Mellow Yellow {Quilt}

Things are quiet on the blog as of late. It is summer and even though I'm being productive, it is hard for me to find dedicated time to sit in front of the computer for long stints with all four boys home.  Well, five.  Hubby is around a lot too!

Which brings us to this quilt.  He has been a bit whiny.  Frankly, just put out, that he doesn't have a quilt yet just for him.   He and my oldest son went to Peru on a mission trip and returned the day before our 18th anniversary.  I was determined to do a quilt for him for the day.  However, I was sure that it would be difficult for me to make the quilt I really wanted to in that time period when I had my hands full with the other three on my own.

My solution?  A quilt kit.  Yes, you heard me right.  A quilt kit.  It sometimes feel like a shocking thing to do.  Especially this quilt.  Squares on point?  Really, Heidi?  You can't just figure it out?

Here is my take on quilt kits.   Do you like the pattern?  Do you like the fabrics?  Regardless whether you could create it all by yourself, work out the quilt math, the fact of the matter is time.  I bought this quilt two years ago at the Quilt Festival here in Houston.  I loved it.  My brain said "you can do this by yourself", but I wanted it.  Now.  So I bought it.  I had a bit of regret too. 

Bernetex fabrics

Until I finished it in two days.  Yup.  Two days.

I started cutting it the blocks one evening and had it completely pieced by midnight.
I added the borders around noon the next day.  Had it quilted and machine binding on by the end of the evening of the next. 

Do you love the yellow thread?

I just adored it.  I was really nervous, but read that it really reads cream.  I was going to go with white and I'm so glad I didn't.  Not totally thrilled with my quilt pattern....but I was about "quick" for this quilt.

But the yellow thread on all the different fabrics?

Yes!

Even on the backing!!!

Borders were my "go-to" free motion leaves and vines and then f-swirls for the thin blue border.

I think the backing went quicker than normal for me too. I had leftover triangles from the corner/sidesettings.  Makes for a nice strip in the middle.

I do have some roque quilted blocks.  I was experimenting in the beginning.

But they were a bit more time consuming so I decided on the other pattern I had.
I was able to finish the quilt early enough to design and stitch out a quilt label on my embroidery machine.  So glad I had the extra time.

The hand stitching took me a bit longer because I was trying to hide it from him the night he came home.  

So next time you are in need of fast...go for the kit.  You really won't be disappointed.  The other part about the quilt is that I didn't have to worry about buying too much or too little. 

Prancer seemed to love this quilt.  She never gets on them, but I found her on it all the time.

The REAL secret about the quilt that it isn't exactly the quilt I plan on making him.
 His "real" quilt is in the works.  But at least I won't hear anymore whining, right?

Stash

Ever since Monday when I posted the giveaway and started reading everyone's comments, I started thinking about how quilters use the term stash for their fabric! 

According to the urban dictionary?

We all sound like we are drug addicts or something!!

Which brings me to what I am calling my Black Friday haul that I mentioned on Wednesday.

First, my awesome friend Bree at Distant Pickles messaged me to let me know Joann's was offering their 40 yd roll of Warm and Natural batting for $209.99. It is normally $449.00. Not to mention she shared a free shipping code with me. Wow, right?!?! It was too good to pass up.

I wish I had a better photo of my box and batting, but it is too heavy for me to lift right now.  The boys plopped into the garage.  Just picture it as a HUGE roll of batting.  I think I will have enough batting for the next ten years....or maybe not?

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I also noticed that my Facebook quilting friends were abuzz about the sale on craftsy.com. I just had an email yesterday and it seems they are still having some really decent deals on pre-cuts! Since I had birthday money I shopped for the first time for bundles that I loved. No plans. No particular person in mind. 

Riley Blake!! 

I couldn't pass them up.  Recently, I have really been intrigued by their lines and wanted them!

Fly a Kite, Scoot, and Simple Life FQ Bundles and Fox Trails Layer Cake

I also picked up these extra pre-cuts. 

 Scamper bundle,  Chicopee design roll, and Bernatex.  

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Oh....and it doesn't end there! 

 My friend Tracey at Traceyjay Quilts was destashing.  I couldn't pass it by.  

Blush.  
Yardage and about 32 Fat Quarter cuts.

  Perfect for the quilt I have planned for my aunt who is battling breast cancer!

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I am wondering....how many of you took advantage of all the amazing Black Friday sales?!?!

  I used to hate having my birthday right before Thanksgiving as a kid.  It seemed that everyone was distracted about the coming holiday.  But, now?  I think I am starting to like it!!!!

Speaking of stash....it isn't too late to enter the giveaway for the Amy Butler bundle.

I think it would look very nice in ANYONE's stash!!!