Hey there!  I've missed you!  Seriously!

It's been way too long.  I've been itching to get back to my blogging roots for a while now and I'm happy to finally be doing it.  But first, a few highlights from the last few months:

 - Exhibiting at the Spring 2016 International Quilt Market in Salt Lake City

 - Summer, well, Summer completely kicked my butt

- Trip to the Pacific Northwest for my 20-year High School Reunion

- Hiked Rim to Rim in the Grand Canyon with friends 

 

- And finally, this isn't so much of a "highlight" but it is a big deal to me: I recently put in my resignation notice at my local quilt shop.  I worked at Just Sew in Highland, UT. for 8 years and I am bummed to say good-bye.  I am, however, looking forward to finding new focus and new opportunities. 

Which brings me back to blogging!

Today I want to finally and officially introduce you to my 6 new patterns, which I call my "Vintage Collection" as they are all based off of vintage quilts.  I love the good ol' classic quilt blocks and vintage-inspired quilts and I hope you do too!

First up is Ruby.

Ruby is not for the faint of heart.  

She's made up of a bazillion half-square triangles 

(which will make you either love her or hate her by the time you're finished!)

My friend, Aniva (on Instagram as @aniva_rose) made about half of the blocks on this as I was going crazy with Market prep when I designed it!  She's amazing and I'm so thankful for sweet friends like Aniva!!!

Ruby was made up with scrappy fabrics from my stash and comes with instructions for 4 size options (throw, twin, queen and king).

Next up is Jack.

Jack combines two of my loves: 9-Patches (a classic for sure) and neutrals.  Black and white never goes out of style but I think it would be wonderful in any colorway.  There's lots of room to get creative with color on this one!  And wait, it also has straight-line quilting on it (which is another favorite of mine) so that's three!  This quilt has found a home in my family room on my husbands recliner.

Jack comes in 3 size options (throw, twin and queen) and was made with scrappy low-volume and black fabrics from my stash.

The third pattern is a little different from the rest.  

It's my Scrappy Strip Block Paper Piecing Patterns.

Each package of Scrappy Strip Block Paper Piecing Patterns comes with 5 copies of 5 different blocks (which make a nice lap size quilt when sewn together).  The size to cut your strips is printed on each strip so you can cut as you go and they were designed so you won't have any itty-bitty triangles in the corners of your blocks.  They can be used on their own to make a scrappy string quilt OR with the companion pattern, Ava (which is the 4th pattern in my Vintage Collection).

Meet Ava:

Ava was quilted by Denae Hansen who lives in American Fork, UT.  I've used Denae a couple of other times since then and she does absolutely beautiful work!  She does both hand-guided and computerized quilting.  This was hand-guided.

Ava comes in 3 size options (crib, twin and queen) and was made with mostly Katie Jump Rope fabrics by Denyse Schmidt plus a few from my stash.  The awesome check fabric on the back is by Maureen Cracknell for Art Gallery.  It was just sitting around it my stash (being awesome) and I knew it was the back for Ava.

Fifth up is Lulu.

Lulu is Jelly Roll friendly and one of the easiest patterns you'll ever make.  She comes in 2 size options (lap and twin).  My friend, Christine Cook (on Instagram as @stitchingrevival) put this together for me.  She did an awesome job and completely saved the day in all my Market prep mayhem!

And last, but not least, is Pearl.  I love Pearl.  

 One of the true classic blocks.  

She's paper pieced and curved pieced 

but really isn't as hard as it looks.

The quilting was again, done by Denae Hansen in this simple, yet beautiful cross-hatching.  I have never had this kind of cross-hatching done before but it is a new favorite for sure!  

Also, I collected some beautiful Liberty of London fabrics for this project and they were a dream to work with!

Oh, and don't worry if you've never done curved or paper piecing before, Pearl comes with 4 size options (mini, crib, twin and queen) and the mini is the perfect place to start!

 It may even add a little sunshine to your life!

Well, that's it for the Vintage Collection!  

Thanks for sticking around through the worlds longest blog post!  

I plan to be around more often so please feel free to leave a comment.  I'd love to hear what you think about my new patterns.  Also, I'm taking ideas on future blog post ideas too!

See you soon!

~ Amber

P.S.  All patterns are available in my Etsy shop! Click HERE.
Use coupon code "VINTAGECOLLECTION" for 20% off 
all items through Sunday (9-18-16).

Modern Sewciety

At The International Quilt Market in Houston last October, I met the darling Stephanie Kendron who is the founder and host of Modern Sewciety (a series of sewing/quilting related podcasts).  

(Left to Right: me, Stephanie and my roomies: 

Amy Smart and Andy Knowlton)

On Modern Sewciety, Stephanie chats with friends in the industry about all sorts of topics.  Recently I enjoyed listening to her chat with "The Butlers" (as in Amy of Amy Butler fabrics and sewing patterns and David Butler of Parson Gray fabrics) who are so down-to-earth yet so inspiring!  

