I am still here!

Oh, it is fall already... where does the time go? This is the beginning of quilting season. You quilters know that feeling. You walk outside and the air is brisk, there is a frost, it is raining... time to start another quilt project (or finish an old one)! Don't get me wrong, I love to quilt in the warmer months too, but there is something so cozy about quilting in the colder months. Ah, the hum of my sewing machine and a nice cup of hot tea. Nothing more relaxing for me. I did not quilt much this past summer, but I am back in the swing of things now. In April I started our sister company, Such a Pretty Dress, on Etsy (http://www.suchaprettydress.com/). I love to sew clothes for my sweet little girls and this was a fun venture for us. Here is one of our outfits on my super sweet model:


Recently, one of my family's dear friends informed me that his 90 year old mother fell and broke her wrist. I was to the point of tears when he told me, since this poor sweet lady was already disabled and must use a walker to get around. Now, she is immobilized, moved into a nursing home and completely depressed. Who could blame her? So, I decided to do something for her... of course, a quilt. A small quilt, since she has to be confined to a wheelchair, with lots of pretty colors to bring her a smile. Today, I finally decided what pattern to use - a "braid" quilt. I picked up some of this fabulous foundation piecing fabric at my local quilt shop many moons ago and today was the day to give it a go. Needless to say, I am completely hooked. This quilt, to me, provides a peaceful feeling knowing that it may bring even the slightest bit of comfort to someone in an unfortunate situation. Pictures coming next time...

Until then, keep those needles moving!

Julie

"Fall Block Party"

This quilt is a Little Red Barn Quilts original design. As you may know, Little Red Barn Quilts consists of a partnership of my mother and myself. We work together seamlessly to create new and original quilt patterns. First we start with a piece of fabric or an idea and I sketch out a design. Then, we play with fabrics to find the exact look we want. We share the duties of piecing, applique and quilting which makes it so much fun. I absolutely love working with my Mom for so many reasons. She is an extremely talented quilter with exquisite hand applique and hand quilting skills. When it comes to quilting, we love the same type of quilt patterns and fabrics. This is ideal for inspiration.

"Fall Block Party" was created for a challenge at a favorite local quilt shop. It was hand appliqued, machine pieced and machine quilted. We used an array of Kansas Troubles Quilters (one of our absolute favorite designers) fabric collections by Moda with a few Moda Essentials for the sunflowers.

I think it is time to start a new design ... I just need a little inspiration.

Any ideas???

Keep those needles moving!
Julie

My Fabric Addiction

I love fabric... it is blatantly obvious as I look around my sewing studio. Arranged neatly by color, I have enough to start a new project whenever the urge strikes. Fabric is an addiction to me. I absolutely love the sight, the feel and even the smell. I often joke that fabric is delicious and, if I could, I know I would eat it. Most quilters I know share this most wonderful trait. There is something so exciting about walking into a quilt shop and finding a new piece that you love. Maybe you know exactly what you need it for or maybe you don't. It doesn't matter, you simply must add it to your yummy stash until it is incorporated in the perfect project. Surely, there are far worse addictions in life. How many of you have a fabric addiction?

In the past month or two , I finished machined quilting a twin size bed quilt (Burgoyne Surrounded pattern ... photos will be posted after binding is on) in an allover meander, pieced seven blocks for a sofa quilt, started marking an antique linen to machine quilt and made my Lily a few dresses. I like to keep several projects going at one time to keep me motivated. What inspires your creativity?

Here is Lily modeling one of her new dresses! When I finished each one and showed her, she came over to me, gave me a big hug and said "Wow! It is beautiful and I love it Mommy. Thank you for making it for me". How sweet was that?! Needless to say, I will be making more little creations for my most appreciative little love bug and her darling sister. I am truly blessed.

Notice Lily's pose! She LOVES the camera!

Until next time, keep those needles moving and happy spring!

Julie

Sleeping bag

I just love winter ... the snow is so beautiful when it falls and covers the trees and surrounding scenery with a beautiful blanket of white. Tonight, a winter storm is coming and I am all ready to stay in tomorrow and ... what else ... sew.

I finally finished my latest project a few days ago ... a sleeping bag for my Lily girl. With colors of pink, purple, yellow, white and bright green, Lily said it was perfect. She was snuggled up inside right after I finished the last stitch. She thinks that tents and sleeping bags are the greatest thing since sliced bread. What is it about kids and camping anyway? I have yet to meet a little one that did not enjoy a good tent made from a quilt and a couple of chairs. They snuggle up in that little space for hours.

I started with a Moda Layer Cake for the exterior and flannel on the interior for extra warmth and comfort . Unlike traditional sleeping bags, I used tab and button closures instead of a zipper. As an added bonus, I designed it to tie up when not in use to second as a bolster pillow. So far, it is a big hit. Last night, Lily made a tent in our living room out of a flannel quilt draped over a chair and snuggled up in her new sleeping bag. Before you know it, she was fast asleep.

Until next time, keep those needles moving!

Julie

Never Enough Time!

My mornings begin, on average, at 4:30 A.M. with a call from either one or both of my girls. Katelyn (10 months) and Lily (4 years) are just not good sleepers. This does work to my advantage sometimes ... how? you ask. Well, it forces me to get up ridiculously early and I do get a few extra things done during the few hours of sleep I lack every night. Last week, I finally finished assembling a quilt top for my own bed which I started, embarrassingly, no less than five years ago. I was routing through my sewing room and found it safely tucked in a box with the pattern and all the fabric. I don't remember why I put it away at the time, but I am sure that I had to do another more pressing project. That's the thing about quilts ... there is always someone special you want to make one for. In any event, I used a Thimbleberries pattern "Two colors, too easy" and adapted it to suit my own bed. The pattern has 9" finished flying geese blocks with plain blocks in between. Also, there is a large 8 1/2" boarder for lots of yummy quilting room. My next step is to mark quilting lines, sandwich the layers and start quilting.

At the close of the week I finally machine quilted two table top quilts which were pieced by my Mom (see photo of star topper quilt) and appliqued a dinosaur baby quilt for a new nephew who was born last weekend.

It is amazing what a few minutes here and there will add up to. Even though there is never enough time, I hope that you find a few extra minutes each day to get those projects done. Happy quilting!

Thanks for reading and God Bless.

Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my blog! For those of you who do not know me, quilting is my passion. I love each aspect of quilting ... from designing a pattern, choosing fabric, to the very last stitch. It is all wonderful! My mother introduced me to sewing at the early age of 5. I remember sewing my first quilt with her by hand ... a crazy quilt (and yes, she still has it). It was indeed a crazy quilt. Since then, I have made many, many quilts.

My mother and I started Little Red Barn Quilts several years ago to create beautiful original patterns and custom quilts for sale. We have over 50 years combined quilting experience. Please join me as I chat about new original design patterns, upcoming quilt projects, machine quilting, hand quilting and hand applique, just to name a few.

I hope that you enjoy reading about my life and many joyous quilting experiences.

Julie