cyclone for Doris

she wrote a great tutorial...
she sent out fun fabric...
she introduced and inspired me to make something different.

(notice the wind exposing the paper backing of the block...yep, it's paper-pieced)

Her finished piece will be gorgeous.

shrinking my tush

I love a challenge. Jacquie has come up with a good one and I'm IN. Check it out at her blog.

This challenge is an easy one...I'm a huge addict of the runner's high. (Aka, the endorphins produced and released from exercise.) Running is a part of my life already, but this will motivate me to go further and push myself longer.

Thanks, Jacquie!

made me smile

blackberry bliss

breakfast for the past few weeks...

in the mail...

and another

Amy's...(this one was so fun to make and I loved the flexibility Amy gave us with the color choices) It'll be in the mail tomorrow.

catching up

Heather's...

Victoria's...

Jacquie's...(so fun and easy to make...I completed 6)

January Bee Block

Michele's block was a new experience for me.....very trying, but so worth it. I loved the finished product, but was sweating whether she'd like it. Turns out, she likes it! (Wiping sweat from my brow) Here it is....

quilting bee

It's been ages since my last post. I've been distracted by Life, but am in desperate need to spend some time creating and dreaming. Fortunately, I made the wise decision to join an online quilting bee in August. Doris, from Threads of Conversation, has been kind enough to organize and lead our group. She's a kind woman and I'm grateful for her invite.

The group is called One Block Over and our first featured quilter is Michele of Calico Daisy.

....it's a new start to a new year and loads of new projects.

size matters

He asked, "Why is it so small?"
My answer, "because I just wanted to try something new."
"But I can't snuggle with it..."
He wants to snuggle, I guess I'm a lucky girl. I love snuggles too.

t-shirt quilt

Completed a while ago, but pictured today.

I love these t-shirt quilts. They're so soft. They're perfect for soccer games and practices. Oh, and did I mention, easy to make? The current completed tally is 3, but I have piles of t-shirts waiting for their turn. I made a flickr set for them that can be seen here.

in progress

19 more needed, 17 are done.....just waiting for my mail to come.

This was initially going to be much larger, but now I'm thinking of keeping it small. 3 more blocks....that is all.

money well spent

Are there any recommendations for a stamp pad with fabric ink?

they're 3!

I know two princesses that were born on the same day. One lives in Kauai, my niece, and one lives here in California, my bff's daughter. Both were born to gorgeous, dancing mommies, so they are tiny dancers themselves.

I made them these to do some twirling in.....here's the tutorial. Thanks, Plumtickled! (cute name, right?)


They also got these....the tutorial can be found here. Thanks, Skip to my Lou....great tute. I filled the crayon rolls with non-toxic triangle crayons, so they won't roll off the tables in restaurants. They're so cute and easy that I'm thinking of changing the measurements and making a roll for my make-up brushes. I could use it when traveling. I'll be sure to post a tutorial if and when I get to making one.


Happy Birthday, girlies!
love, Auntie Autumn

beach house quilt

My hubby and I say we will retire on the beach one day. My beach house quilt will rest on his crusty old-man armchair that he's destined to own. It will be used for our grandkids when they visit. It may even keep my legs warm when we watch the sun set.

I'm 32, so I have years to complete it, but I just can't wait. I started it last night and am hoping to finish it soon.

My inspiration came from this quilt. I've admired it for quite some time. I visit the picture often, waiting for the right fabric. Lately I've been on a mermaid kick.

The tutorial for curved piecing came from this site. It was my first time using freezer paper for quilting. It's awesome and easy. My only additional tip would be to allow the fabric and freezer paper to cool completely, prior to removing the freezer paper from the block. Also, when the tutorial says to use MORE glue......use MORE glue.

Inhale....can't you just smell the salt air?

california is awesome

While in Kauai I had a moment, just a moment, of homesickness. In that short moment I realized how lucky I am to have spent my entire life in California. Even better, my kids are going to grow up in California too and it's my job to make them appreciate every day of it. True, I've had those thoughts, while on trips in other places, considering moving to other states, but California's bright sun and mild winters are my comfort zone.

Every year I promise to my girls that we will head to the beach as much as possible during their summer break. Then, we find ourselves running to and fro soccer practices, pool parties, movie theatres and never step on the sand quite as much as intended. This has been the year for us. I've taken every possible opportunity to make the drive to different beaches along Southern California, discovering new places that I've never been to. It has become an obsession for me. I will sink my toes in the sand of every beach along my part of California at some point in my life. I will know California and embrace my home state.

Summer of 2009 hasn't been a productive one for me, in terms of creating. My sewing machine is only getting use on occasion, but my skin is a golden tan and my hair is lighter. My boogie boards still have sand on them and I've been researching different surf classes for my girls and I.

Enjoy Summer. Find local parks to walk in and plan camping trips. Become a tourist in your city. Pick up pamphlets and see your state through the eyes of someone else. Teach your children about their local lakes and beaches. Love your home.

kauai, part 2

The fabric was wonderful.

happy 4th of july.

Wishing everyone
good food,
loud fireworks,
a margarita (or two),
and
some fun in the sun.

my part

Chen,

You said you like, "pink, green, blue and yellow"....and, "anything from the sea".
Then, I went to Kauai to visit this little girl.
Every time we saw a woman swimming she turned to me and said, "she's a mermaid."


I visited some fabric shops looking for "pink, green, blue and yellow", but kept thinking of "she's a mermaid". The perfect fabric was sitting at home, in California, in my stash. So, I picked up some fun flowers that reminded me of sea plants, but used my stash for the rest. The Amy Butler dots remind me of bubbles and the other Amy Butler made me think of coral. The other dots...more bubbles.

I hope you like it. I loved making it.


hugs from California,

placemat swap

Today I got a great package of goodies from my friend, Chen, of Mushyhed's Sweatshop. She's the greatest. Check out my awesome placemat! I told her I loved circles and circles she provided. What a great gifter. She included all sorts of fun stuff. I can't wait to listen to the cd......maybe with a glass of wine, while quilting. Good stuff.

I love looking at the other swaps in the flickr group. What a fun group.