Needle, Thread, Happiness

My Third Radiant Star

2012-02-01T21:14:00.015-05:00

These blocks cannot be put together quickly, at least not by me. But for this third block, things went much better. I only had to rip out 3 seams, maybe 4:)

The February FMQ Challenge practice is a lesson in feathers! So happy! Maybe after following the instructions that are given and practicing as much as possible this month I'll get good at them. Diane Gaudynski is the guest instructor. The pictures look very helpful. http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2012/02/february-2012-fmq-challenge-tutorial.html

I spent time this past weekend patching together scraps of batting to use for the practice pieces. So I'm ready to make feathers.

Today I visited an Audubon Wildlife Refuge nearby which is near some of the few remaining farms in this area. Across the road the field was filled with Canada geese. They were so quiet I guess they were resting. I think the mild winter we are having is affecting man, beast, and plants alike. My crocuses are popping up, but it's too soon.

God Bless You.

Another Star Block

2012-01-25T21:02:00.000-05:00

The Radiant Star block designed by Eleanor Burns and published in Quiltmaker's winter issue of 100 Blocks:

I made this block twice. The first time, the last three seams did not line up, and the lateral lines of the stars were off. I was going to give up because the damage appeared so big, but while dozing last night it came to me that I should take it apart and start from the beginning. So I ripped every seam out, measured each piece to be sure I cut correctly and began again. This time it went much better. No fabric wasted, just thread.

I have sewn outfits that didn't give me as much trouble as quilting gives me, at times.

I order fabric online and on sale, and over the past year in different orders was able to get quite a few prints of this line which I'm using for the Radiant Star blocks.

This is much different than my usual pastels, flowers, or cute images, but I think making the stars in a mix of this fabric will be nice.

I didn't use this mix but will do eventually.

I didn't practice FMQ today (can't rip out stitches and sew at the same time,) but SewCalGal gave us a link today to a blogger who I enjoyed reading. You may already be familiar with Geta's blog, but if not it's worth visiting. http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-motion-quilting-tips.html

I did learn another thing today. Those short seam rippers are for the birds! I'm getting an ergonomic seam ripper as a New Year's gift to myself.

Have fun with your crafts.

God Bless You.

January FMQ Challenge

2012-01-22T12:57:00.000-05:00

For those participating in the FMQ Challenge that SewCalGal organized, the January practise was to make leaves. http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2012/01/welcome-to-2012-free-motion-quilting.html The leaves look easy to make, but I've found that consistency takes practise, and I have a tendency to lose the smooth curve that makes for a nice leaf.

Go Patriots!

God Bless.

Radiant Star Block Practise

2012-01-21T22:47:00.000-05:00

We had a snow day here today, so I spent the day, and I mean "the day" making the radiant star block in the Winter 2011 issue of Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks. Began well enough and seemed to be proceding correctly.

So far, so good.

Getting smug.

Uh oh. Big oops. The center seams do not match on the vertical.

I unstitched quite a few seams and resewed.

Now the vertical seam takes a detour.

I was really enjoying myself until that final seam.

Fortunately the fabric is dark and printed so it isn't very noticeable.

Tomorrow I shovel snow.

God Bless.

More Free Motion Quilting Practise

2012-01-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

I practised feathers and other squiggles this weekend.

This design I saw in Maurine Noble's book, Machine Quilting Made Easy, and I like it because it is easy and has a nice look.

I really like making G Clefs.

God Bless.

Practising FMQ for The Challenge

2012-01-14T14:24:00.001-05:00

SewCalGal's Free Motion Quilting Challenge http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/free-motion-quilt-challenge.html is a year-long session for anyone who wants to improve their skill at this facet of quilting. Darlene of SewCalGal sent an email with a link to a quilter's video of how she makes feathers, and after watching her method I've been practising them today. I haven't made two alike yet, but that's why we practise.

Edit: This is the link to the video: http://joanne-threadhead.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-motion-feather-tutorial.html

What is difficult for me is that feathers are done backwards, beginning from the bottom and working up, so I can't see the stitches that I have to sew over. That's my excuse, anyway, for the wavy lines:)

God Bless.

Scrap Bag Block and Another Lone Star Pattern

2012-01-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

This is the fourth block in the Treasure Chest Quilt from Quilt in a Day's facebook page.

My four blocks so far.

I missed the Lone Star sew along that Sue of Quilt Times http://quilttimes.blogspot.com/ held this past Saturday. I guess I'm not ready yet, but I do have my fabric chosen and plan to begin cutting this week. I was going through my quilt magazines looking for a pattern when I came across this ad:

So I visited the Janome USA site, found the pattern and printed it out.

I'm not rushing this project, even though it was a spur of the moment decision to do it. It's an advanced quilt project that has numerous challenges, such as offsetting the strips accurately, then cutting them in a 45 degree angle accurately, and sewing in the set in triangles. I've read that one of the biggest challenges is to not have a puff in the middle of the star after the points are sewn together; in other words having it all come together and be flat. And I am visiting the sites that Sue's quilter friends are mentioning, because every bit of knowledge helps.

I did think about ordering Eleanor Burns's book on the Radiant Star, but a revised edition is coming out this month so I held back. The Janome directions seem to be good, and I do like the applique on this design.

God Bless.

Effort to Organize and Radiant Star Plans

2012-01-04T12:23:00.000-05:00

I'm hoping to make this year a "buy very little fabric" year. So I needed to get a handle on what I have so I can make an efficient use of it. I read some ideas for cleaning up stash and organizing it, and since my sewing area has fallen into the "path to walk through" condition, I am making a stab at putting things in order.

I began by putting on Threadbare by Monica Ferris (a mystery audio book) and then digging through the scrap bag to find pieces to cut into 5" squares.

The colors and prints are very mixed. Sometimes loving fabric so much makes me hesitant to cut into it, but this size is easy to work with and I love how neat they look. Just doing this one group used up about one quarter of one of the scrap bags.

I also found bigger pieces that I will square up and put into a fat quarter category.

For the bigger pieces I am wondering if the "comic book board" method of folding is a good idea. Has anyone else tried this? This is what I saw that I liked: http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com/2011/02/fabric-folding-tutorial.html. Here is another one: http://www.thatgirlthatquilt.com/2011/01/mini-fabric-bolts-tutorial.html.

Sue of Quilt Times http://quilttimes.blogspot.com/ sent out the invitation to join and support her in her project to make a Radiant Star Quilt. The button on the left shows the version Sue is making. I'm joining in for the challenge. I found this design in one of my older quilt books:

However, I couldn't get a grasp of the directions, but I found a block by Eleanor Burns that enlightened me. She designed a 12" Radiant Star block for the latest Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks issue.

Thank you, Eleanor, for making it clear to me.

I have no idea of what fabric/colors I will use, but if I keep up with my organizing efforts, I may stumble upon the perfect collection.

God Bless.

Back in Play

2011-12-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

I put myself on the quilting sidelines for most of December, but this weekend I got back on the field. I had both the last block of the Scrap Happy Sampler Quilt and the third block of the Treasure Chest Quilt to make. So I finished 2011 all caught up with blocks to make and that's a nice positive finish.

Corner Star Block: If you "like" Quilt in a Day on facebook you will find the three blocks so far.

I'm trying to keep with purple/green/white/gold with accent colors.

These blocks are challenging and interesting.

Rolling Stars Block: http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpatternsprojects/ss/Scrap-Happy-Sampler-Quilt-Pattern.htm

There were two variations for this block in the directions but unfortunately, I didn't realize this until I cut out my fabric, so I have the plainer version. There are several designs of the Rolling Star, but they are eight point stars. I think this one looks very ordinary, but there is another version which I plan to make, mostly because I need more blocks for the quilt size that I am planning.

I learned a few things in 2011 in the qal's I joined. One that I hope I remember is that scrap quilts require just as much fabric planning as any other quilt.

Wishing all of my followers and readers a healthy, peaceful and joyful New Year.

God Bless You.

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T13:14:00.001-05:00

Pictures from one of my Christmas activities.

Those are Canada geese and ducks in the foreground. This is the Rosary Pond.

I hope everyone's Christmas is beautiful.

God Bless You.

Christmas QAL Quilt Show

2011-12-10T11:04:00.001-05:00

Hi!

As many of you know, every second Saturday for the last year I have participated in the Christmas Quilt Along hosted this year by Sue of Quilt Times http://quilttimes.blogspot.com/ and Cathi of Shakerwood Quilts .http://shakerwoodquilts.blogspot.com/ Sue began this fun event in 2010 I believe, and it's the best thing that's happened to me in the sense that I've made so many of my beautiful Christmas covers with her and the other participants. Hazel of Hazel's Quilts http://hazelsquilts.blogspot.com/ suggested that we have a show-off day on the second Saturday of December, so here I am, ready to brag.

This year the Scatty Stars quilt pattern was given to us a block at a time each month.

Pretty nice, huh? I had this quilt folded at the end of my bed the other day, and when I got home I couldn't find Moxie until I walked into my room and saw a lump under my quilt and felt a little warm body sleeping there. So it's been given the Moxie Seal of Approval.

I made these two table covers this year.

The quilt that Moxie's sitting on here was made during last year's Christmas QAL.

I made this wall hanging last year, too.

I'd like to share with you my Christmas decorations. I am a big Annalee fan. She was a New Englander, New Hampshire, and I love her dolls.

My bears wish you a Merry Christmas.

My carolers and musicians hope you enjoy the beautiful music of the season.

The santaas and elves are out in full force.

The reindeer know where the good news of great joy is to be found.

The angels hope we hear the message.

Soon it will be time for joy.

SewCalGal's Christmas Quilt Show

2011-11-28T08:42:00.000-05:00

This is my entry to the 2011 Christmas Quilt Show which you will find here: http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2011/11/2011-christmas-quilt-show-welcome.html

Darlene of SewCalGal does a wonderful job organizing this event. The prizes are many and desirable, so thank you to Darlene and the sponsors.

My entry is the Christmas Wreath Quilt I made as part of a mystery qal run by Eric Homemade Ezine. http://erikhomemade.typepad.com/erik_homemade/

I love the design of this quilt, but I also love that I used crochet to enhance the design by adding crocheted stars to the wreath.

And I added buttons, decorative machine stitching, and simple fmq.

I hope you enjoy the Christmas Quilt Show and visit the many bloggers who post an entry.

