Splendid!

I've been doing a lot of sewing the last couple of weeks. And it's been so much fun!
First up, the 365 Block Challenge.
I fell way behind but am trying to catch up by making 3 blocks a day. Here's where I'm at as of today:

Yesterday I made a back and basted my latest Pinwheel Party quilt. I finished the top in February 2015! I chose this cute print from the Spring Street collection for the back. Today is quilting day if I don't get too distracted by all my other fun projects.

A photo posted by Anina (@twiddletails) on Feb 25, 2016 at 12:31pm PST

30's Jane has also been coming along and I've been trying to come up with something to do with the leftover fabric.
I've been following all the lovely Splendid Sampler blocks on Instagram and this morning it dawned on me. It's a perfect project for those scraps!
Here's my first block:

I'm planning a separate post about my vision and the trials and tribulations I've already gone through (after just one block!).
That's it for now.

Chalkboard Markers: Totally Non-Quilty, But Fun

Recently the folks at Chalkola contacted me about testing and reviewing their chalk markers.
Even though I'm not really a crafty person, these seemed like fun, so I agreed.
They sent me a set of regular markers, a set of jumbo window markers, and a packet of chalkboard labels.

Because I don't have young children, I was mostly drawn to the labels and the white chalkboard marker. Like a real chalkboard, but more permanent.

My first thought was "pantry"! There are 80 labels in a packet, so you can label a LOT of stuff with those. I tried it on two, mostly because I plan to replace my pantry storage with more attractive containers and didn't want to waste the labels.

I love the way it looks. I'm definitely motivated to go find new storage containers just so I can use the labels and the markers.

I noticed that they have a pack with only white markers and I may have to get me some of those.
Note that these markers really do only work on non-porous surfaces.

When we bought our house, we inherited black appliances which we haven't replaced yet, so I figured the black fridge was the perfect canvas to try the colored markers. More fun!

Maybe I can write a different little saying every morning...or just "Step away from the fridge, Fatty!".

I didn't quite know what to do with the jumbo markers although if you have small children or you're a teacher this could be a ton of fun. I applied my limited artistic talents to the sewing room window.

To test ease of cleanup, I left my scribbles on overnight. This morning the writing on the refrigerator just wiped off with a moist paper towel. I used Windex on the window and that came off easily too.
I did not test to see how easily this would wash out of clothes though.

A note: You need a little patience to get these going in the beginning, but once you're up and running, they are great. Be sure to follow the instructions on the back of the package.

All in all, these are great. I definitely think a couple of white ones are in my future.
I may also have to buy a white board so I can use the colored ones more.

Chalkola sent me a discount code just for my readers.
To get 20% OFF the big markers on Amazon.com - use code "CHK20OFF".
To get 20% OFF the 6mm markers on Amazon.com - use code "CHALK20A".
And if you have Amazon Prime, FREE two day shipping.  Yay! I'm hopping on over there right now.

(Disclaimer: Even though I received free product for writing this review, all opinions expressed here are my own.)

Jane Along

Sometimes I think having more than one blog is not a great idea...

Just in case you landed here from Instagram and are wondering about the BOM/Jane-long, you can find details over on the "That Quilt" blog.
Basically I'll be following along with the 30's Jane BOM this session and am inviting everyone starting a new Baby Jane, or struggling to complete a WIP, to join me.

The fabrics for Month 1 of the BOM: