Modern Mini Challenge with Ellison Lane Quilts

I usually don't have time to enter quilt challenges.  Big surprise.  However this particular challenge is just for a mini quilt.  I figured that I had enough time to be able to handle this.  The challenge is being hosted by Jennifer at Ellison Lane Quilts.  The deadline for your entry is 5:00 pm June 16th and I just made it.  Whew!

I have been taking Camille Roskelley's Craftsy Class called Pre-cut Piecing Made Simple.  Like I told you in my last blog post, piecing quilt tops is my least favorite part of the quilting process.  I have been quilting for a long time now, but never really tried other piecing techniques such as triangles, star blocks, etc.  I have always admired Camille Roskelley's quilt tops for their accuracy and she also designs patterns too, so when I heard that she was teaching a Craftsy class where she shares her tips and tricks I knew I had to purchase it.  I just finished up lesson 5 on half square triangles and I decided to make my mini quilt using half square triangles in one of the block formations that she recommended in the class.  I just loved this block formation after she demonstrated it and I had the perfect charm pack to use for it.  It is Summersville by Lucie Summers for Moda Fabrics.  It has such cute and fun summery prints.  I wanted a small little table topper for my dining room table and this was going to be perfect.

I must say that I love half square triangles now.  They really are fun and easy to make.  Plus the versatility of them is great.  You have so many options to place them in different patterns to get different looks!  

In the class, Camille pieces her charm pack squares with white, but I wanted to use black.  It seems everyone is using white lately, but I prefer black!  My family must be more "dirty" then everyone else's and I have two girls!  Anyways, here is the finished mini quilt top before quilting.

And after quilting.  I quilted a spiral flower that I have been working on in the center of the block.  Next in the black square outline, I took cues from the fabric and did loops all the way around the square.  I left the printed fabrics empty thinking they would really pop.  However, I kind of wish that I would have done a different quilted filler for the fabric prints but I would have had to use cream on top and black on bottom because my backing fabric was black.  When you use such contrasting threads, it usually doesn't work out the greatest, so I didn't attempt it.  Overall, I am happy with how it turned out.

Quilt Stats:
Fabric:  "Summersville" by Lucie Summers for Moda Fabric, the binding is made out of the Chevron print from Sweetwater's "Mama Said Sew" collection, and the backing fabric is Kona Black.
Quilting:  Spiral flower in center, and loopy quilting in the black square outline.  Quilted by me.
Thread:  Superior So Fine #50 in black on both the top and bottom.  This actually worked out the best because I usually have problems using this thread for the top, but using it in the bottom as well worked great!
Finished Size: 14 inches by 14 inches
Pattern:  Camille Roskelley's Craftsy Class "Pre-cut Piecing Made Simple"

Also linking up with Plum and June Let's Get Acquainted Linkup.

Also don't forget to visit this week's bloggers for the "2013 New Blogger's Blog Hop".  List is shown below.

Friday, June 21st

Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage

Stacey @ The Tilted Quilt

Sarah @ Quilt Candy

Jackie @ NW Patchwork

Liz @ Beadqueene's Bits And Baubles

Erica @ Happy Fabric

Stephanie @ Simple Sewendipity

Lauren @ Seraphym

Amy @ Cloud CouCou Crafts

Happy quilting!

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2013 New Blogger Blog Hop

I am very happy to be a part of the 2013 New Blogger Blog Hop hosted by Beth at Plum and June.

This is my first time ever being included in a blog hop, so I am very excited to be able to share more of myself with you all and learn more about some of my other "blogging" friends as well.  To start off, I began blogging in order to "respond" or "comment" on other quilting blogs that I really enjoyed reading.  I also liked the idea of "documenting" my quilting and sewing creations all in one place since I can't seem to keep up with pictures in photo albums and scrapbooking!  Pictures never seem to come off my computer, so blogging about my projects is working perfectly!  The name of my blog came from meshing my two daughter's names together, which are Melia (5) and Maelyn (2).  I can't take credit for the name though because my friend, Heather, came up with it!  These two little girls inspire me to "make their world" a prettier place, so it made the title of my blog all that more fitting!  

I actually began quilting a very long time ago.  However, it wasn't until recently when I started to really branch out and try new things such as triangles and other more "complicated piecing techniques".  I will admit though that the "piecing portion" is my least favorite part of quilting.  My grandma is the one who taught me how to sew on her old Singer sewing machine, which I actually still use to this day.  That machine is made of steel I tell you!  It rarely ever breaks.  They don't make machines like that anymore!  I also have a Brother Embroidery Machine as well which I primarily use for my embroidery.  However, my most favorite toy is my Long Arm Quilting machine, which I purchased towards the end of July 2012.  Talk about a dream come true!  I will admit though due to its size it was extremely intimidating and still sort of is.  I have a Tin Lizzie DLS on the Phoenix Frame.  You can get an idea of its size below.  

I am still learning on it and hope to spend more time "learning" this summer.  My plan is to take the leap into quilting for others hopefully in the fall.  Currently, my favorite projects to work on are "smaller projects", such as pillows, table runners, and mini quilts.  Anything I can do to practice more long arm quilting designs.

Unfortunately, I don't have as much time to sew as I would like because I work almost full time as the head accountant of a small furniture manufacturing plant as well as take care of 2 little girls and a husband who travels a lot with the emphasis on A LOT.  This is the biggest reason why I am not able to participate in a lot of quilt alongs out in blog land.  It is not that I don't want to, but I just can't keep up.  I still haven't found the right balance between work life, family life, and my hobby, so if you have any suggestions there let me know!

One of my favorite notions is this cute scissors holder that I can clip to my shirt because I have a habit of losing my scissors all the time!  And I do mean all the time!  I waste more time I think looking for my scissors than actually sewing, so when I found these cute little guys I was in heaven!  Plus I think my productivity doubled!  I have like 6 of them.  I addition, I seem to have a "thing" for cute scissors.  Some people are obsessed with rulers or pins, but my thing is scissors.  See, aren't they cute?

One of my other favorite hobbies besides quilting is spending the summer with my girls at the pool.  I typically work 4 days a week and have Friday's off right now, so on Friday we have what we like to call "Pool Friday".  Typically on these days, I set up various playdates with friends so my kids can play and swim with kids their own age and we hang out at the pool all day!  I just love this extra special time with them!

I must say over this past year since I started to blog, I have really learned a lot.  I have met so many wonderful new people.  I have tried so many new "quilting" patterns.  Gotten over my fear of triangles.  Slowly gained more confidence on my long arm.   But again, I think the best part of blogging is the community!  Everyone is just so supportive and inspiring.  If you have a problem, people are so willing to help you solve it.  It is just awesome!  Here is the schedule for this week and the rest of the blog hop.  Please don't forget to stop by and visit the other blogs to see what information they have to share as well!

Friday, June 7th

Nancy @ Owen's Olivia

Amy @ 13 Spools

Ashley @ Wasn't Quilt In A Day

Casey @ The Studiolo 

Nanette @ Yeah, I Made That

Ange @ Heart Of Charnwood

Kim @ Robot Mom Sews

Erica @ Kitchen Table Quilting

Friday, June 14th

Julie @ Jolie Maxtin

Melissa @ Melia Mae Quilting

Adrianne @ On The Windy Side

Molli @ Molli Sparkles

Laura @ Little And Lots

Sarah @ Duck Egg Threads

Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

Cari @ There's A Thread

Valerie @ Between Quilts

Friday, June 21st

Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage

Stacey @ The Tilted Quilt

Sarah @ Quilt Candy

Jackie @ NW Patchwork

Liz @ Beadqueene's Bits And Baubles

Erica @ Happy Fabric

Stephanie @ Simple Sewendipity

Lauren @ Seraphym

Amy @ Cloud CouCou Crafts

Friday, June 28th

Green @ So Sew Green

Gwendellyn @ The Rainbow Revolts

Jessica @ Stitched In Thyme

Amira @ Little Mushroom Cap

Kathy @ Kayak Quilting

Michelle @ Factotum Of Arts

Paula @ The Sassy Quilter

Kris @ Sew Sunshine

Camilla @ Faffling

Friday, July 5th

Christa @ Christa Quilts!

Alyce @ Wonderland By Alyce

Anna @ The Crooked Banana

Rachel @ Sew Happily Ever After 

Stephanie @ Quarter Incher

Kristy & Shayla @ Sassafras Lane Designs

Caroline @ Carolines Craftiness

Lisa @ Hilltop House Creative Works

Friday, July 12th

Leona @ Leona's Quilting Adventure

Karen @ Quilty Creations

Anne @ PlayCrafts

Rachel @ Let's Begin Sewing...

