Capturing December: Day 27

So today, I started a new quilt blog!  Yeah, I know...I have a hard enough time keeping up with this one, but I decided I wanted this family/ministry blog to be separate from all my quilting/crafty posts.

Did I mention I'm very excited about this new venture?!  It's really just a small part of my dream to some day own some type of quilt business.

Feel free to click on the picture below to go check it out!  The link will also be in the sidebar for future reference.

Capturing December: Day 19

 { Crafts }

Since I had a "crafty" type project posted yesterday, I thought I would continue the theme and make today's post a review of different craft projects I've completed in the last year and a half that never got mentioned on this poor 'ole blog! 

* * * * * * * 

The Lone Starburst

Last summer I ran across the above pictured quilt block...and I fell in love with it!  It's classic and stunning all rolled into one block.  I saw it on the Six White Horses blog.  She has a free downloadable PDF pattern.  I actually haven't gotten any further on this project than this one block, but I thought of making two more or so and making a table runner.

* * * * * * *

Stars and Diamonds Quilt

Sometimes I'm a dreamer.  I imagine that I can create/draft my own original quilt blocks and that even someday I might have my own quilt shop.  Obviously, it's mostly wishful thinking, but last summer I did create this pattern and made a quilt!  And no, there's no tutorial, just some pencil scribbling on a piece of paper!  =)  Thanks to my Mom for quilting it!  The fabrics were from Joann's.

* * * * * * *

Bittersweet Bloom

This is a wall quilt (just the top, it's not quilted yet).  I saw the pattern for this "Bittersweet Bloom" pattern at a quilt show.  I did not buy the pattern then, but looked it up when I got home.  At the time, Calico Corner had written/published the pattern, but I can't fine it anywhere online now.  I simply looked at the pattern and then reproduced it in my own sizes.  The pretty fabric I used came from Joann's.

* * * * * * *

Tahiti Tote

So I keep mentioning the quilt my Mom made for Jacinda (which I really need to post about)...well, I decided to make a matching diaper bag.  I had bought this Tahiti Tote pattern at a quilt show and thought it would be perfect.  And it is...I'm still using it!

* * * * * * *

Cross Point Star

Another one of my "original" creations!  I created this block and then used it to make hot pads for a friend.  Maybe come the beginning of the new year, I'll post a downloadable PDF pattern for you!

* * * * * * *

Batiks Squared Quilt

Yep, another one of "my" quilts!  I had seen a picture online somewhere with the basic idea, but I added the star points and used two different colored sashing.  At this point, it's just the top...but maybe when I go home next I'll be able to use my Mom's fancy machine to get it quilted!  I used Tidepool Batiks charm packs by Moda to make this.

* * * * * * *

Nothing fancy here, I was just in desperate need of some new hot pads!

* * * * * * *

Since I enjoy sewing, I decided to try my hand at making a dress for Jacinda.  I used McCall's pattern #M6015.  I will admit to struggling a little bit.  I'm just a sewing enthusiast.  I'm definitely not well versed in sewing terminology and technique.  I usually just see something, create it, and make it work!  Case in point.  This dress is not perfect, but it's cute and wearable!

* * * * * * *

I currently have a quilting WIP (work in progress), plus lots of fabric and ideas for more quilts.  We'll see where all that leads in the new year.  I'd even like to start a quilting blog that's separate from this family/ministry blog.  But as I said, we'll see!

Capturing December: Day 18

{ Christmas Stockings }

We actually don't have any stockings hung this year...mainly because I don't have any here in Mexico and also because that's a tradition we usually only do with my side of the family when we're in PA.

But I did make Jacinda a stocking last year for Christmas.  And apparently the only pic I took of it was with my cell phone.

I used fabric from the quilt my mom made for Jacinda (fabric: Vintage Modern by Bonnie and Camille for Moda) and made the stocking in a chevron style.  I didn't use any pattern per se, but I looked at pictures to get the basic idea of how to construct it, and then I traced around another stocking that I had on hand to get the shape.  I also followed several online tutorials on lining it and for doing the cuff.  Sorry I don't have any other helpful hints to pass along!  =)  I really like how it turned out though!

Baby Update

I was so happy to have finally received a package in the mail today! It contained a beautiful baby quilt my Mom made. I'm not really into the traditional baby colors, so this quilt makes me very happy. My Mom thinks it's a little wild - but I love it!

Well, since our little guy hasn't made his appearance yet, my doctor is going to induce me. I go in to the hospital tonight at midnight, and we will start this grand process! Hopefully, tomorrow we will finally get to meet Mason Baby #3...we're all VERY excited (especially this pregnant mama)! More updates (and pictures) should follow throughout this week.

Mama-to-be @ 40 weeks, 2 days
(this picture is especially for my sister) :>)

Christmas Quilt

I really hate to say how long I've been working on this crazy quilt...but, now that's it's done, I'll forget all about the "it's taken years" part!!!


Some of the quilting detail...

Attention Bloggers! Check Out The Contest!!!

Ok...here's the scoop. My latest quilting project was a baby quilt for my friend Alanna. I designed it and hand quilted it (see pics below). Someday, if I ever get ambitious enough, I would like to create a pattern for it...and then sell it... So, this is where I need your help. I need a name for the quilt. The contest will be open until October 31. Please submit all name entries to my e-mail address crystalmason@juno.com The prize for this grand contest will be your choice of quilted hot pads or our newly released CD (more on this later...!) Have fun!

The back.


The design around the border is variegated thread (hard to see in this picture).

Alanna and baby Dalyn.

Ok-I'm Back!

Here are seven random things about me...

1. I would like to go to Hawaii for our 10th wedding anniversary.
2. I had scoliosis (curvature of the spine) when I was a teenager and had to wear a back brace for 2 years.
3. My favorite form of relaxation is a good, hot bubble bath and a good book!
4. My dream career as a child was to become a surgeon or doctor. (I'd still love it!)
5. I am an EMT, but have let my certification expire.
6. I have changed light fixtures (you know, messing with wires) and forgotten to turn off the electric!
7. (If you're a guy-don't feel obligated to read this...and don't say I didn't warn you.) Once on my way home from work, being in a hurry, I used a "nursing breast pump" while driving!

Oh yeah, I love to eat if that counts for anything!!!
So there you have it!

I also wanted to show you a picture of a quilt I made to give to my best friend for her wedding. The only problem is that I'm just now giving it to her - on their 3rd anniversary! The quilt turned out to be bigger than my good intentions were of hand quilting. Thanks to my Mom and her new snazzy quilting machine, we cheated and finally got it done!