A Fabric GIVEAWAY : :

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It's Fabric Giveaway Friday!  

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My sponsor The Intrepid Thread is a family owned and run business. In their shop you'll find Fat Quarters, Half Yards, Yards, and Yardage, as well as patterns and embellishments. Their designer fabrics include many of our favorites -- Art Gallery Fabrics, Moda, and Riley Blake Designs just to name a few! 
The owners work extremely hard everyday to bring their customers the best fabrics,
at the best prices, with high quality customer service!
  
SHOP  *  BLOG  *  FACEBOOK
 

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We hope you enjoy visiting The Intrepid Thread's sites!! 

For this week's Fabric Giveaway, Julie at The Intrepid Thread is offering a Fat Quarter bundle from the brand new, adorable Catnap collection by Lizzy House! This bundle includes the SEVEN prints that make up the Lazy Bones colorway! You can find this collection newly available in yardage and in a variety bundles right HERE in The Intrepid Thread Shop!!

Enter to win! 

Here's how,

 
1. Simply leave a comment here under this post! (one entry)
2. Follow The Intrepid Thread on facebook, their blog, or sign up to receive their Newsletter. Just let me know that you did by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (optional extra entry)
3. My followers get a third entry! Just let me know that you follow by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (optional extra entry)
4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (optional extra entry) 

That’s 4 possible entries! Enter now through Monday, January 13th! Winner will be picked at Random and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post, here on the blog.

* Note * This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! If you're a "no reply" or anonymous commenter, please remember to include your email address in your comment!             

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Thank you to all who entered the Giveaway!!

From 1,484 entries, Mr. Random says the lucky winner is... 

Comment #177 --   *  Alesha Klein   *
   

Congratulations! I will be in touch shortly! 

A Marvel Comics Quilt : :

This Marvel Comics Quilt marks my last completed quilt of this past year! I made it from start to finish in about ten hours, beginning one night after dinner, working until late, wrapping it up the next day by early afternoon. I actually finished just in time to gift it to it's recipient, my nephew Ben, on the night I gave out all the quilts! Phew!

It's made using my go-to quilt as you go method and is improv pieced in a similar way to how I assembled both Owen's Ant Farm & Jacob's Stitched Typography quilts. Most of the Marvel Comic prints I ordered online and the rest of the fabrics are blenders from my stash. This is definitely one of those quilts that's so fun to look at up close, especially if you're a comic book fan!



At first the quilt front was pieced together without the black solid, but I decided it really needed the break from all the busy happening with the superhero patchwork front and the comic book cover backing!



The Marvel Comics Comic Lineup print I found for the back was the big favorite overall and it also had the best feel, which is so important to me! Sometimes these licensed novelty fabrics look really great but they lack a little on quality, but not this one!



I chose a bright medium blue stripe for the binding. This perfect stripe is the Hello Pilgrim Stripe in Blue by the very awesome Lizzy House. I really love stripey binding!



Now that I've shared my last finished quilt and before I begin a new year of quilt making, I do want to look back one last time at all the quilts I made in 2013. I grew so much as a quilter, and I think the best way to see how much is for me to write one last post, sharing all of them in one place. Hopefully you're up for it!

♥ Maureen

A Really Good Sewing Day : :

Yesterday was such a fun day in my sewing room! It was a weird weather day, raining on and off, so we decided to spend the day sewing & crafting together. Kaiden worked on a collage he's been making, Jacob made a second Little Friend softie from our Sewing School book, Haila started a new crown for herself, and I finished up my Ant Farm quilt with some Lizzy House stripe binding.



I couldn't resist sharing a few photos on Instagram throughout the day! This one's my favorite, a little shot of the day's handmade finishes!

I spent sometime reorganizing my fabric stash, as well. And even found the room I need for the fabrics that should be arriving here any day -- some AMH Field Study Linen Feathers from Stash Fabrics & a bundle of Tule by Leah Duncan for Art Gallery Fabrics! I can't wait!



Once the kids were in bed, I was ready to jump right into my plan for that Kona Wine Colorstory bundle & Text Fabrics, but then I got new idea that I didn't want to lose! My niece Molly had requested that her quilt be a Butterfly Quilt, and I knew I wanted to somehow incorporate at least a few butterflies floating off, the way I did on my recent Applique Art Quilt. I quickly sketched out my design idea and I think it's going to be a good one!

So, I stayed up late working it all out. Since I'm fussy cutting butterflies from several different collections, that each has a different scale & I'm working only with fabrics I have on hand, with a Pure Element solid stash that's dwindling, yikes! I had some serious math to figure out before I began my cutting.

This morning I woke up, late, to my progress laid out on our dinner table and I was so excited with the sight of it! I made breakfast for the kids, then I had to make just one more block before sharing here today!









