my creations

APQ block swap top

2012-01-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Between Christmas and New Year I worked on hand blanket stitching the applique on my top. My pieced borders are on. The final border is on. It is a top!!! Now I need to figure out how to quilt it. I have to say that it was so much fun to look at all the blocks again and see every one's names. It felt like a big hug . I really have to get it done so I can snuggle under it.

I also finished this baby sweater and hat. The yarn was hanging out in that closet way too long. The picture is not good, but hopefully you get the idea. It has been really bad picture taking weather.

You saw this quilt a long time ago when I put these panels together:

Now I am working on the last section of this quilt top. The reason I am so slow working on this is these:

I have to hand piece them because I just couldn't get them right on the machine. I normally like to do hand work, but I guess this much fussiness isn't my thing cause I am still trying to get it done. I just have to piece 5 tumbling blocks together and then the rest of this panel can go together. and it can be added to panel #4. Then two of those panels get a section that is done added to the bottom of them. Then I can add the whole ~~mess~~ section to the rest and have the top done!

Current status

Wish me luck. I really have a goal for this to be a top by the end of the month.
Happy stitching

I can't believe I forgot

2012-01-05T08:00:00.001-06:00

I was trying to get purses done for my DDs for Christmas. One was finished because I presented it at the Precut club at the shop. The other one just wasn't coming together.First I couldn't find the canvas I had when I made the same bag for DD#1. Then I decided the fabric I had just didn't work for this bag.
I managed to get more fabric. (Surprise) And to another store for more canvas. Then I just ran out of time.

I decided to finish the bag between Christmas and New Year and surprise both of them for New Years. I got the bag done. I put them in my sewing room closet where I couldn't possibly miss them. I missed them. DD#2 is back in L.A. and both bags are still in the closet. Maybe I should just save them for Valentine's day. What do you think?

The first bag I saw when a customer came in to the shop with one that she had made. The boss talked about looking for the pattern, but with all that was happening in the shop that did not happen. I saw the pattern on a shop hop and bought it. It is The Trixie Bag by purse strings. I took it in and it was ordered for the shop. At the same time we got in our first shipment of Kaffe fabrics. PERFECT. Here is the bag I made.

The second bag I made for DD#1 last year. This year DD#2 asked me if I could make her one like it.
It is an Amy Butler pattern, favorite clutch. It was published in American Patchwork and Quilting December 2005. I went over to see if it on the APQ site as a free pattern, but it isn't there.
Anyway, here it is, my version, minus the pin or button to embellish the flap.

Happy stitching.

UFO weekend

2012-01-03T14:29:00.000-06:00

Over the weekend I participated in a UFO week end on Pat Sloan's forum. There was a lot of sewing going on. I decided to work on binding a stack of quilts that have been waiting to have the bindings hand sewn for quite a while. Some of them languished as tops for quite a while too.
I am hoping to get some of those tops quilted this year. I am also hoping to work on some of the many kits, collections, and bundles that I have stashed in one of my bulging closets. Notice I said hope, cause I always have good intentions, but there are sew many distractions. What's a girl to do???
At least I started the year with some finishes. And here they are with bindings done. I think most of them will be gifted. I am running out of room. First up Santa, a Thimbleberries pattern.

Amish buggy mini

Thimbleberries wreath

Charm square table topper

Charm square tabletopper

BOM from Handcock

Red Hats started for my friend

Another charm square table topper

Baby quilt started over a year ago.

My week end finishes. My fingers are tired. Think I will do something else today. ;)
Happy stitching

Happy 2012

2012-01-01T13:16:00.000-06:00

Saying good-bye to 2011 made me remember all that happened during the year. Some happy and some sad. Through all of it I felt like I had some wonderful friends here in blogland. I am grateful for the support and encouragement. Thank you everyone.

That said I wish you all a Happy, Healthy, New Year filled with family, friends, and quilty fun.
Cheers ;)

More strip projects

2011-12-26T11:07:00.001-06:00

The last few of the strip projects are here. First up is a pillow from the Moda Bake Shop. You make a small strip set then cut circles out of the strip set. The circles are then appliqued to a square that will become the front of your pillow. I fused mine and then did a small zigzag stitch around the edges.

Did I mention that I spend a lot of time on the Moda Bake Shop??? I came across this and just had to make it. It is a pattern designed for a Honey Bun ( 1 1/2" strips) but since I used all my honey buns already, I bought yardage and cut my own strips. Make a strip set. The directions tell you how to cut a template for your triangles. Cut the triangles, sew them together. Bind it . Poof a tiny tree skirt.

I made a section of another quilt from the Edyta Sitar book , Friendship Strips & Scraps
Spools made from strip sets. So fast and fun, once you get all your strip sets made. I just love this book.
It is a great pattern for scraps.

My ironing board cover was really looking awful and I saw the pattern for a cover on the Bake Shop. And it was made with 2 1/2" strips. YES! I made a pretty new cover for my board. It might be just too pretty to iron on.

The last quilt top is also from Edyta Sitar's book. Pretty little baskets made from strip sets. I only made a couple of strips sets so I do not have a real scrappy look on this one, but I think it works. This one still needs lots of work so it will be on my UFO list for 2012.

The last project is a purse that is still at the shop. I will have to get a picture of it later.
Happy Stitching

The last of the precut strip projects

2011-12-24T10:41:00.000-06:00

As I mentioned in my last post I did the last session of the precut club the week of December 12th. It was so much fun to do. Lots of sewing, but lots of fun. In February I will start precuts using charm squares. That should be really great because I am addicted to those little packs of charms. I just can't resist them. I collected a large stack of charm packs. This will be a great way to get into them and make some projects. I will be doing something else new at the shop next year.A Block of the Month for beginners. You know I love those BOMs but it will be totally different to be presenting it. (Wish me luck). I will post more on that later.

The first project of the last session was a quilt carrier. The construction was so easy. It is constructed as a large flat piece and uses a quilt as you go method of construction. Handles are sewn on to the back, casings on the long sides and snaps on the short sides. Some cording goes through the casing on the long sides and you just pull to fit. (Drawstring). snap the top and off you go. This thing is huge and a great way to carry quilts for show and tell, or bindings in progress. The pattern is in the book Jelly Roll Quilts by Pam & Nicki Lintott

I made this pillow case from the Moda Bake Shop. The cuff is all pieced strips. Sew them together to get the right size then press in half and stitch to the body the the case. You end up with a pretty pillow to sleep on.

This little pincushion was so fast to stitch together. Just a small strip pieced set. Sew to the backing RST and flip it right sides out and stuff. This is from the Moda Bake Shop too. I made 6 of them and used them for door prizes.

I seem to collect bags too. Bags for small projects and big projects. This tote bag was on the Bake Shop as a diaper bag, but why limit its use? It has outside pockets that wrap around the whole bag. You can stitch them to form separate sections whatever size you want. Mine has five sections. That wrap around pocket is made of the strips set. I though it would be a great travel bag. Or even an everyday purse.

The bag was paired with a coin quilt, so I used the left overs from my strip sets to make a coin quilt too. (OK mine is just a top, but I had lots to sew LOL). It is a nice baby size or lap size quilt. If I were flying I would tuck it into the bag and have my comfy quilt for the flight. (It doesn't really show up well on my white flannel, but you can see the coins.

I will post the rest of the projects soon.
Happy stitching.

Christmas swaps

2011-12-23T10:14:00.000-06:00

Lately it seems that I function on deadline at a time. I finished up the third session of the Precuts club on December 14th. What a week. I taught on Sunday. Did precut club Monday evening, Wednesday morning , and Wednesday evening. I also worked Tuesday for my friend who had a bad cold/flu going on.
Thursday evening was our Bee party and gift swap. We all bring food and whoever hosts the party provides 'protien' and desert and drinks. We had wonderful appetizers and some drinks to start the evening off. I had champagne, why not really celebrate? After lots of laughing and talking we moved on to dinner of quiche and a variety of delicious salads.

More talking and laughing and then we exchanged gifts. This year we exchanged names (kept who we got a secret) so we knew who we were stitching for. I made a wool table runner. (Forgot to take a picture...ooops). I got a wall hanging of adorable little snowmen tumbling across the ice. I have a snowman collection so this was just a perfect addition. And my friend designed it! She saw a picture that inspired her and she just made the quilt. I knew she was a talented quilter, but I didn't know she could do this!!!

In addition to the swap with my real life friends, I participated in a swap with some on-line friends from the Pat Sloan forum. I made a penny rug of a snowman. I added a few other goodies to the box and sent it off. I got a table runner with the cutest gingerbread girl and boy. I also got a spool holder, a gingerbread candle, a gingerbread spatula. I got a mug warmer and one of those bendable lights in lime green. Funny thing is that I was looking at those lights and had a lime green one in my hand, then I put it down because I was trying to keep on budget. LOL

This week my DD#2 came in from LA for the holidays and that is the best gift of all. We have been busy shopping, talking, looking at Christmas lights, and watching Christmas movies together. My DD#2 has been able to come over almost everyday, so that has added to the fun.

Christmas eve will be at my house with my Aunt, my Dad, and my niece and nephew joining us. Christmas day will be just the girls and I. DH has to work Christmas eve night and Christmas night.
We usually just watch Christmas movies and talk and eat. It is nice to just have a day to relax and enjoy each other.

May you all have the kind of holiday you hope for.

Try again

2011-12-12T08:33:00.000-06:00

It seems that bloggerland is full of blog hops and give aways right now. A suggestion was made that I try again after the holidays. So I will do that.
Everyone keep sewing, and baking, and decorating.

It's beginning to look like Christmas and Giveaways

2011-12-09T10:32:00.000-06:00

I have my Santas and my Snowmen out of the boxes and up in the house. The quilts are hanging. I am planning to do the tree this weekend. I have mailed a box already and plan to get another out today. Then I will have just 2 to mail. I am hoping that next week I will finish the shopping and get to relax and enjoy the holidays. ( I made a list, it should work. ;) )
My Santas.

Some of the snowmen.

Quilts on the railing.

I am not sure if I mentioned that when I gave the sweater set to my niece for the new baby, I noticed that I had forgotten the buttons. It is complete now and I will send it back with the quilt.

I have also been going through my stash and my bins of projects. I have some complete projects, some fabric, and some patterns to give away. I just can't toss them. I hope some one will want them. First up
This cute pattern, the 'petals' and the stream a seam to create the topiary. Added to that, since it is the holidays, is a holiday panel and some companion fabrics.

Leave a comment. I will randomly select a winner on Sunday . I will also post another give away so check back! Happy holidays and as always Happy stitching.

The rest of the strip projects

2011-11-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

The rest of the projects that I presented at the precuts, strips session 2. When I saw this on the Moda Bake Shop, I just had to make it. It is a playmat for baby. The pattern actually shows how to make two projects from a single jelly roll. I used scraps from the shop, but it would be cute in any fabric. The second project in the pattern is a smaller version that could be used as a changing pad.

The same designer also has a similar pattern that makes floor pillows. I made my second round into a floor pillow. This pillow is so cute!!! And it is the small one. This would also make a cute bed for a pampered pooch too.

This one is a super fast and easy project and would make a great gift. It is a growth chart from the Bake Shop also. I added the applique for some additional interest. And you can take it with you if you move.

I realized that I missed taking a pictureof the octopus, so just check her out on the Bake Shop and I will try and add her picture to another post.

I also showed some quilts that I think you all have already seen from a couple of different patterns. I will double check my photo gallery and if I haven't posted them yet, I will. (if I remember). LOL
Happy stitching everyone.

Trip To Portland

2011-11-19T08:00:00.001-06:00

I can not believe how fast time is going. The last week end in October I went to Portland (Oregon) for my niece's wedding. My Sister-in-law was supposed to send me some of the wedding pictures electronically, but I am still waiting. I do have some Portland pictures.
I traveled by myself because the hubs will not fly. I actually think it is easier to travel alone. I flew Chicago to Phoenix and then on to Portland. I rented a car, set my GPS on my new android and took off. I took a small detour to a adorable little village that has a quilt shop (surprise!!!) and a yarn shop and a bead shop.
I just went to the quilt shop and I got a few batik FQs. Then I went on to my SIL's house. We chatted and caught up on all the news and the wedding plans. They had the rehearsal dinner to attend and just the wedding party was invited so I was off to shop. I returned to the village and bought some yarn and a few beads. Then I went to the other side of town for a visit to another quilt shop. (And a bit more fabric for my stash).
Friday morning I made an airport run to pick up my DD#2 and her friend D. I was so happy to see them. The day flew by and Friday night my SIL had a party for allt of the out of town family to get together. Lots of laughing and food and fun. (Why do I always think of the camera afterwards?)
Saturday was the wedding day but we had most of the day free. DD#2 and D and I took off for downtown Portland to walk around. We walked thru the city and then down to the waterfront. Finally I remembered the camera. Tada the waterfront.

Sam and Doug

From the waterfront looking back at the city.

The evening and the wedding were both wonderful. Hopefully I will have some pics to share soon.

Sunday we just hung out and relaxed and chatted. Monday I left at 5:30AM to head east. SIL too Sam and Doug to the airport in the afternoon. The end to a great trip.
Happy stitching everyone.

Precut club part 2A

2011-11-17T11:24:00.000-06:00

The second session of the precuts club is all wrapped up and I can show the projects now. BUT before I do that, I need to tell you that my DD went to Vegas over the week end and got married. I am a Mother -in -law. I told K I would try not to be one of 'those' MIL. LOL. They have been together a few years already so he isn't worried. I love them both, and I am excited to add K officially to the family. (More on the wedding later).

