She’s expects that since I’ve sold a few baby/toddler quilts online, this shouldn’t be a big deal.  I had to laugh, if only that were true.  But I hope that one of you sweet viewers might fall in love with one of her creations and feel compelled to help out a good cause.  The quilts are listed in my etsy shop and please feel free to email me if you’d like to make your best offer.  I’d love to hear from you.

Rachel at Stitched in Color is also letting me submit them into her Scrap Attack Quilt Along/Flickr Group to support all the scrappiness out there.  In addition, my mom can get a little taste of the quilting online community, which is pretty amazing!  Our generation is certainly lucky to have the internet and talented quilters/bloggers who openly share their latest craft-tastic-ness!  I’m especially thankful since my local sewing community is itty bitty…but I live in rural Hawaii, so I’m not complaining!

Okay, enough already!  Here’s her charity quilt collection in all it’s Hawaiian flavor.  If you’re interested in purchasing, please enter my etsy shop.  Remember, ALL proceeds are donated to charity.

Rainbow Fish

48″ X 59″ Quilt Top

Close Up Detail

Binding

Quilt Back

Big Island Aloha

50″ X 66″ Quilt Top

Close Up Detail

3D Aloha Shirt with Coconut Buttons

Binding & Quilt Back

Honolulu Aloha

50″ X 66″ Quilt Top

Close Up Detail

3D Aloha Shirt with Coconut Buttons

Binding & Quilt Back

Golf  Big Island of Hawaii – Hualālai

54″ X 66 1/2″ Quilt Top

Close Up Detail

Binding & Border

Quilt Back

Golf Big Island of Hawaii – Hapuna

54″ X 66 1/2″ Quilt Top

Close Up Detail

Binding & Border

Quilt Back

Again, the quilts are listed for sale at my etsy shop.  If you’d like to make any of these quilts into a wall hanging, my mama has offered to add a hanging sleeve at no additional charge.  Flat rate shipping will be at an additional charge.

My sincere appreciation for your interest!

♥ Robin & Robin’s Mama

Work/Selling In Progress

Last year, I was excited to participate in do. Good Stitches {a charity bee}.  One particular month, Elizabeth of Oh, Fransson was the quilt designer and I was lucky enough to be a stitcher.  I fell madly in love with her mod-mosaic quilt blocks and had fun creating two of my own to contribute.

Do you see where I’m going with this?  Oh yessiree, I’m ecstatic to make my very own for our living room display.  This will be quite a bit of work, but I’m in no rush.  Rachel at Stitched in Color is hosting a Scrap Attack Quilt Along and I think this will be a good opportunity to hold myself accountable for a completion date at the end of March 2012.  I’ve never needed help keeping motivated, but it will still be fun to be part of a scrapping community.  Speaking of scraps, I’ll be using various fabrics from my 2011 quilt orders and a few other projects.  If you’ve ordered a quilt from me, you’ll probably spy your quilt scraps.  And since most of my quilt orders are from sweet friends, this will end up being a sentimental quilt.

Luckily, I’ve been hording my scraps, in desired colors, just for this project. Unfortunately, I don’t have enough scraps for a queen size quilt , so I’ll cut into my stash.  And since I always order just a little extra to stash away for my personal projects, I should have enough.

There’s a particular piece of artwork above our television that I love.  I’m pulling all the same colors from my scraps and their larger counterparts that are stashed away.  I’m going matchy-matchy, which I normally hate.  However, since it’s a mosaic design with multiple contrasting colors, I think I’ll love it.  To be sure before I pour a lot of hard work into a large quilt, I did a sample square.  And baby, I think I’m in love.

Love is a funny thing.  Sometimes you just know it’s the one.  And sometimes you “think” you know it’s the one, but then it’s not.  Do you know what I mean?  So I turned this mod-mosaic square into a pillow and will hang out with it for a while to be sure.  If I keep stealing glimpses from it, then I’ll proceed.  If not, I’ll keep searching for another scrappy design.  I’m 99.9% sure this is it!

