traceyjay quilts

Cosmic quilt top in solids

2013-06-10T17:46:00.002-07:00

This quilt top is destined for my God-sister, as a gift for her college graduation.

I like it, but -- like always, am stuck on how to quilt it.

I really prefer piecing to quilting I think.

Right now I'm thinking of an echo or free motion loops in the negative space, and then a little straight line with black on the black stars???

#ifIwasoninstagram

2013-06-08T09:15:00.002-07:00

Yes I feel left out!

So I'm doing a pretend Instagram post. :)

If I was on there myself, here's a bit of what you'd see (from the last week or so):

Scarlet meeting my dear friend's new baby Emily. ♥ She was so sweet with her! It reminded me of when Steiger met Scarlet for the first time, and didn't want to share her with his grandmas.

Steiger falling asleep in his little chair after a big day playing and too many days in a row of staying up late waiting for Daddy to get home.

You'd probably see a close-up of his amazing eyelashes too.

You'd see what Scarlet could do with ONE hershey Kiss (that I gave her to distract her so I could finish the dishes)

And what she thinks when I put a youtube music video of a song she doesn't want to listen to at that particular moment. (She loves to watch music videos on youtube, but has very particular taste... this is how I get dinner ready during this crazy busy season).

Not much working on quilts to photo in the moment sadly, but I am trying to get this one done for my God-sister's college graduation gift.

And one more... an oldie, but a goodie. This photo is from the summer of 2008... This is my hubby, dad, sister-in-law's dad, and Grandpa Jim. My grandpa passed away yesterday morning, so I went and found this picture after the kiddos and hubby were asleep. ♥ We'll miss him, but I'm glad he lived a long and full life and is no longer suffering. We love you Grandpa!

WIP Wednesday - 6.5.13

2013-06-05T18:33:00.001-07:00

These pretty blocks will be going to a friendship quilt for a mama who is in the midst of some really rough times. A group of friends and I are hoping they will bring her some comfort!

The color inspiration was this palette from design-seeds. So pretty!
The block tutorial is from Elizabeth at Don't Call me Betsy.

I've also got these WIPs on my counter. I call it my "fermentation station." A few months ago, I learned about the benefits of lacto-fermented veggies, and good bacteria and am really enjoying it! And Scarlet LOVES the pickles and beets! (they're also my favorites). I've got yogurt culturing, water kefir grains fermenting, and pickles, beets, and sauerkraut going. The water kefir grains are amazing because they make this delicious sparkling soda drink that is much more palatable for me than kombucha. :)

Here's to good bugs! (Read more about lacto-fermenting here)

Linking to Lee's!

Chubby Stars top FINALLY!

2013-05-28T08:24:00.002-07:00

I am both really curious, and kind of frightened to go back and see how long this WIP has been a WIP.

I don't know if I want to look.

But I do LOVE the quilt top. ♥ So proud that after all this time I still really love this quilt. It's not as big as I originally intended, but it's awesome. And will be gorgeous on the couch or my side of the bed or in the stack of quilts that Scarlet will have to choose from for her bedroom. I'm working on the backing now and hope to finish soon! ("soon" being a very loose/relative term)

I am VERY open to quilting suggestions. Right now I'm leaning towards all over free motion loops.

For info on making your own, go here.

P.S. My apologies for being such a terrible Quilt Along hostess.

P.P.S. I'm destashing if you want to look. Hoping to add more listings here soon.

P.P.P.S If you'd like to vote for the Scrappy Sprouts quilt in the Blogger's Quilt Festival, you can go here.

Chelsa also wrote a beautiful post about receiving her quilt if you'd like to read it! ♥

Scrappy Sprouts for Chelsa - Festival Quilt

2013-05-15T23:31:00.002-07:00

My Blogger's Festival Quilt is the most special quilt I think I have ever made.
And absolutely a favorite.
It was made with the help of so many of you... so thank you. ♥ Here is the story of my Scrappy Sprouts Quilt, and a transcription of the letter that was mailed with it:

To my dear friend:

When I first read your story, my chest and stomach just clenched. I was sick with anxiety; trying to pray, but angry and scared. You had just come through so much; how could this be added to it? I really was angry. I especially prayed for you while I was in the shower... I wanted to do something to help. I couldn't really send you money, at least not much. I couldn't come visit. I knew though I could make you a quilt.
One day, while I was praying for you in the shower, this idea came to mind.
This quilt is my, "God... when I think of Chelsa and what she faced and is facing, I don't know what to say." This quilt is my prayer for you Chelsa... it says what I can't always.
These little sprouts are my favorite time in a garden -- they're so cute and new and growing... so much potential in those two little leaves.
They show my prayer for new life.
I did not like the helplessness I felt when I thought about those icky words like "incurable." So I gathered women to my cause, and they joined in sending love and wishes for healing, and in literally covering you. I got blocks from women in three or four different countries. They put tiny bits of precious little fabrics in these blocks -- pieces that are hard to find and out of print and hoarded like gold by quilters. They join my prayer.
I wanted to make sure the quilt was big enough you could share it with your love. We don't forget about you on this difficult road Matt.
And it's a rainbow -- the symbol of God's promise. And again -- my prayer for you. ♥

_______________________________

Specs for my quilty friends:

Fits well in the Group or ROYGBIV categories for Bloggers' Quilt Festival
a mini tutorial for folks who might want to make their own block is here.
The sashing is the yarn-dyed Essex in flax by Robert Kaufman.

