The Challenge is on!

I am not by any means a competitive person. Not one bit.

I do however love a challenge.

And if I learn something new from it...well it is great...and if by chance I get it done on time it's even better.

Again this year I decided I would enter the (challenge quilt)  at the Guild - this years challenge...      "Where in the World?"

This is a snippet of my world.

My personal challenge has been to cut and assembly

 a couple hundred pieces of fabric

 onto a background... and stay focused!

Well... how am I doing? 

(almost done - woohoo)

 Now let's see what the attendees of the Busy Bee Quilt Show think!

Like I said - again this year I took on a challenge... and like I said - stay focused...

and like always I had a little hick up in the attention department.



While I should have been working on getting quilts ready for show I was a little busy
Getting sidetracked.

For Example

Finding that perfect piece to display my quilts

And while I was hunting my treasure I found this fantastic shop that

sell antiques, vintage and newer refurbed furnishings that I just know I will

have a hard time staying out of.

And since one of the boys is graduating college and moving far away :(

I WILL HAVE A NEW QUILTY SPACE

that needs to be decorated!

So Excited.

(Of course I will miss him)

Oh and did I mention I love a challenge!

And did I mention that attention thingy again!

Cuz sometimes I do get a little side tracked.

And some times I don't

And when I don't...I manage to get things done

especially if I make a promise.

And I promised to make a dolly nightie for the Fish Bowl Raffle

 for the Busy Bee Quilt Show - Beeutiful Quilts 2012

July 27-29, 2012

Monroe High School, Monroe WA

and even that was a challenge

because... I did not have pattern and was a little procrastinating at going out and buying one.

And this is what I came up with

It even comes with a matching quilt and pillow

Come check it out!



Yes, I have been challenged. Challenged to create. Challenged to stay focused. Challenged to get it done!  And I am so excited that this year I will have 4 quilts in the show, and I have learned new quilty techniques! 

(And dolly ones too)



Spring Fever has taken its toll

Oh my have I ever got the fever. Spring Fever has set in. I cant think or concentrate on one thing let alone on everything I need to get done.

I have project after project just sitting on the side lines screaming at me... "pick me up, just touch me once and I promise not to feel neglected".

But I just can't focus! You see here in the Puget Sound we do get a bit of rain. And when we don't ☀I just need to soak up the sun.

And my poor yard is such a mess and how can I possibly stay inside and sew?

And then there are events and shows and more shopping for fabric for the next project... Oh such a vicious circle and it is making me feverish for sure.

It is a wonder that I get anything done at all. But I have not given up and will not give in. I have lots of time to redirect myself, clean up the quilty space, pick up my beloved fabric and smother it will pins and needles. And maybe I will have a quilt to show in July.

Oh I hope so..... I'll keep you posted. Until then, love to you!

Marianne aka Apiecedheart 💗

Spring On In

I can't wait for Spring! Truly. I need warmth and flowers and more
?fabric?

Of course I do. And I know the perfect way to do that...SHOPPING!

And the perfect places!

2012 Quilters Anonymous 31st Annual Quilt Show - March 16, 17 & 18, 2012
Evergreen State Fairgrounds.

Check it out...they are loaded for quilts on display and vendors.

then...

Quilt Tour 2012 - “SEW NORTHWEST"
March 21-24 Tri County Shop Hop-Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom County

The Busy Bee Quilters of Snohomish County 2012 Raffle Quilt will be hanging at the Quiltmaker's Shop in Arlington too. That would be the quilt I may have mentioned having a hand in ... Come out and get your winning ticket! and some fabric.

Starlight Garden

Then it is off to:

La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum—March 31 and April 1.
This fundraising event will feature a specialty Fabric Sale, a Book Sale, a mini Flea Market, StashFest Experiences, door prizes, and a great line-up of artisanal fabric presenters.

