Turning Two

by Nicole

Two years ago today, I had a 7-month old baby, a 3-year old child and a burgeoning love for modern quilting.

Straight lines

For a while, I had sat on the sidelines of the virtual modern quilting community, reading blogs and watching with fascination at the works of art that came across my computer screen.

On January 2, 2012, I took a step of faith and started this blog to share my work and connect with other people who share my love for all things quilty. I didn’t know that decision would be one of the best ones I have made in my life.

Through this blog, I have made friends, found inspiration, and received encouragement for my work. I am humbled by the opportunities that have come my way as a result of this blog.

Today, I have a 2 1/2 year old, a 5 year old, and a love for modern quilting that keeps growing with time.

I look forward to continuing to nurture my connections with you all through this blog as I share the ups and downs of my quilting life.

To celebrate my two years of blogging, I’m giving one lucky reader a $25 gift certificate to Fabricworm. Please know that this is not a sponsored giveaway, but a chance for me to give back to a reader. I wish I could give you all a gift for the support you have given me.

To enter leave a comment answering this question: What do you look forward to seeing on this blog this year?

I’ll let Random.org pick the winner. If you are a no-reply blogger, please leave your email address in your comment so that I can contact you if you win. If Random.org selects a winner that does not have an email address available, I will select a new winner. If you are not sure whether or not you are a no-reply blogger, check out this post by Adrianne at On the Windy Side to find out.

This giveaway will be open until January 9th, 2014, 8 p.m. EST.

The giveaway is open to everyone, including folks outside of the U.S.
Thank you!

The giveaway is closed.

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113 comments

Denise Briese January 2, 2014 - 12:27 pm

I love using your tutorial on straight line quilting. I have been trying to learn free motion for years. But I enjoy seeing the straight line quilting and your way of explaining about new tools great! So keep the tutorials coming!

Jeanette January 2, 2014 - 12:31 pm

I have been following your blog since the beginning! It's hard to believe 2 years have passed. Your work is beautiful and the piecing is so precise. I too, read and reread your straight line quilting tips so any quilting tips you want to share are welcome!

nylirrek January 2, 2014 - 12:44 pm

Keep doing what you're doing! I am inspired by your blog! ๐Ÿ™‚
kerrilarsson@gmail.com

Sandra @SewofCourse January 2, 2014 - 12:51 pm

I found the online quilting community only a year ago (when I also started my own blog), and I can't get enough of all the inspiration, tips and ideas! Please keep us all inspired by your enthusiasm and lovely makes!

Sarah January 2, 2014 - 1:09 pm

Congratulations on turning 2! I love seeing the quilts you're working on, as well as the finishes.

pennydog January 2, 2014 - 1:13 pm

I just like following what you're making, what you like and don't like and things you learn along the way that are useful for us all.

Gunilla January 2, 2014 - 1:41 pm

Congrats on the two years!!! What I love about blogs is that people share what they love and create, often very unique and therefore inspiring! I think it is the uniqueness I am looking for, the personal voice… And I found your vouce being just that, so I will keep reading!

Yvonne Campbell January 2, 2014 - 1:50 pm

I love the tutorials that you have done, and I just love seeing what you create. I wish you the best in the upcoming years.

Laura January 2, 2014 - 2:09 pm

I love seeing your work and getting inspired by it. So keep the quilts coming, please! Happy anniversary!

Debbie January 2, 2014 - 2:13 pm

I just plain love what you do – your workmanship, your fabric & color choices – all of it. I'd really like to see more of your own designs.

Congrats on two years! Hard to believe it's been that long, but glad to have found you. ๐Ÿ˜‰

Francine January 2, 2014 - 2:18 pm

Congrats on turning 2 and happy Bday to your baby! I love seeing the miniature (tiny) quilts as well as your tutorials and I'm always inspired by your color combinations.

Kathy@KayakQuilting January 2, 2014 - 2:22 pm

Congratulations Nicole! There are so many things about your blog that I admire…the clean look, beautiful photography (for example…adorable little feet in this post) and of course the modern aesthetic in your work. I'd appreciate more of your tutorials on ANY subject!