The theme of this session is the little ones in our lives. I made this diaper bag ( Moda Bake Shop) in these crazy brights. It would make a great overnight bag or a gym bag as well. Super easy construction. The outside has two giant pockets on the ends and two smaller pockets on the long sides, all on the outside. When I make the next one I will probably make some inside pockets.

The diaper burp cloth and the bib come from Moda Bake Shop as well. It is such a great place to go for tons of free patterns. Anyhoo.. The burp cloth is a cloth diaper with a pieced strip down the center. Easy, fast, and adds some cute to the burp cloth. The bib looks like a square right? Well it is, but what isn't in the picture is the way you put it on. You get some ribbon or trim of your choice and some mitten clips. Tack the clips onto the ribbon and you have a detachable tie (for lack of a better word) so you can take it off and use another bib , but you only need one tie. (Think those clips the dentist uses to put on the paper bibs, then imagine it with cute ribbon. The other burp cloth is strips pieced, flannel on the back. Sew RST with a small opening for turning. Turn and top stitch. I just sort of did a pattern, but in my opinion it is way too small. I will try it again only bigger.

I love this chair cover. ( I am getting a bit more worried that I will feel the need to cover everything in my house with fabric strips). This is another Moda Bake Shop pattern. It is perfect to protect your favorite chair from the mess your favorite fur baby makes on your chair. Or from that baby that needs an even bigger burp cloth. heehee. Or perhaps your favorite chair is in need of a bit of freshening. This chair cover is made in sections and then all put together with the seat section. So easy. So fun.

This little bag was a must for me when I saw it on the Bake Shop. It is called the Doggie Doo bag. To put your bags in when you take your dog out for a walk. Now I have to tell you that I would put my keys and cell phone in the bag and some baggies in the pocket.

Lastly I did an apron from the Bake Shop and I love it. You only need 7 strips (2 1/2 inches) and a bit of yardage. Cut the strips in half, and piece them together. Add the hem. Add the top and ties and done!
I got a notion to try to push the pattern, I made a reversible apron. Fall/Thanksgiving on one side and Christmas on the other side. So much fun.

There are more projects so stay tuned. Also upcoming, more on my niece's wedding and my DD wedding too. AND I was going to do a give away when I got to 100 posts, but I am sooo slow at posting these days that I do not think I can wait. :)
Happy stitching everyone.

Veterans Day

2011-11-11T16:50:00.000-06:00

A heartfelt thank you to all the Veterans who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces. And hugs and prayers to all of their families who may not wear a uniform, but who serve as well.
Thank you to my Dad who is a career Navy man and a veteran of Korea and Vietnam. I am so grateful that he came back to us when so many did not.
Thank you to my Uncle Dick who is a career Marine and a veteran of Vietnam.
Thank you to my Uncle Lidge who was a career Marine and a veteran of Vietnam.

More strippy projects

2011-11-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

I got up at Dark thirty (OK 4:30) yesterday morning in Portland. Took my rental to the airport and boarded a plane to Denver. I had a three hour lay-over in Denver. Boarded another plane to Chicago. I looked at my boarding pass while in Denver and saw that I booked my flight home into Midway Airport instead of O'Hare. WHAT???? I do not know how I managed that one. I got off the plane in Chicago, grabbed my suitcase and barely made the shuttle bus to O'Hare Airport. After one transfer and one hour I got there.
Grabbed a cab. Home sweet home 8pm CST. (I will post about the trip and the wedding later).

I promised I would show you the rest of stripy projects I made for the presentation. This little cutie was super simple and took only 2 strips. I made one for the baby of one of DD's friends. He liked it so I thought ""why not"? Layer two strips right sides together, round off one end. Sew together and turn right side out.
Stuff with fiberfill. Roll and stitch. Pattern is on Moda's Bake shop.

This is a super simple little runner also on the Moda Bake shop. What I love about it is that you can use more or less strips or even make them wider to fit the table or dresser or buffet you need it to cover. I also changed the technique a bit...I made it as a quilt as you go so it was even faster.

I thought that this would be a really cute hostess gift. Two strips of fabric and a bit of ric rac. I used Halloween fabric because it is that time of year, but any fabric would work.

This runner is the opposite of fast and easy. It is from Eydita Sitar's book (same one as last post for strip sets). I made a large strip set and all the diamonds were cut from that. You could make several smaller strip sets and get a more scrappy look. All those Y seams were a challenge but I think it turned out pretty well.

The last project is a string quilt. It is from a pattern called Diamond Jubilee by Pieces of My Heart (I think).
Super easy and fast. Makes a cute throw. I used a jelly roll that I had in my precuts drawer for a while. Started it at 9 or 10 pm and cut, stitched, cut, stitched until 2 am.

It was fun making these projects. The next session is one week from tomorrow. Guess who has not sewn a stitch yet??? I have a plan. :) I will let you know if I can get it all done.

Happy stitching

Class

2011-10-28T13:18:00.001-05:00

In between sewing for the demos and trying to work on my BOMs and UFOs I decided that I wanted to take a class. Have you see the easy angle ruler? I bought one after Lisa did a demo of it at the shop this summer. There is a book that goes with it that has 250 different blocks you can do with the ruler. There also separate patterns. I resisted the book, but I got the ruler. Lisa is teaching two classes using the ruler is quarter so I signed up for her class and I picked this pattern:

I used Terrain and light grey fabric. These are my blocks waiting impatiently for me to sew them together. I will as soon as I get home. I promise little blocks. The class was a lot of fun and once you get the hang of the ruler it is just so cool.

You can also spin the blocks around to do that block on the side. So many options.......

See you soon. Go sew !

What's new?

2011-10-26T13:13:00.000-05:00

I have been sewing like a crazy woman for a project at work. remember this?

Well this is what it is now.

I made ten projects for the demo, showing what you can do with 2 1/2 strips, 1 1/2 strips either from precuts of your stash/scraps.
I will break them up into a couple of posts. My pictures are terrible but there is just no light here right now.
This is a pillow that I saw on Moda Bake shop and had to try it. Super simple. Sew all the strips together then fold and stitch with elastic thread in the bobbin. Who knew????

I love journals, notebooks, all that stuff, but I also like to personalize them. Here is a journal cover. Also from Moda Bake shop. Strip pieced from a Honey Bun and embellished with a bit of felt. Fast and easy.

I made this kindle cover from Modas Bake shop as well. I saw in the comments that some wished there was a closure for the cover so I added a snap on one and Velcro on 3 others. I gave three away, one at each presentation.

last one for now...The machine cozy. (Moda Bake Shop) This was so fast and easy. I just love how it looks on my machine. This covering things can be addictive. Wonder what I can cover next?

I need to go pack. I leave at 3 am for Oregon and my Neice's wedding.
Happy stitching everyone.

5th Anniversary celebration at Quilter's Destination

2011-10-06T11:40:00.001-05:00

I can not believe that the shop has been open for five years. I remember hearing about a shop opening in my neighborhood at a guild meeting. I was so excited to be getting a shop 5 minutes from home. A little less than two years later I was offered a part time job at the shop. I have made so many wonderful friends because of this job. My co-workers of course because we all get along. I belong to a bee because of one of my coworkers and I love it. Last but not least many many customers that I now call friends because of working in the shop. It really has been my lifeline through all my Dad's illnesses and recoveries and more recently through the loss of my Mom. Thank you to all my wonderful Quilter's Destination friends.

To celebrate the big anniversary, there was a three day sale. 20% off everything!!! Batiks, brand new bolts, tools, books, everything. In addition to the sale, on Saturday we also had food. The owners hubby, her sister and BIL set up a canopy and a grill and made hot dogs and burgers. A hot dog, chips and soda was $1. A burger, chips and a soda $1. We also had cookies, a huge sheet cake, and many other yummy goodies. I wish we could have gotten pictures, but I swear we were sooo busy, it was all we could do to keep up with the cutting and re shelving fabric. Non-stop. Lots of fun. I did get some pictures not long before the sale so here is the shop:

Patti ( the owner) was also signing magazines on the page where her runner was pictured. Troy fabrics is local (Chicago) and Patti was asked to design a project for a fabric line they were going to launch. She did the table runner. She also did 2 more projects using the next two lines by the same designer. At market Troy used her samples and Quilting Arts saw them and wanted to publish them. The current issue has the first one. It was exciting for all of us to have Patti in the magazine.

There was a private after hours party to celebrate too. Music, more food, wine and tons of fun. We (the shop girls ) ended up doing an impromptu roast that had everyone in tears.

Sunday was the last day of the celebration and for some reason Patti didn't think it would be as busy. I thought they might still be getting lots of business so I went to the shop. My plan was to buy some fabric ( imagine that) and if it was quiet go home. Wellll.... it was not. I stayed and worked the rest of the day. It was still lots of fun. We usually have the best times when things get hectic. Our customers are the kind that will put bolts back after we cut. They will often say 'you cut, I'll fold'. Makes it so much more fun when we all work together.

Catching up

2011-10-04T11:39:00.000-05:00

It has been super busy around here for the last couple of weeks. There was the guild quilt show followed the next week end by the 5th Anniversary celebration at the shop. Both very fun events, but very tiring. I thought I would start back with the quilt show and then get caught up in a couple of posts.

Last night we had the quilt show committee meeting to wrap up the show and discuss what worked well and what could have been done a bit better. Overall I think the show was a really great one! Fantastic quilts. Lots of vendors. Lovely antique quilts for the bed turning. Adorable mini quilts for the silent auction. And of course I can't forget the book and magazine resale booth. I love going through all the donations and dragging home more treasures for my sewing room.

Without further ado... here is what the show looked like from up on the walking track above the gym where the show is held.

And a few of my favorite quilts:

If you would like to see more check my flickr page. All the show quilts are tagged.

I did not realize that there were windows over looking the tennis courts where the vendor mall was until it was too late. BUT I did remember the camera for a change so I am making progress. LOL This show we expanded from 16 vendors to 28 by renting the adjoining tennis courts and it was great. We had a couple of long arm booths. A craftsman with beautiful wooden ladders and hangers for quilts. Lots of fabric and some fantastic wool.

Happy stitching all.

BOM

2011-09-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

I don't seem to be able to get much done lately. I am working on another project for work. I am trying to keep it a secret. I am terrible at keeping secrets. This project will be a sort of a club/demo. With the help of the two summer helpers at the store we cut up all the end of the bolt left overs into 2 1/2 inch strips. I have been wanting to use that fabric for something for a long time. (That is Bonnie Hunter's influence...use up those scraps). Here is a sneak peak. More to come I promise.

I fell behind on my Sweet 16 BOM. This month I worked to get caught up. Some of the blocks will have beads, but I want to square all the blocks up first then I will add the beads. Without further ado here are the blocks.

I did finish the August block of my other BOM, but I haven't had a chance to get a picture yet. I will show it on the next post. I might even get to the September block. That would get me caught up on the BOMs at least.

Happy Stitching

Pineapples

2011-09-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

Yep. Pineapples. The second demo that I did at the shop was pineapples. The book is Sew Simple Pineapples by Karin Hellaby. It is an easy way to make those great pineapple blocks. No special rulers. No paper piecing tiny pieces. Just squares.

The book has measurements for more than one size of the pineapple blocks so you do not even have to do the math!!! I totally love that since I am a bit math challenged. Anyway.... you start with two squares the same size. Put them right sides together with the fabric you want in the center on the bottom and sew 1/4 inch seam on all four sides. (You can chain piece these).

Once you have all four sides stitched, make a line from corner to corner on each diagonal on the top fabric.

Take a small, sharp pair of scissors and make a little slit. Then cut down the lines carefully. Go right up to the stitches but not through them.

Once you have both lines cut, press the flaps back. The book recommends using a bit of spray starch. If you stop at this point you have a block called a pineapple chunk. You can sew the 'chunks' together using a 1/2 inch seam.

OR you can continue to add a square on top and repeat the process. I did not do as many rounds as the book had, I just needed to demo the process. Anyway this is how my little pineapple quilt came out.

Cute no? Happy Stitching everyone.

An over-due post.

2011-09-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

I told you a while back that I was working on some secret projects for out free demo days at the shop. The demos have been done, but now the projects will be taught in a hands on class rather than a demo.
The first one many of you have probably seen. It is the Lil' Twister. I did one of those and it was so much fun. Then I made a quilt with the large template/ruler and layer cakes:

The left over bits were just to cute, I had to trim them and make this:

Of course now that I had done big, lil', and mini, what else could I do? Tiny. Yes, tiny.

The two smallest templates are made by Primitive Gatherings with the permission of the creator of the Lil' twister. The larger one uses 3" squares and the tiny one uses 2" squares. We have had a bunch of customers come in with finished projects since the demo. Later this month I will teach the technique for those who would like a more hands on class.

I will write a post on the other demo in the next few days.
Happy Stitching

Sad Goodbyes

2011-08-29T09:53:00.000-05:00

When I posted last time I mentioned that DD was moving and we had lots to get done. Well lots happened after that post.
My Mom had been in the hospital with pneumonia, but was back out of the hospital and seemed to be doing better. With a swiftness that has left my head spinning, she got very sick and passed away on August 19th. Luckily we had a couple of days warning so we were all with her during her last days. (Except my poor sister who had gone home to California the week before after being here for 10 months helping Dad). My Dad and I made all the arrangements. My sister flew back here. My daughter delayed her departure. One week ago we had a lovely funeral for my Mom. Two of my cousins sang at the mass, a duet of Amazing Grace and a solo of The Old Rugged Cross. My head knows she is not suffering anymore but my heart is missing her.

