Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Flower Patch QAL Quilt Top Finished!!

 1 
Okay, so I started this project back in June and I was so happy that so many of you joined me with my first Quilt Along.  It has been a low key, make at your own pace kind of project, but I have still felt the need to get mine finished.  Now I just need to get it quilted!  For those of you who are still working on yours, or would like to still make your quilt - please do.  I have the PDF version of my Flower Patch pattern still on sale here.
I won't get to the quilting for a couple months because of other quilts that need to be finished first, so I appreciate your patience with me on that if you have been waiting to see how I am going to quilt this top. 

 2
I used 1 layer cake and 1 jelly roll for the quilt top.  Angela Yosten's Flats was my fabric of choice and I love how it turned out.  I have an equivalent of 4 jelly roll strips left of my fabric, so this pattern really uses most of the layer cake and jelly roll without much waste.

3
When I first designed this pattern I just loved it.  I love flowers and to transfer that love of flowers to pieced blocks is just too fun!

4
This happens to be my favorite color combo and block.  The red and orange are just so great together.

5
It was a stretch for me to add the grey into the quilt, but I do love it.

6
So, how are you coming along with yours? Share your pictures on my Flickr group here.   

Saturday, August 24, 2013

5 years - Anniversary Sale!

 We have been in business 5 years, we are celebrating with you by giving away free fabric in random orders and giving you extra discounts using the above code 5YEARS. Come and see what we have available in the shop, then come back and read my story of how Green Fairy Quilts came to be below! 
 
 5 years 
Okay, so 5 years ago today I had a 5 day old little guy - the huge 5 year old pictured above.  We had sold our home in the Salt Lake Valley, the U-Haul was packed and we headed 4 hours south to Saint George, Utah.  People thought we were crazy, I admit I was a little scared, but Clint and I had made a decision together to try to make a business work and live the dream of working for ourselves, so we moved forward. The hardest part about the move was knowing that we would not be around family.  We would have to rely on God and each other to make it work.  Looking back it was hard, but it was the best decision we have ever made.  We can look back and realize that it did work out.  It has been a lot of hard work and perseverance, but we are so happy to say that Clint and Judi Madsen's Green Fairy Quilts has been in business for 5 years.  I still can't believe it.
    
ruler
We have all of you to thank for being wonderful clients and customers.  All of those ladies who gave me a chance with my new longarm.  We are thankful to Moda and Riley Blake Designs for having beautiful fabric that we love to sell. It has been a long, bumpy road, but we are so thankful to all of you for helping us make it happen.  Thank you!

I am happy to say that I finally have the straight ruler I use for quilting in the shop, there is a limited quantity right now, but we have placed an order for more.  This ruler is amazing, I have used it for all of my quilting during the past 5 years.  I used it in this tutorial if you want to see for yourself how it works.   

Last, but not least - my book!  I wish I could say I have it in stock, especially with this day being our anniversary - but, it will be a few more weeks.  My editor informed me that because of staffing changes they have gotten a little behind, but are diligently working on my book now and it should be in my hands and ready to ship to you around the end of September/first of October.  So, please be patient with me as I am being patient with them.  I know a lot of you have pre-purchased the book and are anxiously waiting for it and I hope you won't mind waiting just a few weeks longer.

Thanks again to all of you!  We could not be in business without you!!
   

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Little projects.

1 
Last week I was able to sneak in 2 little projects.  This first project is an applique pattern featured in the book: Applique Outside the Linesby  Piece O Cake designs. I love it.  Robin pieced and appliqued this wall hanging and I think it is just beautiful.   

2
I quilted a swirl in the borders and a swirl/circle design in the background fabric. I quilted around the applique to make it stand out. 

3
I think the colors in this project are fantastic and it was really fun to work on this wall hanging. I think the quilting texture is just beautiful for this sweet design.  Great project Robin!

