What do you think is going on in this photo?

Everyone needs a helper right???? This is mine. Sandi, a 7 year old miniature blonde dachshund. Seems to me she likes curly white fleece.

Don't forget to go and sign up for the STASHTACULAR. There is even a little something in one of the tutorials for all you dog lovers out there.

OK, get off your (fill in the blank) and get going!!!

Sorry, it's just that I don't want you to miss out on all the fun and prizes, yes prizes (many) up for grabs in the STASHTACULAR. Think the Fat Quarter Shop, 1choice4quilting, Puddle Duck Fabrics (I mean is that not the cutest name I mean who wouldn't want to win something from Puddle Duck Fabrics?). And the trifecta of "hostesses with the mostestes" will also be giving away hand made items from their tutorials. Uh huh!!! So go see the STASHTACULAR Flickr group and join in the fun (the rules are there for the fabric swap and the giveaways). The Flickr group is open so you can join NOW. During the STASHTACULAR make sure you post some comments over at the STASHTACULAR page at Sew Happy Geek, and Blue Bird Sews and of course, right here so that we can include YOU in the weekly give aways. Get your cameras dusted off and the batteries charged so you can post photos of your stash and your scraps and your unbelievable tutorial makes, because one lucky sewist will be featured at the end of the STASHTACULAR on all 3 of our blogs.  All the fun starts for REAL on July 11th, but I recommend you visiting your stash in advance, so you can start getting a envelope big enough to put those scraps in you want to swap. (I confess, I'm up to two envelopes, and I'm seriously considering one of those post office flat rate boxes). I think this says something about how much fabric I have……. well, see for yourself, because during the STASHTACULAR I'm posting pictures!!!! And you get to comment!!! Perhaps someone with strong organizational skills will take pity on me.

A little diversion

Finally!!!! I have a full-on photo of one of the first of my nieces' 16th birthday quilts. I posted a different one earlier, for Allee, and now, one that is going to college this fall, Mae's quilt. I am posting it now, for 2 reasons. First, I sent it to Mae and forgot to take a "whole" quilt picture (I think I was excited it was done, perhaps???)…… and with the upcoming STASHTACULAR only weeks way, I want to point out that this quilt, queen size at 90" x 98" is made ENTIRELY from my stash and my scraps. (OK almost, I did have to buy the backing, but, I never choose my backing until the quilt top is complete, and since I use the entire backing fabric making the quilt, in this case 8 yards, I never have leftover!). There are over 250 fabric scraps, and 40 different threads used to piece and quilt this beauty, which still reigns as one of my all time favorites! So, there are many things one can make from the scrap bin and from stash. Give it a try!!!! Come join the STASHTACULAR.

Some stats (what I can remember)
Size 90" x 98"
Fabrics: over 250 different, entirely from my stash and scrap bin. Threads, over 40 (busted my thread stash too!).
Design: Fly by the seat of my pants, original. Modified (stretching it I know) log cabin with a twist
Started and finished in 2008
Pieced and Quilted: by me on my sewing machine.
Quilting: straight line, in a box pattern, starting in the center and continuing outward.

My in-laws were back east for Mae's HS graduation and graciously took these photos for me

Each rectangle has a color "flavor" to it. Top left to right: purple, pink, green, hum.
Bottom: left to right: orange, blue, red, yellow.
(The hum rectangle, looks like a bit of everything…..)

some close-ups

The stitching can be seen in the pink rectangle

more close-ups

I think the stitching can be seen on the back as well, which is (for me)  uncharacteristically plain. Typically, I will piece the block that didn't make it on the front onto the back, but for this baby, I think I had used so many of my scraps, that I didn't have much worth showcasing on the back. Or all I had left over are scraps I wouldn't even put on the front. So, the back is simple and Mae's favorite color! 

T-minus 3 weeks and counting

Only 3 more weeks to the STASHTACULAR. Please see my original post and then go and sign up, time is fleeting and you don't want to miss it!

Swaps are addicting…….

…….. and as if I can't get enough of the ones I sign up for, I'm hosting one with some really cool and talented ladies, Jenna at Sew Happy Geek and Kelly at Blue Bird Sews. (There is method to this madness, or so I have managed to convince myself). You see, the general premise of swaps is first, you sign up, and then you make fun stuff and finally, you get fun stuff in return. If you've followed this blog for even a little while you have seen my ultra-fabulous sewing machine cover that I received from Marjory Peck (Pecks Pieces).

My cover from Marjory Peck

 (We were partners for each other, but didn't know that and I blogged extensively about the machine cover I was making for her as well in the Sewn Spaces Swap).

This is the cover I sent to Marjory

Then I joined the Goodie Bag swap and got this from Kristy Daum (Love Old Houses). She designed this pattern for me.

My Bag from Kristy

 I made my bag for Kim Burley (quiltinkimmie).

