Blue Bird Sews

Garden Time Inspiration!

2013-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

This week I want to share with you my garden inspiration instead of quilty inspiration. I hope that's okay with you! :-)

Flowers in a pot to greet you

Lupine and Poppies for Spring

Here is SE Portland gardening is an art form. It is the fourth summer of veggie gardening in my fenced off 30'x30' garden plot and something amazing has happened. My dirt has turned to soil, my paths are all broken in and each year I do a little less prep work to get everything going.

My garden helper is growing too!

I also came to a realization about my garden. No more growing veggies that don't work for me. I always tried to grow egg plant, broccoli, cabbage and others that I never found much success with. This year I will grow vegetables I like to eat and cook.

Tomatoes under plastic and peas on the trellis

On the menu for summer and fall (and probably into winter!) 2013: Tomatoes, snap peas, sweet onion,

Peppers, onions and row cover

bunching green onion, lettuce, kale, spinach, lotsa hot peppers, beets,

Baby Beets

carrots, yellow crookneck squash, Japanese squash, beans,

Raspberries, can you hear the bees buzzing?

strawberries, raspberries, parsley, cilantro, rosemerry, basil and a few other herbs.

Mustard going to seed and up in the top a bird house full of birds

What does your garden grow?
I think that's it! And YUM.

Cheers,
Kelly

Bloggers Quilt Festival 2013: Color Play Applique

2013-05-16T21:07:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello! Welcome! It is that time of year again when hundreds of quilters gather on line for the best virtual quilt show there is. Thanks to Amy for hosting and the sponsors for kicking in some quilting booty! It is so hard to pick a favorite to share with you and luckily this year we could enter 2 quilts! Sorry to my readers who just saw this super color driven quilt recently but I just gotta enter it! : )
(you can see my other quilt here: http://bluebirdsews.blogspot.com/2013/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-2013-vintage.html)

You know what -- I thought wouldn't like hand quilting. When I first started the blocks for this mini quilt I knew it was going to be hand quilted in white; it just fit. But having never tried it before and having no technique what-so-ever I just wasn't expecting to enjoy the process.

And then once I started on the background of the color wheel block - in little tiny 'popcorn' stitches I thought I was going to go insane before I finished. Instead of going crazy, I fell in love. Isn't life funny like that.

It began with my need for a color wheel. I wanted something I could hang on the wall and reference each time I needed to know what color comes after green. It's like singing the whole alphabet to know what comes after Q.

This quilt is all raw edge applique. And I didn't feel like a cheater at all! ; ) I used scraps in all colors and designs emphasizing color contrast, hue and order. It was a blast auditioning colors to their places on the wheel and in the 'star'.

Once I finished the color wheel more blocks started coming to me. A crazy 8 point applique star contraption. Another color inspired block, this one more complementary. Once I had 4 blocks done the black and white sashing came. Then the need to finish it and hang it on a wall. That part took longer than expected.

But now what bliss, that it is finished. I really did enjoy the slow process and the texture of the quilting. I miss having something to work on that does not chain me to the sewing machine in the craft cave. Just relaxing in bed with my son and stitching was really nice.

Each sewing space should have a color wheel of some sort! Playing with fabric leads to a greater understanding of the basics of design. Quilting lessons at its best!

Also, I still really do enjoy a good rainbow. I don't think these scrappy rainbows are done with me yet.

Quilt Details

Fabric: quilting cotton in scraps

Batting: Nature's Touch Pellon 100% cotton

Backing: white cotton

Pieced: Viking Sapphire 830

Quilted: hand quilted with white embroidery thread

Measures: 26"x26"

Thanks so much for reading about quilt and clicking over to Blue Bird Sews! I appreciate each click and comment! Hope you enjoy the rest of the show!

Cheers!
Kelly

Blogger's Quilt Festival 2013: Vintage Reworked Softely

2013-05-16T20:46:00.002-07:00

Hello, hello! Welcome! It is that time of year again when hundreds of quilters gather on line for the best virtual quilt show there is. Thanks to Amy for hosting and the sponsors for kicking in some quilting booty! (This year we can each enter 2 quilts! find my other quilt here, thanks!: http://bluebirdsews.blogspot.com/2013/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-2013-color-play.html)

The quilt I want to share with you has a story, like all quilts do. Usually it starts with fabric and a design idea but instead this quilt started as a quilt. Let me explain....

In my family and friends I am the quilt lady. Quilts and fabric magically come to me ; ) The story of this new quilt began with a monster quilt top that was vintage scrappy but a bit misguided. The colors were jumbled and the setting unimaginative. It was a quilt top with nothing to lose. So I cut. I hacked. I even threw out a couple blocks. And in the end it became more...three more to be exact. This version is the softer colors of blues, pinks, violet.