The setting was part by design, and part by necessity. There were a few variations in the idea of a "scant" quarter-inch (happens when gathering blocks from 40 or so different people), but I think it made for a more dynamic quilt than if the rows had all been straight. I love the off-set. I was also quite pleased with a mostly even distribution of color, because I simply told people to make their favorite.

The quilting was done by Lindsay at EileenQuilts.com. The design is called Xanadu, and looks so organic and swirly. I love it.

The backing is the Summer Totem from Anna Maria Horner (and I think Steiger likes the back more than the front; he kept telling me, "the back is really nice Mommy.")

For binding, I chose an Alexander Henry stripe cut on the bias.

And of course, a special label.

A huge thank you to those who made and sent blocks. They are so special, and the quilt was all I was hoping it would be.

P.S. I'm extending the 20% off on patterns until I get back. Use code "springmarket"

WIP Wednesday - to market, to market...

2013-05-15T14:37:00.003-07:00

I leave for Market tomorrow!

I don't really know what to expect. I'm really excited and a bit nervous...

I've got about 2 hours for Scarlet's nap; do you think I can finish this?

It's the Bijou Bag from Sew Serendipity. I just a la patchworked it.

I want it to be my carry-on, but don't think I have time to get it done. I should just let it go... and fold laundry instead. Or pack.

Especially since Kelly sent me this adorable bag (that I'll be carrying all around)! (I'll have hubs take pictures of me with it tonight or tomorrow).

Anyway -- just saying hello! I am not on instagram (don't have a smart phone), but I will take lots of pictures and update when I get back with all the new and exciting lines coming out!

(And P.S. I'm so nervous to leave these little people! I am rarely away from them, and think I'm having some Mommy separation anxiety! I think once I get there I'll be great, but driving to the airport could be a little sad! Yes I'm a sap!)

Anything you especially want to see pictures of? Leave a comment and I'll do my best to get it up!

Hi!

2013-05-08T22:50:00.001-07:00

oh my goodness... it's that time of year! (planting season for those who might be new around here -- the number or hours my hubs worked last month is equal to the number of days in the year if that gives some perspective...)

I didn't get my "just three" post up for the month! Do you all want to keep going with "Just three?" My linky subscription expired, and they re-charged me, but I wasn't sure if I should ask for a refund, or keep going, or what... I have a few other ideas I want to start. So hmmm...give me feedback! If there are people who want to keep going, just let me know. I kind of liked writing up a short list of goals for the month. :)

Anyway. Hubs and kiddos are sleeping, and I wanted to say hello before I turn in myself. :)

I turned 34 yesterday. It was a pretty normal day mostly... though it is the first birthday in five years I haven't been either pregnant or nursing a baby, so I suppose that's a little strange. I think that realization made me a little sappier and more sentimental than usual (as if I'm not already those things in spades)... I do love those little people...

I'm also leaving for Quilt Market in a week and a day!

I hired Kelly to make me a cool handmade market bag, because sadly, I don't think I will have time. Poor girl, you should have heard me trying to tell her what I wanted. It was a bunch of indecisive nonsense that ended in "Just make me something that's pretty big, but not huge and have fun with it!" I trust her. :)

Hmmm... I'll close these ramblings with a little round-up list:

1 - Need to get binding on this custom order.

2 - This is the Version B quilt top of a pattern I'm working on... I'm calling it "Starcrossed," and it is figured up with two different block sizes and lots of bed sizes... I just wanted to combine two of my favorite quilty motifs -- the sawtooth star and Irish chain. The smaller stars version is done, and I need to quilt this one.

3 - My children get the priority of happy and sanity. So I change their clothes at least twice/day so they can play in the mud and hoses. And laugh a lot. It's been good for all of us.

Run Steiger Run!

Squirting Big Brother is FUN!

Good thing he's so strong and can take it. ♥

He is the best big brother... seriously...

_____________________

P.S. The sale on patterns is still going on! 20% off with code "SpringMarket"

Holler at me if you're going to Market so I can meet you!

Little Kisses pillow (and coupon code!)

2013-04-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

I've got this little pillow in Fat Quarterly's new issue: Modern Traditional.

It went to the lovely Crystal, as part of a swap we arranged.

You saw me working on it back here:

For the design, I re-sized my French Kisses pattern to make a good pillow size. And though I named it "Little Kisses," that is only a relative term. The pillow actually fits a 24" pillow form! But we like big pillows around here, and Crystal said they would too.

Crystal was part of a small group who managed to collect a charm square of every single one of Anna Maria Horner's quilting cottons, and she asked for a pillow to go with that epic quilt she has planned. Anna's fabrics from all her collections play so well together.

And look pretty on the couch too.

In a little over 2 weeks, I'm going to Portland for Spring Market, and I'm having a pattern sale to earn some spending money!

20% off everything, including templates, in my little pattern shop through May 15. Use code "SpringMarket" for the discount!

time to bind!

2013-04-25T22:20:00.000-07:00

These two quilts came back in the mail from Lindsay at EileenQuilts today!

I'm hoping to get a date with some good TV this weekend. ♥

Scrappy Sprouts.

and Penny Candy.

It's really too bad I'm such a terribly slow binding stitcher, and only have one episode of Once Upon a Time to catch up on...

Union Jack quilt for Ty (finished quilt and free block pattern)

2013-04-22T22:32:00.000-07:00

I got the quilt for this little guy done last week, and mailed it Wednesday morning. It arrived Saturday, just in time for his birthday on Sunday! *phew!*

Previous posts on this quilt here, and here.
Tutorial for similar quilt here (quilt size is different).
Free Union Jack block pattern in my Craftsy shop here.

This was a custom order for a little guy who is just a few days younger than Steiger. His mama is British, and wanted a Union Jack theme. We picked out some fabrics with an Anglophilic flair, and she said she wanted his name, and that flag in there.

I could not find a pattern I liked, so I made one. I think it really looks great in there too!

I re-sized my Bricks in Bloom quilt so it was a nice twin size, this was (64" x 88").

Rachel posted this picture of the quilt on the bed (by the way - I didn't make the sham), and I was so glad it fit so well!

She says he loved it too. ♥

I free motioned the quilt all over, except in the flag part.

For the backing, it's mostly a cute plaid print.

Hooray for another quilt finished!

_____________________________

My friend Lindsey just emailed me this picture! I LOVE the fabrics she used! (and am happy that the pattern works!) ;)

my Steiger is four.

2013-04-10T19:59:00.003-07:00

Today my little man turned four.

Last night, while Daddy tucked him in, he was asking "Will I feel different when I'm 4?"

Steiger, this is a little about you:

I bought you a wii game today. It is your second one. Your other one is Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga
This is LEGO Star Wars III The Clone Wars You danced around for five minutes while we loaded the game. You're jabbering on and on about "you know how I play the wii? It's Star Wars Clone wars! It's Clone Wars! You got me a new wii game! I haven't had a new wii game in all my life! I know Star Wars Clone Wars."

You don't hold back your excitement.

Yesterday, Scarlet was whining at me and pulling on my legs while I was getting breakfast ready. In not my nicest voice, I said, "Stop whining at me! I can't help you when you're whining at me!" You were in the living room, walked over to Scarlet, and gave her a big hug. I was instantly softened, and humbled. Thank you for loving your sister so much. You have been this way from when she was brand new, and it is a special answered prayer for me to see.

You go through cycles of testing your boundaries and powers of manipulation. Getting you to "fold" and put away your clothes the other day was a prime example of that. You worked to come up with every excuse you could about why you couldn't. Four time-outs and the collecting of your Bot-Shots and you finally tackled the job.

You're much more enthusiastic about other jobs. You feed the doggie every night. You help Scarlet fill up her water. You and Scarlet empty the silverware (she hands you the items; you put them in the right spot). You like to use the squirter while washing dishes. You love helping in the garden.

You give Scarlet, Mom, and Dad lots of hugs during the day.

You love to be tickled and thrown around by Dad.

You like getting Scarlet to say things after you.

When you dance, you shake your booty like a Latin ballroom dancer. (You just don't want anyone except your family to see).

You still love to go stay at your Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We recently started reading through the The Jesus Storybook Bible Collector's Edition Every night now you ask to read from your Bible Story book. After we read, you want to snuggle.

You give your sister a kiss night-night, and you both give the cutest pucker-up face... ♥

You love to play Star Wars outside. We go to "your hill" (which is a little ditch levee) and get those droids! (because we only shoot droids). Sometimes we're power rangers.

Words is your love language. You say things like, "Mommy, you're the best Mommy." and "I love you Daddy" and "Isn't Scarlet such a little sweetheart?" and "Mommy, thank you for making me such good things for dinner" or "Thank you for getting me a birthday present Mommy." You thrive on praise, and hand it out freely.

We took you bowling a few days ago for your little birthday party. You told everyone what a great job they were doing. My heart was beaming.

You wanted to ride in the tractor with Daddy today. You stayed with him for about 4 hours before I came to get you. You really looked like his miniature, with your "work shirt" and "jeans" and hat.

You know 23 of your 26 letters - M and W still give you trouble, and I can't remember what else right now; we'll have to check again tomorrow.

You're great with numbers. I didn't even teach you the digits, and one day you just read them to me.

You want everything quantified... how many minutes, how many bites, how long something takes. It does make me batty, and I'm hoping it's a stage.

