Sew Many Colors

Aurifil thread is celebrating it's 10th year in the US! As part of the celebration, Sheri of Whole Circle Studio created a paper-pieced pattern of Aurifil thread spools. Then Aurifil and Robert Kaufman partnered to host a quilt challenge. And you know I can't resist a challenge!

Sewing Machine Laser

Have you seen the new and fancy sewing machines that come with a built-in laser beam? You can use the laser to line up what you're sewing before it gets to the needle. It's extremely helpful for quilting straight lines or sewing half-square triangles without drawing the lines. But what to do if you don't have a new and fancy sewing machine??

Mini Madness!

This year I have the incredible opportunity to work as an ambassador for Island Batik fabrics. Each month, all the ambassadors have a challenge to create something with a common theme. Last month, we made Galentine mug rugs and kennel quilts. This month, the challenge was to make a paper pieced mini quilt.

  

It's Time for Pi

Happy Pi Day!

If you haven't figured it out by now, Pi Day is an official holiday in our house!

Before being a stay-at-home mom, I was a middle school math teacher. (Yes, "nailing Jell-O to a wall" is exactly what it's like. And I loved it!) Also, our last name is Piland. (Pronounced Pie-land.) So combine these, and the tradition of celebrating Pi Day was born! (In case you're lost, the mathematical term "pi" stands for the approximate number 3.14. So Pi Day - a made-up holiday celebrating all things related to pi - is March 14th.)

Spring Hexie Table Runner

Is it just me, or does it seem like spring? Here in Missouri, we've had sunny skies, warm days, and my yard is full of blooming spring flowers. (I'm completely ignoring the forecast of snow coming this Saturday though!)

I grab hold of the first sign of spring and run with it. I'm always eager for the bright colors and sunshine that spring brings, plus that means Easter is fast approaching. I like to pull out my spring and Easter décor early so I can enjoy it for as long as possible.

When I was packing projects for the quilting retreat a couple weeks ago, I grabbed an old bag of hexies I made last year. I thought it would make a bright table runner to set out for spring, and if I got time at the retreat, I'd start it.

A Lasting Impression

It's time for another Project Quilting challenge! The theme for this week's challenge is "well-dressed man." I had a unique way to interpret this one!

Project Quilting has its roots from the television show Project Runway. There's a theme posted on Sunday, and you have one week to make something based on that prompt. Your project has to have at least one of three things: include patchwork, include applique, and/or have three layers stitched together by hand or machine. This is the fifth challenge - there's only one more left until the end of the season! See my previous makes for this year here: Challenge 1, challenge 2, challenge 3, and challenge 4. The challenge is really helping me get a good start to my "17 quilts in 2017" goal!

Sewing with friends

Have you ever been on a sewing retreat? Maybe you get together with your friends to sew?

Photo courtesy of Sew Cozy Quilt Lodge

This past weekend I got to do something new to me! I went to the Sew Cozy Quilt Lodge with eight other quilters to enjoy some uninterrupted sewing time!

This was my first time being away from my kids since my oldest was born - almost 4 years ago!

The Sew Cozy Quilt Lodge is a brand new retreat located in Wakefield, Kansas. The house was built specifically for quilters by a quilter! Every need, want, and desire you can think of has been taken care of in this retreat house! Each quilter gets two tables with extra plug-ins, an ergonomic adjustable chair, and a design wall. There are cutting and ironing stations to share - both at the perfect height to keep from straining your back. It's designed so you can start sewing as soon as you arrive!