Not So Last Minute Christmas Quilt Along - Bell

I know I've been missing lately. I'm sorry guys, but I've been so sick that I just haven't had the energy to sew.  I know, shocking right?!?  But I'm starting to feel better and actually touched the sewing machine last night so we're getting back on track.  But....today's the day for our February link up for our Not So Last Minute Christmas Quilt Along!!!  This month, we're linking up our bells...

This month's block was a bit more challenging.  But I absolutely love it!!  Guys, I'm not an expert at paper piecing.  I'd consider myself pretty new at it actually.  So if I can make these blocks, anyone can.  Next month, I'll share with you how I put the block together.  They are supposed to get gradually harder as we go so I'm hoping if you see some tips to make it easier, you'll feel encouraged to join us!  :)

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Now for the link up!  Let's see your bells!

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

A Little Bit of Everything

The last week has been absolutely crazy!!  Cassidy had her first competition of the season on Saturday so we've been crazy busy getting ready for/through that.  We have another one next weekend so I'm trying to get as much done in the few non-crazy days we have before then.  So let me catch you up on what I've been doing.  First up, I made some cookies for Cassidy to take to competition...

 

My daughter is a red velvet nut so when I saw these red velvet sugar cookies over at Creme de la Crumb, I knew I had to make them for her for Valentine's day.  And they didn't disappoint.  The recipe for the cookie is different than any cookie I've made, but both Cassidy and my middle son, Alex, swear they are wonderful.  I haven't tried them because I'm trying to avoid too much in the way of sweets, but if the icing is any indication, they are absolutely right. 

Saturday, I had 15 hours of sitting on gym bleachers.  Yes, 15.  I knew I'd go absolutely nuts sitting there twiddling my thumbs for that long so I grabbed some yarn and a crochet hook and a pattern off ravelry and went to work.

 

I haven't crocheted in years so I really didn't plan to work on something I'd keep, just something to keep my hands busy.  But, my friends, I had fun with this.  Trouble is, I don't have enough of the yarn to finish, have no idea what the yarn is to try to get more, so the project stops there.  So I did make a trip to the store Sunday to get some yarn to take with me next weekend, enough to complete the project I'm going to be working on.  Chances are, you'll see more crochet work here in the future.

Sunday, I was finally able to start working on my quilting projects again.  First up, the frogs for this week's installment of the Elephant Parade QAL.

 

I still need to do the handwork on them, but they are adorable.  The green one is for the Elephant Parade QAL and the pink and blue ones are for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge.

Speaking of the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, I also finished up the second block for the quilt that so scrappy designed.  This time it's a bear paw block framed by the sawtooth star.  I really had to dig deep into the scrap bin to find the pinks for this month.

 

Next up, I did this month's block for the Not So Last Minute Christmas Quilt Along.   This month we are making the bell...

After working on this block, I thought that it would probably be good to walk y'all through it as it was a bit more difficult than last month.  Be looking for that later today.

And last, but certainly not least, we have this month's block for the Fat Quarter Shop's Snapshots QAL.  This month is the sewing machine.

I'm using my Miss Kate fabrics for this quilt along and absolutely love how this one turned out.

Okay, y'all, you're all caught up with me now.  Today we have the linky party for your leader/ender projects here.   And it's not too late to join in our Not So Last Minute Christmas Quilt Along.

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Today I'm linking up with Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday, Monday Makers, BOM's Away at Whatahoot, Choose Your Own Block Along at Live a Colorful Life, Show and Tell Tuesday at I have to say, and Let's Be Social at Sew Fresh Quilts and My Quilt Infatuation for NTT Thursday.

Leader/Ender Link Up!

Today's the day my friends!  Time to show your current leader/ender projects.  I have really begun to look forward to this day each month.  Leaders/enders are sneaky little things.  You work on them in between everything else, so until you take the time to lay them out, you really have no idea how you are progressing.  For example, here's my pic from last month's party...

 

 I kept thinking all month that I really haven't made much progress on my leader/ender and kept wondering if I'd really have much progress to show today.  But this morning I laid it all out and...

 

Wow!  I went from 14 completed sets to 21 completed sets!!  I'm amazed at how much progress I made.  Those sneaky little leaders/enders!

So now it's your turn.  Grab a button and link up.  Let's see how much progress you've made this month!

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<br><br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2014/11/our-first-leaderender-linky-party.html" title="A Quilting Chick"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl5ugFNY3GXFl5r17VbnZWiY236HeXEHtdd7Qtwr34jY38dnI7dByAXqmqAyKbpHrBiKkvA8e5XzamGrNGoREtAdRzBgT4_KkYYdZqTykmk3NhMglVQDwcjM7B0qDt0_j75azKJ9zxAhV/s1600/leader+ender+button.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Linking up with Oh Scrap! and WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.
   