You sleep in your big bed, but occasionally sneak in and lay on the floor next to our bed, or climb up next to Daddy.

We finally got a little table to eat on (since Mommy's sewing set-up takes up where the dining room table used to be), and you love it when we all eat dinner together "as a family." You actually love it when we do anything all together as a family.

Steiger, I tell you my "secret" every day that you are my favorite little boy in the whole world and I love being your mommy. You are a JOY. Truly. Your heart; your love; your spunk. Four years old, and still, after you're in bed, Daddy and I talk about your antics and quirks and spirit and how blessed we are with you in our lives. And since you would ask how much I love you - it's bigger than the whole sky.

And you would say you love me the same.

Happy Birthday my sweet boy.

Hello.... Happy Mail.

2013-04-05T15:55:00.002-07:00

The mailman was good to me the last couple days. ♥ ♥

I don't know what it is about this line exactly, but I couldn't get it out of my head. It's called Hello Gorgeous (by Iza Pearl for Windham fabrics), and I just liked it. And had to have some.

I had no specific plans with this line, but the colors were so pretty, and I like the flowers.

I thought worst case, they'd make cute clothes for Scarlet.

I haven't quite finished this (it still needs something for the bodice), but I added this little ruffle to a t-shirt for Scarlet (she's tall for her age, and when she bends over, her shirts come up too high, ruffles solve this problem).

Tutorial coming soon! I already took the pictures!

Still trying to decide what to do with the top. I was thinking of appliqueing one of the big flowers on there, but am worried of what else it might resemble. :-/ So maybe I'll do something 3-d or something. It'll probably need a hair bauble too.

I got my Hello Gorgeous from Sprightly Fabrics (coupon code 'Welcome' for their new dot com site!) and Beth at Stash Modern Fabric.

While I was at it, I added a few of these Art Gallery blenders (also from Sprightly Fabrics).

I got one more piece of happy mail today.

These are some promotional copies I got from the Editor of this magazine.

They've decided to give me a go as an assistant pattern editor. (!!!!!)

I've got started on my first couple patterns, and it makes me feel smart and a little slow at the same time. But I usually end up feeling smart by the end so I think that's good. I'm really excited. And SO grateful! And still pretty much in awe that I have an official "job" in something quilting related!

And no, I still can't believe it. :) I just hope I can do them proud. (and P.S. -- even though a lot of the patterns in here might be done in different fabric choices than I customarily make, there are some awesome designs! And it's really a great deal for a lot of patterns. The paper is shiny too if you feel like checking it out. They also give you access to all their past digital copies when you're a member, which is pretty cool!). ;)

I'm going to leave you with an excerpt from the new editor, Michele Duffy (some of you might know her from here) that makes me really excited to be a part of this magazine. After she gave some great analogies about people like Renoir, Picasso, and Klee and their styles, she summarized with this: "We are a textile art community and, as such, have the choice to honor, respect, support, and encourage one another, even when we don't hold the same opinion or style... In the end, we are all quilters, we are all artists, and we all create from a place within ourselves..."

I just really like that.

(and I hope it was OK I put it here Michele! I'll ask next time, but you're 3 hours ahead of me, and hopefully not still at the office!)

Easter sewing

2013-04-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

Just Three is going through this week -- link up your goals for the month! ♥
--------------
Around 10 p.m. Friday night, I decided Scarlet needed a Mommy-made Easter dress.

Around 10 p.m. Saturday night, I decided Steiger and Scarlet needed Mommy-made Easter baskets.

For the dress, I used the little Sugarplum top from SeeKateSew,

and for the Easter baskets, I used Nova's Nesting fabric bowls.

_____________________

Dress specs:

Fabric - the sweetest, prettiest, most feminine pastel goodness double-gauze from Nani Iro's little letter collection. She will continue to get the sweetsiest things I can find until she is older and can voice her own opinions.

I made size 2T so she'll be able to wear it longer as a tunic type shirt. I used a length between the top and dress length.

I'm not a huge fan of the ribbon closures at the neck -- I think I'd prefer a button, and will modify it if I made another. The design of the dress is really sweet though, and thankfully, it came together quite easily.

And Scarlet was too precious in it. I squealed at her most of the day.

Looking out the window:

Easter egg hunting (with her coordinating basket!):

(Daddy still makes her look so small!)

She loved carrying her basket around. (was very possessive of it in fact)

I tried to get a picture of her with her brother in front of the Lady Banks roses... this was how it went:

(herding cats I tell you)

Steiger (who turns 4 in a week!!!) got a globey-type basket made with Out to Sea's map panel print.

The Nesting bowls pattern made these super simple -- Nova has size options, measurements, and a visual for how to add a handle. I have mental deficits when it comes to the area of spatial awareness, so I appreciated the clear instructions! Makes me want to whip up a set for my scraps... one day that is.

I was really proud to give these hand-made touches to my babies' Easter. Even if it meant I got behind on a couple other obligations... what good is it to have a mama who sews, if she doesn't make things for her own babes after all?

