More Quilting - WiP Wednesday

Here is a peek of the quilting for the classic sampler.  Trimming and binding may have to be pushed to the back burner for a while, though.  There's so much going on.  I'm scheduled to help out at the boys' school tomorrow and Friday.  The MIL is arriving soon for the bi-annual visit, which always entails some re-organization.  And the list goes on!

I'm linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced.  I really like the idea of having a mid-week break to take stock of where you are in any given project, and it's great motivation to get them done!

This weekend I'm devoting to my bee blocks.  I just realized February is almost over.  Yikes!

My Favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

The boys and I are home today in observance of President's Day, so this was our morning activity.  Cooking is not really my thing.  I do it out of necessity and would rather sew on any given day.  However,  I do get the urge to bake every once in a while, so I thought I'd share my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.

The Corelle plate is part of the same set we used growing up, so it's a testament to durability (and nostalgic 70s kitsch).

This recipe produces a buttery, not-too-sweet, chewy cookie.  Just a few notes though if you do decide to try it:

• Try to use semi-sweet (or even dark) chocolate chips -- milk chocolate will make the cookies too sweet (IMHO); 
• Make sure your butter and eggs come to room temperature;
• I added 1/4 teaspoon baking powder just to give it a little lift (the original recipe produces a really chewy but flat cookie just using baking soda, but I like a little oomph in my cookie); and
• Enjoy!

Sale Announcement

Looking for some good deals on fabric bundles?  Go here.  Now through next Sunday, February 24th, all bundles are on sale.  Yikes!

WiP Wednesday - FMQ

Here is a sneak peak of the quilting for my Classic Jellyroll Sampler.  I've been diligently stitching-in-the-ditch -- so time consuming but necessary.  Linking up to WiP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced!

Time Flies When You're Quilting; Color Me Retro

It feels like a while since I've posted about ongoing projects, but it's because I'm working on them, really.  I can't wait to show you how the Classic Sampler is turning out.  It's not quite at the picture stage yet.  In the interim, here is Color Me Retro by Jeni Baker.  You can read more about it here.

Recent Longarm Quilting Adventures (Lots of Pics)

I'm still working on the sashing and border for the Hullabaloo sampler quilt, so I don't have any interesting WiP pictures to show you today.  Instead, I thought I would talk about some amazing quilt tops that I've had the pleasure of quilting recently.

This first one is by Jennifer of Seams Crazy. Jennifer did a spectacular job piecing this American flag tribute.  Do you see all those curved seams?  Even more impressive in real life.

Jennifer chose a stars-and-loop pattern for the quilting, which was perfect.  It didn't overpower the quilt but instead blended into the background nicely, so the focus stayed on the piecing.

As a last note, go check out Jennifer's blog -- she has some mad applique skills going on over there that shouldn't be missed.

These next quilts were sent to me by Anna, yet another talented sewist and quilter.  The first one is Anna's interpretation of Chopsticks.  I've always thought this pattern was lovely, so I'm glad Anna gave me the opportunity to quilt it up without actually having to piece it myself!

Chopsticks by Anna

The quilting pattern is called Pretty Plumes, which is the same one I did for this quilt. I really like how it gives the quilt texture, but again without detracting from the piecing.  Here's a view of the back of the quilt:

Quilting Pattern - Pretty Plumes

These next two are Anna's granny square quilts.  They use the same block pattern, but the different color combinations resulted in two quilts that are strikingly different.

Granny Squares by Anna

Granny Squares by Anna

Here are the back views of the granny square quilts -- like I said, completely different color interpretations!

Quilting Pattern - Mountain Laurel

Quilting Pattern - Oh My Feathers

Thanks again to Jennifer and Anna for entrusting me with their quilts! 

Fresh Sewing Day

January was a great month, busy, but good busy so I hate to see it go.  But wow, it's February. The days are getting longer, finally!

The last few blocks took a while, not by design but because of time constraints. I hope the sashing goes more quickly.  I'm linking up to Fresh Sewing Day at Lily's Quilts!

Block 11 - Arrowhead

Block 12 - Streak of Lightning