I'm excited to get back to work! Then this afternoon, if the sun starts shining, we plan to take my Ant Farm Quilt photos. Wish me luck!!  ♥   Maureen

But First : :

Oh my gosh! After the kids were off to school this morning, I wrapped myself in a blanket to get warm, laid down on the couch and I just woke up! I have never done that before. This cold/flu whatever is definitely still kicking my butt! I did get that curtain made yesterday and of course I started a few new things, including staying up late revisiting these Quilt As You Go blocks!



I can't wait to get that quilt finished, but before one more day goes by I have to share just a couple more of the handmade gifts that were made this past holiday! I probably should have done one long post with all of them last week when I shared the Alegria Pillows! I have promised two more coordinating pillows to go with these -- stay tuned!



Well, this is one of the little bags I made to give to some little people, my niece and nephew, filled with beautiful art supplies from Stubby Pencil Studio! Have I told you how much I love Stubby Pencil Studios? They are a wonderful sponsor here and I am grateful for their support, but I SO look forward to buying the stocking stuffers, art supplies, and before we know it -- Easter basket goodies from their lovely shop each year! We prefer to pick up creative supplies of the Eco-friendly variety, for a fair price, and they really make that easy! I can't say enough good things about them. Yes, I LOVE em'!



This little bag I should really make into a tutorial -- My Drawstring Mini Satchel! Made with some pretty, pink Outfoxed by Andover Designer Lizzy House. Just the right size for carrying those ballet slippers to class, which was the request! This bag is lined, can be reversed, and is very washable.







And this Boy's Shoulder Bag was made by my sweet friend Jodi of Tickle and Hide! Jodi is a huge inspiration to me for a great number of reasons, and the generous heart who sent me this amazing quilt to receive on the day my youngest went off to school. Which is still so amazing to me! Well, I won this bag in one of Jodi's giveaways not too long ago, and I knew right away that my nephew would be the perfect recipient! Again I filled it with lots of art goodies from Stubby Pencil, including this wooden train. My nephew Benny loves trains as much as I love sewing!



In fact, I think my perfect wish would be for everyone to find something they love as much as Benny loves trains and I love sewing!!

p.s. If you happened to stop by before early afternoon Monday I had my date to share my Luxe in Bloom tutorial and Giveaway wrong -- This Monday is my day!! And, I also found out since then that the wonderful iron was sent from Oliso, a generous gift from Riley Blake for being a part of the Design Team!!  ♥, Maureen

Pillowcases for Newtown : :

I shared the details of a pillowcase drive happening on Monday, and today I want to share our stack! In recap, Quilter's Corner in CT is hoping to collect at least 600, to be delivered to the Sandy Hook Elem school, after the return from holiday break.



Yesterday we mailed out five pillowcases, one from each of us Cracknell's. It felt good to put my hands to good use. I am extremely grateful for both the opportunity to make something that may bring a little comfort to at least a few of those poor students and for the gentle conversation it pioneered for me with my two youngest while we did our making.





For two of the three we made together, we used FITF's wonderful Pretty Quick Pillowcase Tutorial. We combined some beautiful organic cotton fabrics -- a Cloud9 Monsterz print, along with one of my very favorite's -- this Mod Squad Organic print by Birch, with some of Lizzy House's perfect, soft stripes, from her Hello Pilgrim collection, a little of Joel Dewberry's new Notting Hill, with just a teeny bit of Willow Dot by RBD.



My daughter took this photo while I was sewing one up and Jacob was controlling the foot petal. I don't have too many pictures of me sewing, so I think this is special and looks really cool!



During the day on Monday and again yesterday, I finished up this stack of flannel & voile pillowcases. Two more to add to the ones we sent out, and three to be gifted to our children's wonderful teachers! Most of the flannel & voile I used is by Anna Maria Horner. Combine those two and it is certain to make for some gorgeous, comfy pillowcase stitching!



Almost immediately after sharing news of the drive and throughout the last few days, more than a few people have asked, "Why pillowcases?" Since my involvement in this pillowcase drive is to help spread the word and to join in myself, I don't want to speak for anyone, and I also don't want to ignore anyone. My own answer right away was, "Well, my obvious first thought is simply -- to bring a little comfort. I know it is a very small gesture, but there is a lot of love that goes into making anything with your hands. It would bring me a little joy to know that there are so many who are thinking, praying, and trying their best to lift up those impacted by this unthinkable tragedy. When I saw the post, I just wanted to share it." 

Since then, I have learned that Pillowcase Projects, sometimes called "Sweet Dreams Pillowcase Projects" are being organized all the time, all over -- to make to send to shelters, hospitals, children's homes, and to service members. It really is a beautiful idea and one that I would love to keep going! Please let me know if you are interested?! I also watched on the news a story of a Portland family sending 26 wreaths to a Fire House in Newtown, here's a video clip of one First Responder's reaction, which moved me to tears.The man in the video explains much better than I ever could, why these small gestures make a big difference!