I hope your weekend was blessed...I listened to this song over and over while sewing, made it even sweeter.

When all of a sudden,
I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory,
And I realise just how beautiful You are,
And how great Your affections are for me...

April - Just Three!

2013-04-01T21:40:00.000-07:00

Here's my monthly report and goals!

March's goals:

1) Make a baby quilt. They're my favorite -- I have many WIPs to finish, or a new one to start. This little bundle of Les Amis is calling me.

Not quite what I had in mind, but I did manage to whip up a little baby shower gift for my cousin. And I used Les Amis. But I finished it at midnight, and didn't get a nice picture... thankfully Steiger held it up for this one. :)

2) Finish the Union Jack quilt for Ty.

The top is mostly pieced, and I got this great Union Jack focal block made! (free pattern coming soon)

3) And these three! These quilts are all going to Lindsay at Eileen Quilts (at some point, you just realize they're not going to get done without a little help -- thank you Lindsay!) She is donating the quilting for Chelsa's Scrappy Sprouts -- so sweet of her! ♥ I am so looking forward to sitting on the couch and binding these. :)

I got this one back, and am working on the binding still. But it's GORGEOUS. So Gorgeous. ♥

Thank you Lindsay!

Sad that this is all I can show of it for now...

____________________________

For April:

1) Write up a new pattern (actually, finish one that is in the works)

I'm writing a pattern for this pillow cover right now -- it will be in the next Fat Quarterly. But I want to get another one done too!

2) Start my new blog linky series (I'll give you more information soon!), but it's going to be a chance to all blog about the same topic, and you'll have plenty of notice on the topic, and all that... :)

3) Finish an old WIP. I really want to get these done... but seem to be lacking in time or something...

Thank you for playing along! Happy April!

WIP Wednesday - pretty pillow in progress

2013-03-20T14:30:00.003-07:00

This is what the top of my sewing area looks like right now.

Just like this actually.

This pillow will be going to the lovely Crystal. And bless her for her patience. She sent me some lovely sewing seeds fabric months ago as the other half of the swap.

But since it's even prettier in person than in this picture, I don't think she'll mind.

Linking to Lee's.

P.S. Thanks for all the thoughtful responses to my ponderings last week! I'm replying to the emails, but slowly...

all quilters welcome.

2013-03-10T22:31:00.000-07:00

Every now and then, a little controversy blows through blog land.
I usually stay out of it. In the past I've been pregnant, or with a new baby, or just too busy with the stuff of life to chime in. Or I'm not on Instagram and I miss it.

But the quilt blog world is a small place (part of its charm in my opinion).

The other night my dear friend posted about how her quilts were received at Quilt Con (which I didn't go to -- I'm a stay at home mom and just can't justify gallivanting off to expensive things like this even if they sound fun). I didn't enter any quilts. I think I was trying to keep up on my laundry or something when the announcement came around. But I read my friend's post, got defensive for her (I am nothing if not loyal), and then got thinking. And I did a bit of exploring. And heard a few rumors about how the show was judged and how it ~~didn't~~ work(ed).

I re-read the comments that were given back to my friend on her work, and I was frankly flabbergasted. Then in the comments, I read that her experience was not unique and I was frustrated. Not because I think that I am a qualified quilt judge (not at all!) but I was disappointed for another reason that I'm going to try to explain here...

I was a high school English teacher before my son was born. I made it my personal crusade to try to teach my students to write. I doubt very many of you have ever tried to teach high school students (from a small farming community, half of whom learned English as a second language), to create a cohesive piece of academic writing, but it is exceptionally challenging. I judged every draft of my student's work. My feedback was definitely not all positive, but it was constructive, and it gave them a chance to improve, and after meeting with me or reading my grading notes, they felt confident to bring me their next draft until it met the goals of the assignment.

Because I live forty miles out of town, and have two small children, I do not belong to a quilt guild. There is an active traditional one in a nearby town and one day I plan to join it. I've thought about starting a modern one, but due to the aforementioned factors, I let it go for a thought down the road (I really was just wanting to find more local sewing friends! It is so nice to sew with people in real life!)

But now, this little "modern quilting" judging hub-bub has got me feeling a bit reactionary. I used to see myself as a modern quilter, when their definition sounded like this:

..."Modern quilting is sometimes difficult to define because in many ways the definition is as individual as the quilter - changing from quilter to quilter. In addition to reflecting the individual personality and personal style of the quilter, it also reflects the current aesthetic of the day. Modern quilting is also about the attitude and the approach that modern quilters take. It respects the amazing artistry and talent of the tradition of quilting, while allowing the quilter to challenge the "rules". In fact, if there were one rule in modern quilting, it would be that there are no rules. The concept of modern quilting is not meant to divide or segregate. It is meant to welcome new quilters, of all ages, to the world of quilting in a style that they can relate to. In many ways, modern quilting takes us back to the basics of the early quilters, when women of the day used the colors and styles of their time to express themselves creatively.

or this:

Modern Quilting is a twist on traditional quilt. For each person this may have a different meaning. For some it is modification on the methods or materials they use in their quilts. For others it maybe the use of modern fabrics. Others may believe it has to do with the look of the quilt or a way of sharing the art of quilting. Around the internet you can find many definitions of modern quilting... Our guild is accepting of all members definitions of what a modern quilt is and what modern quilting means to them.

