Elsa & Tour Tag

I have looked forward to writing this post for two reasons.

Finally, being able to post photos of the finished royal gown Halloween costume for a five-year-old "Elsa" ice princess. These photos are a bit hurried as the getting-to-the-party became rushed.  Perhaps, later I can post a better photo of the gown costume as the combination of all the pretty fabrics came together nicely.

The other reason that I looked forward to writing this post is to 'tag' two favorite quilting blog websites:  Blooming in Chintz and The Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Rahna, who is Blooming in Chintz, graciously shares her love of quilts and a passion of creating.  If roses and shabby florals call to you, a treat awaits when you visit this ever-so-pretty blog.

Caroll is a busy quilter who not only hosts The Attic Window Quilt Shop for the owner, she also is a  quilt teacher and pattern tester all while generously encouraging others in their quilting projects.  If only she wasn't 2.5 hours away.

Both sites are welcoming and a pleasure to visit!  You may also come away learning something new while being inspired.  Rahna and Caroll have outdone themselves in preparation of their Tour.

Here is my own side comment:  Participating in the Around the World Blog Tour did involve extra time posting, however, it has been fun, educational and inspiring.  I do not know who, when or how it started, but I am enjoying the Tour and learning about fellow quilt bloggers.

Around the World Blog Tour

Last week I was asked to be tagged for the Around the World Blog Tour by a favorite blogger and quilter, Teresa at Fabric Therapy!  I was delighted to accept her request.  To be so organized, as she, is on my dream list.

My tour has more photos than verbiage as there was a last minute decision this past weekend to hop in the car to view the fall colors in "Up North" Michigan. The weather was warm, with sunny blue skies and leaf color at peak in the Gaylord area.

Ostego Lake State Park, Gaylord, Michigan

Obviously, the family-run motel that we stayed at had a sense of humor per the Bates Motel signage which I was unaware of when we made the reservation. We did make it through the night, but now I am digressing....

What am I currently working on?  As with most quilters, more than one project is in the works. Writing this post makes me realize that I have too many projects.

I have been sewing in snippets of found time on my first foundation-pieced quilt. Fabrics are by Kaffe Fassett.  They are being pieced on a new-to-me Featherweight.  Now I know why this sewing machine wonder is popular with quilters.  The extended arm bed is perfect for foundation piecing.

An I Spy quilt is in the precut stage. These novelty prints are cut into squares instead of hexies. The sashing will be made with various primary-color solids. I am hoping the squares will be more easily "spied" with little eyes.

Projects waiting to be started include: an appliqué quilt pattern designed by Kim McLean.

A cloth handbag which I saw completed at a quilt show and swooned.

Machine quilted placemats out of the following fabrics.

A Cuddle quilt from a kit.  Sometimes called Minky quilt.

Repair a hole in yellow hexie quilt that was recent find at a local antique shop.

The top priority is an Elsa costume which is only awaiting a final fitting prior to hemming.

How does my work differ from others?  After reading quilt and sewing blogs, I think my work is not as focused as others.  It takes me a long time to finish a project unless there is a deadline (Elsa costume).  Many participate in quilt alongs.  With so many ideas, projects, kits, patterns on my wish list, I realize that I would never be able to keep up.

Why do I create?   I have often wondered why I create/make what I do. Honestly, I don't know why other than I desire to do so!

How do I work?   My work seems to be done in bits and pieces of time.  I have noticed that I work best alone as that is how I concentrate.  It doesn't matter if I am doing hand work or sewing on a machine.  I learn well in classes, but I do not work at the same speed as others.  I envy those who can emerge from a workshop with a completed project.

I have a sewing space (definitely not a studio) in our semi-finished basement.  I try keep it reasonably neat as I work best with some order.  This is a struggle as I would rather sew than straighten.  Do you share the same challenge?

For next Monday's (October 19, 2014) Around the World Blog Tour, it is a pleasure to introduce Rahna from Blooming in Chintz (love those names) whom I have been following for approximately six months.  Her blog is attractive and inviting.  Rahna's simple, yet breathtaking choice of fabrics and colors in her quilt making have a timeless vintage appeal.  Soft enough to wrap up in one and cuddle.  Please check out her posts on cable stitching and orange peel quilting all done on her home sewing machine with a walking foot. Amazing! Rahna also shares photos from quilt shows.  I love seeing photos from shows that I cannot attend.  I also enjoy peeking at the blogs that Blooming in Chintz follows.

The Attic Window Quilt Shop is another blog that I follow. Chris Brown is the shop owner while Caroll manages the blog sharing what the customers accomplish.  Caroll also teaches classes and runs some of the bees.  What fun.  Great ideas come from this blog.  Actually, this bricks and mortar quilt shop tempts me to get in the car and drive 2.5 hours to visit.  A friendly blog, that makes one feel feel like a part of the group. If I lived closer, I would personally attend.  The Happy Scrappers recently met and had a great time.  Caroll shared their day, and you can too by clicking here.  A free pattern of a whimsical rooster is offered on the the blog.   It is a worthwhile online visit to The Attic Window Quilt Shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan.