Meet Cute

I am thrilled to present Meet Cute. This is my second project for Moda Bake Shop and I am very happy about it.

Meet Cute

Unlike Esmeralda which was not for the faint-hearted, Meet Cute is easygoing and very adaptable.

Simple Block - 17.5" square

Large and simple block finishes at 17.5" square. This means that you only need 4 blocks for a baby quilt (36" square).  This lap quilt uses 12 blocks and finishes at about 53" by 70".

There are no seams to match, which makes it a an easy beginner project. Or a speedy one for more experienced quilt makers.

Backing - Moda Grunge Hits the Spot (Pool)

You can make it from charm squares, or jelly rolls, or layer cakes, and scraps too.

Have I sold it enough?

Well then, go check out the complete tutorial here.  

Here are some more pictures.

Bright & Cheerful

Turquoise Binding

All done

Walking Foot Quilting

Does this look familiar? Of course, it does. It is the same pattern as Playing Footsie, but made with Moda (Grunge Hits the Spot) fabrics. 

Don't  think so

You are in

Of course, some fabrics did not make the cut. Fabrics that were too light were set aside, because they would make a poor contrast against the white background.

ooh Texture!!!

Labeled

I wanted to call it Playing Footsie, but that is too risqué a name for the gentlefolk at Moda, hence the change in name - Meet Cute.

Sweet Meet Cute

I even managed to borrow some super-cute models for the photoshoot.

Thank you, dear model!!!

Isn't she a natural?

When I showed this quilt to my quilt guild members, there were oohs and aahs but when I mentioned the name Meet-Cute, most ladies had a question mark on their face. I had to explain.


If you are wondering what is Meet Cute, here is Wikipedia to the rescue.

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This post won't be complete without an update on Axel.

Little Superhero Axel

I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. Your generous donations have put us over the goal, but you are still welcome to donate. The giveaway is updated (new prize added) and will close on Sunday, April 1, 2018.


Everyone who makes a $10 donation will be entered to win one the following prizes. If you make a $20 donation, you get two entries. Similarly, a $30 donation qualifies you for three entries, and so on. If you made an anonymous donation, I can still enter your name in the giveaway. Please forward the email (from GoFundMe) to sewpreetiquilts AT gmail.com. Here are the prizes - 21 total.

1. A pattern of your choice from Jeni Baker of In Color Order (1 prize)
2. A pattern of your choice from Kelly Young of My Quilt Infatuation (2 prizes)
3. A pattern of your choice from Erica Jackman of Kitchen Table Quilting (1 prize)
4. A copy of the Blue Skies/Sunny Days pattern from Sandra walker of MMMQuilts (1 prize)
5. A gift card for $20 from Bernie Kringle's Etsy shop - Needle and Foot (1 prize)
6. A pattern of your choice from Cynthia Brunz Designs of Quilting is More Fun than Housework (3 prizes)
7. A PDF pattern of your choice from Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts (1 prize)
 8. A charm pack (5 prizes - Four Lily & Loom, One Sunny Days)

5 charm packs

 9. A Moda Jelly Roll (2 prizes - Color Theory and Rustic Weave)

2 Jelly Rolls

10. Small Fat Quarter Bundle (2 prizes - 9 FQs in each bundle)

Moda Paradiso - 9 FQs

Magic - 9 FQs

11. Medium Fat Quarter Bundle by Michael Miller (1 prize - 14 FQs)

Michael Miller FQ Bundle - 14 FQs

12. Large Fat Quarter Bundle (1 prize - Assorted 24 FQs)

All the colors - 24 FQs

If you are quilter/blogger, you get an extra entry for sharing a link to Axel's GoFundMe page on your blog.  I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties, see sidebar.


Thank you once again to all of you who helped dispel the darkness.
The giveaway is closed and all winners have been notified.

A Finish and A Giveaway

I have a new finish to share.  I am so proud of this one.

Finished!

Yellow and Gray

Not because this was a difficult pattern, but because these are not my favorite colors.

Green Binding for Brightness

Once upon a time, long ago, when I was just dipping my toes into quilting and patchwork, I noticed yellow and gray quilts everywhere (not my favorite colors).  It was a modern movement (and I wanted to belong).

Lap Size

Electrified!!!

I bought two FQ bundles - Gray Matters Mixed and Gray Matters Yellow. I fell in love with this Orange quilt from Cluck Cluck Sew.  I cut the fabric and even came up with a cutting diagram for fat quarters to minimize waste.

Thank you Rekha

Walking Foot Quilting

This quilt is like sunshine peeking through grey clouds and I will be sharing with all my favorite linky parties (see sidebar for full list).

Sunshine!!!

Paul - This is nice. What is the name of this one?
Me: I have decided to call it Axel.
Paul: Who is Axel?
Me: A super-hero.
Paul: A super-hero? I know all the super-heroes.
Me: Aha. He is new to the scene.

So who is Axel?
Axel is Amy's little boy, who blogs at AmyScrapSpot. Axel is the sunshine boy who is just under four months old and he continues to shine through the grey clouds.

So that Axel can continue to fight and shine, I need your help. This brings me to the giveaway.
The purpose of this giveaway is to encourage you to donate to Axel's GoFundMe page so that he can have the sunny future that so many of us take for granted.

Everyone who makes a $10 donation will be entered to win one the following prizes. If you make a $20 donation, you get two entries. Similarly, a $30 donation qualifies you for three entries, and so on. You get it. Here are the prizes.

1. A pattern of your choice from Jeni Baker of In Color Order (1 prize)
2. A pattern of your choice from Kelly Young of My Quilt Infatuation (2 prizes)
3. A pattern of your choice from Erica Jackman of Kitchen Table Quilting (1 prize)
4. A copy of the Blue Skies/Sunny Days pattern from Sandra walker of MMMQuilts (1 prize)
5. A gift card for $20 from Bernie Kringle's Etsy shop - Needle and Foot (1 prize)
6. A pattern of your choice from Cynthia Brunz Designs of Quilting is More Fun than Housework (3 prizes)
7. A charm pack (5 prizes - Four Lily & Loom, One Sunny Days)

5 charm packs

8. A Moda Jelly Roll (2 prizes - Color Theory and Rustic Weave)

2 Jelly Rolls

9. Small Fat Quarter Bundle (2 prizes - 9 FQs in each bundle)

Moda Paradiso - 9 FQs

Magic - 9 FQs

10. Medium Fat Quarter Bundle by Michael Miller (1 prize - 14 FQs)

Michael Miller FQ Bundle - 14 FQs

11. Large Fat Quarter Bundle (1 prize - Assorted 24 FQs)

All the colors - 24 FQs

If you are quilter/blogger, you get an extra entry for sharing a link to Axel's GoFundMe page on your blog.

If you have already donated, you will be entered into the giveaway.  If you want to donate but do not wish to be entered into the giveaway, I understand.

Most importantly, I am so thankful to Sandra, Bernie, Jeni, Kelly, Erica and Cynthia who have generously sponsored the prizes.

Me: The superhero Axel needs you to dispel the darkness.
Paul: Really? I get to dispel the darkness?
Me: Yes, and be a super-hero too.
Paul: Consider it done, babe!!!

Paul donated to Axel's cause and I am so proud of him. But we still have ways to go.
Are you in? The giveaway closes on Easter Sunday, April 1.
The giveaway is closed.

Bye Angel, Hello Axel

Three days ago, I was reading one of my older blogposts, when I noticed a comment from Amy Gerlich.  I clicked on her blog to see her latest project.
I did what felt right. Then, I wanted to do something more, but was unsure. I sent an email to Amy.
I did not hear back. I reassured myself - she must be busy. Shoo away dark thoughts, I admonished myself.


This morning, my mom called me to give me the news. My dear friend Angel passed away this morning. She lost the battle to rheumatoid arthritis and associated complications.
I had called her on Sunday but she did not pick up the phone. May be she was in pain. That hurts.
I cannot drop everything and go to India. That hurts.
I wish I can hug her mom, but I cannot.  That hurts.
I wish I could see our common friends, hold them, and cry my heart out. I cannot and that hurts.
I know she is not in pain anymore. But it still hurts.


