New Projects : :

A little more than a week ago I shared my plans for the Atlanta Sewing Retreat I was attending. Most of which were projects I needed to finish up by this week. I was happy and excited about making each of them, but once in Atlanta, I realized that a sewing retreat would not be the best place for tutorial writing, with step by step picture taking. Yes, day one at the retreat, I definitely had a "what was I thinking?" moment with the projects I had brought along. I needed something much more relaxed and easy -- a quilt for ME sounded like the perfect idea!

So, I finally dove into my own Sweet Summer Dreams blogger bundle and got to work! Want to see?

Thank you Holly and Ara Jane for the pictures!

Since I've been home, my pretty stack of quilt blocks has gone untouched, but that's alright! I've been busy working my way through those projects that didn't get any love in Atlanta, and I'm so excited to share them (along with some amazing giveaways) throughout this week!



And of course, now that I'm home and back in my studio, I'm never short on help and company!

My Helper -- joining me super early to help me top-stitch!



My Lily -- happy to be the first one to try out the new picnic quilt!



My Fabric Folder -- (oh, that iron burn on my mat drives me crazy!)



My Artist -- always up to something amazing and inspiring!

It's been a busy few days playing catch up, with lots of early morning sewing, which I'm quite beginning to like! It's definitely not a bad way to start off the day, that's for sure!

And now, its going to be a busy week here -- including a new Riley Blake Design Team project, my first Art Gallery Fabrics Fat Quarter Gang project, with some AMAZING Fabric Giveaways, and even a little sewing stash make-over that I started as soon as I got home!



Yes, it's going to be a good week! I hope you do join me!! ♥ Maureen

Hello Whipstitch : :

If you happen to follow some of the other ladies in the group who traveled to Atlanta this past weekend, then it's likely that you've already seen what's happening inside the doors of Whipstitch. Still, I just have to share! This was my very first experience of visiting a brick & mortar, modern quilt shop -- very exciting stuff for me!!



In every area of Deborah's shop, there was something beautiful and inspiring happening! So much so, that I just had to change up my own studio space here at home. Big time, I'll save that for next week! For now, I'll share a little tour with you with hopes that the amazing spaces at Whipstitch might inspire you as well!

Just entering, to your right, a colorful display of Whipstitch Organic fabrics including Monsterz by Cloud 9. I had to have some!!



To your left, happy bolts of Ellen Lucket Baker's Quilt Blocks! So happy to bring a few of these home, as well!



Just after that, you have a cutting station with the most fabulously dressed, sweetest woman, ready to cut your fabrics. Seriously!



Here's another -- this picture of me taken by Amanda, with my wonderful Washi 241 tote by Rachel, and proof that I never stopped talking the entire weekend! I warned Amanda that I do that both when I'm nervous and then comfortable, so it's hopeless!!

Next up is the lounge area. Stylish...



comfy...



and super cute now that Ella, Nicke, and Jacey have decided to relax there! 



After that it was clear -- there just IS inspiring fabric and stitched up goodness everywhere you look!



This amazing Scrappy Sting Block Quilt...



This! I could describe it, but I think the picture says it all!!



Inspiration for my floss stash -- I would love to do something like this!



Another amazing HUGE quilt!



Of course I was thrilled to bring home a few Whipstitch souvenirs! In the form of mostly yardage, but a few fat quarters, too, we have -- several prints of Monsterz by Cloud 9, much needed Hello Pilgrim Stripes by Lizzy House, my favorite Stars in Shade Quilt Block print, and a Birch ModSquad print.



I'm sure this goes without saying, but as you can see, I brought home much, much more than fabric! 

Arajane * me * Amanda * Rachel * Jessica * Jacey * Nicke * Ella * Holly

Until we meet again sweet Whipstitch! ♥ Maureen

Inspiration Everywhere : :

This morning, I'm finally stepping back into my regular routine -- After a long, but fun, road trip from Pennsylvania to Georgia, a few days spent with some of my favorite sewing/bloggers, and then the long trip back up North.

The experience was such a learning one for me in so many ways, was so much fun, and still a bit surreal. Because I don't belong to a sewing group or guild, I wasn't sure what sewing with a group would be like. I honestly couldn't have imagined just how wonderful it would be to watch each of the sewing friends I was meeting work at their machines. As different as we all are, and as varied as our projects and fabric selections were, it was truly endless inspiration! In every corner of this space there was something that needed photographed! Want to see??

Jessica's X + Y Quilt top --



Jessica won the "Big Finish Award" in my eyes! I am SO impressed by this lady!!



Amanda's Granny Squares --



Holly's Triangles --



Nicke's Improv Chevrons --



Amanda's 1/2" solids project --





This post could have easily been all about Amanda! Her tiny, colorful squares had us all hovering!



I wasn't able to capture everyone's makings and several pictures didn't turn out, but as you can see lots of amazing and inspiring things were happening! I'll share on my own projects a different day this week, as well as on our trip to Whipstitch Fabrics -- my very first visit to a modern quilt shop!

I feel very blessed that I had a chance to meet in person so many wonderful people this past weekend and am so happy now that I'm back home!!  ♥ Maureen