I can Maybe figure this out?

So my one big goal this year is to learn to design using Quilt Assistant which is a freebie program!  I've done a bit of googlemoogling trying to find some tutorials and the like, but there isn't a lot.  Alida (TweloQ) does have a good one.

I've been going through the QA manual and playing with snapping lines and removing them, and trying to think of things in terms of pattern testing so that the design makes sense.  it's a lot harder than you think.

My first attempt was to try and create a pattern for Hamilton the musical since Fandominstitches has a call out for patterns.  I don't think it's too bad.

The hardest part is not just the making the pattern, it's writing the pattern.  There are SO. MANY. DETAILS.

Tips that I've learned:

1.  block out the image in your mind in "pieces".

2.  check your image size so you aren't making an enormous piece that doesn't translate when you have to reduce size.  (not that I've done this more than once or anything)

3..  To save your pattern, or "map" (ie the layout overall - found on the design tab in the print box), Print to PDF and save it.  Save them individually.  And you'll need both the "map" and the pattern, as well as a cover.

4..  You can turn off the colors in the map so testers won't hate you because of having too many ink colors/saturation by unchecking the "show image" and "show color numbers" on the design tab.

5..  Find a good PDF joiner if you don't have Adobe Pro.  I use this one.

6. Get brave and submit it for testing.

It's a little like having a baby.

FiS Quilt Swap!

My one non-craft goal was to enjoy life more.  Take hold of the moments I can do things that bring me joy!

Today I learned about mini quilt swaps.
I'm in trouble.

My first one - and  I'm excited because I decided that with my new addiction of designing, I should design something for each little piece I do.  (Little is objective...12"-20" mini quilts)

My partner loves both Alice in Wonderland and Dr. Who.  So - the plan is to use the Caterpillar (Absolem) pattern from Fandom in Stitches (designed by Michelle Thompson) and design a tardis in a smoke ring to tie the two together.

Here's my tardis pattern.

to the beach to the beach to the beach...

What a whirlwind of a beginning to this year!  I've set a few goals in quilting and in enjoying life.  I don't do resolutions, I just pick one things to get really good at each year.  It cuts down on the self-flogging when I utterly fail.  LOL  This year my goal is to learn to design paper pieced patterns.  I'm excited at the challenge.  My other goal for the year is to take advantage of opportunities to relax and get away from the day to day grind.  This weekend the girls and I realized we all had two days off - so in a flash I found a hotel and we ran away.  BEST. IDEA. EVER.

She ran down to the water and just stood there.  My land-locked mermaid had all the feels and it was oddly emotional.  We had quite a few moments of realizing how wound we all were.

It's 7:15. These two hard-working girls have had a rough bunch of things over the last few months. Me too. I'm so grateful the stars aligned and we all three finally had the same two days off. Coming to the beach was the best decision ever. The trip is short but my spiritual soul is again reminded of the gifts my heavenly Father brings into my life and I feel more at peace. #familiesareforever#thebeachrestoresmysoul #lovethesetwo#grateful

Beginner paper piecing class- take 2

It's our new annual tradition.  I'm determined to teach to fish rather than feed for a day, if you know what I'm saying.  It's our 2nd annual beginning quilt class, charity quilt sew-a-thon, modern-day quilting bee.

I've debated long and hard about the lessons I learned last year.  Things like:
1.  don't use a pattern with multiple pieces on the first try.  (wayyy too many moving parts)
2.  don't try and teach a pattern with angles.
3.  find a couple of other people to learn how to sew it before the day, so you're not running around like a chicken with your head cut off.
4.  most people don't want handouts
5. most everyone is a visual learner.


I'm debating between a couple of different patterns....

Both of these patterns are freebies from Wombat Quilts

I like the first as a better choice for a class since there are no angles, but I love flying geese so naturally I'm drawn to the second one.  LOL  We'll see once we talk it through with our group.

So watch for updates in April!

My neighbor...

I've been a fan of Hayao Miyazaki since my kids were little.  I fell in love with My neighbor Totoro and all the sweetness and goodness his films bring.  So it's no surprise when one of the designers posted she was working on some Studio Ghibli pieces, Totoro to be specific.... I jumped at the chance to pattern test.  Here's the first bunch...

End of year wrap up, WIP for next year

It's been an amazing year.

I'm gonna let that sit there for a minute because I'm working on reflecting on the good that is happening in my life.

2016 brought lots of firsts for me.  I taught my first beginner paper piecing class with pretty successful results (and an invitation to repeat it next year).  That quilt, along with a Star Wars quilt (which I tested patterns for) are both are being donated to a local Children's home - a project near and dear to my heart.

For Mother's day I found and sewed something personal for my Mom, and I also played along with the Minion (pattern tester) and Once Upon a Princess Quilt-a-Longs at fandominstitches.com, Finished my daughter-in-law's multifandom quilt, and assembled the Princess and Cars themed quilts for Christmas gifts. Scattered among the other projects were other pattern testing projects (including broadway related themes, and Dr. Who), and that's in addition to my regular, pays the bills, full-time job, which changed in July and will change again in January (yay for promotions!).

I'm not really a glutton for punishment, quilting is just really calming for me. Three years ago at this time I was finishing my Masters degree and counting down the minutes until I graduated so that I could get my hands on and learn to paper piece my first Harry Potter Project of Doom quilt.  I had no idea it would turn into such a personal journey.  If you are just starting, take strength, enlist help from other quilt board members, find local friends, and spend a bit of time on YouTube.  (As a visual learner YouTube was a godsend).

I can honestly say now, that I find myself less critical and more careful about piecing.  I'm not to the point of making "show only" quilts as I prefer them to be loved, cuddled, used and worn out.  So what's coming up for 2017?  I've put off joining in the Fantastic Beasts Quilt-a-Long at fandominstitches until I finish up several other WIP.  So I'm sure you'll see some of that!  I also have plans to make a few more multi-fandom quilts for Boy Wonder and some lucky nieces and nephews.  I'm super excited since FiS has begun releasing Supplemental Disney Saturday patterns for additional bookcase options!  And I am taking on my first non-fandom, pieced/appliqued book quilt.  More on that later.

Like I said, it's been an amazing year.  I've grown.  I've been given opportunities to serve.  I've helped warm and cuddle both family and strangers.  But mostly - I've learned gratitude in a new way.  Thanks for letting me share.

Christmas Surprise! (Princess and Cars quilts)

I knew as I worked on the Once upon a Princess project earlier this year that I wanted these ladies to go to a special home - and along with a Cars quilt project they did!!  My nieces and nephews (well 3 of them anyway) seem to be enjoying them!!