I cut the individual blocks out along the muslin sashing and then cut the blocks again into four differently shaped pieces. The design that came about was organic and improv and oh so right.

Here is the free motion in all her quilted glory. Because that is the true star of this quilt; the quilting. Quilted in an all over petal in petal design, almost like candle flames. Once I opened up the design and kept attention to the points matching up at the base it was heaven.

I got lost in the free motion movement and quilted this in just over 4 hours. The method I think works best, especially for larger quilts, is Elizabeth Hartman's basting and quadrant quilting. It made the bulk of the quilt manageable to maneuver.

The fabrics used for the back and binding are also vintage found in a box of grandma's attic fabric and in my stacks from the stash. No fabric was bought in the making of this quilt. :-)
A proud first finish of 2013; because I feel like my skills can now match my style.

Quilt Details

Fabric: Vintage quilt top blocks in cotton fabrics

Batting: Nature's Touch Pellon 100% cotton

Backing: Vintage fabric in pink flowers and violet stripe

Pieced: Viking Sapphire 830

Quilted: Free Motion Quilted on Viking Sapphire 830

Measures: 62"x60"

Thanks for stopping by Blue Bird Sew! I always enjoy a visit and a comment. Have fun checking out all the wonderful quilts.

Cheers!
Kelly

This Week...

2013-05-15T06:50:00.000-07:00

This week I am...

feeling the sun on my back.

Hiking in the woods with my family.

Sewing down the binding on two quilts.

Feeling accomplished that the WIP progress list is dwindling.
Watching the veggie garden grow.

Successfully potty training my three year old son.
Planning a bunch of new quilt show off posts.

Dreaming of clothes sewing but not without making a muslin first.
Healing my heart and body after a disappointing loss.

What is your week like?

Cheers,
Kelly

Color Play Applique Mini Quilt Finish

2013-04-21T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hello there you! You know what -- I thought wouldn't like hand quilting. When I first started the blocks for this mini quilt I knew it was going to be hand quilted in white; it just fit. But having never tried it before and having no technique what-so-ever I just wasn't expecting to enjoy the process.

Once I finished the color wheel more blocks started coming to me. A crazy 8 point applique contraption. Another color inspired block, this one more complementary. And then the need to finish it and hang it on a wall. That part took longer than expected.

Also, I still really do enjoy a good rainbow. I don't think these scrappy rainbows are done with me yet.

Cheers!
Kelly

All I want to do is sew clothes!

2013-04-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

What is it about spring that gets my clothes sewing mojo going? I don't know what it is but I must invest some time to this soon before I go nuts!

I have a bunch of clothes sewing plans. Lots and lots of tops, knit and cotton, vintage and new. Fancy tee-shirt patterns, sew simple JoAnn's patterns and a Wiksten Tova that has been languishing since October!

Even though I've been sewing clothes since I was a little girl I have little real knowledge about fabric types and what to do with them. Or which fabric goes best with what pattern.

I am slowly learning more about this and to aid in my quest for knowledge I took a t-shirt sewing class and have been reading up on sewing blogs that are not quilting related.

There is a wealth of information out there and I feel I am finally getting a handle on what makes a hand made item less Home Made and more Tailor Made.

There are still lessons to be learned. One I made on the linen tunic pictured above. Wait until you have a quiet sewing room to put the finishing on a garment. The faults don't easily show in the picture but wearing it tells the tale. Oh, well. Live and sew.

Cheers,
Kelly

Stitches in Bloom quilt show 2013

2013-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

(photos taken by me at the quilt show 1/26/2013 at the Oregon Gardens)

1. Pinwheel Scrappy, 2. Wheels in Wheels, 3. Terry Grant of High Fiber Diet, 4. scrappy stars, 5. Nine Patch Detail, 6. Houses in trees Quilt, 7. Interesting boarder sampler, 8. HIgh Fiber Diet Crosses, 9. HIgh Fiber Diet UFO

These are some of my favorite quilts from the show earlier this year. The Stitches in Bloom quilt show was in January in Silverton, Oregon hosted by The Oregon Gardens. The highlight of the show is the special exhibit by the High Fiber Diet group out of Clackamas, Oregon. Each year they bring such amazing interpretations of fabric!

To be frank and honest I was a bit disappointed at the show for a couple of reasons. There was a serious lack of high quality quilting, I saw lots of computer long arm but not a lot of custom quilting that gave me inspiration. There wasn't much in the way of modern quilts or traditional modernism represented either, something I was hoping to see more of this year.
I think though my lack of enthusiasm might have more to do with my changing quilt palette than the overall show. This is a show my sister and I have been attending for 3 years and there was always good quilty eye candy.
But that said, I should put up or shut up right...and enter my own traditional modern quilt next year perhaps.

