TABLE RUNNER
I finally got to that table runner that was I talking about being on the frame.  I was able to use my new long-arm arc ruler I picked up about a week ago, plus I got to use my piecing ruler that I picked up about six months ago (nothing like taking a lifetime to get to the latter).  I finally got a chance to use the Quick Curve Ruler.  It took a buddy sewing day to get me to that point.  If anyone hasn't had the fortune to check out Jenny's tool and her website it definitely will suck you in.  I love her quilts!!  I have seen a few in person in schoolhouse and it was sure a treat :)

Curve Piecing - 
To everyone that is thinking "what the heck are you talking about?"  I will let you in on what I am talking about, lol.  Curve piecing is a little tricky.  Typically you will use a template to aid you in this process.  I used one in my double wedding ring quilt and I have used one here with this table runner.  This template that I used is a thick plastic that you use with your rotary cutter.  You cut out the curves and their partner melons and sew them together.  Then you HAVE to square your blocks again, which is never something that I love to do, but you HAVE to.  Then you sew the blocks together and hopefully your curves line up beautifully.  If they don't then you just need to practice a titch more... which is the case for myself.  Though I was very pleased with my first attempt.  I donated this quilt for a bunch of these wonderful ladies I love, for a chance to win.  That is always fun because sharing my love of quilting makes me happy.  SO now I am going to have to make another to keep for myself :)


Back to the colors - Oh my gosh I love these fabrics.  The orange and brown and teal and yellow - HEART BEATS.  While I was making the arcs there were some melon shaped leftover scraps.  My buddy Katie and I thought they would make the perfect flower and they DID.


BIAS TAPE FINISH
It is funny because when I was finishing up I was sharing the pillow and Katie said she loves the binding tape finish.  I need to do a tutorial for this ASAP!! - so here it is :)  This is a way that I finish my pillows.  It creates quite a bit of interest on the back of the pillow.  Especially when it is a very muted pillow like this one.

(Cut 2) 1 1/2" strip x length desired for project (pillow backs 16")

Step 1 - With the right side of fabric facing down, pull each side up to meet in the middle and press (refer to pic below).

Step 2 - With the fabric sides facing up fold one more time meeting these two folds together (refer to pic below).

Step 3 - Applying the binding tape to project.  Simply slip the raw-edge of the project (pillow back) into the center fold and stitch 1/8" from the outer fold (demonstrated in pic blow without pillow back).  This tape is very versatile being used in a variety of projects such as ties for a bag, binding/hemming a pillow back, etc.



So there ya go.  This is how I bind/hem my pillow backs.


Here is a close - up of the binding tape applied.


I quilted this quilt with my long-arm arc ruler.  It was very fun to add the gradual curves that helped keep the emphasis on the curved piecing.  Then filling in the center melon with an easy back and forth filler.


So I would say that this runner was perfect for this season and was a fun challenge to undertake.  Plus it is always nice to check off one thing I have piled on my list.

Back Packing -  
Last thing to add is that I have finished writing my back packing school sampler pattern.  This pattern is such a favorite one of mine.  It is such an enjoyable one to make.  The trims are super fun to add and I have included an label block or as an alternative to the backpack block, just in case people might not want to venture into zipper land.  Though, I want to point out that it is super super easy so go ahead and venture.

I will take you through the quilt.  We have an apple block, and a book block, and a fleece ABC block, and a school bus block.   Then on the next row we have a ruler block, a hall pass block, a school house block, and a paper block.  I have shared pics before in this post as well.

Then on the next row we have a turnstile block, and a backpack block, and a hourglass block, and finally a color-wheel block.

Oh my the polka dots!  I love them.  These fabrics are from Riley Blake's basic prints.  This means that no matter when you delve into this quilt you will have access to all of these fabulous fabrics :)!  That is the best right!

Then here is the super super sweet and delicious APPLE.


This pattern is versatile just like my other sampler patterns.  You can choose to make the quilt in the wall hanging version, the skinny wall hanging version, or the multi-directional table runner version.  So there is definitely a place in your sweet home for this lovely little teacher's tool.


But that is a little bit closer.


Just count 1.2.3. and I'll be finished all the way :)

Inspiration - Sometimes this comes in the form of a very cute sketch from a WONDERFUL friend...