    An InLinkz Link-up

   

Elephant Parade QAL - Baby Elephants

Last night I finished up my baby elephants!! I do believe I've become addicted to making these little guys...

 

The grey ones are for the Elephant Parade QAL being hosted by the talented designer, Lorna.   Next up are the versions I made for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge, RSC15, being hosted by So Scrappy.  January's color....blue...

 

And February's color....pink...

 

Aren't they just the cutest???  And last but not least for today, I received my quilt shop from Lucy for the Quilter's Garden Mystery Swap.

 

I love it!  It will fit perfectly with the shops I made.  Thank you Lucy!!

Now, don't forget that we have our own quilt along going on here on the blog, the Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL.  Plenty of time to join in...

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And also, we have our monthly link up next Tuesday for our leader/ender projects...

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<br><br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2014/11/our-first-leaderender-linky-party.html" title="A Quilting Chick"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl5ugFNY3GXFl5r17VbnZWiY236HeXEHtdd7Qtwr34jY38dnI7dByAXqmqAyKbpHrBiKkvA8e5XzamGrNGoREtAdRzBgT4_KkYYdZqTykmk3NhMglVQDwcjM7B0qDt0_j75azKJ9zxAhV/s1600/leader+ender+button.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Today I'm linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced, and Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts and My Quilt Infatuation.  Also with Fabric Frenzy at Ft. Worth Fabric Studio and So Scrappy.

Massdrop Fun

I just happened to stop by Massdrop to do some....browsing.  Yes, browsing is the right word.  :)  But I wanted to share with you what I found.

First, they have this gorgeous fat quarter bundle on for four more days...

It is the Feather River FQ Bundle by Jay-Cyn Designs for Birch Organic Fabrics. Right now, it is only $42.99!

Then we have the Wonder Clips.  Wonderful Wonder Clips...

It looks like this one just started as there are still seven days left on the drop.  You get 100 clips for $31.99 but if they get enough people buying them, the price drops to $29.99.  These are seriously calling my name.

So, just in case you're like me and want to browse...

:)

All About the Scraps!

This weekend was all about the scraps, about the scraps, no stash....yeah, I may have heard that song a few times more than I should.  :)  But it was a great weekend for my scraps.  I finished up the "need to" finish projects on Friday night so I was able to spend Saturday playing.  I knew I wanted a couple of more projects for the Rainbow Scrap Challenge so I added in a few.  First up my scrappy Mama Elephants...

 

Aren't they adorable!  (Wait until you see the babies!  They're all cut out and I've started sewing them too!)  

Next up, I wanted to work on a curved log cabin quilt too...

 

I love the way it's looking already.  Can't wait for March just to add to it a bit.  

Then I needed to make a heart for Cassidy's wall at school  A tradition for the spirit groups:  the parents make a heart to decorate the walls the week of Valentine's, which also happens to lead right into the competition weekends.

 

Yeah, she's my baby.  And also a Senior.  Just a few short month's and I'll be an empty nester!  :(  Not so sure how I feel about that.

So that was my weekend in a nutshell.  What did you work on?  Come see the linkups at Patchwork Times,  Monday Makers, BOM's Away, Live a Colorful Life, and Scraps Monday.  And since I didn't finish up my babies last night, we're linking up with Mrs Sew and Sow for Scraptastic Tuesday, Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday and I have to Say for Show and Tell Tuesday.

 

And don't forget to stop back by next Tuesday for our monthly linkup for sharing progress on your leaders/enders!!

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<br><br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2014/11/our-first-leaderender-linky-party.html" title="A Quilting Chick"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghl5ugFNY3GXFl5r17VbnZWiY236HeXEHtdd7Qtwr34jY38dnI7dByAXqmqAyKbpHrBiKkvA8e5XzamGrNGoREtAdRzBgT4_KkYYdZqTykmk3NhMglVQDwcjM7B0qDt0_j75azKJ9zxAhV/s1600/leader+ender+button.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Sunday Stash 2-8-15

I need to start remembering these on Sundays!  :)  I did add a bit of fabric this week.

 

I needed a little bit more of this fabric for my Shimmer Braid QAL.  So 1-1/2 yards were added.

In This Week - 1-1/2 yards

Used This Week - 0 yards

Total In This Year - 26-5/8 yards

Total Out This Year - 10 yards

Net Used This Year - -16-5/8 yards

There's still time to join in our Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL.