What quilt shows do you keep going back too?

Cheers,
Kelly

Hexagon Quilt In Progess

2013-04-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

The quilt pattern: Sexy Hexy Love by Amy Butler.

The fabrics: All sorts; don't ask I'm not a fabric junkie.

The result: A grandma's flower garden inspired quilt.

Hexagon Quilt top in Progress

Fabric Chosen.

Plans Made.

Hexagons Sewn.

Quilt Top Made.

A brilliant straight line quilting idea finally came to mind for this lovely quilt. It is basted and ready to begin. Wish me luck ;)

Cheers,
Kelly

Pickle Dish Inspiration

2013-04-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

(all photos taken from the Flickr photo pool)

1. Phoebe's Pickle Dish, 2. Picke DishA, 3. Pickle-dish for Clare, 4. Pickle Dish (Detail), 5. Pickle Dish Quilt Top, 6. Pickle Dish Quilt, 7. embroidered mini pickle dish quilt, 8. "Mac Pickle Dish" quilt, 9. Pickle Dish Detail

I am a WIP hero. No new quilts for me. No new quilts for months. But a little new fabric. Just a bit of DS Flea Market Fancy II. Only because I dream.
I dream of a day when there will be no WIP quilts in my cupboards. I can see the list dwindling. Progress is being made in little increments. A new block here...a bunch of flying geese there...and at last a finished binding or two.
I dream in Pickle Dish. A Denyse Schmidt fabric pickle dish quilt with a pattern from Material Obsession 2 Gypsy Kisses.
It will probably won't happen for another year, but I will make it and it will be worth the wait.
What are you waiting for?

Cheers,
Kelly

Saturday Hand Work

2013-03-23T18:21:00.001-07:00

Working away on those WIP's.
I hope you enjoy the weekend, no matter what you choose to do.
Cheers,
Kelly

This week...

2013-03-20T10:07:00.000-07:00

This past month has been filled with a certain little guy who is getting very busy as he nears his 3rd birthday. In between keeping a toddler busy and out of trouble I have been stitching with wild abandon hardly stopping in a month to blog about it. Although I have been posting on my Blue Bird Sews Facebook page which I find a nice quick way to share what I'm working on.

Also while we are talking about sharing here's the link to my Bloglovin page. Google is shutting down their reader which most of us use to stay up to date on the latest posts from our favorite quilters. Bloglovin seems to have taken over the task in a format similar to the Google reader but I like it a bit more. So if you want to follow along with me please sign up there! Thanks!

Okay, whew! With that business out of the way here's what my month of sewing has been looking like in my favorite picture format. Since I finished the custom quilting project I have had time to sew for me! Me! ME! I tell you it has been very therapeutic!

I started with a few Japanese X + blocks. These are fun to sew! I am using all scraps from other people's stashes. A little bit from Stashtacular last year, a little from a bag of modern scraps I picked up at a thrift store and then I won a jackpot of scraps from Spontaneous Threads blog a few weeks ago.

Then there's the hexagon quilt I am making for a friend as part of our bartering agreement. It's the Sexy Hexy Love pattern by Amy Butler. I made one of these a couple of years ago and the second time around I am having an easier time with the angles. I will have another post all about this quilt.

Spring time equals clothes sewing time. I finally took a tee-shirt sewing class at my local shop Modern Domestic. Amazing pattern and instructions from my teacher and used a serger for the first time. It's now on my Christmas list! I have been making other tops as well, and I will get a clothes post going sometime soon too.

And a last bit about sewing just for me is this scrappy rainbow log cabin quilt. Sewing on this as I want to, making one huge block at a time.

That's what I got to share with you this week. Thanks for stopping by! Especially if you are here from Lee's WIP Wednesday.

Cheers!

Kelly

A Custom Quilting Finish

2013-02-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

Hello, Hello! Oh my, it has been a little bit; hasn't it. Today I am popping in because I've finished up the custom quilting on a beautiful long cabin quilt with a star variation. I had such a time quilting this quilt top which came to me from my client already basted and backed in a huge piece of muslin!

The pattern is so classic but turned modern (even though she completed it almost 20 years ago!) with a star in the center. That small shift in blocks gives this quilt such a wonderful finish.

The light and dark contrast made me choose two colors for quilting. A dark blue in the black side and cream in the light. The choice of dark blue came from the client who had originally started hand quilting the top in dark blue. It was a brilliant move as there are accents of blue in the light and dark regions and the blue warms the quilt a bit too.

It took over 10 hours to custom quilt the top. Each section was treated separately as I machine quilt on a Viking Sapphire 830. The center dark star was done first then each band of black from the inside out. I used my walking foot and quilted straight lines around each large band.

