Tuesday, December 29, 2015

My Best Posts of 2015

Thank you, Cheryl, for hosting the Best of 2015 Linky Party.  'Tis a splendid idea!
Best of 2015 Linky Party
I chose my best based on most visited (# page views).  They are listed in ascending order.  Click on a title to read the original post in its entirety.

#5 My Favorite Tutorial - I wrote about my absolute favorite tutorial:  Faux Piped Binding, which is still my fave!
#4 My Sewing Room Make Over - I wrote about my sewing room improvements in week #2 of my WHOOMP There IT Is! linky party.   I revised my DIY sewing table, built wall to wall shelves in my closet for fabric storage and added risers to my cutting table.  *I've since made more improvements which I will soon be sharing, so stay tuned to A Quilted Passion!
#3 My Wishlist to Santa - This fun post features my remix of the classic song, Santa Baby. It was this year's wishlist to Santa.  *I did get almost all the items on my list, which will also be featured in an upcoming post.
#2 WHOOMP There IT Is! #1 - The 1st post of my brand new linky party! It features a beautiful comfort quilt and Practice Makes Perfect which is a quilt I FMQ in an afternoon after taking Angela Walter's class Help! How Do I Quilt it?
A Quilted Passion

#1 Grow Your Blog 2015 - Of course, this post is #1. It was a blog-hop specifically organized to generate blog traffic.  I had lots of visitors! (Thank you All!)  I wrote about quilting and my desire to play the bass guitar (which I've honestly only "practiced" once this entire year!) and why I started blogging in the 1st place.
Thank you for visiting! Here's to a fantastic 2016!

A Thread for Life
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Cor. 11:13

Friday, December 25, 2015

NO WHOOMP There IT Is!: HOLIDAY BREAK!

Hi All! WHOOMP There IT Is! will be taking a short, 2-week holiday break. The party will resume on Saturday, January 9, 2015. 

Thanks for your participation and support. 

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and God Bless!

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Need a Last Minute Gift?

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links that give me a small commission if you click on the link AND buy.
Need a last minute, affordable gift for that crafty loved one this holiday season? Craftsy offers online classes in a variety of hobbies. Give the gift of learning this season with a Craftsy class that you can watch anytime, anywhere.
All classes are discounted through Saturday -12/26/15, so shop now! 

Thursday, December 17, 2015

WHOOMP There IT Is! #12

Hi y'all.  I hope this post finds you all in your right mind and not too stressed. =)

I'm very thankful to have celebrated another birthday yesterday.  I bought myself a bunch of gifts...most of which I wrote about in this post a few weeks ago...so I'm a happy camper.

Even though, I'm not going to finish all I'd set out to do "by Christmas", I'm totally okay w/it! I'm making progress and keeping my sanity and that's what it's all about.

I finished and delivered this comfort quilt for a friend whose son was senselessly shot and killed while playing his favorite sport. I pray it brings her a bit of comfort when she wraps up in it.
I made and mailed these lovely pillowcases for some littles of friends and family.
And just this evening I basted this Vintage Summer quilt, which I plan to have finished and mailed by Monday evening.
One of my son's had a marvelous idea.  He saw how cramped I was getting in my sewing room, and suggested I swap my bedroom(master), w/my sewing room!  I can't believe I didn't think of it sooner! And of course once I get something in my  head, there's no stopping me. So...the big things have been moved and I've been working in my new space all week and it is so wonderful! I will post pics when the move is complete.

It's that time again. I'd love to know how things are comong along w/you.
A Quilted Passion
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A Thread for Life

Thursday, December 10, 2015

WHOOMP There IT Is! #11

My 1st custom Etsy order was a dream.  S wanted the throw size, 60" x 75", of the Hillside Houses quilt.  She asked for vibrant colors and an evening scene, like the one I had listed in my shop.  Other than that, I had complete freedom and 6 weeks to complete it. I finished it in 4wks! She loved it and said it's beautiful. But because it was a private custom listing, I don't think there's a way for her to leave a review...which is a bummer. I also thought I'd be able to edit the listing once I finished the quilt. I may have been able to before I marked it shipped, but I don't know for sure.  I'm new to Etsy...and custom orders so it's taking me awhile to figure out exactly how it all works.  If any of you have Etsy wisdom you'd like to share...I'm all ears!