Check it out at www.stashfest.com

On a past note:

Retreat was alot of fun! It was all about sewing, chatting, eating, sewing and did I mention eating...I tell ya all, Camp Huston sure knows how to feed a crowd. And I was in "sweat shop heaven" all attached to my sewing machine and fabric for 3 full days!

The large quilt top - my sister's... the 2 little doll quilts - those would be mine...for my lovely little grandaughter's.

OH! one more adventure: Quilt Olympics! March 15, 2012 with the Busy Bee Quilter's Guild of Snohomish County. It's another day of "quilting"! The guild will be making quilt tops all day for children's charities. I even get to take half the day off from work. How can that go wrong?

February was busy. March even more so. But all in fun and the enjoyment of doing what I like best. It's always a pleasure to meet up with people who enjoy what you do and meet new people too. I encourage you to get out on an adventure! Do what you like to do best.

Love to You.

Marianne aka apiecedheart

Inpromptu Road Trip

INPROMPTU ROAD TRIP

This last weekend was a memorable one for sure…

It all started with a birthday party for my most adorable favorite niece that unfortunate for me I did not attend…

Instead my most lovely and favorite sister in law announced the opening of her shop

THAT TAKES THE CAKE

Sequim, Washington

I could not resist seeing this new shop, so fresh and smelling all cozy and sweet like – well cake-
and she makes good cake!

fortunate for me that meant a road trip and…

a visit to one of my most favorite places… a quilt shop!

I stopped in at Quilted Strait in Port Gamble

www.quiltedstrait.com

This place is for sure on my list of shops to visit again. I found a few batiks...

for this year’s Challenge Quilt – “Where in the World”.

Can you guess where in the world this challenge is going to take me?
(psst…far away)

And of course I did a little bit of sewing…and as a result

The Busy Bee Quilters Guild of Snohomish County, Washington
2012 Raffle Quilt is ready to be presented.

Exciting!!!!

(just a sneak peak of the label for now. more to come after presentation)

So now what?

Quilt Retreat at Camp Huston is this weekend with my favorite big sister.

My kind of weekend, no cooking, no cleaning, no kids, no interruptions.

Just the pure bliss of creating with fabric!

Then I’m off to visit some fantastic events and shows.

Such as…

Sewing and Stitchery Expo – Puyallup Fairground- March 1-4

2012 Quilters Anonymous 31st Annual Quilt Show - March 16, 17 & 18, 2012
Evergreen State Fairgrounds

Quilt Tour 2012 - “SEW NORTHWEST"
March 21-24 Tri County Shop Hop-Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom County
(The above mentioned Raffle Quilt will be displayed at the Quiltmaker’s Shop in Arlington, WA)

and

La Conner Quilt & Textile Museum—March 31 and April 1.
This fundraising event will feature a specialty Fabric Sale, a Book Sale, a mini Flea Market, StashFest Experiences, door prizes, and a great line-up of artisanal fabric presenters.

Check it out at www.stashfest.com

*engraved in my date planner*

I am very excited about the month of March having so many events. And to top it all…

My most favorite and cute granddaughters are turning 4!

And Spring will be here too!

Come on out. Visit one of your favorite quilt shops. Or find a new one. Spend some time with your local guild, museum or show. If by chance you find yourself in Washington State’s beautiful Pacific Northwest visit one or more of our wonderful venues this March.

Love to you,
A Pieced Heart – aka Marianne
*I have to disclose that every one of my family members are my favorite!

New Adventures

Wow. Where has time gone? Not that the New Year didn't creep up like a turtle on the beach or anything. But my last blog was 6 months ago.

Well in that time I have... Welcomed a grandaughter home from Virginia, taken a trip, gone on retreat, and not done a whole lot of creating.

I did however join the Raffle Quilt Committee at the Guild. And designed a quilt pattern that is being used. I will post a picture when the time is right.

I have made a few purchases of fabric. (Surprise!) I started a block of the month that should almost be done by now. And so many more little things (that should be done by now).

