I'm back!

It's been awhile since my last post, we've had a busy summer.  My niece graduated high school and is now in basic training at the Air Force!  We are so proud of her!

The blog may have been quiet but I've been busy in the sewing room.  I worked on the StitchCraft 2013 Challenge.  I didn't get a picture of the finished quilt, but the reception is this Saturday so I'll be able to get a better picture of it on display.  I really love my quilting!  I'm so proud of myself!

I also finished the Garden Fence quilt from the Simply Modern Bee on Flickr.  I really love the colors of this quilt!

And finally one more share - the Star Surround Quilt from the Happy Quilting QAL.  This is a monster at 96" square.  This quilt will go to the longarmer for quilting.

(the picture doesn't do the colors justice)

Ricky has been enjoying sleeping in the sewing room.

Birds!

The Queen Bee for June for the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild requested a bird themed block.  We could use bird fabric, applique or embroider a bird, just incorporate a bird into the block.  I did a raw edge applique bird and think it's so cute.  I hope she likes it!

I was so inspired by the idea that I broke out the fat quarter pack of Feather n Stitch by Sarah Watts (LOVE!) that I found at TUESDAY MORNING!!!  I decided to try and embroider the birds from the fabric and plan on building a mini quilt around the embroidery.

I'm also working on the binding for my $10BOM quilt.  I decided to go with a scrappy binding using the leftover solid strips.  I'm loving this quilt.

Meandering along

I'm trying to catch up and get the numerous quilt tops quilted that have been laying around.  I've practiced quilting on my new frame on two charity quilts, so this past weekend I was ready to tackle a larger quilt.  One guild I belong to, the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild, completed a group quilt from member contributed blocks.  After the top was pieced I volunteered to quilt it.  The quilt is being donated to Project Linus so I did a simple meandering design since I'm still new at quilting on the frame.  It took about 2-3 hours to quilt on Sunday and I love the finished quilt!

This weekend I'm hoping to get my Pop of Color quilt quilted and then I will tackle quilting the Spin Cycle quilt for my niece (the deadline is approaching!)  For these two quilts I think I'll be a little daring and do a bit more than just meandering.

I'm still working on knitting socks for my DH.  I haven't done much knitting lately but hopefully I'll get the gusset of the sock completed tonight so I can work on them at knit night tomorrow.  I have been working on another Wingspan scarf worked in Noro Kureyon Sock.  So far I've had two knots in the yarn!!!

Mini Sparkle II

I pieced another mini Sparkle Punch quilt this past Saturday.  This time I used a solid gray for the stars.  There are were so many squares to sew together!

I used scraps left over from my Pop of Color quilt and love the result.  Now I just need to get it quilted and finished as well as the Barn Block mini quilt - if only I didn't have to work!

On a different note, my old boy keeping me company while I quilt:

Quilt of Valor

About two weeks ago, I joined a group of ladies from my quilt guild for a Quilts of Valor workshop.  I had an enjoyable day sewing, meeting different members of the guild and a wonderful lunch.  It was a very enjoyable day.

I had a nice spacious work table all to myself.  I had my quilt pieces pre-cut so I was ready to sew when I arrived.

By the time the day was over I had most of the quilt top pieced.

All I had left to do was make the large flying geese blocks, sew the rows together and add the borders.  Last Sunday I finished the flying geese components and today I was able to complete the quilt top.  Now I'm working on piecing the quilt back.  I thought I bought enough of an extra-wide quilt backing but once I washed it and squared up the edges I found out that it was cut all wonky and I was inches short, so now I'm working on piecing the back.  Oh well, at least the top is done, I'll finish piecing the back tomorrow and I'll be able to turn it over at next Tuesday's guild meeting to be quilted by the longarmer.

More Mini Sparkle Punch

I managed to finishing piecing the top to my Mini Sparkle Punch quilt today.  The quilt top is currently 19" square.  I didn't get around to quilting it because I'm trying to decide on what thread color to us.  I know how I'm going to quilt it but I'm stuck on a thread color at the moment.

 

I pieced a 12" wonky star for the backing and plan on using it as a guide when I quilt.  I just love the bright floral fabric!!!

