I am so proud of myself--I just finished my first laminated fabric project. Honestly, I have been lusting after laminated fabric for some time, but hadn't bought any yet. I saw this "Going Coastal" fabric recently and it just had to come home with me (it matches my summery outdoor pillows oh so nicely:)

Anyway, mosey on over to Lila Tuellers blog at : http://lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/05/free-trash-stashers-pattern.html

She has generously offered this "Trash Stasher" pattern for free!!

so, I just had to jump right in. I needed a new trash container for my car and this 

would also work awesome beside the sewing machine. I think I may have to make a couple more.

Also, be sure to check out Lila Tuellers line of laminated fabrics coming out--absolutely beautiful. You can find very helpful instructions on working with laminated fabrics on Lila's blog.

I have to say that I don't think there is one thing that Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill designs that I don't just love....I saw this fabric at Olde World Quilt Shoppe and just had to have it. I don't even have anyone I know expecting a little girl

I am looking for just the right pattern to quilt it with and will post it when done...but not sure when that will be as I am in the midst of a couple of custom quilts:) I do plan to bind it with the cute little dot you see as the inner border. As you may have noticed, I mitered the borders on this quilt. Although, that takes a little extra effort, it is worth it at times. I may have to post a tutorial sometime on mitering borders, for those of you who would like to try it.

I made this cute little burp cuddle cloth out of waffle fabric in brown. I used the Bunny Hill pattern, " Cuddle Cloths" and even put some decorative stitching to hold the focal fabric down. I have to admit, my sweet ol' bernina doesn't get to do that much.

Just think what a cute diaper bag you could make with this fabric!!!

Today, my friend Amber and I decided to head to the cool pines of Prescott, Arizona for some fresh air, fabulous shopping and culinary adventures. The weather today was wonderful with a nice breeze--so welcome since the heat has returned to Phoenix. We hit some of our favorite haunts...Fancy That, Edelweiss, and a few antique shops as well....Amber was on the hunt, and she was able to find one thing on her list right away, so we were off to a promising start.

The photo below is of a quilt shop called "Seams Sew Right", and if you haven't been to it, you need to hop in your car and check it out. It has a funky/contemporary vibe to it, and those of you who enjoy modern quilts will feel at home. You can check them out at www.seamsewrightquiltstudio.com

After the quilt shop, we went over to Firehouse Kitchen Restaurant where we sampled a delicious salad, and these wonderful little "pop-overs".  Let's just say we cleaned our plates and will return again soon.

Pop-over, and my little cup of dressing for my salad....yummmm

Finishing is oh so sweet

I just love this quilt. It is a Jo Morton pattern. It enjoys a spot in my sewing room where I can see it while I work on projects. Finishing and displaying projects really can help motivate you through a project. You know the saying, "to quilt is heavenly, to finish is divine.....so true

 

 I can hardly believe it--my oldest child is going to graduate from high school soon.

 What a journey it has been, and it's not over yet. He will be off to college next fall, so I have much to do to prepare him for the next chapter in his life. Meanwhile, I hope to finish a quilt to send off to college with him...one of my UFO's.  So I have a bit of time to get it done for him. I am hoping he will feel all a little closer to home when he's wrapped up in his quilt

A Book Signing with Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co at the Olde World Quilt Shoppe

Amazon.com: Another Bite of Schnibbles: 24 Quilts from 5" or 10" Squares (That Patchwork Place) (9781604680584): Carrie Nelson: Books

One of my absolute favorite shops, Olde Worlde Quilt Shoppe had one of my very favorite pattern designers last Saturday for a book signing! It was so nice to have the opportunity to meet Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. and visit with her. She is so charming and talented. She also has a wonderful blog you can check out http://www.laveenrosie.typepad.com/ for inspiration, laughs etc. If you haven't bought one of her books or patterns, you really must. They are well written, easy to follow and are absolutely exquisite--destined to be family heirlooms. She even has a line of patterns called Schnibbles that are made with precuts--most go together quite quickly, and the small ones make such nice gifts. Also if you are ever in the Phoenix area, be sure to check out Olde Worlde Quilt Shoppe--it is such a warm and inviting shop, everyone there is so helpful and their fabrics are to die for!!

Take a look at a recent quilt I completed. It is made from Japanese fabrics and is really quite beautiful. While is has flowers and softer colors it isn't too feminine. I think it would work nice in a master bedroom