Forms of a Dress Challenge

This is the continuation of the dress challenge; here is the first post.
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So, I knew I was up against a deadline to turn in my challenge mini and that I had to get back to my sewing desk.  Sammy was not thrilled with the idea.

Can't you just hear her... Mamma... your going to sew again? Uggg!

This is Katie's position for most of my work.  Yes, her head is on my knee/leg.  Always there to give me advice or cheer me on.  This gets a little challenging when I need to get up to iron something, but that hasn't deterred her.

So, once the pups had their positions I knew I could settle in to finish this mini quilt up.

I did some free motion quilting on the ivory and gold background following the design with a light blue shiny thread.  Gave the background a nice texture without taking away from the skirt.

And I decided to use the same background fabric for the binding so that it more or less melts away.  This mini measures 10 x 14.  I see a lot more minis in my future... hand sewing the binding went so quick!

And with that I give you "This Dance" ... as in, may I have the pleasure of this dance with you? 

I don't ever think in a million years that I would have thought to create a dress like this without the challenge pushing my far far out of my comfort zone.  But, then again, I guess that's what challenges are for, right?  For pushing, and pulling, and general creative creating discomfort. 

And I'm smitten with the results. 

Would I make another dress?  Maybe.  Probably not my first choice, but I have to admit it was pretty fun embracing my girly side for this one. 

Then, off to the guild meeting we went.

And guess what?  The next time I see This Dance.... it will be hung in a guild quilt show in May. 

I know.  I'm still pretty tickled myself!

And yes, I'll be linking to my favorite parties from my left sidebar to include Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story.

One Thing, One Week Challenge

This past week I joined up with Amy's Creative Side to participate in her One Thing, One Week Challenge.  It's great motivation to pick just one thing to work on for the week! 

I decided that I wanted to get a healthy start on my Forms of a Dress mini art quilt as I've been stuck in the get ideas, sketch, and play with fabric stage for too long.  I am so excited to report that I made leaps and bounds this past week! 

I'll let the pictures do the talking! 

I'm really looking forward to the finishing touches this week, quilting it lightly and binding... too cool for school man!!  In fact, I will probably be finishing this up during the Friday Night Sew In!

Won't you join us in signing up to sew the night away?  There are prizes involved!!

Wednesday WIP {A Lot of Secrecy}

I feel like I have a lot of secrets going on right now... can't wait to show it all to you!

--IN PROGRESS--

Forms of a Dress -- due 14 February

This is my first guild challenge!  I am finding myself sketching and re-sketching, and I have my final design ready.  Next step is to begin layering fabric!  Starting this one on Sunday!

Spinning Starlets {English Paper Piecing} -- a.k.a. I've reached a new level of crazy!

Following along with the Block Party at Selfsewn; creating Rose Stars.  I finished my second one and you can also see my post about my overall experience with English Paper Piecing!

Private Swap with Megan from Silver Threads of Happiness

I am starting the second part of the surprise.  Closer to shipping my box!   

Name Game Swap -- due by 15 March

We are swapping a mini quilt that uses the name of our swap partner in the quilt.  Cool, no?  I have gotten my partner's information, snooped around for ideas and inspirations, pulled a bunch of fabrics, adjusted my stack, finished my sketch and I am ready to begin putting fabric to batting.  My only hint will be that it's going to start with some ticker tape quilting!

Wish Upon A Star -- star quilt-a-long by Melissa at Happy Quilting and Sparkle Punch quilt-a-long by Oh, Frannson!

Great progress on this over the the last week... and you may notice that I added a new type of star.  I kept seeing the Sparkle Punch quilt-a-long by Elizabeth at Oh, Frannson and couldn't resist.  Besides mixing star types got my mojo going and helped me figure out what I want to do. 

I am working at a frantic pace to finish by Saturday and will reserve further photos (to keep this a surprise) until it's done!  And did you know that this is the first time I've done anything (purposely) wonky... what fun!! 

--ON PAUSE-- 

Laughing Leaves with Frieda Anderson

More of the project can be seen here.  Can't wait to roll up my sleeves and dig back in!  You can also check out what I learned about using fusible in an art quilt!

{Your're My Sunshine}: Bottled Rainbows {ticker tape quilt-along}

Still no deadline for this one.  The way things are going, maybe I pick this up once my show pieces are done?