 1
This next project was completed by Emily, my dear friend.  She has a way of making every quilt she works on become more than just a quilt, but one with meaning.  She made this for a dear friend of hers and based it off a picture her friend found online.  I would like to give credit to the artist, but I haven't been able to find that - let me know if you know who it is by.  Anyway, it is just a fun little quilt and it was a joy to work on. 

 2
I free motion quilted the feather/circle design. I got the idea to do this from the yellow fabric.  It had feathers throughout and I wanted to keep that design within the quilting.  It was really fun to quilt. 

3
The hexagons at the bottom are pure genius.  I love how Emily puts quilts together.

4
Close up of the feather/circle design.  It was fun. I used So Fine and Glide threads for the projects and just one layer of wool batting for both. Thanks everyone! 

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Winner

best of both worlds 
My last post was therapeutic to say the least.  I loved everything that was said and all of you gave me such great advice that I have been inspired to keep this happiness up.  Thank you, Thank you!  I appreciate you all so much.  The plan for me is to really limit instagram time, and go back to keeping up on blogs.  I was happier then and it was not always checking my phone to see the blogs update, I just read them when I could.  
I had a few people ask me about my bed, the frame was purchased over 3 years ago here.  And, my mom's quilt is at the bottom of the bed, I love it there.  So grateful I have this treasure from her.  

Winner is Laura T, she said:

"Wow such amazing comments. I understand what you said about coveting. I got off Facebook, Pinterest, etc... for about 2 weeks and that helped. Got back on because family seems to post to Facebook and miss seeing photos of kids etc and that sees to be the only way to keep up. I was getting too caught up in some of the quilting Facebook friends and comparing my self and time to them and it was too self-defeating. Taking the break helped and then just realizing everyone has different talents and time so I just need to be happy with what is going on now and being present in my time. It's important to stay true to yourself and your family and you will be fine:-)" 

Email me your address at judi (at) greenfairyquilts (dot) com and I will get the fat quarter bundle shipped out asap.  

Thanks everyone.  Stay tuned for a couple of small projects I finished last week. 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Content vs Covet - oh and a giveaway!

***update*** giveaway closed.
 before 
Okay, so this is my bed before. I wanted to share this with you because I love it. My mom made this quilt and the pillows for me and I have loved them for two years now.  But, every now and again a change is in need.  I'll explain.  I have spent the last couple months stressing over a few things, mostly quilting and designing and all the hopes and dreams that come with this job.  Also, add teaching into the mix for next year and I find that I have been a little stressed because of the planning I have to do now.

So, what do I do?  I stalk Instagram, Facebook and blogs (all things quilty) out there and I become a little obsessed - maybe too much.  I find myself taking on more projects, I amp up my goals and I drive myself crazy trying to accomplish more than I need to. And, then I make a critical mistake.  I start comparing myself to others.  Which of course leads to coveting.  Pretty sure I know why one of the ten commandments is "Thou shalt not covet."  It really is so dangerous because you start to be unhappy with what you have.  Tell me you do this too and that I am not the only one that has fallen into the trap of discontentment.  So, I pull back - thank heavens for family who are patient and can help me realize the source of all my crazy.
 
after
So, I went to the store.  Bound and determined to have a "trendy" new bed spread - colors and all, but you know what I found out?  I went with the colors I love.  I am drawn to earthy colors and I always have been.  The white fluffy bedspread I wanted became cream, flat and quilted - the turquoise pillows became green.  Instead of changing out my rusty orange drapes, I got pillows to compliment them. It was a change that I needed for the moment, but I realized I wanted the colors I love, not what Pinterest shows me are "in."    

closeup
That is when I realized that the last couple months of comparing myself to others has made me so unhappy.  We are all so different and thank heavens for that.  We don't have to love the same things and have the same colors in our houses.  It is funny how Social Networking is so awesome, yet - it can make you jealous of everyone else.  So, I have decided that I will stop it!  I will cut back on the time I spend on Social Networks (it was bad, darn smart phone) and I will realize that what I have is all I need.  I will stay true to myself and what I love and not worry about others who seem to be accomplishing so much more than me.