I have spent lots of time with family and that is really important. As for more adventures...well they are in there I am sure. Coming up...

2012 Raffle Quilt reveal with the Committee

Winter Retreat - February

Tri County Shop Hop - March

Cinco de Mayo - May

Western Washington - June

to name a few.

I will be busy for sure doing the things that make me happy. And I will do my best to share with you. For now... here are a couple of pics of quilts I gave away for Christmas.

For my Grandaughter - Anika
Litte Rock Star

For my daughter in law -
Nature Lover - (Arbor window Block)

Do what you enjoy - enjoy what you do

Love to you

A Pieced Heart

Washington Weather!

Oh my oh my! What a horrible spring and summer we have had! Not one day over 75 degrees, lots of rain, and my strawberry plants don't know what a strawberry is at all.

Thank God for quilt shows!!!

The Busy Bee Quilter's Quilt show in July was fantastic...
So much talent. So much diversity. So hard to vote on my favorite quilts.

So much more to see with the upcoming 2011 Pacific West Quilt Show in Tacoma, WA August 26-28, 2011 ... I can't wait to go. It's a judged and juried show...lots of talent displayed and so many vendors. (A quilter just can't have too much fabric you know!)

So while I wait for the next show- I get a little vacation! At home kind of vacation. I plan to create a new pattern, do some piecing, and finish atleast one of the few tops I have ready for quilting. Maybe even get one done if the weather holds out for rain!

And I'll spend some time with the grandkids - go to the zoo, shop for school stuff (already?) and eat junk food.

Aren't they cute? I think they are adorable - Jacoby, Annika, Elexia and Aaliyah!

Aahh...summer. Rain or shine...I'll take it. And visit some great places while I'm at it. Next stop -

2011 Pacific West Quilt Show. August 26-28, 2011 ... Tacoma Washington.
http://www.apwq.org

Quilt Show here I come!

Has it been a whole month since I blogged about my adventures?

I think so.

So what have I been doing?
No road trips. Not a lot of fabric shopping! Oh I know...

Getting ready for the Busy Bee Quilters Quilt Show, July 29-31 at the Monroe High School!

Yes I have been a little busy. Finishing quilts, sewing on pockets, making labels, starting new projects... lots of fun stuff.

And I have pictures too!

This quilt is one of my favorite - Moda Green Piece, BOM at the Needle and I in Everett - Love that shop! I had so much fun making this quilt - It is my generations quilt. An heirloom to be passed down for sure.

And one I designed on my own - Dreamy Night. One of my favorite quilts of course. (made because my grandson took my Christmas Quilt and I needed to have a winter quilt!)

I know you all have seen this one! I just love this quilt. One of my favorite quilts you know. This one traveled the Pacific Coast with me. And to the Carribean! Well traveled quilt this one. And I designed it too -
Breezy Beach -

And my favorite of favorites - Grandmother of all Grandmothers

Granny's Star Quilt! - Fons and Porter July/August 2009 issue (not my own folks)

Yes I have been busy getting ready for the show - And I have one more entry! The Challenge Quilt - A Painted Web was inspired from an article in the Winter 2011 Fabric Trends Magazine about Web Tagging! So I tried to create this photograph of a painted spider web on fabric. And O man did I bite off more that I bargained for. Well here it is. All done and ready to hang.

I have had some fun getting all my ducks in a row per say. To get ready for a fantastice Quilt Show! My entries are only a few of the 200 plus exhibits you can see if you come out. And I encourage it cuz folks let me tell you...My quilts are nothing compared to what you will see. These quilters are FABULOUS and SO TALENTED! Not to mention there is a Raffle Quilt and other raffle items and vendors, vendors, and more vendors.

So the dates again-

July 29 - 31 at the Monroe High School. Friday/Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-4.
Hope to see you all there.

Time Flies!

