Two Tangled Threads

Week 6 - My oldest UFO!

2012-02-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

This week I completed my oldest UFO! Confetti throwing and celebrating is appropriate!!

I started this quilt at a Retreat held probably 8 years ago (as far as I can remember...)
I finished it later that year, but had not learned how to quilt yet, so the top sat...unfinished...for a long time. A couple of weeks ago, I stayed late and used the longarm machine at work. I quilted it and then, last week, I bound it. I am so happy to have it finished. Here is a close-up of the quilting.

I quilted loops and hearts in a meandering pattern. Not too fancy for a not too fancy quilt.

Next, I made these pillowcases for my sister who loves most things French (also Texas). This is from the Etchings line, and is a street map of Paris. Of course, I used French seams. I've been to Paris with her once, and I'm so glad I went. If I could figure out how to travel without getting sick, I'd love to go again! There are some fun French-type fabrics out there, but I didn't want it to be pink, so I was glad to find this instead (on our shopping trip last week).

My hot pad count is now up to 9. I crochet when I'm too tired to do other things in my sewing room. I also quilted a Valentine's runner for a friend. It was super cute!

Upcoming projects: One quilt for a customer. Borders on my spool quilt. Quick runners out of birthday fabric. Contemplating next UFO to finish, and work on the Challenge quilt top. Lynn's is so cute, the recipient is going to love, love, love it! Mine won't be as cute, but it will be nice.

I've been looking around at blogs, and there are some good ideas out there. I think I'll stick to just getting things done each week. I try not to buy new fabric, but some of it just jumps up and down and begs to be taken home. Working at a quilt shop is dangerous to my pocketbook :).

Please let me know what you are working on. I'd love to hear from you!

Keep on sewing!

Week 5

2012-02-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

It seems I am getting later and later each week. However, the week isn't over yet, so anything goes!

I had seen some big pillows at a store, and thought they would be fun to have on our bed, for sitting up to read, crochet or play on my phone. However, I thought I might be able to do it for less than the $25 per pillow they were charging. I checked at the local store. They had pillow forms 50% off, the fabric I wanted (velour - for texture), was 40% off, the zippers were 40% and 50% off with coupons, and I had a coupon for an additional 20% off my total purchase. Plus the pillows were bigger at 27 inches square. I saved around $11. Then, it only took me about an hour to make these:

And I love them! They are soft, and comfortable, and easy to toss off for sleeping.

After I made the Whoopsy Daisy quilt (see last blog entry), there was plenty of fabric left over to make a doll quilt. So, I backed it with a minkee remnant, and bound it with fabric from my stash and came up with this:

I think I am sending it to my husband's niece. I think she will like to play with her dollies with it.

I started a new quilting class, and changed my method just a little bit. I think it might lead to more success for my students. I've been learning about tension while quilting, and I also have to remind myself to slow down just a bit. The next class in this session is this weekend, so we will see if it keeps helping my students to learn this new way.

Next week, I'll share my shopping adventures with you, along with a very funny story. Until then...

Keep sewing!

Week 4...

2012-01-24T15:32:00.000-08:00

And I just noticed that last week was my 100th posting. Can you believe it? Also, can you believe I've kept up my blogging this year? I think a once a week goal is working for me. I am very goal-oriented, so I am pleased with this.

Now for the week's finishes:

I took this pillow top...

and made it into this pillow cover.

Then, I finished the Whoopsy Daisy quilt for the store.

Here is a close-up of the quilting,

and here is the minky I put on the back. It is just a lovely quilt.

Then, I made a quick runner for my mother-in-law and put it in the mail today. It will be a nice Valentine's treat for her table.

I also finished two more hot pads. This makes 5 all together.

Now, for the works in progress:

Challenge quilt top. I have the center block (16") done. Now I just have to decide what goes around it next. I am toying with the idea of a rail fence type border, and definitely 9-patches in the corners.
My longest UFO: I have a quilt top finished for several years. I am going to stay late tomorrow and quilt it on the long-arm machine. I am looking forward to having it finished. I will try to get the binding on over the weekend.
My Itty Bitty pinwheels demonstration went well. I just need to finish it. I'm not sure if it will make it to the top of the pile this week or not.
My machine needs a tune-up and I will not be sewing for a couple of days. I've got to get the tension adjusted for my quilting.

I enjoyed the quilting process on the Whoopsy Daisy quilt very much. I have also enjoyed the Challenge quilt and taking a block and figuring out the most efficient way to put it together.

What are you sewing? I'd love to hear.

Week 3

2012-01-17T18:38:00.000-08:00

And a few more finishes this week. I've really been keeping my nose to the grindstone, and trying to wrap a few things up. First, this fabulous scarf. My son bought me the loveliest yarn for Christmas. I took a "before" picture of it, but that camera disappeared. So, here is the "after" picture. It is soft and lovely and I used up most of the yarn. Yea, no leftovers!

Then, there is this tree skirt. I know it isn't Christmas anymore, but, hey, I am ready 11 months early for next Christmas *wink*. I figured it out without a pattern, but used a tree skirt I made before out of wider fabric for inspiration. I am especially proud of the quilting in the border.

Then, I also finished my Calendar Cover. This is the fourth one I've made (one each year). I usually make it during Christmas break, but I think all I did during Christmas break was bake and clean up the kitchen. So, I made it last week. It only takes about an hour or so, and I make it different each time. I think some friends want to learn how to do it, so we'll be making more. I also want to make a cover for my Relief Society manual when I get it.

I also did a lot of cleaning, oiling cabinets and such. This week there is something every day to be done, so I won't get as much accomplished, I'm sure. However, I will keep plugging away and see what I can come up with.

Works in Progress:

Whoopsy Daisy quilt: is basted and ready to be quilted. Just gotta do it.
Itty Bitty Pinwheels: quilt for a last-minute class on Thursday. This time in red and white.
More Hot Pads: I bought 7 skeins of yarn today for hot pads. This should keep me in business for 2 months.
Cutting up Scraps: my scrap basket is overflowing and needs to be cut into 5" and 2 1/2" squares. Then they can be ready for another project.

There is always plenty to do, and this is helping me stay focused and not jump around too much. Next week I really need to start my Challenge quilt top.

Happy sewing!

Week 2 - And the Month Goes on...

2012-01-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I hope you are able to get some sewing done each week. I know I am trying to sew. I actually got something done this week.

This is my "Baskets Quilt". We worked on it all last year in Quilt Guild. A lot finished theirs by the May meeting. I finished mine yesterday. It was intense to make, and intense to quilt, and I am glad it is finished.

Works in Progress:

A new Christmas tree skirt. I started this in December, but run out of time to finish it. I am in the middle of quilting it, so it should be finished this week.
Whoopsy Daisy quilt for the store. This quilt is basted and ready to be quilted. I put minky on the back, so I am hoping it isn't too miserable to quilt.
My scarf is still in progress. I mostly work on it during small bits of time waiting for something else.
I finished a hot pad yesterday, and I am in the middle of another one. I worked on the one last night while we watched a video. The new one I worked on during quilt guild. It helps me to keep my hands busy during these types of activities.

I also found some pictures on my camera of things finished the last part of the year (2011). I thought I might share them with you.

The above is a "Twister" quilt. I made this to teach a class using the twister tool. I love the fabric on this one!

This is a bag, (you know I love bags), to hold plastic garbage bags in my van. I still need to get it out there. Maybe tomorrow?

This is a pattern called "Harmony", and I used fun fall fabrics for it. I think it would be fun in other colorways and leave the pumpkin and leaves off. It is a table topper and I look forward to using it next fall. It hung in the store this year, so it didn't make it to my table. I actually used the long-arm quilting machine at work for this, so it isn't very good quilting, but it was delightful to try.

This is "The Ghastlies" fabric. I love it! Only I call it "Dinner with Teenagers". You know how moody they get, right? At least at my house they do. How about at your house?

Last, this is the easiest runner in the world. It took 1/2 yard of one fabric, 1/3 yard of the other, and about 30 minutes to make. I actually brought the fabric home on a Saturday, and had it made by the following Tuesday evening. I didn't see a pattern, but my friend talked me through it on the phone. Later I found the instructions on http://extension.usu.edu/sewing/. Pretty fun, huh?

Well, that's this week's review. We'll see how the next week goes. I hope to be able to report some work done. Will you share with me what you are finishing? Leave a comment if you'd like.

Happy Sewing!

Happy New Year - Week 1

2012-01-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

I'm going to try to post each week and at least list my Works in Progress and my Works Completed. I am not listing anything that is not at least being worked on sometime during the week. So, unfinished projects will not be listed unless I am actively working on them (or planning to).

Works in Progress:
Basket Quilt (just need to finish the binding) Deadline: January 9th
Whoopsy Daisy Quilt for the store
Scarf to Crochet for myself. (Youngest son gave me the yarn for Christmas)
Hot Pad (one per week, mostly) Goal: 40 this year. They really only take a couple of hours, and I can do one on Sunday each week.

Works Completed in the Last Week:
None. But, I did get the Baskets Quilt finished quilting last week, and sewed on the binding (1st step). I also worked on the other projects listed.

I will also be planning activities twice a month for 8-9 year-old girls. Fun, Fun, Fun! We start tomorrow with getting to know each other and starting a journal. Young Women Basketball starts this week, so I will be helping with keeping score each week for the next 8-9 weeks.

My hopes for the new year:
Finish as many quilts as possible
Have a cutting table made for me for my sewing room
Buy new kitchen plates that I like
Do some home decorating
Perhaps put in new flooring in the upstairs hall (I have hated my carpet since moving in 5+ years ago).

At any rate, I hope for a happy, safe, creative and lovely year -- For all of us for 2012!