Artwork & Coordinating Fabric

Fabric Scraps from Past Projects

{Larger Stash Pictured Above}

Scrappy – Mod – Mosaic Pillow

Imagine this square as a queen size quilt.  Hard work?  Absolutely!  Worth it?  I think, oh yes!  And onto some super-duper cuteness, we got a puppy!  She’s a golden retriever mix.  And do you notice she’s the same color as my flooring?  So on purpose!  Wow, I did not realize a new puppy would be such hard work.  I’m like seriously exhausted!  We are house/crate training her.  We’ve been very diligent and consistent with her training {thanks to inspiration from Cesar Millan}.  Surprisingly, she has learned so much in just 5 short days.  Luckily, I am taking her to work with me and hopefully that will lend to a very sociable and obedient dog.  At least that’s the plan.

Our girl, Kona ♥

♥ Robin

Yahoo, I finished just in time to wrap this “quilt of awesomeness” and stick it under our Christmas tree for Cheyenne.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get the decorative pillow done.  Luckily, he didn’t seem to notice or care for that matter.  I’ll get the pillow done in the next few days.  I’m quite happy with this quilt.  Actually, it’s pretty bad ass.  Thanks to Elizabeth, I’m pretty popular with my son over this quilt.  I was hoping she would post her finished version so I could see how she put all her space invader squares together.  Dangit, that didn’t happen.  I was on my own.  Hopefully I did it justice.  I opted for a  Kona Coal background as opposed to Kona Pepper and made the space invaders larger.  Kona Coal is the loveliest shade of grey I’ve ever seen.  I’m slowly converting the boy’s room over to yellow & grey, so this option worked better for me.  Plus, it fulfills my Kona Coal crushing needs.  One regret, I wanted to quilt a techno free motion pattern, but I ran out of time and fell back on my loopy/puzzle look to save time.  I do love the textured look acquired, but wish I would’ve had some extra time to do something different…like this.  Next time.  Regardless, it’s the coolestestest quilt I’ve ever made.  And it’s 726, 3″ squares, holy crud!

Space Invader Quilt

Back: Grey Twin Flat Sheet from Walmart

Space Invader Fabric Binding

Matching Pillowcase: Repurposed pillowcase from Walmart

This one was a blast.  I really loved making this quilt.  Again, thank you Elizabeth for the inspiration.  You are a genius!

♥ R

::Extreme Team::

{Twin Size Quilt}

Kona in Glacier Binding & Matching Pillow Case:

Next on the agenda, Cheyenne’s Space Invaders Quilt.  I’ve gotten through half of the invaders and have another 3 to go.  These buggers are too much fun, however slightly time consuming.  But I have to say, I don’t mind.  They were ingeniously designed by Elizabeth Hartman of Oh, Fransson!, who I love!  Once I saw her post on the space invader quilt she was making for her nephew, I knew it was perfect for Cheyenne too.  I’m so excited to bring her genius into my home yet again!  Yes, I am more or less following her pattern, but I have different colors and the space invaders are larger.  The individuals squares finish at 2 1/2″ square.  Unfortunately, the pictures don’t do the fabric colors justice.  They are so fun & vibrant.  Cheyenne is going to FLIP OUT!

The space invader gang, so far:

I had to take a sewing break this past weekend due to the upcoming finals week…ugh!  {speaking of, I took today off to study, but look at me…I’m blogging instead} But I’ll be back at it after Wednesday.  Oh yay, I’m so close to being done with this semester.  I can taste victory!

♥ R

Luke’s Extreme Team quilt has been a challenge.  I told my husband, “It would be Luke’s quilt to give me trouble!”  He laughed because it’s true, he’s our kolohe (stinker) boy!  What do I mean by trouble?  Well, I sandwich pinned the quilt 2 times and also pulled out free motion quilting stitches for about 1/4 of the quilt.  Yup…it was painful!  Why?  Well, I’ll tell you.  Our kids only like to snuggle fluffy polyester blankets.  I thought, hmmm…I’ll quilt the top right onto a polyester blanket and forgo batting.  Cheap + Soft = Perfect!  Not quite.  You see, those snuggly blankets are shifty.  After I pinned and quilted 1/4 of the quilt, I noticed the massive puckers in the back and the quilt top was squirmy.  So I quit.  Took the quilt to work with me the next day and ripped out yellow stitches.  Luckily, I hadn’t given up and I reevaluated using yellow thread.  It was a great concept, but didn’t add enough contrast against the Kona in Natural sashing and it clashed with the black squares.  So I bought lovely charcoal thread and found a different polyester blanket that felt more like flannel, but was thicker.  This time around, the blanket worked flawlessly.  And the charcoal thread is exactly right.  Yay!  I finished free motion quilting last night and prepped my binding.

