Granny's a Go-Go!

Summer is here. Finally! The kids are out of school ~ no more lunches, homework and finding socks for school. I don't know about you, but every morning I heard "Mom,. where are some socks!" Hooray, for flip flops. Swimming lessons and soccer camps are in full swing this week and I am finishing up last minute details for our big family vacation.

Before we leave for our vacation, I have one pressing issue to finishing up: GrAnNy SqUaReS.  Some girlfriends and I are doing a granny square swap, we each have to make 24 GS, the only requirements were to use: Kona white, any 30's prints and don't trim the squares. 


I want to make 2 quilts with my GS blocks and 24 would only make 2 very small quilts...so I'm adding a few of my own blocks to the mix. I've got one of the quilts in mind for a sweet friend who just loves feed sack prints. I've been working on a few color combos that I knew the other ladies weren't using: peach, mint green, purple. I'm just infatuated with these blocks!

The block below is really special, I found the fabrics at a friends yard sale and I got some awesome "vintagey" 30's prints. I think they are from the 80's.


Happy Summer Quilting.

Handmade Holiday Swap

Before Turkey Day I signed up to be apart of Susan and Kersey's "Holiday Gift Swap"  I thought it was a great idea and I super way to get some exception handmade gifts crossed off my list. I wasn't sure what I wanted to make but I knew it would involve fabric, quilting and something use-able. The day before I was suppose to send my "gifts" in the mail... I finally settle on an idea: drink coasters and as quick as I had decided I changed my mind again: table runner.

I was put into a group with 6 other artists and just going off our #'s there was at least 178 participates. Pretty cool! I was #8 so I don't know if I signed up really early or they went alphabetically. I know I am late sending my gifts {Dec. 1st} was the deadline, but luckily I have only received one "gift" {thanks Joy} so maybe because of the holidays were all a little late, right?

These beauties are being delivered to the post office today when Mr. H wakes up from his nap.
 I was inspired to make the Trees after Maggie's  table runner from the Retreat. The trees and borders came together really fast, but the binding was a beast. I hate doing bindings. I loved the hand stitching embellishment of the bakers twine. I think it gives a "Christmasy" feel without over dueing it.

 I had enough fabric to make 4 identical runners and 1 I had to use different fabric. I went a little out of my comfort zone and tried to design a runner that was a little more sophisticated and not so cutesy Christmas. I hope the ladies really like them.

Linking up:

Trunk Show, Giveaway Winner and Exciting News

In Quilt Rereat News:
I am super excited to announce Emily Herrick is hosting the {Frenchknots} Quilt Retreat Trunk Show on Saturday, November 19th. I met Emily at the Sewing Summit and we instantly hit it off. I was excited to learn she lives pretty close to me and even more excited when she agreed to be apart of the quilt retreat. Emily is fab-u-lous, she designs fabric for Michael Miller and creates her own quilt patterns for Crazy Old Ladies Quilts. Emily will be the hit of the weekend, you should come just to meet her ~ and then as a bonus, you'll get tons of quilting time, delicious food, and giveaways! To sign up go here! or if you have any questions email me at pamela@frencknots.net


In other quilting news! my new friend Amy of amylouwhosews is hosting a Mini Quilt Challenge Sew and Tell. If you make minis or have wanted to try.... join in the fun!!

I am asking for some advice:

After the Sewing Summit, Liz put together a Sewing Summit Swap and I signed up. I am making a mini quilt for my "swap partner", luckily I have all the fabrics picked out and decided on a Dresden Plate for my design the only thing left is just to get sewing!  I have never participated in a "swap" before and am soooo excited. It will be alot of fun and my partner is adorable. 

If you've been apart of a swap before, please give me some advice. I know it is common to put in a few extra items in with your package, am I missing anything else?

And finally....the winner of the Sewing Summit Swag Bag is: Holly! Congrats Holly! Holly will be contacted via email.

Thank you everyone who entered. Remember for the latest news and updates about the  Sewing Summit 2012 click here.