WIP Wednesday: Slow but steady progress

Where did this month go? Where did the last 8 months go for that matter? Time is just flying by for me. I have a short month and a half left of my pregnancy and I am starting to feel the pressure of getting things done. So many preparations still to accomplish!

Today I wanted to share some peeks into my current projects. I'm participating in a "52 week" project with the local Art Museum, designed to encourage the practice of creating daily. I decided that I'd like to build a better body of work, quilts to be specific, as well as develop my skill sets in quilting.

With some serious inspiration from  Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Lynn Wood, I've challenged myself to making (at least) one improvisational quilt top per week. Given that I'll be giving birth soon, I've decided that 2 weeks out of the 52 will be for relaxing, so basically in a year I'd like to have a collection of 50 quilts finished.
A big challenge indeed! I don't want to share too many of the finished quilts before the final revealing, but I am going to give frequent peeks into my process and progress! So with out any more babble, here's a look at the first two weeks. Enjoy!

Linking up at Freshly Pieced! What have you been working on?

WIP Wednesday: I like the "Old", but oh how good "New" feels!

A week and a half ago, a new sewing machine arrived for me! My guy bought me a simple (yet strong) machine to use while I get my other machine service (finally, soon!). He couldn't stand the idea of me not sewing properly for a couple of weeks. So sweet! We also ordered a free motion foot so I can get things finished! 

I jumped right in sewing up the pre-cut pieces for my sister gift, for three straight hours! The machine does an impressive 1,100 stitches a minute. It's speed actual took some getting used to! But wow, what a difference it makes sewing on a brand new, well oiled, work horse of a machine.

Then I realized I've never owned a new machine and actually, most of my sewing paraphernalia is second hand or passed down. Which I love, but oh how nice it is to work with a new fresh kind of precision! It's actually inspiring me to finish things!  It's like sewing butter! Not that those two things should ever meet!
In addition to that awesome present (which I've been sewing on daily!), I also purchased the most amazingly inspirational quilting book I've ever read!  The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Lynn Wood. She blogs here at DaintyTime.

I am so motivated and inspired by this book, (which I read in it's entirety the day it arrived) that I'm using it as a framework for my newest endeavor, a 52 week project hosted by the Riverside Art Museum. I'll talk more about that project and my process and this amazing book a bit later, but for now, go buy yourself a copy!

Linking up at

Freshly Pieced!

WIP Wednesday: A Mini Medallion and a Full Oven

Hello Wednesday!
Here's some current in progress shots of the work table! Cutting, cutting, cutting!

I'm making a pretty little wall hanging as a present for my dear sister who's graduating Yoga Teacher Training next month. The pattern is a free one over at SewMamaSew, you can check it out here.

And in other news, my oven is so very full! I'm almost done growing this little project!

We've got 10-12 weeks to go, let the count down begin.
I simply cannot wait to meet my greatest creation!

So I also have this baby blanket to finish up for my little man and my super stylish diaper bag! It's been ages since I've made myself a new bag and I'm really excited for this one! 

Linking up with more WIP-ers over at Freshly Pieced!