Tag / quilt

by Bethe

My Cheerful Scrap Quilt

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I’ll let you in on a little secret. Most of the time when I start a new quilt, I have no idea what it’s going to look like. Before I know the pattern, I start with finding really fabulous fabric. A beautiful quilt has beautiful fabric. From there, the inspiration just comes to me.scrap2

I have been collecting fabric since I started quilting seven years ago, so I’m at borderline hoarding status. And that stuff is expensive, not to mention I love ALL of it, and so I’ve been hankering to make a scrap quilt from pieces of my previous quilts. To me, there’s a piece of every loved one I’ve quilted for in this quilt – it’s my version of looking back and reminiscing over an old photo album. This one reminds me of being pregnant, this one reminds me of my mom, this one reminds me of a niece or nephew… and this reminds me of sweet Wrenn. It’s all there. scrap3

For this quilt, I simply raided my stash, started cutting rectangles, and then made up a pattern with what I had. It changed as I went – originally I as going to do stripes of scraps and then stripes of solid white fabric, but Mr. Right reminded me that I have done a lot of quilting white borders lately, and suggested I do something that’s pure color. For once I listened, and I love how it turned out. So crazy. So colorful. So cheerful.

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Even the navy binding came from my stash… already cut to size and ironed. Apparently I miscalculated how much I would need on a previous project (Bethe + math don’t really go together… I misjudged by about 20 feet of binding), so it was ready to just pop on.

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I imagine the caption for this photo would probably say: “Move over Wrenn. Stop touching the quilt Wrenn. Mommy needs to get a picture, Wrenn!” (PS – Wrenn LOVES to climb up in my lap while I’m at my sewing machine and watch me quilt and touch the fabric and admire all of the pretty colors. I can’t wait for her sewing lesson!)scrap4

I love all my quilts… they’re kind of like children, it’s hard to choose favorites. But this one is one of my very favorites. I found about 10 feet of this vintage mango striped fabric in my stash that was perfect for the back (I just love the contrast of the bright mango with the dark navy), and because I have so much leftover, you’ll probably be seeing a lot more of this fabric in the future. scrap5

And the best part – when I was finished, off it went to a friend who has a baby in the NICU. This quilt made me feel so cheerful, I felt like it was my way to share a little ray of sunshine during a stressful time. I love making quilts, but I love giving them away even more.

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PrintFor prints and other lovelies, visit Texas Lovely on Etsy.

Other places you can find Texas Lovely:

On Facebook: www.facebook.com/texaslovelyshop
On Instagram: texas_lovely

by Bethe

Look at us, we started the nursery!

Folks, we have a nursery! After a few months of putting it off, then brainstorming, then putting it off some more, we finally cleaned out Mr. Right’s office/guest room (what a great guy), taped everything off, and got the thing painted, all in 24 hours.

A special thanks to my awesome sister who came over and painted the nursery for us! Talk about a servant’s heart. She knew that my doctor said no painting for me, and Mr. Right is crazy swamped with finals (oh, how we’re all counting down the minutes until grad school is OVER), so she just decided to do it for us. It was such a blessing.

You should have seen Mr. Right and I prepping the night before she came to get the room ready. I was in my work dress (because dresses are so much more comfortable than anything else right now), on my hands and knees taping off the baseboards while Mr. Right was on a ladder caulking holes and removing blinds. I’m not very graceful under typical circumstances, but I’m like a clumsy beast at this point, so I’m sure the neighbors got an eye full through our blind-less windows at 9:30 at night. And I’m just pregnant enough to not really care.

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The next morning Mr. Right assembled our crib, and suddenly the room felt like a nursery. He has since moved in other furniture (an armoire for storage and a dresser that we’ll use as a changing table – pics to come), and slowly but surely we’re moving closer to being baby-ready.

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The nursery will be mostly neutrals – grays and whites – with pops of color in our accents. This fabric, which is part of the quilt I’m making for her, is the inspiration for those pops of color – lot’s of tangerine-oranges, turquoises, and a few other random colors here and there.

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And here’s the rest of the fabric for her quilt. We’ll be using the leftovers for pillows, possibly a bedskirt, etc. You know, whatever I get inspired to sew. Don’t be surprised if you don’t find some leftovers in my Etsy shop in the form of baby quilts or pillows.