Next I wanted to incorporate free motion quilting into the design. The lighter sections were the perfect spot to do this. Tight and long wavy lines are most notable in the center star and then on the outer most bands. The larger inside light bands are straight line quilted again like the dark bands but denser.

This quilt is very large, at 89" x 85". It was difficult to work through but not impossible by any means. I was able to wrangle it through the extra wide throat space of my sewing machine and I quilted it on a large table in the craft cave. I love the challenge of a large quilt and custom design. Each one improves my quilting and confidence.

Cheers!
Kelly

The view this week

2013-02-04T15:00:00.002-08:00

My view of the sewing table this week. A custom quilting order; a very large log cabin quilt in a barn raising variation. The center pieces are quilted in straight lines that echo the squares and triangles in the pattern. Now to tie all the loose ends on the back and start on the outside bands.
If I don't see you for a while just know I'm beneath this beautiful quilt some where and will pop in soon!

Cheers!
Kelly

Blue Bird Sews Top Ten Tips for finishing WIP's

2013-01-30T13:58:00.000-08:00

Hello and happy Wednesday! I thought it would be fitting to post this article about WIP's on a Wednesday the day we designate as WIP Wednesday and share what our progress looks like. It's also a chance to document what and how many quilts, clothes, baby things and sewn projects we have gotten our selves into. I linked up with Freshly Pieced today; check it out for more WIP Wednesday inspiration.

I've heard and read around that this year people want to finish up those stacks of WIP's in search of a more organized and focused approach to the creative process of quilting. I know for me that rings true, if I could just get some mental space around my quilting I think the ideas might start coming and time will not be so scarce.

So on that note; here are some helpful suggestions to get you started on your WIP pile as originally posted (expect the photos are of my current WIP's not the FAL crew) at Quilter in the Gap earlier this month as part of the year long Finish A Long which you can join up with still, see the end of the article for more details about that.

There will always be new WIP’s (work’s in progress) for the quilter. New ideas to contemplate, new patterns from the best designers, inspiration to be found from all over quilty internet blog land, new fabric to dream with and of course the stash to work from. As quilters we yearn for the next project that sparks our interest; so much so that we stay up until ungodly hours of the morning to cut, sew and press just one block out of 50 that is needed for that next quilt. We try to finish, oh we try really hard! But by the time all the blocks are done — well then there is sashing options, boarders to miter, sandwiching to be done, quilting (eek! even FMQ) to be tried…binding to sew. You know the list too and somewhere in the middle a WIP is born.

I love all my quilts, all my projects equally but invariably the quilts that get done are destined for a purpose. Something for my shop, a family member or Portland Modern Quilt Guild commitment. All of these are equally good reasons to finish, but what about those inspired quilts of the moment that happen all at once yet wait for months, years maybe to be completed. How to finish those? Hmmmm….

That was a question I had earlier this year. How on earth do I finish these umpteen quilts I have around in various stages of completion? How could I even start a new quilt with those umpteen quilts hiding in the drawers? Am I really going to buy another 1/2 yard of this awesome fabric because I wantto, what about my huge stash at home? Now wait here, even if you don’t harbor the same kind of WIP guilt I do, read on you may find a tip that speaks to you…or please share your own with us in the comments! So with that here are some suggestions for you to use or ignore as you like.

1. Throw them out. Gently of course, slowly at first. Put the pieces into a bag and close it shut. Leave it the closet for a month or two. Open it up and ask is the world going to end if I don’t have/save/hoard this unfinished quilt? If the answer is still yes after a month then salvage what fabric you like for scraps and donate the rest. Let go of the WIP guilt.

2. Make it to donate it. Okay if number 1 freaked you out then consider finishing your quilt with the intent to donate it. There are lots of organizations that would love to pass on a quilt. Every year Kate at Swim, Bike, Quilt! hosts a 100 quilts for kids initiative and she shares a few worthy charities that need your finished WIP quilt. If you are involved with a guild check with one of your officers about the current charity they are giving to. Make some else warm and give yourself the warm fuzzies too.

3. Try out a new technique. Okay you have a few quilt tops done and you just can’t bring yourself to quilt them out. Take a big gulp, sandwich it up (Elizabeth Hartman has a great tutorial for this) and try something new that you’ve admired. By the time you are done you will be way better than when you started and you’ll feel like a quilting queen! Another way to broaden your skills is to take a class, try improv, color play or free motion quilting. We can all benefit from learning and doing something new!

