The Compulsive Quilter

Well the top is finished. Quilting and binding is next!

For some strange reason, whenever I start to feel overwhelmed and crunched for time, I usually completely stop whatever it is I need to be doing and work on something completely irrelevant. For example, right now I should be making bags and purses and cuffs and pouches and placemats ( and so on ) for the upcoming craft show, but instead I am making a baby quilt. I haven't made a quilt in months and I have really been aching to do one. Oh sure, it's "for the craft show" but really not at all the best use of my time. But I just couldn't seem to get it out of my head. And when that happens, ladies and gentleman, I might as well go ahead and do it because any other work I try to do will suffer greatly. The good news is that it shouldn't take me very long to finish and its going to be awesome when its done.


So, let me tell you a little bit about it. It is going to be a simple Stacked Coin Baby Quilt made from 2 charm packs of Moda's Snippets collection and a simple white sashing in between columns. Snippets is a super cute 1930's/40's style collection with bright colors and whimsical design perfectly suited for a baby quilt or summer blanket. I'm totally in love with it.

AND, I L-O-V-E Charm Packs. The cute little 5 inch squares of an entire line of fabric can turn patchwork and quilting into quick work. For this project you just cut the squares in half and sew together 5 rows of 22 "coins" each. It took me about an hour to do that. So much better than trying to do that from yardage.

So, I'll keep you updated on the progress. I might even do a quick tutorial on how to get started machine quilting. Stay tuned...

It's official...I'm gonna be at the Hatch Show in Griffen, Ga May 9th and 10th. So, bring your Mom and buy her something nice. See you there!

One of my top sources of inspiration and motivation comes from the designs of Nicole Mallalieu. This Aussie makes gorgeous hats and bags that fuse form and function into one very stylish product. Her patterns are super detailed and easy to follow and are really like taking a sewing class in your own home. So, if you are looking for something fabulous to make, I highly recommend you check out her website and treat yourself to one of the best patterns you'll ever buy. It's absolutely worth the overseas shipping.

I am sooooo excited. I was just in a treasury on the Front Page of Etsy! This is so exciting!
Here's the screen shot with my happy little Hooty Bag in the corner! :P

Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross is the hot new crafting book on book shelves right now and lucky for me, my Mom bought me a copy ( thanks Mom!).
I have to tell you that this is one of the better sewing books I have seen out there, if not the best. It has great projects that are not only really fun to do, but very useful. For the beginning sewer or the experienced seamstress there are easy and wonderful projects in this book for everyone. You can make yourself a nice big market tote or a pair of new pajama pants. There is even a pop-up tent!!! My favorite so far, is the Everything Tote, but I'm looking forward to trying out the house slippers and the Go Everywhere Shirt Dress. Ahh! So many projects, so little time...

Here's a treasury I made just for those who Heart me on Etsy!

I have seen a lot of rag rugs and rag baskets floating around lately, and I have to say that I am happy they are making their comeback. I vaguely remember my mother and I doing something like this when I was a kid. Potholders I think. After all of the chaos passes with the craft show, I might have to give one of these a try. Goodness knows I have PLENTY of scraps for the job.
Fabric Egg Basket at the Moda Bakeshop

I have been working like a dog. Besides taking care of the kids all day, I am also getting ready for a consignment sale with the Twins Club, trying to fill custom orders and get ready for my very first craft show in May. Not to mention I've also got several photography gigs coming up between now and the craft show too. WHEW! It makes me tired just thinking about it. But I've gotta keep going, I've got to keep my nose to the grindstone. :)

So, here I am starting another blog. This one of course is devoted to the small little side business that I have going called The Compulsive Quilter.
As The Compulsive Quilter, I make lots of handmade products. While my main focus right now is on purses and bags, I also make products for your home. I have been known to make lots of place mats, pillows, purses and baby quilts! My M.O. is machine quilting most of my products, but I don't like to limit myself to only quilting my items. I'm in love with cotton and linen, and I have recently become enamored with heavyweight material like canvas, upholstery, and denim. I am constantly experimenting with new ideas, some work out and some don't.
I think here at The Compulsive Quilter you can expect to see more about the products I make, the places where I find inspiration, and anything else I decide is worth writing about. It is my blog. :)
See you again soon!