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And, finally, we’re thinking about using this picture for above the crib. Mr. Right and I have a real love for internationals (especially our ESL students!), and we also love to travel, so we think this is the perfect picture to go above our tiny sleeping baby. Plus, it reminds me of a quilt.

Stay tuned for more pictures as we make progress on the nursery. I’m 29 weeks along, so not too much longer until she’s here with us napping in this very room!

by Bethe

The Pregnant Girl Patchwork Quilt

Have I mentioned that I’m feeling better? To all of you dear friends and readers who have prayed for me and encouraged me through SIX LONG MONTHS OF ROUND THE CLOCK MORNING SICKNESS (bleh), I am pleased to announce that I have been (almost) completely nausea free FOR FOUR WHOLE WEEKS!

This is me doing a happy dance. Which is actually pretty disturbing considering the giant belly bouncing around.

So anyway, now that I’m feeling like a normal person these days (a ginormous normal person with a bowling ball sitting on her lap and a baby whose favorite position is bear hugging her bladder), I have been back to doing things I love. Like quilting. And eating. Lot’s and lot’s of eating, to the shagrin of my OB who all but wagged her finger when she saw that the scale reflected my newfound love of food (did you know food actually TASTES GOOD? I had forgotten.).

But enough of this rambling… I have quilt pictures to share. So back to the point, now that I’m feeling better I was able to reunite with my beloved sewing machine and whip out a new quilt top – not for any specific purpose other than it made me happy and I’ve been hankering to try this pattern.

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This is called a 9-patch pattern – if you look closely, you can see that even though all the scraps run together, they’re sewn into blocks of nine, and then those blocks are combined to make bigger blocks. I used a moda jelly roll so cutting the squares was super fast (you can also do this pattern by sewing strips and then cutting them, but I was feeling all organic and wanted to do the entire thing from scratch).

This is the perfect pregnant girl quilt pattern, because there IS no pattern. I wanted the overall look to be scrappy and cluttered looking – there’s something comforting in the craziness and unpredictability. Plus, since there’s no pattern, there wasn’t a lot of that obligatory getting up and down off the floor to lay out my pattern over and over as I sew. The only time I laid it out was at the very beginning to figure out how many patches I needed, and at the very end to pin on the border.

9patch2 I love this picture because you can see my new view as Wrenn girl grows.9patch1And there’s the final version. It still needs to be quilted, but since it’s for me, it’s going to have to wait until after sweet Wrenn’s quilt is finished. Which I have 11 weeks left to complete (assuming she’s on time). Oh my word, where has the time gone?

Stay tuned for more on her quilt – and her nursery – this week. And pics of our first baby shower. And baby bump pics. It’s going to be a busy week.

by Bethe

Etsy Shop Update – Thanksgiving & Christmas lovelies!

I’m trying hard not to just pimp my shop on my blog. That wasn’t the purpose of this blog and never will be. But it’s also a big part of my life right now (and with launching Mr. Right’s real estate business, a huge help financially), so I want to be sure to remind you that it’s there.

I only have a few Thankful prints left. Once they’re sold out, I probably won’t print any more until next fall. So if you’ve had your eye on this for a little while, be sure to pick it up before it sells out!

I can’t believe it, but we’re going to blink and it will be Christmas. I’ve still got some hand-sewn Christmas cards available in the shop (only available through Nov. 15, then I’m discontinuing them), but I also have these new photo cards if you prefer something a little more economical. Just click on the picture to link to the shop listing.

With these photo cards, you can either purchase the art file, ready to send to your printer, for just $20, or for an additional cost (and if you don’t want to mess with finding a printer and envelopes), I will be happy to print them for you (prices range from $1.20-$1.50 each, including envelopes, depending on quantity ordered). If you have questions, just leave me a message in the comments section of this blog post.

 Also, I am offering a limited number of custom Christmas card designs. Price will be $50 for the design, plus the cost of printing if you want me to print them for you. If you’re interested, just leave me a message in the comments section of this blog post.

And finally, I’m working on a Christmas quilt or two that will end up in the shop. Follow me on Instragram (@texas_lovely) to see sneak preview pictures. The last few quilts I made were “sold” before I ever listed them in the shop because folks saw it on Instagram and staked their claim. I’m perfectly happy to pre-sell again, so let me know if you’re interested in having a warm Texas Lovely Christmas quilt in your home!