How else could I describe her.  I will take a sec and fill ya in on a person that has millions of great strings - She is an amazing hard worker, which I always admire.  She loves to give herself in service to organizations/family/friends/strangers.  She has an awesome competitive heart that beats like crazy with each new adventure she trials.  She is so creative and smart, this cookie is a smart smart girl.  She is my friend and I feel so lucky, I feel sad that I have ever taken her for granted :)

She sketched this sampler out and told me I had to make a back to school sampler and I did my best.  I will hopefully get some pics of the quilt she made as well as another awesome friend soon.  SO... my Katie was the inspiration for this newest pattern and it was super fun working with her.  But inspiration comes in so many ways for me.  I really design what I love.  I happen to love wall hangings currently (probably because I have a place from them in my home).  I also have tons of other places of interest which should be fun to explore (the tricky part is time, it takes so long to make something from start to finish, I need more of it).  I am so fascinated with modern quilt designs which I haven't even dipped my toes in yet.  I think that I am a poor example of style.  I was hoping to find my style this year but as of yet I don't feel like I am there quite yet.  So inspiration is there but I haven't full conquered it in my opinion... soon though ;)

(Katie's Sketch)

Quilt Market Countdown:
I am doing pretty good on my list.  I checked off quilting my new pattern "BackPacking".  Yay!!  All I need to do is bind these two little babies!!... and no binding wasn't a separate item I just need to do that.


Here is the BackPacking Wall Hanging.  I also have a table runner or what I like to call a "Skinny".  It can be a wall hanging as well and hopefully I will be able to share how that works in my house over the next few days.  Here they are side-by-side.  It is one pattern but you are able to use different layout arrangements to achieve the size you desire.  I hope to release this pattern asap.  I am taking it with me to Quilt Market so tell your local quilt store to look for Mixi Heart and how she is a cute girl that loves quilting!  I will update this blog when I have the pattern written and for sale in my pattern shop.



There is a sheet of paper in the pattern - I was able to have my kids write their names and draw a bit with a soluble marker, then embroider over the tracings.  This is a great way to customize your quilt!  I love when things are unique so it was a neat thing to include.   (PS - my little guy LOVES math so it is not surprising that he included a math problem although a little humorous and my sweet girl is an amazing little artist, don't mind me while I talk up my kids).


It is a little tuff to see in the pic but for the abc block I quilted with a fun easy background quilting.  It is just a mess of circles.  It was super easy and fast and cute for this quilt.  Plus it really helps the fleece letter appliqué just stand right out dimensionally.  It is definitely something one should try at home.


Here is the finished apple block I shared awhile ago with my tooth post.  Can't have a school quilt without an apple.


AND most importantly a BACKPACK!  It includes 2 pockets that are functional.  I was thinking about what I wanted to put in the pocket and I was thinking maybe lunch money??  It might make the quilt worth more!  The block includes a zipper but could easy be left out.  It was a great chance to use those zipper skills though or learn for the first time for some.


Take note that on one of the backpacks there is a cute flower :)  Must be a girl backpack.



MIXI SKIRT - MAXI SKIRT
Next item on the agenda is my Mixi Skirt pattern made out of this fabric.  I love the colors!  They couldn't be more perfect and I can't wait to wear my skirt in Houston.  Wish me luck on the skirt.  Speaking of Inspiration... I need some inspiration for my decorations.  I think that I have a couple great ideas, though I try to never stop that process for sake of a wonderful epiphany.


AND one more thing I found inspirational - "PERFECT = BORING"

Here is my new pattern :) (UPDATE - I have it finished and it is available in my pattern shop tab #2 and Etsy and) I don't have it uploaded on the pattern sites yet but I will hopefully have it all ready to go by the end of next week. I seriously had post-it-notes stuck all over the way of the things that I needed to finish before I left and I only got about five hours of sleep each night, which for me is three to four short.

 Anyway, I was super excited to share this little bag. It is cute as a backpack or just a purse or whatever bag.  Well, I am officially on the plane when this posts. I was able to do a few posts that will hopefully add as I am gone.

 So if you are interested in these patterns please don't forget to check back in a week when they will both be ready. Thanks so much!!

 The strap is adjustable and the bag can be worn a couple different ways, even as a messenger bag.  Don't my kids look happy... just kidding.  It was a little chilly.

(Love adding the embroidery and trims and appliqué)

(big version, with rings and adjustable strap)

(handle strap)

Of course you need to have a big version and a small version.  Well, this bag has tons of extras and it was inspired by my recent bag I was able to make.  I just thought it was fun adding all of the extra hardware.  It makes sewing a little exciting.

Thanks for looking.  I have a quilt to share tomorrow!