Thank you for stopping by.

God Bless!

Pretty Finishes and Lovely Wins

2011-11-25T14:29:00.000-05:00

I thought I would visit my blog today since I've ignored it shamefully.

I have finished both the blue Santa table cover and the sleigh runner. I kept the quilting very simple, just stitching in the ditch or outlining stitches. Sometimes I like the puffiness of a quilt when the quilting isn't overdone, and sometimes I just don't want to FMQ.

One sleigh has a white heart and the other a red heart.

I used the patchwork fabric for the backing, but of course the stitches aren't in the ditch there. I won this fabric last year.

The table cover has a striped back.

During Moda Fabrics Designers Blog Hop last month I won a fabric bundle from French General. I love Kaari Marie's sense of color and design.

The bag contains scraps. I'll definitely enjoy using them. Thank you, French General.

I understand Moda is having another blog hop in December or soon after.

I also won a fabric bundle during the Henry Glass Designer Blog Hop. Jacquelynne of The Noble Wife picked my name to win her prize.

The fabric has a Christmas theme, and that makes me very happy. Two patterns were included.

Before winning I was a follower of The Noble Wife blog because it is like entering a fairy tale. The images on the fabric give you an idea of her artistic style. Gentle and pretty. Thank you, Jacquelynne.

On the 28th of November, SewCalGal's Christmas Quilt Show begins. Viewing all of the entries will be fun and inspiring.

God Bless You.

Christmas QAL November - 3rd

2011-11-12T16:00:00.000-05:00

I made the quilt sandwich for the table cover but am not ready to quilt it. Maybe tomorrow. I picked up a crochet project to work on. It's another lapghan to donate.

It's a simple double crochet cluster that I put together. Since the hospital wants 40 inch lapghans and I can't find patterns that size I'm coming up with my own.

Thanks, Sue. I did accomplish much today, although my photos don't support that contention.

God Bless and have a great weekend.

Christmas QAL November - 2nd

2011-11-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

I have the sleighs appliqued and am trying out fabric for the rest of the runner. I think I'm going with this patchwork fabric. Casual but pretty.

I have to wash off the stabilizer so I don't think I'll make much more progress on this for now.

I think my sleigh has possibilities and will probably make other projects with it. I need to practise applique. One thing that helped today was I discovered an applique foot in my sewing machine's kit. Love using it because it's clear so visibility is good.

Christmas Quilt Along - November - 1st

2011-11-12T08:16:00.000-05:00

Sue of Quilt Times is hosting today's qal http://www.quilttimes.blogspot.com , and it's our last for this year. That's why I wanted to work with Christmas fabrics and images. I began yesterday so that I could get complete the futzing part and get on with the real work. Will you be surprized if I told you it took me almost an hour just to pick out the fabric from stash?

I have wanted to make a sleigh applique table runner for a while now, so a few weeks ago while looking for designs for cross-stitching I spied an image I liked and copied it on paper. Then yesterday I enlarged it, re-drew, and finally got it somewhat to what I wanted.

I have the second sleigh to tweek a bit.

It's cute, isn't it?

I also had a panel and decided to use it for a table cover. I sewed on the border, so all this needs is sandwich and quilting. Unfortunately, I didn't choose the backing yet, so I may be MIA while that's done.

Those are my projects so far. Time to get to work on them.

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T09:40:00.000-05:00

I admired the way the Quilty Pleasures blog is remembering veterans today and want to follow their lead on my blog. These are the initials of veterans in my life.

AEP, my dad; MEP, by brother; EP, my brother-in-law; JO, TO, JP, AO, all uncles; AL, a cousin; JL, a young man who gave his life in Viet Nam; VB, a young woman in my parish; and many more.

1941 nine-patch from Eleanor Burns' Victory Quilts

I know there was no victory after WWI only the end of war, but today we at least remember all the vets who have served in any war.

God Bless Them.

America The Beautiful, and Sampler Blocks

2011-11-05T17:08:00.001-04:00

I have all of the borders on the America the Beautiful quilt.

Now I'm putting it away until next year, or at least until I have time to quilt it carefully.

I made two blocks for two qal's I've been following. Janet Wickell of about.com gave us the Churn Dash block for our Scrap Happy Quilt. She wanted the eleventh block to be an easy one for us, and it is easy and is also one of my favorite classic blocks.

The second block in the Quilt in a Day Treasure Chest Quilt on facebook is the Honey Bee block. Isn't that a sweet name for a block.

I had a bunch of blogland issues that I was going to rant about, but have decided to keep them to myself. Nobody likes a whiner. But, I do wish the QIAD challenge wasn't a voting one. I'm disappointed that it is but I'm going to continue with the qal because I love the block patterns and love that they are traditional blocks but ones I haven't made yet. Eleanor Burns commented on facebook that every finish is a cause to celebrate, and I totally agree. It's that feeling at the end of the project that is so satisfying, and keeps me going back for more. Is that addiction or what? :)

SewCalGal's Christmas Quilt Show is coming up November 28th. Have you got your entry ready?

Have a wonderful weekend. Extra hour of sleep or whatever tonight.

God Bless You.

Can You See That This is a Pumpkin?

2011-10-24T18:39:00.000-04:00

I have the AccuQuilt equilateral triangle die and wanted to try it out. Although some day I hope to make a scrap quilt of triangles, I'm not ready to do that yet. So I made a mug rug. I haven't any with an autumn theme, so this little pumpkin was created. I think it's pretty cute, albeit the binding crooked, but it's only a mug rug so I just hurried to finish. I'll have to do more with this die - it has lots of possibilities.

I haven't posted in a while because Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday of last week I only worked on one thing and that was sewing the blocks together of the America the Beautiful quilt. And I am not yet finished with that quilt top. I have one more border to add. I ran into problems with things not fitting properly, so there was much unsewing, resewing and downright fudging taking place.

Once that border is on I'm going to devote myself to Christmas crafts. I have too many ideas and not enough time to make all of them, so I need to get started on something, any thing.

Stay well.

God Bless!

Another Pineapple Block

2011-10-14T14:41:00.000-04:00

I did make a second Pineapple Block with colors that give a different effect. I'll submit this one, too.

God Bless!

Pineapple Block

2011-10-14T11:05:00.002-04:00

If you are a fan of Quilt in a Day on Facebook, then you know about Eleanor Burns' sampler qal. The block patterns are from The Kansas City Star newspaper that published quilt patterns in the early to mid 20th century. I've joined in because the part about quilt making that I like quite a bit is the history and tradition behind it. Anyway I submitted the block for October. It's called Pineapple. I had some problems finding fabric in my stash that progressed in value.

I might make another version with different colors, if I can find some that would work.

God Bless.

2011-10-08T14:02:00.000-04:00

I finished the quilting and have the binding on, but not sewn to the back, so that's for later. I don't have much to show since you've seen this quilt before, but I will show the block that I like the look of after the simple quilting I did.

This shows the border a little bit.

Now I'm going to sew on the border to my Oak Leaf table cover.

October Christmas QAL - First Post

2011-10-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

Cathi of Shakerwood Quilts http://www.shakerwoodquilts.blogspot.com is hosting today's qal, and can you believe there is only one more qal day after today before Christmas? Last year I did so many projects for the holiday, but not this year. However I do have this:

That's the back of Scatty Stars. I'm going to finish quilting it today and hopefully get the binding on, and it will be ready for a label.

Wish me luck.

God Bless.

Getting Carried Away

2011-10-03T17:14:00.000-04:00

My basket runner has grown into a table cover. I think it's the right size now, so just need to do the applique, quilt it and then finish it.

God Bless.

Oak Leaf Basket Beginning

2011-10-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

I was lucky this week in winning some Fall Medley Accuquilt Go die cuts from Barb of Bejeweled Quilts http://www.bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com , and they arrived this morning. Thank you, Barb, for the giveaway and for the fast turnaround. I had plans to make a table runner and these are perfect for what I'm making. This basket design comes from Lynnette Jensen's book, A Thimbleberries Housewarming.

This is my version, without the fence. I plan on using some of the cuts along the border or corners, but I haven't reached that point yet.

The leaves aren't appliqued yet, because there is more sewing to do with the runner, but it's all coming together beautifully, even if you can't see how well everything blends from the pictures. I can see this basket block being adapted to a Christmas theme, so that may be what I work on for the next Christmas qal. Hopefully this is be done tomorrow.

I am still hand sewing my Scatty Stars quilt, but it does take time. That's on my list to complete this week. Good luck, Joanna!:)

God Bless!

Album Star Block for the Scrap Happy QAL

2011-09-30T14:12:00.001-04:00

Janet Wickell gave us the Album Star Block for the Scrap Happy Quilt she is leading. http://www.quilting.about.com I didn't care for my first try at this block, so I made another version today. Now the first looks okay to me. I like them both.

The darker block was made first. If this were a true album block the middle strip would be white so that you could write on it.

All my blocks so far. I think there are two more blocks to go.

Hope all is well.

God Bless.

Not Idle

2011-09-23T17:29:00.001-04:00

I'm hand quilting the Scatty Stars quilt. Very simple stitching, but I am enjoying doing it very much. Hopefully this will be a finish by next week.

I won a book, Just Around the Corner, by Kari M. Carr when there was a blog tour recently. Sherri from A Quilting Life http://www.aquiltinglife.com/ picked my name, so thank you so much, Sherri.

And it's autographed.

Thank you, Kari.

The method for making the mitered borders is surprisingly simple, and I have added one of the quilts in the book to my "I'm definitely going to make this" list.

That list is very long. If only I could stop reading books, magazines, blogs, etc. Not going to happen.

Tomorrow, Saturday, I should be doing the Walk for the Poor in my city, but we may be rained out. If that happens, it will be a perfect day to finish my Scatty Stars Quilt.

Enjoy your weekend!

God Bless You.

Autumn Inspiration Cross Stitch Completed

2011-09-16T11:17:00.002-04:00

I'm very happy with this. The border just makes it even better.

God Bless You and all you do.

September Christimas QAL 2

2011-09-10T15:04:00.000-04:00

This is what I've done so far. I like it but the edges aren't smooth, so I'll need to fix that. But I do like the set in triangles.

September Christimas QAL

2011-09-10T09:59:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure what I'll be working on today, but I do have progress to show on my autumn cross stitch.

That little tree took hours to sew. The border diamonds have small leaves or acorns stitched into them, so that's what I'm doing now.

