I really don't know how to express my excitement about doing this project. I felt like a kid on Christmas when I got my fabric a few days ago. It is all so beautiful. I don't know how Lori creates such beautiful collections all the time. I wish I had just an 1/8 of her talent when it comes to designing. 

Starting today Lori will be sharing on her blog how to begin this sew along. You can check that out by clicking here as ALL credit goes to her for this sew along. I'm just trying to make mine have somewhat of a resemblance to hers as possible.

The first week is to make the tomato pincushions. I started mine on Sunday (the 12th) trying to get a head start. I had watched the video on YouTube that Lori released on Friday. It was very informative and give me the heads up as to what I think I'm supposed to do. 

I got the tomatoes cut out and sewn as well as the background pieces for each and started the embroidery for the "pins". I had to go back after the fact and change the background piece that I had put with my tomatoes in my pic below as I had put them with the same color background instead of an opposing color. This is not what Lori had chosen and once I realized that I decided to switch to what Lori used since she is the one who created the quilt and is much better at putting colors together than I am. My goal is to replicate as close as possible what she done although I know my finished quilt will never compare to hers.

Pieces for 4 separate tomato pincushions

4 different background pieces, each cut 8x8

My competed pin cushions on the original background piece I chose, but not appliqued yet! In this pic the "pins" are drawn in with a pen. Lori recommended using a mechanical pencil, but I couldn't see the marks, so I improvised. My final pics will show the corrected background.

Last month I started a new project, Playground Quilt. I purchased the pattern through Missouri Star Quilt Company. This pattern is made using 10" printed squares and a 2 1/2" jelly roll for the background as well as a yard of fabric for the border. I chose the fabric line Backyard Happenings. When I found this fabric I wanted a pattern that would show off the fabric design. The pattern includes snowballed blocks and flying geese.

Below is a picture of all my cut fabrics in 4 different stacks. Stack A - C is from the print and then stack D is from the background fabrics. Prepping to this point was pretty easy. The pattern is real easy to follow.

I started by creating the blocks from stack A. I have five designs that are my favorites showcased below the stack A completed block stack.

Below is completed blocks for stack B.

I am really enjoying this pattern and looking forward to completing this project in the near future. I am currently putting the flying geese together so hopefully I can wrap up the quilt top in the next week.

I received my fabrics today for the new project that I will be starting on the thirteen. My new project is called My Happy Place Sew Along with Lori Holt from Bee In My Bonnet. This will be my first Lori Holt quilt and I am looking forward to learning about applique and so much more from this wonderful woman. She will start posting on her website September 13th how to do the quilt. She will also have videos on YouTube that will walk you through all the steps. I am only wanting to showcase my efforts, but ask that you please go to her website (click here for link) and follow along with her as she is the expert.

The fabric collection that Lori created to do this quilt in is called Stitch and it is beautiful. She also included fabrics from her Bee Background Collection.

Check back starting on the 13th to see how my progress goes. This will go until the end of November with Lori. I'm hoping I can stay up to date and finish by then.