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.

Sunday Stash: Wish

Man today's a tough one to get motivated to write.  We spent the day in Sisters/Redmond/Prineville yesterday.  It was the first actual day off I have had since January.  It really frustrates me when people assume that because I don't work in the shop during the week (I have a 40/hr/wk job) that I have more time off than the folks who do.  I have substantially less time off, actually, because all my shop work I have to do after hours.  When things are normal, which they are beginning to normalize again, and I do have a weekend off it doesn't always coincide with when John is free.  So we took full advantage of  the day and headed east.  It was a blast. It is SO pretty out there, and so quiet.  It's a nice little escape from the constant buzz.  More to come on the trip back out east, because yes, I did visit some shops.  And yes...I bought the things. 

I'm trying to write but I am also getting sidetracked by tunes on Youtube.  Found a new band I am liking so far, Lords of the Lost, so I'm a bit engrossed in that.  I love music.  While I have found very few people (in the non-internet world) that share my taste, it fuels my day.  I wish I had more musical talent.  I really have none.  You never want to hear me sing unless you want to rupture your own eardums. 

But anyway, a few weeks ago I noticed Wish had fabric.  I swear to God that site has literally everyone a person could want, and even stuff people shouldn't want (UH THEY HAVE METH PIPES ON THERE JUST SAYING) but I couldn't help but notice...fabric. It was $1 for 50 4"x4" pieces and they had a free shipping promo soooooo yeah I bought that and some other stuff.

I'M GALADRIEL Y'ALL.  I. AM. 

I mean, basically. Ish.  

But the fabric arrived the other day.  50 pieces of scrappy goodness with a little of every color. 

Pretty traditional stuff by and large, except the Louis Vuitton knock offs...and the quality is about what I expected.  It's not even remotely a nice greigh good on these:

Yes...there is gapping in the weave.  It's a little rough.  I would not buy yardage of this to use in a quilt.  But these little scrappies will be just fine. 

Like I said before, it is largely traditional stuff...except this gem which is my ultimate favorite piece in here, I was super stoked when I saw it, and yes, despite the greigh goods I WISH I HAD MORE:

NOICE.

I immediately thought of Key and Peele.  

I am considering using all these pieces together and calling it good.  I'm not sure I want to mix them in with the nicer stuff?  I don't know.  I probably won't get to it for a while!

It's been nuts.

I know, it's been quiet around here. 

It's not that I haven't been doing anything...I mean, I have, but it's largely been trying to get over this god awful funk I caught.  I GOT COCKY.  While everyone else in the office was getting the creeping crud, I made the error of saying out loud that I haven't caught it yet.  Well.  I did.  And did I.  Every time I get a cold, I have a very high chance of getting a sinus infection because I am lucky like that.  And that is exactly what happened.  I got the sinus infection from hell.  Usually with a little neti potting (gross, I know but boy it works) and ibuprofen, I can treat it on my own.  This time, no such luck...it was a doozy. My nose has finallly stopped running at inconvenient and socially embarrassing moments though.

So I spent a significant amount of time home  a few weeks ago because I couldn't kick the fever before I gave in and went to the doctor.  I hate staying home because I am one of those weirdos that has to be doing all the time.  I'LL REST WHEN I'M DEAD.  So while I was home sick, I decided I couldn't just sit there like a sniffling lump...I binge watched history documentaries, napped, and embroidered.

I have gotten like, super into embroidery.  Am I great?  No.  Do I know tons of stitches?  Ehh...in theory sure, but in application...not so much... But I do really enjoy it, and I love learning new stuff.  My stem stitch where once really shitty has gotten a lot better.  My back stitch is pretty decent too.  One you get the hang of it, there is a definite rhythm.  And it wouldn't be me if my embroideries weren't a little attitude-y.

Of course...not everyone who has tried embroidery has taken to it...

It's also been quiet because (after I got over the hideous funk) I got asked to assist with organizing and cleaning Mom's sewing room.  It is a gargantuan task, and somewhat of a challenge because she and I are on opposite ends of the organizational spectrum.  We have very, very different methodologies, and when what works for you doesn't always work for the person you are organizing for...whelp, it's tricky.  We managed though!  It's looking really good in there, and I think another weekend will do the trick.  I really hope the new forma works well for her. It's off to a good start anyway!  I should have taken before and after pictures, but I didn't think about it. 

It inspired me to tidy up mine, because it looked like a tornado went through it.  I am not the tidiest person in the world (my living room is always in a clean, but uh, "lived in," state) but I cannot stand it when my work spaces are messy.  I overwhelms me big time, and my sewing room was awful.  I bought a new bookcase, and for the first time in nearly four years I was able to unpack my seasonal fabrics and get them set out - five boxes worth!

 New storage?  Check.

 Reorganized fabric?  Check.

 Corralled scraps into the Scrap Heap of Doom/Black Hole of 2.5" strips (left)?  Check.  