So, that means I am back on my schedule.  I got off it and boy, that always gets me in a bind.  It has changed a bit, but I am completely mom in the morning.  I even started exercising today.  I think I need that. Since I will have three kids in school, and one that naps - I will only work 3 hours in the afternoon during nap time and one hour after bedtime.  4 hours - that is it.  Oh, and that means more time in the evening with Clint, so happy about that.   

So, if you find yourself being unhappy with what you have - take a step back, or a break from comparing and realize that each one of us has different talents, abilities and we are all amazing in our own way.  I really believe that, I just sometimes lose sight of it.  So, thanks for letting me get that off my chest.  It really helps to talk about it.  Anyway - to thank you for reading, especially this long post - I would like to give away a beautiful fat quarter bundle to one of you.

giveaway
Sunnyside by Kate Spain for Moda.  It is beautiful.  It is one of the new lines we have in the shop and I can not think of anything more fun than cutting into this line and making beautiful quilt tops.  I want one of you to be able to do just that.

Sunnyside
Oh, and the new camera - totally awesome.  Still learning, but can you see how amazing having a "close up" setting is? I love playing with my camera and hope to be really good someday. All in good time.

So, two chances to win.  Tell me your favorite new line in our shop, then tell me how you stay content and happy in your own home.

Thanks everyone!  Good luck.


Saturday, August 10, 2013

My first show taping, update on my book and some Flower Patch QAL blocks finished!

HQ1 
One week ago today I was sitting in the Handi Quilter warehouse waiting for my turn to be taped for the Quilt It! The Longarm Quilting Show.  Well, I was totally nervous.  I tried to talk myself out of doing this, but the sweet ladies at HQ were good enough to make me feel at ease and helped me through the process.

HQ2
When I walked in and saw the set up, I thought - crap, I hope I don't blow this.  Cameras. Lighting. Guys behind the camera and a desk with all the camera shots - this is the real deal!! And, I am just Judi - I like to quilt. Heaven help me. 

HQ3
First thing I need to do was to get used to the machine.  That was a little tricky, I hope you cannot tell how rusty I was on camera, seriously - I felt like I had never quilted before.  I am sure more of that was nerves, but still crazy.  I was fitted with a microphone - I totally talked with my hands the whole time, and I vowed to not watch this when it comes out.

 HQ4
Jodie Davis is a sweetheart!  She made me feel at ease the whole time.  It was so fun to meet her. We finished the taping in about 2 1/2 hours, it went really well.  Thank you so much to all the ladies there who helped me out - Brenda, Vicki and I think it was Carly who took these pictures for me.  As I was driving away I called Clint to tell him how it went.  He asked me when this would air - I told him I didn't ask.  I was so nervous I didn't even think to ask that question.  Seems like it would be the first question anyone would ask - yep, not me.  Anyway - I will keep you updated.  I really hope it isn't too torturous.  I shared one of my quilting templates from my book "Quilting Wide Open Spaces." So, that was fun. 

Speaking of my book, we are still in Pre-Order mode, and we have it discounted for all you who purchase it before it is released.  I got an email last week from my editor letting me know that the plan is to try to keep the August release, but to not set any book signings up yet.  So, it's August, and I know a lot of you have been super patient waiting for my book to come out - believe me, I am a wreck because I want to hold one in my hands too - but, just hold on a little longer and the minute I have it, I will ship it out to you asap! 

I just wanted to thank you all so much for your support!  I have had a wonderful response to my book and I am so grateful to all of you.  I just hope you like it when you see it!  Oh, the things I let myself worry about.

 Flower Patch QAL
Okay, so the Flower Patch QAL - I finished blocks 11,12,13 & 14 this week.  The blocks are turning out so cute and I just have 3 more flower blocks to go, then onto the quilt assembly.  Keep up with the group's progress here.

Okay, that about sums it up!  Have a great weekend everyone! 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Summer.

