Some weeks are more Quilty than others

I always have good intentions of getting a lot done but most of the time that doesn't happen. If my children are out of school, or if I have to work, sewing just doesn't happen. And sometimes even when the events of a day fall just right and I think I am going to spend the day sewing I still don't get to sew. I did get a few things accomished, and most of these things did have a deadline so I am going to think positive and chalk the past week up as a success :)

I made my April block of the month for the Nine Patch Nirvana. I am combining this BOM with the rainbow scrap challenge so that's why it is purple! It's hard to tell from my picture but the center and corners are dark purple. Purple is not my favorite color but I am pleased with this block. Check out what other people are making with purple here!

My sister and I have decided to do an improv-style "round" robin with each other. I am not sure "round" is the right wording for what we plan to do, since our activity will be more improv, or free style than in the round. Our idea is inspired by The Traveling Quilts that I saw on Quilt Dad's blog. Here is a link to information about The Traveling Quilts. We decided to start off with a 12.5 block and a 6.5 block just to give us some guidance. Sometimes too much freedom can be a bit intimidating. We are tentatively planning to exchange our works once a month for about 6 months. Since it is just the two of us, we aren't going to stress too much over the rules. This is for fun!! As you can see I have chosen a ship and fish for my first pieces. I have always wanted to make a ship quilt and when I found the 12.5 block pattern here  I knew I wanted to make it. Then I found inspiration  here  for my 6.5 inch fish block. We are actually going to the beach this weekend and will be exchanging for the first time, and our 6 months of exchanging fall in the summertime, so I think this is a very appropriate theme!I hope she will like working with them too. I can't wait to see what she has made!!

My best friend's birthday is coming up. Yep, that's a deadline! I found all of these cute fruit fabrics at Joann's and thought I would make her a couple of potholders. With the extra fabric I made two more. I will probably donate the two extra to my quilt guild's boutique. Maybe someone will like them. 

I love the backs of these potholders as much as the fronts!!

My sister's birthday is also soon. Deadline #2. I found this fabulous map fabric and knew right away I wanted to make pillowcases for her. The little checkerboard pillowcase was made from the scraps. She has a small travel size pillow and I hope this will fit it! My family loves the pillowcases I make them so I know these will be appreciated and used!! I will be seeing her this weekend too. A sisters beach getaway to celebrate life! I cannot wait!!

There is something about rolled up binding that makes me smile :) I made this binding this morning for my "Laura" quilt. Pattern can be found here. I also planned to piece the backing for this quilt but in searching for more yellows in my stash I was lucky enough to find a piece of fabric that will work nicely for the backing. I cut it to size and put a label on the back. Then I found enough yellow to make the binding. Maybe in a couple of weeks I can sandwich it and get it quilted. For now, I will enjoy this happy rolled up binding :)

Happy Happy April!!