The day after the funeral I was up early helping DD pack up her car for the move to California. She would have delayed the trip a bit longer, but she is going with a friend and they both already left their jobs. Her little trunk was packed really tight. The bike rack on that full little trunk with two bikes strapped on. The luggage carrier was strapped on to the top of the car and loaded with space bagged clothes. The back seat was filled from floor to even with the top of the seat. The floor had lots of bottled water and Gatorade to keep them hydrated. Behind the other seat was a bag of food. Cereal, soy milk that does not need a fridge. Some snacks and plastic ware. Also stuffed in a roll of paper towels, a roll of toilet paper and some wet ones.
The seat held a keyboard boxed up, a cooler on top of that with water, juice and string cheese. The duffel's that held the travel clothes, two pillows. That was a lot for her little Chevy Prism to haul across the country.
I am happy to report that they had a good trip. They went hiking in Colorado. More hiking around the rim of the Grand Canyon. They made a short stop in Vegas and walked the strip. Yesterday they were at the beach in sunny California.
***sigh***
I was able to sew a bit last night, so hopefully I will have more to post soon.
Happy stitching!

So much fun

2011-08-17T17:33:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting Ruth from Country Log Cabin in person! She took more pictures than I did ( you know me and the camera) and she posted them on her blog. She came to my house and we took off to do a mini shop hop. I wanted to show her some of my favorite places. Here we are in Pieceful Gatherings.

We had lunch at the Brunch Cafe near one of the shops. The food there is so good. I know we both got more than we could finish. It was hard to eat because we just had so much to talk about.

I wanted to post about our wonderful day. I had so much fun meeting Ruth and getting to talk her ear off. LOL. I hope I get to meet more of my blogging buddies someday.

I need to get going cause the DD is moving tomorrow and we have a ton of stuff to get done.

Happy Stitching

Parties and minis

2011-08-10T11:02:00.000-05:00

I survived the graduation party!!! I should make a T-shirt. Just kidding. Sunday we celebrated Sam's (DD#2) graduation from the University of Illinois. The last class is completed and it was time to party.
DD is a vegetarian so first there was a battle of wills between DD and DH over the menu. Guess who wanted meat? We compromised and ordered food from the Pita Inn. It is middle east food and much of it is vegetarian. DD did agree to some meat dishes as well. I added fresh fruit to the table. Just to put out the food I needed my whole kitchen table, and most of the counter space.
My Dad, sister, niece, and Aunt all came. DH's cousins came too. I think we had around 20. Later in the evening DD friends came over. There was still lots of food and dessert. It was a very long day, but a very fun day. DD had a great time.

You may remember the quilt of the author I did for DD? Kind of tells you about her. Here is the cake she picked out. She also dictated what should be on the cake.

DD and DH

On the quilting front not much has been happening while party preparations were ongoing. I had to drop everything to get my minis done for the silent auction. Here are the completed ones. I am putting the bindings on two more. Depending on how many the organizer needs, I may be quilting up the last two and finishing them as well.

Happy stitching!

Popping In

2011-08-06T21:45:00.001-05:00

Just popping in to say a quick hello. Time just keeps getting away from me.
I have been very busy cleaning and decluttering around the house. It was supposed to be a project that DD and I were going to do over the summer. Between her work and school schedule and my work schedule and the heat....well we never did get going. I will just keep working on it myself. It will keep me busy once she leaves for California.
Tomorrow we are having her graduation party. All of her classes are done. She is really finished and we are going to celebrate with her. I will pull the camera out and get some photos. I will also get some pics of the mini quilts I have been trying to finish up.

Later
Happy stitching all

So what's new?

2011-07-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

These days the time is going so fast I can hardly keep up. I have been working s few extra hours at the quilt shop, going to Physical Therapy for my neck, and coordinating the raffle quilt travels for our upcoming quilt show. Still seems like I should be able to get more done than I do. Do you have that problem?

I did my demo at the store and it went well. So well that I still do not have my samples back. Maybe I will try and remember to take my camera to the store and take photos there so I can show you all the fun I had. I am still working on another demo (half done, but it is the easy part that is done).

As I mentioned, I am coordinating the travels for the guild's raffle quilt and doll. The guild has a show every other year. At the show we raffle off a quilt and an American Girl doll. The quilt this year is called nearly 100 because 99 of us worked on it. If I can get DD to hold it up for me I will get a photo. The doll comes with a huge wardrobe created by the guild members. She also comes with a bed, a rack to hang her clothes on, and usually a three drawer (plastic) storage cart to hold all her stuff. The bed and rack were made by hand this year by a guild hubby. It is always fun to see all the clothes the doll ends up with. It has been a challenge at times to find volunteers to take the raffle items to a venue and sell tickets. Usually if I can't find anyone, one of the quilt show committee members takes them. I have had a chance to see some fun shops while selling tickets.

I have been trying to get some quilts finished, you know...really finished not just a top. This is my pile to bind and I have the bindings all ready. Maybe today is a good day to get some stitched on by machine then I can hand sew whenever I have a chance.

I am also working on my BOM. The wool ones for the month :

and the pattern that I won:

I have been doing a mystery quilt on the Pat Sloan forum. It was designed by Pat Sloan with Emilie Richards and goes along with Emilie's books Happiness Key, Fortunate Harbor, and Sunset Bridge. The books are great. I couldn't put them down. The quilt is fun too. Here is my top.

There are lots more on the Flickr page,

Happy sewing and try to say cool.

Where did I put that?

2011-06-28T21:12:00.001-05:00

Seems like every time I turn around lately I have lost something I just had in my hand. What's up with that? I think I just have too much on my mind. Yep that is my story and I am sticking to it! LOL

We are having free demo day every other Wednesday at the shop this summer. It is way fun. I am doing two of the demos so I have been super busy trying to make step by step pieces for the demos as well as finished projects. ( Or at least tops). The topics are not published ahead of time so I can't tell you more just yet.

I have been trying to get some small quilts quilted on the frame. I have a little pile to finish up. They are quilted but not trimmed or bound yet. I will get to those soon and take some pictures.

I did finish this wool project. I know, not summery, but I will be ready for fall. LOL.

I think that I mentioned that I am doing a BOM at a LQS, (not the one I work at) it is wool applique on a cotton. Here is the first block. From here on out we will be doing 2 blocks a month. I have the next two cut out and ready to fuse and stitch.

More later...happy stitching

Book Review

2011-06-14T17:46:00.000-05:00

     Set during the depression, this story gives you a look at life from the perspective of two high school girls from completely different backgrounds. A classic coming of age story complicated by the challenges of life in depression era America.

     I would give this book two thumbs up. This is not the genre that I normally read. I enjoyed the characters in the story because they were both products of their environment, but they were also able to grow and change. The point of view switches back and forth smoothly between the girls' perspectives. As the story progressed I found it harder and harder to put down.
     In addition to learning about the lives of these two girls, I learned, thru the story more about the realities of the depression era.
     In some parts of the story, I felt that the relationships of the girls and their families was over simplified.

I got this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in return for reviewing the book. If you are interested in reviewing a book check them out http://www.bethanyhouse.com/

I'm baaacck

2011-06-09T08:35:00.000-05:00

Time really got away from me this time. Since I last posted, my DD#2 graduated from University of Illinois. She chose to go the the ceremony for her department rather than the large convocation for the whole school. The graduation was in a small auditorium and it was really a nice ceremony. I was so proud of my baby. She is at home working at her the ice cream store. (She has been working there since the end of her Senior year of high school). She plans to move to Los Angeles with a friend in the fall.

I wish I had lots to show since it has been so long since I last posted, but I haven't been very productive. I did get some needle work pieces framed. A needle punch rabbit for spring.

A needle punch house.

A cross stitch Victorian house. ( I have a thing for houses).

I did just finish this top as well. This is Hop To It in flannel and wool. I did the same BOM in batiks and some other fabrics mixed in at the shop where I work. Just as soon I started it at work, my friend emailed me the BOM from Primitive Gatherings. I just had to do the wool version too. I am not sure what I will do with two of them.... but the tops are done.

I started Physical Therapy on my neck this week, so I hope that I get some pain relief. I need more time at my sewing machine!

See you later and happy stitching

Playing catch up

2011-05-08T16:08:00.002-05:00

Happy Mother's Day to all. This morning the Assisted living home where my Mom lives was having a brunch. My Dad, my sister, and my niece and I went over and we had a nice meal and a chance to be together, I took my Mom some pink roses and she loved them.

I have been trying to get some projects done that need to be mailed out. ( A couple of them a while ago).
Does your family seem to have babies in bunches? My cousin had another son. Another cousin has a new grandson. The newest baby was born in Feb., another grandson for a different cousin. My DD#1 asked me if I was going to make a quilt for her friend' new baby. Sure. Why not? Next up another baby, bridal showers, and a wedding. I am never going to catch up.

I slowly got these bound: This one is going to California. It is a cute panel just bordered and quilted with a meander.

This one is for my daughters friend. I made it from a Pure charm pack and a bit of yardage. JoAnn Fabrics had a sale on the minkee-like stuff and this one and the next one have that on the back.

This one is for the newest arrival. He is about 8 weeks now.

I still have one ready to quilt, but I had to search the stash for something to use on the back.

I finished this block. It is the pattern that I won from Humble quilts. I am doing it as a block of the month.

I was able to resist the block of the month that we are doing at the shop this year. I have way to many things in topsville waiting to be quilted. I am trying to work on UFOs and getting my tops quilted. I really like the colors that the boss is using for the BOM though...... so hard to resist. I am starting a BOM next week with a friend at a different shop. I will show you the pattern when I pick it up.

I better get quilting. ;)
Have a great week.

Sunday update

2011-05-01T19:45:00.000-05:00

It has been a crazy busy week this week. I worked Tuesday and Wednesday and Saturday. I normally only work 1 day a week, but the boss was on vacation so I had extra hours. On Thursday and Friday I took the raffle quilt from guild to two different shops to display it and sell tickets. It is always fun to see new shops and I had never been to either of them before. Needless to say, I didn't get much sewing done.

I did finally finish this...it is the lovely block that Liri sent me with my APQ swap blocks. I had the purple in my stash and used a bit of it the frame the block. I even had the pillow form in my bin of left over batting. So a little bit of time and it was done. I like it.

Speaking of the APQ block swap, this is where mine is right now. Still need to hand stitch the applique. and I am still pondering the border.

I did sit for a while last week end and quilt this . I have had this project sitting around first as a kit for a year. I think it has been fused for two years and just got moved around the sewing room. It just needs to be bound now and It will finally be finished.

Last on my list is a project you saw a bit of before. The mini Hawaiian shirts. I have been hand quilting both of them. I am happy to report that they are both finished and the bindings are completed on one of them. In the photo the quilting is not quite done yet. Another project off the UFO list.

That's all for now. Happy sewing everyone!

2011-04-19T12:48:00.000-05:00

Before my neck got completely out of whack I was sewing, honestly. One project that I am trying to work on each month is a UFO that I started several years ago. It is called Alphabet Quilt by American Jane. A few years back my friend and quilt mentor decided to have a weekly sew day during the summer and everyone who wanted to could work on this quilt. They met during the day, during the week. I had to work. The rest of the group were all teachers that were on summer break. So I wasn't going to make this quilt.

One Monday I had off for some reason so I took some sewing and went over to join my quilt buddies. I saw their quilts in progress and I was a goner. In short order I had pulled fabrics and traced tons of pieces onto miles of fusible web. I quickly cut out backgrounds and got everything fused. Then my first stall out. All that hand blanket stitching. I stitched some for a while and got about half of the blocks finished. Then I would look at it every once in a while and stitch a bit then put it away. A couple of years back I had a burst of activity on the quilt and got all the blanket stitching done and a small section of the quilt together. I was so excited! Then it went back on the shelf. While sorting thru my UFOs last fall I decided that this project must get done! So I am working it like a BOM.

You are probably wondering why this is taking so long ( the story and the quilt). Well you see in addition to the applique blocks there are also about 40 tumbling blocks that have lots of Y seams. And more Y seams to set those blocks. Since I am not good with the Y seam, I have been hand piecing those blocks. Then some of the applique blocks have some framing strips around one or more sides.

Last week when I was sewing I made a record number of mistakes on this section. First I sewed the oatmeal onto the mittens, upside down. Ripped it and flipped it and restitched it. Then I realized when it didn't fit with the piece it needed to go next to, that I had cut the strip between the oatmeal and mittens the wrong size. More ripping more cutting more sewing. I also noticed that the strip that went under the large tumbling blocks was on top by mistake. Of course it was already sewn to the block above and the blocks on the left . So more ripping and sewing back up. I finally got this section together. sigh More of this quilt will be showing up as the year flies by.

After having to do so much ripping I decided to knit for a while. I finished a cowl that I saw in a magazine. I didn't know that we were going to get snow right after I finished. I am over the snow. But I like the cowl.

I have had some small wool mats cut for a long while all ready to be stitched together. While holding my arms up at the machine was limited by my pain, I could hand stitch a little at a time. I finally finished my fall and winter wool mats.

