Meet in the Middle

Let's be honest...I've really been struggling to find a balance lately - most days seem completely out of my control....and my lists seem never-ending. A few weeks ago, I hit the reset button over the weekend and worked on a really fun table runner (which was made for a gift)...sometimes switching up projects for a day helps keep me fresh and motivated. This scrappy table runner (titled Meet in the Middle) was the project in the February Sew Sampler Box from Fat Quarter Shop.

This monthly subscription quilting box was a birthday surprise and was filled with goodies. The February box included two Mackinac Island Charm Packs by Minick & Simpson for Moda Fabrics, the Meet in the Middle Quilt Pattern and Half Hexagon Template by Lissa Alexander, 80wt Aurifil Thread (red), and Diagonal Seam Tape by Cluck Cluck Sew. I knew right away I wanted to make the table runner...and I had some yardage of an older collection from Minick & Simpson (Bar Harbor) in my stash that was perfect for binding and backing. I also have to admit, I had a cutting die for the half hexagon that I used to cut the pieces, instead of using the template. Although, this project may look complicated...it is actually rows of half hexagons, so there are no inset or Y-seams! I was SUPER happy with how this turned out...and working on this project definitely helped me recharge and gain some focus.

I was excited when the March Sew Sampler Box arrived with Tula Pink products! I am not a huge fan of the pattern that was included for March, but I know I will come up with something for these vibrant colors...and who can resist bright pink unicorn head straight pins?! I have a few ideas in mind for the fabrics, but they will have to wait until I feel like my workload is a little more under control...

While I am daydreaming about what to make with the Tula Pink fabrics, I'll be in my studio working on client orders - project bags are on the table for tonight. I will also be making more masks for those in need. I received some Face Mask Templates (they come in small, medium and large) today that I am going to try out later tonight - these are a different style than the ones I have been making - shout out to Claire at Shop Stitch Buzz...these look pretty easy to use and have a pocket for a filter...

Well, I have procrastinated long enough...time to get back to work! I hope you are staying well and positive...find time to do something that makes you happy...

St. Patrick's Day Twisting Star

So, there are several reasons I am excited about finishing my latest quilting project...first of all - I have had this in my to-do pile for over a year - yep, I purchased the fabric before St. Patrick's Day last year...second of all - it has several inset seams, which I was kind of scared of, but worked out quite well...and finally, all my star triangles have points (woo-hoo)! I actually started this project on Saturday afternoon and finished the piecing and binding this evening. I am so tickled to have this project done and on my dining room table before St. Patrick's Day. The pattern is called "Twisting Star Table Toppers" and is from Quilt Tales....it has 8 different projects, including: a candle mat, two table toppers, a set of placemats, and four table runners. I chose the 24" table topper...and I have enough of the fabric leftover to make the candle mat. I was actually impressed with how easily this project came together and how well it turned out....and I can definitely see working this project with a variety of fabrics. One of my local quilt shops had a template set (3 sizes) made for the center hexagon(s) and I am very happy I made that purchase - it made cutting the center quite easy...I also used my AccuQuilt GO! Fabric Cutter to cut all the strips and the binding. Yes, I am very happy with my new holiday table topper...