FF: X & + Edition.

While the week has been busy with the start of potty training (groan) and other shenanigans, I did manage to finish sewing the binding on this bad boy a few nights ago, and since then, I made a label, sewed it down, threw it in the washer, had a photo shoot, and I kept it far far away from the child who no longer wears diapers.

This lovely was pieced by the wonderful girls of the Make It Modern Bee. And I'm going to cry a little when I see it go, but it will be headed to my sister-in-law and her new husband to celebrate their recent wedding.

The backing was difficult for me to pick, and I went with an unexpected choice in dark navy blue, but I love the result. Once again, my quilting sensei K made a suggestion that surprised me, but it looks awesome. (Thank you, K!) You can also see a bit of the quilting up above. I straight line quilted around the blocks and in the + marks, then did a bit of an infinity loop in the x portions, using red, white, and black thread to match the fabrics. Since the blue of the backing is so dark, the black of the bobbin thread looks like it matches perfectly. It's bound with Bella solids in some shade of red.

This quilt was on my 2013 Q3 list to finish, woowoo!

I'm linking up with Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts and TGIFF with M-R at Quilt Matters. See you there?

WIP: Too Much Edition.

Hi Friends! How is your Wednesday? (Or Thursday.) June has meant the arrival of lots and lots of family members. And as one set leaves, another set arrives. (I'm not joking. One set leaves Monday, and my mom comes that evening!)

Remember this yummy stack? I'm about 2/3 of the way through piecing the 48 blocks for the top. 

I'm keeping up with my Tula Pink City Sampler blocks. I've got the first 12 done, though only the first 9 are pictured hanging from the improvised clothesline. (Blockline?) I'm really enjoying making these blocks as they're small, and they come together quickly. I've also enjoyed cutting into my Tula stash and using random bits and pieces to make up the blocks. So far, I have current Tula, old school Tula, quilting cottons, shot cottons, and some batiks. I'd like to use some linens before the project is out--I think I'll have a bit of time over the next 88 blocks--and maybe even some flannel and corduroy. Nuts? Yes. 

I've finished quilting my X+ quilt. I did some basic straight line quilting in the pluses, but I did attempt some FMQ in the X portions. While certainly not perfect, it is encouraging to see that I'm getting a little smoother with it, and my stitch length is getting more regular. I have lots and lots of threads to bury, and then some binding to get to sewing.

What are you up to this week? I'll have a finish to share on Friday--woo!--and I'm hoping to get those blocks finished up before next week.

I'm linking up this week with WIP Wednesdays at Freshly Pieced!