Considering Family & Gratitude

2011-12-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have spent a lot of time with my family. Or at least I try to. I worry over them, and hope for the best for them. And sometimes that means I don't get to post very often. At least that's my story for now.

Last night I visited with my Mother and my Aunt. They are both aging (as we all are), and I know they feel young inside. It made me ponder about families.

Growing up, I thought I had it bad because I had an absent dad. But, instead I had it pretty good. I was surrounded by loving aunts, uncles and grandparents, and my mother loved all of us and worked very hard on our behalf. I always knew my extended family loved me very much. It was just easier as a child and young adult to focus on what I didn't have. However, as an adult, I've found it better to focus on what I have. I still have loving extended family member that love me. They have memories to share with me, and are willing to spend time with me when I have time for them. For this, I am grateful.

Even now, I have to focus on what I have. Children can be difficult. And watching your children make life-changing decisions without awareness of the consequences can be extremely difficult. (Surely no mother looks at their newborn baby and thinks about them being a bum when they grow up). (Not that mine are bums, but you get the idea). We all want the best for our children. We want them to have it better than we did, learn to love, learn to work hard and to be around forming memories with us as we and they age. However, when these decisions are made, we need to stand by and let them, because they have their agency. So, I try to focus on what I do have.

I have a child that thinks a Sunday isn't complete without a game of Aggravation with his dad and me. He also still doesn't mind spending a little bit of time with us, and helping out around the house. For this, I am grateful.

I am grateful that I have time to quilt, sew and create. I am grateful I have a part-time job that stretches me, allows me to be creative, and share my knowledge with others. I have a great boss, fabulous co-workers and it is nice to laugh at work. They support me in my hardships, and we can share our lives. For this, I am grateful.

I have a sewing group that gets together once a week (usually). We share our triumphs, our sorrows, and our work. We help each other and teach each other new things. We try to solve the world's problems, and laugh at ourselves and the mistakes we make. For this, I am grateful.

I am enjoying leading the Ward Choir this Christmas season. The choir members have been very responsive to me, and we are enjoying singing together. Good music and beautiful harmonies touch my heart and soothe my soul. For this, I am grateful.

So, I may not post very often, although I would like to do more. Just know that I am working, learning, sewing, spending time with family and friends, and serving where I can. Life is full and overflowing. For this, I am grateful.

It's Been HOW LONG???!

2011-07-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

I went on Spring Break with my family, shortly after my last post. Then, as soon as we were back, I hit the ground running and it has taken a while to slow down. So, I guess I better do some catching up. I had an opportunity to use a long-arm quilting machine... and quilted this to hang at the store. It isn't bad for my first official quilt. I would like to do some more.

Then, there is this runner. I took a quilt guild class for flying geese in 2010. Then, last fall I pieced these three blocks together to make a runner. I basted it soon after, and finally quilted it this month. Last week I finished the binding while at a family reunion. I am pleased with it, and will use it in the Spring.

In April and May, I only had time to finish one quilt guild project...The Mystery Quilt. I decided to do straight lines diagonally across the quilt. This is a very time-consuming way to quilt! I do like how it finished.

I have more to show later...and much more to work on. I'll try to keep up here more frequently. I've missed this, too.

More Store Samples - Bags!

2011-03-29T20:12:00.001-07:00

Two new patterns came in the store last week, and I just had to make the samples. The one on the left is a Scripture bag; the one on the right, a crayon bag.

They both have inside pockets as well.

They were pretty easy to make - only taking less than 2 hours each. I think the next ones will go even quicker! Plus, I got to work with this super cute Riley Blake fabric.

Keep on Sewing!

Mystery Solved & a Few Other Finishes

2011-03-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

Our Quilt Guild did this quilt as a mystery. I used "Summer's End" by Kansas Troubles. I am thrilled with the result. I don't think I want to add a border to it. I hope to quilt it before May 10th.

Then, I finished this quilt, using "Lilac Hill" fabric.

Can you believe that quilt is only 16x20 inches. It is called "Delectable Mountains" and it is from the Fat Quarter Quilting book by Lori Smith.

Next, I finished these place mats for Easter. I wanted to use them to decorate the shelves of my kitchen hutch. I may make enough to switch out frequently through the year. I did learn that next time I will quilt all over a sandwich made from 2 1/2-yard pieces, instead of cutting them to size first. That way, I can quilt better without worrying about getting too close to the edge.

And, finally, the second Chocolate inspired table topper.

This one, I used a different back on, but the front is the same. I had a difficult time with the inside corners, but it worked out okay.

Here you can see some of the quilting. I am very pleased!

Now I can add them to my list of finished projects. Yahoo!!!

What are you sewing?

Another Fun Tool

2011-03-26T16:48:00.000-07:00

I found another useful tool. Sometimes I do have hand work to do, and would rather sit on the couch than in my sewing room. So, I gather my equipment and head downstairs with this:

That's right...a breakfast tray. Sometimes used for breakfast in bed. Sometimes used for sick days.

But, this is the best use of all. Handwork and keeping all my supplies together.

Do you have any favorite tools?

Another Finish...

2011-03-25T16:48:00.000-07:00

or two.

I finished these bags. They are tote bags for shopping days. I can fit a lot in these bags.

Then, I saw this chocolate fabric at work, and had to do something with it. So, I adapted a charm-pack pattern, and used yardage instead. Here you can see I used the chocolate on the back, too.

I am using this quilt as a sample for my machine quilting class. I hope it is eye-catching enough!

I had enough fabric for two of these, just had to use a different back on the other one. It is still waiting for the binding to be finished. All in good time!

Happy sewing!

Another Great Tool

2011-02-24T19:14:00.000-08:00

I have another favorite tool to share with you. I recently cleaned out a drawer and found this handy flashlight. It is great to use at my sewing machine. I frequently drop pins and can't see them in the shadows.

So, I turn on the light and the pins sparkle in the light. It will certainly save my feet from a few pokes.

Do you have a favorite tool?

Happy Sewing!

Help for Square in a Square Blocks

2011-02-23T19:52:00.000-08:00

I've had trouble in the past with my square in a square blocks. I know you add triangles to each side of the square. However, mine were always difficult to square up. So, I finally figured out a few tricks.

First, I find the center of my triangle and fold right sides together. Then I fold my square right sides out.

That way they nest together to line up.

Pin well. (I used to hate pinning, and yes, it takes a little more time, but it sure saves on accuracy).

Then, here's the trick...Sew with the stretchy triangle on the bottom.

Remember that old line, "Baggy Bottom". It fits many scenarios. Here it kept my triangle from shifting, and the pins kept it lined up with the square.

And here is my very nice square in a square block. The beginning of a very cute table topper to be revealed later.

Happy Sewing!

Mug Rug Swap Results

2011-02-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

I received these mug rugs from Mary today. They are so sweet. The center piecing looks like weaving, and the squares are only 1/2 inch. Amazing work! I love the little scissors on the fabrics. They will fit my interests just right! Thanks Mary!

These are the mug rugs I made to send away. I sent my partner one of the watermelon ones and the pink one. The other watermelon one I sent to Lisa. She is my friend from College days and after she sent me warm college memories, I thought I needed to send her a mug rug.

I hope you enjoy these little bits of sweetness. Happy Sewing!

Mug Rugs in Progress

2011-02-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

I've been working on mug rugs for a swap. Here I chose my fabric and sketched my design idea.

I cut squares and triangles. The pink squares have crowns and jewels. The recipient can be queen for the day!

I've sewn triangles to opposite sides of the squares.

And pressed them open.

Sew again,

and press.

I sewed them all together and it is too long. But, I fixed that...

By adding borders half-way through the side squares.

Here it is ready to be basted.

I decided on my second one, to let the fabric speak for itself.

I will quilt them soon and get the binding on. They need to be posted by Monday.

I think the trick for the square in a square is to pin the triangle in 3 places to keep it straight while being stitched. I struggled a little with it here. I'll try it next time.

Happy sewing!

I have my Mystery up to date

2011-02-15T19:13:00.000-08:00

I worked on it all day on Saturday and got it to the same spot as our Guild tutorial. Only 3 more guild projects to go this month.

A Border Tutorial

2011-02-12T12:32:00.000-08:00

This is my first tutorial, so I hope you will leave some kind comments at the end.

Putting borders on a quilt can put fear into some. Borders not put on correctly will cause problems for your machine quilter. I've developed a way to put on borders that seems to take out the fear, and leave you with accuracy. I've developed it from using a conglomerate of tips gleaned over the years, and insight of my own. Enjoy!

This is our mystery quilt for Quilt Guild. It is basically adding borders around the quilt over and over again. Some are pieced borders, and the others are a one-piece border. Great effect, don't you think?

The first thing I do, is measure the quilt through the center. If it is bigger than my cutting mat, I fold it in half, then, measure it with my acrylic ruler. I find the accuracy is fine if my quilt and border are both measured the same way, folded or straight. This measurement is 20 1/4 inches

So, now I measure my border piece. The cutting instructions for this quilt told us the cutting measurements, but thinking they might be borders, I just labeled them for what they would be cut to. I always measure my quilt before adding borders. Lots of things can happen while piecing to make the measurement different than the pattern says.

Here, my border is measured from the fold...20 1/4 inches...

and I cut off the excess.

Next, I take the quilt and the border to the ironing board. I press the quilt in half on the edge the border will be placed. Here, the quilt is folded wrong sides together.

Then, I open it up and press each edge to the center, still wrong sides together.

Set the quilt top aside for a moment. Now, I press the border, right sides together, in the center.

When I open it up, I have a nice crease in the center.

Now, I press each end to the center.

This marks the border at 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 across the fabric.

Now, lay the quilt top out, right side up, and lay the border on, right side down. The creases you made with your iron will nest together. You will know that they line up.

