January Quilting Bee Blocks

After my virtual quilting bees took a December break, it was a bit more fun, even more than usual, to make blocks for January.

In Sew Connected 2, this block is for Beth. I loved her fabrics!


I made this one for Alexis in Stash Busting Bee International. Her fabric colors were fabulous!


Bee Obsessed is a new virtual bee that started in January. Kim is known for her love of black, white and red so it wasn't a surprise that she chose those for her blocks. I can see the appeal.



Looks like I'm ready for February...not a day too soon:)

Marilyn

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

I hope you all are staying warm too!


Marilyn

A Very Fine Day, Indeed!

Another fun craft day at Karla's yesterday with Beth, Shawn and Bethany and, of course, Karla.


I worked (maybe 'played' is a better description) on a page for Beth in our "casual" Book Round Robin. I added a pocket to the page for a paperdoll tag...


...and one of the dolly's outfits on the back of the page. It seems I don't put as much stuff on the backs---intentional? or too ready to be done? I'm going to call that one a rhetorical question:)


Beth was working on a pretty centerpiece project that involved a cone. Temporarily, however, the cone became a birthday hat while I was being serenaded...


...and blowing out my candle on this adorable little cupcake!

Thanks guys...it was really very sweet of you!!


I finished up the day working in my gluebook. It's been a long time and I always forget how fun it is.


That off white strip in the lower left corner--it's embossed with the letters N-O-P-Q-R-S-T. It didn't scan all that great and I wouldn't want you to think that I just stuck a random strip of blank paper there, hehee! Although, art being in the eye of the beholder--if 'blank' is more your style, alrighty then:)

Marilyn

Yay! for Modern Quilts

This is where it all started, thanks to Alissa, in October, 2009...and now branches are beginning to pop up all over the country, Canada and Australia!

But the really good news is there's a Kansas City chapter!!! The organizational meeting was Saturday...34 of us squeezed into the studio space at Urban Arts & Crafts and it was incredible!



I got to meet some blogging acquaintances in 'real life'...always a fun thing! I was inspired over and over by members' quilts.

But the most amazing part was the instant connection of 34 people, excitedly chatting and laughing and planning, brought together by a passion for creating and a desire to share it!

Marilyn

P.S. *happy birthday to me* (teehee)

Whole Lotta Lovin' Goin' On

Soooo, this is one reason why my poor little blog has been neglected lately...

But, really, which one would you choose?! (Can you believe he's one month old already!)

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I am finding time for some embroidery too---for the Hoop Up! Stitch & Send swap. I just started on this block for a group member whose theme is "Japanese Garden"...


...and I just finished this one for a "Whimsical Forest/Woodland" theme.

(pattern by Hannah)

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This one isn't for the swap but it's one I started in early autumn (hence, the leaves, acorns and fall colors) but set aside. I worked on it around the holidays to keep my hands busy and finished it up---not sure what I'll do with it yet?

(pattern from Sublime Stitching)

I hope to get around to my regular blog visits again soon. I've missed seeing what you all are up to and your gorgeous creations!

Marilyn

Staying Warm, Stitching and Swapping

Too much snow and way too cold temperatures last week weren't good for much of anything except wrapping up in a blanket or snuggling with a baby.

Or stitching...which seems to go hand in hand with wrapping up in a blanket. And the timing is perfect for the latest swap I've taken on...Hoop Up! Stitch & Send Swap.

My theme is "Sweet Dreams" and I put together this flickr mosaic with photos that I like for inspiration...


1. ZZZ's pillowcase, 2. Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, 3. Counting Sheep, 4. Pillowcase Fairy, 5. Storybook Collection, 6. cookie loves milk tattoo, 7. Sublime Stitching Sweet, 8. Once Upon A Time..., 9. BLUE MOON week 60, 10. travelers, 11. alarm clock, 12. Sleepy owls - pillow

There are 6 groups participating. Each group has 6/7 stitchers who choose a theme and send out a block of their chosen fabric to the others. Everyone embroiders something according to the theme and sends it back. Some will use the embroidered blocks to make a quilt, wall hanging, pillow, apron, tote bag, etc. I'm very excited to see what my group comes up with--they're all quite gifted and creative!

I finished my piece this weekend...


My idea of stitching up a cozy little bed took on a life of its own and I think it ended up with kind of a Disney-Cinderella feel to it.

Now, on to something for one of my group members! So many ideas and, fortunately, plenty of time--the deadline isn't until April 30th;)

Marilyn

Happy New Year!

Wishing all of you the very best of everything in the coming year!!

Marilyn