DeborahGun January 2, 2014 - 2:35 pm

Congratulations on your amazing achievement. I always love tutorials – and yours are always so nicely explained!

juceyj03 January 2, 2014 - 2:54 pm

Your tutorials are amazing! I am a self tought quilter/sewer so if it was not for the internet and wonderful people like you I would not be where I am with me quilting. To say I'm thankful would be putting it light! Thanks for sharing you love for all things quilting! I'm glad I'm a follower of your blog and look forward to each and every blog post!
Thanks for the chance at your giveaway!
xo, Jessica
juceyj03@gmail.com

{ HeatherK @ AReformedHeath'n } January 2, 2014 - 3:00 pm

I've been following you for almost that long, and I had no idea. I love your straight line quilting and have enjoyed you start working with your long arm. I can't wait to see what you still have up your sleeve ๐Ÿ™‚

katyquilts January 2, 2014 - 3:00 pm

I would like to see more of how you use your die cutter. Love your projects!

sew4given AT aol DOT com

Sarah @ FairyFace Designs January 2, 2014 - 3:01 pm

I am a new follower to your blog, just since the SMS giveaway, but I've really been enjoying looking at your finishes on IG and your FB page. Lots of lovely makes – and that's what I would like to keep seeing! My new baby turns one next week (how did that happen) and while I managed to keep sewing, my blog reading suffered and as a result, my quilty inspiration. So, pretty things to look at and be inspired by are all I want ๐Ÿ™‚

Katherine McNeese January 2, 2014 - 3:22 pm

Always love seeing your quilts Nicole! and of course your tutorials are fab!!

Shauna January 2, 2014 - 3:35 pm

I always love a good tutorial, I love learning new things and blogs like this are my goto source!!!!

S Staum January 2, 2014 - 3:39 pm

It's hard to even suggest anything- I just love everything you do!!! I am a new gramma so I so enjoy the quilts you make for your girls. The straight line quilting you do is also inspiring. I wish I lived close enough to take one of your classes. Oh, and one more thing- you send the nicest responses to comments on your blog!! Thanks for all you share!

Paige January 2, 2014 - 3:39 pm

Congrats on two years! I would be interesting in hearing more about how patterns and tutorials get published in magazines/books. I have nothing to publish but think that would be really interesting. It seems like man medium sized bloggers are being published these days! I'd also like to hear more about classes you're teaching in NC. Maybe I"ll get to one now that I'm finished with school!

Lauren January 2, 2014 - 3:40 pm

I love reading your blog and seeing all of your beautiful creations! I look forward to seeing more of your quilts and straight line quilting. You provide great inspiration!! Thank you!! Elle555wpb@hotmail.com

Nana-Bob January 2, 2014 - 3:53 pm

I am a fairly new reader but I would just love to continue to see all your quilt finishes and the colors you choose. Such an eye! Thanks!

Donna January 2, 2014 - 4:05 pm

One of my favorite posts was about batting and whether to prewash because I hadn't considered it before. I love your mix of tutorials, inspirations, and lovely modern quilts. Congratulations, Nicole!

Beth January 2, 2014 - 4:11 pm

I just love seeing your work and also how you have decided on what to quilt or do as inspiration strikes.

Ginny January 2, 2014 - 4:11 pm

Love your work! And I would love to see more of your own designs and any quilting tips you have!

mek January 2, 2014 - 4:16 pm

I love the tutorials, but I think I most look forward to seeing quilts, quilts in progress too, and hearing a little about the story of the process!

Sandy January 2, 2014 - 4:19 pm

I really like how much inspiration what you do provides for me. Your tutorials are great. Just keep on doing what you're doing.