Here is my stack of tops that I got quilted. (Mostly all last month). Now they are in line waiting for bindings. All of the bindings were cut but not stitched and pressed. Yesterday while I was listening to Pat Sloan on her live chat radio show I stitched all the strips together. Over the course of the evening I got them all pressed. Now if they would just jump onto the quilts I would be done. LOL

Better get to binding! And minis for the guild auction. Oh the list goes on and on.
Happy stitching

2011-04-11T09:11:00.000-05:00

Not too much quilty going on here lately. I have been having a constant neck and headache for weeks. It seems to be getting worse instead of better. I thought I would show you some of the Easter quilts that I made in the past.
From Fons and Porter some bunnies

A table runner (more bunnies)

A wooly bunny

Lastly a carrot to feed the bunnies.

More later. Happy stitching.

A long over due finish

2011-03-27T14:12:00.001-05:00

Happy Sunday!!

Do you remember this crazy looking guy? You might remember that my DD#2 asked me to make her a quilt out of this photo. It is Jorge Luis Borges and he is a writer from South America. My daughter told me that he is a "modernest" whatever that means. She wanted it at school with her. (She is a World Lit major).

She wanted it to look like a cubist representation of the photo of Borges. I just put the last stitch in the sleeve. The only thing I like about it now is that it is done. I am happy to follow a pattern with maybe a small change. I am not a designer. :(
With that said here is Borges finished and ready to go back to school my daughter.

More later....lets go sew!

Happy Monday

2011-03-21T10:56:00.000-05:00

We are making progress here on the medical front at least. DH got the boot off last week and is slowly increasing his walking. His return to work date is next Tuesday. DD#1 has been back to the Dr. and was given permission to start taking short walks outside. She was so excited. Luckily, the weather warmed up a bit so she was able to go out and enjoy her little walks. On the way home from the Dr. she and her friend went to JoAnn Fabrics. That was her walk for the day.

DD#2 is home from school for spring break. She has been very busy this semester so we have only seen her once since she went back in January. It is always fun to have her around. She is funny and has many stories to share about school, the roommates,and campus craziness.

We are hoping to have a craft day this week at DD#1's. It will be the three of us plus my sister.I hope it works out. I know we will have fun. Probably will not get anything done, but just getting together is fun.

This is on my design wall. OK it isn't really a design wall, it is a flannel backed tablecloth that I hung on the wall. Hey, it works. My sister asked me if it was a crop circle. Someone else told me it looked like a huge paper plate. One of these days, a real design wall.....LOL. Anyway I am working on a layout for my APQ blogging buddies swap quilt. That is going to need a BIG label.

I am also pondering how to finish this. I just stitched the applique. The shop where I got the kit had made it into a pillow. I have been trying to think what else I can do with it. Maybe Liri will let Flit come help me for a day. My muse seems to be on a long vacation.

More later. Have a great week and lets go sew!

2011-02-27T21:32:00.000-06:00

Time seems to be racing by and I am trying to keep up with it. Not sure that I am having any success, but I keep trying. The DH got his cast of this week and is now in a boot. He still is not supposed to walk on it, but he does. DD#1 is slowly recovering from her back surgery. She got her staples out this week so that is a bit of progress. She is ready to start sewing! I got her a sewing machine for Christmas and promised her sewing lessons when she was ready for them. We never got started before surgery, but she is ready to start doing some simple projects and learning her machine.

Despite the best of intentions, I am way behind on my gift giving already this year. I missed 3 birthdays and I 'owe' 4 baby quilts. I had a top made for one of the blankets, but never got a backing I liked. This weekend JoAnn fabric had ultra plush on sale so I bought some for backings. Now I just need to get it quilted. I made two charm square blankets with the Pure charm pack. One is for a project at work and the other is for my DD's friend who has a 6 week old baby boy. ( All of the baby blankets are for boys).

I got the borders on my BOM guilt from the book Hop to It. Here is the book

Here is my quilt. The design wall is full, so the photo isn't very good, but I will try and get a better one taken when I get the wall cleaned off.

I finally got started on this quilt (I posted the photo awhile ago, I won the patterns from Lori of Humble Quilts).

Here is the fabric:

Now if I can just get them sewn.

Stay warm and keep stitching everyone!!!

A quick hello

2011-02-17T08:12:00.000-06:00

Not much sewing happening around my house these days. I just wanted to say a quick hello and let you know I am around and trying read the blogs everyday.

I have been busy with the hubby in a cast, he is supposed to be non-weight bearing, but he is walking on it around the house. Last Friday my DD#1 had a second back surgery. She had fusions at two levels with implants. Pain management has been a huge problem . After a few very long days in the hospital, I took her home on Tuesday. I will be happy once she is more mobile and in less pain.

I did finish teaching another class of beginners at the shop. One of them made a whole quilt and another top in between sessions 2 and 3. Another one came in on Tuesday and signed up for more classes and got more fabric. I do believe we have two more quilt addicts to add to our numbers!!!

Sorry no photos this time.
Happy Stitching

Cold hurts

2011-01-24T13:19:00.000-06:00

I have been having lots of joint pain in this colder-than-normal weather we have been having. I can usually get my hands working but my hip is just not cooperating. It is the right hip so that is my driving and sewing hip. Sadly I am not very coordinated, so sewing with my left foot, really really hard. How long til spring?

Since I haven't been on the machine for a bit I have been doing some hand work. I have been stitching on my 'Over the River' by Crabapple Hill. I am still on the first of three panels, but nearly done. Of course I ran out of floss and my local Jo-Ann was out of the color I needed. Will have to see if they restocked by now.
This is the panel I am working on:

This is the pattern:

I made a couple of cowls while I was not sewing. One I made right after Christmas, it is from Ravelry and is a free pattern

the second one I made over the week end and it is from the winter issue of 'knitsimple'.

Before the hip stopped me from using the machine, I finished the Snowbound top. Yes!!

I also made a mini for a group at the shop. It is from the book 'Country Threads goes to Charm School'. It is a really cute book, check it out if you can.

The hubby is getting cabin fever sitting around with his broken foot. I might have to take him out somewhere. Really hard to be out in the ice and snow on crutches. I told him last night that I would put his snow pants on and he could play outside with the dogs. He was NOT amused. LOL.

Happy stitching all

Catching Up

2011-01-14T19:22:00.000-06:00

Hard to believe that we are halfway through January already. I really have some catching up to do. I have been following my favorite blogs, just haven't gotten around to posting. To catch up a bit... I had a nice holiday with my girls, my sister, my niece and my aunt. The hubs had to work and my Dad wasn't feeling well. We had a good time laughing and being together.

Big news: DD#1 got engaged the day before Christmas eve. So excited for here and K (he had to work Christmas eve too). They are looking at summer of 2012 for the wedding. A couple of days after the New Year arrived, we got a call that my other niece is engaged. Their wedding possibly October 2012.

While I was out shopping before Christmas, I saw that Target had the red Wii on sale. I bought one for the hubs and I. I got Wii fit and Wii yoga as gifts. (Very excited). DD#2 was home for the holidays and she got Guitar Hero (the band set) so my Wii was in use while she played her new Wii drums and her other new games. I happily gave over the new Wii to her to use during holiday break. Today she headed back to school. Before she left she moved the Wii for me so that it is in 'my room'. Woohoo!!! I played tennis and bowling and I even did some boxing.

On to quilty news:
I finished my last Snowbound block. The blocks are together and I am working (slowly) on getting the borders on.

I quilted this Halloween panel. I got this as a kit. Just a panel and a couple of borders. Sorry, I couldn't put it away cause you know what happens then..Right? It just doesn't get done.

I started Bonnie Hunter's mystery quilt. All the mystery clues are out, but I am only on step 2. Stay tuned, I will get it done. Eventually.

I made a shop sample for a beginner class on 'Turning Twenty'. Here it is in progress, I took it to the shop without getting a picture. Duhhh. I do want to get it on the frame and quilt it, so I will get a photo then.

Hope everyone is staying warm and safe.
Lets go sew!

Happy 2011

2011-01-01T20:13:00.000-06:00

All my blogging friends - I hope you have a happy new year filled with family, friends, and quilty fun. I have to get some photos and get bloggin about the holidays around here. It has been sort of hard to get good light for photos, but the sun will come out eventually!

See you soon

Hey wait up! and I won

2010-12-15T12:26:00.000-06:00

Remember yelling that as a kid? Heywait up! This holiday season is totally getting away from me. I have not decorated. I have not shopped for gifts, although I have quite a few made already. I really better kick it into over drive if I want to have a Christmas. Here are some things that I finished for gift giving:
Tree and lights wallhanging

another wall hanging

Red Christmas panel

silver and white table runner

Just before Thanksgiving I won a give away from Lori of Humble quilts. These patterns arrived the day after Thanksgiving. I plan to do them as a block of the month next year. I can hardly wait to get started. Thanks again Lori.

I better get ready foir work now. I will take pictures when I get some decorating done. ;)

Catching up

2010-12-09T01:26:00.000-06:00

I remember when I was a kid that it seemed like forever between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now it seems like a fast blur.
I think I told you that my in-laws were coming the day after Thanksgiving. Well....I had a great Thanksgiving at my Aunt's house. Very relaxed day with family. Didn't over eat. The next day I picked up my Mother in law and sister in law from the airport and the party started. Sunday morning my nephew flew in from Philly. He was attending a medical conference in the city (Chicago) all week. We called up all the Friend cousins and had a get together at our local pizza place. I also invited some of my side of the family. My aunt, dad, sister and niece all came. It is always fun to see everyone. Sunday night I put DD#2 on the bus back to school. :(

Monday and Tuesday flew by with talking, laughing , and knitting. My S-I-L got some yarn and I was helping her start a sweater for her grandson. On Wed I had to work. While I was at work my nephew's wife and his son flew in to join the party. The baby has grown so much since they were here earlier this year. He was enough entertainment for all of us. My nephew was done at the conference Thurday night so he joined us here.We had one more get together at the local all you can eat ( is there a theme here?) Saturday noon. By 9PM everyone was gone, Mom and sister in law to Oregon and nephew and his family to Philly.

Sunday morning I was up and out early as it was Mom's 80th birthday and my sister and I had a party to get set up. We made trays of deli cuts and cheeses. Had a spinach salad, pasta salad, and fruit. Of course there was cake and some cookies too. There were 23 there to help her celebrate.
Photo is Mom and Dad and my sister (blond) and me.

Now I am trying to get caught up with UFOs and gifts. I still have two more December birthdays, DH and DD#2. I better get busy!!!
Happy holidays

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T10:23:00.000-06:00

Wishing all my U.S. blogger friends a wonderful Thanksgiving Day today. I baked pies last night, 2 pumpkin and one apple praline. We are going to my Aunt's house today so all I have to make is sweet potatoes, cranberries, and dressing. Oh, and a Tofurkey for my daughters who are vegetarians.
Tomorrow my Mother in-law and sister-in law are coming from Oregon. Wednesday my neice-in-law and my great nephew will be here for a few days. Looks like it will be a giant slumber party!

All my bloging buddies that are not here in the U.S. I hope you have a wonderful day too!

Time warp

2010-11-15T11:41:00.000-06:00

Did that time change make time speed by faster? Or is it just that the day (light) is so short? Anyway time has been just flying by.
I have been doing some quilting on UFOs that were already basted and just waiting to be finished. I completed the quilting on two wall hangings and just need toget the binding and sleeves on. My goal for this week. I have everything pressed and ready to baste another wallhanging and two table runners. And I have to get working on DD quilt that has been residing untouched on the dining room table sincebefore she went back to school in the fall.
I did do my snowman block for the month.

I also have been slowly working on framing some needle punch and cross stitch pieces that were stitched and put in a project box.

Dad finally got of the hospital and is in rehab again. Hopefully he is on the road to recovery this time.

I better get going on some of my UFOs! Happy stitching everyone.

Progress

2010-11-05T19:10:00.001-05:00

Thanks to all for the opinions on the border for the pink and black quilt. I really liked that border, but I did not plan on getting border fabric that day. So I did not measure before I left home. Yes, you know what is coming. I did not get enough of the fabric and they did not have any more. I even checked other stores. I found another fabric, I don't like it as well, but if I had never seen the other fabric I would like this one fine, I think. Anyway the top is done, so it goes in the to quilt mountain.

I finished the Hocus Pocusville top, pattern from Crabapple Hill. I love this pattern. I did the embroidery blocks as my own personal BOM last year. I took a close up of my favorite block, the quilt shop. Not sure if I will try to custom quilt it or send it out. Guess I need to think on that for a while.

You might remember this

it is now this. This is from the Teri Atkinson book 'Allegro' also. The blocks are arranged differently. I did this as a leader and ender project. it is so amazing to do a project that way. Almost before you know it you have the blocks done. I need more advise on this one. Border, or no? Any ideas what color(s)? Some of the quilts in the book have borders and some do not.

A couple of little things. This month's Patchabilities for the shop is done. I also finished DD sweater, the one I posted before and then took apart then reknit. Another project done!! Yeah

Happy stitching everyone.

November

2010-11-01T23:48:00.001-05:00

Did everyone have a spooky Halloween? I will share a dirty little secret with you. I spent almost every evening last week watching the 'Halloween' movies. I really prefer thrillers but at Halloween you just gotta have a little Mike Meyers. :)
I did try to fit in a bit of crafty/quilty time in between movies. I stitched this piece a while ago and just got around to getting it framed. I have so cross stitch, needlepoint, and needle punch pieces to get framed. I am trying to get one done each month, so maybe I can get them all finished over time instead of just stacking up more UFOs.

