Thursday, June 13, 2013

Let's Get Acquainted!

Plum and June

Welcome everyone visiting from the Plum and June's Blog Hop!  What a fun event Beth has pulled together - a clever way for us to get to know each other a bit better.  I thought for my stop on the hop that I would put up some Between Quilt soundbytes to give you a snapshot of what's going on around here.  

1.  I accidently fell into quilting about 10 years ago (that includes a three year hiatus from sewing when I had 3 kids under 3 years old.  Yup, I'm still recovering from those years in more ways than one.)

2.  My All-Time-Favorite Quilt I've made is probably this one, called Racing Stripes.  I made it in 2011 for the Kona Solids challenge with the Triangle Modern Quilt Guild.  It has been featured on Modern Day Quilts, 100 Days of Modern Quilting, and was exhibited in an art show called Throw:  Great Lengths of Innovation in Modern Quilting.

3.  My Favorite Recent Finish - a wall hanging I made for my oldest son's kindergarten teachers.  I am so proud of how hard my little man worked this year, and reading has been a major part of the past year.  What an amazing thing to watch a confident reader emerge!  Our family is a lover of books so this seemed just the right thing to make for them.  I confess, though, it turned out MUCH larger than originally intended and I was almost embarrassed to give it to them.  Something 6 feet large isn't exactly subtle, and I didn't want them to feel like it had to go up if they didn't like it.  Thankfully, they seemed to really enjoy it so I think all is well!

4.  My Favorite Recent-Block-Finish.  This ones called Dutch Rose and I found the pattern for free online.
 I made it to go in my Circle 7 Bee starter panel, which ended up like this.  This traveling quilt will come back to me next December after 6 of my friends have added to it.  I cannot wait to see what it looks like in the end!

5.  A Quilt-I-Love-But-Will-Never-Make-Again.  Come on, we all have them - that quilt that was such a painstaking labor of love that we swear with every stitch "Never Again."  And I think I mean it.  But I do love how it turned out (pattern Love Beads by Weeks Ringle and Bill Kerr) and it now lives on the wall in my parents family room, where my mom swears it is loved everyday.  Good enough for me.  And I have learned never to say never, so maybe someday I will tackle this again.  But really, probably not.

6.  My Favorite I-Started-This-Design-Then-Promptly-Stashed-It-Away-For-The-Past-Eight-Months-And-Don't-Know-When-I'll-Get-Back-To-It Quilt.  Ay-yi-yi, what can I say about this one?!  I like it just fine, and certainly spent enough money buying the fabric for it.  But something about the design isn't quite right, so I set it aside.  Someday, I will figure out the answer, and tackle it fast and furious.  This quilt will see it's day!  Please tell me that you too, have an least one project like this?  Pretty please??


7.  I'm starting a Charity Quilt Drive called Quilt Lemonade.  Details coming soon, but here is the first quilt I made for that group.

8.  Hmmm, what else can I tell you??  I'm a stay at home mom (former LCSW - who knows when I'll get back to that?!) to three kiddos and married to my best friend.  None of what I do would be possible without my sweet hubby, who even holds down the fort at times so I can go to places like Sewing Summit, Quilt Con and Sew South.  I'm blessed beyond words.

Be sure to check out all the other great blogs in the hop - loads of great inspiration to be found in this group!
Friday, June 7th
Amy @ 13 Spools
Casey @ The Studiolo 
Nanette @ Yeah, I Made That

Friday, June 14
Julie @ Jolie Maxtin
Melissa @ Melia Mae Quilting
Adrianne @ On The Windy Side
Molli @ Molli Sparkles
Laura @ Little And Lots
Valerie @ Between Quilts (me!)
Friday, June 21
Leigh Anne @ Ella's Cottage
Sarah @ Quilt Candy
Jackie @ NW Patchwork
Erica @ Happy Fabric
Stephanie @ Simple Sewendipity
Lauren @ Seraphym
Friday, June 28
Green @ So Sew Green
Gwendellyn @ The Rainbow Revolts
Jessica @ Stitched In Thyme
Kathy @ Kayak Quilting
Michelle @ Factotum Of Arts
Kris @ Sew Sunshine
Camilla @ Faffling
Friday, July 5
Christa @ Christa Quilts!
Stephanie @ Quarter Incher
Kristy & Shayla @ Sassafras Lane Designs

Fridau, July 12
Anne @ PlayCrafts
Cath @ Wombat Quilts
Friday, July 19
Alison @ Making Happyness
Sarah @ Sowing Stitches
Ella and Nesta @ Ella & Nesta's Little Room
Nicole @ Modern Handcraft
Aylin @ AyliN-Nilya
Friday, July 26
RobinSue @ RobinSue Quilts
Elisa Lea @ Lovelea Designs
Elizabeth @ In The Boondocks

So, there you have a little snapshot of me.  I started this blog about 2 years ago simply so I could be part of the ongoing conversation that is the online sewing community, and it has certainly been a source of joy and inspiration to me. I wish someday I could sit down with each of you, share a cup of coffee, and chat about what's going on with you.  And of course, fabric.  It always comes back to that.  
Until that day my friends, I'll see you in blogland!
Valerie

59 comments:

  1. Great posts. You have definitely made some beautiful quilts. I absolutely love the "Read" one you made for your sons teachers. That is absolutely amazing!

