If you would have asked me mid-process about this quilt, 

I would have told you it was my "ugly quilt".

Somehow, when I first started this Scrappy Trip Around the World quilt (just over a year ago), I got the "brilliant" idea that I was going to use reds, golds, teals, blacks, whites and gray.  And then after I got going I wondered how I ever got on that kick?!?  Kind of a weird color combo, right?  Regret was starting to seep in but I kept plugging away at my 36 blocks.  And in the end, I like it.  It's kind of funky. And happy.

I quilted it myself using this tutorial from the blog Oh, Fransson!  

There was no marking involved so it's not perfect.  But overall I think it works. 

This quilt was definitely a lesson on letting go.  The method used for piecing the blocks may not be the best for ensuring complete accuracy but it's fun and worth trying out.  The tutorial can be found HERE on the blog, Quiltville.

I decided to keep the funk going and added a black and white 1/2" wide striped binding and I love it!

So lesson learned.  If your gut tells you to do something - go with it.  

You may be pleasantly surprised in the end.

~ Happy quilting

Amber

I'm here...

 I really am.  

Yet, I'm struggling with how much to say here today.  There's a lot on my plate right now. I'm happy but my mind and body are all over the place.  I'm reflecting on different people and relationships in my life, how to prioritize my commitments and how to balance everything...all while trying to enjoy the ride!  It's just normal stuff, that all of us deal with.  So instead of whining to you I will share some happy pictures before heading off to soccer games and dinner making :) 

These are kits for crayon roll-ups that I will be making and donating to the Dollhouse Festival, an organization that raises money to help abused children in Utah County.  The boutique will be held at the Provo City Library September 26-28 for any Utah locals that want to support a good cause!  

The tutorial I used (and tweaked a bit) is from the blog, 

Skip To My Lou and can be found HERE.

Also, I betcha didn't know that I jumped on the Scrappy Trip bandwagon a month or two ago!  I think I'm probably the last one to do so but I'm having fun.  I've got 16 blocks so far.  My colors are kind of funky and I'm trying to decide if they are kind of Anthropology-funky or just a really big mistake :( 

The Scrappy Trip tutorial is from the blog, Quiltville 

and can be found HERE.

Yesterday I whipped up these half square triangles so I could test out a new pattern I'm working on. 

Check out my tutorial for squaring up HST's HERE.

And last but not least, I made two more Farmer's Wife blocks the other day.  I told you I would have 7 done by about this time.  But life got in the way and two is better than zero - so don't judge :)  It was a good thing I made that goal publicly otherwise I would probably be at the same place I was back HERE. 

Block #14 Butterfly at the Crossroads and #45 Grape Basket.

Two of my favorites.

Have a great day, enjoy the ride

and spend a little more time loving your dear ones.  

Life is fragile and can be gone before you know it.

~ Amber