Tula Pink & The Killer Spool Block

I’ve got quite the hodgepodge of things going on in my studio the past few days. For some reason though it’s working for me (and I don’t get bored!).  Here are a few that are covering my cutting table at the moment.

Are you familiar with Tula Pink fabrics? I have seen them from afar *sigh* and admired from a view, but when I saw the Saltwater line I put it on my to-buy list.  When I signed up for my quilt class recently I new Saltwater would be my main fabric.  So I hopped over to Etsy and went shopping.  Several days later, this little fat quarter bundled arrived in my mailbox! Whoot!  Here is a shot of my new Tula stash. I just hope I can cut into it. It looks almost too pretty to slice up!  I think I better watch each quilting section at least twice before I start to cut, huh?

If you are wondering where I bought my Tula Pink, it was from a lovely shop on Etsy called SewElegantly. Julie was great about my special request and within 24 hours my package was on its way with Priority shipping.  If you are looking for an Etsy shop that is easy to work with and has excellent product head on over!

Before I go into my quilting class I want to finish the scrappy tote I started.  I am loving how it is turning out, I’m just having a bit of trouble deciding on what straps to use.  I think I’m going to put a 2-3″ band of linen around the front and tie the handles into that somehow, but I’m not definite yet. What do you think??? Linen straps to match the linen band on top? Leather/Pleather? Something wacky?

I also finished my first step in this month’s Mystery Block.  The block is made up of four thread spools with a selvage scrappy middles. They seem to be pretty trendy right now, so luckily I’ve been saving them up just for this month’s block.  Next up is the actual hard stuff, the rest of the block…..

I think this may be the last month for Riley Blake’s Mystery Block.  It’s going to be sad not seeing a new challenge each month, so I need to find a new sew along.  I tend to like more traditional even retro type stuff. Old school.  If you know any great sew or quilt along out there starting up, let me know.

Before I go, Spring Quilt Market is going on in Portland this weekend and if you’re curious to see what’s going on head over to Twitter.  If you search under #quiltmarket you will be able to see a TON of pictures from designers, vendors, shopkeepers and visitors. So for all of us who would love to go but don’t have the chance right now it’s a great alternative!  ~Cindy