This Week's Work in Progress (WiP) Stats:

Last WiP Wednesday Total: 7
New Projects: 0 (might add one next week)

Finished Projects: 0
Total WiP's: 7

And a dose of Katie and Sammy antics --a typical scene straight from my sewing room....

If I were to narrate it would go something like this...

Sammy, "Trying to catch my tail... gotta get that tail"

Katie, "Hahaha, wouldn't it be funny if I stuck my nose in the shot.  I'm so funny"

Sammy, "Hey... get your nose outta my shot.  This is a video about meeeee!"

Wednesday WIP {Seeing Stars}

Managed quite a bit of sewing time this week and it feels good to get back in the groove!!

--IN PROGRESS--

Forms of a Dress -- due 14 February

This is my first guild challenge!  I am finding myself sketching and re-sketching, but can feel myself getting closer to the One!

Spinning Starlets {English Paper Piecing} -- a.k.a. I've reached a new level of crazy!

Following along with the Block Party at Selfsewn; creating Rose Stars.  And.... drum roll please.... I finished my first one!!  Whohohoooo!!!
On the ironing board waiting for a nice press (and in terrible yellow closet light)

Pressed and happy!  I need to grab a better daylight picture, but really liking how it came out!

Private Swap with Megan from Silver Threads of Happiness

I have mostly finished up the pincushion I made for Megan and getting to work on her surprise surprise.  Yup, I'm having a fun time with this one. 

Name Game Swap -- due by 15 March

We are swapping a mini quilt that uses the name of our swap partner in the quilt.  Cool, no?  I have gotten my partner's information and am starting to snoop around for ideas and inspirations.  I did pull a bunch of fabrics, but want to make sure they are her style/colors -- this is going to be out my normal style and should be interesting!

Star Struck or Map to the Stars -- star quilt-a-long by Melissa at Happy Quilting. 

I am up to eight stars -- you can see more here!!  Feeling good about it.  Now, I just need to figure out how I want to lay out the design.  I was originally going to just lay them out next to each other, but it feels heavy and unbalanced.  Still trying to figure out what to do next.

A bunch of new stars.

All the stars together.  You know.  Looking at this picture again (and sorry for the low light) I'm thinking it's the blue check and bold bottom right star fabrics that are throwing the design off.  The softer colors are melting in to the brown instead of fighting it.  Hmmm....

Naughty Notions Challenge -- I've decided not to enter in this round due to everything else going on. 

--ON PAUSE-- 

Laughing Leaves with Frieda Anderson

More of the project can be seen here.  Can't wait to roll up my sleeves and dig back in!  You can also check out what I learned about using fusible in an art quilt!

{Your're My Sunshine}: Bottled Rainbows {ticker tape quilt-along}

Still no deadline for this one.  The way things are going, maybe I pick this up once my show pieces are done?

This Week's Work in Progress (WiP) Stats:

Last WiP Wednesday Total: 8
New Projects: 0

Finished Projects: 1 (backed out on Naughty Notions challenge)
Total WiP's: 7

And a dose of Katie (left) and Sammy (right) playing in the snow we got over the weekend!

Wednesday WIP {Three New Things!!}

I can feel the pace of the year starting to pick up as swaps are beginning and I am getting back into my rhythm to enter an art show in March and my guild quilt show in May. 

--NEW--

Spinning Starlets {English Paper Piecing} -- a.k.a. I've reached a new level of crazy!

A new blog friend of mine Kris from Duke Says Sew What has turned me on to the idea of English paper piecing.  Sounds so formal, right?  Well, you might remember that I had paper piecing on my list for 2012, so when I looked over the Block Party at Selfsewn and saw how cute the Rose Star was... I caved. 

So far, I've cut out the template from paper, cut my fabric scraps, based most of the pieces, and begun hand sewing them together.  I think I may do a seperate post on my experiences with this process so far.

Private Swap with Megan from Silver Threads of Happiness

Adding this here so I don't forget.  I have so many ideas to surprise Megan and I'm tickled that we have the same silly forest, mushroom, elephant, and button likes!  And have you see her Pink Granny Blanket?  It's totally sweet!  Makes me want to get started on a crochet blanket.

Name Game Swap -- due by 15 March

We are swapping a mini quilt that uses the name of our swap partner in the quilt.  Cool, no?  I haven't gotten my partner information yet, but am going to pull together an inspiration mosaic to help my partner stalk me!

--IN PROGRESS--

Star Struck or Map to the Stars -- star quilt-a-long by Melissa at Happy Quilting. 