Terry@ a quilting blog January 2, 2014 - 4:21 pm

Your work is so inspirational Nicoleโ€ฆwould love to see more tips and tutorials in 2014 ๐Ÿ™‚

Quilting Tangent January 2, 2014 - 4:27 pm

Nice job, pretty quilts – keep it going. How about complex blocks like a mariners compass made modern. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Michelle@factotum-of-arts.com January 2, 2014 - 4:27 pm

I love your work Nicole. I would just like to see more of your ideas and concepts and watching them come to life ๐Ÿ™‚

Sherry January 2, 2014 - 4:29 pm

I have enjoyed visiting and seeing your work. I am new to quilting, have sewn for years, so any new ideas and tutorials are welcomed.

diane January 2, 2014 - 4:36 pm

Congratulations, Nicole! I have been reading your blog from the beginning, and I love it! I love all your work, and I think just doing what you're doing is what I want to see, as well as more details about your actual quilting process, maybe.

Joan H. January 2, 2014 - 4:54 pm

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary! I am relatively new to your blog but I am enjoying your beautiful quilts and your tutorials. Am looking forward to even more of your talented work.

Gill January 2, 2014 - 4:54 pm

Congratulations!!
I love seeing your projects and I'm looking forward to more tutorials!!

Jill R. January 2, 2014 - 4:59 pm

I'm a new follower, so I'm excited to see all your projects in the new year to get a sense of your style :). Tutorials are always fun, too! Congrats on two years!

Vicki H January 2, 2014 - 5:39 pm

Congratulations Nicole! I enjoy lots of tutorials and any tips I can get.

Rx for Quilting January 2, 2014 - 5:43 pm

congrats! I would enjoy seeing more details of your long-arm quilting and what designs you have chosen for your quilts. Thanks for sharing your gift of quilting.

regan January 2, 2014 - 5:54 pm

I love your color sense and the modern look of your quilts! Just keep showing us more and more of that! And your tutorials are awesome, too! We are all very happy followers! :o)

Sarah January 2, 2014 - 5:58 pm

Your projects for inspiration and tutorials.

Margaret January 2, 2014 - 6:33 pm

Surprise me. I love reading your blog now any thing you post I will enjoy.

DaisyLiz January 2, 2014 - 6:56 pm

Photography tutorial! Or a post with some helpful tips and a list of your favorite photography tools. Happy blogiversary!

Coser Tejer Crear January 2, 2014 - 7:15 pm

Hi Nicole! Happy bday!!! I'd love to see tips on FMQ. But I really enjoy your blogs the way it is. Keep it up! And thanks for doing it!

Christine S January 2, 2014 - 8:13 pm

Love just seeing your work! Quilt or block tutorials are always great ๐Ÿ™‚

MissMary January 2, 2014 - 8:21 pm

Sweet, sweet baby feet! Wait – that's not my answer ๐Ÿ™‚ I love seeing your progress shots and sneak peeks. It's lovely to see how quilts come together, not just the finished product ๐Ÿ™‚

M-R Charbonneau January 2, 2014 - 8:26 pm

Congrats! I just want to see more of your great style! Happy New Year, Nicole!

Diane January 2, 2014 - 8:30 pm

Congratulations on your two year anniversary. I look forward to just seeing more of what you're already doing. I love the colors and designs you use and your quilting is beautiful. Your tutorials are great, too! Thanks for being an inspiration.

Gertie Pye January 2, 2014 - 8:49 pm

Congratulations on your 2 year anniversary Nicole! I know exactly what you mean – I rediscovered sewing when I decided to sew a couple of pretty dresses for my 10 month old. She is now 7 and her 2 year old little sister has worn the same pretty dresses!

I have really loved seeing the miniature quilts that you have made – your precision is amazing – and would love to see more. I would also love to see you continue on your long arm journey and see how your quilting skills develop further.

Happy New Year and here's to another 2 years – and another – and another!

Blue.Ridge.Girl January 2, 2014 - 9:17 pm

Congratulations on turning two…doesn't that sound funny :). I just started blogging this past summer and have been kind of on again/off again with it. I aspire to get better ๐Ÿ™‚

LethargicLass January 2, 2014 - 9:17 pm

I love tutorials and can never get enough, so more would be great! Although I wouldn't say no to more shots of little feet on quilts, even if they are bigger now LOL!

Alicia January 2, 2014 - 10:01 pm

I started blogging and then quit when my time for sewing ran out, but I love seeing the interesting things that others are doing. I hope to be able to finish a few quilts this year.

Kelli January 2, 2014 - 10:07 pm

Congrats Nicole! I love seeing your use of color and design. I know it sounds simple, but I just really love blogs that you can tell the blogger is really sewing what she loves and making beautiful things. Best of luck in year 3! ๐Ÿ™‚

Izzy January 2, 2014 - 10:20 pm

Congrats on your 2 years! I love your blog – your creations inspire me all the time. I love the colours you use, the designs, everything! :-). Just keep doing what you've been doing.

Girl Geek January 2, 2014 - 10:29 pm

I found this blog because of this giveaway. But from what I've seen so far today, anything you do will be interesting to read about.

vicki January 2, 2014 - 11:29 pm

I like learning new things and love looking at your creations, so pretty and inspiring! Congrats on two years and thanks for all of your hard work! Keep it up! vickise at gmail dot com

Katy Cameron January 3, 2014 - 12:17 am

You've had such an amazing two years, I love coming back to see what you've created next :o) I'd love to see some more of the things you've been teaching at Spoonflower :o)

SIMPLESEW January 3, 2014 - 12:17 am

Your very versatiliable with baby items and color and straight line quilting. Do you like home decor like, baskets bags. do you like other crafts?

QuiltsHappen January 3, 2014 - 12:30 am

I Love all your projects.. but now that I have been renting a longarm.. I am most interested in your Quilting.. Thanks for all you do

patti January 3, 2014 - 12:38 am

I love to learn something new, so tutorials are great!

LittleHouseontheDairy January 3, 2014 - 1:25 am

I love the way you use color and photograph your quilts

Kathy @ Kwilty Pleasures January 3, 2014 - 1:55 am

Congrats on your milestone. Just keep doin what you are doin…it's all good.

Linh January 3, 2014 - 1:59 am

Love seeing everything that goes on in the life of another crafter, keep them coming! Thanks for sharing your precious moments with us!

Melissa January 3, 2014 - 1:59 am

Congrats on turning 2! I enjoy seeing your works in progress as well as your finishes. You always pick such lovely color combos!

Tamie January 3, 2014 - 2:04 am

Congratulations on your anniversary. I hope to continue to see things that inspire me to press on with my quilting journey. I also love seeing the process rather than just the end shots. Thanks for the giveaway.

Allison C January 3, 2014 - 2:38 am

Happy two years! I love tutorials and lots of pictures of finished projects. I get lots of inspiration from the blogs I read (thanks!).

barbara woods January 3, 2014 - 3:30 am

I tried a few days before you and am having a giveaway too , be sure and visit and enter

Sarah @ mila+cuatro January 3, 2014 - 4:29 am

I would like to see some posts that provide insight into your thought processes when you free piece. I love the look of the little samplers you put together for your workshops and really wanted to get more hints or tips from you about that type of piecing (I'd love to do one of your workshops but live on the other side of the world).

Cecilia January 3, 2014 - 5:13 am

I would love to see your finishes and tutorials.

Wendi January 3, 2014 - 5:35 am

I look forward to seeing tutorials. I am new to the blog world and love seeing all the modern twist on quilting.

Fran January 3, 2014 - 7:13 am

Congratulations on your quilting & blogging journey! I'm really enjoying your quilting patterns, you have such great quilting skills & I love seeing each finish. Thanks for the inspiration & for the lovely giveaway.

katerina jubir January 3, 2014 - 7:45 am

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Leanne January 3, 2014 - 4:19 pm

I just hope you will continue sharing your quilts, and your progress, as it is so inspiring.

andri. January 3, 2014 - 5:49 pm

I'm looking forward to more tutorials!:D

Peggi Yac January 3, 2014 - 6:54 pm

And I'm looking forward to more tutorials, too!

