The Fundamentals

Yes, I've been away for a while... SEWING! If you can believe it :)

I was working furiously to finish my first official sewing pattern for a quilted messenger bag! This is a project that has gotten me really excited and I can't wait to share it with you. Well, let me rephrase that. I can wait to show it to you, since it's pretty late right now, but I will be thinking about it all night as I dream. Haha.

Here's a little sneak peek, since I can't help it:

In the meantime, why don't you check out this awesome post from Sew Mama Sew that came through my social media earlier this week? It's called the 12 Fundamental Quilting Skills, and is a collection of tutorials from various bloggers to get you started in your quilting education.

My next project

There's something about a new project that is so much more exciting than an old one.  My poor old projects get neglected for months at a time as soon as a new one joins the lineup.  And that's about to happen again.  I'm moving on to a new project and I'm excited to get going!

My next quilt is for this handsome guy:

He recently moved into a twin size bed in prep for the new baby and needs one of mama's quilts to keep him warm.

Quilt top fabrics:

Backing and binding:

Time to start cutting!

Speaking of cutting, here's a quick tip:

If your fabric is dark or has a distracting pattern, try cutting with the wrong side of the fabric facing up.  It is so much easier to see the edge of your fabric when you're looking at a white background, than when the edge of the fabric keeps blending with the mat or the ruler lines.

Can you see what I mean?  Makes a world of difference!

What's your newest project?  Do you have the same problem with neglecting old projects?

Fabrics Used:

Swiss Dots by the RBD Designers

Sunburst Stripe by Dear Stella (in navy and delft)

Speedster Sporty Dots by Riley Blake

Sphere by Brigitte Heitland for Zen Chic by Moda

Clown Stripe by Michael Miller 

Gingham by the RBD Designers

Bella Solids by Moda (in slate and steel)

Holiday Banners by the RBD Designers

True Colors Herringbone by Joel Dewberry

Autumn Woods Linen by Kate & Birdie Paper Co. for Moda

Color Me Happy Dots by Vanessa Christensen

?? A minty solid by Bonnie & Camille for Moda

?? A light gray bias stripe with no selvage information