Our chat aired last Friday.  We talked about how I got started in the industry, Market, the book, what I'm up to now...  You can click HERE to listen. 

I'm relatively new to the podcast scene but am glad I found Modern Sewciety because I often find myself thinking it's too quiet when I sew!  Do you listen or watch anything when you sew?  Suggestions??? 

Be sure to stop by modernsewciety.com to enjoy all of Stephanie's podcasts!

Happy quilting!

~ Amber

Around the World Blog Tour

Good morning friends!  Today I've been asked by Ms. Amy Smart from the blog, Diary of a Quilter to participate in the Around the World Blog Tour.  I just love Amy and I think it's fun getting to know some of the people behind the blogs I love, so I said "yes!"

Top left: Andy   Top right: Amy

Middle: Me!

Amy lives just down the street from me in a neighboring town.  I remember the day we first ran into each other at our local Wal-Mart.  She approached me (I think) and asked if I was Amber and didn't I have a blog?  I really think she was the first person I ever met that also had a blog and also liked quilting!  We've gotten to know each other over the years and she is such an inspiration to me!  Here we are (with our other roommate, Andy Knowlton of the blog, A Bright Corner) at the International Quilt Market a few months ago.

If you don't know Amy she is pretty much the sweetest, most thoughtful person you'll ever meet!  And if this is any indication, she gave Andy and I a little package of goodies for being her roommates at Quilt Market.  Who doesn't love Hi-Chews and Washi Tape?  #bestroommateeveraward

Oh, and did I mention she is super talented and recently published her first book?  These are just a few of the quilts from Fabulously Fast Quilts.  They're all gorgeous but I'm especially in love with the pink and black one below (second from the left).

Amy asked if I'd tell you a little bit about myself.  So here I go!

Hello.  I'm Amber.  I was born in Anaheim, California.  When I was 8 years old I moved to Vancouver, Washington where I was raised.  I moved to Utah in 1997 and married my husband in 1998.  My mother is a really good seamstress but I never really had a desire to sew until after I got married.  My husband was traveling a lot and I needed a hobby to fill my time.  I was living near my grandmother who was an avid quilter so one day I spontaneously asked her if she would teach me how to quilt.  I drew up a sketch of what I wanted and it ended up taking me 3 years to finish - LOL!  But after that, I was hooked!

My first quilt originally posted about HERE.

So I started quilting in 1999, started blogging in 2008 and published my first quilt pattern in 2009.  My little pattern business (Gigi's Thimble) is named after my grandmother.  2014 was a big year for me because I published my first book called, Vintage Vibe: Traditional Quilts, Fresh Fabrics.

I think that title captures my style perfectly.  Influenced by grandmother who taught me how to quilt but loving the modern fabrics of today.  I just can't help but combine the two!  

My favorite part of the quilt-making process is fabric selection and I LOVE scrappy quilts!  This classic orange peel mini quilt is one of my favorite completed projects from 2014.  And see, it's a design that's been around forever, but the low volume + bright fabric combo is so popular on blogs and Instagram right now.

I've been so busy finishing things now that the book is over but I did manage to start a few new projects recently.  

Mercury Paper Piecing Block 

A "Plus Quilt" for my husband.   

And I need to give more attention to my Pineapple Block Quilt that I started earlier this year.  I'm planning some fun applique for the borders.

My design process usually starts with a spark of inspiration.  Then I usually just dive in and start playing around with fabrics and making blocks.  Graph paper is my friend and I do use a quilting computer software program called EQ7 a little bit too.  But nothing beats seeing the actual blocks to tell you how a quilt needs to come together.  

One of my new patterns from 2014 called Cross Stitch

I design because I enjoy the process of trying to come up with something unique - an alternative layout or putting colors in a different place to completely change the look of the quilt.  I've come to really love the math side of designing, as well as, trying to write patterns that are clear and concise.

A few random facts about me:
1. I have two kids (a boy and a girl) and a dog named Molly.
2. I looooove soccer.  It's my other favorite hobby.  I'm a total soccer mom and even enjoyed a short stint of playing indoor soccer, myself, a couple of years ago (which would have given anyone that knows me well - the biggest laugh).
3. I'm all about treats.  Dessert everyday is a must.
4. I'm a runner (gotta work off those dessert calories :)  I've done a couple of half marathons and am thinking of attempting a full marathon in 2015.
5. The ocean freaks me out - especially whales.

So friends, that's enough about me!  I think I'll stop talking your ear off now but I do want to tag my friend Amanda Herring from the blog, The Quilted Fish to continue the Around the World Blog Tour.