4. Join a support group. Seriously we all need a little help to finish these languishing quilts. Besides having a blog to shout about it, there are flickr groups, Finish-it-up-Along 2013, the Threadbias community, instagram, your local quilt guild, WIP Wednesday with Freshly Pieced or join a quilting bee. Having a group of people to encourage you in your work, especially when the labor part of the love of quilting kicks in will increase those chances of completing a project.

5. Get organized! You might not even know how many WIPs you currently have! (I am currently guilty of this 100%, my list isn’t many but I know there is one or two I plum forgot about!) Take a quiet moment and pull them all out onto the dinning room table or somewhere you’ve got some room. Bring out some storage like gallon zip lock bags, clear totes or shoe boxes and start sorting the unfinished pieces into the bags and boxes.

6. Make a list. Write down or create a computer document that has each project listed with the date started, current progress (i.e. blocks complete or 10 blocks to go), any supplies needed to complete the quilt and the intended purpose of the quilt (gift, donate, your couch) Having this information at your finger tips might prevent another WIP and encourage you to finish up steps along the way. Here are some other great tips I stumbled across in this blog post specifically for quilt organization at Sew We Quilt!written by Karen from Sew Many Ways, she has a whole section on craft organization! Check it out and get inspired to be tidy!

7. Edit the quilt. The fabric is picked out, the pattern decided upon and the queen sized batting bought. But stop there, would a mini quilt satisfy thatpickle dish yearning? What about the blocks that were started but never made into a quilt top? Do any of your completed tops or blocks fit into this wall hanging category? Hooray! Make it easy on yourself and edit it down.

8. Stop hoarding fabric. This might break a quilt commandment but it’s true for me. I try really hard to use the fabric I have to complete my WIPs. Maybe that back doesn’t have to be 4 yards of new flannel. First try auditioning all possible fabrics for the boarders or back before buying new — and maybe make a bold choice that pushes your usual design. Only once you’ve exhausted your current stash options should you hop to your favorite fabric store (online or in person) and shop for your specific WIP. Treat your self restraint with a pedicure or mocha and quickly cut into that new WIP fabric and finish it up.

9. Work on WIPs first. That golden hour when you have a few moments to yourself and you’ve got a ton of things you would like to accomplish (because that WIP list has been staring at you every time you go to your sewing space!). Well start off on the right note and take 15 minutes to work on a WIP. I like to do this because with a time limit I can iron a few pieces, mark a few sewing lines or stitch up half a pile of flying geese. Then the 15 minutes are over and I can mentally check those things off the list and either keep with my WIP if I’m in the mood or move on to my new love; without the WIP guilt.

10. Set a WIP goal. How much do you want to finish this year, this month or by next week? Write that down and post it next to your WIP list. Share it with your support group, take those 15 minutes to check off an item or two and be mindful of the purpose of the quilt. Having these things in mind will help to overcome the urge to shove the WIPs into the back of the closet.

So did one of these tips speak to you or do you think I’m completely loco? Ha! I admit there’s a little crazy in these ideas but used in the right scenario it just might transform a WIP into a beautiful finish. What is your strategy for creating a quilt from start to finish? Share your get it done tips with us!

I plan on making my WIP list up this week so I know where to focus my efforts in 2013. I’ll be sure to share my progress with you all at the Finish it up Along flickr group!

Cheers!

Kelly

Friday Inspiration. Random Pretty Pinterest Finds.

2013-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Pintrest is a great place for quick inspiration but some pins lead to places that are brimming with it. The last image of journal pages is by artist and blogger Jenny Frith. For a girl who kept a sketch book for many years I can say these are the next level. Amazing doodles and loads of sketch book goodness.

Lois Mailou Jones (1905 – 1998) was a US
artist who painted and influenced others
during the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.

pinned via Pat Sloan

http://paysdemerveille.canalblog.com

journal pages: by Jenny Frith

Have you been enjoying the renewal energy that comes in January? January has brought me a new look at old projects and the vision to complete them. I can see the light in the tunnel on a a large binding project! One more side to go!

Also getting some attention is a pattern I've been talking about for year or more! It's all pinwheels and like my other quilts it may look complicated but it's all chain pieced HST's and a little puzzle magic. I will need a pattern tester or two if anyone is interested please let me know! Thanks!
These projects are getting done mostly because my sewing machine is still at the beauty parlor. I suspect she might have jumped down a block and hit the Chinese restaurant cocktail lounge on the corner for a nightcap or two. Let's hope she comes home soon. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Cheers!

Kelly

Madrona Road Mini-Quilt

2013-01-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Modern Quilting Guild sponsored a fabric challenge featuring Madrona Road from Violet Craft and Michael Miller Fabrics. The PMQG challenged its members to make a small item inspired by a word or phrase.

I used the text fabric that is printed with a beautiful story about a girl who builds a new life for her self and her family in the Pacific Northwest. I used the line 'Raised in the Pacific Northwest' and set it in a vase of flowers that reminds me of late Oregon summer.

