A new toy for me

I not sure the life span of a cutting mat. I've had mine for at least 7 or 8 years and it was in pretty bad shape. I have cut so over 1000 denim squares and more than 80 flannel baby blankets. The mat is no longer self healing, it's beyond hope of healing.

I've been wanting a new cutting mat, but they are just so expensive. I found a great sale over the holiday weekend - 50% off with an additional 10% off coupon. It's a different brand than my old one, but the new one is double sided so maybe it will last twice as long (hopefully).

My old Olfa mat next to my new Fiskars mat.

My first attempt in a long time

I haven't tried machine quilting in a long time. In fact, I've only machine quilted 2 baby quilts with mediocre results so I've been hesitant to try again.

I decided to start with a very simple pattern, straight lines sewn at a 90 degree angle.

I really like how it turned out. And of course, I didn't make it for me, but I like it enough that I want to keep it. Just like all the rest I make :)

Another I-spy

My latest craft obession just happens to be I-spy squares. Thanks to Care of Obessively Stitching, I've found my newest addiction. (Her husband was one of my friends in Ecuador).

Last week (or maybe the week before) she started another I-spy swap, but I had worked a really long day at work (like 12 hours) and by the time I got home and saw the swap, it was already past full. But she had linked to another I-spy swap and lucky for me, there was room. Here's my squares that I sent in.

I can't wait to see what comes back.

Another denim quilt

I love flannel and I love shopping for flannel. I found this cute frog flannel during the after thanksgiving flannel sale. Ryan's sister loves frogs (or at least she did at one time) so I started forming an idea. I still had plenty of squares left to make another denim quilt. This one didn't take near as long as the last one and the best part was Ryan helped me tie it so it was only on the quilt frames for about 24 hours.

Cute Frogs!

More Raggedy Ann and Andy

I picked up this fleece panel of Raggedy Ann and Andy several years ago when I was collecting RA&A fabric. Since my sister, Lara, is going to have a RA&A baby room, I've been making all sorts of things for her with the fabric. I made this during summer, but I couldn't post it here since she might see it.

I used pinking shears to cut the strips around the edge so I could tie them. It took hours and I ended up with very sore hands and a blister or two. Later Crescent, another sister, told me she had a cutting blade that cut like pinking shears. Next time I'll borrow that.

I gave it to Lara for Christmas. Hope she likes it because I sure do.

Erin's scrappy quilt gifted to Alisa

I haven't posted on here in a while. It was all about keeping the secrets at Christmas. I made several presents for my sisters in November and December, but I couldn't post them here just in case they happened to look here. I'll post those projects soon, but my sister Erin just sent me a picture of the scrap quilt she made. Another sister, Alisa, saw her making it and begged her to give it to her. Then she begged to borrow it "one day". They she flat out asked to borrow it. Still the answer was no. Then on Christmas morning she opened up her gift and got her wish. The scrap quilt was hers to keep! (or that's the story I was told)

Erin with the pieced front of the scrappy quilt.

The back of the scrappy quilt

Erin used upholstery fabric scraps that she picked up from somewhere (thrift store maybe?). I'm just in love with scrappy quilts lately. Now she needs to make another one for her to keep. But if she does, maybe I'll ask for that one.