But, today is for quilting, so I'm off to do some.

Scatty Stars, Autumn and Tumblers

2011-09-02T16:00:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene is now past, but for some in New England the pain goes on. Too many sad stories, so I'm here to express gratitude that nothing awful happened here. She went more inland so all that I experienced was loss of power and a big mess in the yard. I know we are all praying for those whose lives have been turned upside down.

Those are my Scatty Stars from the Christmas Quilt Along that I finally worked on today. I needed fabric for the rail fence blocks, so I went with black and am very pleased with the choice. I'm working on balancing the colors. The top picture looks right, but this view doesn't and it's the same.

Thank you again to Sue of Quilt Times and Cathi of Shakerwood Quilts for this cool design.

I'm so ready for autumn and have been going through my magazines for things to make. I found a cute cross stitch design in an October 2009 issue of Crafts 'n things. It's designed by Lois Winston courtesy of DMC. This is where I am so far.

I've got lots of leaves to stitch in, but I am enjoying this cross stitch.

My tumbler quilt is sewn together to some extent. I don't have a border on it yet and I do want to add one.

Hope all is well.

God Bless You!

Cute, Cute Buttons

2011-08-26T15:08:00.000-04:00

I've had some luck in the past two days in that I won a book from Martingale Press from the SewCalGal Pets on Quilts Show, and I won buttons from the ButtonMad . Both have a whimsical look to them, and I think I need to add some whimsy to my life.. The book is Out of the Box With Easy Blocks by Mary Lou Weidman and Melanie Bautista McFarland. When I receive it I'll share more about it.

The buttons are little owls:

I took this picture off the ButtonMad site. This is the company that sells buttons made by women in South Africa thereby creating employment for them. The designs are charming and add a nice touch to something handmade. This is their site:

http://incomparablebuttons.blogspot.com

Hurricane Irene update: went back out and joined the gas lines this morning, just in case. It wasn't too bad, but was busy. Got a book from the library, just in case. Brought garden things into the cellar, just in case. That's it. Now we wait to see what happens.

God Bless.

A Cozy Teapot

2011-08-25T15:28:00.000-04:00

Why do some teapots and coffeepots evoke a happy feeling by just looking at them? I don't know, but they have that effect on me. I also love stitch patterns of them and of teacups, and I love to drink tea. The problem with teapots is that they don't keep the tea hot without a cover. While I was working on my tumbler quilt yesterday I got the idea of using the tumbler pattern to make a tea cozy. I think it came out pretty cute.

It's lined and has batting so it works well, and the fabric makes me smile.

Hurricane Irene has already had her effect on the east coast. When I went grocery shopping today, the store was busier than usual, and the line at the gas pumps caused me to drive away without getting any. Be prepared. Even though my area isn't supposed to be hit badly, it still means bringing in anything that could be blown about, and then next week bringing it all back out. Thanks alot, Irene.

God Bless.

38 Buttons to Stitch on the Quilt, 38 Buttons to Stitch, If One of Those Buttons ....

2011-08-22T18:27:00.000-04:00

With 38 buttons to sew onto my Wreath Quilt, I decided to use my sewing machine for the task. It worked great. I followed the handbook directions, and all that's necessary is to drop the feeddogs and set the proper zigzag stitch to the correct width. Once that's done it literally takes seconds to sew on the button and the attachment is secure. It's really worth trying every task your machine can do for you to see how you can apply it to a project.

Thank you to everyone who visited my blog and/or left a comment during the Pets on Quilts Show. I enjoyed visiting the 109 blogs that entered, and fell in love with so many sweet pets.

God Bless and have fun sewing.

Pets On Quilts Show Hosted by SewCalGal - My Entry

2011-08-15T18:48:00.001-04:00

This is a cat quilt that I made using Christmas fabric and the cutest vintage cat fabric. Moxie likes quilts.

She appears to be more particular about the design and structure than her housemate, who likes to create things on which even the cat can sleep or play.

I found the pattern for this cat block here http://www.sewvac1.com/Library/catquilt.htm

Visit SewCalGal to see all of the pet quilt entries. You've got to love this kind of show.

http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

God Bless and Enjoy!

August Christimas QAL Post 2

2011-08-13T17:34:00.002-04:00

Have you seen the beautiful versions of the Scatty Stars Quilt? My goodness, each one is gorgeous. Go to Shakerwood Quilts http://www.shakerwoodquilts.blogspot.com , click on the QAL tab and then check out the blogs who signed up for today. I think you will like what you see.

Alas, although I have had my head down and my fingers busy all day, I did not get to work on my stars. Hand sewing, doing some FMQ and then attaching the binding to my Wreath Quilt took up my time today. My back hurts and I'm ready for glass of Merlot, but I have achieved much.

The stars I have are attached and the binding is sewn on but not finished to the backing. I'll enjoy doing that later. I do want to crochet a few more stars but they can be attached even if the quilt is finished. I do love the look of lace on the fabric. Yes, there are thread to sew in and the quilting isn't perfect, but this looks good to me.

I'm going to see what I missed by my sewing diligence. Thank you to Cathi for hosting today. I always accomplish so much on these days.

God Bless.

August Christmas QAL - Post 1

2011-08-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

I'm ready for today's qal. I have the binding and stars made for the Wreath Quilt and the Scatty Stars project is awaiting. Hope it's a good day for all of us.

My Part 5 of America The Beautiful Quilt

2011-08-12T17:49:00.000-04:00

Part 5 of the America The Beautiful quilt designed by Lynn Lister and published in McCall's Quilting required, for me, many hours of cutting and sewing. And the picture of the results doesn't look like it did:

There are 78 of the border squares and 80 squares for the mosaic blocks. All I can say is, if I can do all of that and still keep going, I must be a true-blue quilter.

I just had to see everything together:

I am one of those people who draws from her stash as she makes things, and so when it came to make the border squares I wondered if I had enough of two fabrics that would work. After making my squares I really doubted my choices. But now I think they will be okay. There will be a border between the quilt top major and the hst border. I can always change my mind if I don't like the outcome.

When I see the prices of quilt kits I sometimes wince, but considering what goes into choosing fabric and the time it takes, they may be a good deal.

I won two charm packs of Ruby by Bonnie and Camille for Moda as part of the Simple Things quilt along. Thank you, Kelly and Carol. I love charm packs and this fabric design is so pretty. Kelly is at http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/ and Carol is at http://brownquilts4me.blogspot.com/

Tomorrow is Christmas QAL Saturday. I am going to work on my Wreath Quilt and the Scatty Stars Quilt, and hope I accomplish lots.

God Bless.

Just Playing

2011-08-09T13:45:00.002-04:00

I tested my idea of doily applique to my quilt top and think it looks pretty nice.

I blocked most of the stars and a few are still drying, then I'll sew them on. I don't know how far I should go with this. If I want to bring the lacy look to the cream border, I'll have to make more stars. Did I say this would be finished by end of August? Good luck to me:)

This is what I've been sewing today, so far. My mother worked in mills and brought home buttons and ribbons and lace, and so her great-granddaughters will have doll clothes trimmed with some of that lace. Remember, we don't throw anything away here:)

This little bud makes me happy because it means that autumn is on its way.

God Bless. Hope all is well.

Now is the Perfect Time to be a Wantobe Quilter

2011-08-07T18:45:00.000-04:00

Yes, now is the perfect time to be someone who has never quilted before but who is eager to learn. And the reason is that an event is taking place where Wantobe Quilters can win the tools they need to begin the craft. Madame Samm at Stash Manicure http://www.stashmanicure.blogspot.com is hosting this event. It began last week and will continue for many more. You need to be a follower of Stash Manicure and a follower of a blogger who will enter your name to register. The list of bloggers who can do that are on the Stash Manicure site, and my blog is one of them. So, if you are interested, let me know with your name, email and phone number (I will only share it with Madame Samm.) Wantobe Quilters can comment on the Stash Manicure posts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of each week. Experienced quilters can comment on Tuesday and Thursday of each week. You cannot be a "no-reply" emailer.

The prizes are everything from rulers to fabric to sewing machines!

I don't even want to think how much I've spent on my tools, so this is a wonderful way to help someone get started.

Visit http://www.stashmanicure.blogspot.com and read the rules and how-to's.

Thank you, Madame Samm, and all of the sponsors.

God Bless.

My Crochet Stars and Info About a Giveaway

2011-08-07T14:26:00.003-04:00

First, I want to let you know about a giveaway hosted by Lynn of Happiness is Cross Stitching http://happinessiscrossstitching.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-third-anniversary-giveaway-ooooo-la.html . She has been blogging for three years and is celebrating with this giveaway:

Isn't that a sweet collection? Best of luck to you if you enter, but I hope I'm the lucky one:)

On the subject of giveaways, I want to thank Donna of So Sew Crafty http://sosewcrafty.blogspot.com/ because I won her first ever giveaway recently. It's a gift certificate so I will enjoy shopping and then making something pretty. Thanks so much, Donna, and hugs to ChaCha.

I've been working on the crochet stars and such for my Wreath Quilt. It takes me a few hours to make one of the big stars, although I 'm getting faster now that the pattern is familiar. I love crocheting, but I wish I could do it walking around. I've been listening to books on tape and sitting on the sofa all week. When I'm sewing I do a good deal of standing, walking to the machine and shaking out of fabric, so it feels more active.

A few wonky points, but that should straighten out when I block them.

God Bless.

Wreath Quilt and Tumbler Project

2011-08-02T18:30:00.000-04:00

I thought for sure that by the end of last week I would have finished the Wreath Quilt from Erik's Homemade Mystery QAL. http://erikhomemade.typepad.com

In this photo I wonder if you can see the holes from the stitching that took 1 and 1/2 days to rip out?

I've decided to applique crocheted stars and such to the cream/white area within the wreath. I found this star pattern in one of my old issues of Hooked On Crochet, June 2007, designed by Kathleen Munyan.

I'm also sewing red buttons to the inner and outer wreath angles.

So, now I am aiming for the end of August to have this quilt done.

I've been wanting to use my new tumbler die for my AccuQuilt GO!. I've had it since early June, so I would say I've showed remarkable self control in waiting this long to play with it. I was so certain I knew what fabric I would use, mainly a mix of lights, mediums and darks, but then I saw a quilt that changed my mind. It was a circle quilt made using mostly yellows in bright and light shades. I let that quilt influence me and cut out 143 tumblers.

