I am so thrilled to share my very first Barn Quilt here today!!!



I recently found out about a local husband and wife team who were making these painted quilt block signs when a mutual friend of ours had commented on a photo of theirs on facebook. Right away I "friended" their page and contacted them about ordering one. As new home owners we hadn't even begun to think about the exterior love that our house is in need of, but when I saw these barn quilts it seemed like the perfect place to start, right?!



At first I was struggling a bit with which quilt block to choose. There. are. so. many! Then the beautiful and very popular Swoon block by Camille Roskelley popped into my head -- Yes, that would be perfect! When I was just beginning to feel confident enough in my sewing to branch out into quilt work the Swoon quilt pattern and the popular sew along that followed it's release was happening. So many of the bloggers I love to follow were joining in, but I didn't feel ready to myself. I do still plan to make a Swoon quilt at some point and love Camille's design so much, so why not?! Next came choosing the colors, which I did pretty quickly, then came choosing the right size for our porch. This company offers a variety, as well as a panel for two or three quilt block designs. With some much appreciated help from Stacey we chose the size that would best fit our space, and my order was in!

We hung it yesterday and we all love it!!



The 2' x 2' size is the perfect fit and scale for our front porch. This size is priced at $50 and smaller 1' x's start at just $25.



The back of the wooden sign has a super, sturdy built-out frame. We added an eye hook to each side with a little wire and it was ready to hang!



I happened to notice as I was snapping photos that my girl and barn quilt were even matching yesterday, a happy accident and oh so cute!! 



Potty County BarnShed Quilts is just starting out and is ready to ship anywhere in the US! You can contact them through facebook HERE for now, but they are working on en etsy and new website. I'd really appreciate it if you would be so kind to "friend" them on FB and give a quick "like" to the photo they shared of my barn quilt!! I know how much a show of support from all of you will mean a lot to them, and me!! 



Now I have to ask -- what favorite quilt block would you choose?? I can't wait to read your ideas! I'm already planning our next barn quilt in an extra large size for our garage!!   ♥ Maureen

I'm so happy to have a quilt finish to share here today!

I made this quilt top back in January, yikes, when things had finally slowed down after our move into the new house and those busy holiday weeks. It came together quickly, in a late night sewing session, completely on impulse after I had laid out my Glimma Charm Pack to get a good look at this new collection by Lotta Jansdotter. I added in some white and medium gray linens from my stash and got to work!



I had shared last week that I was having some pucker issues in a couple of spots -- many thanks to those of you who offered up your advice! Well, I'm happy to report that after some heavy quilting and a good tumble in the washing machine and dryer, I think I'm the only one who would notice. In the end I think it started as a piecing problem that went unnoticed until I started my quilting. Lesson learned!



The unexpected bonus of my mistake is the crinkle effect that this quilt received right away from that washing. Usually I prefer my quilts to keep that flat look for as long as possible, but this quilt was made to be crinkly! It softened up beautifully!! I was a little worried throughout the process, having pre-washed my linen but not the Glimma pre-cuts. Thankfully it came out better than I imagined!



Using both a cotton Aurifil 50wt in white and a gray from my Tula Pink thread collection, I added my quilting stitches only on the linen -- with a dense quilting around the borders and inside the larger shapes, and some wider pivot quilting on the inside of each of the linen charm squares.



The back is finished in the Kulla Glimma print in Slate and for the binding I used Korkek in Dandelion.





The finished quilt measures a 44" x 48", a good size to keep on the couch I think!



I have to also share that these quilt photo shoots are becoming such a family favorite! I held this quilt up to Kevin and the kids and we brainstormed where to take it, together. It's pretty special and an awesome reminder of how gorgeous Potter County, Pa is!

You can find Glimma available in the shops of my sponsors -- Contemporary Cloth, Stash Fabrics, The Intrepid Thread, Pink Castle Fabrics, Moona Fabrics, & the Fat Quarter Shop!

Happy Monday, friends!!  ♥ Maureen

 
1. Simply leave a comment here in this post! (one entry)
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3. My followers get a third entry! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (optional extra entry)
4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (optional extra entry) 

That’s 4 possible entries! Enter now through Monday, June17th!! Winner will be picked at Random and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post, here on the blog!

I made a Mrs. Fox pillow yesterday, as a custom order request that came through my etsy, and it's the best thing I can think to share on this dark rainy day!! These fox pillows always bring a smile to my face!



There's something so cozy about a Summer rainy day. I'm hoping to get lots of sewing in today! And, I wish you all a beautiful day!  ♥ Maureen 

p.s. I have to mention that tomorrow's giveaway is this pretty Rainbow Bundle, how perfect is that?!!

Thank you for all the birthday wishes you left me here! Monday was my actual birthday, but with work and the kids busy Summer schedule, we did most of our celebrating on Saturday. My talented best friend Cynthia, made me the most beautiful cake! The inside a gluten free chocolate with a peanut butter mousse, the outside covered with her super yummy marshmallow fondant, and hand-painted with these gorgeous flowers! I couldn't believe my eyes when I opened the box!! It was such a special birthday!