I came to work an hour late. The day was a blur. Paul called to check how I was doing.
Being at work helps, I replied.


Then I checked my email. And there was the response from Amy.
I was waiting for Amy's permission before I did anything more. I could have received this response any other day, any other time. But I received it today (this afternoon) when I needed it the most. Thank you, Universe.
I can stop hurting now - Bye Angel. I can start helping now - Hello Axel.


Axel is Amy's little boy who is just over three months old. Axel is a special needs baby and had surgery at three days old, and another at ten days old. Axel has Dandy walker and hydrocephalus among other disabilities. He will need her care 24-7, as he will have weekly doctor appointments for a long time.


Here is the link to Axel's GoFundMe page


I have made a small donation. I urge you to make a donation too. Just $10, more if you can. If 300 people give $10 each, we would meet the goal.
And if you can share this information on your blog or facebook or IG, I'd love it.

A new relationship...

In summer, I long for a chilly breeze; in winter I long for a fire.
At desert, I dream of the seven seas; at sea, it is the dry land I desire.
Since it is winter, I am naturally dreaming about Spring. Here is a little mini, I made - A trio of Tulips.

A Trio of Tulips

Garden Blooms

Blogland: It has been a while.
Me: This happens when one is on a honeymoon
Blogland: Honeymooning with Paul - You are such lovebirds.
Me: Not with Paul.
Blogland: Someone else? Does he know?
Me: Yes, he was the one who insisted on it.

Late last month, I bought a new sewing machine - the Elna eXcellence 730 Pro.

The on/off switch on my very faithful Janome 4120 QDC fell off on Wednesday, February 7, 2018.  Since then I struggled to make do with a basic (non-computerized) Kenmore machine, while I
1. researched how to fix my Janome (or find someone who can) and
2. searched frantically to find a suitable new machine.

After several less than pleasant experiences, disappointments and frustrating ordeals (including visits/calls to repair mechanics, sewing machine shops, and reaching out (sometimes unsuccessfully) to other sewists/quilters), I ended up in Pocono Sew and Vac in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

The fact that they had an answer to all my sewing machine questions, an excellent staff, prices to die for and plenty of yummy fabric to swoon over more than made up for the fact that they are four hours away.

I spent several hours in the store, test driving machines and asking questions. And while I was leaning towards the Janome Skyline S3 (affordable), Paul insisted that I get the bigger, better, fancier, more stylish Elna (more expensive, but still a steal since it was marked down).
Pocono Sew & Vac will also fix my Janome at a cost much more reasonable than quoted by others. (In fact, it is all done and ready to be picked up)
If I do not like my new Elna, I can return it for a full refund in 30 days. No questions asked.

My newest...

She is big and beautiful

Storage for feet - Love that attention to detail

Protecting the spool from the cat - Terrific

I cannot talk (too much) about my new Elna yet. We have just met and this relationship is too new to be discussed openly. But I can say without any doubt that Pocono Sew and Vac had the largest selection of machines (yes, you can try them all), the best customer service (they will answer questions but will not bug you while you are test driving), and their prices are the most reasonable. I highly recommend them for all your sewing machine needs.

Yes, I bought some fabric too.

Droolworthy

From February 7 through February 25, I was starved. I am binge sewing now.  I also completed these two doll quilts - Patrick and Patricia. Yes, they are twins.

Blue Doll Quilt - Patrick

Owls on the Backing

Pink Doll Quilt - Patricia

Will be sending them soon to Amy for A Doll Like Me.

Sweet Patricia

Handsome Patrick

I did not win the giveaway at Needle & Foot. But that was hardly the point. I am sure these doll quilts (making and sending) will be an ongoing project for me.

I have a few other quilts in the works.  Some secret - some not. Here is a sneak peek at one of them.

Coming soon

I will be linking with all my favorite linky parties (see sidebar). As usual, I'd love to hear from you. What has been keeping you busy - fabric or gadget?