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  2. Hi Valerie - wow, lots of lovely projects there! I especially love the rainbow quilt with a heart - I'm sure the recipient will absolutely love it. And yup, I totally have a couple of those WIPs in a cupboards.

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  3. Well I bet you're the only mum that's ever quilted them a massive wall hanging, those teachers will always remember you :oD

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  4. I wish I could sit down and chat with you too! And for #6 - yes, I have one or two of those.

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  5. Thanks, Valerie! Looks to me like you are really working hard, both quilting and with your family. Isn't it great to have supporting 'best friends'?

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  6. You are one talented lady. I'm so glad to get to know you better and to call you friend.

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  7. I love that block, and I really love the triangles - I love the fabric you chose. I am currently trying to work out what to give our Kindergarten teachers for end of year. I must keep a banner in mind :-)

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  8. Lovely post, Valerie! Your Quilt Lemonade project is gorgeous, and I love that Read quilt! :)

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  9. There are so many lovely Project, Great to know you a bit better :)

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  10. I'm sure we all have the quilt we will never make again and the quilt puzzle we can't solve. I tend to design and/or alter other patterns for what I want. This often causes the quilt puzzle effect. The latest of these is most likely to end up as 'the quilt i will never make again'. Being new to quilting I had the pieces half cut out before I realized what I got myself into. It is a queen size top, made on a variation of the Sweet Pea quilt. I have doubled the size of the quilt and added some stained glass windows to the center of several blocks, with Shasta Daisy centers for 3 other blocks. Google 'Shasta Daisy pattern' to get an idea of how complex that block is =)

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  11. Of course I have a quilt that is in the corner waiting for me to "figure out" what to do with it-doesn't everyone? Quilt lemonade is lovely and I can't wait to hear more about it!

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  12. You HAVE to get back to the triangle quilt. It is beyond fabulous. The colours are amazing and the pattern has so much potential.

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  13. Hi Valerie,
    It's great to meet you. Your quilts are fantastic! I especially love the Circles one even if it was a pain :-)
    Are you going to Sewing Summit this year? I am and am very excited about it.

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  14. as a teacher, I LOVE the read quilt! adorable! and your racing stripes quilt is very impressive. I swear I just looked at it on my screen for two whole minutes. :) It's been nice to get to know you a little better and I enjoyed my stroll around your blog!

    -Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  15. I love all the quilts, especially the triangles. I can't wait to see where you next with it! Such a lovely blog post and it is great to meet you!

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  16. A Quilt-I-Love-But-Will-Never-Make-Again - A t-shirt quilt. I would rather be poked with a spoon. Great intro, wonderful work and so great to meet you!

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  17. Love your work. I definitely have a few projects I will never do again:) I really want to go to some of those quilt events...We shall see. Love the READ quilt. That teacher is envied by all I am sure.

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  18. Oh your READ quilt is absolutely amazing! I love it so much. What an awesome gift. Also am loving your Quilt Lemonade quilt - that little red heart just calls to me - he is just perfect there tucked in with all those colours!!!!

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  19. I enjoyed your introduction and all the projects you shared. I think the READ quilt is awesome! And the Racing Stripes one? Wow! Thank you for sharing.

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  20. Great projects Valerie... But that 'Never Again' quilt is the best! Maybe it's a bit like childbirth? You will forget the pain in time? It's beautiful and nice to know it's loved!

    Lorna:)
    http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.com

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  21. Oh I love the Racing Stripes. The Quilt Lemonade rainbow quilt is also stunning and while it might have been a nightmare, the love beads quilt is great! Excellent blog hop post.

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  22. Your blog is great! So easy to read and nice big pics. Love the Quilt Lemonade--I always love a rainbow :) Nice meeting you through the blog hop.
    p.s. Definatly go back to the triangle quilt! Sometimes you need to walk away for awhile and then go back for a fresh look at it. It looks great so far :)

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  23. Sew very nice to meet you! I love all your projects. You have alot of talent and a big heart! Have fun! I am a new follower. jan@http://sewandsowfarm.blogspot.com/

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  24. Hi Valerie, nice to meet you. You have made some beautiful things and I have added you to my bloglovin reader. I particularly like the love beads and quilt lemonade quilts.

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  25. Lovely projects! Thanks for sharing :) I definitely had a never again experience with my houndstooth quilt... It wasn't super hard, but it was just so huge, it got really repetitive and annoying really fast. Plus I kept having annoying little problems that just make everything go even slower. Argh! But I love it now that its on my bed!

    Very nice to virtually meet you!

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  26. Very nice to meet you - great projects and believe me, I have at least one in each category you mentioned!!

