12 Squared Sampler Quilt from 2012 Blocks

I just got my sampler back from the quilter and I'm so happy it's done!

I've never used a professional quilter before, as I'm kind of a stitch in the ditch sorta gal, but I have to say I'm loving how smooth and straight the layers are and how EASY it is to have someone with a long arm do the dirty work.

This quilt is made up of all the block patterns chosen in 2012. 

Apparently, I have a lot of red and blue fabric.

Kickin' Threads and Taking Names

At the end of my life I'm sure I won't say, "I wish I spent more time cleaning the bathrooms."  But, I will say, "I wish I spent more time sewing."

See all that fabric stacked up to the left of the picture?  Potential projects, that just cry for attention.

I did get to spend a little time in my sewing room this weekend and made progress on a couple of projects.  I got the top to my 2012 12squared sampler quilt finished.  And my Blue Ribbon Quilt is coming along.  Rethinking the name.  Any suggestions?

This is my Brain on Fabric...

Lately, I have been obsessed with my quilting. I have FINISHED a few projects that were really fun & I am happy with how they turned out. I have a reason to have been so driven to get some of the things done. Here he is!

  Elder Sam Tobler came home from his mission on the 8th of June! It is wonderful to have him home!

Oh! We also have been busy with family. Grace and Jason and Clark came to visit the day before Sam came home. So, here is a picture of all of the grandchildren!

 Solomon (J&T), Jonas (J&MM), Maud (J&T), Megan (E&W), Ruby & Hazel (J&T), Lucy (E&W), Clark (G&J), Everett, Christian & Eden (J&MM)... cute, right? 

So, for a few weeks, I have been driven to get a few things done, anticipating losing my sewing room, aka., formerly known as Sam's room. I have taken over the "kid's room". I re-did this wicker chair: the pillows are made from more quilt blocks from 2011 and '12.  Elizabeth folded all of my fabric to look really nice on the bookshelf behind the chair. 

 

 

 I also finished my "sampler quilt".   

The backing and binding are from "happy-go-lucky" by bonnie & camille for Moda. Love, love the backing.

Have you seen these birds at "The Stitch'in Post"? I made some with fabric that I brought home from Hawaii. Now I need a good stick or 2 and make a mobile.You can find the pattern on line at: www.spoolsewing.com (Mister Blue Bird by Michael Fulkerson.)

Wait! There is more. (I told you my brain was on "fabric")

When my mother in law was here in February, she and I took a class at the "Stitch'in Post. (Highly recommended.) The pattern is a "Carpenter's Star". I had found a large  bag of "Farmer John's Mini Market" fat quarters by Paintbrush Studio. Patterns of tiny fruits and vegetables. So cute! We each made one. I finished mine with "Bella" black and  "Cherry on Top" in green and red by Keiki for Moda. (Now to finish hers.)

 I made this picture  larger so you could see the peaches, yellow, red & green peppers, blueberries, cherries, artichokes, red peppers. 

I guess I'll go upstairs and finish Liz's square. 

(Remember, girls. I have NO small children at home, I don't work outside the home, AND I have been OBSESSED!)

A Sampler Quilt and my "Double Hourglass" for "that other group"!

I have been working on making duplicate squares whenever I am able and have the time. These are the squares I have chosen for my first "sampler" quilt. (I have more squares for a second!) They are examples from the first 2 years of Trading Pieces and 12 Squared.  It is a little like "I spy... my square!" Can you find yours? (I will be changing out one of the "Granny Squares" for a "Dresden Plate" I am working on.) 

Any ideas for sashing? Don't quite have a handle on that yet. All I know is that the squares look better separated than mushed together. 

 Below is what I have so far for my Trading Pieces "Double Hourglass" quilt top! I am loving how it is coming together. The bright colors are perfect! Mixed in with the squares that I have made, it is looking just like I wanted it too... except not big enough yet. 

I'm taking donations for extra squares... if you are interested in a quick and easy square! 

(See February 2013 @ trading pieces.blogspot.com for details) 

Wow! That was shameless...