I met Amanda when we were both asked to teach at a local quilt retreat.  We met for lunch and I knew I had a lot I could learn from her.  She encouraged me to go to the International Quilt Market a few years ago when it was in Salt Lake City.  She's been a great mentor to me and if I can ever have even a tenth of her creativity and skills I will be a happy woman.  

Amanda began designing quilting patterns in 2008 under the name The Quilted Fish.  In 2010 she started designing fabric for Riley Blake Designs, and to date has ten fabric lines with them.  Amanda loves to create new things, but is even more passionate about helping others see their creative potential.  Her goal is to make the world a better place, one creative person at a time.  Stop by The Quilted Fish next week to learn more about Amanda.

~ Amber

Things I Want to Do

I haven't really been one for setting goals, making resolutions or picking a word to focus on this year.  Don't get me wrong, I usually like to set goals and I love the idea of picking a word (I just don't think I'm clever enough to pick just one...).  As a family we always make New Years Resolutions.  We write them down on a single piece of paper and review them together at the end of each year.  Looking over the last couple of lists, I've realized that many of my personal goals were accomplished (such as loosing 15 pounds, getting a book contract and running two half marathons!)  Of course there are a few goals that were not met and some that I can definitely do better (such as having monthly one on one dates with my kids - that was kind of hit or miss :(.  Maybe it's because last year was such a busy one for me that I really feel the need to just focus on some areas of my life that have been a little neglected... 

I want to be productive and balanced without having to measure and critique myself.  I do like to get things done and there's no better way to stay focused than to make a plan or "to-do" list. 

So as I sat in my sewing room the other day I started thinking of all the things that need to get done in there.  I decided I needed to write down my list of projects, focusing on just a few that I'd like to accomplish this month. I've already got two of these almost done and it feels great!  I'll share pictures soon!  The hard part will not be getting distracted.  I've got a couple small projects that HAVE to get done this month too so I may need to revise my list a little.  And that's okay.  Prioritizing is good.

Are you prioritizing, making plans, to-do's or resolutions this year?  What helps you to stay organized and focused?  I'd love to hear what works for you!

Have a great day!

~ Amber

First Work in Progress for 2014

 Happy New Years everyone!  

It's such a wonderful time of year, isn't it?

  It's just day 2 of twenty-fourteen and already I feel so much motivation and energy!!!  I've been rockin' that post-holiday diet that I started umm...this morning.  I got some cleaning and organizing done last night...  I'm doing a blog post right now...  Can you feel the awesomeness going on here?!?  Just kidding!  I've got a long way to go but I definitely feel a lot better now that Christmas is put away and deadlines have been met.  

Can I just tell you that I mailed off 14 new quilts to Martingale Publishing on December 31st?  It. Felt. Awesome.  That was my big accomplishment for 2013.  We can talk more about it when it gets closer to book release date though.  Just 11 months and counting...

[A sneak-peek of one of the projects.]

Anyways, I've been having lots of fun with this little crew over the last week or two.

And the highlight of our New Years Day?  Sushi with family.  

We went to my brother-in-law/Sister-in-law's house yesterday (my sister-in-law is Japanese and both my husband and brother-in-law served 2-year LDS church missions in Japan many years ago).  Needless to say, they all love sushi and got me hooked on it a few years ago.  It's such fun food.  And so delicious.  Seriously.  Have you tried it?  

[My Temakizushi via Instagram.  

Ingredients included:  Seaweed, rice, tuna, crab meat, avocado, jalapeno, green onions, Sriracha hot sauce and Japanese mayonnaise.  Heavenly.  That's all I'm gonna say.  Heavenly.]

Anyways, I'm all vamped up for the new year.

I'm ready to tackle projects that I've been neglecting for some time now and honestly, I haven't been able to fall asleep on several different nights recently because I'm dreaming of home renovation projects I want to do!  It's terrible! 

In the quilting department though...

I am making a little progress on a quilt I recently started for one of my BFF's. 

She's a pretty traditional gal and her house is super cute (Restoration Hardware-style) so she picked out this simple pattern and the fabric (my treat!) to work with her family room decor.  It's going to be a late Christmas... birthday, Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day... gift to her and her family :)  No, hopefully I'll have it done sooner than that but, you know - a quilt's a big gift so it's going to be a late Christmas & birthday gift.

 

 

The pattern is from Fig Tree's "Twinkle" booklet.   It's a cute little book that takes 2 basic blocks (the 9-Patch and the Snowball blocks), puts them into 1 setting and then shows what can happen with the use of different color combinations.  Pretty straight-forward but fun to see the dramatic change that can happen with color and fabric placement!

 

Well, here's to the start of a fabulous new year!  

Hope you're feeling as gung-ho as I am...

and I hope it lasts!

Happy quilting!!!

