Little Folks Garden Quilt Progress: :

Yesterday I shared a little of this quilt's story. It is the very first quilt I started, in the Summer of 2010. I had BIG plans! Keeping with the flower theme of Anna Maria's Little Folks Collection, I started making yo-yo flowers to applique with lots of hand stitched details.



I enjoyed what I was doing and was thrilled with the reaction I received here when I first shared my work. I was motivated to keep going, but quickly the reality of working on a project that required so much handwork, right smack in the middle of our Summer took hold. And so, my first quilt was carefully tucked away in a basket that rested above my voiles. Until now!



I'm still happy with the work I did, but know I've learned SO much since I started this quilt. I am gaining confidence in my quilting each week and even though I clearly have more than enough projects going to keep me plenty busy, I think this one is in need of some love and attention, too. SO, when I had the idea to add a giant yo-yo flower just like the one above, in the very center of what I had so far -- I went for it!



And it was really fun! Like all yo-yo flower making is. Doesn't it look like a huge cupcake liner? In comparison to my other yo-yo's, it's big!



It took me a second to figure out how I was going to stitch it to the quilt top (too much hand stitching is out of the question for me right now) and once I did, it made me smile. Like all yo-yo flowers do!





I will be adding more yo-yo flowers, it is a Little Folks Garden Quilt after all, but for now I'm going to slowly add some floss stitches when I can.



If any of you are curious or interested in a tutorial on making and/or adding yo-yo's to projects like this, small or large, I'd be happy to add it to my list of future tutorials in the works, just let me know! If you love these fabrics, you can find some of the Little Folks Collection still available in the shop of my sponsor Pink Castle Fabrics. 

 ** Friday's Giveaway Update ** Since Katy never came forward to claim her bundle, a new number was drawn by Mr. random this morning and comment #45, Judi was chosen! Congratulations!! I apologize to anyone this might upset and will make certain that the winner can be reached prior to me announcing it here from now on.

p.s. Tomorrow I'll be having a new fabric giveaway in celebration of my two year blog-iversary! Here's a peek. Be sure to stop back!!

Symmetry Quilt : :

Oh did it ever feel great to finish this quilt. My very first finished quilt. Yippee! I took a hundred photos to celebrate. Wanna see...

Here's a full shot. I used my widest washi tape to hold it to the wall. The I jumped up on my new stool to snap a few shots before the tape gave out. It was really quite funny. Of course I would have preferred to hold it. To take it outside to a beautiful spot to photograph (there's lots of those in Potter County), but it's been pouring rain on and off for at least three days.



I used a sort of random striping of the fabrics that make up the quilt for the binding. Surprisingly, I absolutely loved making it. Adding it to the quilt, not so much. I turned to Rachel's instructions for help.



I used a decorative stitch that my machine offers for the quilting. You can see the stitch clearly here and how I simply followed the seams. Oh, these bright fabrics against the old wood, LOVE.



It's backed with my favorite, super cuddly Folksy Flannel print. It is the best feeling. Please make yourself a quilt with this flannel, just so you can hug that warm, puckered softness to your chest and feel very accomplished and proud.



These are the only photos I got of my girl with her new quilt. She wouldn't stand still because she was so happy. I'll take that over a perfect picture any day!



Finishing a quilt really doesn't feel like anything else, does it? I don't really know how to describe it. It's kind of a major undertaking. I know that, by quilting standards, the quilts I like couldn't be simpler or less sophisticated, but honestly, no matter how you slice it (literally) -- it's a big, BIG project. When I see really fancy quilts on pinterest, flickr, my favorite blogs, or at the quilt shops, I often stare in complete awe, because if you've ever finished one, you know that, well . . . they don't make themselves.



But it's all so worth it. I know I'll make many more. Can you have too many quilts? I don't think so.

p.s. There's an awesome fabric giveaway (here's a peek) happening here tomorrow, so please do stop back!

My Very First Quilt --- Slow and Steady : :

This week I made a little more progress on my very first quilt, mostly on Saturday night after I finished up the aprons. As I get  further along, I am beginning to worry about finding a proper work space for this project? I have been working on my dining room table, which means I have to pack it all up much too often. Where do you work on quilts or large projects? --- I'd love some ideas.

I am also having a few problems with the voile "puckering" a bit at the seams. I have adjusted my machine to a smaller stitch, which has helped a little. Have any of you had this problem when working with voile or fine, delicate fabrics? I really need to take the time to give what I have so far a good press.

With all that said and asked, I am enjoying working on this quilt so much, more than anything I have yet to try. Like a mantra, I am constantly whispering to myself Anna Maria's comment on my last quilt post, "take your time and enjoy."

And so, I am.

My Very First Quilt --- Appliqueing and Embroidering : :

This week I began work on my very first quilt. I started creating some applique's with Anna Maria Horner's voile and I'm liking the look of it so far. I sketched out a basic design and have so far stuck closely to that, just with a little more hand stitching then I had planned. This fabric is so beautiful and delicate, which is why I love it so much, but it's buttery soft feel can be a little slippery through my fingers. I feel like I am finally getting used to working with it and I am so excited!

This is the very first step in creating the look I want on the bottom of the quilt,  a row of sweet yo-yo flowers!

I wish you could graze your hand over this picture and feel how soft and lovely this fabric feels with the texture from the yo-yo's!

Lots of hand stitching!

So, this is just a little peek into what I've gotten myself into. Hopefully, I'll be sharing again next Wednesday and each week until my very first quilt is finished! Be sure to let me know what you think, especially if you see this not working for some reason.  : )

My Very First Quilt ---The Beginning : :

I've shared my love for the quilting fabric I have chosen here, have written about my big plans before, and I have decided that I am ready to give it a go and finally begin work on my first ever quilt. I have sketched up a plan of sorts and by the look of it, I am thinking if I start now I may have it finished this year - I'm actually shooting for October, but I'm not putting that pressure on myself.

This project for me is going to be different than any other. I want to have a good solid plan, which I never have and to take my time, which I never do. I do not expect or want this quilt to come together quickly - which means I am going to have to be patient and move slowly. After all --- "patience is passion tamed" --- or something like that?...

Each Wednesday my hope is to share my quilts progression and I would love to hear about your first quilting experiences, to get some feedback, and/or any advice you can offer throughout it's completion...pretty please!

I hope everyone is staying cool! ~ Maureen