Baby Quilts are my favorite!

I simply love making baby quilts! They are relatively quick (in quilting terms) and I love being able to gift them to my baby making friends. Since I left Redwood City and moved to Portland, three of my really good friends are having babies, and I'm sure that there are more to come! It's hard not being able to be there for all of the showers and seeing them through this process of motherhood. So making a quilt for their new little one helps me feel connected to the process and so a part of me gets to "be there" with them. 

Last Saturday was such a day, my friend Jill is having a baby boy and she was showered with many gifts. Here is the quilt before I sent it away: 

I say this every time, but I really love this quilt! It's super easy to make, it's four log cabin blocks, that you cut into four squares and then I arranged the total 16 blocks until it's in a pleasing arrangement. Also, I'm trying to practice free-motion quilting to improve my abilities. I really enjoyed this random triangle pattern and will be using it lots more. Stripey binding is my favorite, so I machine-binded the binding on. I send the quilt with just enough time to get there for the shower. On the day of the shower, I texted a good friend, Azadeh, and she took pics for me of Jill opening the quilt at her shower. It was so nice to see and made me feel happy to be able to "see" her opening it. :) (Also it was fun to see Aftan in the background writing down all of the presents)

So glad that you love it, Jill! Can't wait to meet your little guy!  

Do you have any traditions of gifts that you make for your pregnant friends? Or a specific gift that you always give at a shower? 

200th Post!

I can't believe that I've made it to my 200th post! Looking back, it's amazing to see how much I've grown in blogging, and how many projects and activities I've accomplished and been able to share with you. It only ignites my passion to continue sharing and striving to inspire YOU to craft! 

Here's a look back at some of my favorite projects and posts. Enjoy! 

#10 - These Zipper Bags were the first that I had tried anything involving a zipper. It's not easy, but not impossible! Zippers really take practice and these little pouches are perfect for just that. 

#9 - One of my first experiences of the Alameda Flea Market. I miss going here and the sunshine! But perhaps next time I'll be a vendor! ;) 

#8 - Our First Booth at the Alberta Street Fair. Little did we know how much of a profession this would turn into for us! ;) This year, Chris and I will be combining our booth and assuming a fresh new name for our vintage sales. Come see us this Saturday at Beggars Banquet and all season at Portland Flea! 

#7 - This Rainbow Chevron Quilt started as a challenge to use just 5" square solids (a first for me!). Cutting them up and making zig zags was only natural. 

#6 - I loved making this Vintage Sheet Quilt. It's basically one block turned into one quilt. I just sold this quilt on etsy and I've been stockpiling more sheets, it's time to make a new one! ;) 

#5 - This was the first project I made from Martha Stewart Living for my new project "Living Martha Stewart Living." This Astronomical Tree Topper will be donning the top of our Christmas trees for many years to come! 

#4 - Teaching Glass Etching at Portland Bazaar was such a great experience! Loved working with Kate from Portland Flea, and getting to share a fun craft with over 30 people. 

#3 -  Going to ALT was one of the best decision I've made! I learned so much and met so many amazing people. Making this DIY Tote Bag to help brand myself was icing on the cake! 

#2 - Interview with Emily Henderson// Secrets from a Stylist - Part One, Part Two, Part Three

#1 - My favorite project to date: the Tissue Paper Wall Heart. It casts an amazing spell over any room! 

I hope you've enjoyed this round-up! Over the next 100 posts, you will see many more DIY projects, vintage finds, and inspiration to begin/continue crafting yourself. 

Thanks so much for being a reader, I appreciate you so much!

bloggers' block-a-palooza progress

Here is my latest progress on the block a palooza! I've updated my banner with my favorite blocks, too! 

I'm behind on their schedule, however the great thing about this quilt-along is I can go at my own pace! I'm really like the way it's coming out, however, I wish their were more turquoise and red to choose from in this collection. I'm not using any of the pinks and light blues from this collection of city weekend. I like how these colors work together better. 

Do you notice the bright colors and my simple "photo studio"? I've made a new purchase...a new camera! Plus I bought two, simple, white foam boards as my studio. They help as light reflectors in front of a window, as well as a simple non distracting backdrop. I'm sure I'm just tipping the iceberg of everything I can do with the studio and new camera. 

fleurs de printemps

 Currently, I'm working a quilt will my favorite, bold, bright, graphic patterns! I'm using a pattern by Elizabeth Hartman from her book: The Practical Guide to Patchwork. Check out her blog, too!

I've titled my quilt "fleurs de printemp" (spring flowers) as I'm loving the sunny weather that we're having and these bright patterns remind me of flowers! Even though, many are not flowers. I also am missing practicing my french, but with the discovery of google translator, I've been looking up many words and phrases in French.

Anyway, here is my progress so far on "fleurs de printemp"!

Word Search Block

Block # 2 of the Bloggers Block-a-Palooza! 

This block was a challenge, however, I loved the way it turned out! Here is my process: 

*Still having fun with picnik!*

 

Finished block! 

 

I even think the wrong side is pretty! 

Click here if you'd like the instructions to make your own! 

Designed by my favorite quilter, Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson!

Block # 3 is out, but I'll have to make it another day soon!