My First Quilting Journey

Have you ever been so excited that you find yourself continuously talking about the same thing over and over to the same friends? You never notice it until they begin to roll their eyes and say, "You've told me already!"

Well that's how it's been for me for the past 2 weeks since joining the Sewcial Bee Sampler Sew Along! I am just super excited to learn new techniques and even more ecstatic to have a finished quilt at the end of the 25 weeks. My very first quilt!

My sewing journey began about 3 years ago as I saw a purse that was handmade but was a bit costly and decided I can make it....why? Because I can make anything I want and put my mind to! (So I was told as a child, and so I believed!) I should interject here that I now know why it was so costly and totally relate to trying to explain to potential customers the procedures and funds that is needed for any creation. By the way, I love making handbags and wallets but thought I should spread my wings a little!

I'm scrolling through my instagram account (click here to view) and stumbled upon an interesting sew along that's about to start. I quickly replied under a post that I was interested and would love to join, HOLY MOLY was my expression after sending that message. I was actually doubting myself and second guessing if I would be capable of actually getting the task of putting all those little pieces together.


I am happy to say that this sew-along has been one of the easiest sewing task that I have ever taken on, all thanks to Sharon and Maureen. You two have made this possible for new quilters like myself and for that I am thankful! You to can jump on this bandwagon as it's never to late and I am sure you can catch up on no time. We are only on block #4, quickly head on over to their blogs for more information.

I have decided to use #desertbloom fabric selection by Moda Fabrics for my first quilt, totally not the norm of my love for beach colors and theme.

I found that this quilt is going to end up costing me approximately about $300 in total! (mouth drops open) I have purchased the fabrics on the supply list as needed and I've reached to $150.85
Material List • 3-½ yards total for blocks
                     • 2 yards total for frames
Above is what I've purchased already.

                     • 1-½ yards total for sashing
                     • ½ yard total for binding
                     • 4-½ yards for backing
                     • 80’’ square batting

Week 1

This was my first attempt at quilting and I was nervous as hell, but I am so happy I gave it a try.

Week 2

By the second week I was feeling so comfortable that I was anticipating gleefully what it would look like.

Week 3

Week 4

Another block has been issued today as it's WEDNESDAY! This has really made hump days more enjoyable.

Remember to follow me for updates of my postings.
Have a great evening!

My Happy Spending Day!

Hello everybody!

I had such a great day roaming the aisles of Joann Fabrics store yesterday, especially since I knew I was going to find some treasures that were on my must-have list.

As I have been told a million times by my dear husband, "you don't have to buy everything when you take on a new craft", I tried to remember this as I was alone and free to spend whatever I want without any eyes watching (no husband and no daughter)! Bless his heart for trying to keep me grounded. Haha.

So let's get to my goodies that I got. Oh, first I should say that yesterday was a "start the car moment" when I was able to use a "60% off" coupon TWICE, use a "40% off" coupon and also get "$30 off when you spend $75"! Wow, I have never saved like that before.

I won't keep you in suspense any longer! Let's get started.

1. Light Tracer

I recently came across a conversation that brightened my light bulb. I am a newbie in the hand embroidery world and was tracing a design onto my fabric and wondered if there was another way to get your design on your fabric without having to stare down with my eyes wide open whilst having my OttLite 2 inches from my eyes and my pattern that was torture. Thankfully, someone mentioned using a light box and that was the start of my hunt!  Happily, my hunt was short lived when my eyes sparkled and landed  on a LightTracer LED Light Box!

2. Olfa Rotating Rotary Mat

I have wanted one of these mats for sometime but could not justify spending (insert coughing) on a 12 x 12 mat, especially after owning about 6 different cutting mats. So today, when the opportunity arise of being able to use another 60% coupon, without hesitation that was what I headed for! Now there should be less getting up and twisting my body in yoga poses and awkward hand movements. Easy Peasy spin of the mat works like a dream!

3. DMC Embroidery Thread

Honestly, I was totally trying to make the process of picking colors be over in 1 minute! Usually I am all excited to match up fabrics and other color related crafts, but for the love of God.......why must there be a zillion different colors? In the end, I decided to gather up every color in 3's, which was much easier! Also, I picked up a Collector's Edition box of variegated floss and I was back on my merry go round of happiness again. Note: They were a part of the door buster sales 3 @.99

Forgot to mention the purchase of the storage container and accessories.

4. Bias Tape Maker

Have you ever made a bias tape before? How about trying to iron that sucker? That's the detrimental part for me. Imagine the pain of getting burned from the steam of your iron and having to continue the process of ironing to make a half inch bias tape which you urgently need to complete a swap partner's gift, which of course is due to be mailed out the next day! Whoaaaaa, never again. Now, that I know they come in various sizes, I've decided to start with the 1/2" width size and grow my collection as needed.

Update: I actually got 2 different sizes!

5. Jumbo Wonder Clips

I must be getting old, as I bought a pack a week ago and was also excited to get a pack today as well (my excuse: they were 40% off). Well, one can never have too many of these. They really live up to their name "Wonder Clips". I have only used these from the time I started sewing, which was about 3 years now and wonder how people made it without them (well I know there were pins) but they also would stick the crap out of you!

6. Aunt Martha's Stitch 'Em Up

Like I mentioned earlier, I am new to hand embroidery and thought what better way to try out different patterns on fabric that was made especially for the purpose of Hand stitching. I couldn't decide, so i bought kitchen towels, pillowcases, dinner napkins and flour sack towels (there goes my husband rolling his eyes as he reads this) xoxo!

All in all I'll say I had a great shopping President's Day Sale at Joann's.

Thanks for stopping by and

 I hope to see you again soon!

Let's get it Done!

Good Morning! There's the sun shining through my window and I've had my coffee, that equals a beautiful day ahead! As the new year rolled in with a bang for me, I realized that I had not set any resolutions for 2017. I was determined to skip this year rituals as I can never fulfill my promise to myself, so why the hell should I make more empty promises, right? I thought I'd do this 'self inflicted empty promises' differently this year!

For starters, I am going to continue to try my best to be the best that I can be, but not at the expense of feeling deflated because I couldn't get a task done.

This year, it's all about me! Selfish? Well, maybe I am. :-)
I will start to live out my dreams day by day  and if I don't get it done....then there's always tomorrow!

Breathe: Happy to get that all out.

I have joined a challenge hosted by a Carla of Carla's Creations, which I made a pinky -swear that I will try my best to create one item a month from my ever growing stash of sewing books. I thought this was such a great idea, as i can now justify my need to spend too many hours roaming Chapters and too much money purchasing books and not creating anything.

I have a few others that I've "collected" (sounds better than saying bought haha) over last week! Well, truthfully, two were ordered and one I went on the hunt for and it was well worth it!

So, In order stay on my planned budget expense list, I've decided to purchase one book (chuckle), we shall see, spending $20 -$25 every two weeks. Sounds like an excellent plan to me! So now I have to clear additional space on my bookcase!

This month, I will create a pot holder from Sadef Imer's "Quilt Petite" book.

There are so many new techniques in this book, and it was tough choosing what to make, that I've decided to jump right in and face the seam ripper without fear attempting Paper Piecing! Ive always wanted to try English Paper Piecing and this is a great opportunity to give it a go. Making my own pot holders is going to be interesting. I promise to keep you posted!

It's time to get my work started picking fabrics and gathering my supplies. 

Let's see if I can stay on track.

Have a Super-fantstically morning!

Keshia