Free Motion Quilting in Charcoal

Kona in Glacier ♦ Binding

Extreme Team-ed a Walmart Pillow Case

::Extreme Team:: Progress

Next, a decorative pillow to tie it all together.

And just for fun…

Happy Holidays!

{Photographed by Fletch Photography}

♥ R

]]> http://tiptoetango.com/2011/12/07/just-plain-progress/feed/ 2 Robin ♥ Extreme Team 031-1 Extreme Team 027-1 Extreme Team 022-1 Extreme Team 040-1 C_03-1 http://tiptoetango.com/2011/11/30/extreme-team-space-invaders/ http://tiptoetango.com/2011/11/30/extreme-team-space-invaders/#comments Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:58:43 +0000 Robin ♥ http://tiptoetango.com/?p=1156 ]]> I’m so happy to be quilting for my boys!  In spending so much time quilting for everyone else, I’ve been convicted to quilt for our home.  Luke and Cheyenne are best buds and worst enemies, so it would come to no surprise that they love completely opposite things.  Luke (9) is A.D.D. to the max and needs constant activity to keep him busy.  He’s an extremely gifted, natural athlete and has enough bravery to scare any mother half to death.  He’s been begging me to make him a coaster with dirt bike fabric.  I know, coaster?  Well, it started with our oldest, Isaac (12), borrowing mine and I eventually made him his own with a fun squid print.  So naturally, Luke wanted one too.  Yes, I’ll make sure to also make him a coaster, but I thought I’d go big and really surprise him for Christmas.  I found the Extreme Team line by Michael Miller {love him} and I bought enough for a twin size quilt.  Since the boys are growing so fast and thus will need to upgrade their blankets within a few years, I didn’t want to make anything to intricate.  I felt using 10 1/2″ squares would be perfect.  He’ll be able to enjoy the large prints and it’ll be easier for me too.  I made quite a few different squares for interest and I really like how it came out, totally boy!  I’ll be sashing the squares with 2″ finished sashing in yellow or…?  I was completely committed to yellow but now that I have it cut out, I’m not so sure.  I think I’ll swing by the fabric shop one more time for a quick meander before I stitch the top together.

Luke

Extreme Team 10 1/2" Squares

Contemplating Yellow Sashing

Next, I’m working on a Space Invaders quilt for Cheyenne (9) who is my computer tech savvy, A+++ smarty pants.  That being said, he won’t dare ride a bike for fear of falling.  Yes, he’s my calm and cautious sweetheart.  I’m positive Cheyenne is the greatest lover of video games that ever existed.  If it was up to him, he would have no time limits and be able to game all day, every day…scary!  So naturally, when I saw Elizabeth Fransson’s recent post, I completely freaked out.  And yes, the space invader fabric was completely sold out online.  I emailed about 15 different etsy shops that had made items from my favorite space invaders print.  I lucked out and found a wonderful etsy shop that was selling space invader placements and happened to have extra yardage to sell me.  What a score!!!  I’ve also picked up my Kona solids for the magnified, pixellated space invaders and I’m so ready to have fun with this quilt!  It’s not like me to copy another quilter, but this time I can’t help myself.  I just hope I can finish this one before Christmas!

Luke & Cheyenne {Camping}

Space Invaders

So there you have it…my {WIP} for the month of December!  And trust me, these aren’t the only projects on my list…yikes!

♥ R

Last week, I was searching around etsy land for space invader fabric {btw, I found some} and happened across a sweet panel fabric of The 12 Days of Christmas.  I had been entertaining the idea of making a Christmas quilt, so I took a closer look.  Although this was hardly enough for a quilt, the panel was on sale for only $2.50.  I couldn’t pass up the deal and although it wasn’t my style, I knew I could repurpose it perfectly.  When the panel arrived no one was more excited than Carmen.  She remembered a book at her grandma’s house telling the story about the 12 days.  Of course we had to borrow the book just to retell the story and get into the Christmas spirit.  After singing the song, what feels like a million times, I started to work on repurposing.

original panel

I decided to cut out the 6″ squares leaving 1/2″ border all around.  I found a Kona solid in my stash and used it as 2 1/2″ sashing for a more modern feel.

repurposed using 2 1/2" sashing

I proceeded to quilt using a free motion technique and my oh my, these projects whip up quickly!  Next, finding a binding with all the right colors.  This was an unexpected surprise and I’m so happy I still had enough left!

