Freshly Pieced

"postage stamp" baby quilt

My good friend, Heidi, is due with a baby girl at the end of this month.  She asked me to make a quilt for the baby, which was a no-brainer since I was already planning on it!  She said she wanted simple patchwork.  One afternoon when she was over, she went through my stash, and decided on Hello Luscious by Basic Grey.  I had 2 jelly rolls of it, so it worked out good to use my stash - plus I had been wanting to use that fabric line for a long time!  

This was such a easy and fun quilt to make.  The "hardest" part was just making sure the fabrics were dispersed evenly.    

Because it was such a classic and simple pattern, I had it long-arm quilted at my LQS.  I really love the swirl pattern!  

For the backing fabric, I used one of the fabrics from Wee Wander by Sarah Jane.  I didn't have enough, so Kim (who owns my LQS) suggested using the blue fabric to make a "cross".  I really love the way it turned out! 

The quilt measured 48" x 56" before washing and shrunk to 44" x 52" after washing & drying.

I debated on what to do for the binding.  I initially thought I would go with a pink fabric, but after auditioning a number of fabrics, I couldn't find one that was just the right shade.  The blue fabric that I used on the back was a near perfect match to the blues on the front, so I went with it. 

I can't wait to meet the little peanut!

Quilt Stats:
Fabric: 

Quilt top - Hello Luscious by Basic Grey
               Backing & binding - Wee Wander by Sarah Jane

Pattern: simple patchwork
Dimensions: 44" x 52"
Started quilt top: June 27th, 2014
Finished quilt top: August 2nd, 2014
Quilted: by Kim Barrett, owner of Quilt-N-Kaboodle
Made for: Charlie Joan

Linking to:
NTT @ My Quilt Infatuation  
TGIFF @ Quilt Matters 
Finish It Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts
Whoop Whoop @ Confessions of a Fabric Addict 
Link a Finish Friday @ Richard & Tanya Quilts