This table square has been on my frame for weeks. I finally got it quilted and bound.I even got it done before Halloween. I used it on a table near the front door with a ceramic pumpkin, a candle holder, and the candy bowl.

I have been working on a sweater for DD#2 for Christmas. I was so excited when I got it done. I took a picture and then (sigh) noticed that I did not like where the shaping ended up on the sweater body. So I took it apart all the way back to just under the armholes. I will be knitting it again. I am pretty sure I know how to fix the part I didn't like. She picked this yarn out, but doesn't know that I have been working on it.

I need some advise on this last one. I started this a long time ago. I fused all the 'flowers' and then put it away until I had time to machine blanket stitch it. This year I pulled it out and got it all stitched. I pieced the borders and got the pink dots. I did not have the quilt with me when I picked out the pink and black fabric. It caught my eye and so I brought it home. It is totally different than the pattern, but I think I like it. We are all friends, tell me what you think.

Hopefully I will be finishing some UFOs and showing them soon.
Happy stitching.

Friday agian

2010-10-22T22:35:00.000-05:00

Boy, time flies when you are busy doesn't it? No finishes this week on quilty projects, but I have been sewing. I spent quite a bit of time unearthing all my UFOs for the Pat Sloan UFO busting challenge. Then I had to sort and count them. (See me sweat). Of course her forum 'quilt mashup' was all a buzz with everyone counting and sorting and posting. It has been fun.

Still visiting Mom and Dad in their separate Assisted Living/Rehab facilities. It is sort of draining. My Dad is doing much better, but still having a lot of pain in his back where the fracture is. He is having a consult next week about having the procedure my Mom had a little over a year ago. The insert 'orthopedic cement' on either side of the bone which stabilizes the bone and decreases the pain. It worked well for Mom so I hope it helps Dad too. My sister is still here so she stays with our niece and runs Dad's household.

I did get my Halloween quilts up so I took pictures. I'll share a couple.

The witch is in

Sit a spell

Scrabble Jack

Halloween rail fence

Last night was guild. Lori Allison was the speaker, and she brought a trunk show. I really have to remember to take my camera to guild meetings. I usually don't because the room is so big that I don't think the photos would really show the quilts. Lori's patterns are mostly big blocks using color to really pop the quilt. She uses a lot of Kaffe Fassett fabrics. It is always fun to be at guild with all those quilters in one room!!!

Happy stitching everyone.

2010-10-15T18:06:00.000-05:00

I really have been reading and following all my favorite blogs, but I just haven't posted one. My last post was on 10/4 (also my birthday) and my Dad was still in the hospital. He was released on Tuesday the 5th and I took him home. I got his meds and bought food and settled him in at home. My sister came in from California that same evening. After two nights and 3 falls out of bed Dad went back to the hospital. Appears that his oxygen level was too low causing him to hallucinate. He was released 2 days ago to rehab for some strengthening. I teased him that it was his yearly pilgrimage to the hospital and rehab. It is the fourth year in a row that he has had an extended hospital stay in the fall and the third year that he has had a rehab stay as well.

I haven't done much stitching this week. I have been having some stomach trouble, hopefully it will be over soon. A couple of weeks ago I did finish stitching this top for the store. The pattern is from Buttermilk Basin and I love these little snowmen.

I also finished a couple of table toppers from the charm packs I showed you recently. I was going to put another border on the Halloween one. The fabric line has a cute stripe that has spiders on it. I think it needs another border, but I am not sure about the stripes because they are light colors. Tell me what you think.

Last week Bee met at my house. I had to pull on the gloves and clean up my house. Yikes! We had veggies and dip, cheese and crackers, chips and dip. I also had hot spinach puffs (minis), candy, and nuts. When I was shopping for food I spotted cream puffs and I had to get those too. They were about 8 inches high with whipped cream....honest! When it is your birthday month you get either 2 FQs or a half yard of fabric . This lovely little stack is what I got.

I also got a surprise in the mail. Swap blocks from Karen and this sweet little tote. Thanks Karen. I am going to use my tote for take along hand projects. I have two English paper piecing projects that I want to do. One is stars and the other is pies and tarts. I even have purple handled scissors...they are so going in that bag.

Today I did do a little sewing. I finished my snowbound block for this month. I also had 10 pillowcases almost done for the 1 million pillowcase challenge and today I finished them up. Felt good to get a few things off my to do list.

I was playing around on my computer and stumbled onto Pat Sloan's blog. Right now she is doing a UFO clean up. Every Tuesday and Thursday between now and Thanksgiving she is giving a tip on getting rid of UFOs. I am not sure I can do the link, but the site is http://www.patsloan.typepad.com. I have started working on tip #1. Anybody else need to clean up some UFOs???
Happy Stitching everyone!

photo op

2010-10-04T19:42:00.000-05:00

Just a quick little post. I met one of the editors of Quilter's Newsletter Magazine at the shop last week. They have a new blog, Quincie's Big Adventure (blogspot). Quincie liked our little shop and we are in her post. (Oh I am in the post too!) Check it out.
Happy stitching

Big adventure

2010-10-02T16:11:00.001-05:00

The pumpkins have appeared at every grocery store and halloween candy is everywhere you look. Some people look to the weather to tell them fall is here, I can tell by the candy aisle. LOL

I recently finished a sweater for my youngest and sent it off to her at school. She told me that she wore it twice this week and that she loves it. It is mustard colored, not a color I would have picked out, but she did pick it out and she loves it. I have to admit it grew on me while I was working on it. I had her older sister try it on before I sent it and she threatened to take the sweater home with her. Maybe I will have to knit another one.

DD#1 let the sweater go when I gave her the pillow I had finished for her. She told me that she loved it and was going to use it all year. Maybe she will change her mind after she has it a while.

I finished my Snowbound block. I still haven't started on the pieced blocks. Oh well, I wouldn't want to be all caught up... what would I do then???

I had a great adventure this week! To start at the beginning....my niece called me around 11:30pm on Wed. night. My Dad had fallen and could not get up. The paramedics were on the way. I met him at the ER. Now Dad had been to the DR the last week because he was having back pain. He got pain pills and muscle relaxers. It seems he got a little loopy ( my niece's medical term) from the pain pills and he attempted to sit on the end of his bed and he missed and landed on the floor. After most of the night in the ER the diagnosis: a compression fracture in his lower back and a bladder infection. He was admitted to the hospital.

The adventure continues the next day. My nephew got a dog, and of course he isn't around right now to take care of her. My niece is handicapped and while she can walk with crutches she has poor trunk strength. So walking a big, untrained dog not so good. As soon as I woke up Thursday I went out to walk the dog. I was playing with her in the yard when my niece came outside and locked us out of the house. We checked with the neighbors and no one had a key. My aunt, who does have a key ,had just teed off in a golf outing. I formulated a plan. My niece looked at me and said, "I don't think that is a good plan". I said, "I know, but we gotta get back in". So I opened up my Dad's extension ladder and after it fell on me and bruised my shoulder, I managed to get it up against the house. I climbed to the second story outside my Dad's bedroom window. I unscrewed the plexiglass frame that surrounds the window A/C. I tried to lift the A/C and found I couldn't do it while balancing on the ladder. Did I mention that I am a klutz? Well consider it mentioned.
Sooo I stood on the 4" window ledge and stuck my leg into the room over the top of the A/C and lowered myself down. These crazy windows are 4 feet up off the floor. Lucky for me there is a cedar chest under the window. I made it! My muscles were trembling and I was sweating, but I was in. Of course I had to go back up the ladder and replace the plexi- frame and screw it back in. Then took my niece to her meeting, visited my Mom ( resides in Alzheimers facility), then my Dad in the hospital. I went to sleep really early that night.
Dad is still in the hospital, friends and neighbors are helping walk the dog and I keep my keys with me!!

Happy stitching everyone.

Falling behind

2010-09-05T16:56:00.000-05:00

I can not believe that we are in September already. Yikes. Where has the time gone? Hope everyone is
well and enjoying the start of fall (or spring).
It has been a busy week for me. Monday night was the first full meeting for the guild quilt show that will take place next September. Lots of planning to do. The show is a lot of fun to work on, but it is a lot of work. Right now we are just kind of getting the who's doing what in order.

I worked on Wed., it was of course the first Wed and that means Block of the month. It also means that I am behind since I never got last month stitched down. Oh well, hopefully I can catch up this month. I did finish the top of the wool BOM that I was working on. I even have the black batting. I still need to get a backing. I am not sure what I want yet. I will figure it out son though...I want to get it done.

Thursday evening was Bee. We had a great time as usual. Some great show and tell. Lots of food and lots of talking. What we don't do much of is sewing. LOL Just about the time we were ready to leave the skies lit up with lightening and it started to pour. So we sat and talked some more. As soon as the rain slowed up we made a mad dash for our cars and headed home.

Saturday one of my quilting friends and I went to a lecture and trunk show on Hobo Quilts. It was really interesting, the history of the marks that hobo's used as they traveled across the country. This is the club/BOM that my friend wanted me to join. You will be proud to learn I held firm and did not join after the presentation. I just have tooooo many projects going .

Happy stitching everyone

old business, new business

2010-08-23T22:02:00.000-05:00

First old business: That photo that I am trying to make a quilt out of is of Jorge Luis Borges, a famous Argentine writer. My daughter is a lit major, and she finds him very interesting and likes his writing. (I am going to practice saying no, she has another year to go). LOL Borges is still at the same stage as the last time you saw him.

Friday was a busy day.In the afternoon started packing up DD stuff to go back to school. Of course she did not do anything to get organized. We even had to go out in the garage and go through stuff she brought home in the spring. grrrr. Luckily I brought all her bedding and fabric stuff in and washed it right away in the spring and stored it, so all that was ready. We space bagged her clothes and that made them much more compact! Saturday bright and early we loaded up the car (loaded being the operative word) and headed south. My daughter and I enjoyed the drive down to school, talking all the way. One of her room-mates was already there and she helped us unload the car. Then we made an expensive trip to Target and the grocery store and then unloaded all that stuff. Then the long drive home for me. I am always excited for her to get back to school because she loves it, but a little hard for me to leave her.

Oh, I remembered to take a picture of the Halloween quilt hanging in the shop.

Thursday was guild night. It was a lot of fun and a chance to see friends that I only see at guild. The speaker was funny and very interesting. It was Anelie Belden, her book is on dresden plates updated. Amazing trunk show. Take a look at her book if you see it.
Friday morning two of my friends took me to a quilt shop that I have never been to before. It was a lot of fun. First I saw these charm packs (you know how much I love charm packs) and I exerted control by only getting two of them. I also found a couple of reds in the sale section.

Then I saw these patterns and added them to my pile.

These Kaffe fabrics were right inside the door and they called my name. I tried to ignore them, but I just couldn't. At the register there was a bundle of fat quarters that were all dots! How can you not get dots?
So much for my resolve to finish some things before buying anything else.

One last little pic, my Snowbound block. I am sewing sewing to get all my BOMs done before another month starts and I fall behind.

The hubby had a tooth pulled today so I am on "Nurse" duty. Better go check on him before he starts thumping on the floor. LOL Just kidding about the thumping.
Happy stitching!

Out of the box?

2010-08-17T20:54:00.000-05:00

My daughter (the younger) is an interesting person. When she gets into something, she will look it up on the internet and go to the library and read everything she can find. She has interests that are varied, for example she reads the classics, poetry,and then she will be reading Peanuts. What does that have to do with quilting you might ask. Well, let me tell you.

She came home from school and asked me to make a quilt from a book cover. (The book cover was the author's photo).I said "I can't do that". Being persistant she kept bringing up the quilt. I kept making excuses. Summer went on and she continued to pester me. Finally I told her that I would need a much bigger photo than the paperback cover. I figured I would be safe since she usually doesn't follow through when she is supposed to do something. So she brings home a copy of the cover that is only slightly bigger than the original. So I tell her that it is still too small and a few other lame excuses.

Now she usually keeps at me and I usually cave in and do what she wants. First I wished that I was Theri (or at least had a little of her talent). Then I went to Kinkos and blew the copy of the cover up as large as I could. I hung it next to my design wall. When DD came home she started doing a dance and shouting about her quilt being on the work que. I made her crawl around the floor and grid the photo. So this is it:

Next, I selected some fabric and cut it up. Then I got the fusible grid ready and took the pieces up to start laying them out. The pieces were the wrong size. Arrrggg. I could not figure out what was wrong, I used this grid before. Next day I went to the shop to check out the grid and see if I got the wrong stuff. At the shop I measured the grid and it was right. sigh. I went home knowing that I had to recut all those little fabric squares. Still puzzled I measured the grid at home and then the pieces. LIGHT BULB ON. I had cut two different sized pieces and I picked up the wrong ones. (Color my face red). So I retrieve the correct pieces from the cutting table and we start to do the layout.

I tell DD that I just do not know if I can maked this work. She tells me that he is a post-modern impressionistic writer, so it just needs to be an impression, not a realistic photo like image. Ok. Good.
This is it so far.

Happy stitching.

the computer is back

2010-08-13T12:21:00.000-05:00

Boy I hate it when my computer is out of commission. I felt so out of touch. Today I got caught up on the blogs and took a quick pass through facebook. I feel reconnected, ahhhhh. So what is new around here? Well my girls spent all of last week end at Lalapalooza. That is a three day music fest in Chicago. They started off with Lady Gaga and went on and on .... They had a good time and there was a little bit of a break in the heat wave, not much, but more tolerable for out door activities.

