Sunday Stash: Material Girl

So we did round back into Redmond and landed in Material Girl.  That ship was in a house and reminded me VERY much of Cool Cottons in Portland...just had way better parking. 

We were on our way back, so there isn't much to tell about this leg of the trip other than I slept most of the way home, lol.

Left: Gregory's Garden by Jane Sassaman (Free Spirit).  Right: This is a Brandon Mably print with Kaffe Fassett Collective but what print it is is cut off on the selvedge soooo IDK.  

I always try to buy cool bees when I see them, because they're awesome.  

Sunday Stash: The Quilt Shack

Here's another mini haul from our trip to Central Oregon.  We stopped off in Prineville for some exploring fun.

 Went hiking with this hunk

 Saw a bigass rock.

 Found some flowers.

And a strawberry.

...and we passed a quilt shop - The Quilt Shack - along the way.  Naturally we had to stop.  By we, I mean me. 

Now that was a friendly shop.  The lady behind the counter literally knew EVERYONE who walked in that door.  That was pretty cool.

Left: Military Max by Bella Blvd (Riley Blake).  Right: Fall Frolic by Kaye England for Wilmington Prints

Ooooobviously the Army men are for something (eventually, when I know what it is) for John.  The other, I just liked.  It is brighter than shown.  All in all, a successful trip!

Sunday Stash: The Stitchin Post

Hey so remember how we went on a trip to central Oregon and I was like, hey, more to come?  Whelp, here's Part 1 of 3 of more to come.

Our first stop was the shop in Sisters everyone knows - The Stitchin' Post.  Mom went out this way a few weeks ago and said this place was right up may alley.  And was it.  John said (AND I QUOTE), "This place is so modern it looks like Tula Pink farted in here." And it's true.  They did have a lot of Tula.  And Tula, if you're reading this, I bet this is the first time you have read about your farts in a blog - you have my filterless, and observant boyfriend to thank for this.  De. Nada.

While I wanted to buy half of the store I did show incredible restraint.

 Top: Tula Pink All Stars, Tail Feathers.  Left: Phillip Jacobs, Poppy Garden. Right: Phillip Jacobs, Tulip Extravaganza 

Pictures never do fabric justice.  The Tula Pink one is less pink and more of an intense, bright, orangey-melon color.  That prit came from her Plume line, which has been my all time favorite.  And of course, I do love OBNOXIOUSLY bright things.  Pretty much the only way I willingly choke down a floral.  But these babies are fantastic.  I cannot wait to see what these turn in to, someday, if I have time.  lol.

Product Review: Phillips Fiber Art Spot On Ruler

So last weekend we did our first in-store demo of a product, and for those that missed it, here's a little peek at what we demoed, and my review of it. 

The Phillips Fiber Art Spot On Ruler

Specs

• Small, angular, acrylic ruler
• Designed for hexies and triangles
• Cost: $11.00

Pros

• Oh the shapes you can (accurately) make! I did not have to pin my project except at the required intersections where I needed to match points.  It all just FIT

Pardon my mess.  Look at the quilt.  Ooh. Ahh. 

• Very clear markings and easy to use
• Comes with a free pattern with the ruler, but there are several different patterns to choose from
• Patterns are very well done, and great for visual learners.  The graphics are clear, and I used those more than the written words

Cons

• I don't have the hugest hands in the world, but this is small enough that it was tricky to hold effectively and not have fingers in harm's way. 
• The ruler is VERY slippy.  You definitely will want some kind of ruler grips on this thing to help with that.  A slip while cutting WILL matter here.  
• ...Pretty much only super useful for the patterns designed for it.  I don't know that I would use it for anything else. 

Conclusion

★★★☆☆

This was a fun little tool to use and the projects are quick.  At $11 for a ruler, the price point isn't bad at all.  My only gripe is that unless you're using the patterns its designed for, it's not good for much else.  It really is a unitasker.  But if you need a quick gift to whip up, or want to give a gift, these rulers are great.  

Abbey Lane Basic Bits Gray Pins

Now HERE'S a quick project that I totally procrastinated on.  These sweet little pincushions from Abbey Lane.  This pattern (Basic Bits Grey Pins) is a very cool one.  You get the pattern (doy), then the measuring tape and flocked "Pins" fusibles - enough for two pincushions - in the one pattern.  They also well the ribbon and fusibles separately, which is nice. 

Why did I procrastinate? Because I mean, these are so simple so why put it off?  TBH, I didn't want to fuss around with the damn walnut shells these babies are filled with.  I GET LAZY OKAY.  But a little funnel, and a little finesse, and these fill up just fine.

I used scraps only (because of course I did).  Bam.  Two pincushions in half an hour or less.