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<br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/not-so-last-minute-christmas-quilt-along.html" title="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL"><img src="http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/AQuiltingChick/Nutcracker_zps154dd2c0.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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I'll be linking up with Patchwork Times and Molli Sparkles.

Shimmer Braid and RSC15

Last night I finished up the blocks for the Shimmer Braid QAL. I love the way they have turned out and can't wait to see how this quilt turns out.

Then this morning, I went ahead and whipped up the first block for this month's RSC15 color of pink. 

I had nothing but problems with this block.  I lost geese points in the middle, the sizes weren't coming out right, and then I made the star point geese inside out color-wise.  But it is done and I think I'm going to keep it as is.  When the top is ready to layout, I may decide to remake it.  But for now, I kinda like the authentic scrappiness of it.  

And finally....it's time to draw for the winner of the batik fat quarter stack for the Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL for January.  The winner is...

Sherri of Sunshine in the Attic!!!  Congrats Sherri!  Send me your snail mail address and I'll put that out for you this week.

We'll have another chance to win with the linkup for this month's block, the bell, for the Not So Last Minute Christmas Quilt Along!  Grab a button and come play!!

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Linking up today with So Scrappy.

Shimmer Braid Has Started!

After a pretty busy week, I finally managed to start sewing the first blocks for the Shimmer Braid QAL.  I love the color play here...

 

I still have 12 blocks to make, slightly different, as there are 4 different log cabin blocks for the first month.  This is turning out so pretty!!

And speaking of quilt alongs, there is also still time to link up your Christmas Tree blocks in our Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL.  The drawing for the batik fat quarters will be on Saturday!!

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<br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/not-so-last-minute-christmas-quilt-along.html" title="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL"><img src="http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/AQuiltingChick/Nutcracker_zps154dd2c0.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Linking up today with Fabric Frenzy at Ft. Worth Fabric Studio.

Elephant Parade - Mama Elephants

Last night, I finally got to work on my elephants for the Elephant Parade QAL.  I adore this little quilt and am ever so grateful that Lorna is sharing her design.  Here is mama elephant posing for her closeup...

 

And here are all the mama elephants.  I just adore these little guys!  My daughter wants to be a large animal vet and her goal is to work with elephants, giraffes, etc., at a zoo after college.  She has claimed this quilt for her future kids?!?  

 

This is the first week in the quilt along and these sew up really fast so there is still plenty of time to join the fun.

And speaking of quilt alongs, there is also still time to link up your Christmas Tree blocks in our Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL.  The drawing for the batik fat quarters will be on Saturday!!

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<br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/not-so-last-minute-christmas-quilt-along.html" title="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL"><img src="http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/AQuiltingChick/Nutcracker_zps154dd2c0.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Linking up today with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced and Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts and NTT at My Quilt Infatuation.

Fabric Report

I completely forgot to do my fabric report yesterday.  Not surprising as I finally had a week with nothing coming in, so no fun photos to share.

 

And as much work as I got done on Grand Illusion yesterday, it isn't finished yet so nothing to report out either.  

In This Week - 0 yards

Used This Week - 0 yards

Total In This Year - 25-1/8 yards

Total Out This Year - 10 yards

Net Used This Year - -15-1/8 yards

There's still time to join in our Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL.

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<br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/not-so-last-minute-christmas-quilt-along.html" title="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL"><img src="http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/AQuiltingChick/Nutcracker_zps154dd2c0.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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I'll be linking up with Patchwork Times.

My Weekend Sewing

I had kind of a lazy weekend. I finished up all my "have to be done" projects for January so I took things slow.  I spent my weekend relaxing, watching Harry Potter movies, and putting together the blocks on my Grand Illusion.

 

All of the blocks are assembled, the sashing is assembled and attached to the side of the blocks.  My next step is attaching sashing and cornerstones.  So not much longer and this top will be done.

But, tonight I get to go watch my niece walk the stage for her early graduation and when I get home, I'm tackling elephants.

There is still time to whip up the first block for our Not So Last Minute Christmas Quilt Along and link it up for the drawing on Saturday.  Come join in the fun!!

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<br><a href="http://aquiltingchick.blogspot.com/2015/01/not-so-last-minute-christmas-quilt-along.html" title="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL"><img src="http://i1265.photobucket.com/albums/jj507/AQuiltingChick/Nutcracker_zps154dd2c0.jpg" alt="A Quilting Chick - Not So Last Minute Christmas QAL" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Today I'm linking up with Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times, Monday Makers, and Show and Tell Tuesday with I Have to Say.