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  27. Oh I love your Dutch Rose block! I'm glad I found your blog through the hop, you have lots of pretty things :)

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  28. And your READ wallhanging!? I hope you don't mind if I stick around and make myself comfortable. I'm so happy the blog hop brought me your way. You've got great things going here.

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  29. Great to meet you. Love all your projects. You have a great aesthetic.

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  30. Nice to meet you, Valerie. Thanks for sharing some of your quilts with us. I love, love, love the charity quilt! It is just so happy.

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  31. Hi Valerie! What a great post and wow- you have some wonderful projects! I love your stashed away triangles - and yes I have one of these stashed away projects too!

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  32. Great to find your blog and read your sewing facts. I love your Dutch Rose block and the Quilt Lemonade.... lovely colours. Don't give up on the triangle quilt I'm sure you'll figure out what to do with it and it will be super when finished as what you've done so far looks great!

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  33. I'm going to sewing summit this year so I'm glad to read that you enjoyed it so much. I too think that I'll be more than a little star struck when I get there. There will be so many amazing things to take in and be part of.

    Your "read" banner is really cute. It is such a nice way to throw a shot of colour into a classroom.

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  34. Gorgeous READ quilt. I love that. You inspired me to sew something with letters. You also had a "smile" quilt. I also loved your post on sewing dessert. I understand what you mean - that + and x quilt is wonderful - I would love to cuddle up with that on the sofa. Thanks for making beautiful things for the world.

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  35. That read sign is fabulous. I'm sure his teacher loved it! Great to meet you on the hop :)

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  36. Wow that's some gift for a teacher. Id love it for above my sofa between the two bookcases and your racing stripes quilt is cool - very inspiring!

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  37. Love your "never again" wall hanging! Spectacular! The READ quilt will be treasured for certain! Great post!

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  38. Oh man I have a quilt like that. I bought so many fabrics and it was supposed to be a queen size and now I just don't know if I will like it when it is done and I am scared to committ... I need a sewing time machine. Excited to see you in July!

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  39. I love your Racing Stripes quilt! I remember seeing it on the Modern Quilt Guild blog--it's nice to meet the maker!

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  40. It was nice to "meet" you Valerie! We should really get together sometime. All your finishes and WIPs are lovely!

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  41. Wow! Totally loving this post! I don't even know where to begin to pick a favorite. Of course, as a teacher, I'm obsessed with that Read quilt! Your work is stunning and I love your choice of fabric and colors. Great post!

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  42. Love the READ panel and the Quilt Lemonade quilt ;)

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  43. Hi Valerie, great to meet you. I love your "Quilt-I-Love-But-Will-Never-Make-Again" beautiful! Sarah x

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  44. Lovely projects and great to get to know you:)

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  45. So nice to meet you! Your racing stripes quilt is stunning!!

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  46. So now you need to update this post with, "Oh, and I am the winner of the Modern Mini Challenge!" Way to work it out! I love the mini, such cleverness and quirkiness. Great to get to know you through this post!

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  47. Oh my goodness - I love, love the Love Beads and your Read quilt! I'd love to give it a try, but do you mind me asking what was it about the Love Beads pattern that was frustrating? So nice to meet you through the Hop!

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  48. So much variety - I love it! Thanks for sharing so much of yourself. The READ sign is an inspiration - and definitely not too big for a classroom.

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  49. So great to meet you!! That READ quilt-sign is to die for! It's perfect for the classroom! Please tell me the teachers hung it up for all the kids to see!!! I also love your Chicago mini quilt! Great job!

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  50. Hi Valerie, so nice to meet you. You have made beautiful quilt. I absolutely love your racing stripes quilts :) Great job!

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  51. Hi there, I just LOVE your quilts so much! I adore the 'read' quilt, it is so special and perfect and I want to make one!! Perhaps because I love reading, almost as much as I love quilting, and also because my daughter is in the very early stages of learning to read (she is 4) and I just love the idea of her having one of these quilts. Also, I love the quilt with the little red heart on it, that is so sweet and clever! Finally, that triangle quilt looks quite a challenge, but you've done so well so far, don't give up! PS I am your latest follower :-)

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  52. Hi Val, I've linked back to you on my blog for this weeks faves from Lets Get Acq Hop, hope that ok. :o)

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  53. I love your circle bee quilt!! That's such a wonderful idea, and it seems like it's evolving so well! ♥

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  54. Love your categories! I really like all your projects but especially the "READ" quilt - what a wonderful gift!

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  55. Your racing stripes quilt is quite striking! I also think the Read quilt is clever. Lucky teachers!

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  56. Nice intro and very pretty quilts! I loooove that read banner. We have quilts in our children's department at the library and they are well loved and so pretty! Maybe I'll borrow your idea and contribute :) Nice to meet you!

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  57. Loving the charity quilt and the read quilt. How could someone not want to display something so beautiful! By the way that dot quilt is spectacular and the quilting on it pulls it together so nicely. You do such beautiful work!

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  58. Thanks for the peek behind the scenes and between the quilts :) That read wall hanging is fantastic!

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