Wow I can't believe more than a month has gone by since my last post. I really can't say I have been as busy as a bee, but I have been working on projects for the Busy Bee Quilters Quilt Show in July. I am so excited! I have 4 quilts to enter and one Challenge Quilt.

Now I have a story...

Last weekend I took a road trip.
You all know what that means...
Private little Shop Hop - tee hee.

I hit Hwy 2 from Everett to Spokane - over the river and through the woods to Quilters Heaven in Leavenworth, then over the rolling hills of vineyards and orchards to the Attic Window in Wenatchee. And a little side step through vast fields of waiving grains to visit a friend in Odessa on the golf course. Unfortunate for me I don't golf and did not visit the Quilt Shop. Maybe next time. Had a great time relaxing though.

Then back out to Hwy 2 I go and when I hit Reardon I just had to stop at the famous Buggy Barn (again)! Those ladies out there have way more energy than any one I know. What a great little place.

And of course, if you know me at all, you know I had to add to my stash!

Well here's the kicker...I took pictures...but left my camera in Spokane at my nieces house. So I have to wait to put up photos (again).

And on that camera are pics of the quilts I am entering in the show...

So...

I took a photo on my phone - and here is a peak at my challenge quilt

The Challenge - Spider Web
Inspiration - Photo of Web Tagging in Trends Spring Summer 2011 issue.
(Remember all those colorful strips? this is what I did with those strips)

Now what's next?

Finishing Granny's Stars Quilt. Almost there.

Western Washington Shop Hop - June 22 - 26, 2011. Get out there folks!
(Support your local Independent Quilt Shop)

4th of July. (USA all the WAY!)

And of course...

The Busy Bee Quilters of Snohomish County Quilt Show - MONROE HIGH SCHOOL
July 29 - 31, 2011.

MAY your days be filled with Sunshine!

This past weekend my family traveled to the eastern side of the State of Washington to attend the Baptism of my youngest grandniece. She is so cute and loved the attention from her family. I just know this little one is going to be a social butterfly!

Of course while I was out of town...

I just had to visit a Quilt Shop. Yes I did! The Quilting Bee in Spokane Washington. They have a wonderful shop full of fabric, samples, kits...

And of course while I was there...

I just had to make a purchase. From the Sunkissed Collection by Moda. (I am just a little crazy for Moda ya know). I have been eyeing this collection for sometime and since I was out of town...visiting a shop I had never been too...I just had to make a purchase for my Sunny May Days!

I'm thinking a Sunny Day Picnic Blanket. For those sunny days ahead...of course!

MAY your days be filled with sunshine and your favorite things to do. Happy May!

Love to you. MB aka apiecedheart.

Let me Clarify that

In my last post I may not have clarified a few points...

The very nice and talented lady (who's name I will not post, because I did not get her permission to do so) did a wonderful job on my quilt. And in no way am I disappointed in the work she did...

I am NOT a professional quilter, and not as good a quilter as the very nice lady meantioned above...

AND I may have relayed the message that I thought I could do better...

that

was not my intention.

I will clarify that I was disappointed in MYSELF for not having the courage to do the quilting with the hope to encourage other peeps like me to explore their creative side and take the leap of faith to do something they can do.

On another note: DO not give up on longarm quilters. They are the best and deserve our recognition.

Thank you. Love to all. MB aka apiecedheart

Satisfied?

Yesterday was the most beautiful and warmest day so far in Western Washington. I had the pleasure of picking up my quilt from the quilter (more on that later)... and then a day spent with my two granddaughters at the park...a visit with my mom and sister... and then a quiet night at home chasing bunnies!

This morning I rose early, made Easter breakfast, and the kids came over. It was a nice Easter Day! Life has changed so much since having little kids. My sister's and I used to have big Easter lunches. Now the family is so big with new grandkids and our children's spouse/friends. And we just don't have space to get us all together. I miss those days!

As for the quilt theory.