I hope I like it when it's put together.

I plan to cut some of the tumbers in half for the border area. We'll see if that works, too.

God Bless.

Lost Ship Block and a Barbie Challenge

2011-07-23T19:56:00.003-04:00

Janet Wickell of http://www.quilting.about.com gave us the ninth block in the Scrappy Sampler QAL, and it is called the Lost Ship block. I tried to learn a bit about this block, but could only find that it is a coastal quilt block, probably New England, that experienced a name change, Rocky Glen, when used by an inland quilt maker http://www.tehistory.org/hqda/html/v23/v23n3p099.html .
So, I guess the ships could look like glens depending on your point of view.

Coincidentally, I spotted this block in Mary Ellen Hopkins' book, The It's Okay If You Sit On My Quilt Book, but it was put together slightly differently. Her version had the large, light hst's on the bottom and the small hst corner on the top. So I did a search and found a third orientation, where my block is flipped in the other direction:

I conclude, therefore, that anything goes.

The Barbie doll playing little one gave me a challenge today. She asked me to make an evening dress in orange with pink polka dot trim. I can't know what she envisioned this dress to look like, but this is what I could make from what I had in the stash. Believe me, I did not even think I had pink polka dot trim, but I did : )

God Bless.

Simple Things Finish

2011-07-22T13:32:00.001-04:00

It's so pretty. Thank you to Kelly of Charming Chatter and to Carol of Brown Quilts for this qal. I am so pleased with the results. I might add some buttons to the border, but doesn't really need them.

It's very hot here today; over 100 degrees. Just plain awful.

When I awoke this morning I couldn't find Moxie, who usually is either on my bed or follows me out of my room from her hiding place. But not this morning. I looked for her in the usual places, but couldn't find her. Then I went back into my room and saw this:

Her own personal hammock.

God Bless.

Progress Report

2011-07-15T19:29:00.001-04:00

For somebody who said she didn't want to sew anymore, I've been happily busy at my sewing machine all week.

One finish: my Cat Nap Quilt, nicknamed Lucky Cat Quilt (as suggested by Sue of Quilt Times) because it escaped the iron scorching episode. Quilting not perfect, but so what. I'm feeling very bold about quilting today because I am reading a library book by Mary Ellen Hopkins, The It's Okay If You Sit On My Quilt Book. Yep, no masterpieces here, but beautiful nevertheless.

SewCalGal is hosting Pets on Quilts next month, and I will have to see if this quilt will meet the requirements. If so, I'll enter it. Have to get Moxie on it for a picture.

My apologies to the designer of this cute cat design for not acknowledging before where I found it. Here it is: http://www.sewvac1.com/Library/catquilt.htm

Quilt top almost finished: Simple Things.

I ran into a problem with the border not fitting, so I need to make some adjustments. But it is such a sweet quilt top, I love it.

Work in progress: I began to put together the crazy blocks. So far, just sewed strips together, but I need to trim and do the sashing between columns.

I chuckle when I look at these blocks, but I do like them. Yep, this is the flip side of my taste scale. I like classic/traditional and then I like stuff like this. Go figure.

God Bless.

I Guess I'm Fickle

2011-07-12T11:47:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I told my sister I was tired of sewing. It was a bad day all around and my projects looked like nothing but work with no fun included. Later on I got bored and started to trim the Simple Things squares, completed them and went on to the border of my Cat Nap Quilt. And I'm sewing again:)

For the Simple Things squares I ended up using glue stick to keep the template from moving while I trimmed, and that made the job much easier.

When making the Cat Nap Quilt I saved the small triangles that were cut off at the cats' tails. I always save those pieces, and for this quilt I found a way to include them. I sewed them together and then into four patch squares and placed them at compass points in the final border. I really like the way it looks.

I'm very lucky to still have this quilt. While I was pressing the border my iron suddenly got very hot, melted the thread at a couple of seams and scorched the ironing board cover. Fortunately when I saw my seams pulling apart I lifted the iron, but it was close. Good bye iron. If this had happened yesterday, I probably would have kicked it to Timbuktoo.

Thank you to Rachel of Just Sew y'All Know http://racheldquilting.blogspot.com/ . I won a fabric giveaway on her blog, and I can use them.

Hoping for good things.

God Bless.

July Christmas QAL Post 3

2011-07-09T15:38:00.000-04:00

I completed this month's Scatty Stars.

My star collection to date.

I'm quitting for now for today. Thank you, Sue, for another fun and productive Saturday.

Until next month,

God Bless.

July Christmas QAL Post 2

2011-07-09T12:37:00.000-04:00

I've put together the small quilt and need to decide whether to use the green or the blue for the border then the top will be done. I'm going to move on the the Scatty Stars after I take a break and visit the other bloggers to see what they are making. That's always an enjoyable part of these Christmas QAL Saturdays.

July Christmas QAL - Post 1

2011-07-09T08:34:00.000-04:00

Sue is hosting the Christmas QAL today http://www.quittimes.blogspot.com and she's set the Chrismas mood for us so it should be a fun day.

This is what I'm working on today.

I did a search for free quilt block patterns yesterday and found this cat block. And I had this really cute vintage-look cat fabric, so it's all going together for a small quilt.

So my cat blocks and the Scatty Stars blocks are what I'll be doing,

Friday Afternoon Catch-Up

2011-07-08T17:22:00.000-04:00

I worked on the Simple Things blocks for this week. The border blocks make a beautiful trim on this quilt, but, well, they do require a bit of attention. I did the sewing, but now I have to trim them down to 3.5" and that's taking time.

One down and 43 more squares to go.

This may take all week and a really good book on tape to keep me going.

Have you ever made something and then put it aside and forgotten making it? I pulled out my bag to bring to the hospital today and saw this quilt which I completely forgot about.

I just remembered that this pattern is one of the QOV blocks that I made that went very fast, so I used it for a lapghan. Hopefully the colors will be acceptable.

On the same subject of the lapghans, this is the crocheted lapghan I made with the revised border.

I took out all of the single crochet stitches and used a double crochet shell pattern for the border. It looks much better.

In April Barb of Bejeweled Quilts http://bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com/2011/04/ten-minute-blocks.html let us know about Suzanne McNeill's You Tube how-to's for blocks that are big, go very quickly, and look great. I think I'm going to try making those blocks next for the hospital lapghans because it will probably take only 4 blocks with border to meet the 40 inch requirement and they look great.

Tomorrow is Christmas Quilt Along Saturday and I am looking forward to it. What am I going to do?

I'm thinking about that:) I have some charm packs of 2010 Christmas fabric and want to make something nice with them. But I have other possibilities as well.

I just wanted to mention something about the FabShopHop. This month the quilt block patterns are for the cutest Halloween Quilt. I was surprised that I got most of the block patterns on the first day that I played along. I don't do much for Halloween but I am planning to make this quilt. http://www.fabshophop.com/enews/FabShopHop_enews_halloween-smplr_6-29-11.html

Hope you are all well.

God Bless!

Keeping Up With Simple Things

2011-07-01T13:09:00.000-04:00

I no sooner posted my blocks for last week's Simple Things blocks, then Kelly of Charming Chatter http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com posted the next blocks. So I kept going and completed that set.

God Bless.

Simple Things Week 3

2011-06-30T14:45:00.001-04:00

I'm down to the wire with this week's blocks for the Simple Things QAL.

Everything so far.

Nothing else happening here.

God Bless!

Serendipity

2011-06-27T22:26:00.001-04:00

Last week I saw an I Spy quilt on the C&T Publishing blog and loved it. Right after that I learned I would have the chance to give one to some little ones in my family so I made one. It took almost three full days of shopping (waiting for 1/8 of a yard strips to be cut, and lots of them,) cutting, laying out and then finishing, but I got it done. You will love the backing:

Isn't it cool? I bought two panels and will use the other one for the other little ones in my family. I love it.

This is the front.

The cuttings were different sizes, so I used fillers to make the blocks match.

This is the first quilt I tied. That worked well, I used cotton embroidery floss, but it is hard on your fingers.

I won a great book from Quiltmaker magazine. It's Scraps & Shirttails II by Bonnie K. Hunter who writes a column about scrap quilting for the magazine.

Three fat quarters were included. How nice is that?

And the book is autographed.

Now, what is interesting about this book is that Bonnie is a big advocate of recycling, so she wrote this book to show how she uses fabric from men's shirts in some of her quilts. All of those plaids, checks and darker shades mixed with the neutrals make gorgeous quilts. I love so many of her designs; I've got to tackle a project from this book soon.

Coincidence; remember my basket blocks from a few months ago? The blocks that are still on my to do list waiting for me to sew them into a quilt top? That basket design is by Bonnie Hunter.

Hope all is well with you.

God Bless you.

Lucky Me, Simple Things and Barbie's Wardrobe

2011-06-20T17:53:00.001-04:00

I made the Simple Things blocks for this week, and they are looking good to me, although there were problems with the flying geese being 1/2 inch too wide. So, sharp trimming and made them fit. Done.

I do love the way the small 4-patch squares look in the white border.

A while back Quiltmaker magazine held giveaways of the 100 Blocks annual issue and I won a copy at Stitched Buy http://www.stitchedbuy.com , Sandi Blackwell's blog. Sandi has a block in the issue. I love this issue and am sure I will make something using the blocks. For instance, I found a beautiful star pattern in last year's issue that I used for the Quilt of Valor Charity Challenge. This issue is a neat resource.

Thank you Sandi and Quiltmaker.

Annie of Ruby Slipperz had a giveaway http://www.rubyslipperz106.blogspot.com/ and I won a great cookbook and pattern book, Quilter's Cookbook by On Pins and Needles Quilt Shop. Love it.

Thank you, Annie.

Barbie needed some street clothes so I made her a dress and jacket set. Very chic. Modeling the ensemble is my Leo Barbie, from the Zodiac series. This Barbie makes an appearance each August, then goes back to where she came from. However, Senior Barbie needed help modeling, so Barbie Leo appeared.

Senior Barbie looks ravishing in her evening dress, a very tight sheath with a tulle overskirt. Whoa, Senior Barbie!

I bought a package of Dritz brand Curved Needles for Tying Quilts at Joann's last week because notions were 50% off . I used one for basting my Wreath Quilt sandwich and it's so much better than a straight needle. What took me so long to try this? And I recommend Dritz. The needle is very smooth and glides through the fabric.

