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Anything Goes Monday

Welcome to Anything Goes Monday!

 My name is Heather, and I have the honor of hosting Anything Goes Monday for Marelize today.  I am a mom to my (almost) 15 month old daughter, who loves to sew and quilt!  While being a mom takes up more of my time than sewing, sewing keeps me sane.  I have been known to take my Singer Featherweight on more than one vacation, because I can’t stay away from sewing that long 🙂

 I usually have all sorts of projects on my to-do list, from piecing quilts, paper piecing, and designing patterns to sewing clothing for my daughter and myself.  Some examples of my projects are below.  If you like what you see, please follow my blog or check out my instagram @bobbinsandbullets!


Bobbins and Bullets Project overview May

Bottom Left: Spinnaker Quilt, Top Middle: Practice Lucky Stars, Bottom Middle: Starry Log Cabin, Right Middle: Baby Blazer, Bottom Right: January Lucky Stars


 In addition to my personal sewing, I am a long arm quilter.  My Millennium can handle almost any quilt you can throw at it, so if you are wanting to reduce that stack of unquilted tops, please consider me!  

As an added bonus, if you contact me for long arm services and reserve a spot during the month of May, and mention you found me through Anything Goes Monday, I will take 15% off the long arm quilting fee!  

My long arm

 I also have my first pattern up on Craftsy!  The Square Dance Block is a paper pieced block that anyone can do – whether you have paper pieced before or not!  My paper piecing tutorial for the Square Dance Block will guide you every step of the way.  The pattern for an 8 inch finished block is free this month.  In June, I will be publishing the full version of the pattern with multiple block sizes.  

Square Dance Block Tutorial
Kaleidoscope Block quilt layout

 

stitch by stitch

 
Now it’s your turn to share with us what you’ve been busy with!

Rules:
1. Link up ANY recent blog posts, it can be one or more, but PLEASE do not share blog posts you might have linked up in the past.
2. Somewhere in your blog post, you must link back here to my blog, OR grab the ‘anything goes’ button for you sidebar.
3. Try to visit at least a few of the other blogs linked, the whole point of having a party is to connect, share and maybe get a few new followers…remember to leave a comment to let them know you stopped by!
 

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May Fresh Sewing Day

I can’t believe it’s already May Fresh Sewing Day!  The last month flew by….  I did mostly quilty work last month, but May will be starting with some clothing sewing.
May Fresh Sewing Day mosaic

Top Row: Teaching quilting to my mom – 3 generations quilting together! (links to tutorials in blog post).

Middle Row: Left – Star Fruit Paper Piecing Pattern Testing, Right – Square Dance Block Tutorial (May is my month in the Stash Bee, so you can find the post for Stash Bee here).

Bottom Row: Dresden Plate for Stash Bee Hive 12 (tutorial here), Double Pinwheel test block for 4×5 Modern Bee (tutorial here)

Thanks for stopping by!
-Heather

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Star Fruit Paper Piecing Pattern

I had the opportunity to test a fun block for Diane of From Blank Pages.  It is her brand new Star Fruit paper piecing pattern, and it comes in 6 inch, 12 inch, and 18 inch sizes.  I chose to make a 12 inch finished block.
Star Fruit

This pattern is not one to pick for your first time paper piecing, but it is a very do-able block for someone with a reasonable amount of paper piecing experience.  It makes a really cool secondary design that I chose to deemphasize in the tan area, but it just depends what you want to do with it.
I decided to play around a little bit with Photoshop and see what an entire quilt made from this block would look like.
First up is the standard, non-sashed quilt.  It makes some really nice secondary designs, and I think I would actually have an easier time deciding how to quilt an entire quilt of this block than I will when this is part of a sampler.

Star Fruit Quilt

I really, really like this block set on point!  My husband saw this picture, and I think he wants an entire quilt made just like this.  This quilt isn’t going to happen anytime soon, but I agree that it would be beautiful.

Star Fruit set on point

Lastly, we have how this block will actually be used – as part of my Real World Red and White Sampler.  I’m up to 15 blocks!  Exciting, because my goal is for this to be a queen (long ways off).

Real World Red & White as of 28APR14

This block is available on Craftsy or Etsy.  Or you can leave a comment right here for a chance to win a copy!  I will leave comments open through May 5th, and announce the winner on May 6th.
Thanks for stopping by!
–Heather
 

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Teaching Quilting

A couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to do something different – I was teaching quilting to my mom.

My mom learned to sew in the day of home economics for all girls, and made a substantial part of her wardrobe (probably from high school through her 20’s), so she is not new to sewing.  Teaching someone how to piece quilt blocks is a lot easier when the person already understands what a 1/4 inch seam is and why consistency matters.

Three generations of quilters in action!