I made zero progress on this last week.  Bad, bad, me.  I really need to just sit down and whip up a bunch of stars.  I'm feeling more inspired to sew after last night's guild meeting! 

Naughty Notions Challenge -- make a clutch using lots and lots of notions by the end of the month

(you can still join if you like)

I have a pretty good idea what I want to do now... just need to make the basic clutch and start embellishing!

 
--ON PAUSE-- 

Laughing Leaves with Frieda Anderson

More of the project can be seen here.  Can't wait to roll up my sleeves and dig back in!  You can also check out what I learned about using fusible in an art quilt!

{Your're My Sunshine}: Bottled Rainbows {ticker tape quilt-along}

Still no deadline for this one.  The way things are going, maybe I pick this up once my show pieces are done?

This Week's Work in Progress (WiP) Stats:

Last WiP Wednesday Total: 5
New Projects: 3

Finished Projects: 0
Total WiP's: 8 (creeping up as we get closer to quilt show time!)

And, how about a picture of Sammy and Katie?  That was a lot of rambling and not a lot of pictures.

Forms of a Dress -- due 14 February

This is my first guild challenge!  I have completed my sketch and am ready to pull fabrics to get going. 

Wednesday WIP {More Planning Than Sewing}

As I admitted yesterday, there hasn't been a ton of sewing on this end, but as I was thinking about it more, I think that is also because I am in the planning stage with a lot of my new projects.  Let's take a look.

--NEW-

Forms of a Dress - a guild challenge

I don't have anything to show, but I have started sketching what this small art quilt will look like and I think I even have my thoughts narrowed down to two ideas.  And of course I am extra nervous because this is my first guild challenge!

--IN PROGRESS--

Star Struck or Map to the Stars -- star quilt-a-long by Melissa at Happy Quilting. 

I have a bunch more stars pieces cut out and ready for sewing. 

Naughty Notions Challenge - make a clutch using lots and lots of notions (you can still join if you like)

I started this by pulling out a bunch of notions that were easy to get my hands ... goodness knows I have a bunch more .. as I wanted to let the notions be my inspiration, since I still wasn't sure what I wanted to do. 

So far I have pulled out a pile of colorful zippers, snaps, beads, lace, floss, and some green and turquoise fabrics, and and buttons (not pictured).

I'm leaning (at the moment) toward using the hexigon print on the outside.

The more I am stewing on this project the more I would like to be sure I use these specific brown and turquoise beads.

And I'm sure I will find myself also reaching into this bag for a few of my treasured favorites (that are so overdue of being used in something).

 

You're still asking what I'm making aren't you?  Well... so far I am thinking a rounded bottom clutch and the rest will have to be a surprise for next week.

--ON PAUSE-- 

Laughing Leaves with Frieda Anderson

More the project can be seen here.  Can't wait to roll up my sleeves and dig back in!  You can also check out what I learned about using fusible in an art quilt!

{Your're My Sunshine}: Bottled Rainbows {ticker tape quilt-along}

Still no deadline for this one, but I am sure it will be an awesome winter project and just the right thing to pick up after all the crazy holiday sewing!

This Week's Work in Progress (WiP) Stats:

Last WiP Wednesday Total: 4
New Projects: 1 (started Forms of a Dress)

Finished Projects: 0
Total WiP's: 5

My Weekly Progress Report

No finishes this week; unless prepping for the puppy counts.  We have a collar, bowl, leash, bed, crate, and toys.  I am feeling so ready to bring her home tomorrow!


As for sewing... let's check in shall we?  (We will pretend it's still Wednesday)

--ONGOING PROJECTS--

Happy Garden (king sized)

 

I still have to finish the quilting.  I bet on session will complete it and I think I have found the perfect binding color.  I appreciate all the feedback on what color to use!  The ideas ranged, but blues and reds really topped the ideas.  After much thought and contemplation I think I am going to borrow Becky's idea of going with blood red after my little incident.  It's fitting and funny... but I also realized it will help the cherries and strawberries in the prints pop.  I'm looking forward to calling this King size d-u-n... and it's funny because we could really have used the quilt tonight... it's chilly again.

 --STALLED--

{Insert Name Here}: Bottled Rainbows {ticker tape quilt-along}

No progress sadly. 

 

Crewel Spring Flowers

Nada

X Marks the Spot

Nada sewing-wise, but I did pick up the yellow and pink solids and I think it will get me past the point I have been stuck on for so long.  I'm looking forward to playing with this quilt again!