Hope you are all well.

God Bless You.

America The Beautiful Part 4 and Christmas Wreath Quilt Backing

2011-06-15T23:42:00.000-04:00

I completed part 4 of the America The Beautiful quilt designed by Lynn Lister and published in McCall's Quilting.

This time around we made the school house. rail fences and checkerboard strips.

The only thing left are three houses and more decorative fillers. I hope sewing all of these very different sized blocks is going to be a smooth process.

This quilt design is one of the types of quilts that I wanted to make when I began to quilt because it evokes life. That's one of the reasons I love the log cabin block and some of the other traditional blocks. There is something alive behind the design and that is what I love about it.. And to me it's also what is fun about quilting. I'm not telling you anything new. I'm sure you feel what I feel when those very sweet Christmas quilts come out with images that just go straight to our hearts. I love them and want to make every one.

Speaking of Christmas quilts, I got the fabric and made the backing for my Christmas Wreath Quilt. I had some of the squares left over from the design, and also some of the smaller fabric pieces.

I made one crazy scrap block, fast becoming one of my favorite blocks, and sewed a strip to be the connector between the two main fabric pieces. One benefit is that one square is cream and will be the quilt label. Carrie Nelson in her book Schnibbles Times Two tells how she makes the label a part of the backing and it is then quilted onto the quilt. For someone like me who is bad about labeling her quilts that makes it so much easier.

God Bless You and all you do.

Simple Things Fabric and Scrap Happy Sampler Block

2011-06-13T16:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Flag Day!

Two clarifications from this weekend. First, I didn't link to Quilt Times, Sue's blog, http://www.quilttimes.blogspot.com during all of my posting Saturday. I edited my first post to correct this. My apologies to Sue.

Second, I am making Barbie doll clothes for one of the little ones in my family who asked me to make her new doll some clothing, especially a turquoise dress. My old Barbie with her age spots is just happy to be able to model them.

This is what I chose for the Simple Things mini quilt.

I did some of the cutting yesterday, but don't have the background fabric.

I'm having a problem with the 5" cutting die for my AccuQuilt GO! Sometimes one side is slightly short, even when I am very careful about placement of the fabric. Anyone know what causes that?

I also made the Summer Winds block for Janet Wickell's Scrap Happy Sampler QAL.

I love how the corners look a little like the fish blocks.

I almost abandoned this quilt. The different colors I've used are a real mish-mash. But it's very possible that with the right background fabric and more color variety in future blocks, it will look neat. I love all of the block designs.

What do you think?

Hoping all of you are well and happy.

God Bless You.

Christmas QAL June Fourth Post

2011-06-11T18:22:00.000-04:00

I like the star pattern as it should be, as well as the star pattern as it shouldn't be.

What I like about my version is the way the sides meet and form a secondary pattern. I'm going to look around to see if this block has a name. I'll let you know if I learn anything.

There is only one more star to make two blocks of and then we start the putting together part. That will be August I think. I've grown to really love this quilt and think it's going to be much enjoyed by all of us who are making it. Again, thanks to Sue and Cathi.

Thank you to Sue for hosting the qal today. I know it's more work than the rest of us are doing, but it's always fun.

I may cut my fabric tonight for the Simple Things qal. Have a great Sunday.

God Bless You.

Christmas QAL June Third Post; Hey, Look at My New Block Design

2011-06-11T15:04:00.000-04:00

Yep, I did it again. Putting my own individual stamp on the Scatty Stars Quilt Blocks.

Yes, these are supposed to be this month's pattern. Don't look like yours?

I made mine "differently" again. I really like this pattern. I won't keep them for the Scatty Stars quilt because I have enough fabric to do the blocks over following Sue's and Kathi's pattern, but I like the block pattern I made. Maybe I'll incorporate them into the backing.

Look how far we are already.

I'm going visiting. I'm not sure if I'm done sewing or if I will begin those stars, but for now, I'm breaking. Need some tea.

Christmas QAL June Second Post

2011-06-11T12:29:00.000-04:00

Ran into problems with the grecian dress; the pattern pieces are missing. So Barbie has another strapless with wrap. All of the Barbie dolls in my family live in small towns, yet they have need of extensive numbers of evening attire. I'm envious.

Cut out one star block and will get to it now.

Christmas QAL Saturday for June First Post

2011-06-11T07:02:00.001-04:00

The Christmas Quilt Along is hosted by Sue at Quilt Times http://www.quilttimes.blogspot.com

It's only 6:30 am here, and although I've been up for one hour, all I've done is determine that I don't have enough backing fabric to finish the wreath quilt, cleaned up the table so I have room to work, made coffee and begin sewing a crazy block from some Christmas fabric scraps. Up front I have to let you know that I don't think I will accomplish a thing today, but I'm giving it a go. And after seeing Sue's progress using her GO!, maybe I should put mine to work for me today too.

One of the blogs I follow, Happiness is Cross Stitching, has just posted a free Christmas ornament pattern, so I'm thinking we're not the only ones doing Chrismas in June projects.

I do plan to make Barbie another dress from this fabric.

The grecian style dress is the one I will make, but I also love the dress with the gathered hem. Good thing Barbie doesn't have to walk far.

And yes, it does say $.50 on the envelope. I don't even want to think how old I was when I got that pattern.

When I get the pattern for the next star in the Christmas quilt I'll work on it too. Better get busy.

A new Gown for Barbie

2011-06-08T17:10:00.000-04:00

By special request, I got to make another Barbie dress with shawl, something I love to do.

There are more to make, but this one is done.

My old and much played with Barbie is modeling. She tends to wear too much make-up.

This was fun to make. I have a few others to sew, including a beautiful turquoise and gold gown. Love playing with dolls:)

I'm mailing my blocks for the Quilts of Valor charity challenge that SewCalGal organized. http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

Due to a problem with sizing (see my previous post) I made some new blocks and will make 2 more so that I can send in 15 blocks.

And I used my new Accuquilt Go! and new 5" die to make the pinwheels and four patch blocks.

God Bless You.

Still on the Learning Curve

2011-06-03T15:24:00.000-04:00

Joan Ford's book, Cut the Scraps, has an interesting beginning section where she discusses the importance of using a scant 1/4" seam. She is the second source I've read this week (also CLK Quilts blog http://clkquilt.wordpress.com/2011/05/30/do-your-blocks-end-up-too-small/ ) that covers the "scant" 1/4" seam and shows the difference it makes. I thought 1/4" seams were the goal, but the scant 1/4" seam takes into consideration the thread and pressing space, if I understand it correctly. Joan shows an experiment in her book, and I decided to try it for myself. I used my Accuquilt Go! value die to cut 2.5" squares accurately, then sewed two squares together using the 1/4" seam marker on my machine and the normal presser foot and another two using the 1/4" presser foot attached. Then I pressed them according to her directions (first press the seam, then take one square over and press from the other square using the side of your iron, then carefully press down the fabric. These are my results:

There is exactly 1/8" difference because the scant 1/4" seam is 1/16" inch less. So now I know that my 1/4" presser foot gives me a scant 1/4" seam, something I didn't know before. It also explains why when I'm too lazy to change presser feet I may have problems, or if I'm following a pattern that doesn't use the scant seam allowance.

I suppose you all know this already and are saying" Boy, Joanna, where have you been?" Well, I don't usually care unless I run into difficulty and I recently did with some blocks. Then I was the "Why" kid. I knew I was supposed to use the 1/4" seam, but now I know why and that I should really use the scant 1/4" seam. Makes a difference.

I finished the lapghan to donate. I downloaded the directions to make this from someone's blog, but her blog address isn't listed on them, so I can't give her credit. However, if I do come across her blog I will credit her with the design.

Janet Wickell did not forget us. She has given us a new block for the scrap happy scrap quilt along, so that is back in production. I made a list of the "in progress" projects I have and came up with seven, not counting my " want to make" projects or gifts I have in mind to put together, or crochet/cross stitch projects.

I cannot post a comment on blogs that have an embedded comment section because Blogger hasn't fixed that issue yet. It's Daffycat showed how to change your comment section to the pop up window type , and it is the workaround for those of us who have been left out in the cold by Blogger/Google. Here's the link to her post if you are interested. http://itsdaffycat.blogspot.com/2011/05/blogger-problems.html I understand if you don't want to alter your blog. I will be resorting to emails until Blogger gets this resolved.

I've been very gabby today. Hope you are all well. Thinking of all of you.

God Bless You.

Sleepless in New England

2011-05-30T11:56:00.000-04:00

This bumble bee is busier than I have been the last few days. Insomnia hit me for three nights, so I've been a zombie during the days. But I slept last night and feel almost human again. I think Dr. Jekyl may have been experimenting with something that kept him from sleep and that's what made him into a monster.

I used up some of my scraps from making the QOV blocks to make more blocks.

I won this Lapel Stick at Glenna's blog, http://www.hollyhockquilts.com It's a new tool for me that works really nicely. Thank you, Glenna.

I made this quilt top to donate. I visited Happy Cottage Quilter's blog http://www.happycottagequilter.blogspot.com and liked her quilting using Mary Mashuta's walking foot method of quilting. I have Mary's book, Foolproof Machine Quilting, and am using her technique on this smaller quilt.

I tried out my lapel stick to baste the templates, and it works well. No pictures of the quilting yet because I need to be fully awake before I work on it.

Several of you who visited my last post were interested in seeing the entire completed scrap quilt that I mentioned. Thank you for all of your lovely comments.

Perfectionists will find many flaws, but this quilt was the largest I have quilted so far, and it was a challenge. Also, I backed it in flannel for cozyness, but that made it heavier. I only free motion quilted the sashing. The rest is either straight stitch or a decorative stitch.

It fits my queen size bed well enough.

I did pick up a crochet project that I abandoned because I missed crocheting. That was a good craft to do for someone who can crochet in her half-awake state:)

Happy Memorial Day.

God Bless You.

Happiness is Sometimes the Last Stitch.

2011-05-24T18:09:00.000-04:00

I have not been idle since my last post. I have been working on quilting and binding this scrap quilt. The top was completed last autumn. Shame on me for not finishing it sooner, but, for me, that's the hardest part, so I put it off. What made this one a bigger challenge is its' size, 91" X 76". Big, unwieldy and difficult to maneuver on my regular size sewing machine. I think once a quilt has its binding on, it takes on a whole new personality One reason I believe every quilt top, even those you may think are the ugliest, should be finished. They just look different.

