Tuesday, November 26, 2013

New Blog Address in Process

I am in the middle of redoing my website and blog. I have transferred my blog to the new site already, so I don't want to add new content here. I will post the new link here when it becomes active. I was hoping to get it finished this week, but with Thanksgiving, next week is more realistic. I have been posting on Facebook and Instagram. (If those links don't work, my name on social media is MooseQuilts.) I'd love to see you there!

Stay tuned for the new site because I will have some "Grand Reopening" prize giveaways!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Moda Bake Shop: Hallie's Hexi Stars

Today I have a post at Moda Bake Shop!
 
 
This is something new for me. I wanted to do something different with the hexagons that are all the rage. I cut them apart and sewed them together to make Hexi Stars. It was even more of a stretch because I hand pieced them - and I liked it!
 
I was really surprised that I liked it because I have tried hand work before. I don't enjoy hand applique. I only hand bind when I am not in a hurry, so that doesn't happen very often. I guess I am learning to appreciate slow arts. Last year I did some hand quilting (http://moosequilts.blogspot.com/2012/07/obsession.html) and I did enjoy that. I think it is interesting that even though I like to do things quickly, there is some hand work that is quick enough that I don't get frustrated. The hand piecing wasn't as fiddly as applique. Even my large hands can find success hand piecing.
 
The best part about hand piecing a small project like this is the portability. I made this table topper while waiting for children in different places. It was great to be able to do something constructive with my time instead of just waiting.
 
I hope you will give hand piecing a try. This small project (about 24") was really fun!

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Quilting in Space?!?

I just read a fun story about quilting in space!
 
Here's a link to the story about Astronaut Karen Nyberg: http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-110113a.html There's an amazing video where Karen explains how it works to sew in space. (And she has a fabulous ponytail!)
 
This picture is from the article.
 
 
Then it gets better! Next year in Houston at the International Quilt Festival this block will be part of a quilt along with other star blocks that we can submit!
 
Here's a link to the details: