I-Spy Quilts for My Boys!

About two weeks ago myboys and I went through my extensive I-Spy square collection so they could pick out squares they wanted for quilts of their own. (They have had the same quilts on their beds since they were babies. Definitely time for something new!) They had a FANTASTIC time going through and picking out things they liked -- and of course it was super fun for me too!

They picked out the fabrics for the sashing squares and borders.


They each also picked the fabric they wanted for the back. Mr S went with a rocket print, and Buzz went with a map print. Then of course I discovered another pile of I-Spies I'd forgotten about, and since the backs needed to be a little bigger anyway, they each picked out a bunch more to go on the back.


Of course I couldn't stop the I-Spy fun there, so Mr S has a stars on his binding...


...and Buzz has itty-bitty candy corns on his!

I finished piecing the tops and backs on Friday, quilted them both and attached the bindings on Saturday, and hand-finished the bindings last night -- just in time for bedtime...

...and they had to sleep with flashlights so they could check out all the I-Spies in their beds!

(I used my Disappearing Nine-Patch: I-Spy Version tutorial for these quilts -- SUPER EASY!)

Running for Ray

My little 6-year-old nephew Ray was diagnosed with cancer less than two weeks ago. As you can imagine, this is a huge shock, and has been followed by an enormous whirlwind of very frightening events. He has had one surgery to remove a grapefruit-sized tumor, and has already started chemotherapy. This is a lot for one little boy's body to handle, not to mention how much it is for one little boy's mind to comprehend. And then there's his momma... And his daddy....

The Ragnar Relay team (a team of 12 runners that cover 182 miles in 28 hours) is running in his honor, raising funds to help pay for his treatments. If you feel inclined to do so, you can read a little more about Ray and make a donation at this link.

We love you, Ray!

I-Spy Swap -- Numero QUATRO!

I'm feeling a little low on I-Spy squares after completing quilt tops for each of my boys.
Need... more... I-SPY....

Hot on the heels of I-Spy Swap the Third -- which in my opinion has been by far THE best swap yet -- it is time for YET ANOTHER SWAP!

How much I-Spy is TOO much?
NO SUCH THING!!

I am going to go out on a limb here and try for a DOUBLE SWAP. There has been TONS of interest in I-Spy Swaps, but after sending a huge list of interested people over to another swap, I am curious if there is enough interest out there to get my double swap done...
Let's give it a try!!

THE BASICS:

Mail 200 I-Spy squares to me by June 30th.

Get 200 I-Spy squares back, all different, by July 15th.

THE DETAILS:

1. The first 36 people to comment are in. [If you live outside the U.S., no problem -- but please mail your fabrics a little earlier so there's plenty of time to meet the deadline!]

2. Cut 20 4" squares out of each of 10 different novelty print fabrics. A 1/4-yard cut or fat quarter will get you 20 4" squares, so you will be purchasing a total of about 2 1/2 yards of fabric. This is NOTHING when you think about all the different squares you will be getting back!

3. In order to avoid duplicates, everyone will need to search out unusual or obscure prints. Look for things that aren't available at chain stores. But, please, pick FUN ones! If you love it, the other swappers will love it too!

4. Remember that we are looking for fabric with objects on it, not printy-prints. (A fabric with FLOWERS on it is very different from a FLORAL PRINT.)

5. No "licensed" prints: No Disney, Dora, L.A. Lakers, etc.

6. Remember seam allowances! Be sure you can tell what you are looking at within a 3 1/2" x 3 1/2" square. Nobody wants only half of an object in their square -- cut them well! (Depending on your fabric choice, you may need to buy more than 1/4 yard in order to get an object into each cut square.)

If you want to join me in this obsession, leave a comment here that
includes your email address!!

Remember: The FIRST 36 who comment are IN!
(IF by chance we don't make it to the full double swap,
we'll do a single swap with the first 18 and save the rest
of the swappers for the next swap.)

SERIOUS SWAPPERS ONLY...

We're all full! Thanks!!

I-Spy Swap -- more fabrics received!

from Alyssa... I especially love the tools and the RACE CAR DRIVING MICE! Where did you GET that fabric?? :o)


from Jessica... LOVING the toothpaste and the horse-squashing cowboy elephants!

from Joanna... frogs with cowboy hats! And that road fabric with little vehicles!!

from Kendra... LOVING the folded shirts and especially those MOTORCYCLES!

from Rae Lynne... Those fishies are SO stinking cute! And I love the doggies and horses! (Nice fussy-cutting!)

from Ruth... TAXIS! And hot air balloons!

from Silka... That animal print (bottom row, second from right) is absolutely ADORABLE, and perfect for I-Spies -- where did it come from? There are SO many animals in that stack!! And I am loving the bookshelves, too!