~ Amber

Just Popping In...

to wish you a happy holiday!

Thanks again for your friendship and support!

P.S.  My shop sale will continue through December 31st.  

All patterns and quilts are 20% off with this coupon code: 

HAPPYHOLIDAYS

~ Amber

It Really Is -

[via my Instagram]

I'm a happy girl right now.

I've been working hard for about a year on something I can't WAIT to show you and now I'm enjoying some down time with my family.

Thanksgiving was wonderful.  All I had to take to the family feast was a chocolate dessert.  So I chose my (new) go-to favorite Hot Chocolate Bundt Cake.  And since I didn't have to work all day in the kitchen I was able to get all my Christmas decor up Thanksgiving Day.  I even squeezed in a little nap!  I didn't feel too bad about it though since I got up at 5:30 am to hit the gym!

One of my brothers came to Utah from the Northwest so I hosted a little get together at my house with my parents, my two brothers and their families.  It felt like being "home again".  It was the perfect way to spend the holidays and I even received an early Christmas gift from my SIL!  This beautiful deer silhouette:

I honestly (honestly) have no idea how she knew I have always loved those!  And guess what - she made it herself!

She also gave me a giant safety pin for my sewing room!  

I swear I don't think I've ever verbally expressed my deep obsession with either of these two things to anyone! But thank you, Brittany!  You know me well!

Hey.  What's that you say?  The new Love Patchwork & Quilting magazine is also staring you right in the face!  Yep, that's right.  Someone sent me a copy to review and it has been such a fun treat.  I'm loving all the eye candy in it.  Love Patchwork & Quilting also has lots of modern projects, tips and ideas from some of todays most popular bloggers!  It's a great mag for all of you trendy quilting peeps out there! I'm especially loving the plus quilt on the front!  Have I mentioned that I really want to make a low volume/bright contrast quilt one of these days?  Whose with me on that? 

 

Well.  Now that I've met my deadline I actually have some projects that I can start showing you again!  I've been squeezing in a little "for fun" quilting so I hope you'll stay tuned!

 

Happy quilting!

~ Amber

A Happy Weekend

Man.  This little guy melts my heart.  Except he's not so little anymore.  11 years ago, yesterday, he made me a new momma.  I waited four years for God to give him to me.  A long, emotional four years.  But in retrospect, God knew what he was doing in his perfect, my-timing-is-not-your-timing kind of way.  He needed me to wait, to prepare, to learn and grow.  To depend on Him more.  To grow closer to my husband.  And when it was time, he arrived.  A 7 lbs. 1 oz. healthy, blonde baby boy.  This little guy is super smart, crazy good on the soccer field, so sweet, thoughtful, funny and well like I said, he just kind of melts my heart.  And did I say sweet?  Yeah, he's super sweet too.  I'm so thankful for him and thankful to God for giving him to me.

We celebrated with a dang good, Hot Chocolate Bundt Cake - recipe from the blog, Cookies and Cups.  My little guy loves anything with marshmallows in it (like he can eat half a bag of jumbo marshmallows at any given time) so I knew he'd love this cake.  It had GREAT flavor and it's now my official "go-to" chocolate cake recipe.  Yum.

[source]

In between birthday festivities and watching LDS General Conference I snuck in a little "me" time :)  It felt like I was preparing a football fields length of binding but in all actuality it was only half that amount - about 60 yards.

  I like binding but I have a feeling this might take a while.

 What about you?  Did you have a good weekend?  I sure hope so!

~ Amber

One Last Hoorah and Some Fabric

 My trip to Big Sky Country was wonderful.

I got to visit with two of the best sisters in the world.

We had such a blast river rafting, boating, hiking, eating and laughing (all with kids in tow).

During one of our "mommy/sister" excursions we stopped in to a cute little fabric store in Missoula.  The Selvedge Studio is a quaint store but packed with lots of charm!  I'd seen it several times over the last few years and am sure glad I decided to stop in this time!  In fact, I'm pretty sure I shocked my little sis with how quickly I could accumulate a dozen bolts of fabric. 

 I picked up a few cuts of these fun prints (1/3 yard cuts to be precise). 

As well as 1 yard cuts of these beauties.  Who knows what I'll make with them but it was fun to mix up the stash a little.  And for me, fabric is the perfect souvenir :)

 The second the kids and I got home from Montana, we freshened up and headed off to "Back to School Night" to meet the kids' teachers.  It looks like it's going to be a great school year!  Tuesday, it was time for them to make their way to school (yellow bus style).

I sure love these guys.  And I'm sure going to miss them.  

But it's time for momma to get some work done around here!

How are you feeling about Summer winding down?  Excited?  Sad?  Is anything going to change with your schedule?  What are you looking forward to?  Well, I hope your summer was as good as ours!

Happy quilting!

Amber