But now that it is this...

We define modern quilts as quilts that are functional, include bold colors, and are inspired by modern design. Minimalism, asymmetry expansive negative space, and alternate grid work are often a part of modern quilt compositions, as are improvisational piecing and solid fabrics.

...I'm out.
Too narrow of a definition for the range of quilts I like to make.

Though, perhaps an even better idea than distance, would be for the rest of us to take back the old definition.

All quilters welcome here.

P.S. I originally didn't know who the judges were, and still don't know them, but I am familiar with some of their work. I think they're talented women with much to offer the textile/craft world. I just think the way the comments were done left much to be desired.

oh I know Jack.

2013-03-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

- still time to link up to this month's "Just Three" goals (I was a little late)...

I've been working on a custom quilt for a little guy who's Steiger's age.

I drafted this Union Jack, and it will be a focal point on a modified Bricks in Bloom type quilt in a twin size.

It took a bit of ripping, and a few re-starts, but I got it! (though the red is a bit thin)

I paper-pieced the outer quadrants, and had to draw my lines on the back to stitch -- knowing that, would you all like a copy of this pattern? I'd have to clean it up a bit, but would be willing to share.

And a big thanks to my Steiger for holding the block for a picture. :)

March - Just Three!

2013-03-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

Hi!
It's already been March for a few days! (can you believe it???)

February was not terribly productive for traceyjay quilts. Steiger and Scarlet were each sick for about 3 weeks out of the month. :(

BUT - say it with me... "it is what it is."

Last month's report:

1) Hmmm... I am thinking I want to finish my Chubby Stars. I feel like it needs to be on my couch. If not that quilt, then another old WIP. Maybe if I do one/month I will get them all done this year. :)

Penny Candy is on its way to the quilter finally! Does that count? ;)

2) A couple little swap gifts -- I am making a pillow for Crystal, and a surprise for some of my quilty ladies who will be gathering without me (darn high cost of plane tickets!)

I made a cute bag for Angela! And I'm working on Crystal's pillow. :)

3) A super fun quilt that uses these:

I got this quilt top done! Also on its way to the quilter!

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March's goals:

1) Make a baby quilt. They're my favorite -- I have many WIPs to finish, or a new one to start. This little bundle of Les Amis is calling me.

This is a card for my friend I made for her little shower. They didn't peek, so this card was to tell her she'll get her baby's quilt when baby arrives.

hey -- in a month like this one, even little sewing "counts" ;)

2) Finish the Union Jack quilt for Ty.

These are the fabrics I'm using.

I drafted this Union Jack pattern, and was so proud of myself for paper piecing it, but it didn't match my pattern for some reason??? So I have to try again unfortunately... (sadly this segment doesn't line up with any of them on the flag, and since the friend I'm making this for is actually from England, I thought I would fix it)

Thanks for linking up! Sorry again about the late post!

a little swap with friends

2013-02-25T22:24:00.000-08:00

Oy!
It has been a week (or so!)

We got hit by the tummy flu. It was brutal. First time the kids have had a bad tummy bug, and they got hit hard the poor sweeties. ♥

That, and a bit of a health journey I'm on (hoping to blog more about it soon!), have taken up the majority of my sewing and blogging time. (I have pickles on my counter fermenting right now).

BUT -- I got a little done.

I have a group of dear friends who got together in Atlanta this past weekend, and though I didn't get to go, they did include me in their gift exchange...

I sewed a little bag. (Pattern is in this book: Fabric-by-Fabric One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Projects Using Cottons, Knits, Voiles, Corduroy, Fleece, Flannel, Home Dec, Oilcloth, Wool, and Beyond)
I love this echino blue polka dot! This went to the lovely Angela. She loves blue, and classy styles. And I thought the pleats were cute.

And though I screwed up the gussets on the little pouch, I hope it still works! (I figure she can give it to Caitlyn to use) ;) That was my prototype, but I didn't have time to make it again sadly!

Kelly sent me a package of a cute, cute bag and little pouch. They suit me perfectly, and the little posy fat quarters are my favorite color right now. Thank you friend! ♥

Before the next gathering, I need to sell some quilts or something... it just stinks to have bosom friends who are so geographically far away!

The ladies called me while they were opening gifts and included me in the exchange (sweet, huh?). I can't lie -- I started tearing up partway through. My heart still aches a little that I was so far away...

Anyway - Hi to all of you! The kids finally had a little bit more of an appetite yesterday and today (hallelujah!), so we are close to back to normal! I also got out of the house yesterday for the first time since last Saturday. Grocery shopping never felt so good.