I have the Christmas Wreath quilt waiting for it's backing, quilting and binding, so I may disappear under a pile of batting again. If I begin to work on it now it may be done for this year's holidays:)

I've also made nine blocks for Quilts of Valor. I cut another today and hope to sew it tonight.

I received the prize from SewCalGal for the Awards' giveaway, and she was very generous to include some extras.

I think I can use the printing fabric to make the label for the scrap quilt I finished today, so that would be neat. How nice to receive something new to try. And I love, love my new small bag. Thank you, Darlene.

That's it. Life is good.

God Bless You.

My entry to the Bloggers' Quilt Festival: Regency Quilt

2011-05-14T18:55:00.000-04:00

Amy's Creative Side is hosting her Spring 2011 Bloggers' Quilt Festival.

http://amyscreativeside.com/2011/05/13/bloggers-quilt-festival-spring-2011/

Here is my entry.

It's called Regency Quilt. I was attracted to this pattern because of the fabric. I love the shades of red and cream in the line. These are by David Textiles, and I found this at the one WalMart near me that still sells fabric. The pattern is by David Textiles, too.

It's pretty and I love the silhouette fabric which makes up the dark blocks in the two columns between the heart vines. The pattern is amenable to flower vines or family name vines or whatever creative image you can think of.

Thank you, Amy, for this way to show off my quilt to a wider audience. I can't wait to see what everyone else has entered.

God Bless You. Have fun:)

May Christmas QAL - Two

2011-05-14T15:06:00.000-04:00

There are three borders on the Erik Homemade Ezine quilt, and the second one is a stripped border. I sewed that on way back in February or March. Under the category "Learning the Hard Way" I file this lesson: Stripped borders, because their ends are not back stitched, unsew with handling. And I have been handling this quilt top often, but I didn't realize until today what the border was doing. I ended up doing a straight stitch all around the perimeter and sewing on the last border at a bit over 3/8 inches.

Thank you to everyone who gave me their ideas on how to liven up the center of this quilt top. I thought putting a star in the center would be nice, but am not very happy with the one I made. I was thinking it would be neat with rays of gold coming from it. But even with this gold print fabric it's blah. Now I'm thinking that maybe I could just quilt a design later. I just don't know, so again, this gets put aside.

I made this month's stars for the Scatty Stars Quilt. Notice anything?

When I made the second version I didn't look at the project sheet, just cut and sewed. So, bottom star on the right is going in the wrong direction:)

God Bless You.

May Christmas QAL - One

2011-05-14T08:43:00.000-04:00

I'm joining in today on the Christmas Quilt Along that Sue of Quilt Times and Cathi of Shakerwood Quilts host each month. I've had an unfinished project that I hope to get closer to finishing today, and that is the wreath quilt from Erik's Homemade Ezine's qal.

It has a wide border and I didn't think I had enough fabric so I will have to see what I've got to make it work. Also, I think the middle is too plain. I don't know what to do with it but it needs something.

See you later.

Big Blocks

2011-05-11T13:21:00.000-04:00

I've been making blocks for Quilts of Valor. They make up very quickly, and because they are 12.5 inch blocks the pieces I work with are not tiny. I think I love big blocks.

This block I found in Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks Vol. II, last year's issue.

It's called Tumbler Star and was designed by Benita Skinner.

These blocks were so fast to make that I used one of them to put together a quilt top to donate to the local hospital. I put the top together yesterday afternoon. Because of their size and because the quilt should be 40 inches I only had to make nine blocks. I've already made the sandwich and this will be done probably by tomorrow. And today I received the tumbler die for my AccuQuilt GO and hope to use it to make another quilt top and see how fast it goes.

Hope you are having a wonderful craft day.

God Bless You.

Let's pretend this is Mt. Washington.

A Wonderful Charity Challenge

2011-05-06T17:31:00.001-04:00

Insights From SewCalGal at http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com/ has posted about a Charity Quilt Block Challenge which will benefit Quilts of Valor. QOV donates quilts to wounded military personnel and veterans. I know I'm blessed to have my sewing/crocheting talent, as well as to live in a free country that allows me to use my talents to do whatever I want with them. So I'm joining in on this Challenge. For all of the information, including the giveaway associated with it, please visit Insights From SewCalGal's post at http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2011/05/charity-quilt-block-challenge-call-for.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InsightsFromSewcalgal+%28Insights+From+SewCalGal%29

To illustrate how easy it is to help this cause, I will show you the quilt block I made today which took no time at all to complete. The block is called Freedom Star:

I found this pattern by doing a search for "patterns for QOV." I saw this block done up with patriotic prints and it looked great so I'll have to go shopping:) The only patriotic fabric I have is New England Patriots fabric and that won't fly with a Jets or Vikings fan:)

God Bless You.

Part 3 of America The Beautiful Quilt

2011-05-05T13:46:00.003-04:00

For some reason this part was a challenge for me, from choosing the fabric to making the Bounty blocks fit. Have you ever patched a block? I did today when my log cabin block fell short of the two adjacent pieces. And when I was taking pictures I saw that one of the log cabins is oriented the wrong way. Geesh.

The designer's version has the flag in browns, pinks and creams. But I was afraid my quilt would look dull if I used soft colors so I went traditional.

I intend to embroider a small cross over the door of the church , and maybe add a button doorknob.

These are the Bounty blocks.

Here are all my blocks so far in approximately the place they will be in when the qult top is sewn together.

Yesterday I received the QuiltAlbum disc I won during SewCalGal's Golden Quilter Award event.

This will be fun to use, I think. I was hoping I would win this software, so it's another prize I'm very happy with.

God Bless You.

A Finish and A Prize

2011-05-02T08:40:00.000-04:00

Not much to post but I did want to show something I won from Quilt magazine. I won this Omnigrid OmniAngle ruler and Simple Quilts and Sewing issue. I was surprized by the size of the package and thrilled when I saw what I received.

The ruler is nifty and I've already gone through the magazine a couple of times and plan to make a few things. I was very happy with this prize.

I finished my AccuQuilt quilt and am also happy with it.

Today I will do part three of the America the Beautiful quilt from McCall's Quilting magazine.

The city is installing new water lines, and today they are doing the line for my house. Moxie is having a bad day hearing noises and strange people in the cellar and not being able to get away from them. Poor baby.

Praying that all of our problems are small ones,

God Bless You.

My New Gadget

2011-04-27T22:29:00.000-04:00

I hope the people at AccuQuilt don't mind my calling their GO! machine a "gadget", but mine has arrived and is now a part of my sewing repertoire. This quilt is the pattern that comes with the Value Die which comes with the GO! At this point I'm not ready to rate or give testimony, but I will say that from now on I do not want to make half-square triangles without cutting them out first with the GO! gadget. It makes hst's a million times easier. I do have a problem in that I purchase fabric by the yard because it's the most economical way, but that means it needs to be cut or torn into strips to fit over the part of the die I was using. I guess that's what everyone else does, but I wonder if there's an easier way to go about it.

I do like the quilt top, and I spent most of my time sewing it and not cutting it, which was nice. And funny thing, between the time I ordered the GO! and it's arrival I slashed my thumb with the rotary cutter. OY! I never developed safe practises when using the rotary cutter, but I am very careful now.

I received the cutest Easter card in the world from my sister's granddaughter.

Notice his cotton tail!

Awww!

This is how I knew it was time to take a break today.

If you take a close look you will see the pieces of the quilt I was sewing underneath my little beast. Okay, I'll stop:)

God Bless You.

Crazy Scrappy Blocks

2011-04-21T21:52:00.001-04:00

I'm doing something different for me. I visited the blog of the designer of the Sherbet Pips fabric line for Moda http://www.comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/. because I loved the images in the fabric, as so many others did. The designer, Aneela Hoey, began a casual qal of crazy blocks using scraps. I joined in because oy, do I have scraps. But also because it was a different kind of block, not anything I have done before. Now, these blocks look very different and it took me a few to appreciate their cuteness. The idea is to have a center image and sew scraps around it until the block measures 11 inches. Here are some of mine:

I was at a loss at what to use for the center image and then in my scraps I found my cupcake fabric. Aneela suggested we sort our scraps into colors and each block is made with one color. It works great, and my scraps are getting used up so nicely. I've made 12 blocks, and need to make 20 or 30.

It really works to horde fabric. You never know when the perfect quilt block will come your way:)

God Bless You.

Regency Quilt Completed

2011-04-19T14:06:00.000-04:00

It seems as if many of the crafters whose blogs I read are completing projects. I'm not sure what spurs others on. I think I'm partly motivated by having a sense of committment to whatever made me begin the project in the first place. Also, I feel a responsibility to follow through, being genetically frugal. I bought the fabric so I need to do something with it. Plus, I just get tired of seeing the damn thing hanging around. It needs to be finished to be used so I finish it.

Thus, the Regency quilt was completed.

I can't tell you much unstitching I did when quilting the border. I just couldn't get it right.

It's far from perfect, but I'm fine with it.

As I was working on it I thought that instead of hearts I could have appliqued flowers instead. That would be pretty.

I recently had a couple of nice wins. One was the Quilt Album software which I won during the SewCalGal Golden Quilter Award event. I really look forward to getting the software and making a record of not only my quilts but crochet, sewing and cross stitch projects.

I also won a $25.00 gift cerfiticate to AccuQuilt which I won during SewCalGal's AccuQuilt Blog Hop.

Oh, and I splurged on an AccuQuilt GO!

Amazon has them at a very deep discount right now and I bought one.

Having the Sizzix showed me how nice it is to have a cutter for smaller things, and I loved what I saw during the blog hop.

I hope it proves to be everything the company says of it.

Hope you are getting things finished, too.

God Bless You.

Easter SAL Completed

2011-04-17T22:49:00.000-04:00

Not much to say about this except that I love it, I'm happy I stumbled upon Carole's sal at http://www.novalee02.over-blog.com/ , and that it and my Annalee's will make a very pretty tableau.

The Regency quilt is almost done, except I haven't quilted the outside border. But I foresee another finish in my future very soon.

God Bless You.

