Today is the kick off of the 2018 New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. I am delighted to tell you a little about me and invite you to get to know the other bloggers as well.
I want to thank the four co-hosts this year, Beth (Cooking Up Quilts), Jen (Dizzy Quilter), Tish (Tish n’ Wonderland), and Sandra (mmm! Quilts), for generously giving of their time to coordinate and moderate our discussions and to help us learn how to improve our blogs. Links to their blogs are at the end of this post. Be sure to visit each of them today, they are delightful and fun to get to know! Each of their blogs are worth following. You also need to visit their sites to sign up for the giveaway.
So let’s get to it! Let me show you our hive button, share a bit about the Hop, and show you some of my quilts.
So What Happens in the Hop?
Bloggers in the blog hop are grouped into hives. Each hive chooses a name and designs a button. Our hive is the Sunshine Quilters, and this is our button, designed by Cindy at Gray Barn Designs.
Before I give you the blog hop schedule for today and the information on the giveaway, let me tell you a little about me and why I decided to join the Hop.
This is my second year with the New Quilt Bloggers Blog Hop. Designed for those who have been blogging for 3 years or less, it is an opportunity to come together with other new bloggers, be mentored by veteran bloggers, and be able to ask blog-related questions of each other. I joined because I often wondered how other bloggers did things on their blogs and wanted a place to ask them. By asking questions of each other, we learn new things about our blogging platforms, media libraries, how to make buttons or badges, and more.
My Quilting Style
I began my quilting journey when my kids (now 22 and 25) were toddlers. It was something I could do while keeping an eye on them as they played together. I have a good friend who quilted along with me during those years, and she now has a business as a long arm quilter. She works her magic on my larger quilts. When she began her long arm business, she would often call me and say she had a woman who wanted a quilt finished. The first of those was a Double Wedding Ring quilt. It was one of the first large quilts I made as a (then) new quilter. Clearly I like a challenge when I quilt. Another one was a Frank Lloyd Wright quilt and you can see that quilt here and read all about it.
Oh Look – a Squirrel (aka quilty distractions)!
My quilting style shifts and changes depending on my mood or the number of squirrels I allow in my quilt room.
I’m a curious quilter – I like to try new things. If something catches my attention, I want to make it. Immediately. That may give you a better understanding of the squirrels in my quilt room! My current curiosity has led me to experiment with improv as well as designing and making my own mini quilts.
Some of my improv favorites include this little mini that I made to remind my husband and I of our trip to Maine to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. Each of the blocks represents something we did on that trip – watching the sailboats in the bay by our cabin, a little hiking, eating lobster, and all the lobster buoys bobbing in the bay.
Recently I’ve been having fun drawing up quilt designs and making them into mini quilts. Here is my Droplets quilt.
I do change it up now and then. This elephant quilt was made because I wanted to learn appliqué. I figured making 24 appliqué elephants would do the trick. It did; I’m no longer reluctant to do appliqué and this is one of my favorite quilts.
When I’m not quilting, I enjoy reading, particularly murder mysteries. To stay with that theme, my husband and I enjoy watching mystery shows. Mystery quilts? I’ve only done a few, but they do intrigue me a bit! If I’m not reading or watching a show, you’ll find me in the kitchen, playing with food.
Let’s Get Hoppin’
Well, enough about me. Let’s get back to the Blog Hop and the giveaway. Here is the list of the other bloggers posting today. Please visit their blogs and leave a comment. You will enjoy seeing their quilts, getting to know them, and reading about their quilting stories.
- Gail at Quilting Gail
- Rachel at Rachel Rossi
- Tracie at Riceford Streams
- Wendy at Pieceful Thoughts of My Quilting Life – You’re Here 🙂
- Jan at Cocoa Quilts
- Michelle at Creative Blonde
- Terry at TLC Quilts
- April at Janda Bend Quilts
Each of the co-hosts are posting today as well, and in order to be eligible for the giveaway, you need to visit their blogs and follow the instructions for signing up for the giveaway. You’re in for a treat, because each of these creative ladies writes a delightful and informative blog. I’ve learned so much from each of them.
- Beth at Cooking Up Quilts
- Jen at Dizzy Quilter
- Tish at Tish n’ Wonderland
- Sandra at mmm! Quilts
Try Something New
My quilting tip for you today? Try something new, enjoy the process, don’t worry if it isn’t perfect, and have fun.
What new technique or style of quilting do you want to try but are hesitant? I’d love to know!
I hope you visit my blog again. Next time I hope to give an update on another quilt design I’m making into a mini. Stop in and see my progress!
Wendy
Hi Wendy, I’ve been following you since the 2017 Blog Hop … but I learned more about you today! I love how you have embraced quilting and different styles … and that elephant quilt – oh my! I LOVE it! Happy Quilting! 🙂
Thanks, Gail!
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Hello Wendy!! I enjoyed your introduction and the photos of your quilts:). I especially like your elephant quilt. My daughter in law has a think for elephants and would LOVE one:)
Thank you! The elephant quilt is a Laundry Basket Quilts pattern.
I’m excited to check it out! Thank you😊❤️
You’re welcome!
Hi Wendy. It’s funny how many journeys follow the same path. I see many similarities in our quilting past such as our approach to learning appliqué…To answer your question, 2018 is all about embracing curved piecing. If you are interested in making a mystery quilt, I just finished one hosted by my Modern quilt Guild. It was a blast seeing what everyone was making.
Curved piecing isn’t so bad. You’ll do great!
Wendy, I love your quilt parade! I still marvel at the elephant quilt; I love it but wouldn’t want to do the appliqué work. The technique I plan to try is a quilt with curved seams. I have the pattern and fabric pulled. (I want to hear more about the Wedding Ring quilt over coffee.)
Thanks, Tracie! We’ll need coffee soon!
I love that your quilting interests are varied and that you are able to explore those different techniques. Applique is definitely something I want to learn and get better at. Curved piecing is another. Me and mystery QAL’s don’t mix very well – I still have one I started um, 3, 4 ? years ago….It’s in a project box but not finished yet! 🙂
Thanks, Beth! You’ll do just fine with curved piecing!
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Hi Wendy,
What a nice introduction into your pieceful thoughts! I have enjoyed seeing your quilting style evolve, and especially the 30 blocks that you have been sharing on IG. You have encouraged me to give improv a try! You never know – it might be something I really love. ~smile~ Roseanne
Thank you! Do give improv a try and let me know what you think!
Oh my goodness, I clicked over to the Frank Lloyd Wright quilt—that is awesome. My husband and I visited Falling Water a few years ago (right as I was starting my quilting business) and I was so inspired by the whole place—my camera couldn’t snap fast enough.
Beautiful work!
Thank you!
Nice intro post! Love the droplets quilt.
Thank you!
Wendy, I especially like your Frank Lloyd Wright quilt. I have always wanted to do one. Did you have a pattern or is this an “Original Wendy”?
Thanks! The FLW panel is a pattern. I made three and turned it into a queen size quilt.
Hi Wendy! I can relate to your squirrel quilting style! That’s what makes it fun. Love your Droplets quilt–great choice of quilting on it, too. And that elephant quilt! Needle turn applique? Thanks for sharing your pieceful thoughts!
Thanks, Nancy! Needle turn using a glue stick!
It has been so much fun getting to know a bit more about you. I’m happy to say we have been quilty friends even before the hop 🙂 Your anniversary piece is still one of my favorites. I just love the little lobster bib! I can’t wait to see more of your mini quilt designs.
Thanks, Tish!
Wendy, it was great learning more about you! Loved your quilt parade —especially the elephants! I too love applique!
Thank you!
Hi Wendy, such a lovely post. Your quilts are fabulous, I especially love the elephants. Looking forward to getting to know each other and improving my skills as we carry on through this journey as the new quilt bloggers
Thanks, Michelle! I’m enjoying getting to know each other too!
Wendy, found your wonderful blog through the Blog Hop. I am a technique junky and a scrapaholic, so I understand your interesting in trying everything quilty! Let’s go sew…
Yes! Let’s sew!! 😊
Wonderful, informative post! I clicked to see the FLW quilt–gasp! A couple of years ago a good blogger friend whose IRL stuff has sadly taken her away from her incredible blog, Quilt Paradigm, and I discussed making a FLW quilt. It came to me out of the blue, well, actually when I googled something else and saw his designs again and thought THOSE would make a fabulous quilt! and we designed and schemed…and it fell apart. I will be sure to send her your way! It terrific! As are your quilts and the story behind each one – I especially love Droplets. I bet i know of a couple more coming up in the Friday Finish linkies…your designs are wonderful.
Thanks, Sandra!
Hi Wendy,
I’m please to learn more about you today. I have been following you for a while now and have enjoyed all your works.
Thanks, Cherie!
Oh, my story is so similar to yours! Yeah! I had always sewn as a kid and made clothes and such. But when a friend was pregnant, I made a quilt top for her and then for my own kid and the rest is history. My hive does not have a logo. Darn. But I love all your challenges and squirrels. Great job on the applique.
Thank you, Debbie!
I love your elephant applique quilt. A new technique for me would be the Bargello quilt…one of these days.
Thanks! Bargello would be fun to try!
Hi Wendy, I love to try new things in quilts. I think “next up” will be incorporating “textures” into a modern feeling quilt. I often use textures in “art quilts”. Will be fun.
Textures sounds like fun! Enjoy!
I have been following your blog, Wendy, since last year’s New Bloggers Blog Hop. I was a participant, also. Thanks for the great photos! I particularly like your frosty squirrel.
