week 07

feb 12 to feb 18

Welcome to week seven.


Be a Maker:

My big news for this week was the opening of March's Stash Builder Box on the 15th, for which I am the featured pattern designer. This is so cool! I loved working with Amanda and all the people at SBB getting my pattern, Minnows, ready for them.

I originally designed and made this quilt last year. I saw the tiny fish fry in our pond and while I was watching them, a bright orange one stood out from the rest of the school. In the animal kingdom a red or black fish appear the same to predators, but to humans the color is vibrant and stands out. I designed the quilt and made the top soon after that. When Amanda asked if I wanted to be in SBB I immediately thought of this quilt.

To me the new fish are a sign of the seasons changing and the weather warming. Spring and fall are my two favorite times of year, so it's fitting that this quilt be in the March box.

You can get a box from Stash Builder Box or signup for a subscription. Every month the box benefits a charity and the company gives quilts and money to those in need, so if you know of a good outreach cause let them know.

I also worked on my Find Your Fade Shawl. I am behind the game on the KAL but that's fine. I've never been one to knit fast. This week I was also able to work more on a swap mini, on a couple WiPs I want to finish, and on pattern designing. I have a couple new quilts in the works that should be out at the end of this month.

Use the Stash:

For the new patterns I am designing I have dipped into more Allison Glass from my stash. I haven't bought hardly any fabric this year so far, just some bits for the John Deere Tractors quilt. I can tell I might need to make a white run soon, since I am down to my last few yards for various whites. As the year goes on I want to explore different background options then just white. I am not very good with low volume prints, I feel the final piece is very busy, but I do want to see if the deeper blues or reds will work.

Practice my Craft:

I am designing and spending lots of time on my computer now. That's good since I have a few patterns to finish and a website to work on.

I was sewing and knitting alot this week. Once the swap mini is sewn I will be doing some custom stitchwork on it. Nothing fancy, just backstitching, but it should be pretty.

Also this week:

This week I challenged myself to use leftover stickers in my spreads. I kind of succeeded, I only used the leftovers in my QP and the mini personal planner I have, but I designed and printed stickers for my GTWB. THe blue are a little too blue, so I need to tone it all down if I want to use this one again. I think next week I'll try again to use just leftover pieces and not even dip into the Recollection sticker books.

Later this month:

Sarah Fielke is doing a BOM called Down the Rabbit Hole. The next month's instructions will be released at the end of the month.

FRMQG meeting was Saturday, the 18th. I am getting things ready to be a presenter in April at the guild meeting.

On to week eight...