Anyway, here it is.  I used "rich chocolate" and "milk chocolate" fabrics for the roofs and binding. And of course, my favorite faux piped binding technique!
I quilted organic wavy lines w/a variegated thread called Toasted Caramel by Connecting Threads.  The backing is pieced w/two fabrics; Blueberry Summer and Kids Under Cover.
The Hillside Houses pattern is by Cristina of Pretty Little Quilts. She hosted the Hillside Houses QAL this past spring.  It was my very 1st QAL.  I was proud of myself for mostly keeping up w/it.
I made the wall hanging size and called it Evening Hillside Houses.
And of course, I'm working on other things that are supposed to be finished by Christmas! Time will tell.

I'm sure y'all have been busy too! Do you have anything you wanna share? If so, let's see it!
A Quilted Passion
Thank the Host
Everyone likes to hear "thank you" and know their effort is appreciated.
Spread the Love
The more love you give, the more you get. Pick a number (mine is 5) and commit to visiting and commenting on that many link-ups. Let them know where you're visiting from and ask them to visit you. (This works well for me!)
Direct Link
Use a direct link to a specific post, not your main blog.
Link Back
In your blog post, include a link back to my post/blog and/or grab the WHOOMP There IT Is! button above and put in your post or sidebar. Thanks for spreading the love.
Follow Me ;)
Of course I would love for all you linky-uppers to be followers, but it's NOT required.



A Thread for Life
We have no right to judge where we should be put, or to have preconceived notions as to what God is fitting us for. God engineers everything; wherever He puts us, our one great aim is to pour out a whole-hearted devotion to Him in that particular work. “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Wisdom from Oswald Chambers - My Utmost for His Highest

Thursday, December 3, 2015

WHOOMP There IT Is! #10

As some of you know I am a member of the Quilters Anonymous chapter of the Arizona Quilters Guild.  Tonight was our Christmas party and I had such a wonderful time.

This is where I sat. Our hostess did a magnificent job of decorating the table.

And she gave us all a bunch of goodies too!
It was a potluck party and there was a ton of yummy food however I was so concerned w/getting as much of that yummy food in my belly as quickly as possible, that I forgot to take a pic.

We played a gift exchange game. Whoever wanted to participate had to bring something handmade by them. This is what I made for the exchange. A pin cushion, thread/scrap catcher. I hope the recipient loves it as much as I love mine.
We sat in a giant circle and someone read a story over the microphone.  Whenever we heard the word "left", we passed the gift we were holding to the left, and when we heard the word "right", we passed the gift we were holding to the right.  It was a hoot! Then we went around the circle to show our gifts and tell who made them.  

I got this adorable tote bag with Christmas colored mustaches on it. It's lined w/my favorite color and w/the same exact fabric I used to line a bag I made for myself!
Here's a pic of all my goodies together.
Are you having any fun this holiday season?

Now it's your time to share about whatever you want.
A Quilted Passion
Thank the Host
Everyone likes to hear "thank you" and know their effort is appreciated.
Spread the Love
The more love you give, the more you get. Pick a number (mine is 5) and commit to visiting and commenting on that many link-ups. Let them know where you're visiting from and ask them to visit you. (This works well for me!)
Direct Link
Use a direct link to a specific post, not your main blog.
Link Back
In your blog post, include a link back to my post/blog and/or grab the WHOOMP There IT Is! button above and put in your post or sidebar. Thanks for spreading the love.
Follow Me ;)
Of course I would love for all you linky-uppers to be followers, but it's NOT required.