Learning to Quilt
My mom and grandma did make a quilt at some point before I existed.  They used 4 inch squares of fabric leftover from clothes my mom made – a mix of fabric types.  They cut it out using electric scissors, sewed it together, and tied it.  My mom still uses it on the bed when my parents go camping.
Learning to Quilt
There are differences between quilt piecing and clothing sewing (or how she sewed when she did it a lot): seam size, using a rotary cutter, using 100% cotton fabric, pressing instead of ironing, etc.  Either way, she was a fast learner.

Block #2 We Can Do It! Skill Builder Sampler

For her first block, I chose a block based on 9 patches.  Straight lines in squares are always a good place to start.  I did selfishly choose colors that would work with my “Real World Red & White Sampler”.  We did the 9 patch block from Sewn By Leila’s We Can Do It! Skill Builder Sampler.

Learning to Quilt
For her second block, I introduced half square triangles.  We did the Pinwheel block from the same sampler, which was really just adding some tips to the Pinwheel Parade Block by V&Co.
Pinwheel Parade Block
My mom’s visit was great, and went too fast as always, but I’m glad we got to spend some time together doing something we both really enjoy.Linking up to Whoop Whoop Fridays @ Confessions of a Quilt Addict, Fabric Frenzy Friday @ Ft. Worth Fabric, Sewjo Saturday at My Go-Goo Life, Anything Goes Monday, Fabric Tuesday @ Quilt Story, WiP Wednesday @ Freshly Pieced, and Let’s Bee Social Wednesday @ SewFreshQuilts.

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Apple Loungewear Leggings

For this spring version of Kid’s Clothes week, I made the Apple Loungewear Leggings.  It was 80 this weekend in my part of North Carolina, and Monday it was rainy and 45 degrees.  Then again today, was mid-60’s so the weather is just crazy.  Either way, summer is not yet 100% here, so the little girl needs leggings.

Apple Loungewear Leggings by Shwin Designs

Pattern: Apple Loungewear Leggings by Shwin Designs, purchased end of November and finally made.

Size: 12-18 months

Sizing: The sizing was chart was pretty good.  Technically, she would have been in the 6-9 month waist size, but I’m glad I sized up to her RTW size.  These fit more comfortably, and will be worn longer.  My daughter is a tall, thin 14 month old and these leggings fit her incredibly well.  The length is good.  Most purchased pants are too short on here, and they would not have needed the extra length I added.

The leggings even work well under a dress, especially for a new walker that still trips occasionally.

Apple Loungewear Pants in action

Fabric: Purple floral purchased from Girl Charlee forever ago, so it looks like they no longer have it.  It’s a fairly substantial knit, I didn’t write it down but I’m guessing it is at least 8 oz, maybe 9 oz knit.  It is a great weight for leggings.Instructions: These leggings have three pieces, and are incredibly easy to construct.  They are a super fast sew.

Overall Impression: I like these leggings, and plan to make more pairs.  I wasn’t sure about the fold over waistband at first, but it fits right under her toddler tummy and helps keep the pants up without requiring elastic in the waist.  This pattern is a winner!

Linking up to Anything Goes Monday.

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April Fresh Sewing Day

Welcome from April Fresh Sewing Day!  Below are my March Projects, with links to the posts with more information.  While you are here, please look around and follow me if you like what I see.  I do a lot of piecing and quilting, and make clothes for my 1 year old daughter.  
April Fresh Sewing Day

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March Bee Blocks and BoMs

It’s the end of March, and I finished my March Bee Block and BoMs!

First up is the block for Stash bee, hive #12.  Jennifer requested the Arizona block from the We Can Do It! Skill Builder Sampler at Sewn by Leila.  She wanted orange and turquoise, so I hope she likes this block 🙂  I think I am going to have to make another one of these in my colors!

Arizona quilt block
Up next, I am still working my way through the 2013 Lucky Stars BoM.  Below is the March 2013 block.  I had the absolute worst time with this block.  I don’t blame the instructions, it was completely me.  It seemed every piece of fabric I could cut wrong, I did.  Or sew on backwards.  Or run out of the fabric less than halfway through the block.  
Let’s just say I was very happy when this was done.  I am also convinced there is any easier way to get this look than the way this block was done.  If I didn’t have such a terrible experience doing it, I would probably figure out the easier way.  Instead, I just plan to have this be the one and only time I ever do this block.  
March 2013 Lucky Stars BoM
I am also doing other blocks for the sampler as I see ones that I like.  This is the January 2013 Aurifil BoM.  
Aurifil January 2013 BoM
I think this one puts me at 11 total… I did the math, and I think I need 36 with the sashing I want to get it the size I want.  Almost 1/3 of the way done!

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E&E Bubble Pocket Shorts

In preparation for warmer weather, it was high time to make some shorts for my 1 year old daughter.  I needed a quick finish, so I actually made the exact same shorts I made her last summer – the Elegance and Elephants (E&E) Bubble Pocket Shorts.  I also made them in chambray last summer.

