Back from the Beach : :

Last week we headed South to the Outer Banks of North Carolina for our annual beach vacation. I had every intention of popping in to share a quick couple of blog posts that I had planned in advance, but it was much too beautiful to be on the computer at all, the weather was perfect, and we kept busy. Busy playing in the ocean and in the pool and in the sand. Busy eating lots of yummy food and making drinks all day long. Such fun, I tell you! It was a wonderful break that provided just what I needed -- a gathering of inspiration, some much-needed refueling, and a little bit of letting go.

Now that we're back home Kevin and I have a long list of house/yard things that need done before this Summer season ends, and I certainly have plenty of sewing projects I'd love to tackle, but our Summer fun to-do list is even longer and it's time to get serious! Before school starts, before the leaves fall, there's still plenty of time for more playing in the water and for picnics and for ice cream cones and for enjoying Summer's beauty.

I wish you all the best in the Summer days to come! ♡ Maureen

A Crisscross Diamond Quilt : :

Each Summer, my big, wonderful family all spend a week together in a house right on the beach somewhere in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We're in Duck again this Summer, and just as I did last year, I brought along a newly finished quilt to photograph and to share while I'm here!





This Crisscross Diamond quilt is my newest quilt-as-you-go style quilt. A repetitive, colorful block pattern made using Pat Bravo's most recent fabric collection, Etno, with Art Gallery Fabric Prisma Elements. I love these colors together!



Measuring in at a large 80" square, the top beach house balcony worked so well for photographing!



We didn't take it down to the beach until the sun was beginning to set, but the light was so pretty!





For the back I used one of my favorite Etno prints, Pat's sketchy floral Stitched Anthomania. The bright aqua Pyramid print binding is the perfect pop of color to frame all my busy patchwork!





I'm so happy with how it turned out, it's a new favorite for sure!





I'm already thinking of ideas for the quilt I'll bring next year. Perhaps something Wild & Free!

♥ Maureen

From the Beach : :

This week I'm blogging from the Outer Banks! We're at a beautiful beach house in Duck, where we're spending the week with my family. It's our favorite week of the year!



Before we left I finished up the last of my Birthday Crown orders and closed up shop for at least this week. I snapped a few photos before sending them off. I love making these crowns, but they're a lot of work. I really needed and am enjoying the break!





Before leaving I also received a little happy mail from Fabric Spark, my latest Monthly Sparks bundle picks!



So many of my favorite fabric bundles begin with a beautiful floral print. For this one I was inspired by Leah Duncan's gorgeous Wispy Daybreak Morning Walk print!



I already started sketching out a plan for these. It will be so nice to return home to this beautiful bundle waiting for me with a solid plan!



Like last year, once again I brought along a newly finished quilt for a beach photoshoot. Here's a little reminder from last year!



Again it happens to be a quilt made in Pat Bravo fabrics! I finished the binding just minutes before we hit the road. Be sure to stop by Thursday to see!

♡ Maureen

On the Road : :

This morning we're packing up and are heading South to VA Beach for the week. My etsy shop is closed for now and will reopen with a sale on Thursday! I still plan to share some newly finished projects here on the blog, along with my weekly Fabric Giveaway. I have two finished quilts, lots of new crown designs, pillows, and the holiday apron I made yesterday all to share, so be sure to stop back!

See you then!! ♥  Maureen 

Postcards from the Beach : :

This week we're at the beach for our annual family vacation, and we're having such a wonderful time! Nags Head is so gorgeous!! This morning I thought I'd share just a few snapshots from our first days here!

I've taken so many photos already, I've been sharing lots over on Instagram, and I'll be sure to share more here, as well!

Before we left for our long road trip I decided to bring along my floss stash for a new needlework project. It's been way too long since I did anything stitch-y!



I quickly pieced together two Indie prints with some RK Essex Yard Dyed Linen and a strip of my favorite AGF Pure Element, Empire Yellow.  I've really enjoyed having this relaxed embroidery project to work on here and there, and I'm loving how it's coming together!



I'll be sure to share more later in the week!



I'm off to see who's won my most recent Giveaways! Be sure to stop back Wednsday and Friday for two more!!

♥,  Maureen 

This Week {and a Giveaway Winner} : :

This week we are all feeling very thankful for each other, having a beautiful house to gather at while we celebrate the holiday, and are enjoying every second of having our backyard be a beach!








It's helping us forget this! Which was awful, I'm not going to lie. We have never been in an accident since having the kids. We were on an 8 lane right outside Fredrick Maryland, on the very far right lane of the road, so we weren't even watching for deer anymore. A huge buck crossed all the lanes to left of us and a median in the road, and just rammed into the front left side of our car at an amazing speed, and then it's body swung around and hit the driver's side door, crushing it inward towards my husband. We were hit so hard, our car was knocked into the shoulder of the road! It could have been so much worse, we know. But it was still pretty scary! This is what are car looks like after being pounded out a bit and having all the hanging broken pieces removed. I am so thankful we are all safe!!



And now, a giveaway winner!

Thank You to all of you who entered this past weekends giveaway! From the 889 entries that came in, Mr. Random says our lucky winner is comment # 398, The Twisted Sister!!! I hope you enjoy your winnings! Both Moona Fabrics and I will be in touch!

Thanks again everyone!!!