A Thread for Life

Thursday, November 26, 2015

WHOOMP There IT Is! #9



Santa Baby
Santa baby, just slip a Panasonic Cordless 360 under the tree for me;
Been an awful good girl, Santa baby, So hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa baby, an All-in-One Computer too, or a Laptop will do,
I'll wait up for you,dear; Santa baby, So hurry down the chimney tonight

Think of all the things I've made, think of all the quilts I gave, 
Next year I could be just as good...if you check off my Christmas list

Santa baby, I want an Olfa 35" X 70" gridded cutting mat and really that's not a lot;
Been an angel all year; Santa baby, So hurry down the chimney tonight.

Santa honey, one little thing I really need...the supreme slider...make it a queen, 
Santa baby, So hurry down the chimney tonight

Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with Quilters Slidelock Rulers; the Lighted Edge,
Santa cutie, and hurry down the chimney tonight

Come and trim my Christmas tree with all the gifts you have for me. Fabric by the yard or pre-cuts,  machingers, woven labels and such.
I really do believe in you;  Let's see if you believe in me...

Santa baby, forgot to mention one little thing...some battingPellon, Hobbs, or Warm and White;  Santa baby, So hurry down the chimney tonight 
Hurry, tonight!



What's on your list this year?  

Thanks for visiting. Linkup and show us what you got!
A Quilted Passion
Thank the Host
Everyone likes to hear "thank you" and know their effort is appreciated.
Spread the Love
The more love you give, the more you get. Pick a number (mine is 5) and commit to visiting and commenting on that many link-ups. Let them know where you're visiting from and ask them to visit you. (This works well for me!)
Direct Link
Use a direct link to a specific post, not your main blog.
Link Back
In your blog post, include a link back to my post/blog and/or grab the WHOOMP There IT Is! button above and put in your post or sidebar. Thanks for spreading the love.
Follow Me ;)
Of course I would love for all you linky-uppers to be followers, but it's NOT required.



Linking up at:
Let's Bee Social

A Thread for Life
Lord, thank You for the gift of life. For air to breathe. For health and strength. For loved ones—not perfect people, but people who support and care for me. For my church family. For Your Word. And thank You for Your Holy Spirit, who pursues me so faithfully and brings Your truth to bear upon my life. Thank You for the life-changing experience of walking with Jesus Christ. Thank You for the assurance of sins forgiven and the promise of eternal life. I choose today by an act of the will to turn away from complaining and to focus upon Your goodness. Would You cause genuine gratitude to fill my heart, thoughts, and words, for You are worthy. In Jesus’ name, amen. - James MacDonald Walk in the Word

Friday, November 20, 2015

WHOOMP There IT Is! #8

Thank you all for your kind comments regarding my uncle's passing.  My cousin loves the quilt I made for her.  I finished it at about 1145a Saturday and left my house at 1230p.  It was my fastest binding job ever. I love machine binding!
I've got a few WHOOMPS to share this week.

I finished the quilt top for the custom order that I got through my Etsy shop a few weeks ago, which is for a throw size (60" x 75") of the Hillside Houses Quilt. I finally cut into my new roll of batting.  It is already basted and I will start quilting it this Sunday.  I'm hoping to have it completely finished and ready to ship next Thursday. A pic is coming soon.

This week I sold another quilt listed in my Etsy shop.  The wall hanging I made during the Hillside Houses QAL.  I call it Evening Hillside Houses.
I had to add a sleeve to it, which is something I hadn't done before but I got 'er done.  I used this handy dandy tutorial and watched this video.  I shipped it yesterday.
I recently listed a few patterns in my Craftsy Pattern Store and am extremely pleased w/the number of sales I've had so far.

I finished the Christmas gift paper piecing project! Well...it's not finished finished but the 20" square top is finished and I must say, it's pretty darn amazing!  Now I just have to figure out how to quilt it.  I'm also thinking about entering it in the Arizona Quilters Guild Quilt Show in March.

