Another Fun Finsh

It seems that sometimes fabric sells better if there is a sample quilt made from it.  Are you more attracted to fabric or a finished product?  I guess we all need some inspiration.

I work at one of the LQS here.  That means occasionally I get to make a store sample.  This is the latest one.

It uses some bright, fun fabric, and just over 12 yards of ric-rac.

Since I love pink anyway, I am loving this quilt.  It will hang for a while at the store, then come home with me, eventually.

Keep on Sewing!

A Finish from Earlier

I finished quilting and binding a quilt earlier this year.  I first participated in a Challenge approximately 2 years ago.  We put our fabric in a bag, then switched it with another person's bag, and brought back a completed top, supposed to be finished around 24 inches square.  I got back a fabulous feathered star.  So, of course it needed fabulous quilting.

 I have the finished quilt hanging on my blue wall in the dining area.  The blue makes the red pop.

I did intense echo quilting within the star.  I wanted the star points to be the focus, so I only quilted around them, not on them.

I really like the lines echoing around the center.

Then, I had to put feathered wreaths in the big spaces.  These helped me on my journey to master feathers.  I'm still on the journey, but much further ahead.

I am enjoying this, especially because I never planned on making a feathered star, but thought they were cool looking.  Now I have one, without making one.  And I still think they are cool looking.

It isn't every day I can work on my own quilts, as I try to keep up with customer work.  But, when I do, I am so excited!

Keep on Sewing!

I've Become a Finisher Again

The last year was a little rough for me.  I wasn't able to post here much.  I was able to sew some.  I helped my mom during her last few months of life.  I helped my sisters clean out her home.  I trained a few people with their new Handi Quilter Longarm quilting machines.  I continued to work, serve in my church, and care for my family.

Mom's work to be done is dwindling down a bit.  She is still on my mind, and I miss her, but I don't have as much to do for her.

Life is getting back to a "normal roar".  So I have become a Finisher again.

Last week, I finished quilting 3 customer quilts in 3 days.  I put binding on 2 of them during the next 2 days.  I am working on a store sample, and I finished a small store sample last month.  So, I consider myself a Finisher again.

This summer, I quilted and finished this fun Jelly Roll Quilt.  I pieced it back in February.  It is supposed to have something fun on it (like ric rac or applique), but I don't speak embellishment.  I thought it was fine without the extra.  It's a nice lap quilt.

Then, this last month, I made this grocery bag dispenser, using charms.  I found the instructions on Moda Bakeshop.  I actually made two, with charms left over.  I will probably hang one at the store for a sample.

In May, we had a class in guild to make an art quilt - Poppies.  It uses raw-edge applique.  I've used the technique before, but sometimes I have to be reminded I know something.  The poppies stand out well for me, but I don't think I particularly like my background choice.  I've even thought of doing this in a miniature.  As I don't speak embellishment, my friend Pam sewed lots and lots of beads on this.  Hard to pick up in the picture, but it adds sparkle in real life.

I am also participating in a guild Mystery Quilt.  I started a month late with my cutting, and after I square these blocks up, I will have the first sewing step done.  There are supposed to be 88 of these blocks.  I'll count them as I square them up.

I'm using Civil War reproductions, which I haven't used too much before.  Mysteries can be a little scary, because you don't know what you'll end up with.  However, the Mystery Leader does good stuff, so I'm giving it a try.  2/3 of my fabric came from my friend and co-worker, Judy.  She was very generous to give me so many fat quarters!

I'll keep working and I think I'll be able to keep up on posting, too!  It's nice to be back at it again.

Keep on Sewing!

I'm Taking a Sewing Class

I have been taking a 10-week sewing class.  I have about 3 weeks left.  We are learning basic techniques, then using them in a project.  The first project was a pillow sham with a flange.  I made two to go on my couch.

I loved the Michael Miller fabric.  I have navy blue curtains, so these go well with the curtains.  It is the couch that doesn't fit my living room.  I inherited the couch, and haven't decided what to do with it yet.

The next project was a maxi skirt.  They are all the rage around here right now, and the knits I am seeing around are fun.  The first skirt, I made for me.

Then, my daughter needed a new skirt, so I made one for her.  I love the purple!

In another week, I will be making a skirt with a fitted waistband and a zipper, YIKES!  The teacher says zippers are easy.  We shall see!

The best things about this class are:
  1.  I learned that I did learn quite a bit from Mom as I was growing up.  I sewed a lot more before I was married, and I did pretty good.
  2.  I am making samples of the techniques so I will have a reference book for sewing later.
  3.  I like sewing in all it's forms.  Not just quilts.  Not just bags.  Not just clothes.  All of it.

My hope is to sew for grandchildren as they arrive.  Not that I'm in a hurry for grandchildren.  I just love to sew!

Keep on Sewing!

Cupboard Disorganized to Organized

Hi All,

I just recently celebrated living in our current home for 7 years.  Amazing how time flies!  For seven years, I have been frustrated by one of my kitchen cupboards.

The picture is a little out of focus, but you get the idea.  All of these long and sometimes bulky items all shoved in together.  Getting a cookie sheet out, or muffin tin, or even a cooling rack was NOISY and frustrating.

Then, I looked at bhg.com, and they showed a cupboard organizer.  So I went on a hunt on the internet to find such a creature.  I ordered them, and had my dearest installer go to work.

It is a fairly small space, only 12 inches wide.  But, he persevered, and installed the cupboard organizers.  (I ordered 3).

Here are the organizers installed, with a few items returned to their spots.

And now a cupboard fully loaded.  Everything slides in and out easily and very quietly, too.  It is a joy to work in this space now.  I guess that means I'll have to cook more????

Keep on Sewing!