We made it to the weekend! I did a little of this and that this week and tried to finish up some quilt tops hiding away in my closet.
In my post a couple of weeks ago I added a link to Lori's blog...and then I noticed she had a book out! I've been feeling stuck-in-a-rut with my quilting, so it was perfect timing. So this week I've been trying some new designs. Nothing too crazy, but still a little out of my box (so anything other than loopty loops!).
You can always tell which end I start on because the quilting goes from pretty horrible to pretty good by the end! If you need some new quilting inspiration I highly recommend this book.
I bought a great stack of fabrics from ilovefabric.com this week. They have an amazing sale section! Most of these were on sale...I have no plans for the globes but I couldn't resist.
I'm teaching on a quilting cruise next year! Come cruise with me! I was supposed to go last year...and then it was changed and rescheduled, and I got pregnant. Whoops. Anyways...come cruise with me! Info is here. I promise I won't get pregnant again and have to cancel. ;)
I started cutting a new project last night. I love starting new projects!
This girl is 10 months old. Where is the PAUSE button?!
I've had quite a few emails asking for a picture of the finished Star Wars quilt I made my son for Christmas (details in this post). This is about as good as it gets until it's not raining buckets outside everyday. It's super simple...just 8 ½" plain blocks and four patch blocks with four - 4 ½" cut squares. Make 44 four patch blocks and cut 44 plain blocks and lay it out into 11 rows of 8 blocks each for a quilt of 64" x 88". I didn't figure out fabric requirements but my guesstimate is about 11 half yards would be enough. Super easy!
Have a great weekend!
Ann
You make such colorful and beautiful quilts!
Karen
I love the green in the first quilt-and I especially love the Star Wars quilt. What a happy boy!
Lori
There is nothing better than cutting a new project. We had 5 days of no electricity a couple of weeks ago and I was a cutting machine for those days.
Rachel at Stitched in Color
I probably need to read that book about quilting. I am terrible about not trying new things with my quilting stage. At that point I just want to be done!
What a cute picture of your daughter! I can't believe mine will be like that in 6 months. What? They grow up way to fast.
Wish I could come cruise with you, lol.
jennifer ziehl vacca
How in the world is Jane 10 months old??? LOL, I love how happy big brother is with his Star Wars quilt, my 7 yo saw it and agreed "Mom, that's cool!"
margiestitcher
liking the quilting maybe I should check out the book but have about 8 in my stash and still unable to FMQ cannot get to keep the stitches all the same size, a lottery win would be good then I could get a bernina with a stitch regulator. Such a pretty little girl. I can see the love in your son`s eyes for his quilt. Some lovely new fabric too
Allison
I have a Bernina stitch regulator on my other machine...and I don't like it!!! It actually doesn't keep the stitches the same if you move too fast or slow at all....so you have to go very slow and the exact same speed to get the stitches the same length. My stitches are never perfect...you can always tell when I'm going around a corner and they get realllly long! It's fun though and a good way to clear my head! Thanks for visiting!
Judy Blinkenberg
Oh, how I would love to go on a cruise that you are on! It would be wonderful!! I bought a #72 foot for my Bernina, and then Bernina rulers. I am going to try some ruler work as we go rving. I will let you know how I do. Your little girl is growing up fast!! I know it's not fair! Have a great week, Alison. I'm looking forward to your fabric for my birthday in May!!
Allison
Oh do let me know how the foot and rulers go! That sounds like a fun new thing to try out! You have a great week too Judy!
Linda
Shoot, I've been following you since before you had your FIRST daughter! I can't believe SHE is as old as she is, much less the peanut being 10 MONTHS old!! That's like my kids, only they are all middle-aged or creeping up on it..... My "baby" is 33 now, and my oldest living son will be 51 in May, his younger brother will be 50, and it goes on from there!!! I'm still 18 on the inside, why am I so old on the outside?
I love your quilting! One of these days I will get brave and try your tips!
xo Linda
Allison
I hear ya Linda....I still feel about 20...and I'm turning 35 in a week, and somehow my kids keep getting bigger! It makes me enjoy every second knowing it goes so fast and I'm going to blink and my baby will be 33 like yours! Thanks for saying hello!
Tina
Gosh, you are the one that gave me a kick in the pants to get started on free motion quilting. Put my big girls blouse on a d hey predator, one finished and put in the show. Won no prizes but plenty of people commented on the cuteness of it
Allison
Ha ha I love this...I too am putting my big girl pants on and finishing some quilts myself. I know I'm the only one who cares if there are mistakes anyways right? Thanks for visiting!
Tina
Oops, a few oopsies in those remarks hahaha
Diane Lamb
Love your emails, your quilts, your blog! Your kids are adorable :) Happy quilting!
Rosemaryflower
Yes, your little Jane is growing quickly. You know there is no pause button, right? The only one I know is MENOpause. hahaha ---- uhm, that was supposed to be funny.
Anyway, My daughters are both late 20's and I am a gramma now. I still have my daddy with me and he is 93. I read there was a pill that is being developed that will be anti aging. I wonder at what age should we start taking it...?
Okay, on to the gorgeous quilting. I can do those simple things that you show. I have no time.
I have a machine in the dining room, set into the dining table between the leaves that open.... (?)
Anyway, no time. I have a stack of quilt tops.
I love the book, and I love the new fabric pile.
Your kiddos are beautiful. Family is my top priority in my mind.
Rosemaryflower
Just to add: Your quilting is exceptional. Mine is not nearly as neat and tidy.....
Allison
LOL I laughed at loud at your comment!!! Wouldn't we all love a little more time in our day?! We'd probably fill it up with more "stuff" to do even if we had it. ;) I leave my machine out all the time, so here and there for 5 minutes when I can sneak in and quilt a row I do it! Amazing how fast things get done that way...because there's never enough time to sit and sew for very long! Have a wonderful day!
Karen
I was really enjoying your post, and then I came upon the photo of the most adorable 10 month old. I immediately blocked out everything quilty and just basked in the joy of those twinkling eyes, that toothy smile and those too-cute-for-words pigtails. Well done post--but particularly your darling girl and your big boy, too :)
Allison
You're so sweet....she does have us all whipped with her little toothy grin!
sogalthoughts
Love it! And her!
rl2b2017
What a fun post! I have been collecting nine-patch blocks for a while - every time I make a bay quilt using them, I make an extra block for the drawer. I have about 20 of them, give or take. I love the idea you pictured with the green sashing in between the rows - that's just what I need to do to tie mine all together when I finally have enough for a quilt. Love the pictures of your daughter and son - how cute are they?! ~smile~
Allison
How fun! I love 9 patches...they are so versatile!
dispack
Awe, she is sweet and so are you! :) cute kids, great quilts...nice work there on both fronts! :)
Emily C.
Love the Star Wars quilt - my son would LOVE that!
bogeywogeybiker
I have been spray basting for years I use the wall. My husband put up some sort of tile that you can pin in and it does not pull out like just plain ceiling tile. I cover the floor and I pin up the back tight then I place then batting and then the quilt making sure everything fits then I fold back the quilt and the batting spray and pull the batting up and smooth then I spray and pull up the quilt and smooth. Repeat the process on the bottom half and voila your quilt is basted I have left quilts for weeks in that state before quilting them and it is still stuck. It does not gum up may needle, I free motion quilt on a table top long arm and I love 505 spray
Jessica
My 2 year old was sitting on my lap as I was reading this post and when we got to the Star Wars quilt, he yelled "Star Wars!". And then my 5 year old came running to see and asked if we can go there lol!! So...I think I might need to make a couple Star Wars quilts for them! :)