Now, it doesn't matter if the quilt is creased right sides together, or wrong sides together. The key is to have the border folds be opposite of the quilt. Then, the creases will always nest, giving you an easy mark to match.

Now, I pin at the center, each 1/4 way mark, the two ends and then in between each crease.

Now, I take it to my sewing machine and stitch my 1/4 inch seam allowance. Just a note, here. If you have one part that has more stretch to it, and the other doesn't, put the stretchy side down while stitching. I remember it as "Baggy Bottom". The feed dogs will help it feed evenly and your border will go on great. Here, my pieced border has more stretch, so I will put it on the bottom.

Be sure to remove the pins as you come to them. You don't want to break a needle on one. Also, keep your edges together as you go.

Now, I press, with the seam allowance going to the border. This eliminates bulk, and your machine quilter will be happier!

Now, repeat the process with your other 3 border. (Lather, rinse, repeat.)

And here it is with all four borders.

Looks good! Only 3 more rounds to go for this month.

Need Some February Inspiration?

2011-02-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

I thought I might share some of my quilts. These hang in my house in February and make me feel very much in the mood for Valentine's Day.

This is a mini I made last year. I really enjoyed the process on this one.

This is a paper-pieced project. I bought the kit on a shop-hop. My mom and sister were signed up for the class and I couldn't go. So, I brought it home and made it. It hangs in my Laundry room all year long.

This is a promise stitch wall hanging. I pieced it and Pam stitched the embroidery.

I designed and made this one for a challenge. I didn't win the challenge, but I love seeing it on my table.

Another applique piece. I did the applique process in a weekend, then pieced it together. I did this last year as part of a mini of the month with quilt guild. This wasn't an assigned one, but I wanted to do it.

This runner was made more than 5 years ago. I was inspired by a Buggy Barn pattern I had already made. I wanted this to be for Valentine's Day. I remember creating it during a wintery month, sitting by the south-facing window to get any sun I could. It is bright and fun.

It is fun to sew for holidays and then use them each year. I hope you are inspired, too!

I've had a Very Productive Week

2011-02-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

I spent my spare time sewing this week. I've been trying to get caught up on our Quilt Guild Block of the Month. These blocks are intense, and have a lot of applique. NOT my favorite thing to do...Applique. Still I managed to get all of these done.

A filler block - star.

One basket - all applique.

Paper-pieced baskets all in a row.

A pieced basket with Applique flowers.

A row of flying geese...

And a close-up shot.

A pieced background with applique on top.

And two checkerboard blocks.

Another basket...

and two more paper-pieced baskets.

Whew! That was a lot of work. Hopefully I can keep up with these for the rest of the guild year.

Now, to get a customer quilt done and then two mug rugs. The mug rugs need to be mailed by Monday, February 14th. I think I've got at least one design worked out. It shouldn't be too bad :)

What are you sewing?

Sewing Room Reorganized

2011-01-31T16:34:00.000-08:00

My sewing room was a big mess. It was frustrating trying to find things. It was cluttered and I really didn't know everything I had.

I have the furniture I need, and it is in the best way for now.

But, the fabric and projects were just out of control.

So, I bought a few boxes, and a set of big drawers...

And I got to work. My fabric stash now fits in 10 of the boxes, and Works in Progress are in the other 10 or so. Now my fabric and projects fit on my baker's shelf.

I have pretty quilts up on the wall.

My sewing area is neat and tidy, with the drawers all shut. (I'll be organizing them later).

And my cutting and planning area ready for the next project to begin.

Look... All Cleaned UP!

But, I didn't stop there. I forgot to take a before picture of the closet. It was full of boxes and I couldn't shut the doors. So, the boys helped me by taking all of the boxes and junk out to the living room.

It took me 2 days to sort it all out. My dearest sweetheart helped me install more shelves in the closet.

We started with 2, then added one more. There are still a few boxes, but I know what is in them now and they are easily accessible, not under 3 other boxes.

And I can get the doors shut! :)

Now, the challenge is to keep it clean. Also, to use up all the scraps I have.

Happy Sewing!

Working on Quilt Guild Mystery

2011-01-30T16:22:00.000-08:00

Our Quilt Guild Mystery is this far along.

I am using the "Summer's End" line from Kansas Troubles. I really like the colors in this.

I also made a doll quilt for my neighbor's little girl. She has the cutest crib for her doll, and I thought it needed a quilt. I had the squares already cut, and just had to sew them together. I had exactly the right number of purple squares. Not a single one left over. She seemed to like it when I gave it to her.

It is nice to work on something that isn't required of me, just something I want to do.

Have You Ever Thought About...

2011-01-29T21:36:00.000-08:00

how much thread you use? I hadn't considered it too much. But, about a year ago, our Webelos Scout group needed spools to make block and tackle with. I just happened to have enough empty spools. I thought I might be with Webelos a while longer, so I started saving them in these fun quart jars.

Now, a year later, I am not working with the Webelos anymore. My jars are full, and it is time to empty them. I will pass on a few to the scout leader I was working with, but decided to take a picture. I think there are 33 empty spools there. I have about 5 more just about ready to join them.

Wow! What a lot of thread. That just means I am doing a lot of creative work and that is what makes me happy. I will keep sewing -- I hope you do, too!

A fun party

2011-01-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

I got together with some friends recently and we exchanged our Christmas gifts -- later when we could enjoy each other's company. We had a nice brunch, and these are then lovely presents I received.

There are two kitchen towels, a spatula, wooden spoon, lotion, hot chocolate mix and Valentine fat quarters from Pam. The cute pin cushion was made by Lynn. The biscotti (I ate one before the picture) is from Kristi, and her daughter made the mug rug.

December 2009, I won 11 tree blocks in the Block Jack at quilt guild and knew immediately what I wanted to do with them. It took me until September to piece them, I had them quilted 3 days before the party, and only 1 had the binding finished. I finished the 2nd one during the gathering, then the 3rd that afternoon. Just this week I finished the last one...for me. If you are doing your math, I had to make an extra block to get these 4 runners done. But, no worries, it worked up quick!

So, I now have a lovely runner for winter time. I love how it turned out.

Keep on sewing!

This Project Gave Me Fits...

2011-01-27T21:15:00.000-08:00

Not that I can't sew together layer cakes. Not because the leaves are appliqued. Not even because of the rick-rack.

Because...I have not done the prairie points for about 20 years. That was before I learned how to quilt --- and tied most of my creations.

So, here is what I learned along the way.

When you plan on using prairie points, quilt only to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Normally we look to quilt to 1/4 inch of the edge.
Sew the folded triangles only to the top layer of the quilt.
Trim the batting to the edge of the quilt. Normally I leave it 1/4 inch beyond the edge in order to fill the binding. Not here.
The back fabric is trimmed larger than the batting.
The back fabric is folded over, and the front edge is folded back. Then sew these edges together. I like to use the ladder stitch. This closes the quilt and helps the triangle points to stand up.

The pattern did not give me these hints. I picked them up with the good old "school of hard knocks". I unpicked several times to fix the quilt and do it right. I am truly relieved to be finished!!!

I have several other items I have finished and will be showing them soon. I have also added a finished list on my sidebar for this year. I am hoping to add a lot to the list.

Two Years of Blogging...

2011-01-17T18:53:00.000-08:00

and I am still here. I must say I have been a slacker lately. Working does that to a person. Hopefully I will post some fun things soon...I've got a lot in the works. Thanks for hanging in there with me!

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T19:04:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2011 is full of lots of sewing and good experiences for all of us. I hope to get lots of things done, too.

When I finally got something done...

2010-12-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

I took some pictures. This quilt uses the Sweet Divinity Line by Riley Blake. It measures about 56" square. When I get it back, I think I will tuck it away in case I ever have a grand daughter. (No, this is not an announcement. It isn't even wishful thinking, just being prepared.)

This one uses the Pure line by Moda. It is 30"x36". I like small quilts, but they really take a lot of time, just like bigger quilts.

Next, I'll be doing two samples using the Giddy line by Sandy Gervais. It will be my after Christmas sewing time. Plus getting ready for Quilt Guild.

Then, I made 18 books for neighbors and my co-workers. I made matching magnets and little gift bags for my co-workers as well. I figure I am giving the gift of organization!

I used up the best of the paper in the book I purchased some time ago, so yesterday I picked up another, so I have plenty of paper for next year!

I am working on two aprons. One for my sister-in-law, and one for the store sample. I just have the pockets to put on the one. I made them too long, so I still need to cut 8 inches off the store sample and redo the binding. Then, I will take pictures again.

I also made this lap top case for my daughter. She doesn't read my blog, so it won't spoil the surprise. Besides, she picked out the fabric :) I still need to make the matching cosmetic bag to go with it. That part will be a surprise!

Anyway, I hope you like seeing the things going on here. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

I am working up a storm...

2010-12-08T20:18:00.000-08:00

and haven't any pictures to share with you. I finished a store sample and took it to work before getting a picture, but it is the Sweet Divinity quilt with Riley Blake fabric. I am working on another sample, using Moda's "Pure" line. The top is just finished tonight, and I will get the backing and binding fabric as I work tomorrow. I plan on quilting it on Friday, and would love to have it back in the shop on Saturday. I have two basket blocks done for Guild, and their filler blocks, but have to catch up on the ones I should have done for October. My mystery quilt is taking f-o-r-e-v-e-r to do. I have sewn 31 strip sets together, and I am cutting them into 2 1/2" chunks. That takes a lot of cutting time. There is also a Row robin to get finished before Tuesday morning, but it is mostly fused fabric, so I am hoping it doesn't take too much time. Certainly, I have "bitten off more than I can chew", but I will persevere and hopefully catch up soon, then get more done over the holidays. Oh, and I also have two customer quilts waiting to be quilted, and one more to come that I know about. I have finished about 6 customer quilts in the last few weeks, so I am getting things done, eventually. I'll try to get some pictures taken soon so I can share them with you.

Until then....Keep on quilting!

Another Pencil Bag

2010-11-09T12:25:00.000-08:00

I made another pencil bag last month. I really like these, they are so handy and very quick to make.

I use mine, not for pencils, but for headache medicine, lip balm, breath mints and other small items that might get lost in my bigger bag.

I really like making bags. Do you have a favorite thing you like to make?

I Sang The National Anthem...

2010-11-07T16:19:00.000-08:00

at a University Volleyball game. I was nervous and shaking. I started out weak, but kept on going. I survived.

I just spent a week in Washington, DC. I got to see the flag that Francis Scott Key was looking at when inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner". It is in the Museum of American History in Washington, DC. It has been through a lot over the years, and parts were cut up and given away. What is left of it is pretty amazing. I wanted to start singing the National Anthem while looking at it, but thought the guard might get mad at me. Security is pretty tight around the District, and some of the guards are a little bit grumpy.

The next morning I had a message about singing at the game. I decided to do it. I didn't have to worry about it for very long... just a couple of days. We bought t-shirts for the family to wear. Paid $2 for two kids to get in, (had coupons for the others) and there we were. After singing, the family was seated in several different places. I decided to get a bag of popcorn at the break. Within 5 minutes, they were all seated around us. So, I came up with this...

$42 for t-shirts
$2 for admission
$4 for a large popcorn

Family togetherness and having Mom sing the National Anthem....

Priceless!

I'll show some sewing I have been doing soon. We've had computer issues and I've been busy, so I haven't posted much. I'll try to do better.

Keep on Sewing!

Creativity Takes Courage

2010-09-21T18:54:00.000-07:00

Have I said that before?

Well, now I know that Life Takes Courage.

Especially when you are following your dreams.

So what is my dream?

Sing the national anthem at the local University.

Our local University athletics holds try-outs every year for people to sing the National Anthem at sporting events -- basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, etc. I first heard about it several years ago. My children were little and taking swimming lessons, so I couldn't fit in the try-outs. I heard the announcement this morning on the radio, and knew I had run out of excuses. My dear husband called within a minute to tell me about the announcement, too, in case I had missed it.

So, off I went this evening to try out singing the national anthem. Without music. In front of 6 judges. Some of them smiled. There were at least 30 people waiting to audition. Most of them under age 30. I saw 2 men older than I. I felt a little out of my element. Still, I stayed and auditioned. I started too low, but didn't lose my cool, and let the higher notes soar, as much as I could. So, now I wait to find out if I did okay. But, I'm not really worried about it. Unless I actually get to sing it in public. Then, I will start worrying.

So, the moral of the story? Dreams are easier when we are just dreaming. Reality takes courage and commitment. Nothing gets done unless we put forth effort. So, what dream is next? We shall see. Until then,

Keep Dreaming!

Pin Cushion Exchange

2010-09-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

Our little sewing group, which is becoming smaller all the time, had a pin cushion exchange. While working on my pin cushion, I made this pencil case. It just cried out to be given to Tina.

I struggled knowing which pin cushion to make. Tina really likes sunflowers, but I couldn't find a pattern to make one, and it seemed beyond my abilities to think of how to make one. When I finally decided on this pear, everything got very easy. So, Tina got the pencil case and the pear. I made a smaller one earlier this year. The leaf is made of wool, and the beads add a little more texture than a stem would.

When we got together to exchange, only four of us were there, so these are our treasures. Lyn made the pin cushion on the bottom, and made it in a tart tin. Kristi made the flower with the yellow center and pink petals. Pam made the pink one, still needing some stuffing.

After seeing Kristi's pin cushion, I saw how the sunflower one would work. I'll have to do it another time, though.

Later in the day, Ann brought me these cute watermelon pin cushions. Aren't they sweet?

Tina is still working on her pin cushion for Ann. I hope she sends me pictures so I can add them here.

What a delightful set of pin cushions. I am fortunate to sew with such creative women. I just wish all of us were together again.

Keep on quilting!

Fall Is Canning Season

2010-09-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

Fall is most certainly the most difficult time for me to quilt. I am busy bottling fresh fruits and veggies to make for pleasant wintertime meals. I picked 2 1/2 bushels of tomatoes...Added some home-grown peppers, (which my husband chopped for me)...

Added garlic...

and onion....

These beautiful colors really inspired me! I really love color!

Cooked it all up and

Here is my salsa - all bottled up and ready for yummy times ahead!

Then, I used some of my mangoes I had on hand, and raspberries from my garden, and made Mango-Raspberry Jam. Yummy, Yummy!

Then, Judy, from my work, gave me pecans, so I made Praline Syrup. I call it Pecan Pie in a jar!

I found the last two recipes in the Ball Blue Book for Canning published this year. It was my first time purchasing the book, and I love it!

Although I haven't been quilting a lot for myself, I have tried to keep up with Customer quilts, and the canning has such beautiful color, too. I also get my "color fix" working at the local quilt shop each week. It is such a delight to work with the beautiful fabrics people purchase.

I hope to share more of my canning as it happens. It is work, but it is pleasurable work.

Use for my Fabric Box

2010-08-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

I made this very fun box last February. I made it just for fun. It has been sitting in my sewing room ever since, and I just put stuff in it sometimes. No real purpose. Do you ever do that? Make something without a purpose? I do -- sometimes.
Well, just this week, I came up with a purpose. We were having a neighborhood party. I was in charge of the paper goods. You know what happens to napkins at an outdoor party? That's right -- they blow wherever the wind will take them. So I did this...

I stacked the napkins on end in my cute little box. Not too many comments about it at the party, but I was feeling extremely proud of this little box having a use. I will definitely use it again. Maybe for Thanksgiving if I can convince my family to come to my house.

Keep on quilting!

New Blog for Me to Follow

2010-08-21T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've been looking around for a pattern for a lunch sack. I haven't found exactly what I want, but I have seen lots of things to help me in my design. On my way around, I found this blog. She has so many great tutorials that I spent nearly an hour skimming over them. Great ideas for sewing for young children (not my type of sewing, yet), and for accessories. I think when I get my lunch bag put together I'll make a tutorial, too. I want to offer it as a class at our local quilt shop, so we shall see! Anyway, go check it out and enjoy!

Flowers in My Yard

2010-08-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

My yard has been neglected lately, and much of it was dead or overgrown. When I cleared away the dead stuff this weekend, these flowers became more visible and are the stars of my flower beds. The grasshoppers have been very bad this year and have done a lot of damage. Hopefully with some of the dead stuff gone, they won't be able to hide as well and my son and his friends can kill them for me.

Yes, I'm Still Here

2010-08-04T20:04:00.000-07:00

It has been much too long since I've left a note here. I've been pretty busy with family, projects, and customer quilts. I also started working one day a week at the local quilt shop, and that has been so much fun! I sent my son off to Boy Scouts of America National Jamboree 2 weeks ago, and they missed their flight today, so I should see him tomorrow.

I hoped to show you more than a picture or two, but my computer hiccuped and deleted my profile. I'm starting over from the beginning and it is a slow process. The two pictures above are a table runner sample made for the quilt shop. We have cut a few kits for it, and this will hang at the shop. It was fun and pretty easy to do. I also have a few new projects I want to work on, a class or two to develop and 2 more customer quilts to do. So, we will see how things go in the next few weeks.

School starts in 3 weeks, then canning season will come along, too. The days just fly by! We are not quite finished with the downstairs bathroom, and we have some work to do on the shed this fall. There just is never enough time to do all that needs to be done - but I will keep plugging away at it.

Keep quilting!

Fireworks

2010-07-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

We went to our annual Fireworks show on July 2nd, and really enjoyed the 30 minutes of fireworks. I tried to get a few pictures, and I like this one the best. This was during the grand finale.

I spent the weekend after that at Bear Lake with my husband's family. Since getting back, it has been recover time (2 hours), then lots of work hours at my new job. I normally will work there 1 day a week. There was a big sidewalk sale, so I had extra hours. I have also been working on finishing the bathroom. Flooring on Thursday, cabinet on Friday, then another week or two for the counter top and plumbing, and door. I really don't like putting in the door.

I've finished a receiving blanket, and have 3 more to do - they just need the decorative stitch around the edge. I am also getting my teenage son ready for BSA National Jamboree. He leaves in just 8 short days.

Busy times, not much sewing, but I will get some things done later this month. I'm planning for it!

Keep sewing!

Group Quilt Finished

2010-06-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

This is a quilt that was a group effort. We made it as a "Quilts of Valor" quilt to be donated. The big blocks were made by Kristi, Lynn, Ann, Pam and myself. Then, we got together to figure out how to put it together. We spent a few minutes discussing our options, then went shopping! We purchased the blue, and also the cream and red for the corner stars. We had a week to make the stars. Then we got together again and pieced it together. I figured the sizes needed and cut pieces. Kristi and Pam pieced together the checkerboard pieces, and Pam pieced the sections together. Lynn pressed the seams, and Kristi made lunch. I quilted it and sewed the binding on. Lynn and Kristi helped stitched the binding on the back side. Kristi made the label and I stitched it to the quilt. Lynn made a case for it to be in (like a pillowcase), and I gave it to our Quilt Guild representative to be sent away. There was a lot of work put into this. And, as with all "work projects by committee", it took a little more time than we expected. However, it is done, and we can move onto other projects now.

Now, I am working on finishing a basement bathroom, and hoping to get some quilting done soon. I also have several baby receiving blankets to make -- I know a few expectant mothers and grandmothers. I hope to share something again soon.