And lastly, I made a mug rug this week using this Tea Cup Pattern.  I liked it much better as a flimsy.
I learned a couple of valuable lessons in quilting it.
1. I should use a walking foot for straight line quilting, no matter how small the project.
2. Binding projects this small is for the birds and I will not do it again.
Now I'd like to see what you did this week. Link up and share below. =)
A Quilted Passion
Thank the Host
Everyone likes to hear "thank you" and know their effort is appreciated.
Spread the Love
The more love you give, the more you get. Pick a number (mine is 5) and commit to visiting and commenting on that many link-ups. Let them know where you're visiting from and ask them to visit you. (This works well for me!)
Direct Link
Use a direct link to a specific post, not your main blog.
Link Back
In your blog post, include a link back to my post/blog and/or grab the WHOOMP There IT Is! button above and put in your post or sidebar. Thanks for spreading the love.
Follow Me ;)
Of course I would love for all you linky-uppers to be followers, but it's NOT required.



A Thread for Life

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Trunk Full of Quilts 2015 - Online Trunk Show Linky Party

Thank you Lara for posting about the Trunk Full of Quilts 2015 Online Trunk Show linky party. 

Such a wonderful idea AND a chance to win awesome prizes just for participating!  So I'd like to send a big Shout Out and Thank You to Soma for having the idea and putting the show together! The linky party started on November 10th and will close on November 18th.  Click on the link above or the badge below for full details.
Online Quilt Trunk Show | Whims And Fancies

I'd like to show and share about several quilts I made during my 1st couple of years quilting that are still in my home. The 1st three were made before I even started blogging.

This one I made for my son Joshua.  It's a pattern called Cottage Square from Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting magazine.  It was such an easy pattern that I planned to make several more...but I stopped at two. His is the 2nd one I made.  I stitched in the ditch but he insisted I tie it as well. As you can see by where I placed the ties...I had no idea what I was doing. But he still loves and uses it daily.

Edited w/auto adjust feature in Pic Monkey

This quilt I made for my son Justin.  I actually designed it.  He requested the African flag colors and the zebra border; I chose to add the blue. This is the 1st border I ever did.  I didn't want to wait for instruction from my quilting teacher and I didn't refer to the internet either. I just did what I thought needed to be done. You can't really tell, or maybe you can, but the border is all ripply and wavy.


Edited w/the auto adjust feature in Pic Monkey
Even though they both love their quilts, they are anxious for me to make them another since I've gotten so much better.


This scrappy beauty is the 1st quilt I made for myself.  I followed this Strips & Strings Log Cabin tutorial by Mary Johnson to make this liberated wonder. I really disliked binding in the beginning. I made this a quilt w/o binding...by using the envelope or birthing method.  I didn't receive any instruction, nor did I follow a tutorial for this either...because how hard could it be right?



Well, it really is a hot mess! It's quilted in a straight stitch "improv" style, AND the batting doesn't even go from edge to edge!  But I made it and I love it!
Edited w/the auto adjust feature in Pic Monkey

This last quilt is a One Block Wonder.  It's the 2nd I've made.   I used Alexander Henry fabric on both. This one is called Koto.  I fell in love w/this fabric the 1st time I saw it but wouldn't even dream of spending $12.99/yd. One day I was visiting Joann's red tag clearance sale and ended up getting it for $3.50/yd. I bought the entire bolt!


It took over a year to finish because I wanted to make it big enough for my king size bed and added overly generous borders and hated them. It then sat in a closet for many months before I decided it wasn't going to be a king size quilt after all. I pulled it out, made my revisions and viola!




I entered it in the Bloggers Quilt Festival Fall 2014 and it made it to the Top 20 Viewer's Choice!  I actually gave it to my mother but she recently gave it back saying it was "pretty, but too heavy". So now, it's all mine!

That's all I've got folks!  Be sure to check out the party and link up!

A Thread for Life
Failure is not the only punishment for laziness; there is also the success of others. - Jules Renard