1. When sending a quilt out to be quilted make sure this is really something you want to do.

2. When you get it home and you look at it and say to yourself, "Why did I pay for that...I could have done it myself", don't pay for this service...do it yourself!

I have a long arm sit down quilting machine and have been quilting smaller quilts on it. I enjoy this task as much as any other. Maybe better than some. I have never sent a quilt to a longarm quilter in the past and I was very hesitant to let this beauty go. It is finished very nicely, however I look at my quilt and am unsatisfied with myself for not thinking I could have done just as good a job. I ask myself..."What were you thinking?"

A Pieced Heart Quilt Tip:

If there is a skill you have, don't pay to have someone do it for you... Have courage to do it yourself. In the end you will have greater satisfaction in your creation.

(A photo this quilt will be posted after it is bound and ready to hang)

Happy Easter. Love to you. MB aka apiecedheart

Progress in the Making

This past week has been eventful.
Work all week
Auction Night at the Guild
Weekend spent with grandchildren
Granny's Star Quilt.
and...
I sent my first ever to be long arm quilted quilt off to the Longarm Quilter. She is so fantastic. She called me today to let me know it is ready!! I can't wait to pick it up.(I'll post a pic, promise).

Just as I was trying to put all my attention into getting projects done... the grandkids came to sweep me away from my list of to do's. (how could I resist?)
In celebration of Easter we colored eggs. They had so much fun making up designs and colors. What a pleasure to see them being creative. (my favorite thing to be) We went to see the movie RIO... Oh my, the beautiful colors!!! What inspiration for creating a colorful quilt with birds and flowers...
Oops! there I go again, getting off track.
It was truly a weekend of colors and inspiration for creating.

...check this out!

5 color ways done!

3 of 4 borders done!

I did manage to stay on track as I promised myself and have completed 10 of the 12 blocks for the Granny’s Star Quilt. I have one boarder left to appliqué and all the yoyos are ready! I really did focus! Even through all the activities!

(I can't take credit for this one. It's a beautiful quilt found in the Fons and Porter July/August 2009 magazine, pg 78, Granny's Stars)

I do so hope you find inspiration for a fresh idea, or simply to pick up an unfinished project and make progress at getting it completed. Happy Spring you all! Love to you...MB aka apiecedheart.

ATTENTION! – Deficit:

Every day I make a mental list of the projects I am currently working on and which one has the highest priority. I think of the Guild's Quilt Show this summer, the charity quilts I have volunteered to finish, the Challenge Quilt I need to (just get done), or maybe the quilt top I should sent out to be finished.

I make a mental note of what project to work on today…
I get home from work… (Ugh that dreadful word)
I make dinner…etc…
and hop on the web…
and chase bunnies…
Then...

I see this fantastic sale… like the Bella Solids I could not live without!
And next thing I know it is bed time and I have not accomplished ONE thing.

I admit I have a little problem with the attention thing. I often find myself going from one project to another and juggling many at the same time. I am sure this all sounds way too familiar with most folks.

So I have made a vow. As soon as the last two Charity quilts are bound and the Challenge quilt is ready to hang, (This will be posted next month as promised). I am going to focus on ONE quilt. The 1930's Srappy Granny's Star Quilt that I so badly want to get done for the Quilt Show this summer. So far this is all I have done...


No comments:

Panama Canal Cruise Vacation

Me on a Zip line......Woohoo!!!

What a vacation! We just returned from a 10 day cruise aboard the Coral Princess through the Panama Canal. We were pampered by the wonderful staff while visiting Acapulco, Huatulco, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama and Jamaica.

I had so much fun relaxing on the beach, screaming through the rain forest on a Zip Line and just sitting at Jimmy Buffets Margaritaville.

I even learned something about our history here in Washington State connected with the Panama Canal. (Stevens Pass over the Cascade mountains was designed by and named after the American Engineer that designed the Panama Canal-John Stevens).