Love you all, my friends!

by Bethe

The Story of My Strip & Flip Baby Quilt

Some of my friends may remember that for several years I was a Big Sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Since at the time I was terrified of young children (silly me), I signed up for a teenager, and I ended up getting the coolest teenager in town – Stephanie. We spent four years together, going through some pretty major life experiences and changes, and I got to watch her grow up to be a beautiful woman.

That was several years ago. When I found out that Stephanie was expecting a baby boy, I just had to make little Grayson a baby quilt. I used this tutorial, and was able to whip it up in just a few sittings.

 Again, I used a Moda jelly roll for the front, and then snagged this back fabric on sale from JoAnn’s. Mr. Right thinks it makes him dizzy, but I thought the colors and crazy pattern tie in well with the LOUD front. Sometimes I love stepping out of my muted color comfort zone and just “going for it.”

I quilted in the “ditch” on all the colored fabric, then did several vertical lines up the white sashing to add a little extra texture. I try not to over-quilt baby quilts because I want them to stay soft and squishy for the little ones using them.

Last night I got to give the quilt to sweet Stephanie, mama-to-be, and my forever friend. I can’t wait to hold that sweet baby boy of hers!

by Bethe

Strip & flip ombre baby quilt

By now you’re probably thinking, “All that crazy girl sews is yellow and gray triangle quilts.” And you would be right… almost. I have been in a weird phase lately, but I’ve also got dozens of quilt ideas swimming around in my head, just waiting to make it out onto my sewing studio floor. The only thing that’s stopping me is time and money. Those silly quilts require a lot of both!

One of the quilts I’ve been aching to make is the strip and flip quilt I found on Cluck Cluck Sew’s blog. She posted a great tutorial, and I had been jonesing to do some sort of strip quilt, so it was a match made in heaven.

This is just the unfinished quilt top, which I made with a Moda jelly roll I picked up at my local quilting store. I’d never sewn from a jelly roll before – they’re expensive (this one cost $41), and I typically only buy fabric on sale, but it saved me from having to cut much of anything, and the entire quilt took me less than two hours to piece. Plus, I love ombre rainbow effect – such a nice change from the muted colors I’ve been addicted to lately.

I picked up a brightly colored backing and am in the process of quilting it right now – I hope to have pictures of the finished quilt up on the blog next week!

This quilt will be going to a special someone at a later date – I’ll tell you more later, but for now, it’s a secret.

by Bethe

Books, babies, parties, and quilting

This weekend, the theme was REST. Since I was at a conference last weekend, I basically worked 12 days straight without a day off. Add to it that much of those first 5-6 days I was feeling pretty sick, which meant my energy level was lower than normal, and a 13-hour day Thursday, and by Friday evening I was pooped.

Luckily so was Mr. Right, so we did a LOT of sleeping. Like, 10 hours a night of sleeping. Like, we went to bed at 8:30 every night. We are so wild and crazy. It was glorious.

In between all that sleeping we managed to have some fun.

This is the book I’ve been reading. I adore biographies, and politics, and history, so this is like my book-loving trifecta.

Friday night we went to a party at the home of the owner of Mr. Right’s new real estate company. The theme was “denim chic” and I must say I felt a little bit of pressure to look effortlessly, casually chic. Coupled with the fact that it was 90 degrees in late October and my hair was a greasy mess, my skin looked tired, and, well… I may or may not have tried on every outfit in my closet. So silly of me, because we sat down the entire time we were there, nobody was dressed up, and I don’t think a single guest gave my outfit a second glance.

We left the party for dinner with my mom, sister, her husband, and the real star of every family get-together, my nephew Luke. These pictures are actually from the night before when we babysat him, but if you’re anything like me, you’ll take baby pictures whenever/wherever they’re available.

I am pretty sure if this photo had a caption, it would be, “What you talking about, Willis?”

My two guys… (if you look closely, you can see the quilt I made Luke)

Mr. Right got me a special treat after my long week – special heart cookies from Trader Joe’s. The fact that his office is within walking distance of my favorite grocery store may turn out to be the best thing – or the worst thing – that ever happened to me. I see a lot of gourmet organic treats in my future.

Saturday I spent the entire day in my pajamas sewing. It was wonderful. I realize not everybody would love to spend a pretty day stuck indoors on their hands and knees on the floor, trying to keep from getting stuck in the foot by a rogue strait pin, but for me, it’s the ultimate escape. I use the time to catch up on all my favorite shows, and my mind gets to be creative and messy for hours without interruption.