Katie Fiber Art

No action here.

 

--INSPIRATION--

I have been very inspired this week too!  Do you read Quilting Arts?  Since the first one that was put in my hands a few months ago to the new subscription that has been put in my mailbox (thank you Monika you are my sewing angel for sure!), I have been bit by the fiber art bug hard!

Just check out these examples of detailed, textured, and color rich fiber art.  I'm seriously in love and I think I am finding my true style!

I also have been bit by the clothes making bug.  Specifically dresses and skirts.  These fabrics jumped into my arms and I think would make lovely clothing.  If only the little sewing gnomes would visit my sewing room one night and make it so.  If not, I will have to give it a go *wink*

And there you have it. 

That's pretty much what has been on my sewing brain when I can spare a puppy free thought.  Sammy (soon to be new Happy puppy joining us), got a clean bill of health today... which means we get to pick her up tomorrow.  Words can not describe.  I'm getting gushy and excited and nervous all in one moment. 

It's perfection... exactly what I needed right now.  Can't wait to share more!!

This Week's Work in Progress (WiP) Stats 

Last WiP Wednesday Total: 5
New Projects: 0 (non officially, but a few are blooming)

Finished Projects: 0
Total WiP's: 5 (same as last week; not counting fiber art or clothes as projects until I begin cutting)

---Linking to W.I.P. Wednesday with Lee at Freshly Pieced---

日本のための多くの愛
Much love for Japan

The adventure has just begun!

On this day, two years ago, I married my best friend.

It was a 60 degree November day in NY.  The rain had stopped.  This mysterious fog had set in.  I put on a wedding dress and tied an orange ribbon around a bouquet of white roses.  As I walked down the spiral stair case I got to see my Mr. Happy smile ear to ear.  I think it was a moment where we were both realizing that today was the day we would marry each other.

We drove together, to one of our favorite hiking spots, talking the whole way about whether or not we were nervous or excited.  I was initially a bit nervous, but found the whole thing very calming, very natural.  We met the minister at the hiking spot.  Katie was all ready to go as our flower girl.  Our families arrived shortly after. 

We started the ceremony right before noon.  It was short and simple, but infused with words that held a lot of meaning for us.  Rings were exchanged and we were read this final blessing...

Old Apache Blessing (Author unknown)

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other.  Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.  Now there is no loneliness.  You are two bodies, but there is one life before you, and one home.  You will take each others hand and you’ll turn together to look at the road you traveled to reach this---the hour of your happiness.  It stretches behind you and the future lies ahead.  A long and winding road, whose every turn means discovery, old hopes, new laughter and shared tears.  May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.  The adventure has just begun!

Then came the moment where we shared our first kiss as husband and wife.  (and yes those titles still sound funny!)

Once the ceremony was through, we both had the biggest smiles on our faces.  I like to remember that moment.  I hope we can always be those two crazy in love happy's! 

We celebrated the rest of the day with cupcakes, dinner, and lots of merriment!

And they lived happily ever after!!

Mr. Happy, I love you so much.  I am so proud of all we have been able to accomplish together and feel like the luckiest girl to share my life with you. 

XOXO XOXO XOXO

Last year's anniversary thoughts and more wedding details can be found here.

1 Year is coming

Being a married lady is awesome!

And, it's fun to think back on the details of my dress.

How nervous I felt when I was waiting for the ceremony to start as we drove over -- my white rose bouquet in my lap.

How complete I felt when we were finally married!

How big a smile I had pasted on my face for the ENTIRE day!

And of course how I still get goosebumps calling Mr. Happy my husband or when he calls me his wife. *contented sigh!*

So, what has prompted this trip of memories? Our one year wedding anniversary is coming up FAST! Like, just a bit over a month fast... and I want to come up with something sweet, memorable, or just plain fun to celebrate our first married year.

It's been a great year. Our dog turned two. We went to the Bronx Zoo, many aquariums and saw beluga whales, toasted with tasty drinks, saw the Giants at a playoff game, changed jobs, got promotions, bought a house, and learned that a whole lot can be thrown at us and that no matter what it is ... we'll survive it.

Ok, so enough mushy stuff. I need your help! Leave me your ideas, or stories, or links with ideas on how to make a one year anniversary celebration really nice.

(pretty please, with sugar, and whipped cream, and cherries, and sprinkles on top!)