I got this package from Mary, Thanks for the beautiful blocks and a magazine.

As you know, I teach a beginner class at the LQS. The class covers rotary cutting, 1/4 inch seams, basic stuff. Anywho, I was looking for something in the sewing room (that is the room that looks like a natural disaster occurred there) and I found some fabric that I thought would be great to make the nine patch quilt that we teach in the beginners class. So of course, I started another top ( you do see how I get into trouble?) and this is what it looks like now. I have pieces at every stage for class demo. I am not sure if I will quilt this right away (LOL) because we only do the top in the first set of classes.

A vendor we use for wool kits, Wooly Lady, sent us this little bell pull kit. I stitched it up and it is hanging in the shop (minus the bell). Wooly Lady uses bright hand dyed wool and the colors are just so pretty. I actually did another bell pull a couple of weeks ago but I forgot to take a photo. I have a couple of other wooly kits that are mine that I hope to get to soon.(Sorry about the sideways photo).

I did this whole quilt top for the shop too. The pattern is from Buttermilk Basin and it was really fun to do. I have a close up of one block and somehow I lost the photo of the whole top. I must have deleted it accidentally. I will take another photo of the top hanging at the shop.

My DD#1 loves owls. This is a new thing for her, but when this fabric came in I had to make her a pillow just for fun.

Last weekend another LQS had their Quilt show and sign up for fall classes. I am taking primative rug hooking. I will let you see how I do when I take the class. (Like I need another project). You will be proud of me though... my friend wanted to join a BOM to do the quilt from the book Hobo Quilts and I said NO! Really, I said no. I am going to the lecture by the author next month and that is all. I must control this addiction.

I have my blocks ready for the APQ swap and I am sending them today.

OH, DD#2 and I did some yarn shopping yesterday. We had so much fun. Then we got some food, and watched the movie "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" and did a little knitting. (See ,more projects).

Well happy stitching everyone and try to stay cool if you are in the middle of this heat wave.

Computer sick!

2010-08-10T15:54:00.000-05:00

My poor computer caught a virus. I dropped it off today and I hope to have it back at the end of the week. I do have photos to share as soon as I get my laptop back.
The one I am using now has very little memory so I can't do any photos on it. Hopefully, I will have a regular post in a few days.

More mail!

2010-07-25T10:13:00.001-05:00

Usually I am in no hurry to get to the mail box. This month, it is way more exciting. On Wednesday night when I got home from work I found these beautiful blocks from Theri. Thanks Theri, love the Texas logo.

On Friday when I got home from work I found a cute box with my mail. I got these pretty blocks from Liri and

some extra goodies too. Thank you Liri. I have some plans for the Illinois block.

Yesterday, I found another package in my mail box. This one from Ann. She sent these beautiful blocks and
more extra goodies. Thank you Ann, I have sarted reading the magazine.

I just need to sign my blocks and they will go out tomorrow morning.

I did put together a leader and ender project that I have had in progress for a long time. It is from Terry Atkinson's book Allegro.

I am nearly done with a couple of other projects, so hopefully I will have more photos soon.

Keep stitching

More mail

2010-07-18T10:28:00.000-05:00

My daughter walks in with the mail the other day and says "Why are you getting so many big envelopes all of a sudden?" I laughed, cause I have told her about the block swap...so I told her I was getting bocks this month and then she asked to see them. So I showed her. She was impressed! Me too.
I got this package from Ruth, thanks Ruth pretty blocks and extra goodies too.

I go this package from Marsha, thanks Marsha for the pretty blocks and the ornament.

This package came from Christine, Thanks for the beautiful blocks.

I did finish my blocks for Snowbound. These little snowmen are so much fun to do. I can't wait to get the quilt done so that I can embellish some of the blocks.

Still planning meals and trying to cook healthy for the family. Tha favorites this week coucous tacos (with tofu) and spinach roll ups ( rolled in a lasagna noodle). Have I mentioned that it is hard to find vegetarian stuff that I like???? I do not like those tacos, but the DD and DH love them. Oh well...

I better get a move on, I have to work today. More later!
Happy sewing.

Oh happy day

2010-07-07T08:27:00.000-05:00

After I posted yesterday I was wandering around the house thinking about eveything I needed to do when the door bell rang. It was the Mail!!!! THREE packages! So exciting. Here is what I found.
From Joanne beautiful blue blocks, thank you

From Kathleen these great green blocks and some fabrics (notice the tatoo fabric) thank you

From Katie the wonderful blocks, the fob, the flower pincushion and a tasty treat, thank you Katie.

This swap has been so much fun that actually getting blocks seems like a bonus. I'll keep you posted on new arrivals.
Happ stitching!

2010-07-06T10:29:00.000-05:00

Do you ever go through times when it seems you are very busy, but have nothing to show for it? I think I am having one of those times. I guess it is partly because I have been working some extra hours at the shop. The boss was off on vacation so we all cover for her and keep things going. Of course she always leaves us lists of things to do. LOL.

The other thing taking up my time is cooking. I really am not a fan of the planning, cooking and cleaning up. It takes up too much of my sewing time. I slowly moved away from making proper meals and depended on quick fixes. I am now trying to plan out meals and cook everyday or most days anyway. My family is happy with my plan so far. The highlights so far, pasta carbonara, mini spinach fritattas, and pesto pizza.

I posted in June that I was going to see Bonnie Hunter at our guild meeting. Well I did and she is warm and friendly and funny and wonderful. Her trunk show was so much fun to see. Now I have to tell you that she is also a crazy woman. She never sits down. Someone asked her if she ever sleeps. She laughed, do you think that is a yes or a no?? If you haven't checked out her website you really should there are tons of free quilt patterns on there as well as a link to her blog. The site is http://quiltville.com/. All of her quilts are scrap quilts, so if your scrap basket is overflowing....

I finished another quilt on the frame. The pattern is baby bricks. I got the pattern at a quilt show a few years ago along with a bundle of pastel fabrics. I ended up having enough fabric to make two baby quilts from the bundle and I have made two more from scraps. It is quick and easy and a great way to use up some smaller scraps.

I am working on two more scrap quilts. I first heard of leaders and enders on APQ blogs and I started working with some scraps then. I have all the blocks done for one of the quilts and I am almost done with the blocks for another. I have to find another leader and ender project fast!

I didn't end up starting my swap blocks back when I said I was going to..so I have the fabric pulled and I better get going on them. Off to sew now.
Happy stitching.

aloha shirts

2010-06-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

A few of my blogging buddies asked for the information on the Hawaiian shirts pattern. The pattern company is beyond the reef. The website is http://beyondthereefpatterns.com/. From there you can link to her blog and her facebook page. I saw the Aloha shirts listed at the bottom of the home page but I couldn't get any further info up. I have emailed her about the pattern and I will let you know the response.

Just a short one for now. Back soon. Happy stitching.

2010-06-15T20:09:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Last week I got my swap blocks in the mail. Woohoo. Not at the last second this month. I plan on starting on next month's now. I sure love seeing everyone getting their blocks.

This is called charm party tote and I made it for my friend's birthday. This is the friend that got part of her Xmas gift right before Easter. Good thing she is a good sport. Honestly, her birthday was 1 month ago and she only got part of her gift. (Seeing a trend here). Anyway on Thursday she will get the bag and hopefully she will like it.

Last month at guild I bought his pattern and kit from the vendor. It isn't all stitched yet, just the large squares. I just put them on to the background and added the letters today. I just love working with wool. It is so soft and seems so easy to sew on. This month at guild our speaker is Bonnie Hunter ad I am so excited!!! I can't wait to meet her. (I am such a dork, I plan to go early so that I can say hi to her).

These little shirts have been in the works for a long time. I made one with 9 shirts a couple years ago for my BIL. He was not impressed. I still think they are cute so I am making a couple of minis with them to donate to the silent auction at the guild quilt show next year. Hope somebody there likes them better than the BIL.

This is the first quilt that I did on my frame. I am not sure if the quilting will show up, but I tried. I think you might have seen this as a top. I have another baby quilt on the frame now. I hope to get it done this week and get a halloween table topper on there to quilt

Happy stitching!

Some finishes

2010-06-07T16:20:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend getting my BOMs ready to hand stitch. So I did lots of tracing, fusing, cutting and more fusing. I also finished the first quilt I put on my frame to quilt. I just did a pantograph. It was a panto that "came with" my machine. I will show it to you once I get it trimmed and maybe bound.

Last night I started doing some of the hand stitching on the BOMs. Did I tell you I started another one?? I menioned that I am doing Hop to IT (the BOM at the shop I work at). My friend saw the same BOM on line from Primative Gatherings in wool. Of course we had to jump in. See how I get myself in trouble? I'm just a girl who can't say no ( to projects). LOL.

Today the work started on my new furnace and air conditioner. It is a two day job and I am glad that it is cool out today. I am also glad it didn't crash during the winter. It is a little easier to sweat than to freeze. That is easy to say when I am not doing either.

I have been working on my plan to finish some of the partialy completed projects stuck in every nook and cranny of my house. I framed some cross stitch pieces. (5x7)

I framed a couple of punch needle pieces.

I also used a small piece I stitched a while ago, but had no idea what to do with it. While wandering around Jo-Ann Fabrics I saw the basket and my little wheels started to turn. Anyway, no big deal, but I hate throwing out projects.

Happy Stiching

all the news

2010-06-03T12:36:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go? Lets catch up. I finished my swap blocks and mailed them last Saturday...just at the last minute again. I start them early in the month but my quilter's ADD keeps making me hop from project to project. I have started June's blocks..... hopefully I'll be done earlier in the month this time.

I took a quick photo of the log cabin I showed you in block stage. I tried out some borders but they just were not talking to me. I was thinking that I would leave it without borders and tea dye it. (This started out as a few fat quarters and I ended up adding a lot of scraps to it along the way. Does that count as finishing a scrap quilt Katie? Cause the other one is so not done. ) BTW, does anyone have advise on tea dying? Should I do the top and back and then layer and quilt, or should I quilt it then dye it?

I finished another little wool project. It was very quick and easy to put together. I still have a few small woolies all cut and ready to stitch. Sometimes I like to trace and fuse and cut out, so I will do a bunch of projects and then bag them up for when I feel like just hand stitching.

I finished the mini quilt for the store for June. I always forget to take a photo before I take it to the shop to hang. I have a new project I'm starting for the shop. It is a secret right now, but you will see it soon. The boss brought the pattern back from market. (Hint... it is a Halloween project)

I worked on my little snowmen for snowbound. Here they are so far.

Our weather has been kind of crazy, really hot, then rainy ,and last night it got cool. The cool was fine with me because the air conditioner could not be saved and the new one will not be here until next Monday. New furnace too..ouch$$. We have been lucky, the heat/air was not new when we moved in and we have been here 15 years. I have never lived anywhere for that long. The longest I ever lived in one place before this house was 5 years. My youngest was in first grade when we moved here. She went to school with the same kids from second grade all the way thru high school. To me that is just so weird... ( I have to confess that every couple of years I get the urge to move on). I guess that we will be here a bit longer.

Lastly.. my ongoing saga of the bent quilt frame. None of the local dealers were really able to help me with a replacement part. One guy says he called the warehouse and they are checking. That was about 4 weeks ago.When my boss went to Quilt Market she saw the after market sales rep and talked to her and got me another contact. SO I was so excited!!! I called and the guy was really not very helpful. He wanted me to fax him the parts list (REALLY?) you sell the frame and you need my parts list? Ok. I took the fax # but my hopes were deflated. On the same day I talked with one of my friends who had just returned from her home in Arkansas. Her husband offered to take a look and see if he had suggestions. What the heck I thought. I took the bent piece with me and went to visit my friend. While J and I sat on the deck and discussed quilting and books and kids, her hubby FIXED my bent frame piece. He is an experienced metal worker, so he pounded and unbent and even cut the metal. He was so sweet, he was worried that it had a couple of dents in the front. Anyway, I took it back home and put the frame together and put the carriage on and it seemed to roll on the frame fine. So I mounted the machine and it still seemed to roll fine. I have a quilt on the frame right now!!! How exciting is that??? I am having some trouble with threads breaking , but my friend D has the same machine so she will help me work that out.

Maybe I can start reducing my stack of unquilted tops?

Happy stitching everyone.

Quick hello

2010-05-25T10:39:00.000-05:00

Hi all! Just popping in to say hello. Last week was a doozy. My MIL, SIL and her hubby all arrived from Oregon on Thursday ( so full house for me) in order to attend a family wedding on Saturday. The wedding on Saturday was very nice, but a loooong day. The ceremony was at 2pm, about an hour from our house. Then the reception was about 45 minutes from th church and started at 5pm. It was too far to go back home so everyone headed toward the reception with the vague idea of stopping for coffee or something. Luck was on our side and somehow about 20 of us ended up at the IHOP (pancake house) near the reception location enmass. We kept them busy for a while. Lots of noise and laughter.
Sunday the in laws wanted to organize a get together for the whole bunch, cause I guess all day Saturdy was not enough togetherness. LOL. So we hosted an inpromptu party at our house. Now of course that is the day tht we finally got HOT weather. Our air conditioning was kind of weak at best,but we were pretty comfy as we didn't need to cook.
Yesterday the air conditioner was not even pretending to work. The hubby called a repair guy who said he could get here around 7 pm. The in laws left for the airport around 5 pm and we retired to the lower level ofthe house because it always stays a lot cooler. The repairman called around 9:30pm and the hubby very politely said yes we would greatly appreciate it if he could still come out. He did at 10 pm. In 30 minutes we had some cool air on the way (and our money on the way off with the repairman). Sadly his opinion was that we need a new air conditioner and furnace, but he thought we might make it through the summer. I love warm weather, but I need it cool to sleep. So we will see how long we can get by.
I did do some sewing at work so I will take some photos on Wed and post those.
Happy quilting everyone.

New bag

2010-05-06T11:49:00.000-05:00

I had planned to try and make a bag every month to use as gifts when the holidays roll around. I have been managing to get some done in between other projects. This is a pattern that I pulled out of a magazine a while ago. I bought the fabric because I thought it was cute. I finally put them both together and made this. It will go to my sister. I think I will add a button or a pin on the flap. What do you think? There is a magnetic snap under the flap, so a button would just be decorative. I think it needs something.

I am working on a small quilt for the shop as a sample. The log cabin blocks are now rows. I cut out and fused the BOM from the store. I also gave in and started the Snowbound BOM. It is just so cute that I had to get started. I have the first 4 blocks ready to do the hand work. Today I printed the pattern for block 5. I hope to get 2 blocks done per month so that I can catch up. I also started to put my swap blocks together.
BTW I still haven't been able to find a part for my quilting frame. :( So this is how it looks now. I better come up with a plan B

My cough went away for a few days and then came back full force. I had to start antibiotics, a steroid inhaler, nasal spray and ear drops. The diagnosis is bronchitis. I have been kind of just hanging out at home sewing a little and resting a little.

Happy stitching everyone!

April finishes

2010-05-01T12:08:00.000-05:00

I actually fnished a couple of things in April, well sort of anyway. I took a wool mat class with Karen Witt a couple of months ago. It is done. It was a lot of fun to do. The flowers were a little tricky to get cut out, but the rest was easy. I just did the french knots in the centers and then stitched on the backing, which is a homespun.

The BOM wool project is up to date. I have been finishing my blocks each month, but not putting them together. I marked them the other day and got the first six stitched together. There are three more blocks then a top and bottom border as well as a vine that goes up over part of the center blocks.

I finished the log cabin blocks I was working on. I have them up on the design wall now so next time you see them, they might be a top. I originally planned to use these fabics for a baby log cabin quilt. I might use it for that, or I might just use it as a table topper. Either way it was a good exerience for me doing a log cabin. Next time I will plan my dark and lights better. ( I wasted a little due to not thinking things thru). I will keep the scraps for my next scrap project.

Speaking of scrap projects.... I have finished all the pieces for Katie's scrap challenge and have pressed them all. Now I just need to get them sewn together . I am gonna try, time is ticking.

I had to work yesterday, but I left home early and got my swap blocks in the mail. Just barely on time, but they are on the way. I have all the fabric pulled and pressed for the next set, so hopefully I'll be ready before the last second. LOL.

Happy stitching.

Family fun

2010-04-26T22:43:00.000-05:00

This last week has been a whirlwind of activity. It started on Sunday night with the beginning of a marathon cleaning of the house. Monday I had someone coming to help with the floors and bathrooms and stuff, but first I had to shovel a path so she could get through. LOL. Not really that bad. I do not usually clean DD#2's room because it is too scary for me. Since we were having house guests I thought a little clean up was in order. One huge pop up hamper of laundry and one huge bag of garbage later and her room was presentable. Monday the cleaning and laundry continued. Tuesday some shopping and finishing touches.

On Wed. my nephew came in to town from Philly where he is a resident in Interventional Radiology. He was here to interview for a fellowship next year. DH had to work and so did I, but DD#1 came over and she and here cousin went out to eat and had a chance to catch up. Initially the plan was that J was coming Wed. and leaving Friday. Plans changed and his wife and baby came on Friday and they all stayed until Sunday. I do not know why the plans changed but I was so excited!! I finally got the chance to meet my great-nephew. Of course I was also excited to see my nephew and his wife. DD#2 came home from school also so we had a full house.

On Saturday we organized an impromptu pizza party with DH's family so that everyone who was available could see the baby (and mom and dad too). Of course here in the Chicago area we think Chicago style pizza is the best. So we got together at a local pizza place and had a mini family reunion. It was loud and lots of fun. The rest of the day we just sort of hung out and talked and played with the baby.

All too soon everyone had to leave. My nephew was heading west for another interview in California. E and the baby were heading southeast to Georgia to visit with her aunt and cousins. J's last interview is in Georgia and they will all fly back to Philly together.

Later in the afternoon DH went to work and I put DD#2 on the bus back to school. I knew I would be alone when I got home so I made a detour to Joann's and bought a little bit of fabric and then to Wendy's for some fries and a frosty. Ahhhh. Comfort. I miss them all.

Hopefully I will be back in the sewing room making a mess this week. Happy stitching everyone.

The Show is over

2010-04-20T00:49:00.001-05:00

Sigh. The show is over and boy am I glad. Let me back up a bit. As I mentioned a while back I was going to buy a midarm and frame from a friend from guild. Well I did. I worked until 8pm Wed night. On Thursday morning I went to her house and we took the frame apart so that it was in sections that could be transported. When we were almost done I called DH and he rented a van from Home Depot and came over and loaded it up. We got home and unloaded it. I rested for a while then started to put it back together. DH was helping me get the machine onto the frame and he was on one side I on the other. He says "what is dragging?" So I move forward to see, trip over the other part of the frame, fall and in the process bend one section of the frame. (Not to mention serious bruises on my leg, arm and hand). Have I mentioned that I am a bit of a klutz? I don't think I need to tell you how upset I was. My DD#2 is helping me look for a replacment part. Until then it is just a large mess.

Moving on... Our booth at the show was only a single and knowing how much merchandise we took I did not take my camera. Good thing too, because there was barely room to squeeze in my purse. The booth looked great and I had a really good time being at the show. The only bad part about working the show is that you don't actually see the show. Well my plan was to go back on Sunday and see the quilts. I woke up on Sunday with a severe neck ache and headache.I have disc issues in my neck and it doesn't take much to get it in a knot, literally. Needless to say, I did not get back to the show. Some blogging buddies of mine did get photos and posted them so if you would like to see some quilts check out A Sentimental Quilter and Pieceful News blogs. ( I follow them so you can just click and go). The boss was going to take photos of the booth so I will try and get one to share later. It was the last time that Chicago will hve the show. Next year it will be in Cinncinati. Word is that Chicago is too expensive.

BTW just want to thank you all for your well wishes for my daughter, she is on the mend and is feeling much better than a week ago. She was able to keep up with her classes for the most part so that is good.

I can't report any progress on my quilting projects this last week, but I will be back at it as soon as I rest up.

Happy stitching everyone

Show, kits, and mono?

2010-04-14T11:23:00.000-05:00

No, the mono isn't me. DD#2 has mono but she is trying to keep up with her classes as best she can. The joys of communal living. She called me last week complaining of severe fatigue and tummy ache. The tummy is better but the fatigue lingers. She made a trip to the student health center where they took blood and gave her some antacids. Her question to me was how is that gonna help me with being tired? Poor baby... I hate that she is so far away and I can't be there to take care of her. Hopefully she will feel better soon.

The Internaionl Quilt Festival preview night is tomorrow night so the boss will be there today setting up the booth. Hopefully she won't leave a long list of things to do back at the shop. Getting ready for the show has been very tiring. We have cut fabric non-stop everyday. Now I LOVE to cut fabric and I really love to cut fat quarters when new fabric comes in, but non-stop all day is a bit much even for me. LOL. On Monday the shop is closed but we were there cutting fabric for a few hours. We finished up a few little projects and ran while we could.

I will be working at the store today, the show Friday and at the store on Saturday. After that hopefully we will have a little respite before the next event.
While I was at the shop Monday I took photos of the toothbrush rug. It is the Aunt Philly's rug pattern and I teach classes on it.

I also took photos of the first 3 mini's that I did for our "mini monthly" that we do at the shop. We do this like a BOM only instead of a block you do a mini quilt. We are doing the Patch Abilities series this year. You saw the hearts a while back. My photo of the 3rd one didn't come out so maybe next time.

I better go get ready to head off to the shop. I think the show will be fun, but I will really be glad when it is over! Hopefully I will get some photos of the show to share with you ! Later... Happy stitching.

Stitchin and coughin

2010-04-06T12:48:00.001-05:00

I hope that everyone who celebrates Easter had a wonderful day. I have had a wicked cough that I can't get rid of, so I stayed home instead of going to my Aunt's. My hubby worked, one daughter has a bad cold so she stayed home, the other daughter just went back to school after spring break so she did not come home. A good day for most of us to rest.

I have been working on a few things ( surprse). I have the blocks completed for a quilt I made with my "clean out" FQs. It is another Terri Atkinson pattern called Birthday Presents. I love her patterns, a lot of them are FQ friendly which is good for a FQ addict like me. All of her patterns are easy.

The little bee that I am in did our star block swap last Thursday. I think I know what I am going to do with mine, but I need to ponder it a little longer. I guess we will have to wait and see.

I finished this bag. I really don't like the handle so I might have to take it off and modify it somehow. It will be gifted (Christmas) so at least it will be done on time.

I took a picture of one of the gold and white table runners that I finished. I gave one to my friend on Saturday. LOL. Just a little late for Christmas hu? Oh well... I will be ready this year.

I am also working on a 9 patch lap quilt, a small log cabin, and my BOMs.I am also working on the scrap challenge (below). I did finish knitting a bag and a sweater, but they are not yet complete so I will show them when I get them finished off. Happy Stitching.

Bits and pieces

2010-03-25T19:45:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I taught the second session of the beginning quilting class. Two of my students left with completed tops! (I am not even going to go into the fact that I left the camera at home again) and the other student elected to make her quilt much bigger, so she had all of her blocks together in rows and four rows sewn together. It was really fun working with them. They wanted to know when the class will be to quilt their tops. I guess the boss better get someone else to do that class because you all know how many unquilted tops I have stuffed into my sewing room. LOL

I have worked on my BOM from the store. My wool block is done. I cut the fabric for my swap blocks. I finished a purse. I cut some other fabric for a couple of quilts from some old fabric that has been hanging around here too long. I am very afraid that I am going to have to join the Snowbound BOM, those snowmen are so darn cute. I have tried to resist, but I don't think that I can ( I think I might know why I don't get my tops quilted...LOL).

Both of my girls were here this evening and it is the hubby's day off, so we had a rare occasion, a family dinner.Even more rare I cooked. The girls are vegetarians so it is always a challenge to feed everyone. I made matzo ball soup one pot with chicken stock for us and one pot with veggie stock for them. We also had "fake" chicken strips ( textured protien), mashed potatoes and steamed peas.

Enough for now. Happy sewing everyone. Photos soon.

Workshops were fun

2010-03-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

It has been a busy few days for me. I mentioned that Karen Witt was coming to our guild on Thursday for a presentation and then doing a wool workshop on Friday and another on Saturday. Way back in July of 2009 when our speakers were announced I signed up for both of Karen's workshops. They were both fun and Karen is a very down to earth wonderful person.

Karen's lecture was very interesting. She really has a great way of presenting the history without being too "history class". Just the right amount of information to be interesting and to make me want to learn more.
Friday's workshop was a wool candle mat.We had a choice of design, either pumpkins or gerniums in baskets. I selected the geraniums. Now did I take my camera? Of course not. Duh. I will take a picture when it is done so you can see it. When the workshop was over I headed directly to the mall where my daughter's bus stops. My daughter came home for spring break. My other daughter came over to see her. It was great to have my girls here together even for a little while.

Saturday, National Quilting Day, I woke to SNOW again. I am glad that I had the second workshop scheduled for the day because that weather wasn't going to make me smile. One of the participants baked brownies and we had fabric so all was well. The project the second day is a pattern called "Tree of Life". Now do you think that I remembered the camera? Noo. I am not a camera person so it rarely occurs to me to take the camera. I like having photos I just am not very good at taking them. (At least with the digital camera I don't have to pay to develop a bunch of pictures of my thumb). LOL. I promise I will charge that thing up and get some photos of the projects.

Yesterday I worked on the workshop projects a little. I also went over to guild buddy's house to look at a mega-quilter that she is selling. I quess it would be considered a mid-arm. I am so excited about the possibilty of getting her machine. I have visions of completed quilts instead of piles of tops. Wouldn't that be exciting!!!? I will keep you posted.

This week my beginning quilters have their second class. They will be putting their quilt top together, hopefully we can get them all done. I am looking forward to helping them get their first top done. (Hey maybe I will remember the camera).

Today I have a Dr. appointment so I better get going. Have a great week everyone.

2010-03-13T16:41:00.002-06:00

Another vending event is over for us at the shop. Last week-end we vended at a local Quilt show. I did not see the show, I was working at the shop. Our next vend will be huge at the International show in Rosemont, Il. I am resting my cutting arm right now. LOL.