 At the same time I have been in (still am in) several (more than 3) Bee block swaps-  all those pictures are on my Flickr page. And then there is the Scrappy Mug Rug Swap (also blogged here).

 And yes, Pot Holder Pass round 8 (missed the first 7- I think for me, that is probably a good thing). This round it's potholders, tea towels and reusable shopping bags. I signed up for potholders and a shopping bag.  I got 2 different partners. I got to work pronto.

Top of potholder. I went with oval so the little corners on a square would stay out of the food.
The theme was summer, picnic and bbq. I sent everything you would need. A plate and utensils, some chicken, cherries for a pie and of course the check table cloth and the ants.

back of pot holders, my partner likes selvages.

My reusable shopping bag, from the Jane Market Bag pattern (available on ETSY). I pieced the front pocket, and added a flower pin to snazzy things up. The flower can be worn separately.

The "back" pocket. Also pieced, just different.  The interior is a lovely robin's egg blue with birds all over it!

Well, hopefully you followed everything so far- because, after having so much dang fun,  it seemed only logical that I wouldn't say no to hosting a swap. I know, I know, but what CAN I say (obviously it's not NO!!!!). Heck it's the summer and I'm having fun. So, go sign up for a swap- It's fun, creative and like every other creative, fun swap, you will get stuff at the end. Hint: {without any pretense at being subtle}-  go sign up for the STASHTACULAR over in Flickr land. Take the pledge that goes with the swap and get ready to have more fun than you've had in a while.

I really couldn't have said it any better…….

<center><a href="http://spontaneousthreads.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Stashtacular" src="http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa424/sewhappygeek/stashtaculargenericbutton7.jpg"/></a></center>

It's coming sooner than you think, so perhaps we should all be good girls scouts and BE PREPARED. I have the ultimate privilege of co-hosting (or should it be tri-hosting- is that even a word?) the 2011 STASHTACULAR July 11- August 5th, 2011, with 2 other fun and creative ladies,  Jenna at Sew Happy Geek and Kelly at Blue Bird Sews.  I have been furiously photographing, sewing, emailing, learning new stuff that I thought I knew but didn't,  and typing like a mad-woman in preparation for this really fun event. (In addition, bonus for me, I have had the best time getting to know 2 really funny, smart and thoughtful ladies). So, grab the STASHTACULAR button, put it on your blog or on your Flickr page, tell all your friends out there in blog and Flickr land, and then head on over to Jenna's Blog at Sew Happy Geek for the details. There is a bit of "prep" work on your part but it will be "sew" worth it, pinky swear. (I'd personally like to Thank Jenna for letting me borrow her STASHTACULAR introduction page- she did all the typing and editing and I did ask permission to NOT have to regurgitate all that info and she, (the nice person that she is), said yes!!!)

I love Tuesdays

So much going on! But this is what happened to me today. My "Out of the Blue",  Robert Kaufman Solids Challenge Quilt is featured today on Modern Day Quilts. If you have a moment, please stop by and feast your eyes on the many other beautiful quilts also featured. Have a GREAT Tuesday, I am.

Pay it Forward-

I found this lovely post on a blog that I follow, She Can Quilt.  You can read about Leanne's pay it forward, which I am participating in and you can pay it forward through my blog by leaving me a comment, agreeing to the following:
(hold up your hand and repeat after me…)
1. I will make a handmade something for 3 readers of my blog- (if you would like to participate in the Pay it Forward, ie: you would like to get something handmade from me, you must leave me a comment telling me that you would like to participate). I will send 3 readers something that I have made, without warning within 365 days. (Pinky swear). (You can put your hand down now).
2. So, in order for you to get something from me- you have to say that you will do the same for 3 readers of your blog, so, it follows that you should have a blog if we want to keep this "paying forward" unbroken.
3. When you receive your handmade item (from me) you MUST post about what you received on your blog, and put a picture of the Pay it Forward button in your post. (You can copy and paste it from this post or the link back posts).

This last part is optional, but would be fun- If you like, you can post pictures and your thoughts about what you send to the 3 people who will received something from you on your blog as well. Just give it a few days to travel in the mail. You wouldn't want to ruin the surprise.

So, I will be happy to send something handmade to the first 3 followers that leave me a comment saying they are willing to do the same (Pay it Forward). Commenters, you need to have a blog- and PLEASE - NO, no- reply bloggers, by definition, I won't be able to contact you,  …...remember if I'm making and sending you something I'll need your address and if I can't get ahold of you, well then….. Please don't put your address in your comment unless you are comfortable with the 62 people who follow my blog knowing where you live. If I am going to send you something I will reply to your comment and get your info.  Knowing me, like I do, I won't be able to wait 365 days, but I promise to adhere to the "not telling" you it's on the way so that you will be surprised when it arrives.
I hope there are 3 other creative bloggers out there who will join me.