Some Progress

2011-04-13T14:15:00.000-04:00

This lapquilt will be going to the hospital tomorrow, and I am submitting the picture to Martingale as part of their Share the Warmth celebration for their 35th Anniversary.

I'm using the label I had made up by Namemaker. I'm bad about labeling my quilts, but at least this shares a sentiment I like.

I made the two stars for the Scatty Stars Quilt. This quilt will be a demonstration on how just changing the color values can make one design look different. Sue and Cathi did a nice job in that.

My celestial bunch so far.

I did get my red thread so that's what I'm going to work on, as well as my bunnies and carrots for the Easter sal.

I opened an email with Gmail and have had nothing but problems since I got invovled with Google's email, so if you have that saved someplace to contact me, please don't use it. I'm sticking with Verizon and Yahoo. I think Blogger is part of Google, but I haven't had blog problems - yet.

God Bless You.

Down, Brownies, Down!

2011-04-11T19:06:00.000-04:00

I'm posting because every time I open my blog I see the picture of the brownies I made on Saturday, and for my own good I need to move that picture further down the page. I have done some sewing by quilting the striped quilt, but I don't have pictures yet. Tomorrow I go out to buy thread so I can hopefully finish the Regency quilt.

I have been playing with my new dies, just cutting randomly with scraps.

I was thinking of using the angels to enhance the wreath quilt I am still working on via Erik Homemade Ezine. We'll see.

God Bless.

April Christmas QAL Post 3 - Progress

2011-04-09T19:28:00.000-04:00

When I visited Hazel's blog, she had made some star cookies. That led me into my kitchen where I made brownies.

This was Hazel's fault.

Am I easily led or what!

I made the brownies, did some laundry, went to Mass, had supper, and have been quilting the Regency quilt since. It's almost done, but I just ran out of thread, so it will remain undone for now.

I sandwiched my striped quilt so it's ready for quilting, but I'm not.

I'm done for now. It's been fun. And even though I didn't have a finish, I did make progress and have fun.

God Bless You.

April Christmas QAL 2nd Post - Distraction, Inc.

2011-04-09T14:36:00.000-04:00

Things keep happening here to distract me from my plans. I transferred the embroidery design for one of the quilt blocks and began to sew it. I don't like my stitches so this block will be for me. This quilt is a gift so I want the stitching to be better. I only got so far:

when a package was delivered. I had ordered five dies from the Sizzix Outlet, and I couldn't resist trying one.

I know that apples aren't necessarily difficult to applique, but it only took a few minutes to put this one together. I'll stitch it later and thnk about making a runner or cover with a few apple blocks.

As if that weren't enough, I received the latest issue of Quiltmaker, and I'm eager to read it.

Plus, I was outside with Mox for awhile. Pity the poor bugs:)

The day isn't over. And every little bit of sewing is progress. Back later.

God Bless.

April Christmas Quilt Along

2011-04-09T10:34:00.000-04:00

10:09 a.m. I'm still in my pj's and drinking my first cup of coffee, but I have made a few things happen. Today I will work on this pattern that I won recently. It's by Sherri K. Falls of This & That Patterns. http://www.thisandthatpatterns.com/ Sherri's instructions state to back the background fabric on which the embroidery is done with light fusible web before transferring the design. Did I do that? Noooooo. So my fabric is moving and stretching as I draw. I'm using my new light box for the first time and it's so much better than the "sun through the window" method..

So I will fix that before anything else gets done.

I also plan to do some more quilting on the Regency quilt that I began last month so that it can get finished soon.

Last night I found a video made by Nancy Zeiman of Sewing With Nancy. I like her show very much and was surprized to find her video, but I watched it twice and then made myself a checkbook cover using my new serger.

This went incredibly fast. As usual, choosing fabric and cutting it took the longest.

Moxie is doing her in one minute and out the next routine. She wants to be in two places at once.

OK. I'm stalling, so I am off to do some sewing.

God Bless.

Keeping Quiet

2011-04-08T14:42:00.000-04:00

I'm keeping up with the Easter sal, and this is the latest step. The next design has bunnies, carrots and bees and is delightful. After that we do some scrolls and that's the end.

I did so much sewing for two weeks that I lost interest in it and have stayed relatively quiet this week. I have done some quilting on the big quilt I have and keep making progress on it, and I have done a little quilting on this Regency quilt so I don't have another UFO hanging around, but mostly this week has been sewing-free.

However, that all changes tomorrow because it is the Christmas QAL Saturday.

I need to figure out what I'll be working on.

God Bless You.

New Pillows Cases

2011-04-03T15:33:00.000-04:00

I did make pillow cases with the Sizzix die flower blocks. I'm happy with them, but their newness makes everything else look worn. Time for spring cleaning.

I quickly put together a quilt top from the strips of an inexpensive roll. I'm making it for the Share the Warmth event that Martingale Publishing is hosting to celebrate their anniversary. My goal is to finish it this week, but I'm done sewing for now; need a break.

Happy Sunday.

God Bless You.

More Playing With Dies

2011-04-02T15:17:00.000-04:00

This is what I made with the other flower die I have for my new Sizzix. I plan to put french knots in the centers. Then I'm not sure what I'll do with the block; maybe a pillow.

I neglected to provide a link to Colleen's blog, Lucky Duck Dreams, yesterday and want to correct that. http://www.cyarnell.blogspot.com/ Visit her blog to see what she has made with her Sizzix.

The votes have been counted and SewCalGal has announced the winners of The Golden Quilter Awards. The nominees and the votes are submitted by quilters internationally, and SewCalGal hosts this annual event.

I'm happy for all of the nominees and the winners. I've only been quilting and blogging for a little over a year, but there are a couple of names listed of quilters who I learned about and who influenced me in the progress I've made with this craft. That's wonderful. Here is the list of those receiving awards.

Best Designer Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs

Best Teacher/Instructor Bonnie Hunter, Quiltville

Best Author Eleanor Burns, of Quilt In A Day

Best Quilt Store (Physical) Mary Jo's in Gastonia NC

Best Quilt Store (online) Fat Quarter Shop

Best Long Arm Quilter Judi Madsen - Green Fairy Quilts

Most Innovative product (physical item) AccuQuilt Go! Fabric Cutter

Most Innovated product (software item) EQ7, by The Electric Quilt Company

Most influential person in the world of quilting to-date, aka "Lifetime Achievement" Eleanor Burns, Quilt in a Day

Best Quilt Retreat Two Wacky Woman (Southern California)

Many sponsors have contributed items for a giveaway. The giveaway is open to everyone who nominated, voted and helped with PR (like this post) for the event. Visit http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com/ to learn more about the awards and the giveaway.

God Bless You.

It's Been a Pretty Nice Day

2011-04-01T19:18:00.001-04:00

I haven't won the lottery or anything else for that matter. And it has been raining most of today. But I read something inspirational this morning that just made my day. I ended up going to Stations of the Cross and then Mass, which was a funeral for a 24 year old father of two. I didn't know him but the funeral preempted the regular Mass, so those of us who did the Stations went to the funeral mass. It's sad to die that young, but faith tells us there is more. All in all, it was a very positive morning.

Then the sewing took over. I admit that I have coveted and hoped to win an AccuQuilt GO! since it came out a year ago. I've entered too many contests and never won. I don't win even the weekly contest when there are only 100 or so entrants. So, I bought a Sizzix Big Shot because the price was right. I have read Lucky Duck's posts on the uses she has found for her Sizzix and was impressed. I had also been doing quilte a bit of researching on the Sizzix. Although I hope to get the Westminster dies for quilting in the near future, the dies I bought with my cutter were two flower dies and a fan. This is my first project with one of the flower dies.

Patsy Thompson has a video on how she uses her Sizzix to add enhancements to projects. She backs her fabric with fusible facing before cutting which makes the narrow strips more stable. I was too enthusiastic and eager to do that, but I will next time. I zigzagged the edges of the flowers.

Granted, these are not the quilting dies, rather dies for scrapbooking, but they work on fabric.

I made one more mug rug. Umbrellas can look very cute in crafts, and I loved this design when I saw it. This is really my take, not what the designer called for.

This Madness is over. Most of the designers were young bloggers who seem to be fearless when it comes to quilting. They come up with an idea and make it happen. I think I was like that at one time;-)

God Bless You. Hope your day is pretty nice, too.

Rugs for Mugs and More

2011-03-29T20:18:00.001-04:00

This is the fifth mug rug I've made from the designs being shown during the Mug Rug Madness. There are 4 more designs I plan to make and few more to go until it finishes. I'm loving it.

I followed the quilting method of the designer, Jeni http://www.incolororder.blogspot.com/ , and used two different colors of thread on the front.

In use.

Step 5 of the Easter sal and not much more to go.

God Bless You.

Still Mad About Mug Rugs

2011-03-27T15:46:00.000-04:00

I had to skip one of the mug rug designs because it used those hezagon paper templates and I don't have any. I'm going to try making some, but that's on hold for now. I did make yesterday's design which is so sweet - kites.

There was one design I skipped that I will go back and make and today's design which is a star pattern. And I am not tired of making them, yet. It's a break from having projects that take weeks and months to complete. Click on the Mug Rug Madness button on the right for the link to the Madness.

I have been working on things that are in process, like sandwiching the Regency quilt and beginning step 5 of the Easter sal. I had to order red fabric to make the final border on the Erik Homemade Mystery Christmas qal. I'm also still quilting the large quilt, but I am also ripping out stitches galore as I go, so very little progress there. I'm thinking of just tying it. I've not tied a quilt yet and that could be my first.

Next month in nearby Providence is the Machine Quilters Expo. I plan to attend, and if so, it will be my first quilt show. Have any of you ever volunteered at a quilt show?

God Bless You.

2011-03-23T20:39:00.000-04:00

I'm enjoying Mug Rug Madness organized by Erin of Two More Seconds http://www.twomoreseconds.com/ . I've made two of the patterns given; the Time For Tea and the Cottage Mug Rugs. Here are my versions:

Time For Tea in fabric I love.

The cottage is cute. I might add a little something to it. It's so easy to get carried away.

There are no rules when making mug rugs except maybe for having fun with the design and fabric.

I have completed step 4 of the Easter sal.

All of the designs have a certain charm to them. I'm happy I joined in on this sal.

God Bless You.

Step 3 of the Easter Stitch Along

2011-03-20T18:29:00.000-04:00

I finished step 3 of the Easter SAL with Carole of Novalee02. Is that a cute Easter egg or what? Step 4 is a purple iris, and I began it today with hopes of having it done by Tuesday. This is a very sweet project.

I have been working on quilting the largest quilt I've made so far, it's 77 by 90, and it's a challenge. Not because of the sewing/quilting, but because I had no idea how heavy it would be after the flannel backing and cotton batting were attached. I actually get tired from moving it around. Who knew quilting would be such good exercise;-)

If you notice I have a button for a Spring Giveaway by AMKreations. http://amkreations.blogspot.com/ The giveaway is for a book and six Moda fat quarters in beautiful colors. Join in welcoming Spring by visiting her blog and entering the giveaway.

Sunshower Quilts http://www.sunshowerquilts.blogspot.com/ is having a giveaway of an Accuquilt Baby Go! which I want to win. If you want a chance at winning MY Baby Go!, then visit Katrina's blog and enter. At some point Karma has to kick in and my sharing of this good news has to be good for me. Right? Right!

Good luck to everyone in the giveaways in blogland. I'll be happy with a wonderful week ahead and only problems I can handle.

God Bless You.

A Full Day of Sewing

2011-03-16T22:22:00.000-04:00

Today was like going to work except I was in sewing heaven. I began sewing around 10 a.m. and just stopped for good around 8:30 p.m. I caught up on the Erik Homemade Ezine Christmas Mystery qal by putting on two borders. I think these borders just add so much to this quilt top. That was one accomplishment.

I made the two blocks for the Scatty Stars Christmas qal so I'm up to date on that.

Last month's star pattern is still my favorite. But there are plenty more to go.

I finished the Regency quilt top, with one obvious mistake. I think that that once this is sandwiched, quilted and had the binding sewn on it will be a treasure. I love, love this fabric.

My three accomplishments for today. I also have a flannel backing to put on a quilt top I put together last year. I have had that project pending for a while but keep committing myself to other things so it isn't done yet. Tomorrow I plan to get that backing sewn and the quilt sandwich made, and I plan to play with clay. I bought some polymer clay with plans on making decorative pin heads or scissor charms. That's probably something I didn't need to get myself into, but I want to try it. I also have to cross stitch this week's pattern for the Easter sal so I can get the next design.

God Bless You. Hope all of your projects are going well.

Christmas Quilt Along Saturday March 2011

2011-03-12T08:30:00.001-05:00

http://www.quilttimes.blogspot.com/ Sue of Quilt Times is today's host of the Christmas Quilt Along.

12:03 pm I've cut the fabric and sewn two of the strips. The applique needs to be done before I do any other sewing so I'm taking a break, having tea, and will be visiting the other blogs. I'm a little intimidated by the applique so I'll procrastinate;-)

8:16 am I'm ready. Last night I ironed my fabric, and this is what I'll work on today.

It's a pattern and collection for David Textiles that I picked up at Walmart. I love red.

I'll work on the star patterns when I need a change. These are from the February qal.

I'm going to sign in and get started. See you later.

New Scrappy Sample Quilts Blocks

2011-03-11T10:57:00.000-05:00

Janet Wickell http://www.quilting.about.com/ gave us the basket block pattern for her Scrappy Sample Quilt Along. I made two versions because I seem to be going in two different directions with my scraps.

The baskets were supposed to have a different color for the handle, but I used the same color as the basket part. I guess the flower portion of the basket could be embroidered or appliqued with some flowers to dress it up, but I like the design.

This is step 1 and 2 of the cross stitch sal I'm doing with Carole of Novalee 02. We get the next step tomorrow.

And speaking of Saturday, it's Christmas Quilt Along day, so I'm making my plans for what to sew. See you then.

God Bless You.

New SAL

2011-03-08T12:09:00.001-05:00

Carole of Novalee02 http://www.novalee02.over-blog.com/ has an Easter 2011 cross stitch sal that I have joined. She had a deadline for joining, and I just made it. In this sal the participant needs to make the first pattern and send in a picture of it before the next pattern is sent to them. That keeps us honest and makes me keep up with the sal. I worked on this until late last night in order to keep up. It was pleasant to get back into cross stitch. This is my step 1.

I also have my 48 basket blocks made. Because I used the tan fabric for each basket I feel the blocks shouldn't be butted to each other en mass. If I do that the baskets take over and the pastel fabric becomes secondary. Well, I just last week received my first issue of Quilt magazine, a Christmas present from my sister, and this pattern is in it.

The quiltmaker is Laura Blanchard. This is the design I'm going to adapt to my blocks.

This issue of Quilt just happens to have many patterns that please me so I'll be going back to it for other ideas, like the cover quilt for one.

Today is gorgeous here, and I was outside with Moxie just to see what's up in the yard. Before I knew it I was involved in the garden. That's going to be happening alot soon, and I hope I can keep up with my various projects.

Have a gorgeous day, no matter what your weather.

God Bless You.

Not a Tree Afterall

2011-03-03T18:57:00.002-05:00

My guess for the design of the Christmas Mystery Quilt along at Erik Homemade Ezine was wrong. I guessed a tree, but it's a wreath. That is a complete surprise but it's very cute.

There are still more instructions to come, but I know what I'm making now. There's a red bow in the upper left that's very sweet, and the dark fabric is green. I'm becoming one of those people who have Christmas going year round what with this mystery quilt still going and Sue and Cathi's Saturday sew alongs each month.

I am up to 35 basket blocks. Still more work to do on that.

In New England the calendar doesn't dictate the weather. We've had blizzards and nor'easters in April, and a few snowy Easter Sundays that I can remember. But the flowers are ready to pop. The crocuses aren't afraid of a little snow, should it show up.

God Bless You.

Good For You To Know

2011-02-28T14:14:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, March 1st, SewCalGal begins accepting nominations for the SewCalGal Golden Quilter Awards 2011. You may have seen her badge for the event on blogs you visit:

If you go here http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/golden-quilter-awards.html you will read all about it. Today's post http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2011/02/final-curtain-call-for-2010-golden.html lists the winners from last year, and I saw two names I've recently talked about on my blog; Bonnie K. Hunter who designed the basket block I'm making and Eleanor Burns whose books I love and learn from.
Visit SewCalGal's site on March 1st to read her post opening up the nomination process. There are many sponsors, and you receive entries for their prizes by nominating and voting.

Barb of Bejeweled Quilts http://www.bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com/ is celebrating her 32nd wedding anniversary and her son's birthday with a giveaway that increases whenever the comments increase by the amount of 32. It began simply enough with a pattern for her turtle quilt, which alone is a great prize. But now Barb has added a small island doll and a card of cocoanut shell buttons (she misses American Samoa where her husband was stationed but now they are in the U.S. again.) Ends March 4th.

I'm up to 29.5 basket blocks. I stopped sewing yesterday because I was ripping out too many seams, so time to put it down. I crocheted instead.

The hosital wants the lapghans to be 40 inches and mine measures 36 now, so it needs more border rows. I'm afraid the border might be too wide if I keep adding rows. I may finish it and see if it looks ok, but if not take it apart.

This antique cactus basket quilt dates from 1930 and was made in Iowa. The pattern is in one of my Saver's books, Quilts Around the Year by Linda Seward. What I took note of was that the blocks are not bordered but are sewn right next to each other. It took 56 blocks.

This quilt is in Patchwork Quilts Made Easy by Jean Wells. I like the way the baskets are set.

This is nice too.

I'm looking for ideas on how to set my blocks, if I ever finish them:)

I did listen to Joanne Fluke's latest, The Devil's Food Cake Murder. If there are any other followers out there, what's happening with Norman? He's so nice and Mike is a cad. Hurry up and write another book, Joanne!

God Bless You.

More Basket Blocks

2011-02-26T22:14:00.000-05:00

I've made 28 Basket Blocks and need 48 to make a quilt the size I want, so there's more work to do.

Here is the book I won recently from Pink Chalk http://www.pinkchalkfabrics.com/ . It's One Yard Wonders by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins. I was surprized that it is a spiral book with patterns included, many of which I plan to make. Thank you Pink Chalk. Moxie loves deliveries, too, because it's something new to sniff.

I also won this beautiful pattern designed by Sherri K. Falls of This & That http://www.thisandthatpatterns.typepad.com/ Her blog is Little Bits of This and That.

I absolutely love this quilt and intend to make it. I might start it now even though I want to complete the Basket Block Quilt. Thank you, Sherri.

God Bless You.

Basket Blocks

2011-02-20T19:52:00.000-05:00

I received the nicest tote from Cathi of Shakerwood Quilts for winning the Christmas Quilt Along quiz. I love the fabric, the card, and even the mailing label, which was printed in the charming look of Cathi's website. Thank you, Cathi. It's going to get much used, I assure you.

The Christmas Quilt Along is so neat. Next month I'll be better prepared. I've been thinking of gifts to put together, and if I want to buy Christmas fabric, now is the time as there is still some available at very good prices. I know for sure I'll have a quilt because I'm making Cathi and Sue's design.

Now my basket blocks. I took a series of pictures as I was making my blocks because I was so organized I was proud of myself. It must have been all of the talk about Eleanor Burns on the SewCalGal site, and my rereading one of her books.

I cut the strips.

I cut the squares.

I matched background squares with flower squares.

I cut the squares diagonally to make half square triangles, which is how I make them.

Keep cutting.

Take the hst's to the sewing machine

and sew, sew, sew.

Then on to the ironing board.

Square up.

Repeat the process with the basket fabric.

Start sewing the baskets together.

And keep ironing, as well.

By Friday night I had nine blocks done. Doesn't sound like many? Well, there is life away from the sewing machine. It hit the high 50's Friday, so I sat on the back stairs with my tea to enjoy. Good thing, because there's snow tonight.

I stepped away from it all Saturday and Sunday, (the newest Charles Todd book will do it), but I played with fabric to try to arrive at the block border color.

The carpet's dark blue. Should I use the carpet?

Not pink.

Soft green is too soft.

Tan.

A different blue. Better?

A different green. Better?

I don't know. I'd like to put a narrow border on the basket blocks to make them stand out, and then use white sashing and the background fabric to give them an heirloom look. I think I have to keep it soft. I also thought about cross stitching a center panel of roses, but now I'm getting away from that idea. Maybe pink isn't so bad.

And guess what! Janet Wickell announced that the next scrappy block she gives us is...a basket block!

God Bless You.