(I've also listed a few destash items - if you want to take a look).

my little lady

2013-02-07T22:21:00.001-08:00

She is sixteen months old today.
And we spent our morning at the doctor to make sure she didn't have an ear infection. I was relieved that her two week grumpiness has just been a cold and the fact that she has cut 6 teeth in the last two weeks, with two more swelling up her little gums. (yes... poor baby/poor mama).

BUT -- last month, when she turned 15 months old, I was remembering when I talked about her brother at the same age, so Scarlet baby, this post is for you...

Thank you for the quilt Amanda! We LOVE it!

You dance. You shake your arms, pump your fists in the air, and try to shake your booty. You (and your brother) both love Gangman Style. :)
You snuggle in so cozy when it's nap time and bed time. It has been mama's favorite time of the day the last couple weeks, and reminds me of what a sweetie you are. You fell asleep on my chest this morning while I was trying to keep you quiet so Daddy could have a few more minutes of sleep.
You go crazy for bananas. I have to hide them, or you'll see them on the counter and throw a fit if I don't give you one. Even if you've already had two for the day. You're trying to say "nana."
You are SO in to books lately as well. You grab them, bring them over, and plop yourself on one of our laps.
You suck your thumb and hold a blankie when you're tired. Your grandma tells me that your mama did the same thing. ;)

You do a "boo boo lip" and "shaky face" on command.

If I shower when you're awake, you like to open, and slam the door. You crack up when I say "whoa!"
Your best word is "uh oh." You say "mama," "Daddy," and try to say "Elli," and I think you try to say "Steiger."
Your hair is so wispy. And blonde. I'm still surprised by how blonde you are!
You love Elli. She is so good at putting up with you when you "pet" her, or pull her tail, or take over her bed.

You can be quite animated, and walk around saying "whoa whoa whoa whoa."

You understand A LOT. I can give you directions, and you follow them (unless you're in one of your diva moods.) But normally, you love to help. I often can't keep up with all your helping and trying to figure things out, and I'll find you doing something like this on your own. You've been known to put dirty silverware away, or fill the washing machine with a new load. :)

You are a mama's girl. You still love to be worn, and you scream at anyone who you perceive as coming between us. Even your Papa.

You're pretty good with a light saber (aka swiffer handle). Steiger calls you his Padawan.
You're tall for your age (97% a couple months ago!). You did not get this from me.
You like to put on your brother's shoes or slippers and wander around the house proudly.
You've discovered babies.

You think burping and tooting is hilarious, and try to imitate the sound. And then laugh.
You learned to say "please," this week.
You are enthusiastic. And it shows.

Scarlet, you make all of us smile. Every day. And as Steiger would say, "We love you more than you know." Your fresh little face, and sassy little steps, and tender little needs, and tenacious little spirit, and joyful little heart sure make me blessed to be your mama. ♥

sprucing up. (and last day of sale)

2013-02-04T04:00:00.000-08:00

Reminder: you have a few more days to link up with February's "Just Three" goals!

Bummer about those Niners, huh? I suppose two huge comebacks for two games in a row was asking a bit much... During the game, I was able to get all my template sets organized to ship, and a new quilt laid out at least, so it wasn't all a loss. :)

And I updated my blog header.

Not a huge change --

This was the old one:

It's also the last day to get all patterns and acrylic template sets on sale (also on Craftsy). 20% off through Monday! A great big thank you to those who placed an order... I'd like to say I am doing something glamorous with the proceeds, (you know, like buying fabric), but it's being reinvested in to what I hope can be a growing little business one day. Everything is definitely in the just starting out phase, but a girl can dream! So thank you! I really am grateful! ♥

I've also been listing some destash items if you want to check those out!

February - Just Three!

2013-01-31T23:28:00.001-08:00

As 2012 was winding down, I had considered having a little "Finish by February" blog event, in which I listed my old WIPs that I wanted to finish. But now I'm glad I didn't! Because it's already February, and my to-do list is NOT shrinking.

So last month's report!

January's goals:

1) Something old -

I published my Cosmic pattern! It took a lot of brain work, but became something I'm really proud of.

I am running a promotion on all my patterns (they're all 20% off right now), with a really good deal on the pattern and templates bundle. It will run through Monday, February 4 if you want to get it on sale.

2) Something new -

I've got a new design I'm playing with, that I'm having fun doing... using these fabrics. When I was pulling them, I didn't realize they were such a rainbow. The palette was inspired by Pantone's color of the year and some of their Spring 2013 colors.

I finished this quilt and have named it Starcrossed. I will show it to you soon!

3) Chelsa's Scrappy Sprouts.

I'm so excited about this one. Thanks to so many of you, I have all the blocks, and I was organizing them the other night, and need to find a lay-out. But trust me -- they're so cute!

My backing fabric came for this today, and I seriously do not think I could be happier with how it turned out. I want to send it for Valentine's day, so perhaps I will be quilting while the Super Bowl is on (though I doubt it, because I am a Niners girl) :)

Overall, I was really happy with this month's progress. It felt like real progress -- part fun, part business, and part generous.