This summer I sized up and made the 18M/2T size, and they are a little big on my little girl.  Width wise, they are fine (need to tighten up the elastic a little), but they are loooong!  And she is tall, so that tells you how long they are.  It’s hard because the sizing choices are 6/12 month or 18 month/2T.  I think there really needs to be another size in there for the little ones.  One the plus side, they should fit for this entire summer, and possibly next summer.

E&E Bubble Pocket Shorts


This summer I had the advantage of constructing these shorts with my serger, and they took much less time!  Last summer, I didn’t have a serger yet so I had to finish every seam and it took forever.  On the plus side, I think finishing the seams that way created a slightly nicer finished garment, but not so much nicer that I would do it instead of the serger.  

The fabric was purchased from JoAnns last summer.  It has the texture of a seersucker, but isn’t quite.

If I make another pair of these, I am going to attach the bottom binding the pre-serger way.  I prefer the look of attaching the bottom as binding and enclosing that bottom seam.  It also shortens the shorts a little bit that would have helped with fit.  I also think it made the bottom hem lay a little bit neater.  I would pull out the pair from last summer to demonstrate, but they are deep in the attic land of too-small clothes.  

In the picture below, they are riding up a little bit so you don’t see just how long they are.  Her hat is my favorite Little Betty Bonnet.  I made the 12-24 month size as the directions call for.  This is at least my 6th version of this pattern, so it’s a winner!  I love a little girl in a bonnet, and this is her spring one.

Bubble Pocket Shorts & Little Betty Bonnet

The mortar in the background is from the Castillo del San Marcos National Monument in St. Augustine.  A quick spring break trip to see Great Grandma (or Nonna-Nonna as we call her) was what necessitated the summer clothes while it was still chilly here in North Carolina.  The preview of spring/summer weather was amazing!  Although I can’t complain too much because I think we may finally have spring here to stay with warmer weather and blooming flowers.  Even if it was 20 degrees this morning (it’s supposed to be back in the 70’s this weekend – sorry north!)

Update for the 30/30 challenge:

1. COMPLETE: Two blocks for my “Real World Red & White” Sampler.  

2. A shirt for me.  I’ve been wanting to make my own clothes for awhile, so why not start?

3. COMPLETE: Get ready for spring!  I need at least one pair of shorts for my daughter, preferable more.

4. COMPLETE: Acknowledge that spring is not here yet, therefore make a couple pairs of pants for my daughter. 

5. Complete the March Stash Bee block – that’s not a real goal, more of a must finish, but I think it still counts (and makes this list a little less clothing heavy). – working on it!

Berry Barn Designs

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Winter 2014 4×5 Modern Quilt Bee

I finished up the winter round of the 4×5 modern bee, with wonderful results!  I also have the final version of all of the blocks I made complete.
First up, the blocks I received.  I was in Hive 4, and I think everyone really did a good job making some awesome blocks!
The blocks I sent are below.  I used the January 2013 Lucky Stars BOM pattern from Don’t Call Me Betsy.
Winter 2014 4x5 Modern Quilt Bee Hive 4

I’m linking up to the 30/30 Challenge, even though it’s kind of a stretch.  I have been sewing, but between a terrible virus working its way through my household and a few dark and dreary days I have no pictures to show for it.  Hopefully it will get nicer this week, and I can show my real progress.

1. COMPLETE: Two blocks for my “Real World Red & White” Sampler.  

2. A shirt for me.  I’ve been wanting to make my own clothes for awhile, so why not start?

3. Get ready for spring!  I need at least one pair of shorts for my daughter, preferable more.

4. COMPLETE: Acknowledge that spring is not here yet, therefore make a couple pairs of pants for my daughter. 

5. Complete the March Stash Bee block – that’s not a real goal, more of a must finish, but I think it still counts (and makes this list a little less clothing heavy).

Berry Barn Designs
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Aurifil February 2014 BOM

To add another block to my Real Life Red & White quilt, I chose a little bit quicker one than I’ve been working on lately.  I chose the Aurifil February 2014 BOM.

February 2014 Aurifil BOM

In addition, I received two more of my blocks from the Winter 2014 4×5 Modern Quilt Bee, so it’s like I finished THREE blocks toward my goal!  Just kidding, I’m halfway to my first goal for the 30/30 challenge.  I still have some more projects I’ve been working on that just aren’t ready to show yet.

Enjoy the blocks I have so far below:
Real Life Red & White Quilt

To review my 30/30 Challenge:

1. Two ONE block for my “Real World Red & White” Sampler.  

2. A shirt for me.  I’ve been wanting to make my own clothes for awhile, so why not start?

3. Get ready for spring!  I need at least one pair of shorts for my daughter, preferable more.

4. Acknowledge that spring is not here yet, therefore make a couple pairs of pants for my daughter. 

5. Complete the March Stash Bee block – that’s not a real goal, more of a must finish, but I think it still counts (and makes this list a little less clothing heavy).

Berry Barn Designs