A classic image that fits Madrona Roads's flowers and art deco feel of the stripes, text, doodles. I cut out the different flowers and shapes with scissors and stitched down everything on a borrowed sewing machine. I also used heat n' bond to set the shapes. The background quilting is simpler than what I would have done with my Viking. There for surely would have been some swirls in there!

I like how the frame turned out, it was out of necessity as the text just wasn't big enough to do it all. The cornerstone element is something I would like to explore more, I have yet to find the perfect block to do it with!

On the back I used a couple triangles in each corner to make a place for a hanger or dowel to slide in so it is easily hung up on the wall.

That little hand is baby J's ;-) one of his finger nails is painted bright red, just like Mommies toes!

This challenge was my second sign-up for PMQG and it was just as fun as the swap! Seeing all the interpretations of the fabric and modern quilting is inspiring as always! Have a wonderful week!

Cheers,

Kelly

Where to find me

2013-01-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

2013 is my year to grow Blue Bird Sews and as I grow into this blog, etsy, facebook, flickr, Pinterest, Threadbias - the whole social media thing I want you to come along and bring your friends!!! Let's grow this blog to 800 readers this year! And there are plenty of ways to do that, with a little help from my friends ;-)

doily journal covers

The internet is such a big place, and it can be time consuming so I wanted to let you know where I'll be this year so that you can find me in what ever format you like. Blogging is still gonna be my main source for in-depth project updates, tutorials and goings on. Expect a new blog post 2 to 3 times a week with one popping up on the weekend (like this one) every now and again.

I update on Pinterest just about every day - if not more than once a day. I love the visual stimulation and quick bursts of inspiration on everything from quilting, activities to do with the little ones, handmade gift making, garment sewing...the list goes on.

I am on Facebook now, for real and it's fun. I like to post in progress pictures there or little inspirational things a couple times a week. Oh and anytime I update on the blog it shows up there as well.
Flickr is going to be more a part of Blue Bird Sews. I like how it protects my images and allows for interaction with the flickr community and the Portland Modern Quilt Guild. I plan on using it differently this year so if you are on Flickr more stop by and add my contact there.

Have you been on Threadbias yet? It's a really great community of quilters and sewers. It allows you to track your projects in a way that organizes everything for you on one page and to interact with the other threaders on the site. I love the small community feeling. I have a few ongoing projects there you can find all in one place.
The other places that I am around on but not often is Twitter and Instagram (bluebirdsews). I just haven't clicked with the format but my blog posts & Facebook updates do feed to twitter and I have an Instagram handle...so ya; Whew! look at me go internet foot print the size of Paul Bunyan's shoe!

I'm curious about you dear reader! When do you take time to catch up on your blogs? What social media do you use most for your sewing inspiration and connections? How do you want to access Blue Bird Sews content? And once you're here what would you like to see in the new year? Any inspiration, how-to's or advice your wanting to hear?

It's my personal goal to make Blue Bird Sews thriving with quilting and crafting goodness and to keep it down to earth the whole way there.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing with me!

Cheers!
Kelly

This week...

2013-01-16T08:45:00.001-08:00

This week is a bit of a stand still because my sewing machine is at the spa for her week long vacation, aka tune-up. With the work horse gone I get to focus on cutting out a new quilt! Hooray! But I also have the Madrona Road Challenge to whip up by tomorrow night's PMQG! So I'll be borrowing a friends machine to complete that project, and fast!

Fabrics selected

But until my machine comes home I'll be cutting out the next new quilt, another sexy hexy love Amy Butler variation. A big red and orange flower for my dear friend and bartering partner who designed my new blog header. Went shopping for fabric yesterday and I am more in love with it now...and so is she!

Plans made.

I crushed it last weekend sewing on my WIP's! I even had a first finish of 2013 with the last of the vintage reworked quilts. I lurv it. I hope someone else does too, it's in the etsy shop waiting for a good home.

I also worked on the Cowboy wild goose chase quilt AND pressed open all my HST for my warm/cool QAL. Yep still working on that one...slow and steady. I reallly don't want it to end!

Earlier this month I wrote a guest post about WIP's for Quilter in the Gap. I'll be re-posting it here next week but I wanted to tell you I made a WIP spread sheet! I'm a dork! But it feels super cool to strike through those finished projects and add next steps. Yep, I'm a dork!

Until next time, enjoy your WIP's and don't let them stress you out! I'll be back soon with a little blog update about where you can find me and what I've been inspired by this week.