As far as sewing goes, most of my time has been spent on orders.



I did add a little more to my newest "thread sketch" piece, with the beginnings of a dreamcatcher.



And in the quilting department, I've been really busy with my Linen & Glimma quilt top. But! Sadly, I'm having some issues. I spray basted, which is what I've been doing for a little while now, and right away I noticed lots of wavy wrinkling across my quilt top? I kept adjusting the layers and pressed well until everything was nice and smooth. I let the quilt sit for several hours and when I went to begin my quilting late that night, the same wavy wrinkles were there again. I pressed the basted quilt layers well once more and again the wrinkling disappeared, so I began quilting. Well, for the first time ever I'm experiencing some puckering in a couple different spots on my quilt?? I'm not sure if it's from the linen stretching while I quilt? From the quilt being a combination of quilting cotton and cotton linen. Or maybe I over-sprayed??  

What do you think? Do you have any tips for taming down these puckers that can occur when quilting? I read that once you wash the quilt, they shouldn't be as noticeable. I hope that's true!!



I have lots more orders to work on today and hopefully you might have some helpful tips for me before I get back to my quilting. Thanks so much!!!  ♥,  Maureen

Happy Monday everyone!! Today is my stop, project # two, on the Patchwork Please! Sew-Along -- a blog-hop sew along organized by Lindsey & Debbie, featuring a new project each Monday by a different blogger, from this amazing book authored by Ayumi Takahashi!



It honestly was so hard to choose what I wanted to make to share here today, this book is full of wonderful projects! In the end I was assigned these adorable kitchen towels. The beautiful RK linens combined with the colorful scrappy applique and sweet details was a standout project in this book for me from my first look through! The reality is, if I'm not sewing, I'm usually in the kitchen, so putting these at the top of my list really was a must! 



In the materials list for this project, it's suggested by Ayumi to choose and assortment of threads to match the fabric you choose for your appliques. The day I first began prepping for this project I had laid out all the fabrics I planned to use, along with the copied and printed out letter and applique templates provided, and my threads. At first I thought I would just stick with a linen/white Aurifil thread for all the machine stitching, rather than do all the thread changes. However, once I started sewing I totally changed my mind, deciding to match my thread as closely as I could to the fabric scraps I had chosen. And I'm SO glad I did!! I really think all those colorful threads is a part of what makes this project both so quality and fun looking!







Aren't they great?! They're hanging in my kitchen now on one of my vintage, wooden drying racks. I love them!!

Throughout each week of this sew-along there's a ton of wonderful prizes up for grabs, thanks to so many great sponsors, plus some serious prizes waiting at the very end for those of you who join us!!!

Here's a schedule of all the other participating bloggers! Together we'll be covering all the projects in the book, from June through the first week in October!

June 3: Penny | Sew Take a Hike :: Bell Pepper Coasters
June 10: Maureen | MC Handmade :: B,L,D Towels
June 17: Anna | Noodlehead :: Lettered Tea Cozy + Pouch
June 24: Angela | Cut to Pieces :: Polka Dot Cafe Apron
July 1: Lynne | Lily’s Quilts :: Diamond Patchwork Placemat
July 8: Lindsey | LRstitched :: Yum Yum Apple Bib
July 15: Sukie | Don’t Ya Know :: Dino-Mite Hat
July 22: Jennifer | Ellison Lane :: Book for Baby Quilt
July 29: Krista | Poppyprint :: My Scrappy Box
August 5: Kerry | Very Kerry Berry :: Swedish Bloom Time Quilt
August 12: Tamiko | Patchwork Notes :: You’ve Got Mail Wall Pocket
August 19: Monica | Happy Zombie :: Happy Hexagon Trivet
August 26: Krista | Spotted Stone Studio :: Piece of Cake Shopping Bag
Sept 2: Lori | Bee in My Bonnet :: Triangle Patchwork Box Pouch
Sept 9: Amy | During Quiet TIme :: Vintage Pencil Case
Sept 16: Svetlana | SOTAK Handmade :: I love My Ipad Quilted Cover
Sept 23: Amber | One Shabby Chick :: Handy Market Tote
Sept 30: Deb | A Quilter’s Table :: Sweet Trips Embroidery Pouch
Oct 7: Leila | Where the Orchids Grow :: Prettified Pincushion

Along with my version of these Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner Towels, in celebration of the sew-along I get to host this bonus Giveaway today!! I'm offering my readers four sample packs of Aurifil thread, a special fabric gift from Form & Fabric, and a sample card of Pellon interfacing and batting!!







 
Simply leave a comment here in this post! That's all and I'll pick the SIX lucky winners on Friday!!
     