Thanks for following me, Danette!
I’ve visited your blog before today, so was a bit surprised that I recognized your picture. Welcome!
Thank you, Christine!
Love that Elephant Quilt!
bjkaup(at)(abbnebraska)(dot)(com)
Thank you, Barb!
Your FLW quilt is fabulous! And I love the elephant appliqué quilt. Our oldest granddaughter graduated from the University of Alabama last
August and is getting married in October. I made her an elephant wall hanging while she was a student, but your quilt would make a darling baby quilt! Is there a design for it?
Thank you, Nancy! The elephant quilt is a Laundry Basket Quilts pattern. Congratulations on the upcoming wedding!
Hi Wendy! I love learning more about you and I so admire your adventurous spirit. I for one am a bit afraid of challenges, which explains why I have a few unopened Julie Herman kits. My favorite of the ones on your post today is Droplets, and I think it’ll look fantastic as a larger quilt, too! As for new quilting techniques, I really think I want to try more triangles and diamonds … so it’s time to open one of the Julie Herman kits!
Thanks, Liz! I think Droplets would be fun as a larger quilt too! Crack open those kits, you’ll do just fine! I know your work! 😉
Hi Wendy: I love that you challenge yourself to do new things. I like to learn new techniques, too, and I make quilt that mostly get donated to different groups. I explore art quilting with a small group and usually do small things but try to learn new techniques along the way. Looking forward to reading more of your blogs.
Thanks, Rochelle!
Well written…a quilter and a writer. I’m just starting out on my blogging journey. I’m looking forward to reading more.
Thank you!
beautiful quilts
Thank you!
I’m still hesitant to attempt paper piecing in my projects because I just don’t want to take the time out from other quilts I’m working on~
Hi Anita, look for a small paper pieced Block and try that. Just one block will take less time than a whole project. Make sure it’s a block with few pieces.
This year I have taken a step to conquer my fear of free motion quilting. I certainly have a lot to learn but have had so much fun
That’s great! Good for you! I’m still learning free motion too.
I seem to have a lot of squirrels in my sewing room too.
Thanks for sharing your quilting journey… I hear you about the squirrels!
I love learning new things. Can’t learn if you don’t try!
I challenged myself to try new techniques this year. Silk dupioni was FUN!!! Next up…batting testing. Your quilts are really great and might I say liberating? Peaceful comes to mind as well.
Awesome quilts and projects. Thank you for sharing. I’d like to try paper piecing. Have a great day! angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom
Such fabulous quilts you’ve shared, Wendy! I especially love your elephants.
So fun to see your elephants again, and is that one of your designs that you made in the blue and white? I love it. Enjoy the hop this year – missing it but way too busy.
Hi Wendy!
I’ve enjoyed reading your post today, and I’m glad to have “met” you.
I also enjoy the odd squirrel now and again. I’ve found that some of my adventures (like applique) result in enjoyment, while others (like English paper piecing) result in UFO’s. But you never really know until you try it, do you?
Love the elephant quilt! Thank you for sharing today.
Happy quilting,
Sharon
mspdesignsusa.com
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Glad to meet you. Beautiful quilts and I especially like your memory of vacation Quilt. A great idea.
Love the elephants. New, well I bought a midarm and there is so much to learn.
Thank you, Christi. I’m sure you will enjoy learning to use your midarm!
Wendy what a great reintro for me. I’ve been following since the last hop and always enjoy when your posts pop up in my feed. FMQ is on my gonna do someday plan, if those squirrels would stop getting in the way.
Thanks, Jan! Those pesky squirrels, what would we do without them!?
I love your quilt droplets!
Thank you, Jan!
I love the variety on your blog – look a squirrel! – I too am easily distracted and need to see a variety before settling down to complete a project.
Thanks, Kathy!
I enjoyed reading a bit about you. I like how you embrace trying new things. I have never done appliqué before and should really learn, so maybe I need to follow your lead!
Thanks, Dawn! Give appliqué a try, it’s not too hard 😊
I’ve been following your Blog for a few months now and enjoy reading it. I’ve been following Angela Walter’s fmq challenge but am behind so today I’m going to get back into that. I think I’m on week 7 and have learned a lot from her.
Thanks, Sandi! Good for you for sticking with the fmq QAL. I’ve watched the videos… 😊
Hi Wendy: It’s good to know more about you. I’m favourite things to do when I am not quilting are reading mysteries and watching them.You have been quilting for a long time. I love the elephants and you already know I love the water droplets quilt. I think it is my favourite. I met your friend Tracie through the hop today.
Hi, Lisa! Fun to know we have similar interests outside of quilting too! Glad you met Tracie 😊
Wendy!! I love your quilting tip and your intro. It’s been fun getting to know you over the last two NQB blog hops.