I worked on two quilts, and while I’m so very tempted to show you them in their entirety, I’m saving that for my Wednesday “Works in Progress” post. Is the alliteration cheesy? I’m trying to brainstorm new blog topics, and all the cool bloggers use alliteration. I still wish there was a day of the week that started with Q so I could do a Quilting theme. Maybe I’ll try rhyming instead… Quilt Day Tuesday? (oh my, I’m a dork)

So, long story short, come back Wednesday for some pretty quilt pictures AND an update on a special pillow I’m making myself.

Saturday night Mr. Right and I had a hot date thanks to a gift card we won in an internet contest (score!). No pictures because we were too busy making googley eyes at each other.

Sunday we went back to our home church for the first time since Mr. Right left their staff in early September. It was so nice to sit together during worship – something we haven’t done at this church in over a year because he had to work every service. I also got to finally introduce him to our Sunday School class – I think a few people were wondering if that phantom husband of mine really did exist, but I got to show them that not only does he exist, but he’s a total hottie.

Next week’s wrap-up will be epic… I get to meet my newest nephew in person! I am so excited I can barely stand it. Never fear, there will be PLENTY of pictures of that precious moment.

I am linking up  Sami, Dana, and Leeann for their weekend updates. Want to join me?

by Bethe

My latest quilting obsession

You may have noticed a pattern (no pun intended), but I am sort of in love with triangle quilts. It started with an obsession with chevron and then expanded to a desire to try every possible combination, partly because (a) I’m getting really fast at cutting those triangles and (b) they really are some of the cutest ones out there.

Here’s a few examples of gorgeous triangle quilts from the web. Click on the picture to view the original source.

And a couple that I’ve made. I could never narrow down a favorite.

And someday soon I promise I’ll try a new method. Maybe, if I’m in the mood. Oh who are we kidding, I’ve probably got a dozen more of these in me.

Stay tuned to tomorrow’s post for some:

For quilts, pillows and lovely prints, visit my Texas Lovely shop on etsy!

by Bethe

Friday Favorites

I’m sending you a very earthy, crunchy hello from gorgeous Portland. I keep telling Mr. Right I may come home with a nose ring and a tattoo. Which, for the record, is perfectly lovely on some people, but if you know me, I’m a bit conservative scared buttoned up not cool enough to pull that off.

But anyway, today I’m linking up with The Bargain Blonde for Friday Favorites. In particular, here are some of my current favorites for fall. Click on the pictures to be redirected to the original source.

Decorating with pumpkins – this makes me want to host a dinner party.

A free fall printable from one of my favorite bloggers (she draws these herself – crazy, huh?).

I’m thinking of making something like this as Christmas stocking stuffers. I could add a loop of thread and convert them into ornaments (with different fabric of course).

This gal’s etsy shop is like a burlap heaven. I love everything in there.

I love pairing my chambray shirt with skinny jeans and boots. I think I may have to add a scarf as well. I also do the white tank beneath it to hide my hiney in those skinny jeans – glad to know it’s considered fashionable and not just functional.

I found the perfect place to display one of my Texas Lovely designs in my kitchen. Although now I have a hankering to paint that frame and distress it. Hmmm…

I adore the applique on this pillow. It would take me forever, but might be a good ongoing project. Speaking of projects, I’m currently recovering all of my living room pillows. I figured I’d done enough sewing for others, it was time to spoil myself for a bit (besides, they were a bit worn, which is ridiculous considering I sell pillows these days). Pictures to come soon. One is a temporary home for some yo-yo’s I’ve been making for the past year – a definite labor of love.

One of my very favorite things is my newest nephew Jack. You may have prayed for him when he decided to arrive eight weeks early. Crazy thing is, he isn’t even really “due” for another three weeks. Is there anything more wonderful than a preemie baby’s grin?

On the fourth day of being home sick last week I finally had the energy to finish piecing together this yellow and gray quilt. It’s made from the same fabric as the chevron quilt I made last month. I love the endless possibilities that come from piecing triangles.

I had planned to put it in my shop but an old sorority sister with an adorable newborn baby girl called dibs, so it will be headed to Austin just as soon as I can get this gal quilted.

And that’s it! I hope you have a wonderfully fabulous fall Friday.