Binding

I could sew small projects all day long!  They’re so fun & the reward is only a day away!

the 12 days of christmas

wood dowel/rod insert

I certainly hope you are enjoying the holiday season and finding special ways to add charm & jolly into the season.  We had so much fun during Thanksgiving and I was reminded how truly awesome my family is.  Next, I’m working on an Extreme Team quilt for Luke, our 9 year old son.  He’s going to be STOKED!!!

Happy Holiday,

Robin

This means:

The laundry will have to wait.

You might find my house messy {serious pet peeve}.

I might have to slack here & there on homework.

No more McDonald’s dollar menu on the fly.

{Frappe Mocha, I will miss you!}

Quilt orders are currently on hold.

Exercise 5 times a week.

{My work out videos might wake or keep my family up…too bad!}

Weight Watchers to keep me accountable about my diet.

If I say I can’t eat your holiday desserts, don’t force me.  I’m fragile!

No E.R. visits!

I can do this!  I have to do this!  The enjoyment of my existence depends on it!  Okay, enough of the dramatics.  I just miss my waist line.  Miss feeling pretty.  Hate being self-conscious.  Who wants to think about themselves all the time?  Not me!

♥ R

PS. Keys, I’m sorry for the extra bashing while I typed.  It’s just being vulnerable is sort of painful for me.  Love, Me!

Pictures:

Island Trails Quilt Top

Close Up

Mr. Whale & Fishy Friends

Fish Reserve at Keauhou

Soccer Time at Hapuna Beach

East Side Surfing

Seaweed-ish Quilt Back

Toy/Pacifier Loops

And that’s a wrap!

Next project, a birthday present for a special lady!

♥ R

Meet the fish:

Mr. Whale has a few new friends.

Two fish buddies cruising by Waipi'o Valley.

{Note: Isaac hand stitched the “y” in Valley, which happened to be the last letter to complete the locations.  He was upset that he only caught me on the last letter as he was hoping to do more.  I’ll share with you his new found interest at the end.  He’s too funny.  Ps. Isaac is my 11 yr old step son.}

And three more over by Magic Sands since there is a fish reserve in Keauhou.

Aw so fun!  I love these little guys.  I hand stitched them into place by using the color of their tail side.  I think they look oh so cute and I bet they will be loved by the little one.  My littlest, Carmen, was trying to convince me that I didn’t need to put them all on the quilt because she NEEDS a fish hair clip, especially the pink one by Mr. Whale.  Oh that girl…I think I heard “Please” 4 million times.  After reminding her about Nemo and how sad Miss Pink Fishy would be if we separated her from the pack, she agreed.  They should stick together and so they shall.

I also added more depth to the lava flow.  Thank you Sarah for the advice and help with the color selection.  Oh and I thank you a million times over for ripping out the “spider” craters for me.  She also hand stitched “Mauna Loa” for me, which guided me to enlarge some of the locations and hand stitch in a better way.  You just never know what “girls night” at my house will have you doing.  I promise not to torture you ever again…xoxo

Lava Flow

Here I am with just a few more things to do before I can baste and quilt.  I’ll be hand stitching the trail, soccer ball, and need to do something to add sand by the beach appliques.  My original plan was to have more appliqued locations, but at this point I’m thinking less is more.

Island Trails

{Note: If you are wondering what the purple marks are, it’s dissapearing ink.  Ironically, it’s still there…go figure.  However, it will wash out.}

I’ve also picked out the back fabric & binding fabric.  Thankfully, I purchased these when they came out.  Good luck finding them now.  It’s just insane how fast collections fly in and out of shops.

I’m so excited about both:

Back: Vice Versa by Alice Kennedy/Green

Binding: Make Life by Sweetwater from Moda/Tangerine

Back & Binding

And there you have it.  My WIP Wednesday is full of cuteness!

Oh and so is Isaac!  Here he is debuting his masculine and feminine side:

Isaac

 He was begging to hand stitch.  I found some extra fabric and stretched it in a hoop.  I outlined his name with “disappearing” ink and treaded a needle.  He had been watching me and took it from there.  He loved doing it and added the C. because he didn’t want to stop.  I was VERY impressed.

Hope you’re having a happy day…

♥ R

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