Elephant March

Simple scrappy patchwork is so satisfying. I love this quilt.

I almost prefer the back to the front.

See?! I've been hoarding that strip of elephants for years.

Simple 1/4" quilting on each side of the squares. If you've never made a quilt before, this would be a good way to start. You don't need to do anything fancy like stippling to get a great look and drape.

More striped binding (I'm thinking I should start to branch out...)

Mailed to my brand new niece that just arrived last week. 

Finicky Piecing-How to Not Lose Your Mind

Here's a little trick I use to keep all my pieces in order for my Farm Girl Friday blocks. Each of the fabric pieces are labeled with letters. She uses alphabitties, but I didn't want to spend that much money for something I thought I could make myself. 

I printed and cut out little circles with each letter on it, laminated them, then hot glued them to flat flower head pins. That way as I'm cutting, I can easily label what I'm working on and pin them to the fabric before they get all mixed up.

It has made piecing so much easier!

Baby Hearts

Another baby quilt given away. I ran across this pattern at Cluck Cluck Sew a few months ago, and I immediately knew I wanted to make this for my little niece, due in August. I tried to be more adventurous with the background, and not be so matchy matchy.

These hearts came together super fast! It really looks more complicated that it is. I also loved this pattern because she uses strips around each block rather than sashing. I kind of hate sashing. 

 I love using blue for girls. 

I tried something new with the binding this time. I used my serger to finish off the edges before machine binding and it worked like a dream! No puckering or pulling. I've started doing it every time. 

My sister in law flipped when she opened the package. I love making quilts for people who appreciate the time that goes into it.

#FarmGirlFridays

#FarmGirlFridays are happening. After making two table runners, I decided to order her new book, and I'm kind of excited about it. I've never made a sampler before, so this seems like a fun way to start. I may regret those words later. 48 six inch blocks are a lot of blocks. But it'll be worth it because I'm keeping it, dang it! 

 Even though I seldom quilt for myself, I love doing it because I don't hesitate to use the cutest scraps I have been hoarding. My goal this year is to be more selfish with my quilts.

 

And see how tiny? They finish at 6". I keep trying to explain the scale of it, but it's hard to get a feel without seeing them in person. I have to iron most of the seams open so there is less bulk in all those tiny intersections.

Mostly all scraps. Eek! Did I mention there's a milk can block?

Perfect for a Little House on a Dairy.