Scrap Quilt Secrets Blog Hop and Book Giveaway

Today is my day on the blog hop to introduce you to my blogging friend, Diane Knott of Butterfly Threads Quilting.  Her new book Scrap Quilt Secrets is an in depth book about scrap quilts and how to make them. The cover quilt immediately got my attention when I saw her book! Look at all those lovely scrappy half square triangles.
Diane breaks down into easy steps the way to make a stunning design using all those precious scraps you are saving for just the right quilt.

I liked the quilt in the book called "Fusion" and made this pillow using her secrets and quick techniques. It went together quickly and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.
One of the things Diane talks about in the book is contrast, something I always struggle with in quilting.

I enjoyed mixing it up and using lots of cherry reds in the pillow to make it scrappy. You could even fussy cut the center in this block, the ideas are endless!

To celebrate the release of her new book, Diane is giving you a chance to win a copy right here on my blog. To enter please leave me a comment and if you want answer the question, "how many scrap quilts have you made?" Be sure your email address is included or you will not be eligible to win. International winner will receive an E-book. I will be picking the winner on Monday April 4th.
Congratulations Diane on a lovely book!

Please visit the other amazing bloggers that are on the book hop!

3/21 - C&T Publishing http://ctpub.com/blog/

3/21 - Diane www.butterflythreadsquilting.com

3/22 - Bonnie http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

3/23 - Lori http://humblequilts.blogspot.com/

3/24 - Karen http://nanagirlquilts.blogspot.com/

3/25 - Audrey http://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/

3/26 - Pat http://patsloan.com/

3/27 - Valerie http://myplvl.blogspot.com/

3/28 - Kelly http://pinkadotquilts.blogspot.com/

3/29 - Victoria http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/

3/30 - Rachael http://bluemountaindaisy.blogspot.com/

3/31 - Angie http://quiltingcrescent.blogspot.com/

4/1 - Julie http://quiltjewelry.blogspot.com?

4/2 - Barb www.funwithbarb.com

Giveaway is now closed


Kelly

Simon and Garfunkel

I always considered myself lucky to have grown up with some of the best music ever made. Even my children agree that my teenage years were much better than their's in terms of music. Simon and Garfunkel were definitely at the top of my list. I even played the guitar at mass to the song The Sounds of Silence. It holds a special place in my heart.
Recently I came across this video and I can't stop watching it. His voice is amazing (even though it is a heavy metal band) and I dare say I might like it better than the original. Let's face it a good voice is is good voice, even in a heavy metal band!
Enjoy and let me know if you like it!

Kelly

Blog Hop Book Trail

My blogging friend Diane Knott has a new book out called Scrap Quilt Secrets. Scrap quilts are my favorite kind of quilts and this book delivers lots of inspiration!
For the next few days you will have lots of  opportunities to win a book from the book blog hop. Be sure to check them out!
I will be giving one away later on in the week please come back and leave your comment then. Good luck and congratulations Diane!

3/21 http://ctpub.com/blog/
        www.butterflythreadsquilting.com

3/22  http://quiltville.blogspot.com/

3/22 http://humblequilts.blogspot.com/

3/24 http://nanagirlquilts.blogspot.com/

3/25 http://quiltyfolk.blogspot.com/

3/26 http://blog.patsloan.com/

3/27 http://myplvl.blogspot.com/

3/28 http://pinkadotquilts.blogspot.com/

3/29 http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/

3/30 http://bluemountaindaisy.blogspot.com/

3/31 http://quiltingcrescent.blogspot.com/

4/1 http://quiltjewelry.blogspot.com/

4/2 www.funwithbarb.com 

Kelly

Monday Sewing

I only have this lonely block to show you today. The pattern is called Meridian. The fabrics are by Alison Glass. I don't very often only use one line of fabric but I wanted something fast and cool. These fabrics are COOL! Sort of a batik but not and the colors are great.
I used different background for each section and am happy with the way they came together.

Now for the quilting, I will have to think about that one. Do you have a quilting design figured out before you sew your blocks or do you figure it out after? I would say I am an "after". This was a fun exercise in curves and it ends up measuring at about 20" x 20". A great size for a mini!

Kelly

Miss Barb

One of the very best things about social media is the friends you make along the way. Barb who blogs at  Fun With Barb was one of my first. It is so amazing how much we have in common. We never would have met if our blogging paths had not crossed!

Above you can see the adorable caddy she made for me along with all the goodies she put inside. It was so much fun to go through each pocket and zipper to uncover each treasure. Knowing that my friend made it for me is a joy you find in the sewing community. We all GET IT! We know the time and love each handmade item takes and it makes me feel good knowing she wanted to make something just for me!

I have already started using the caddy in my sewing room. Just about everything you need fits right inside of it perfectly and I am not digging through every drawer. The little zip with the girl on the swing also had a penny in it for good luck!

Thank you so much Barb! I do have one question though, how did you know I needed a new rotary cutting blade?

Kelly

Challenge

I know I have been MIA. I have no excuses other than real life has taken over with many obligations, most of them good ones!
This quilt was made as part of a challenge for the Penn Oaks Quilt Guild. We had to make a quilt based on a Silver Screen movie, mine was The Birds. I will always remember my mom letting my sister and I watch it for the first time. That farmer with the X's over his eyes still scares me!

I really enjoyed making this quilt and it has become a favorite of mine. I think the quilting works too.

The birds are made without a pattern which always makes it challenging to set them into a cohesive quilt!

It won the Smile Maker award!

My other guild, Calico Cutters also had a bird challenge. These quilts will go to a homeless shelter for them to auction off to raise funds.

It was made using fusible applique with a blanket stitch to hold it all down.

Finn eating pizza

My grandson, Finn had his first birthday last weekend. I can't believe he is 1 already! He is such a little lovey and a very happy child!

Granddaughters, Fallon and Maddy

My oldest granddaughter Fallon made her confirmation last week too. Now you can see why I haven't blogged!

I must admit I have been infatuated with Instagram. It is quick, easy, fast and fun. Now that Facebook has taken over they are going to change it. Not many people are happy with the change, so you may be seeing more people go back to blogging, me included!

Kelly

He Likes It!

The Legends of Zelda quilt is complete and was delivered to Griffin a few weeks ago. He loves it!

I do think he is the most enthusiastic recipient of any quilt I have made!

I really have to thank Jamie for her guidance in making this quilt and the wonderful machine quilting she did to make it come to life! Thank you Jamie!
I bound this at the getaway and delivered it the day I got home, he had been waiting for almost 2 months. To ensure I finished it at the getaway I used pre-made binding that was a huge time saver.

Griffin is a big reader and often sneaks books after he is supposed to be asleep ( a boy after my own heart!). I am so happy he loves his quilt, it was so worth all the work!
Happy Birthday a little late Griffin!

Kelly