Using Bees for Inspiration

You may have read in earlier Blog entries that I joined my first two Virtual Quilting Bees this year.  Not because I don't have enough to do (you know with all that free time I have, right?) but more to challenge myself to quilt outside of my little Leah-Box.

My goal, was to not only create every block assigned to me, but to commit to:

1. Using the newly learned block in some form to create a mini-quilt
2. Only using fabric from my stash & scraps, and...
3. Quilting the mini-quilt MYSELF and not sending it off to a long arm quilter

So here goes...

My first block was for my Sew.Bee.Create buddy Mennikelly.  She sent us lovely Amy Butler fabric and requested that we create blocks inspired by the Kaffe Fassett's Jewel Box pattern.

To complete my mini quilt, I grabbed some Sophie fabric from my stash and just started sewing.  The end result is three small jewel boxes nestled atop a larger jewel box and partially surrounded by complimentary Sophie squares.  The quilt, "Oh My Darlin'" came together super fast and will make a great snuggle-bankie for a little girl!  (pardon the windy day!)

No time to quilt it just yet though, because it was time to move on to my Wonky Bee buddy Georgia's Block!

Georgie loved the Wonky Triangles quilt from the awesome book "Block Party".  Now for some reason, this block was incredibly difficult for me.  Partially because this was probably the quilt I liked least from this book- auto mental block!  But we join bees to get us out of our box, so out of the box I crawled.

All I can say is Georgie must be one of my NEW FAVORITE people, because she inspired me to design this quilt.  And I LOVE this quilt design more than I can describe!!  I am calling this design "the Moon of Origin".
Thank you Georgia for my inspiration!!!  And I sew can't wait to get started!!

Tomorrow I will show you another block for Wonky Bee member, Jodi.  Jodi opted to have us bee'ers create a simple wonky strip block.  This block was oooooober simple and took about 10 minutes to create!  (but the sun has gone down today- so I will show it tomorrow!)

The quilt Jodi's block inspired was "Wonky Pinwheel Cubed" using either Impressions or Domestic Bliss, both with Bella Solids. I am leaning toward Impressions because I just love the color orange!

So Quilting Bees are super exciting to me, and I am so glad I joined!  Have you been inspired by your bee to create something new and awesome?  I'd love to see the Bee blocks and the inspiration that followed!

A Little Inspiration

I mentioned yesterday that I love love love a Stitch in Color!  And I have finally decided what I will do with my charm packs!

Surely you've run across my good buddy Melissa over at Happy Quilting Melissa by now, and you may remember about a year ago she had her first Quilt Along.  It was cute, she had just gotten her EQ and was struggling a bit.  When she sent her EQ file to me, it said I needed about 20 yards of fabric!   Hmmm....strange things were afoot at the Circle K! (OK- that probably showed my age).

Anywho, I've kept coming back to that quilt along for a year now and finally realized I have JUST the perfect fabric sitting right here in my stash!

Isn't it PERFECT?  I love how the white squares contrast so greatly with the bright colors of Malka's fantabulous designs.

If you want the EQ file to audition your fabric,  click here.  (It's in EQ 7, so unless you have that it won't work). The EQ fabric requirements are off if you plan to follow Melissa's design, as she teaches you a quick and easy way to make the quilt using 5" charms.

I can't wait to get started, and I seem to have more time to sew these days.  After an injury during my latest hospital project I have an almost completely detached labrum, two other hip tendon tears, on crutches, limited driving and NO TRAVEL allowed!    Not sure if surgery or physical therapy is my near future, one of them is- but my Ortho has now referred me to his partner who specializes in hips.

I guess my days of pretty high heels are out for a while!

And head on over to Sew Red For Women's blog to see another bit of inspiration for this Free Tutorial!

DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY HERE!!

Color Your World!

If there is just one thing I can say about Malka Dubrawsky, it's that she is a genius!  What I would give to take a dye class from her!!!  I love her book, and I could not wait for her collection to arrive! A Stitch in Color is one of my favorite collections this year!

Make your world a brighter place and save money too!  A Stitch in Color is now an additional 15% off our already amazingly low prices. 

Shop now!

And would you like to win her AMAZING book?  Blog, Twitter or Facebook about this sale for a chance to win her book "Fresh Quilting".  Please leave a separate comment for each activity for more chances to win.  A winner will be selected by random drawing on Wednesday, February 29th.   Please note: the winning entry will be verified, so please indicate the name of your Blog, Twitter or Facebook account. 

Good Luck!

Sale cannot be applied to previous purchases or used in conjunction with a promotion code for further reductions.  Sale ends Wednesday, February 29th at midnight CST.  Purchase must be complete by that time to receive promotional pricing.

 

Web Shopper Appreciation Sale!

Don't miss unbelievable savings during the final day of the Fab Shop Web Shoppers Appreciation Day sale!

Shop now!

Web Shopper Appreciation Sale cannot be combined with a promotion code for further discounts, cannot be applied to previous purchases.  Applies only to items contained with in the Web Shopper Appreciation Sale Category only.