Jan @ Sew And Sow Farm

Anna @ Quilting Along The Grain

Cath @ Wombat Quilts

Sarah @ {No} Hats In The House

Friday, July 19th

Karen @ Little Birdie Quilting Studio

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures

Katie @ Snuggle Up With A Dish From Karma 

Alison @ Making Happyness

Kelsy and Amanda @ Everyday Fray

Ella and Nesta @ Ella & Nesta's Little Room

Adrienne @ Chezzetcook Modern Quilts

Nicole @ Modern Handcraft

Aylin @ AyliN-Nilya

Friday, July 26th

Vicki @ A Quilter's Mission

RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts

Elise @ Lovelea Designs

Elizabeth @ In The Boon Docks

Jenny @ A Note To Follow Sew

Lorna @ Sew Fresh Quilts

Sonia @ Fabric & Flowers

Emily @ Sew E.T.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope you come back soon.

Happy Quilting!

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2013 - A Lovely Year of Finishes - June Goal

Lately, I have been having a very difficult time finishing things when it comes to sewing because I haven't been able to sew!  So sad!  I haven't finished my goals for the past 2 months, which has been extremely frustrating for me.  Spring going into summer always seems to be such a busy time for us.  We have just been so busy with "wedding stuff" for my sister (her shower was this past Saturday, June 1), my oldest daughter is finishing up Kindergarten (programs galore), planting both our flower garden and the vegetable garden, and getting ready for our garage sale (June 15).  Due to how "busy" this spring has been, I have really looked at my summer and I want to make it "more enjoyable".  So what does this mean?  Well it means that I need to have monthly goals for this summer that will be "fun".

Judy over at Green Fairy Quilts is having her very first quilt along.  I must say that Judy is definitely somebody that I admire.  In fact, I find her very inspiring.  I want to be "her" when I grow up.  Well sort of.  The quilting talent part that is.  Her blog is one of the first blogs that I started to follow.  Her quilting is absolutely amazing.  Someday I hope to be that good!  She is hosting a quilt along using one of her patterns and then at the end she is going to give us several ways to quilt it.  I was thinking this would be a perfect way to learn more on my long arm from someone who does what I want to do someday soon!  So obviously I have to do this.

It is also coming at a perfect time.  I am in the process of cleaning out our master bedroom and have been wanting to make a "quilt" for the end of the bed.  I have found several patterns that I like, but I need something to hold me accountable such as a quilt along so I can get it finished.  I tried a block of the month that was completed a year ago, but I only made one block.  Then I got distracted by other projects such as cleaning up the toy room and re-doing my girls' room.  Now that both of those are finished, the only room left to do is our bedroom and I really want a new quilt for this room!  So hopefully if I do this with other people and know that Judy will be showing me how to quilt it in the end, then I will have a strong desire to get this project completed.

She said to do 1 to 2 blocks a week, so my goal for the month of June will be to complete 8 blocks.  The fabric I will be using will be Vintage Modern by Bonnie and Camille.  I can't wait to get started.  The pattern has been ordered, so I should be able to get this project started hopefully sometime this week!

I also wanted to let everyone know that I am participating in a Blog Hop hosted by Beth at Plum and June that starts later this week.  My post won't be until next week Thursday, but I am very excited to be a part of such a fun group of quilters, so thanks again Beth for hosting such a great event!

Linking up to 2013 - A Lovely Year of Finishes hosted by Fiber of All Sorts.

Happy Quilting!

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Family Tree Quilt - A Finish!

I am so excited to have finally completed the Family Tree Quilt for my mother in law.  I must admit this was a very challenging quilt to do.  My sister in law and I pieced the top together, but it was my job to quilt and bind it.  I really did struggle with how to quilt it.  I just didn't want to "screw it up".  This quilt was a very big deal to our family.  My father in law passed away a year ago last May (2012) now making this family tree quilt even more precious.

For a lot of the quilting designs, I used Natalia Bonner's book, "Beginner's Guide to Free Motion Quilting", which can be purchased here.  I quilted swirls in the blue areas only because I don't have a lot of confidence with feathers just yet.  I did buy Angela Walter's Craftsy Class called "Free Motion Quilting with Feathers", but I just haven't had time to take it yet.  I was pretty happy with how the swirls turned out, but I would really like to have them build off of each other a little more like I have seen on some of the other blogs.

My favorite quilting were the tree branch parts.  I used Natalia's "flame" technique and then added "knots" to make it look more "tree-y" for lack of a better word.  My sister in law kept saying that our "tree" looked more like a bush, but how many bushes do you know have "knots" in the stems?  None I hope.  So I must admit that I really really like how this quilting made our tree more like a tree and not a bush!

