Rain rain

Well, I can't go outside without getting caught in the rain today. So that means I have spent the day staring at my scrap bins and pondering life's hardest question... What quilt should I make next?
But while I was trying to think of an answer to that, I decided that I needed another bag. ;) I USED SCRAPS THOUGH SO IT'S OKAY! I had (and still have) scraps from trimming flying geese, just perfect for half-square triangles. I can't let any of that beautiful Amy Butler butterfly print go in the trash, it's just too precious.

Check out that lining. It's a bunny! I have a bunny in my bag! :)

Mmmm.

And a work in progress. I started this thing two years ago and started hating it. It happens. Now I look at it and think, but now that I have my Juki.. Free motion quilting this beast would be so much fun! I just need to get some gray thread that will blend. Maybe flowers in between the spiderweb blocks? Figure eights? This quilt will be finished by next week! YOU CAN DO IT CASSIE! FIRE UP THAT MACHINE!

xoxoxo insanity

And the sky was made of amethyst

This quilt was made of amethyst. And the stars look just like little fish yahhh.

I digress...

I could not look at the purple anymore. I hate purple. Happy to report that it was all used except for some measly scraps! And Teddy wanted to help arrange, what sweet cats I have! ;)

This quilt reminds me of shattered glass. I started making hourglass blocks, then decided to put solid squares in between them (lazy). I quilted along the diagonal seam lines going through the HG blocks. This one was finished within a week.

And now I don't have to look at that unused purple! It has purpose! Hooray!!!

xoxoxoxoxo

Days like today

I won't lie, it's been a rough few weeks. But when things get rough, what's better than a new quilt to hide under? Nothing, that's what. If anything, making a new quilt always cheers me up when I see how beautiful things are when they work together. There is light at the end of the tunnel, my friends! There is still beauty in this world that is waiting to be discovered, and that's what keeps my hopes up when things go bad. 

And how can I not smile when I look at my gorgeous Juki? I worked hard to have the machine that I wanted most, and I am damn proud of the things I have made with it. Plus that adorable quilty washi tape I found at the dollar store? Designed with me in mind, definitely. 

I'm so glad that I have this hobby to occupy my mind when I need distraction. Life has its ways of working out. Optimism pays off in the long run, that's one thing that I am sure of.

Red and white

Today I braved the cold and wind for a quilt photo shoot. And brrrr was it cold. But every once in awhile the sun would peak through the clouds to remind me that it's always a lovely day. This quilt is about 60" square. I had this red and white floral fabric in my stash, and I had a lot of it. I think my mom's friend gave it to me. But that's not a problem anymore! Now I have just a few scraps left. I used the red for the backing and binding as well as the sashing and borders.

I quilted this on my Juki (my baby) with an all over stipple. I always forget how many bobbins I go through when free-motion quilting. But the effect is exactly what I wanted, so I'm very happy! This quilt is soft and warm and lovelovelove. Now it's ready to be given to my best friend. Good thing she likes red! :)

xoxoxoxoxo

Tote-ally

I found myself in need of a new bag when the zipper broke on my last one. Feeling somewhat creative that day, I started stitchin'.

For the first block-turned-bag, I followed this tutorial to make the You Are Here block. Then I quilted organic straight lines to give it some strength. 

But then I needed another bag! One can't possibly be enough! Besides, I have so many scraps! I can't remember which tutorial I followed... It's called a Japanese x and +. I really liked the process of making it. I daydream sometimes about a whole quilt. Mmmm.

Swan Dive

I have been putting off starting this blog for too long. So I'm jumping right into it, head first. More like a swan dive. Yes, a swan dive into the quilt blog universe. No more procrastination!

Today I am making a quilt for my best friend. Emily! I love her so dearly, she's been my bestie since the 4th grade. Ten years of friendship. :) I began making the blocks a few months ago, meaning to gift it on her birthday. I was going to do white borders, but I ran out of the white. Tried to buy more, bought the wrong one. Crap. La da da, life goes on. Good thing she loves red! It's basted now, so I should have it completed by tonight (hopefully)...

On another note, I love spray basting. It's my other best friend. I never want to use pins again.