President's Day Sale

President's Day honors the legacies of all U.S. Presidents, both former and current.  Originally established in 1800 to honor the birthdays of both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, it soon became a day to honor the accomplishments all U.S. Presidents.

In celebration, save 10% at Burgundy Buttons using promotion code PDS12.  Please see exclusions.

Shop Burgundy Buttons now!

NOT VALID ON PREVIOUS PURCHASES!  Must be used during check out to receive discount.  Cannot be applied later.  Not valid on certain items as described in their item description.  Promotion code should be added on sign in page of check out or address page of guest check out.  Sale ends Monday, midnight CST.

Valentine's Day Sale at Burgundy Buttons!

Burgundy Buttons loves our customers, readers, friends and family!  To celebrate our love, we're having a sale!  Use promotion code "heart2012" to save 10% from now until February 15.

Shop Burgundy Buttons now!


Not valid on previous purchases or certain items as described in their item description.  Not valid in combination with a second promotion code as only one promotion code can be used per purchase.  Must enter promotion code during purchase to receive discount.  Discounted price will be reflected as the new price rather than in the discount section of check out. Sale ends at midnight CST.

Sew Red for Women Block 1 is Here!

Welcome to Sew Red for Women's Block 1! Sew Red for Women was created to raise awareness of Heart Disease among women by way of creativity and camaraderie within the modern sewing community.

From February 3rd, 2012 to January 3rd 2013 Sew Red for Women will feature an original quilt block designed especially for you by some of today's most inspiring designers & bloggers. A special link is provided to hop on over to the blogger's site for details and instructions for completing the featured block.

And this month's mine! And you've found me!  And since today, February 3rd; is National Wear Red Day, hopefully you are reading this in your favorite rose-colored gear!

My Block: My Chevron Heart

My block embodies the classic look of chevrons positioned to represent the diverse heart of a woman. And the heart of women is why we are here! 

You can find the tutorial for making this block here.  I hope you enjoy this tutorial as much as I enjoyed making it!

Love the block? Want to make it using Chemistry?  Get the Fabric Pack at Burgundy Buttons!  Our check out our RED fabric section for other fabric ideas!

Head back to Sew Red For Women next month for Block Two featured by Fat Quarterly's Tacha Bruecher of Hanies Quilts.

The next block will be presented on March 3.  Until then, have a heart healthy day!

Raise Your Glass to Savings!

It's time to raise your glass to savings!  During Burgundy Buttons Happy Hour, our blog and Facebook readers save 10% on your cart purchase.  3pm-12 midnight CST Today only!  Use promotion code HH0112 to save!

Shop the Happy Hour Sale Now!

Happy Hour pricing not valid on previous purchases.  Not valid in combination with another promotion code.  Purchase must be completed between the hours of 3pm and midnight CST to receive Happy Hour pricing.  Excludes certain items as described in their item detail.  Happy Hour pricing will display AS NEW PRICE after applying the promotion code, NOT as a discount in the discount portion of the invoice.   See below as an example of where to place promoton code when you are signed in or as a guest.

Sneak Peek

A little sneak peek of Sew Red for Women's Block 1. Don't forget to show your support for Sew Red for Women and awareness of heart disease by placing our button on your blog!  Our hearts are too important to ignore!

The Sew Red For Women Blog Hop Kicks off here on February 3rd, so be sure and check it out on Friday!

Needles & Thread

Check out Fat Quarterly's Issue #8!   As part of a designer's challenge, I was invited to create my own modern interpretation of the Spool Block.

Needles & Thread, shown above; was designed to not only feature a spool of thread, but it's partner in crime- needles!

Get the tutorial at the Fat Quarterly!

And notice my use of the uber-wonderful fabric, A Stitch in Color!  To celebrate, we are offering 5% off A Stitch in Color, this week only!  Use promotion code STITCH!

Promotion code valid on A Stitch in Color only.  Cannot be combined with an additional promotion code, not valid on previous purchases.  Sale ends Friday, midnight CST.  Once the sale price is used, the new price will appear in the cart AS THE NEW PRICE, NOT AS A DISCOUNT.  See below to outline where to place promotion code when checking out...

Good Fortune Awaits!

Cherry blossoms are in full bloom as you take a leisurely stroll through this springtime water garden. Waterfalls of color energize your creative spirit as you meander along through raked sand gardens in the calming shade of bamboo trees. Discover the collection’s tranquil blossoms, dragonflies, lotus ponds, and geometric expressions of the harmony of nature. Good fortune and happiness await you!

Get some Good Fortune while saving a fortune today, at Burgundy Buttons!

Color me Happy!

My absolute most FAVORITIST fabric ever in the history of the world.  Times Ten.  Times Infinity.  Times infinity squared!

Simple, graphic patterns and bold colors define this collection.  These fabrics were inspired by the hand dyed and patterned batiks that Malka Dubrawsky had been been making for years. They’re fun and functional for a bevy of sewing projects, perfect for piecing into quilts or crafting garments.

Used sparingly, they can infuse a bit of color among neutrals or if used throughout a project allow you to stitch away in luminous, artisan-crafted color.

Get A Stitch In Color now at the always low Burgundy Buttons price!