Isabelle (BFF) got a Cricut and was psyched to test it out.  I benefited from this with bitchin new metallic labels.

I still have work to do.  I mean, I can't cut and I have nowhere to sit. 

Until I get this mess fixed, I can't really sew.  Nothing like motivation!

Stash Sunday - Quilt Show Goodies

What. A. Weekend.  I'll have a post up later this week about the show itself, but I am spent.  It was a great first year and I can't wait to see how it grows next year!

But in between the bursts of activity, I got to wander and shop a little.  Our buddy Diane at the Ladies of Liberty shop in Independence was our neighboring booth, and John discovered a real interest in Civil War reproduction quilts.  Who friggin' knew?  Not my style at all, but it was cool that he found something there that he just organically took interest in and liked.  So he was eyeballing some pieces that I could make up for him. 

We ended up bringing these babies home...two stacks of half yards from Andover, Windham, and Moda.  I can't see the lines all these are from, so sorry about that. 

He wants a traditional quilt, so that's going to really break me out of my bubble.  I do a lot with brights and funky fabrics and weird blocks so...yeah.  This will be a departure for me but since he picked the fabrics I know he will like it. 

So then I got to do a little shopping for me.  The Soujourn Collection was there, which I always enjoy her booth.  I picked up these lovely Malka Dubrawsky fat quarters, and one random fat quarter I just happened to like. 

Now THAT'S more up my alley.  I wish the picture could do these justice, the gold grid on the right just glows.  Rarely do I know exactly what I want to do with the fabrics I buy because I HAVE TO HAVE THEM, but these I do.  I use the Elisa's Backporch Designs circle template quite a bit, and these are just begging to be circle blocks. 

With the show done, I can relax a little and get some sewing-for-fun done.  I can't wait!

Stash Sunday: Botanica by Makower UK

According to Facebook memories, Snowmaggedon was a year ago last week.  This year?  It is January 14th, and 57 degrees.  I am mean, we'll probably get hammered by actual winter weather here in the next few weeks, but for today my chilly ass is ready for Spring.  Good thing the Sprig fabrics are rolling in before nasty weather can harsh my mellow.

I'm still in the thick of show prep.  Finished quilting one quilt, got two bindings done, and further screwed up a sample that has been giving me pains.  Whatever.  So I am taking a little break to drool over my stash. 

Botanica by Makower UK is currently dancing through my head.  I am NOT a florals girl.  I generally dislike them.  But this? 

Nice. 

Pardon the crappy picture quality.  I am a quilter, not a photographer.  But the colors are pretty true here.  There are few other pieces in the line but these are the ones I am beyond psyched to use them for something great. 

What cool new pieces have you gotten lately?

Stash Sunday a Day Late

My Stash Sunday is a day late.  Y'all know you can't expect me to be timely.

Well, the rush is finally over.  For another year, anyway!  Quiltopia was this weekend and our booth did pretty well all things considered.  Having a show the same weekend that a shop hop starts is rough for attendance, but we got it done anyway.  Every show is different, and it never ceases to amaze me what ends up being the thing no one can live without.  Last show it was a honeycomb panel with bees appliqued on top.  This show?  Fat quarters of Effervescence by Robert Kaufman.  Who knew?

So since this is a guild operated show, there was the green table in back.  The green table is where there is a ton of wicked'y inexpensive books, patterns, fabrics, and projects that the guild members bring to sell.  On the one hand, it kind of sucks for the rest of the vendors because we cannot compete with $3/yard,  but on the other hand...oh the goodies you'll find.  I found a print of flying pigs that my mom has had in her stash since the early-mid 90s.  Seriously...oh the things you can find.  For a fabri-holic this is a glorious and dangerous thing.

One of the weird things I love is heinous fabric.  Heinous. Fabric.  What do I mean?  Ugliness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder and I have been told on more than one occasion that I need my vision checked.  I tend to really enjoy pieces that make everyone else dry heave, and this weekend was no different.  I found this white and neon (yes, neon) print of like, french drink labels.  It makes no sense.  Neon, really?  And bikinis. Found those. Oh, and a really great bright fruit/flower print with bees.  WHY ARE THE ORANGES PURPLE?! What even is that??  I don't know.  But I had to have it.  So now, I do, to the tune of three yards. 

But what I also inexplicably like are African prints.  Not prints with African themes, though, those are cool too.  I mean from-Africa prints, you know, the ones that have so much sizing on them you could stand them up on end? Those.  There were tons of fat quarters that someone was selling off for $0.50 a pop.  So I ended up with something like 16 of them.  They are GORGEOUS and I cannot wait to use them!  Right now, I have a blessed lull in samples since I rushed them all for Quiltopia, so I have a wee bit of time to myself to do something I want to do.  I have been thinking about what to do, because even though I can't wait to make something of them, part of me can hardly bear to cut them up.