I tried to find some interesting fabrics in the small cities we visited, but did not have much luck with fabric stores. The tour guides were helpful, but unfortunately the fabric shops are in the bigger cities that we just did not have time to visit. Maybe next time.

Now I find myself having a hard time getting back into the swing of things. I can't even manage to make a good cup of coffee! Dang I need a vacation to recover!!

I did get out last night and joined a team at the Busy Bee Quilter's Guild in Snohomish, WA for Quilt Olympics. Our group almost finished 3 quilts for charity. Way to go ladies! And I finished one of the quilt tops this morning! Yay!

Maybe I am making a little progress after all!

Hope all is well and you are finding yourself lots to create this month. After all this month is all about creating!

Love to all.

Marianne aka A Pieced Heart.

March Gladness!!

March is upon as quick as February left us behind! Yay Spring! I am so excited for this month. Not only am I on vacation for the next 2 weeks but there are so many exciting things going on.

First and most important, both of my granddaughters turn 3!!! Can you believe it? WOW Three years old already. Shout out girls. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! GRAMMY LOVES YOU!

March is also National Crafters Month with National Quilters Day on March 19. Go Quilters! With that in mind, Washington State has a few events for us crafter/quilter type people coming up...

Sew Expo going on now through the weekend...(and I have to miss it, darn)

Quilter's Anonymous 30th Annual Quilt Show March 18-20 at Evergreen Fair Grounds. Their raffle quilt is AMAZING! Go check it out.

and of course...

The Tri County Shop Hop March 23-26. Not to be missed!

Let's hit the road, adventure out, get our creative juices flowing and show our support to our local Crafters, Quilters and Shop Owners.

And here is a little sneak peak from me of my newest adventure. It doesn't appear to be much yet, but I promise to post the finished product. (It's a secret until May).



Have a great week, quilt to your hearts content!
Love to all! MB aka A Pieced Heart.

Good bye winter... Hello Vacation

Vacation time.... again! Yes it is a weird time of year to take vacation. But if you live in the northern states you understand, anywhere sunny this time of year would be grand!



The Pacific Northwest has had a blast of late winter storms. And I am ready to hit the beach and say goodbye to the cold. So in honor of warmer days I finished a quilt.... No kidding.



And who better to help me show if off but my beautiful grandaughter Aaliyah!





A Pieced Heart Quilt - Breezy Beach
Designed on (EQ7), Pieced, and Quilted by
Marianne Boggie
Fabric - Breeze, In The Beginning

Happy Birthday Tanya

My favorite niece of favorite nieces is 21 today! In honor of such a great birthday to have for such a great young lady who is expecting her 1st BABY! I made her this pillow.




And then my other favorite niece of favorite nieces asked my to teach her how to make one...and her mother in law ordered one from me. Wow and I thought for sure it was someone elses special day.

So...while loading pictures from the birthday I found the last quilt I created on my EQ7 and thought I would share this too. Here's the fabric I used...


Kansas Troubles Butterfly Garden

And this is how is turned out! Very pleased.


I call it A Dreamy Night.

Did I mention how much I love to applique. Just about everyone of my quilts has applique. Not sure how that happens...but it does!

Love to all.

Blog Stalker by Invite

Yes I have been blog stalking again! This time it's the Moda crew of talented designers. I just love Moda Fabrics. I am addicted. I admit it. Every opportunity I have to surf and check out what is new... well I do it. Moda - Pillow talk just happend to make it a little easier for me. I can't help it.

Sooner or Later

Ok. I told myself many months ago (when I started this blog) that I would make atleast a monthly entry. And of course, like the diet I keep starting-next week, I have not made any entries since June 2010. Uugghh! When the new year started I again told myself that I would post and show some pics of my adventures in quilting this past 6 months - an yes I do have pics. Somewhere! So, here is my entry for the month of January - pictures and adventures to follow.

Moda... the Cutting Table: PILLOW TALK

Moda... the Cutting Table: PILLOW TALK