Wonky house block

For part of my quilt guild we exchange pizza box quilts. It's a great time for us to challenge each other and make something out of our comfort zones.

One lady wanted a wonky house block. After googling some picture of a few I decided to tackle it. Hope she likes it!

Octagonal Orb Block

I'm not sure how many of you follow along to Oh, Fransson, but she posted a wonderful tutorial for an octagonal orb block on the Modern Quilt Guild's website. 

Here is my take at it.

I have a few unmatched seams, but for just playing around on my machine this morning I think it turned out well.

Weekend Projects

I don't know about you, but during the week I have no time (read: energy) to sit and work on a project. Normally when I'm at my desk at work I feel so motivated to go home and whip out a quilt top in an evening, but as soon as I cross the threshold of my house I shut down and stare at the couch knowing I'll be sitting on it in a few seconds.

This weekend I decided to work on some projects. My resolution for the year was to make a quilt for each one of my family members. The process is slow because I like to actually design my own quilt, rather than use a tutorial for one I see online. I made a nice stacked coin quilt a few weekends ago, but haven't had time to quilt it yet. I had a few fat quarters I needed to weed out of my stash for the next one. I used my accuquilt cutter to get some evenly cut square for my next project. I kept seeing tutorials for a disappearing 9 patch block. I think it turned out well!

New year, New intentions?

Wow, I'm the worst. I have so many wonderful ideas for starting this blog, yet I never seem to act on them! Hopefully that will change. I've declared this "The Year of Amber" and intend on following through! I'm trying to better myself in many ways, and at the same time challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone on a frequent basis.

One of my new tasks was to learn a new art. While I still love to sew and quilt, cross stitching is becoming my nightly routine. This is my latest project that I've finished:

Hermione, Harry, & Ron

 I'm proud of myself for learning something new! What is something you're trying to learn this year?

Long Time..

I guess you could say I'm full of good intentions. I wanted to start a sewing blog in order to get involved in an online community full of other crafters like me. I must not have the attention span made for this!

I've made a few projects since the last time I posted on here. Maybe one evening I can "catch up" on posting about it. I want this to be a digital scrapbook or portfolio of my creations, as well as a place to share the new things I'm learning.

I've joined a quilting guild here, and am happy to say that I'm enjoying it. The ladies are kind, and understanding of my beginning skill level. They also don't mock my having a Singer, while they're all sewing on computerized Janome and Bernina machines. One day, I might too. For now, student loans require too much of me.

Thanks for being patient. I hope I can get it together and have a wonderful site for folks to enjoy!

Value Quilting

I've seen many different quilt designs I've wanted to try out. This one takes the cake. I love the depth it creates.

Finished!

I started on this quilt for a friend a few weeks ago. It's a little lopsided, but that's ok! I will just have to plan better for next time.

Repurposed Picture Frame

If there's one thing I'm really good at, it's being frugal and cheap. I wanted a new jewelry cabinet to hang some necklaces in, but wasn't ready to pay $40+ for one. I found a clearance frame at Target for $1.49. It was a little beat up, but I think I liked that worn look for this project.

I took the glass out and covered the back of the frame using fabric glue. I then hammered a few nails through, and bent them up in the back. I embellished with a few buttons to give extra color and voila! A new home for my few necklaces!

It looks wonderful!

Musings of a Young Quilter

I'm quite new to the quilting world. I never touched a sewing machine until 2008 when I caught the crafting bug. It was a beautiful, robin egg blue, 1967 Singer. I found it in a dusty corner of a thrift store. It was the best $10 I spent after I graduated college. I started out making simple handbags for me to use, which turned into a tshirt quilt; which turned into aprons; which turned into coffee cup sleeves.. you get the picture.

I now own a much newer machine, and have been learning about all the new features! I want to join the quilting community and show just how much I am learning and enjoying this wonderful art!

Until next time,