What I'm working on today

Found this cookie-shaped cookie jar at a thrift store and couldn't resist its shape. However, it could use some love.

That's where I come in!

Tutorial to follow when I'm finished, stay tuned!

Stitchin' Mission - Progress Update

Just wanted to post a few pictures of what I've completed for my mission quilt thus far.

Here's my backing, laid out on my kitchen floor (It was the best place I could find!):

I tried to take pictures of the next part of the process..

But as you can see...

It's really hard to take pictures of yourself from above!

I don't think this is the proper technique, but essentially I basted the middle and had to lay on top of the quilt to reach either end. There's two ways into my kitchen but I wouldn't be able to get around it without climbing on my counter so....improvisation. I hope it doesn't mess it up too badly...

Here's my quilt sandwich, all basted together:

The cactus fabric is weird, yes...I'll just claim to have been going for a 'bold' look :)

I've already started machine quilting, but I don't have pictures of that yet. It's slow going! I think I may simplify the design a little; let's see how I do before the deadline next week.

Do you have any strange techniques to 'get the job done'? Let me know in the comments!

Sneak Peek!

Exciting post and tutorial coming tomorrow....stay tuned!

Stitchin' Mission

Have you heard of Stitchin' Mission? 

Image Source: stitchinmission.org

It's a really cool concept started by local Iowan Linda  who wanted a way to give back to the community. Essentially, Linda offers a series of quilting lessons for FREE along with needed materials, provided that each student donate their first quilt to a charity that really needs it. 

There have been 24 missions so far, and quilts have been sent all over the world!

I'm really excited to be a part of Stitchin' Mission #25! Our quilts will be going to a local women and children's center in Des Moines. I have made two quilts on my own so far, but as I'm a completely self-taught crafter I thought it wouldn't hurt to get some expert advice.

If you click to Linda's blog post here, you can just make me out in the first group photo. Not that I enjoy being photographed (who does?!), but there I am! 

Tonight will be the next class and I'm really excited! Here is all of my fabric, pressed and ready to go:

This seems an odd combination to me, but I couldn't resist the cactus fabric. I'm looking forward to seeing how this comes together! 

I'll be blogging about this for the next few Thursdays, so check back with me to see my progress :) 

Ciao! 

Rain.

I'm stuck inside and on a roll, so here's just a few teaser pics of what I've been working on today :D

The lighting in the last picture is terrible. I'm working on it!