For those of you joining in the sew-along don't forget -- there's also a Giveaway this week for linking up your finished project over on Lindsey's blog! Share your project by Sunday June, 16th and you'll have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to Form and Fabric, a bundle of fabric and pattern from the amazing Pat Bravo, and (1) package 805R Wonder Under from Pellon!!!

 
1. Simply leave a comment here in this post! I'd love to know one thing you hope to stitch up this Summer?  (one entry)
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3. My followers get a third entry! Just let me know that you do by making a separate comment here to record that entry. (optional extra entry)
4. Help spread the word!! I know that many of you already do, so I thought it would be nice to add that as another way to enter! Whether by tweet, facebook, pin, blog, etc... (optional extra entry) 

That’s 4 possible entries! Enter now through Monday, June10th, my Birthday!! Winner will be picked at Random and I will announce their name at the bottom of this post, here on the blog!

Thanks for sharing in my excitement yesterday over my new thrifted cabinet, now I just need to fill it! The only problem there is that I truly do enjoy having all the old mason jars of art supplies, buttons, and knitting needles scattered everywhere! I think the best place for me to start will be to label a drawer for all the screwdrivers, or a similar type of object, that I don't like seeing laying around and can never find when it's needed!

While I'm still thinking about thirfting I thought I'd share this amazing star burst mirror I found recently at the same shop. Isn't it cool?! I wasn't sure if I should touch it up or paint it when I first brought it home, but now I love it just as it is!

This Summer I'm going to be on the look out for cool frames and artwork to arrange on this wall in our family room. I'll be sure to share my thrifting finds here a bit more, I knew we probably shared in that hobby, as well!



Today I'm dedicating the bulk of my sewing time to finishing up my Patchwork Please! project for Monday! Are any of you joining in the Sew-Along? You can find all the details here, I hope you enjoy following along!



I've  also been wanting to share a Show & Tell here soon, and hopefully regularly, of all the things being made and shared in my new Flickr group page. There's nothing like seeing the things you've all made with my project tutorials, I can't wait to show them off!! So, please be sure to add them right here if you're on Flickr. If you're not, you can email me or share on my Facebook page anytime! Feel free to add any of the things you've made from my tutorials, that was inspired by my projects, made from the wool blend felt I sell, and even any of the things made from those giveaway fabrics, if you've been one of the lucky winners!

Here's a new quilt-as-you-go quilt that was just added by the lovely Jess, who blogs at Stitched in Thyme. I adore this quilt -- the scrappiness and low volume fabrics, combined with a little black is a stunner! You can see her full post here!



I think I'll wrap up a little bundle of fabrics to send Jess as a thank you!

Be sure to stop back tomorrow for a new Fabric Giveaway!!  ♥,  Maureen

One afternoon during the long Memorial Day weekend, we spent some time together moving things around in my sewing room and did some major organizing of all our art supplies. Since we moved here in November,  my sewing room has worked great as a shared craft space for the kids, but soon with the the four of us together each day, it was time to do some shuffling around. I have a few more things yet to figure out and then I plan to share what we've done!

The amount of colored pencils we've acquired alone since we moved is pretty astounding, but I don't worry -- with my crew, they'll be useful!



I had things looking pretty tidy, and then as usual, just as soon as everything was nice and neat the kids got everything out again! This happens in your house too, I assume?

Later that day I stopped in at our local thrift shop to pick up these beautiful, large wooden spools I had left behind on my last visit. Perfect for quilt binding, right?!



While I was there I spotted this piece right away! It had just come into the shop and was something I was looking for, for years!! It had a great price and my friend who owns the shop was willing to give me an even better deal. But still, it was a lot of money to spend on a random Sunday, after telling Kevin that I was running to the store and then the thrift shop to pick up a few $3 spools.


I'm excited to share, that with the encouragement of my Instagram friends and a husband who understands that I would be kicking myself, and him, forever if I had passed on it -- I brought it home! And, I love it!!

Kevin even cleaned it all up for me, he's the best!!


Can you tell how huge it is? It's really, really big!



Since, I swapped out the knobs with these pretty, white porcelain knobs from the 20's, and filled each of the label areas with a bright, fabric/washi tape tag.







I'm so happy with it, it's such a special piece! Each of the drawers is made with extra large dovetails and it's got such a great handmade look. I think it's a good fit here!





I'm curious, are you all interested in thrifting and collecting, as well? I bet that's another thing most of us have in common! If so, I might just have to share more of my finds here throughout the Summer! Feel free to share your own favorite pieces for storage, I love seeing creative uses for thrift finds! How about collections, do you have any??  I love chatting about this stuff just as much as I love chatting about sewing!!

And, if you would like to listen to me do that for a few minutes, I was a guest this past Monday on the American Patchwork & Quilting Radio Show with Pat Sloan. I was really nervous, but it was a lot of fun! I'd love for you to listen if you get the chance!   ♥,  Maureen