Summer is always crazy, but it is my favorite time of year.  The kids are home and I love it when they are home.  I had a crazy July with a couple timeline quilts, so the reunion spent last week with my family was such a reward for the stressful couple of weeks I put me and my family through.  The above picture was taken on my brother Jed's birthday.  He passed away when he was 3 months old (24 years ago) and he was the youngest of 11 children.  I remember that day vividly and each year on his birthday my parents get balloons to send up to heaven in remembrance of him.  It is a special time for our family and I am so grateful to have my children participate.
  
My handsome dad - looking on as we send off the balloons.  I am so proud to be his daughter. He is an incredible man.
  
 Some of us holding balloons, bless my mom's heart.  She is an incredible example of love, faith and perseverance through trials in life.  I hope I will be just like her someday.  Best part of the trip up north was that I got to see my brother - seen above in the turquoise.  I haven't seen him in almost two years since he lives in Pennsylvania.  It was so wonderful to have him and his wife and children around.  I wish they lived closer. 

 And they are off, one balloon for each person there. The kids really loved this part. 

Even Noah was okay with watching the balloons take off.

 After our trip up north we came home real quick just to get back in the car to travel south to California.  I love the beach, I love California - besides the traffic - it is the perfect place for our family to get away.  

 My sister and her family were making their first trip to the beach, (my sister and her husband have lived in the Midwest for most of their married life and recently moved back) so naturally we invited ourselves to tag along.  These two girls were with each other the whole time.  It was so cute!
 
 These two monkeys were having so much fun jumping the waves.  Small waves, and I am so thankful that I finally have a camera that can catch their jumps, especially since they cannot jump too high.  ;-)

 
We stopped in La Jolla to see the Sea Lions - we have never seen a sea lion outside of a zoo before so the kids really enjoyed that.  Such a beautiful area.
  
Best part of summer is the kids being kids.  I was able to relax this trip - I did not get over anxious about the safety of the kids, which is huge for me.  I am pretty sure that is because I had my sisters there with me.  They help me chill out. 
Yeah, he was 2 1/2 years old on this trip and lived up to the "terrible two's" stereotype, but oh - I wouldn't change it for a minute.  I am blessed each day with our incredible children and even in the hard times, I can not imagine my life without them.
  
Jess, Amy and me - the only thing better would be to have my other sisters here with us.  

 Sharing a beautiful sunset with my husband is the best way to end our vacation.  Family is everything to me and I know it is to you as well.  I hope you all had a wonderful summer and had time with your families.  School starts next week for us and I am getting a little depressed about it.  I guess it will be good for the kids to get back on a schedule.  Anyway - thanks for letting me share the last couple weeks I had with you.



 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Quilted Memories finished!!

QM1 
This quilt is a special quilt for my sister's in-laws - they just don't know it yet - it is a surprise for their wedding anniversary coming up this month.  This quilt was a combined effort between me and my mom.  The pattern is "Quilted Memories" designed by me.  However, we decided to make the pictures a little bit larger in this quilt to really show off the family photos.  Don't you think my mom did a beautiful job?  She pieced the top and it looks amazing.  Her ability to place colors and fabrics together and make them work together has always amazed me.  Way to go mom!

QM2
This was a more simple quilting job for me.  I used my mom's quilting machine while I was up in Salt Lake visiting family. 

QM3
I used a silver Magnifico thread that I think worked great with the grey, purple, cream and black colors in the quilt.

 QM4
I had a lot of fun with the quilting.  It really was just whimsical with a little stitch in the ditch and free motion quilting.

QM5
I love double connecting curves. 

QM6
The thread just looks so great! 

QM7
My favorite part of this quilt was the borders.  Feathers are so fun to quilt up.  I have not quilted feathers in quite a while, so it was a great change up in my quilting.

QM8
We used a Minky back and I think it turned out beautiful.

QM9
I sure hope they like this quilt.

QM10
Fun contrast.

QM11
So, that's it.  A beautiful quilt that will hopefully be cherished for a long time to come.