On Thursday I joined members of my guild for a day of quilting.  We worked on making a quilt for Quilts of Valor to be presented to a wounded veteran.  I managed on Thursday to piece the majority of the quilt top and I spent some time today making the flying geese for the top and bottom borders.  Once the top is completed the guild will have a longarmer quilt it and I'll just have to do the binding.  It was an enjoyable way to spend the day.

 

Mini Sparkle Punch

It is COLD in South Florida!  So it's a perfect day to be in the sewing room working on my quilts.  I'm currently working on a miniature wonky star quilt inspired by the Sparkle Punch Quilt by Elizabeth Hartman.  I cut the squares 2" so they will finish to 1.5".  So much piecing!  But I'm loving the mini so far.

 

I'm hoping to finish up piecing the top today and get it quilted while the DH is out for the day freezing his tushy off at a car show.

 

Here's a picture of my old boy keeping me company curled up in his bed and blankets with his baby.  I had to put a T-Shirt on him because I like to open the windows and enjoy the cold weather. 

 

Snail

My friend Kerrilyn talked me into making a mug rug for this month's swap at the South Florida Modern Quilt Guild.  The theme was Spring.  I found this paper pieced snail at Sewhooked.com and thought it was so adorable.  I used a variegated green thread to try and machine quilt grass.  I really liked the way it came out.

A Trip to Madrona Road

I finished my quilt as part of the Modern Quilt Guild Madrona Road Challenge.  The South Florida Modern Quilt Guild was sent a selection of beautiful fabrics from the Michael Miller Madrona Road collection by Violet Craft.  The challenge was to create something using fabrics from the Madrona Road collection.  We could add solids only.  My guild added the extra rule that the perimeter of the quilt could not exceed 96".  I tried numerous ideas in scrap fabric before settling on a variation of the Trip Around the World scrap block that is popular right now on the quilt blogs.  Thus "A Trip to Madrona Road" was born.  Each little square measures 3/4" finished.  The quilt is 21.5" square.  Except for the blue solid, the quilt is made entirely from the Madrona Road collection (including the backing, hanging sleeve and label).

I love the placement of the yellow and black fabrics.

 

I echo quilted the star and the Trip Around the World blocks.

Bee Blocks and secret crocheting

Last week I was working on finishing up a super secret group knit/crochet project.  I spent the weekend seaming and crocheting.  I should be able to post a picture soon, as the recipient does read my blog and I don't want to spoil the surprise.

I've also been participating in the Simply Modern Bee on Flickr and have enjoyed making the blocks in all the different color combinations.  I decided to spend today and finish up the last four blocks.  The two blocks for March were requested in raspberry and lime and blue and green (like sea glass).  I really like both of them.  The two blocks for April were requested in navy and orange and eclectic Americana.  I've had fun participating in the bee and can't wait to receive my remaining blocks.  I've decided I'm going donate my bee quilt to one of my guilds to be given to a child in need.

Simply Modern Bee Blocks

I did manage to finish sewing the binding on my Carpenter Star quilt this week.  I've been wanting to make this pattern and used a charm pack I had laying around to test out the pattern.  I can't wait to make another one.  This quilt will be donated to Project Linus at my Saturday guild meeting.

Carpenter Star Quilt

I've been trying to stay focused and work on the Spin Cycle quilt.  I have eleven blocks left to make.  I'm trying not to start new projects until its finished but it's been hard.  There are so many quilts to make and so little time.  I'm going to try and spend the first part of the year finishing some projects.  I have a few quilt tops that I need to send to the long arm quilter and a few I need to quilt myself.  I also need to finish my plume quilt.  But first things first, I have to finish piecing the Spin Cycle quilt as my niece has been sworn into the Air Force and will be leaving sometime this Fall.

Plume Quilt

Quilting in a Cold Front

Finally!! A cold front in Florida!!!  Well, cold at least for South Florida.  It's 1pm and only 60'F outside - I love it!  Unfortunately it will only last for about a day and then we will be back to the high 70's/low 80's.

I spent the weekend straightening the sewing room and working on my blocks for the Simply Modern Bee I'm participating in.  January is my month and I choose the colors red and aqua.  I made my block today as well as the block for my fellow Queen Bee who also choose red and aqua.  While I was at it I decided to make the February blocks since I know this month will be a bit busy.  The February Queen's choose shades of purple and purple and green for their blocks.

I'm still playing in the sewing room today and hope to finish a few more blocks on my Spin Cycle quilt.  I only have 15 to go!  I'm trying to be good and finish that project before I start the next one.  I just added a bunch of neutrals to my stash and can't wait to start working with them.

On the knitting front, I finally finished my Derecho Shawl that I was doing as part of a KAL with my friends who went with me to SAFF.  I love the colors!

Quilting and broken water heaters

Friday night my DH was doing laundry (I know! He does laundry!! Lucky me!) when we noticed water on the garage floor.  At first we thought our washing machine had finally gave up the good fight, but it turns out our water heater was the culprit.  On Saturday while I was waiting for my DH to get home so we could buy the new water heater I did a little quilting.

I was able to get all the quilting done on my Carpenter Star quilt.  I outline quilted the star and did a meandering stitch in the background.

I tried to take a picture of the back to show the quilting.

 

Hopefully today I'll find the time to sew the binding on so I can spend this week doing the hand sewing.  This quilt will be donated to Project Linus.

On a happy note, we successfully installed the new water heater last night!  The house is back in working order.

Blog Hop Party!!

The Quilting Gallery is celebrating it's 5th birthday with a Blog Hop Party!!!  Be sure to stop by and visit the Quilting Gallery and the other blog's participating in the Hop! 

 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting A Fiber Freak!  My name is Carolyn and I have been quilting for about 20 years.  I took some time off for a number of years but with the recent interest in Modern Quilting, I have been inspired to dust off the old sewing machine and get back to quilting.  There are so many fabulous fabric collections available today that it's so hard to decide at times what to add to the stash or work on next - I want them all!!!!

I try to quilt as much as I can but I also knit, crochet and tat so I can have many projects going at once and  much to share.  I started my blog as a journal of my projects and hopefully provide a bit of inspiration to others since I've been inspired by so many great quilting blogs. 

I'm currently working on a Spin Cycle quilt for my niece who is planning on joining the Air Force this summer.  I've only completed six of the twenty-five blocks but I'm confident I will have it done in plenty of time before she leaves us.

Now for the best part - a GIVEAWAY!!!  I am offering a Gee's Bend Quilt Kit by Windham Fabrics in the "Housetop Nine Block" pattern by Annie E. Pettway.  The kit includes the pattern and fabric to make the quilt (except backing fabric).

To win this fabulous kit please leave a comment telling me about your must have fabric collection.  I can't wait to get my hands on Kate Spain's "Honey Honey" collection.  It would be great if you also became a follower of my blog but not necessary to enter the giveaway.  The giveaway is open until midnight eastern time on December 15th.  I will randomly choose a winner from all comments on December 16th.  Please be sure your email address is available in your profile or comment (no email means no entry).  Sorry, the giveaway is not available for international shipping - US only.

The giveaway is now closed.  A winner will be announced shortly.

Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the Blog Hop!

Just a little baking

Last night when I was supposed to be working on finishing the binding on my quilt:

I took this:

And transformed it into 7 dozen cookies - too many??

It's that time of year again for the annual cookie swap with my friends.  I'm looking forward to seeing all the goodies this year.  I made a family favorite - Brickle Drop Cookies.  I did make an apron to use during the holidays but I didn't want to get it dirty (go figure), but I'll be sure to use it tomorrow when I'm making latkes!  Mmmm!  It was a simple panel that I bought at Joann's and made in an hour - my kind of project!

Don't forget to stop back tomorrow for a giveaway!  I'm so excited!

Diva Dog II

I recently had a request to make another Diva Dog Quilt.  This is one of my favorite quilts, it's pink AND the fabric has Chinese Cresteds on it!!!!  I've been working on this quilt the past three nights after working all day and am very surprised with myself that I am already ready to hand sew the binding down.  Hopefully I'll get that done over the next few nights in between knit night, baking cookies, attending the monthly BOM at my LQS, knitting again and Hanukkah dinner - PHEW!

I'm participating in the Simply Modern Bee on Flickr and received my second block in the mail!!!  I'm one of two Queen bee's for January.  We both selected red and aqua as our colors.  My second block arrived from Renae and I LOVE the polka dots!!!

I also received my block from Rachel.  I'm getting excited for January to get here and see the rest of the blocks!

Don't forget to stop back on December 9th for a giveaway!!