Cheers!
Kelly

Linking up with Freshly Pieced WIP Wednesday

Vintage Quilt Reworked Softly: First Finish 2013

2013-01-14T10:21:00.002-08:00

A finish! The first finish of 2013! And a big push towards completing the stack of WIP's! I took the whole weekend to sew and it was wonderful! It had been weeks since I sewed for delight. I was able to get in a groove and let time pass by while I free motion quilted, made binding and hand sewed it while hubby watched football.

I completed something. Something that had been waiting in the stacks of projects...waiting and a bit forgotten. But not anymore. I am smitten with this Vintage Quilt Reworked Softly.

The story of this monster quilt top that was vintage scrappy but a bit misguided. The colors were jumbled and the setting unimaginative. It was a quilt top with nothing to lose. So I cut. I hacked. I even threw out a couple blocks. And in the end it became more...three more to be exact.

Here is the pinkies in free motion quilted glory. Because that is the true star of this quilt. Quilted in an all over petal in petal design, almost like candle flames. Once I opened up the design and kept attention to the points matching up at the base it was heaven.

The fabrics used for the back and binding are also vintage found in a box of grandma's attic fabric and in my stacks from the stash. No bought fabrics were used in the making of this quilt. :-)
A proud first finish; because I feel like my skills can now match my style.
And it's listed in the Etsy shop here.

Cheers!
Kelly

Quilt it out...

2013-01-11T07:49:00.000-08:00

Another vintage quilt top project. This time Vintage Reworked Softly; soft pinks and soft quilted petals.

Working on perfecting a new quilt technique, retro paisley petals in an all over design. I need to keep my points sharp and open it up a bit to get the clean look I want. This quilt top is practice for my next project...a queen sized finished top from a client that is already basted and ready to go. It is beautiful! Wish me luck :-) I've got a lot of quilting a head of me.

I also want to work on this languishing WIP - top and back are done just needs to be basted and quilted and bound... haha - just.
And if that weren't enough for the platter I have a madrona road challenge to work on for next week's PMQG meeting & a custom barter sexy hexy love quilt to start on.
Oh January, keep the motivation coming!
What are you working on this weekend?

Cheers,

Kelly

A little bit of Everything

2013-01-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello There!

You may have noticed a few changes 'round here. The new banner above is AmazinG! I love the simplicity of it and the story it tells. I am so grateful to know a wonderful lady who does branding and design. The combination of expertise and creativity she has when it comes to making a logo that says what you want it to say is pretty cool. Find her on Facebook at Cocoon Strategy and Design.

So while this new blog thing is going on I thought what a great time to update some other aspects of Blue Bird Sews. Take a look at the new Tutorial Library. I'm happy to say there are a bunch new tutorials listed that were buried in the archives.

I still plan on revamping some things here and there. A few tutorials need updating and moving around. Since I started this blog I have changed my quilting techniques - I've learned a little bit more and want my info to reflect that. So please excuse the mess for a bit longer ;-).

I have been able to get in some sewing time this week -- after 3 long weeks away! And on one of my WIP's no less! This is one more variation on the Vintage Reworked Quilt. But this time in pinky girly colors.

I can't wait to get quilting it - I have 3 quliting projects coming up (including a comission!) and this is the perfect quilt to warm up with!

Cheers!

Kelly

Guest Posting Today at Quilter in the Gap: Get Those WIP's into Shape

2013-01-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hello All! Here's my new year wish for you: a house without a work in progress! New Year means New Goals and getting rid of those WIP's is always a goal of mine! You're gonna want to hop over to Quilter in the Gap today and read my guest post chalk full of information about getting and keeping those work's in progress quilts from taking over your world. Get organized, get to work and drop the WIP guilt!

Click Here to Read the Post

2012 in Photos

2012-12-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

Hello There! I have missed this space over the last few weeks! The Christmas time was amazing, seeing all sorts of family and friends put a spirited mood to my Holidays. I am really seeing how the excitement of presents under the tree gives way to the presence of those around the tree. That was the true gift of for me - the people I saw and spent my time with; but pretty pearl earrings also sweetens the deal ;-)

I sewed a lot. This is such a tip of the iceberg of what I have sewn, but these photos are of projects I remember making, that stuck with me through 2012.

So getting back to here, to now to Blue Bird Sews throughout 2012. I had a rainbow streak, finished lots of quilts and small sewn goods, put together a few tutorials and had a good time! I love keeping this space up to date with what is going on in the craft cave at the moment.

And I am really happy about the prospect for the new year. I have to look forward to a stack of new fabrics, a rearranging of my studio space and a renewed purpose for this blog & the direction for Blue Bird Sews Etsy. A revamp of this entire space is going to be getting underway so please bear with the shuffles, they will be worth it!

