Tri-monthly blog post update!?

Wow. Don't blink! Three months just flashed by since my last blog post! Lest you think I have been completely slacking off or fallen off the face of the earth, let me give the short list version of what's been going on and then some pics:

In a nutshell:

• Celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary with my super supportive and fabric-tolerant husband
• #1 son graduated from high school
• Hosted the out of town family for mini reunion (for said graduation)
• #1 daughter wrapped up her freshman year of high school
• Year end dance weekend performances (for said daughter)
• Broke down and bought a new car (the week before graduation, because you know, I had lots of free time)
• Murphy's law, washer and dryer broke down a week after the car purchase so ended up buying those too (the Friday of graduation)
• Fiscal year end at my day job, always fun and exciting

In my quilt world:

• My Stash My Style giveaway completed
• Cleaned out and rearranged my sewing room
• Had one project published in a magazine
• Shipped two projects off for publication
• Shipped another project off to France (super excited about this one, more to come!)
• Went on annual retreat at the lake with great quilting buddies 
• Two guild presentations and workshops

Here are some quick pics I'll offer up as evidence for my blogging absence:

Fuzzy focus, but proof positive it happened!

(I don't think he'll read this so I think I can sneak this pic of me and the graduate!)

Me and hubby selfie at graduation - being unknowingly photo-bombed by my #1 nephew.

"The mess" in progress - maybe a future post with more before, during and after pics.

Student work from a recent string workshop - super fun!

My "So Charming" table runner, featured in Quilts and More - made with a pack of charm squares (I used Hello Darling by Bonnie and Camille for Moda plus a solid) quick and easy summer project.

Here's where you can find it - Quilts and More, Summer 2016

The only shot I can show you of the project off to France. LOVE the Tula Pink wide back and amazing quilting by Tracey. I can't wait to share more of this one with you.

My Stash My Style with Jeni Gaston finished up. 

Congrats to our drawing winner Laura of Slice of Pi and her wonderful project.

Well, at least I feel a little caught up now and cleansed by my confessions :) While I'd like to promise more regular blog posts, I know I may not live up to that. I can only say I will try. BUT you can always find me and my happenings more regularly on Instagram and Facebook. Now I'm ready for some new projects! I do have some ideas in mind and I've been having fun adding to my stash to make them happen.

Happy summer stash quilting!

Tonya

Guest blogging at McCall's

Hi all, I'm here, but not exactly! I'm a guest blogger over at McCall's Quilting Blog today. I'll be chatting more about my project "Pressed Leaves" that's in the Sept/Oct 2015 issue. More about the project inspiration and some tips for the actual quilting technique I used. Hop over and check it out!

"Pressed Leaves"

Happy quilting,

Tonya

Pressed Leaves and a Giveaway

With summer in full swing, it's hard to believe fall will be here before we know it! I want this beautiful summer in my Pacific Northwest to last forever, but I'm ready for fall for a couple of really good reasons - one of them is the upcoming issue of McCall's Quilting, September/October 2015 that will be hitting your mailbox and store shelves soon. One of my favorite recent projects is being featured - "Pressed Leaves" - and it even has its glamour shot moment on the cover!

It was such a fun project that used some of my favorite scraps framed by a really great neutral newsprint fabric. The one I used is from Collage by Carrie Bloomston for Windham Fabrics. If you can't find this one around, not to worry. Any great print neutral would be perfect for this project. Your favorite quilt shop probably has some already on hand, so check them out.

Pressed Leaves table runner

With so little actual snail mail these days, I'm always excited when something like this lands in my mailbox...advanced copies! So it must be time for a giveaway! Leave a comment below and share your favorite fall leaf color for a chance to win a free copy of the McCalls Quilting September/October 2015 issue. I'll pick a name out of the hat and mail off a signed copy to you!

Time for a giveaway! Leave a comment with your favorite fall leaf color to enter.

The other reason I'm excited for fall, of course, is because of this little beauty that I'm anxiously waiting for....

Just found out the release date has been bumped up from October 15th to October 6th. Nine less sleepless nights of anticipation for this first-time author. I can't wait to share it with you :)

Happy summer quilting,

Tonya