Quilters Unite for Boston

Boston holds a special place in my heart - it's where I went to college, met my best friends, fell in love, got engaged, and really learned all about myself. I could easily write an entire post about how great of a city Boston is, but suffice it so say Boston rocks.

Whenever crises or tragedies hit, the crafting community is always there to lend a hand of support and remind the people affected that they are not alone. And the tragedy in Boston is no different. I know of two ways that we can help.

1. to Boston with Love

This is organized by the Vancouver modern quilt guild. The idea behind "To Boston with Love" is for makers to bring a message of peace and love from all over the world to Boston. These flags will be strung into banners and displayed in Boston, hopefully by June 2013. 

This is a super easy project and can be made in an afternoon. 

For all the design details and information check out: http://vancouvermodernquiltguild.ca/blog/2013/04/to-boston-with-love/

2. Quilts for Boston

This is organized by the Boston Modern Quilt Guild. They are planning to distribute quilts to those who would benefit from a show of support. As such, they are requesting that people send in blocks that feature blue, yellow, gray, and white. They need to be 12.5" wide and can be any design you want. 

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at a new block design, this is the time. 

For all the details check out: http://bostonmqg.blogspot.com/2013/04/quilts-for-boston.html

Boston Strong!

April Bee Blocks: Flowers with solids

This month for the do good stitches bee, the lovely Evelyn requested some simple half-framed blocks. She wanted us to each start with a modern floral print and then choose some coordinating solids to go with it. 

For my first block, I used some of my coveted AMH fabric, which I was sad to part with, but I knew it was going to a good cause. I paired it with some cheerful solids from my stash.

For the second block I decided to stick with more cool colors and picked this lovely DS floral fabric I had in my stash from when I made my fall fan bag last year. 

These blocks were super easy and took no time to make (which is good for me since I've been so swamped with school recently I haven't had time to blog...or sew as much as I want to...bad!)

Sadly this is the only sewing I think I will get done this month since I have 2 final papers due on the 28th. Although if I finish them before the due date (I am the worst procrastinator) perhaps a trip to the fabric store and some quality time with my sewing machine will be in order...

Scrappy Trip Along Bee Blocks

Have you heard about the scrappy trip along blocks that were all the craze a few months ago? There is an awesome tutorial here you can follow if you'd like to join in. I wanted to be part of the "cool crowd" a few months ago when I first saw these blocks popping up on flickr and instagram...but convinced myself I didn't have time to start a new project.

Fast forward to March and the ever so talented Kelly (who has an awesome blog - check it out) picked this block for the Do.Good.Stitches circle I am a part of. I got to make a few scrappy trip along blocks AND sew for charity. Awesome, win-win for me!

I highly suggest you take a few moments and whip up a few of these beauties yourself, they don't take a lot of time and the beauty is you can use scraps if you so desire.

Spring Cleaning.

The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and the sun is shining...it must be spring. And around here, that means it is time for some serious spring cleaning.

I think I will start with my sewing studio. As you can see it is clearly in need of some TLC.

Yikes!

There is no excuse for this not-so-lovely mess...I do not have kids or a dog or any sort of pets or things that are known to cause messes. Confession: sometimes when creating, I'm just messy. Okay fine, more than sometimes.

Anyway, I think this will be an all day affair...or maybe longer depending on if I decide to tackle the not pictured closet full of fabric.

Easter Road Trip

Happy (late) Easter!

My husband I decided to take an impromptu road trip to Hilton Head Island for some much needed sand, sunshine, and salt water. As much as I love the beach, I do have to say I did find the seven hour drive there (and back home again) rather relaxing. There's just something about working on some cross stitch in the car while blasting music that makes me sit back and appreciate everything I have in life.