My Second Bee

I am loving my first quilting bee "sew" much that I joined another.  And Christine over at Quilt Monster in my Closet even let me make the button!

What do you think?--------->

This blog will obviously focus on wonky blocks which is right my love alley!  Wait till she sees the blocks inspired by my favorite Block Party Book that I gave as inspiration for my Sew...Bee...Create buddies this month!

She's gonna be jealous!

Ever since my first bee buddy Melissa let me design the button for Sew...Bee...Create.....And then BeeJeebers...  I have been obsessed with making blog buttons!

It might be more fun than the actual Quilting Bee to me!

I really want to join a Mosiac Bee, but can't seem to find one open.  Let me know if you see one!  Until then...Quilt, Quilt for now! (QQFN- who say's we can't make our own text lingo?)

Sew Red for Women Blog Hop Details

Final details on the Sew Red Blog Hop are in!

What is the hop about?

Well, it's about hopping!  And raising awareness about heart disease!

Each month, Sew Red for Women will feature an original quilt block designed ecspecially for you by some of today's most inspiring designers & bloggers.  We will provide a special link to hop on over to the blogger and/or designer's site for details and instructions for completing the featured block. And you just might learn a thing or two about heart disease while you're there!

The hopping begins on February 3rd, which happens to be Wear Red Day!


Who's Partcipating? And when?

February 3
Leah of Burgundy Buttons

March 3
Fat Quarterly's Tacha of Hanies Quilts

April 3
Katie of Swim, Bike, Quilt

May 3
Melissa Corry of Happy Quilting

June 3
Charlie of Qubee Quilts

July 3
Jessica of Twin Fibers

August 3
Melissa of The Polkadot Chair

September 3
Amber of A Little Bit Biased
October 3
Amy of Diary of a Quilter

November 3
Amy of Amy's Creative Side

December 3
Sherri of A Quilting Life
January 3

Lynne of Lily's Quilts


What fabric are we using?
 While we do not yet have a final fabric supply list as the designer's are still creating thier block, we will be using fabrics from Chemistry by Cosmo Cricket and coordinating Bella Solids.  Naturally you may use any fabric you like!

As the blocks are released, Burgundy Buttons will offer a block-specific fabric pack for purchase while supplies last.

Will there be a flickr group?

What fun is it if you can't show off?  Share pictures of your block and finished projects with the group at http://www.flickr.com/groups/sewredforwomen/

We are so excited to bring you this heart friendly hop and raise awareness about heart disease at the same time!  Please help us save lives by sharing information about this event on your blogsite, twitter and facebook!  Grab a button from the Sew Red for Women Blog and add it to your side bar!

Together we can make a difference!

Inventory Clearance Sale

We've got shipments upon shipments of new fabric coming in so it's time to make room!  Save bundles of green on our inventory clearance sale! 

Shop now, sale ends Thursday January 19!

Not valid on previous purchases or in combination with a promotion code for further reductions.  Please complete shopping before midnight, CST.

Bella Solid Colors on Sale!

Bella Solid Colors by the yard on sale for 29% off retail!  Solids are IT right now in modern quilting!  Simplistic yet show stealing in it's own unpretentious way.  Grab some some Bella now at a very special Burgundy Buttons price!

Shop now!  Sale ends Thursday!

Don't forget to visit our new SEW RED FOR WOMEN blogsite and grab a button to show your support of raising awareness of Heart Disease among Women!

Sale only valid on Bella solid colors by the yard.  Not valid in whites, creams, ivories or other neutrals or on Bella precuts.  Not valid on previous purchase.  Sale ends Thursday, midnight CST.  

Something Close to My Heart.

I have written before about loosing my Mother to heart disease, and my involvement with the American Heart Association Heart Walks... but I am writing you now to tell that I am doing even more about it!!  Head on over to Sew Red for Women and read more about this exciting adventure.

While you are over there, grab some buttons!  Stick them on your blog, website, facebook and twitter... I really want to raise awareness of the Blog Hop FULL THROTTLE before it starts.   Read about becoming a contributor as well! 

It's time to start taking charge of our hearts! 

Valentine's Day Fabric on Sale!

Burgundy Buttons wants to share to share the love!  All Valentine's Day fabric is on sale for an additional 37% off our already amazingly low prices.  Shop now!  Sale ends Thursday!

Not valid on previous purchases or in combination with a promotion code for further reductions.  Sale ends Thursdays, midnight CST.

Sew...Bee...Create January Block

Inspired by the Block Party book, but I didn't follow the pattern. 

Packets to my Bee Buddies go out in the mail tomorrow. 

Each has color coordinated fabric, but different cuts and sizes so that it will be unlikely they can all create the same blocks.

I can't WAIT to see what everyone comes up with!

Happy New Year

It's been a busy 2011, and I certainly don't see 2012 slowing down any!  I have jotted down my Financial, Spiritual, Physical, Personal, Career #1 (Corporate America), Career #2 (Burgundy Buttons) and Educational goals for 2012.  You should sit down and do the same!  You will have a hard time finding where you want to be if you don't know where that is. 

Thank you all for helping make Burgundy Buttons 2011 year GREAT!  I look forward to spending 2012 with you!

Happy New Year!