In the area that represented the leaves, I quilted a meandering loops and leaves.  This was a lot of fun to do and I also really like how this turned out.  I must say I quilt much better than I draw because I did practice drawing out the designs a couple of times before I quilted them, so thank goodness for that because I was getting a little worried while I was "drawing".

All in all I am very happy with how it turned out and am so glad that it is finally finished.  I am linking up with "Sew Cute Tuesday" hosted by Janice.

Quilts Stats:

• Fabric was just some batiks that we found our our local quilt shop.  The brown we used was a Kona solid, but I don't know the exact name of it.  
• The pattern was something my sister in law and I made up.  
• Quilting was done by me on my long arm.  
• We started it towards the end of January 2013 and I finished it mid-May 2013.  
• The size is approximately 36 inches by 52 inches.  

Happy Quilting!

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2013 - A Lovely Year of Finishes - May Goal

I am excited because this month I am actually getting caught up and can start my adorable little nephew's quilt.  Now granted, he will be 6 months old this month, but better late than never right?  For this baby quilt, I will be mixing it up with some embroidery that my sister in law picked out.  She picked out this adorable collection from Bunnycup Embroidery called "Daring Dragons", which can be purchased here.

Aren't they just adorable.  I can't wait to use these cute little guys in the quilt.

The fabric collection that I will be using is Urban Down Under for Northcott Fabrics, which can be purchased here.

So back to my May goal, my goal is to complete the quilt top, so it is ready to quilt and bind for next month!  

Linking up to 2013 - A Lovely Year of Finishes hosted by Fiber of All Sorts.

Happy Quilting!

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April Goal - Not a Finish

Well I was bummed that I wasn't able to finish my April Goal, which was quilt the family tree quilt and bind it.  However, to my defense I was having machine problems that I couldn't quite figure out.  I would have the tension all set to where things should be (yea) and then periodically it would create a loose stitch and I wasn't even going over a seem or anything.  Then underneath the machine would periodically create these loopy things and it was driving me nuts!  I just couldn't figure it out and was getting extremely frustrated with it.

Just so you know it is definitely not suppose to do this.  So I had the person who sold me the machine over and she tweaked the bobbin and completely took apart my tension knob and put it back together.  She also fixed my frame, which I guess was extremely loose and showed me how to adjust that as well.  All in all after about an hour of tweaks and adjustments, my machine started to do this...

Now that is what I am talking about.  I hate to be a perfectionist, but I like "perfect stitches".  This may be the death of me one day, but this is how I want my quilting to look.  

So now I am finally quilting my mother in law's quilt.  I am switching between two top threads Superior King Tut 983 (brown) and 903 (blue), and they are both variegated.  I like the look it is giving the quilting.    

Here are my swirls, which are going in the "blue portion" of the quilt, only because I really can't do feathers that well yet.  I am doing a more bouncing around swirl, which I want to practice making a little denser.  I am currently taking one of Angela Walter's Craftsy classes, which can be purchased here.  She does a couple different versions of the swirl and I am doing the bouncy one at this point, but definitely want to move up to the denser one because I kind of like that better.  I am on lesson #7 out of 10, so I consider my swirls a work in progress.  

In the branches, I am doing the "flame" technique that you can find in Natalia Bonner's book called "Beginner's Guide to Free Motion Quilting", which can be purchased here.  I think this is my favorite part of the quilt so far.  

In the leaf area, I am quilting loops and leaves, which is also from Natalia Bonner's book that I mentioned above.  

My plan is to get this quilt finished up this week!  

Linking up to WIP Wednesday link party hosted by Lee at Freshly Pieced.

Happy Quilting!

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Another School Auction Pocket Pillow

One of my really good friends asked me to do a pocket pillow for her school auction that she works at every year, so of course I said yes.  Since I only had time to make one, I decided to make this one very gender neutral, so it would be perfect for either a boy or a girl.

I made the pillow out of  the "Welcome to Bear Country" fabric collection by Moda.  I really like this fabric collection.  The Berenstain Bears were my favorite when I was growing up!  The pattern I used was from the book Growing up Modern by Allison Harrison.  The only thing I changed was I made my pocket out of hourglass blocks and added a binding strip across the top of the pocket.  It is a really easy pattern and goes together rather quickly.  I needed that because I must confess that I started it and finished it last night!  The thread I used was #971 Superior King Tut Quilting Thread.  It seems to work the best with my machine for the most part.  The quilting pattern is just a basic allover swirl.  Here are some up close pictures of the quilting.  

Now hopefully it does well at the school auction!

Linking up to Finish it up Friday link party hosted by Amanda at Crazy Mom Quilts.

Happy Quilting!

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