Skinny Braids : :

Last night I started a new project that I'm really excited about today!



Back when my Love Story and Pat Bravo's Indie Folk collections arrived I cut a half yard bundle of both into narrow strips measuring 1"- 2.5" x wof, filling up a big basket next to my sewing machine. Since, I've been using them to make dozens and dozens of herringbone zipper pouch bags. This week I ordered more bag making supplies after I used up the last of what I had on hand and my basket of strips is still halfway full. I can't believe how many finishes I've made from this basket! I have a just a few bag left that I've added to my Etsy shop here -- Handmade Herringbone Bags



Yesterday I had the idea to use the strips to make a big floor pillow for my studio, using the friendship braid Quick Quilt As You Go that I used to make my recent Love Story & Indie Folk qayg quilt. I'll be sharing that finish on Monday, because first I have to share how much I love this braid pattern using skinny strips!

Can you image how amazing a quilt would look using such skinny braids? I plan to begin one ASAP!

I especially love the addition of the dark navy Aurifil quilting thread. Typically I don't add additional quilting when I qayg because the fabrics are already attached to the cotton quilt batting. Since this is a floor pillow that will get lots of use, I think the extra quilting will add some nice durability!



For my floor pillow top I made two skinny braid panels measuring 14" x 27" that I still have to trim up and sew together for my 26" pillow insert. I can't wait to see this project finished!



I'll be sharing both this pillow and the quilt that I recently finished & photographed using these pretty fabrics next week, so be sure to stop back!  xo Maureen

An Extra One : :

Yesterday our beautiful baby girl turned NINE! It was a busy weekday night, so we celebrated simply with a nice family dinner of her request - spicy chili, cheddar biscuits, and old fashion apple crisp! Almost every time we go out to eat she orders a side salad and a cup of chili, it's the funniest thing! There was a little bit of sewing for her birthday - a crown, of course! This year I had offered a new special Holiday Crown design and sale, and when Haila saw me sewing them up last week she asked if I could make an extra one for her birthday. Absolutely!



I love this shade of spice berry red! It's pretty and festive and is one of those colors that just looks good on everyone, don't you think? Adding in bright corals and red, dusty pink, and aqua blue made such a great color combination!



Our birthday girl loved hers and looked so beautiful!







My hope is that each of the little girls who will be receiving one of these crowns this year lights up like my girl!

♡ Maureen

A Soaring High Quilt : :

Last month I was privileged to have been asked to create a quilt for Cloud9 Fabric's Fall Quilt Market booth using Up, Up & Away, a collection by the amazing Heather Moore of Skinny laMinx! I shared a few peeks here & on Instagram along the way, and today I'm so happy to invite you all to enjoy the free downloadable PDF for my Soaring High Quilt!



This quilt is made up of thirty flying geese blocks, ten in each of the three colorways that make up the Up, Up, & Away collection -- Dark Red, Pollen, and Blue Moon.



I really love the back of this quilt! It's finished in a large cut of Cloudspotting, framed with more Dots & Spots in Blue Moon, and is bound in Dots & Spots in Smudge!



I sent this one off to professional long arm quilter, Melissa of Sew Shabby Quilting to quilt in my new favorite modern pattern, Take Five. She did an amazing job!!


This was our first ever attempt at beach quilt photos, it was a little dark at times from storm clouds rolling in, but it was pretty calm and oh, so beautiful! I truly can't wait to create a second quilt using this pattern, it was fun and came together super quick! A project that's definitely going on my after-holiday sewing list!! You can find Up, Up, & Away newly available at Pink Castle Fabrics! 

Thanks so much for stopping by today!! ♥  Maureen