I’ll try pretty much anything, quilting-wise. I’d like to do more embroidery, I think, and learn new stitches–but just small projects. Hand-stitching is soothing to me. I think it’s because my first craft obsession as a kid was cross stitch.
Hi, Becca! I agree that it’s been fun to get to know each other! I did cross stitch as a teen, but not much embroidery. Handwork is relaxing though.
Lovely quilts!
Thank you!
Lovely quilts – you do like a challenge completing a double wedding ring as a new quilter! But, hey, look where it’s gotten you! Being a Roll Tide fan, I really like your elephant quilt! LOL Nice to meet you!
Love your little mini about your trip to Maine! Memory quilts are so fun!
Thank you!
I am a curious quilter too, who likes to try new things. And like you I have a squirrel problem in the sewing room. But since I believe that learning new techniques is a good way to keep the brain fit and active, so I’ll be guiltlessly chasing those squirrels for a long time yet! If that results in a few UFOs, then so be it I can get rid of UFOs, my mental health is mine for keeps. 🙂
Great perspective, Dione!
ha!… I got an error message and I thought my comment didn’t post. So you got two. You deserve them. Enjoy! 🙂
Twice the fun!
Love how you jumped in and did a whole quilt once you decided to learn appliqué. It is definitely the best way to test a technique and discover whether it really is as good or as bad as your first impression! So glad I have discovered your blog in the last little while.
Thanks, Dione! It’s been fun to get to know you too!
Beautiful quilts, I love mini quilts too!
Thanks, Stephanie!
Maine is a very pretty state…what no moose..lol..lol..I lived inland in small town called guilford maine seen lots of moose…lived there for 35 years but back home in michigan now .But I do miss mardens and there cheep fabric prices… happyness04431@yahoo.com
There is a tiny moose on the tree block, but he’s hard to see!
HI, Wendy, Great post! I spent a couple of months living in an Oceanside cottage while my husband worked on the computers on the submarines. Nothing is better than fresh lobster. That Maine mini is perfect. I also checked out that Frank Lloyd Wright quilt post and that quilt is gorgeous!!! Did you label it?
No, I didn’t even think about labeling back then! 🙁
I would like to design and quilt a whole cloth quilt!!
Oh, Terri! I think you should!!
I try to design my own, but I find myself getting so caught up in others’ designs and it gives me new ideas for my own, that I often end up scrapping what I’m doing to try it another way.
What I’d like to try that I haven’t done is tag quilting. My mind is still trying to process how it’s done before I try it.
What is tag quilting? That’s new to me!
Ooops, that was a typo. I meant rag quilting.
Got it!
Thanks for sharing your zest for quilting, Wendy. I love your approach to design, starting with a sketch of your ideas. It clearly works wonders, because your quilts are fun and interesting. My next challenge is to create an original design using the shoo fly block by early June, I think I’ll start with a sketch, rather than scrap fabric.
Can’t wait to see it!
This is a great post Wendy! Like you I think that making a quilt using a new technique would be a good way to learn and I’m hoping to come part way towards getting some confidence with curves with a baby sized quilt made with my never used QCR next month.
Thank you! Have fun with those curves!
What a fun post – Hard as I try I miss a lot of posts here and there. I had not seen the mini you made after your trip to Maine. I love it and totally relate to each block as they remind me of our trip to Maine two years ago. Have fun with the hop Wendy!
Thank you, Bernie!
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Hi, Wendy! I would like to spend some concentrated time working on improv curves. Imorov is very hard for me – I believe I’m too uptight to really embrace it.
I love your Droplets qut!
Thanks, Jen! I always thought I was too uptight too, but once I began, I found it very freeing!
I agree with the thought to try something new. I have been working on learning new techniques; it is a lot of fun. Your elephant quilt is just outstanding!
Thank you, Nicole!
A great intro post Wendy and I learned new stuff about you too. One thing is for sure, you never shrink from a challenge and your posts are always interesting, well, maybe that’s two things hehe, can’t count! I look forward to seeing what you come up with next, and where your quilting journey takes you.
Lovely post and love how your blog is looking. I like your quilting tip: having fun in anything you do is important as it helps you grow. What I’d like to learn next: hmm.. let’s see its a long list but most of all I’d like to make quilts out of my comfort zone, mainly art quilts and whole cloth quilts.
Thank you, Rashida!
Hi Wendy, I am enjoying “meeting” each of you on the blog hop! I am thinking about trying English Paper Piecing this year so I will always have a hand project with me if I get stuck waiting somewhere with nothing to do. 🙂
Thanks, Janice! EPP will be great for those waiting moments 😊
Wendy – It’s always so much fun to read everyone’s introductions! And I love watching your progress on all of your projects! Sew much fun 🙂 PS we should do a sew day in the near future…
Thanks, Sherry! Yes! We should!
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Hi Wendy, it was great journey and loved all your quilts.