Tone It Down 2016 QAL

In the February 2014 Issue of American Patchwork & Quilting, Designer Lissa Alexander (modalissa) released her pattern, Tone It Down, for the first APQ Quilt Along. It was an instant and HUGE success. At the time, I knew it was a little advanced for my beginner skills, but it remained on my To-Do list for two years.... And now, it's time!

My first inspiration came from Bonnie (Bonnie and Camille). Her Tone It Down, to this day, is still one of my favorites!

I love how every Tone It Down is so different from the next. @quiltcrazy created this gorgeous one from Hello Darling! 

 When it came time to create Quilt Goals for 2016, I knew that this one was at the top! And is there anything better than sewing along with your friends? I don't think so. The #toneitdown2016qal was created!

Fabric pulling is one of my favorite parts. I have been hoarding a F8th bundle of Marmalade for some time, and it was just begging to be used for this! After I took the ribbon off (gasp!), and my heart rate slowed, it was time to make some test blocks!

These blocks are really addicting. A test block turned into 3! And I literally had to turn off my machine and walk away!

I'm excited for everyone who is joining us! I created a flexible time table for those of us(me) who sometimes get distracted.  It's not the end all be all of schedules, so if you are ahead or behind, no worries!

And within the last few minutes, seriously, I also found out that Lissa (you know, the DESIGNER) has offered up a prize to be given away!!! She's so generous, and just as thrilled as I am that so many are sewing this up! 

Remember to use the #toneitdown2016qal hashtag so that we can see all your hard work!

My Word for 2016

I remember choosing my word for 2014. Intentional. We had just moved to Brasil. I had a 6 month old and a 2.5 year old, and I felt overwhelmed. Like I was just going through the motions of life, and my only job was to stay afloat and keep the kids alive. Intentional seemed like a good choice. 

This year is different. We are two years in to our rotation in Brasil, and I finally feel like I have a pretty firm grasp on things, like I could begin to branch out in a lot of different areas! My word for this year is GROW. 

Seasons of life are different and the season I'm in right now is providing me a lot of room to become more and do more. My number one for this year is to grow in my walk with God. He and I have been in a pretty good place for awhile - but I need more, and I know that he wants me to need Him more, so I'm choosing to grow into Him. I know that this is the foundation for everything I need, and it will only help me to grow more as a mom and a wife. I'm not seeking perfection by any means, but a place where I know that I can be who I need to be. 

The Linen Fox: For two years, I have been waiting. And waiting. And finally, the idea that I could open my own online store...and then brick and mortar is becoming more of a reality. I want to GROW my business, and in turn, grow my love (is that even possible?) of fabric. I love making quilts, and that will never stop, but I feel like it's time to take this gift and do more with it!

I also want to challenge my technique and skills. I would classify myself as an intermediate quilter. I know there is so much more out there, but also just bringing more to what I already have! I love that our quilting community are such encouragers. It definitely makes me want to be better!

And lastly, and a little nervously - I signed on to this. I've been using the products for 7 months, and I love them. Bottom line. I love my skin more. I'm taking care of my skin, and maybe even growing up a little and learning that this body, this one body, has to be taken care of. Healthy eating, exercise, skin care - all a part of deciding to actively participate, rather than sit back and just let things happen.

If you guys are interested in finding out more about Rodan + Fields, (This link will take you to our Solutions Tool) I'm happy to send you info! I'm also happy to FaceTime you as well, if you want to talk "Face to Face." I also promise to bombard my Linen Fox IG, Hardly ever even.

2016 is going to be a great year!! I've got lots of room to Grow! What is your word? And how do you keep it in the forefront as you progress through the year!