This is not good.... and WIP #6

Well, I'm back. This summer has been crazy! My sister moved to town, various vacations, work projects ramping up, etc, etc...

I'm getting back into the swing of things and I've got to tell you, this is not good. You see, I've discovered a little something called quilting.

I can already see the life long love-affair blooming. If someone told me five years ago I'd become a quilter, I would have laughed in their face! But then I actually made one and wowza! Where have you been all my life?

I've been flirting with quilting for a while now-- a little patchwork in a purse or pouch here or there, but I had never assembled a quilt. Then baby C came along and I thought "I could make him a little play quilt" and I did! And it was sew fun!

I had a blast picking out the fabrics! C's nursery is jungle themed, and I knew Central Park would be the cutest back for a quilt and I just went from there. I added a little Metro Living, a little wood grain, some flutterby, even a Dr. Suess print! I used Amy's beginner quilting series and it was perfect. Her instructions are so clear and the quilt came together like a dream! There were a couple places where my seams didn't quite line up, but for the most part, it went smoothly.
I quilted the baby blanket going across each of the squares making an X in the middle. I started off with the masking tape method, but by the time I finished all the lines one way, I realized I could eyeball it without needing the tape as a guide. I actually did better on the side where I didn't use tape! I now have plans to make 2 more baby quilts, a Christmas Quilt, and a quilt using Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley (drool!), and am even going to join the Farmer's Wife Quilt-Along! (I know, late to the game and I have a lot of catching up to do!). I ordered my book and it should be here on Saturday- exciting!! I just have to figure out what fabrics to use-- I've found a lot of inspiration out there, like this one Amelia made using just solids-- gorgeous!!!
Or these using vintage-ish looking fabrics (blocks created by the fabulous Lori Holt):

I don't know how I'll choose, but it sure will be a fun process!

So without further ado, the tally for WIP #6:
Completed:

Baby C quilt (front)

(back)

In progress: In the queue:

• Christmas Quilt
• Farmer's Wife Quilt
• Baby B's blankets
• Hope Valley quilt
• Sewing Room accessories: sewing machine cover, string catcher, clip boards, quilt/design boards

Now head on over to Freshly Pieced and see what everyone else is up to!