Keep on quilting and creating!

More Ceramics Revealed

2010-06-23T11:11:00.001-07:00

I finished my 10-week course in Ceramics. These are the items I made in the last half of the class. I really am beginning to enjoy this, and to feel I can do it. I know I have lots left to learn, but I love the results so far.

I know that my success in this class (I consider it a success), is due to a very kind and patient instructor, Beth. I am amazed how she can show and talk you through a project, and she is very complimentary of our efforts.

One thing I have learned from taking this class is "Creativity Takes Courage". One student is very creative in her work of hand-building, and takes a great deal of time to work on each project. In this studio setting, courage is easy. There is no criticism of anyone's work, and there is much sharing of ideas and skills. Beth even asked me to share some of my quilting with her, and then she had me share it with others. This was an amazing experience.

I have in my heart a great desire for creativity. Sometimes I just don't know enough about techniques, but many times I am afraid. I am trying to not be afraid. I also would never want to say something to someone else that would cause them to be afraid to share their creative efforts. It is a better thing to appreciate others' efforts and encourage Courage.

Enjoy your creative day!

New Mini Quilt

2010-05-30T18:18:00.000-07:00

My youngest son wanted to sell a quilt in his school store. He asked me to help him make it. He chose the fabrics, traced the patterns onto fusible webbing, and helped with the placement. As I was finishing it for him, his father hated to see it go. So, he offered him real money, instead of school bucks for it. SOLD for $25. I tried to make the stitching fun and whimsical because I thought a child would be getting it. I'm really glad it is staying in the family.

Another Interest

2010-05-25T12:19:00.001-07:00

I'm sure some of you are wondering what happened to me. It's been a busy month, several customer quilts, and much family happenings. However, I am on week 8 of a 10 week ceramics class (only 2 left), and I wanted to show the pottery I've been making. Some of the pots I received help from my instructor. Some were wheel-thrown, and some formed in a mold (of sorts). Anyway, I love them, and have even started using them. Check out the slideshow below.

I'd love to hear your comments.

I have enjoyed ceramics - only 3 hours a week, but very productive hours. The only down side for me is it took a long time to get to the finished product. I will have my next set of pottery in 2 weeks. We finish trimming and shaping this week, they get the first firing this weekend, then, we glaze next week. We can then return the following week to pick them up. I've had a great instructor, very patient and knowledgeable. There are about 7 of us in the class, each of us doing our own thing, and Beth is very helpful with whatever we are doing.

Hoepfully, I will show you another quilt in the next day or two. I have one finished and one in the works. Lots of fun! Summer is almost here, and I'll be doing more home projects, but still will take time to quilt.

Thought I had a Stash

2010-04-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

I thought I had a fabric stash. Then when making a quilt with friends last year, I found I didn't have much. Then, I started following this blog, Stash Manicure and found out I really don't have a stash at all. Most of my color collections fit in a plastic shoe box, one per color, and sometimes two colors in a box. I only have 9 boxes. So, I guess I don't have to worry about manicuring my stash (hee, hee).

However, the blog is very interesting. Many people have been giving their ideas for how to manage their stash, or use it up. I use some of the methods, and I am starting to use the idea of using leaders/enders. Instead of using a scrap to begin and end your chain piecing, you can use pre-cut pieces to do this. That way, you can make two quilts at the same time. So, today I started trying it. I'll let you know how it goes.

I made two grocery (green) bags, but mine are yellow with blue flowers. They turned out great! Here they are, one laying out flat, and the other rolled up. Fun fabric, huh?!!

That's it for now. Have a great weekend!

Happy Quilting

Queen-Size Quilt

2010-04-22T21:01:00.000-07:00

This is how my queen-size quilt looks on my bed. I made pillow cases to go with it It doesn't show the borders, but I am really please with the quilt.

Now, on to a customer quilt and other things.

Happy Quilting!

New Try at an Old Skill

2010-04-22T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am my son's Webelos leader (along with 3 other boys). My son and one other boy had earned their Arrow of Light and were to receive them tonight. I got a call on Tuesday asking me to make the plaques because the person who usually does would not be able to do these. So, after much consideration, I bought the wood this morning, then came home and used my Woodburning tool. I received the tool when I was about 12 years old and have held onto it without much use. I was sure glad today that I still own it. This was my first attempt, and it was the one my son chose as his. It was actually quite fun to do and I would gladly do it again for the other boys in my den.

Queen-Size Accomplishment

2010-04-16T16:52:00.000-07:00

I have been very quiet here for about a month. I have been reading other's posts, but not posting much. However, I have still been very productive. The lastest accomplishment was a huge milestone for me. I quilted and finished the above pictured quilt. I only showed a small part (for now), but it is queen-size and I did it on my Bernina. I do not own a long-arm machine, have thought about getting one, but wanted to see if I could do it on the machine I already own. I did it!!!!! I was so excited to get it finished and it now sits on my bed. It changes the look of my room, and I think I might need to paint and redecorate a little bit - maybe this summer.

Happy Quilting!

Fun Notebooks

2010-03-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

I made these fun notebooks (I've made 10 so far), after reading about them in "Cloth, Paper Scissors" magazine. I really enjoyed the process, and gave most of them away. I made them with scrapbook paper, and used fabric with fusible webbing instead of book cloth on the binding. Now, I need to write in them, but it better be good! I want the inside to be just as great as the outside!

A friend's Quilt

2010-03-08T16:09:00.000-08:00

My friend Lynn made this beautiful quilt and asked me to quilt it. She did a great job with color placement, as the original pattern reminded us of an argyle sock. Nice look for a sock, but not so exciting for a quilt (hee, hee). Hers definitely does not remind me of an argyle sock.

So, I asked her permission to post it here, so you can see her beautiful embroidery. She has this design in the center of each light colored diamond, complete with the pearl beads.

Then she put this design in the borders. I think it is exquisite.

I tried a new design in the border, and I am very pleased with how it worked out. I hope to use the design again somewhere else.

Thanks, Lynn, for allowing me to share this!

I Won Some thing Nice and Art Quilts Revealed

2010-03-02T17:58:00.001-08:00

I have won a prize from Valerie's blog. She was giving away this beautiful silk, and she picked my name. I received it in the mail yesterday and will have to decide how to use it in my next art quilt. I haven't worked with this type of fabric, yet, and look forward to trying it out. Thanks so much Valerie!

I finished this art quilt last week and entered it in an art show. I didn't have time to fix the kitty's tail, but I hope to in the next week. I actually started this quilt 2 years ago, with the tree trunk on a background of many neutrals. The tree trunk is made of ultrasuede which gives great texture, then I thread painted the details in. I didn't know what to put on the branch, other than an empty nest, so I just put it aside. After putting the nest on a couple of weeks ago, I decided it needed my cat looking in the nest. So, I sketched my cat and used fake fur for him. Since it is a winter scene, the nest is empty, so I called this quilt "Anticipation".

I figured the cat was anticipating the return of spring as much as the rest of us in the Northern Hemisphere are. My cat is a good hunter - gets mice from a nearby field, and also sometimes catches birds.

Two years ago, I made this quilt. I call it "Sherbet in the Sky with Diamonds". It was in answer to a challenge in our guild to use a circle in a quilt. I also read an article about a journal cover that used silk flowers. So, I combined the two and had a great time working on this. I quilted it all over and very densely in the background. I also did hot-fix crystals as a final touch. I entered it in an art show and won a $15 prize. When I took my tree quilt to the same art show this year, the woman receiving the entries remembered this quilt and I was flattered.

So, now I have won a prize from Valerie's blog. She was giving away this beautiful silk, and she picked my name. I received it in the mail yesterday and will have to decide how to use it in my next art quilt.

So, until next time, Keep on Quilting!

New Projects Finished

2010-02-18T12:20:00.001-08:00

I've been happily stitching away, while listening to more stories. I finished this quilt top...

Which I had started some time ago. I bought the fabric in quarter-yard measurements, cut off 2 1/2 inch strips and made a jelly bag last year. Then, from the rest of the fabric, I made this quilt. It is quite graphic, and I have it hanging on my bedroom wall. I can see it first thing when I wake up, even without my glasses!

I also made this quilt...

but, it finishes at less than 12" square. Each half-square triangle is 1" finished. I have been cutting 2" squares out of my scraps of fabric, and I started with those to piece this. I think I better start cutting 2 1/2" squares instead - this is insanely small!

Then, Jenny of Elefantz pointed me to a great tutorial on making fabric baskets. So, I gave it a try and came up with this one:

I just love pink lately, and I love the look of black with pink. These are super easy to make and I can't wait to make another one or three! I just picked up the polka-dot ribbon today, and the fabric, interfacing, and lace were in my stash. You should try these because they are so fun!

More Projects Finished

2010-02-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

I have been working on this quilt for a couple of weeks. I am pleased with the results - and it will make a fine Valentine's Day decoration at my house or in my husband's office.

Then, I also decided not to join the Winter mini quilt swap (I had done Spring, Summer & Fall). But, it did inspire me to make a winter-themed quilt.

I thought the blues and creams were a reminder of cold snowy days, and long winter nights. It has buttons sewn on each cream square.

I didn't have quite enough buttons, so my friend, Lynn let me have 2 of hers. (not the 2 shown).

It was a quick quilt to make, and might also make it to my husband's office.

I love Pizza!

2010-02-08T15:10:00.000-08:00

And I especially like pan pizza from pizza hut. The crispy crust just sends my mouth into joyous rapture! I have a really good recipe for pizza, but had never quite figured out how to make that yummy crisp crust. Over the weekend, I finally put the pieces together. I had used a cast iron skillet before, but it didn't quite do the trick.

So, I tried preheating the pan, while preheating the oven to 425 degrees. I sprayed it with a bit of pan spray first.

Then I worked on getting all my lovely toppings ready. I also pre-formed the dough to the approximate shape of the pan. When the pan had heated about 15 minutes, I removed it from the oven and built my pizza.

I finished with a brush of melted butter around the crust and sprinkled all over with Parmesan and garlic powder.

Baked it for 15 minutes at 425 degrees, then brought it out of oven, and it came right out of the pan.

Look at the yummy crusty cheese around the bottom. This was such a good dinner on Friday, we had it for lunch on Saturday.

These were individual sized pizzas, in smaller cast iron skillets. However, I think that the larger skillets or dutch oven type pans would work for a larger pizza. We like the individual sized ones because we get to choose the toppings we like best.

Today is Groundhog Day!

2010-02-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

And in the U.S., the groundhog saw his shadow ... meaning 6 more weeks of winter. And as my friend, Ann said, "Good, that gives me more time to work on my projects!"

So, we all laughed and thought that the best attitude to have. We may have snow, we may have cold, we may have fog. But, if through it all it gives us more time to work on our projects, then we couldn't be happier.

So, last week I worked on some applique (mostly hand work) and got this quilt top done. Then, today I put the borders on. This is for a Needles & Friends Guild Challenge for a mini a month. I have until next Tuesday morning to make the back, quilt it and get the binding on. I love this new line by Moda. I will be making something else with the leftover fabric and charm squares, and the honey bun I received for Christmas.

Then, last night I cut the fabrics for this quilt, and pieced it today. I have enough blue sections cut out for a 2nd quilt, and I will finish it later this week. Instead of signing up for the Winter Quilt Swap, I decided to make a winter quilt. I thought the blues and creams make a very nice setting for winter. I will sew buttons on the blocks after the quilting is finished.

I am not fully recovered from my surgery, yet, but I just had to get sewing. My creative juices are overflowing and I am itching to get things done. Not to mention the 3 customer quilts (2 minis due Tuesday) that are awaiting my attention.

I also tried a new soup today - Pickle Soup. It was delicious. Now I need to find a recipe for it so I can make some. I just loved it!

Keep on Quilting!

Fall Mini Quilt Swap

2010-01-23T22:23:00.000-08:00

I sent a copy of this quilt off at the first of the month, then on Friday I received this one:

It came to me from Dorothy F. in Illinois. Isn't it sweet?! I was tickled to receive this and it will hang in my sewing room for a while. Thanks, Dorothy!

A Favorite Tool

2010-01-20T08:48:00.000-08:00

is this "Quilt in a Day" ruler from Eleanor Burns. This particular ruler makes accurate work of half-square and quarter square triangles. It has a chart included (mine is needing to be found right now ;)), and you can make them up to 6" square. It makes 8 half-square triangles at a time, and the pieces are very accurately made. I have tried many other methods of making half-square triangles, and this is my favorite.

I also recommend that any beginning quilter get as big of a cutting mat as they can afford (I love my 24x36 size), and a good quality rotary cutter and ruler. I bought a 6x24" ruler as one of my first rulers, and I use it the most. I am on my 3rd ruler - I broke the first one, and the lines wore off my second.

Quilting is a great thing for me, and tools make everything even easier, more enjoyable and more accurate. What is your favorite tool?

More later! Keep Quilting!

I couldn't sleep last night

2010-01-14T19:56:00.001-08:00

So I thought of all the projects I could work on when I am healed up. So here is the list:

A new black bag (I love to make bags, and I already have the fabric for it)
A black skirt (I have the fabric for this one, too, just need to find the pattern).
A new mini quilt with hearts on it.
Quilt my queen-size quilt and get it on my bed
A quilt for a customer (she knows I won't get to it right away - and it's okay)
And a 24" block for a group quilt we are doing.

Then I was able to fall asleep, thinking about my new projects.

I also thought of a new idea for some upcoming posts. I am going to share some of my favorite quilting/piecing tools. This will be a fun project - and I will try to get pictures with it.

Anyway, Happy Quilting!

I am Recovering

2010-01-13T20:25:00.000-08:00

from surgery on Jan. 5th. I am not sewing at this time, but I try to check my email now. I finally got caught up today. I will try to get some pictures of things I did before my surgery, but for now, this is it.

I've Been Busy Baking

2009-12-21T20:04:00.001-08:00

and made 18 of these poppy seed pound cakes on Saturday. They have been delivered to neighbors and friends, and one got eaten by the family. We also made Chex Mix, and dipped pretzels in chocolate. It took 3 trips to the store that morning, but we made it through!

Friday, I made these fun book marks.

I saw a tutorial here on a quilted bookmark, using fusible web and confetti pieces of fabric. However, I decided I wanted them in strips and sewed them onto a muslin foundation instead. I was very pleased with them, and the technique is also similar to the inchies.

Christmas is almost here, and I think I am ready. I will make a lovely dinner on Christmas Eve, then it is time to relax on Christmas day. I will be basting a queen size quilt tomorrow to work on next week. I have been wanting to try it on my "little machine", and I think I finally have the courage to do it. If it works, I will be very happy. If it doesn't, I'll be finding a long-arm quilter I can afford to do it. I really want this quilt to be done and on my bed. It has been almost 2 years since I bought the fabric. Much too long!

I wish all my friends and followers a very Merry Christmas. May the day be peaceful and bright for you and your family.

A little Cooking Project...

2009-12-17T21:17:00.000-08:00

instead of quilting today. Yesterday I made these meltaway cookies and frosted them today. Don't they look yummy?!!! Actually, they were! I served these at Pack night tonight, and gave some to a friend for her birthday. Then, today I made lots of rolls for my DH to give at work, and tonight I am working on braided bread with cream cheese & cherry pie filling. Hopefully tomorrow will bring more quilting time.

I won Blockjack Again!

2009-12-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

I am pretty amazed...

I don't win things very often...

But I won the Blockjack blocks for December.

There are 11 blocks with these beautiful trees and red cornerstones. I really enjoyed this block, as I could see a use for it right away.

I was sitting in the meeting, imagining what I would do with the blocks, if I won them, and then they called my name. I was so excited.

Then, later, reality hit and I realized I don't have enough blocks for what I was imagining. I actually need 7 more blocks. So, now I have to rethink my idea, decide if I want to make 7 more blocks, and if so, see if I can get the same red fabric. I definitely won't have time to do it before Christmas.

However, I did work on another Christmas project today.

Last month, I bought a box of sweet rolls by Moda. I actually fell in love with the pattern that came with them. They were Christmas fabrics, and make cute stockings. So, today I made them,
and now they wait for the finishing hand work. I'm still debating whether these will be a decoration at my house, or a surprise for someone else. It is so hard to make something and give it away.

However, the one(s) I would give them away to would more than appreciate the work that went into them.

Next, back to more customer work. Plus, holiday baking, baking for DH's office, church party, etc. etc. etc.

Will I get Christmas cards mailed this year? We will see!

Fun New Blog

2009-11-30T16:26:00.001-08:00

I just found out about this great blog - she has some free embroidery designs, including some for Christmas. Check out Andrea's blog here. I don't do a lot of embroidery, but I do enjoy looking, and I have friends who love embroidery. So, check it out, let me know what you think, and be sure to leave a comment with her, too.

Here is what I have been working on...

2009-11-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

It's my fall mini quilt for the mini quilt swap. I really hoped to get it finished and mailed before fall is over, but I don't think that is going to happen. The maple leaf blocks are 3 inches, finished. I embroidered the stems instead of piecing them. I hope to quilt it in the next couple of weeks.

I have also finished some cute hot pads for a hot pad exchange at Quilt Guild next month. I will give one away and keep the other (and possibly give it away as well - for Christmas!) Here are the two hot pads...

and here are the opposite sides...

Then, I quilted a tree skirt that is supposed to be sold for charity. I really had fun quilting the big star, using a design element I had just seen a week before.

Although I would like to get back to my other projects, I will probably not get more done until after the Thanksgiving weekend! Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I have been working feverishly

2009-11-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

... on several different projects. Then my camera battery needed recharging before I could get very many pictures. However, I will get them posted soon. Just as I think things are slowing down a bit, I find I have 4 or 5 new projects to work on - for others and personally. I am grateful to be kept busy, but hope to find a balance between busy and insane.

I hope you are having a great week, and that Thanksgiving will be a nice day for you!

We have a sweet cat

2009-11-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

This is Missy, our cat. She decided to sit on my cutting table today to keep me company while working on my maple leaf mini. She didn't stay long, but did pose well for the camera. My table is quite messy - as is the rest of the room, but that is not unusual while I am in the middle of projects.

Today I have been thinking about things I am thankful for: warm autumn days (50 degrees), the time to quilt, when family times are good, a warm home, a son who still likes to be with me, good quilting friends - who do more than quilt with me, pretty flowers in the spring and summer, and even the purple mums in the fall, a good haircut, friends to eat lunch with, Sister's weekend twice a year, and good food. This is only a start, maybe I'll add more as the month goes on. What are you thankful for?

Have a great sewing day!

Another Mini Quilt Finished

2009-11-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is the other mini quilt I have been working on. I am so thrilled how it turned out. The border fabric is one I picked up several times last year - I just love the color. The dark greens are left over from my Summertime quilt swap. The light green is left over from the flower applique quilt I finished yesterday. I also had the cream in my stash, and the back was from a quilt a group of us did a couple of years ago for a local hospital. That quilt hangs on the wall in the hospital, and I visit it when I am there for any reason.

I also finished a customer quilt today (nearly twin size), and I quilted it in about 4 hours. I am very pleased with the results and it is a quilt I have made as well. I need to make the back for it so I can quilt my own. I have two customer quilts left and then I can do one of my own (bigger than the minis I have been doing). I also want to set aside some time for playing with fabric and making a landscape quilt. I am just a little nervous about cutting the fabric for the landscape quilts I want to do - they are so beautiful - and what if I mess up??? (grin).

Have a great sewing day!

Summer Project Finished

2009-11-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

I made a goal, at the beginning of the summer, to finish this project. I am pleased with the results and happy to have it finished. I don't do much applique, so it was a good challenge for me. I have another mini project to share as soon as I wash out my quilting markings. It is fun to do minis, but I find that they are as much work as full-size projects. I am working on my Fall mini quilt swap - it has been designed, and I have begun piecing. I will share it later. Happy quilting!

Great Blogs...

2009-10-31T21:56:00.002-07:00

Are the ones I like to follow. I write here for mostly my own enjoyment, but the blogs I follow have really great things to see and do. I hope you will check them out and enjoy them, too.

Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe: It's a Happy Halloween Giveaway!

2009-10-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe: It's a Happy Halloween Giveaway!

This isn't something I am giving away, but it is being given away here. If I link to it from my blog, I get an entry, and if you go there from here, and post about it in your blog, I get another entry. It sounds fun. I have one of the pieces of fabric and I love it. She is giving away a bundle of fabric. If the entries reach 250, she will give away 2 bundles of fabric (to 2 different people), and if there are more than 350 entries, she will also give a $100 gift certificate away. How cool is that? So check it out!

Halloween Quilting Fun

2009-10-19T20:54:00.000-07:00

Blockjack for this month is supposed to be Halloween related. I really hesitated doing this one, because it was quite open-ended. We received 2 pieces of fabric and then needed to make it into a 9-inch finished block, adding our own fabric to the block. I took this at the last minute. Then, within 2 days, I finished this! I really liked the candy corn, and it wasn't very difficult to do. I did a strip set with the three colors, added fusable web, and here it is! I like it, and I hope whoever wins likes it, too.

Then, I have had a widget on the side of my blog for about a month (the inchie of the day), and have wanted to try this technique as well. One of the fabrics I have for Halloween did not make the cut for the block jack block. So, I decided to make inchies out of it. I started with 12 of the inchies, but one disappeared while in the embellishment stage. I also put pin backs on them so I can give them to my friends to wear for October and Halloween. They get to choose one tomorrow at our sewing day. I have a couple of different designs. I found that embellishment is my challenge, and I hope to get better with it over time. Special thanks to Nadine Ruggles for her fabulous instructions and the "inchie of the day" as my inspiration!

Cool Quilting

2009-10-14T21:09:00.000-07:00

I recently went to a quilt show. I saw this awesome quilting and had to take a picture of it. I can't wait to try this pattern on something. I have been seeing designs like this, where there are larger patterns made, then filled with quilting inside of them. I saw something similar on a journal cover, and I think that is where I want to try it first.

Taught a Pillowcase Class

2009-10-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

These young women (ages 12-13) came to my house last month to learn how to make these fun pillowcases. We spent about 2 hours, and they got everything done, except the last hand stitching. One girl did finish the whole pillowcase. I was so proud of them and their hard work. We made a few mistakes along the way (with me telling them the wrong thing to do, hee hee), but seam rippers took care of that! What a sweet time it was!

Fun One to Quilt

2009-10-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

Normally, I do not post about Customer quilts, but this one I just had to show. It is such a fun quilt design, with a lot of different elements. I loved just looking at this quilt.

After having looked at the blog of 365 Days of Free Motion Quilting , I just had to use some of what I had been learning. It truly inspired me to try new filler quilting and to fill in the rays of the sun. If you like machine quilting, and need some new design ideas, check it out. She is into it a couple of months, and I am behind in seeing all of them, but hope to catch up soon.

Finishing something at last...

2009-09-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the customer quilt I was working on, and then I finished this pillow case. I am teaching a class on it on Tuesday, and had an idea to improve it, so I had to try it out. It worked great! Then, this will be a Christmas gift for a certain someone this year. (Gotta keep it a surprise!)

I also finished this jar...

as a memento of our beach trip. I sprayed some of the rocks with a clear spray to make them shiny like they were in the water. I might do it to all of them, because I really like the look of them. The beads around the top say WE HAD FUN. This is to help me remember the enjoyable time spent at the beach ... makes me want to go again!

I also hope to do a quilt later of this, but for now, it will hang out with the quilt I got from Lisa.

Now, on to the next project...another class sample.

Summertime Mini Quilt Received

2009-09-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Today in the mail! She sent it on the 11th, from New Zealand, and I got it today. Here it is...

I love the bright beautiful colors. There are turtles on the background batik, which are one of my favorite animals. There are beads on the wavy lines (waves of the ocean, shells on the beach), and there are beads on the sun. This beautiful quilt, bound in pink, is going to be a lovely reminder of our family trip to the Oregon coast this summer. I will hang it next to my shell and agate collection (when I get it put together) (grin).

This quilt was made by Lisa, and you can see her blog http://lydiastreasures.blogspot.com

I finished my canning, for now, on Friday, with the help of my sweetie. I am trying to get a customer quilt done, and prepare for 3 classes for the fall. Plus, of course, taking care of the family and helping with the primary elections yesterday.

Hope your time is not too busy for quilting!

The Recipient of the Mini Quilt is....

2009-09-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

my good friend Kristi Brodrero! She and I signed up at the same time for the swap and I received her name. So, I have kept it a secret for 2 months that she would receive the quilt. She has seen it on my blog, but didn't know she would get to keep it! Today she came over to visit and I gave it to her. She seemed very happy about it. She was in the group that made the original quilt, so she gets the mini quilt to go along with her original. Yeah! I am happy for Kristi - Congratulations, friend!

My canning is done for the moment, so on to promised projects. I hope to post pictures soon of the things I am working on. Hopefully within a week I will have at least one project completed.

It's been a while...

2009-09-01T20:15:00.003-07:00

since I have posted. Summer got very busy, and then we went on vacation to the Oregon coast. We saw beautiful sunsets there, like this one...

It was wonderful to relax for a few days. I hunted for sea shells,

sea glass

and agates and other colorful rocks,

and came home with quite a collection. I plan on using these as inspiration for a quilt about the seashore. I also might get a shadow box to put them in. Just looking at them reminds me about how relaxed we were on vacation.

I have also been bottling produce for the winter and this takes quite a bit of my time.

However, the quilting began again in earnest today. I finished my summertime mini quilt swap quilt and plan on getting it to the lucky recipient soon. Then I will post about that. I started a barn raising quilt that will be my Tuesday project, and I have about 6 quilts to piece or quilt for customers. I think it is time I get to work! However, these will wait another day as I have the busiest day I have had in months coming up tomorrow. Then, hopefully, I can keep up with my posting and get more quilts finished for me and others.

Patriotic Quilts

2009-07-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Two years ago, at a local retreat, we exchanged fabric to make this lovely patriotic quilt. With each person at a different skill level, this was a great way to share with each other, and have a good quality quilt. I finished mine last summer. Then, with some of the leftover fabric, I made this quilt:

It measures 20x16, and will be quilted and bound soon. I was so excited to get this done in just 2 days. I think it will be fun to hang up. The full size quilt measures approximately40X56. Have you done a mini of a full size quilt you have made?

Mystery Quilt Finished

2009-07-16T13:08:00.001-07:00

I've been working on a few things lately, and I finally finished this mystery quilt from our local guild from 2008-2009. It had a lot of work to it - each step taking about 8 hours. However, it is now ready for the back to be made and then quilted.

I also made the backs for two other quilts, and I am hoping to baste them next week and quilt them. They are big - 84x84 and 96x96. I have not quilted anything that big, so I will see how it goes. I have done a twin-size quilt before (several actually), and I am hoping I can do these. I will post pictures when they are quilted.

Also, I finished the flower applique quilt, but it is basted and ready to quilt. I will be doing that soon, and will post a picture when it is quilted and bound.

Applique Flowers

2009-06-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

I am not especially fond of applique. I am more likely to want to spend time doing other things. However, my friend, Ann, suggested we finish this project started about 2 years ago. This is just the applique part. Some of the piecing has been done, however, the applique slowed me down somewhat.

So, I decided at the end of May I would work on this hand project whenever I would go to the park with my boys, or have quiet sitting and waiting time. I finished it last Tuesday! We had sewing day on my front porch, and I continued for the next half hour, and finished. I actually only went to the park with my boys one time during the project. So, I will be working on getting the rest of it finished over the next month. It is nice to be done with the applique. I'll post the finished project later.

Mini Quilt Sent

2009-06-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

I sent my mini quilt out last week, so I think it is safe to post this. You are seeing double, because I made 2 of them. I gave one away to Rachel in Ohio, and the other will be hanging in a local quilt shop soon. I wanted to have one for me because I really fell in love with it.

Here is a close up of some of the quilting. I think my favorite part is the wavy lines in the pink path.

Here is the one I kept for myself. It turned out pretty good, huh? I actually put labels on both of these, which is not something I do often enough. I think I will do it more, now that I know a good way to label a quilt. Let me know if you like it!

Mini Quilt Received

2009-06-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

Today I received a fabulous mini quilt from Sandie. I just had to show it to you here. Aren't the colors just beautiful? I finished the quilt today that I will be sending off tomorrow. I will post a picture after that. We don't want to spoil the surprise for Rachel.

I am working on several projects right now, but mostly for customers. I hope to get them done soon, so I can work on some classes I took from an online group. We'll see how the summer develops.

Mini Quilt Fabric

2009-05-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

I signed up for a mini quilt swap and these are the fabrics I'm working with. Aren't they pretty?!! I think the design is great as well. I got a very nice note from Sandie who is sending a quilt to me. I can't wait to see it! I also have 4 customer quilts basted and ready to go.

I taught my first Machine Quilting Class last Thursday. I had some very good comments and had a great time. I hope I have started a great journey for those who took the class. Quilting in general is such a great art, and provides many opportunities to meet new people and share. I sew weekly with a group, and we are always more creative when we share ideas than when we are home trying to figure it out on our own.

Grocery Bags

2009-05-26T15:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make some reusable grocery bags. I don't like the store ones, because of the name of the store on it. If they want me to advertise for them, they can give me the bag :) Anyway, I found the fabric as remnants, and after much consideration, I made this pattern. It has a facing instead of a lining, so they will roll up nicely. I rarely use only 3 bags when I grocery shop, but these will help some. Now, to remember to take them into the store ;)

Flag Quilt

2009-05-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted for a while, but that doesn't mean I haven't been sewing. I took a class to make this quilt at the end of April, and finished it within 2 weeks. Not bad, huh? It was a little tricky, because it is 3-dimensional. I really like it. It is hanging in my sewing room right now, but will hang in the front room for most of June and July.

Pretty Flowers of Spring

2009-04-20T18:30:00.000-07:00

I took this picture of tulips in Salt Lake City at Temple Square just before Easter. They were so lovely, and I absolutely loved the colors. I hope it inspires you, too.

I Get to Teach a Class

2009-04-07T17:36:00.001-07:00

I am so excited. I get to teach a machine quilting class at a local quilt shop. This is a first for me, and I am thrilled. Someone saw my big bag (see post from February), and liked the quilting on it, then asked if I would teach a class. So, of course I said yes, since I really have been dreaming about this opportunity. Of course, there is a little nervousness involved, but I think I have come up with a good plan, and we'll see how it goes.

The classes are scheduled for May 21st and June 20th. We'll see if anyone signs up (grin). Maybe I"ll share how it went later. If you have any good tips about machine quilting, please leave me a post, I'll be happy to share it with my class - and then here, too!

A Century Quilt!

2009-04-02T13:48:00.001-07:00

Last year, two friends, Pam & Tina, had milestone birthdays - 60 and 40. They decided to do a 100 year quilt in celebration. I was just dying to be a part of it, so I found Ann & I made 100 also. Then, Lyn & Kristi also made 100. So, we made a quilt to celebrate. Actually, we made 6 quilts. We each made 6 of 2 different blocks. We approved our fabric choices, and shopped for some of the fabric to be the same (the background of the main star and the little star, the borders). We had to hunt high and low for the outer border. Tina translated the instructions to make it easier for all of us. Then we went to work.

We traded our blocks in November, then most of them set them aside for a few months. Tina, our extra-achiever, has hers quilted, bound and hung in a local quilt shop. The rest of us have to have our tops done by April 14th. We will share them at quilt guild. Tina is moving this summer, so we can't procrastinate any more. The quilt finished at about 85 inches square. I just finished putting on the last border today. I am very excited to have this much done.

I will be making a scrappy back with the leftovers of this quilt and another Americana one I did last year. Then, I will quilt it. I hope I can finish it completely by our last guild meeting in May.

I am also working on 2 customer quilts, have made 2 quilt tops for a local shop owner, and I have a challenge to finish by April 14th. I am also going to be teaching a machine quilting class in May and repeat it in June at another local quilt shop. I have lots to do, but I work best when I have lots to do. (grin!)

Quilt Guild Retreat - How Fun!

2009-04-02T13:33:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken at a retreat I helped organize for our local quilt guild. We had a trunk show after lunch, and the main person showing quilts was Linda Hansen. Linda has been a quilter for a long time, and was a member of our guild until she had work hours that kept her away. She spent 2 years working on a goal of finishing her unfinished projects. She finished one a month during those two years, and that included machine quilting them as well.

She shared many quilts with us (these are just 3 of them). The first two were made out of scraps she had. The last one was made in memory of a family relative. She quilts words in the quilts to tell stories. They are just fabulous!

I have been inspired by Linda's quilts and her drive. It keeps me trying to do more!

We had a fun day at the retreat. 6 classes were held, and we brought in lunch from a local restaurant. Each person chose an item from 7 possible meals. Each lunch was labeled for the person who ordered it, so it was easy to hand out. It made it very easy and affordable, too. We had a door prize for everyone, and gave away a new prize every 20 minutes, except during lunch. We will also be giving a refund to the participants because there was money left over, so, I think that is pretty good, too!

Mystery Solved

2009-03-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

I just finished this great quilt with a fun online group I belong to (Learning Fiber Arts). It was a mystery over a month's time, receiving a step twice a week. This was such a great way to do this. Each step could be done in about 30-60 minutes, so I could do it in between everything else going on. I am excited to get it quilted and hung on my family room wall - it will look great in there!

Spring is on it's way!

2009-03-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

My crocuses are in full bloom. They are the first sign of spring in my yard, and they are fun to watch for. I look for their grass-like leaves in February, then have to wait for the blooms to appear. I saw the first bloom about a week ago, then, today as I looked for signs of growth in the yard, I saw this beautiful clump of flowers. These really are beautiful!

I like Bags

2009-02-28T16:32:00.000-08:00

I really like bags. I like to make them, and I use them all the time. I cut the fabric for this bag last summer, and had it set aside to finish. I have it on my unfinished projects list in my sewing room. I also was procrastinating some quilting. So, I finished this.

I sewed this bag to take to Quilt Guild each month. In January, I had a lot of things to take to guild, and I forgot my mystery step I had worked so hard on. So, Kristi, my friend, suggested I make a bag for quilt guild. So, here it is. I have already put some items in it for guild - money refund for a retreat participant, block jack blocks, and my name tag. Now, as I finish things, they go right in the bag and it will be all ready for guild day!

I finished another Project

2009-02-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

This time, it is an embroidery block. This pumpkin pattern was given to me by my good friend, Pam, over a year ago. However, once I got started, it took me about a month to do. I just would stitch on it while waiting for dinner to cook, or while watching tv with my husband. I used beads on the vine, instead of french knots. I really like to do that, it adds dimension and interest to the block. I should have beaded the center of the sunflowers, but I forgot about doing that until I was almost done with the whole block.

Now, I am working on some baby blankets (gifts), and I am really enjoying them. I should get them basted and ready to quilt tomorrow at our sewing day.

I Won!!!

2009-02-10T12:40:00.000-08:00

I talked before about the block jack in my guild. I made one block of an Irish chain, shown above. I took it to guild meeting today and my name was drawn for the blocks. I was so excited, I whooped in delight. Now, I get to make a quilt out of the 38 blocks I won. I love these and hope they will go together without too much difficulty. I'm sure I won't get them done this week, but perhaps by fall I can get it together.

Very Big Bag

2009-02-07T14:46:00.001-08:00

I made this very big bag! My daughter says that bags are not intended to be this big. However, I take my mat and rulers regularly to a quilting group and find it difficult to carry my 24x36 inch mat. So, I took some orphan blocks, sewed them together with some leftover denim, and quilted it. Then I lined it and added straps. There are even pockets inside for my cutter and scissors. My rulers fit in here, and I actually have put my projects in here, too!

I made this without purchasing anything extra, so I was especially proud of that. (By the way, this handsome young man is my son...Isn't he cute!)

Penny Rug Finished

2009-01-26T11:15:00.000-08:00

I started this penny rug in October at a fun retreat at a friend's cabin. I didn't want to do the tendril out of wool, so I found some fun yarn instead. I also substituted buttons for the wool on the pennies. I am really pleased how it turned out. However, I didn't finish it until January - about how I run sometimes!

Quilting Lessons Online

2009-01-24T18:41:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of great quilting blogs I want to share with you!

Quilting Lessons Online

Online Quilting

I liked what I saw here. I will visit them more later, and report how it went.

2 Projects Finished

2009-01-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

I worked really hard yesterday and finished the next step of our Guild Mystery Quilt. I sewed triangles on 4 sides of 4-patches (120 4-patches). Whew! They square up to 4 inches, which is a lot tinier than what I like to work with. However, they are finished and ready for the February meeting when I get the next step in the mystery.

I also finished the Blockjack block. It is an Irish chain, and worked up in about 25 minutes or so. I am very pleased with it. I tried to simplify the piecing, and ended up short on fabric, but happened to have the same piece of fabric that I could add to it.

I hope to add pictures of these later. I am taking a class this weekend to learn more about blogging. I am really looking forward to this as I am wanting to do more on my blog.

Next up, I will be getting a new customer quilt to quilt tomorrow. I will also be trying to work on the applique on a friendship quilt. More on that one later.

New Friends

2009-01-19T17:21:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to see new friends following my blog! Thanks for coming along. Thanks for all the wonderful comments, too. I am looking forward to making this look better soon.

Now, to explain the Blockjack. Each month at our Quilt Guild, we have the option of making a block of certain size, style and color. This month happens to be an Irish Chain in cream and green. When I take the block back next month (or up to 3 blocks), I can put my name in a drawing to win all of the blocks created by our guild members. This is lots of fun, because I can try a new block, but don't have to do a whole quilt, unless I win of course! I haven't won before, but it seems that new people are winning this year that haven't won before. I just really liked the colors and wanted to try the Irish chain block. I will hopefully get it done before the end of the week.

My First Blog

2009-01-17T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today is my first try at blogging. I think I will enjoy sharing my quilting and creative ideas.
Currently I am working on a mystery quilt for my local quilt guild. I also have a Blockjack to do (I will explain this later), and a lot of other projects. I try to sew every day (except Sunday), and have it as a reward when I get other stuff done.