Mail your pillowcases to : : 
Quilters Corner
312 Danbury Rd
New Milford, CT
06776.

Take care, friends,
♥,  Maureen

Waiting : :

I wish I had great news to share today about our move, but we're still in limbo. I know enough to know that snafus are common when buying a house, but that doesn't make them any less difficult. That's for sure! We are so, sooooo ready!

With most of my sewing room now packed, along with the rest of the house, and my mind completely occupied with both trying to stay positive and obsessive worry, I don't have too much to share besides my etsy orders. And, thank goodness I have those!

Wednesday's Crowns...



Thursday's Crowns...



Friday's Crowns...



In between making these, we wait... We had this great idea to bring everything downstairs as I packed. Since our carpet leading up the stairs is a beige color, with this muddy Fall weather, we didn't want the concern of dirtying it up as we move. Well now, our downstairs is a complete pile of things with a path leading from room to room, with no solid moving date again, and we're all starting to lose it.



Lately, I'm so grateful for any little thing that will get me excited again about this move. Well, about a month ago when I was still planning out my dream studio, I stumbled upon these great fabric storage boxes by Quilted Koala, on Lizzy House's blog. Lizzy's Pearl Bracelets are one of my favorite basic prints, and I thought a collection of these boxes would be great to have for storage. I bookmarked the links to have once I was ready to start shopping for our new house and my new space. Then a week or so ago, by complete coincidence Ali from Quilted Koala contacted me offering a sample! How could I pass that up?! It came over the weekend and I love it! Now I'm hoping I still have a reason to buy more!!



I also received some Pure Elements happy mail from Art Gallery Fabrics! A couple of basics and several of their brand new colors that are, of course, gorgeous!!



I've been building up my solid's stash over the last few months and I can't wait to get it all unpacked and organized to share here. I have been dreaming of making a solids quilt for months now!



I'm trying my best to stay up-beat and positive. Happy sewing mail and having my Birthday Crown orders to work on, definitely helps!! Of course, so does having this place to share!

Hello, Monday -- we'd love some good news today! ♥ Maureen

Orange Jewel Fox : :

Yesterday was all about Birthday Crown making, with time to make just one new fox pillow! This time I used a little of my Jewels in Orange by Lizzy House and some soft, dark purple wool.



These Jewel prints are one of my all time favorites! Aren't they pretty?! After doing a quick search with my sponsors, I found that Hawthorne Threads has a pretty nice selection still available!



Orange & Purple is so fun for Fall decorating, I just couldn't resist!



I asked last night on facebook for a little approval of my fabric choice for finishing, and mostly everyone agreed! If you chimed in, thank you!!



I think it was a good choice! I actually had just enough fabric to finish the back, so it seemed too perfect not to finally use it up.



This new fox pillow is finished and headed to my etsy!



Today, I'm going over to the new house with my best friend, to measure and begin to make decorating plans. I'll try to get some good before pics to share of what my new sewing space will look like. I can tell you, it's about 3-4 times bigger than what I have now!

I even scored this perfect furniture piece for new fabric storage -- $40!! How amazing is that?!



Currently, it's a home for some of my Pyrex with a bunch of random things set on top. We've started packing, so everything is out of sorts right now. Including me!!

Take care! ♥,  Maureen 

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Weekend Sewing : :

This weekend was really nice. It finally feels like the middle of Winter and with that comes lots of indoor time and projects for all of us. Of course for me that just means even more sewing time! :) Here's a little bit of what my "weekend sewing" looked like...

I finally cut into my Echo, add in there some Half Moon Modern Chevron, too. This will be a quilted pillow, but I can imagine a quilt made up of these blocks and am tempted to keep going!



I took some new photos to have and share. The first photos of my Scrappy Quilter Improv block were pretty bad, but I was just too excited to share to wait for good lighting. I snapped a few new pics on Saturday, just before I attached it to my other quilt blocks. I'm very close to having that quilt top completely finished -- I'm very excited!!



I took a new photo of my Quilted Heart pillow, too. I'm working on a tutorial and expect to be sharing that on Wednesday!



Lots of birthday crowns were and are always being made!



A little Pink Castle Fabrics mail came on Saturday! Aren't they pretty? I'm collecting every color of one of my very favorite prints, Lizzy House's Jewels. I LOVE these colors! And on top is a zig zag stripe for my mini quilt binding.



On Sunday, just before bedtime and as I was about to begin cleaning the huge mess that was my "weekend sewing" room, Jacob brought my very first Valentine gift of the year.



I love it!



And now, a giveaway winner!

Thank You to all of you who entered this past weekends giveaway! From the 1029 entries that came in before 10pm, Mr. Random says our lucky winner is comment # 471, Rhonda D in southeast Missouri!! I hope you enjoy your winnings, I will be in touch shortly!

Wishing you all a lovely new week!