Thanks so much for joining me on this creative journey. I appreciate each comment and each read and especially when you get inspired!
Cheers to the New Year and Hello if you are stopping by from Lily's Quilt Fresh Sewing Day! Nice to have you!

Kelly

Holiday Booth Show Off + a tip for more business!

2012-12-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

Holiday Bazaars are F-U-N and also a lot of work! Schlepping all your stuff inside and then setting up and meeting the public is all apart of the 'circuit' as I like to call it! I have completed two markets so far - both super close to my house to get a feel for what it's all about.
And so far I am really enjoying it! Can you tell by my smile? I got to take home cash that night! Woo-who! For a stay at home mom with a student loan payment each month - this makes me very happy!

Here's a look at my booth set up for a holiday sale at a local elementary school. (My super cute booth neighbor took these pictures for me.) Which is another perk for me - meeting lots and lots of wonderful people. Again being with Baby J all day doesn't give me much adult chit chat time but I more than make up for it with the people shopping and the other vendors.

And that is what my little business tip is about - market yourself to the other vendors at the show. At the end of set-up time before the crowds came I went around to a bunch of the vendors and gave each one a business card and the offer of 10% if they came to shop with me. And it worked! I had one very nice lady buy a couple of items - we were both happy :)

These pictures aren't the best, I'm sorry! But it gives you an idea of all the things I had for sale! To much variety if you ask me...but like I said I'm still getting a feel for the market experience and I think I am making progress on what my future both is going to be stocked with.
-------
Since I wrote this post there was one more sale I participated in at the Jack London Bar in beautiful, but very rainy down town Portland. For this show I was able to give the table a bit more pulled together look. The handmade goods got organized at bit differently into sections and pared down.

The new layout makes more sense to my customer. They can now see all crayon/drawing related goods all in a row and my house wares section off to the side in the trunk where I used to put my larger quilts. Shows off the items better and people enjoyed looking through the colorful fabrics. I still brought quilts but only baby and lap size and hung them on a rack with the purses and baby onesies.

The scene was quite different than the elementary schools and I was able to relax more and just let people browse and chit chat leisurely. The other vendors had fun indie crafts all around. The most memorable was Aurora with her hand sewn, individualized, mis-understood monster ties. So awesome, so original I didn't even want to take a picture of the them and put them up on the blog!

The holiday market season was kind to me this year! I did well in my sales and I know where to focus my energies for next year. I think the time is sooner rather than later to start sewing crayon rolls and pot holders! That was one thing that about broke me this month -- all the sewing to keep up the inventory! Not a bad problem to have though!

Have you done a bazaar this season? Are you thinking about it for next year? Do you have a tip to share too? Leave us a comment, would ya?

Cheers,

Kelly

Fabric Christmas Tags: How-To

2012-12-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hello wonderful readers - I've got a holiday how-to for you today. This little idea came to me one day while brainstorming about what to do about tagging my own handmade merchandise. I wanted something that was simple, inexpensive, fast & added value to my brand and products.

This tag delivers! They will kick up your present wrapping and give each person a little memento from you. And I am pretty sure I struck upon an idea that can be applied to all types of gift giving. These Christmas themed gifts tags could be used at any time of the year by mixing up the fabrics and graphics. Easter would be cute, birthday's too the list is endless! What would you put them on?

So to start you'll need a few supplies:
Fabric Scraps:
1 piece 3" x 4"
1 piece 2" x 3"
1 eyelet
1 piece of ribbon/thread/cotton perle 10" long
Tools:
eyelet crimp-er
pinking shears
print out of Christmas graphics (download a file here)

1.) Begin by cutting out fabric with a pair of pinking shears or a pinking rotary cutter. Also cut out the Christmas graphics from the downloaded page. You can always find or create your own through sites like Google images or Pinterest. (I made sure to use graphics that were free to use) When cutting the graphics out from the downloadable page cut close to the bottom of the graphic and then leave a long white space above for folding over and securing to the fabric scraps.

2.) Next layer the fabric and paper pieces. Fold over the top ~1/2" of the paper to the back side of the fabric.

3.) Then take the crimping tool and punch a hole through all four layers. Do not try to attach the eyelet yet. I found that making the hole first, then putting in the eyelet is the best way to go.

4.) Once the hole is made place the eyelet on the male side of the tool and ease the fabric over the hole so that you can see the edge of the eyelet.

5.) Press crimpers together really hard! Mine are from like 1968 so I have to really squeeze to crimp it down.

6.) To finish take the 10" string of choice and fold in half, slip the folded side into the eyelet and weave through the loose ends and pull. Hooray! You've made a little tag.

I made these tags from my traditional vintage fabric in different prints. I like the scrappy look of them. Enjoy this little tutorial and have fun with friends and family for the holiday season.

Cheers,
Kelly