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February.

2) A couple little swap gifts -- I am making a pillow for Crystal, and a surprise for some of my quilty ladies who will be gathering without me (darn high cost of plane tickets!)

3) A super fun quilt that uses these:

This quilt is a complete fabric love project, and totally indulgent. But tricky to do without a baby girl who is willing to leave Mommy's fabric alone. I might have to leave the house for a day or so to get this one done!

OK. Rules.

1) Pick three goals or priorities for the month (overachievers are welcome, just don't rub it in to the rest of us) ;)

2) Make a blog post about it.

3) Link up here, and please mention you're linking here or add a button to your post (buttons are over there; you might have to scroll down ------>)

Go visit the other reports! They're fun!

Link up!

(p.s. I apologize for all the repeats of pics in this post; I realized I have nothing original, and maybe *maybe* I will remedy that in the morning.)

All stages of WIPs

2013-01-30T14:54:00.000-08:00

First up --

All my patterns and templates are on sale for 20% off until Monday in my little pattern shop or on Craftsy.
I also still have a giveaway going for my Cosmic pattern and templates bundle. If you'd like to enter, go here!

Yesterday, Krista at Poppyprint Creates blogged the Cosmic star block she made, and let me borrow her picture. She used Lipari shot cottons, and different colors, and her results are quite stunning (not to mention her points; I can't tell you how relieved I was that the templates worked for someone other than me). ;)

photo: Krista at Poppyprint Creates

It's quite a different look than all one print, and so inspiring!

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Now for the rest of my WIP report! I've got one day left this month to finish my "Just Three" goals!

Still though, I find myself going in quite a few directions...

In the almost completed stage, I've got just a few more inches of binding left to stitch down on my "Starcrossed" quilt!

I'm piecing a stack of soft and pretty star blocks from Fig Tree's new Avalon line.

Something new - I've pulled a new stack and started diagramming! The palette was inspired by this super cute book that Kelly sent me!

Linking to Lee's! :)

Cosmic!!! Pattern is ready

2013-01-28T21:39:00.001-08:00

I did it.
I got my Cosmic pattern ready!

This is the front cover.

I posted about this quilt way back during the Bloggers' Quilt festival, but was stalled in publishing the pattern with the prospect of needing to learn a new software program. But bit by bit, I got it put together in to something I'm quite proud of.

This design features a large, graphic block that is part arrow and part star. I used Laura Gunn's Cosmos fabric, because I thought the large scale blocks would complement the artwork in her fabric. I love that this block would be good for large scale, focal prints, because sometimes you don't want to cut them in to little tiny pieces.

If you look at the back cover, you can find all the fabric requirements to make one of your own.

Included in the pattern are fully diagrammed cutting and piecing directions, full size template pieces, and a coloring page for planning (who doesn't love a coloring page?) There are no 'Y' seams in the construction of this block, and the piecing uses a combination of regular rotary cutting and cutting from templates. I have a small and full set of acrylic templates available if you would like working with acrylic more than paper. The templates are clear, laser-cut, and labeled accurately. (Templates will be shipped early next week).

Here is a shot of them, (as well as a peek at a new pattern I'm working on that uses one of the large templates.)

To clarify the templates:
- The large set includes all four of those templates shown above, and the red and gray pieces shown below. There are two large kind of house-shaped pieces, and two smaller notched triangles.
- The small set only includes the two smaller notched triangles (shown in red, which are nice to have a template for).

The pattern includes all the full-size paper templates; you only need these if you prefer to cut with acrylic.

So there you go!

Cosmic.

You can find the pattern here in my pattern shop, or on Craftsy. :)

To celebrate this new pattern, I'm offering 20% off all my pdf patterns, through the end of the month. I'll also discount the pattern/acrylictemplate bundle by 20%.

If you'd like to enter to win this pattern and full set of templates, tell me what fabric line you'd make this quilt with or a favorite song you like to work out to. Or find a fun way to entertain me. Followers get an extra entry if they leave an extra comment (and no word verification here folks... no sirree). If you buy the pattern, and then win, I'll refund your purchase. :)

Linking to Fabric Tuesday!

Scrappy Sprout Quilt Top

2013-01-26T11:41:00.001-08:00

I got my Scrappy Sprouts quilt top done!

And it is just what I was hoping for... I love it so much that it's going to thrill me and hurt to give it away.

Though I'm not sure how to quilt it? Suggestions?

I went with an Essex yarn-dyed linen blend in flax. I think it was the perfect complement to the backgrounds on the blocks, has great texture, AND meant that I didn't have to create scrappy sashing. I love how it turned out (and again -- this is why I have a stash).

The kids love it too.

Seriously, this happens every time I lay down a quilt or quilt top.

If you are wondering more about this quilt, or measurements for making a block of your own, you can find more info here. Thank you again for all those who helped in making this blessings quilt!