Chubby Stars top FINALLY!

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

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...

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!

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!