Deb@asimplelifequilts January 3, 2014 - 7:44 pm

I just love seeing your work – plain and simple! Whatever you chose to do I will enjoy.

bloomingpoppies.net January 3, 2014 - 9:55 pm

Hi Nicole! Happy New Year and Congrats on two years!!! Love that sweet "feet" photo- too cute! Keep creating all the quilty goodness you do so well….. I love it all!

cakegirl January 4, 2014 - 3:01 am

It am looking forward to trying my hand at paper piecing. Hope to see some tutorials F&F or such on your blog. Thanks for the giveaway.

Angela Bullard January 4, 2014 - 9:15 am

I look forward to seeing the unexpected–something I never would have come up with on my own. Thanks so much for the giveaway!!

barb January 4, 2014 - 2:13 pm

congrats on two years. i think it would be an honor and great if you had a giveaway for one of your quilt tops. babscorbitt at gmail dot com

pippirose January 4, 2014 - 5:14 pm

Congrats! I'd love to see more tips and tricks for newbies.

Kim Fernald January 4, 2014 - 8:21 pm

Hi Nicole,
I just discovered your blog, so I am excited to receive your posts and to learn more about modern quilting!

Bethany Martini January 5, 2014 - 1:18 am

I am so happy to have found your blog! I love seeing your quilts and watching your tutorials. I just started quilting in June and I have fallen in love with it. Thank you for inspiring me!

sew.darn.quilt January 5, 2014 - 1:28 am

I happened upon your blog via Sew Mama Sew and I couldn't be more thrilled! I'm off to snoop around! I feel like a kid in a candy shop.
I always appreciate when a quilter shares some of their expertise with us.

Mary W Quilts January 5, 2014 - 1:33 am

Looking forward to more tips and tutes. Thanks for the giveaway!

Diana @ Red Delicious Life January 5, 2014 - 1:39 am

Just love you tips and tutorials. I tend to watch on the sidelines and I can only hope to be as successful as you in 2 years time. You're very inspirational!

Erica January 5, 2014 - 1:57 am

Congratulations on your two-year blogging milestone! I just enjoy looking at your projects; your photographs are always so wonderful and show us the detail in your designs. Thanks for the chance at a giveaway.

Jennifer | Gable House and Co. January 5, 2014 - 3:02 am

Just wanted to stop by and say: Awe, look at those cute little feet! Anyway. I also wanted to say, keep doing what you are doing. There are so many bloggers out there that think that they have to have it all, and put on a three ring circus to be noticed. But its the bloggers who remain humble, keep it real, and have their blogging innocents still in tacked that become the best blogs out there. Keep what you are doing Nichole and people will still love ya!

Jennifer | Gable House and Co. January 5, 2014 - 3:05 am

Crap, I remember this post from a couple days ago, and forgot there was a giveaway too. Thanks for the chance but'll pass. I just wanted to comment.

Carla January 5, 2014 - 5:42 am

Hi there. I just want to see everything you do ; ) congrats on your successes

Patchwork and Play January 5, 2014 - 5:47 am

More of your wonderful modern quilting!

happygoluckyquilter January 5, 2014 - 6:10 am

I'd love to see an I-spy quilt tutorial. I'd like to make one for my little girl but don't know where to start.
emma.house@thebowesmuseum.org.uk

pandchintz January 5, 2014 - 7:33 am

Congratulations Nicole! I'm so glad you blog – it's such a joy to read your posts and I look forward to more of your wonderful quilts and tutorials.

Miggsie January 5, 2014 - 8:29 am

Congratulations on 2 years! I'm so gla you took that leap of faith and started blogging – you have such a wonderful style in both your sewing and yor writing, it's a true pleasure to read your posts. I look forward to seeing what inspires you in 2014, and would be thrilled to see more of your amazing miniatures. Happy new year!

beth lehman January 5, 2014 - 12:31 pm

i just read sewmamasew and saw they featured you!!! can you believe it??! how tremendously exciting!! i have stepped back from sewing/quilting this last year, focusing on photography… i can tell it's time to come back!! i've always enjoyed your the way your tutorials are so thorough!! and i'm so curious about your gammel!! all the best, nicole!!

Jenn @ A Quarter Inch from the Edge January 5, 2014 - 1:15 pm

Hey there! II just came upon your blog via the 31 Inspiring Quilters series from Sew Mama Sew. Inspiring indeed! It only took me seconds to determine yours was a blog I needed to follow. In terms of what I'd like to see in 2014, more of the same, please!

Julie January 5, 2014 - 4:57 pm

Happy New Year! I would love to see you design a quilt pattern or two. I just know it would be fabulous! Congratulations on 2 years!

jill January 5, 2014 - 5:55 pm

I just found your blog. What a treat. Your tutorials look like ones I can follow. Yay. Happy New Year. I would like to see more tutorials

Lauren Deel January 5, 2014 - 6:28 pm

Congratulations! I love your work and would also love to see more tutorials. And more "showcasing" your fabulous art doesn't hurt either. Such lovely eye candy! Thanks for sharing your work with us. (charlottesgraceforacure@gmail.com)

MickeyT. January 5, 2014 - 11:03 pm

I have just discovered your blog and have already received what I hope to continue to get from your blog throughout 2014: Inspiration! Love your eye for colors and your designs. Thanks so much!

Cathy January 5, 2014 - 11:55 pm

Hi Nicole, just keep doing what you are doing! It is all fabulous!

Chirpy January 6, 2014 - 5:45 am

I love the fresh new way you see typical "old" blocks like your log cabin. Keep up the great work, and I love love love your "faith" paper piece block.

Julie January 6, 2014 - 10:43 am

Hi Nicole, it is so nice to meet you. I look forward to reading your blogs and following your quilting adventure.

Suzanne January 6, 2014 - 12:31 pm

Happy New Year! I found your blog a day or so ago on Sew Mama Sew. I lost a lot of time paging through your blog and had a wonderful time. You have beautiful photography of your projects and a vision for what makes you happy at a sewing machine. Your passion makes your blog wonderful so that is what I think you should continue to show.

ca-blog January 6, 2014 - 2:57 pm

I just subscribed to your blog on my rss reader, so honestly, I'll be glad to see anything at all from you this year! I especially love modern design, so keep up the good work. ๐Ÿ™‚

RMorgan January 6, 2014 - 3:35 pm

I just subscribed to your blog, so I am open to anything but I love the tips and tutorials that quilting bloggers do. I am still relatively new to quilting. I am on my 5th quilt right now. I absolutely LOVE IT! I am totally addicted. I got a Bernina 440 a little over a month ago and I am just thrilled to be quilting. I love looking at other people's work. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful work with the rest of us!

Darcy January 6, 2014 - 7:48 pm

New to your blog via Debbie and her Sew Mama Sew series – everything looks lovely! I know that it might not appeal to everyone but I'm always interested in how mama's make time for their creative endeavors and juggle all the parts of family, work and making ๐Ÿ™‚

Tessa Marie January 7, 2014 - 12:40 am

Thank you for sharing yourself with us! I am always inspired by your lovely, fresh and colorful quilts! I am looking forward to seeing more of them on the blog as well as the continuation of your free motion quilting skills!!

Stacey Willard January 7, 2014 - 6:30 am

I love all of your quilts. I would like to see some tutorials on pricing and selling. ๐Ÿ™‚

mjb January 7, 2014 - 11:32 am

I like seeing the design process

Material Girl January 7, 2014 - 8:35 pm

I look forward to seeing what you do next. I am so inspired by the amazing works of art that I see online. I wasn't in love with the modern quilts at first but now I love them. It is nice to learn new things. Thanks for sharing yourself, it is much appreciated.

Carolyn McMath January 8, 2014 - 3:16 am

I just found your blog through the Triangle Modern Quilt website….love your quilts and I hope to visit frequently and see more lovelies:)

charlotte January 8, 2014 - 10:20 pm

I love your blog. I am enjoying the inspiring photos of your quilts. I love the way you put colors together. That's what I hope to see more of this year.

rrjane011749 January 9, 2014 - 10:31 pm

Congrats on the 2 years!

Comments are closed.