Stilll have not done anything about my sewing machine, but my little Brother has been humming along nicely. I will go on line and look for the nearest dealer. If there isn't one reasonably close I have the name of a repair service that I can take it to.:)

I managed to get some sewing done. I got the borders on my Ode to the 30's BOM. I got started on putting together a BOM from a couple of years ago. The blocks have been done and have been resting with the fnishing kit waiting for me to get to it. I still have to stitch the applique by hand or by machine. Once I do that I still need to add another light border that will have applique in the corners and then another border of blue. I also pulled out a wool project that I started and stored, a penny rug that I finished. I am trying to get some WIP finished before I start new ones. (My sister posted on facebook that she has ADOS attention deficit oooh shiny. Guess it runs in the family).

Went to bee last week and although a couple of members were not there we had a good time. I do not think any of us got any work done, but we did enjoy catching up with each other. Our star block swap was delayed until next month when hopefully everyone will be there.

I taught another class on Wed. It was the first session of beginners. We went through tools ( the basics) and how to cut fabric. They cut fabric for their quilt which is a nine patch with an alternate block ( plain square).

They did really well strip piecing and sub-cutting their sections for 9-patch. Then they each made a couple of blocks before they left. They have to finish the blocks for next class , 18 blocks in total. Then at the next session we will put it together. The class sessions are 5 hours and there are two sessions two weeks apart. I took over the class from my boss, so I just had to go with the plan she had in place. Tomorrow I am teaching a tote bag. I hope that goes well.

This week it is time for quild again. Karen Witt is the speaker. I don't take classes too often beause I usually work on the week-end, but last summer when the speakers were announced I signed up for both of Karen's classes. On Friday I am going to a class on wool, the project is a small table mat with geraniums on it. I love working with wool and the classes are always fun. Saturday the project is a quilt called "Tree of Life" and it is probably a bigger project than I need right now, but I am excited anyway. I will just think of it as a retreat.

Hope everyone has a great week and happy stitching.

Tension and other things

2010-03-02T22:10:00.001-06:00

I started sewing early this morning and I wore out my machine! All of a sudden I started having some kind of tension problem. Man I hate when that happens. I am sure the poor baby needs cleaning, but the quilt shop where I got my machine is no longer in business. I have a Viking and the Jo-Ann's near me sells and services Vikings, but one of the customers where I work took her machine in and they told her it would be a month before she gets it back. No way! I simply can not live that long without the sewing machine. ( What would my sewing table look like by then!!??)
Luckily I do have another machine. I have an inexpensive Brother that I got because it has the blanket stitch on it. I have used it only once or twice because it takes me so long to get used to a machine that I just feel more comfortable on my Viking. Today the little Brother and I are getting acquainted. So far so good.

I don't know if you remember, but I mentioned a while back that I was in two BOM programs last year. You saw the Fiesta. Today I worked on the other one, Ode to the 30's by Lori Smith. I have the blocks together, just need to get some fabric for the borders and get them on.

I worked on my swap blocks and I just need to get the framing on them and they will be done. I also finished one of the bags that was on my cutting table. I confess that I put away a couple of the projects so it doesn't seem so overwhelming.

I work tomorrow and Thursday I have to take my older daughter to the hospital for an injection in her back. Sadly, the surgery she had in October did not take care of all of her pain. Please send her good thoughts on Thursday, she needs them.

Have a good rest of the week and happy stitching

I have been really baaad

2010-02-28T14:44:00.000-06:00

I really have quiter's ADD right now. I keep starting things and then drifting off onto something new. Right now on my cutting table there are three bags in progress, a small table topper that was for a Christmas exchange but I changed my mind and did something different. There is a charm pack and paper to paper piece it into a mini. There is scrap fabric I pulled to make some little notebook covers ( untouched since pulling) and some charm squares to make a couple of sissors keepers. At my feet is a BOM that I did 2 years ago but never put it together and a paper pieced project that has been all over the sewing room for ages. I have a table runner that needs over 100 yo-yos appliqued on sitting on my extra little table. Still I keep buying stuff from the store for more projects.
(It is really dark today so my pictures are not coming out even with the flash. I will post later). This week I bought a new book and some piles of fat quarters. It doesn't help that we are getting tons of new fabric in. I have to get a grip here or I will not be able to see the top of my cutting table anymore, then I will never finish anything.
I did get a couple of things done this week. I quilted the birthday cake mini. I ended up doing it on the machine in black thread. I cross hatched the background, I also did the cupcake that I haven't posted. I quilted it the same as the cake mini. I also quilted a table runner that I started last year ( intended to be a Christmas gift but, didn't get it done) . I have 4 gold and white table runner tops and 3 silver and white ones. I have quilted 2 of the gold and white ones. The other 2 are layered. Now I am just working on the bindings. At least I will have them done for Christmas 2010! (Maybe).
I also finished a needle punch piece I started a while back and I did a small cross stitch piece that will be a gift if I get it framed.
This week I have my block swap blocks to do (and I will), the applique BOM starts at the shop where I work, and it is time to pick up the next block of the wool BOM I am doing. Do you think I need another project? Maybe I will stop sleeping til I catch up.LOL.

Happy sewing everyoe.

Another class done!

2010-02-21T18:44:00.000-06:00

Today was the paper piecing class. It was a lot of fun. I was a little nervous in the beginning, but it went well and everyone left with at least one block of their project finished. I look forward to teaching the class again.

I also made a couple of samples for the shop. This was made using a charm pack plus sashing and a border. The fabric is Verna by Kate Spain for Moda. Still not sunlight so the flash really washes out the colors which are very fun.

I also needed to make a bag, but I was suffering so much anxiety about geting the directional fabric correct that I ended up getting some fabric and making a practice bag. So I finished two bags. That means that I got a gift done for Christmas. The blue bag is the sample.

The last project that I worked on was a pattern from Terri Atkinson called "just between friends". This is #1 from the fat quarters I cleaned out of my stash. Now I just need to get some quilting done.

That's it for me for now.

Have a great week. Beth

Sunday Already?

2010-02-14T23:46:00.000-06:00

Another week has flown by. We have been busy at the shop, cutting lots of fabric and making up kits, kits kits. We are vending at the guild meeting this week, a local quilt show next month, and (WOW) the International Quilt Show in April. We are really excited about all these upcoming events and everyone is busy sewing samples.
In addition to the vending events, our BOM programs are being launched and the new classes have begun. I taught the toothbrush rug class yesterday and it was a great group. I normally do not teach many different classes, but this quarter I am teaching "My First Quilt", a tote bag, beginning paper piecing, and possibly another toothbrush class. It is kind of scary to take over some of the classes that other instructors have done. The toothbrush class was easy because I am the only one who knows how to do the rugs. LOL. Makes me the resident expert. Still LOL. Harder to step into some one else's shoes. Wish me luck.
My younger daughter was home from school this weekend. It is always fun to catch up with her and just have her around for a couple of days. Both girls were here today for a while so that was an extra bonus for me. I am always sad to see them go off again.
Well I have samples to finish and piles on my cutting table so I better get to work organizing for the week. Hope everyone has a good week. Will post photos when I get some stuff done.
Beth

Lost week

2010-02-07T22:00:00.000-06:00

This week flew by in a flash. Actually more like a long nap. I have some health problems so this week involved a lot of time on the couch. Now I like to nap as well as anybody, but this was rediculous!
I did get a little work done on couple of projects.

This is a mini I started a while ago. I started to hand quilt it, but the black on black was impossible to see. I picked out what little I got done. I am either going to cross hatch by machine or change to a dark grey and see if I can see that well enough and hand quilt as planned.
There is another mini with the same borders that I just need backing for. It is a cupcake.
Black batting is hard to find, so I am using flannel in these two.

The basket top is done. The flash really washes out the colors.If we ever see the sun again I'll take a photo. I hand quilted the first one, I am not sure how I will do this one.

I mentioned the BOMs that I was doing last year. One of them was called Fiesta and it was done thru the shop I work at part time. I got the top together.

Here it is. Very different from the baskets hu?
I love the colors. The spikes were paper pieced.
It was fun to work on. Glad that I had the whole year.
This year the BOM is applique. The pattern is Hop To It by Eydita Sitar (not sure if the spelling is correct). I think I might have to give it a try!

Have a good week. Hppy quilting. Beth

my first quilt

2010-01-31T23:54:00.000-06:00

I got my kitchen chair, dragged it over to the linen closet and there it was was ay in the back. The quilt I made after my youngest was born. Background info; I worked nights at a hospital a few years before Samantha was born. One of my co-workers sewed all the time and when one of the nurses was having a baby she gave everyone a muslin square and told us to stitch, draw, whatever on the square. With her directions I used some novelty print and did a trapunto block. Our stitcher then put it all together and the quilt was so cute. Fast forward. I was shopping at a craft store and saw stencil I liked. I said to myself , " I can make a quilt with that stencil". At the time I frequently set off on projects that I had no skills for....
Anyway I stenciled the little bears using fabric paint and then I drew and figured and off I went. I am pretty sure the batt is 100% poly and I tied it, but only at the corners of the blocks. I can't believe that quilt is still in one piece. I remember being so proud of it.

This is the quilt I posted about that I started years ago and just pulled out of the UFO pile. Still needs borders, but here are the blocks. Now please remember that this was cut and started while I was still in my first quilting class.

Lastly, my DD#1 was over today for crafty Sunday. She got another new craft book and we had to experiment. A little background on why we chose this project. We have two West Highland White terriers and DD#2, (Sam) misses them while she is away at school so we made these. I will be sending them to her tomorrow along with the latch hook supplies she requested. Yeah they are both crafting!

Have a great week everyone!

Craft Day

2010-01-24T20:10:00.000-06:00

I worked yesterday at the quilt shop and when I came home I had to nap. After that I was wide awake so I worked on a quilt I started when I first began quilting. The first class I took was at Joann's and I was so excited about the quilt that I started a second one, same pattern, different colors before I finished the first one. What a surprise hu? Anyway, that class started a small quilt group that met every week ( for a couple of years) and we were always starting up new projects so this poor quilt got tossed on the UFO pile. I would never pick these fabrics now, but, I just could not get rid of my little pile of cut pieces. I will post a photo once I get a little further.

Craft Day..that was today. My DD#1 had back surgery in October and being a normally very active woman, was going nuts sitting around her apartment. She ordered a craft book on Amazon and started crafting like crazy. We planned a day to get together and make a couple of things from her book. Today we made beauty products, Body lotion, body scrub, and crusty foot balm I( the crusty part is the title in the book not my title). The projects we very quick, easy and pretty cheap. We had fun shopping for supplies a lot of the supplies came from the dollar store) and then working together. I will let you know how our lotions and scrubs work.

Have a good week everyone and happy stitching. Beth

Blocks

2010-01-20T22:51:00.000-06:00

I have been working on some BOM projects. The wool BOM is called Settlers Pride. This month is the 3rd month. Wool is so much fun to work with, this one is going fast so far.

These are some of my star blocks for the swap. Photo isn't very good, I'll try again in daylight. Most of the group in this Bee are more traditional so I went with a very traditional block.I still have to do the 9 inch blocks, but we are not swapping until March so there is time.

The last photo is a PatchAbilities BOM . It is actually a series of mini quilts one a month. Feb. will be the first month of this program. The quilts are about 6"x 18". I couldn't get this photo rotated, so this is actually a sideways view.

2010-01-18T00:15:00.000-06:00

Long day today. I drove my youngest back to school today. She had a month off between semesters and I got used to having her at home again. The University of Illinois is 3 hours away from our house. The trip there went really fast even with fog all the way. The trip home seemed to take forever, but I made it. It is way too quiet in the house now. Samantha (DD#2) got Guitar Hero and The Beatles for her Wii for Christmas, so there was a lot of music eminating from my living room the last couple of weeks. Then last week the husband was off work. Now everyone is gone except me and the dogs. (And they are sleeping).

I didn't get much quilting done this week end, but I did pick out my 6" star block for the swap with my Bee. I got them all cut out and ready to sew. I think I got organized to get some projects done. Will take pictures when my stars are done.
Have a good week
Beth

Back to work

2010-01-12T21:09:00.000-06:00

Yesterday 2 of my Bee friends and I sewed some blocks for a super secret project. We sewed and unsewed and laughed, a lot. It was great fun and we got our portion of the project done. I will tell you more once the project has been given. The next Bee project is a block swap. 9" and 6" stars. Medium tones. We can each select a star we want to make. The challenge will be to put all the blocks together once we have swapped. I have been pondering what stars and what colors for ages and I am no closer to a decision than I was when we first embarked on this swap.
Any suggestions?

Today, sadly there was no sewing for me. I have been avoiding the removal of all things Christmas because it is sad to see it all go. ( Ok I also dislike all the work involved in getting it all down, packed, and stored). The Santa and reindeer collections are packed and stored. The snowman collection is down and stored as well. The tree is down and stored along with the lights. My DD #2 helped me pack up the tree and put away some of the ornaments. I just have a small village to pack up and the rest of the ornaments. So, time for summer hahaha

Lucky for me I work tomorrow .( I work part time in my LQS. Work is really the wrong word since I get to play with fabric all day and hang out with other quilters). The only problem with working at the shop, is that it is too much temptation.

keep stitchin

Look I am blogging

2010-01-09T22:58:00.000-06:00

Hello to all the APQ bloggers who are blogging here. I followed APQ for literally years before I got brave enough to dive in and set up my own blog. I really enjoy seeing what everyone is working on . I also have enjoyed the sharing of tips and information passed on by the many talented quilters who posted.
I have made a resolution to post more often and to try to keep up with all the quilters that I can from over at APQ.
So what am I up to? Well I waste way too much time on facebook, another thing I resisted for a long time, but finally got into. I was involved in two Block of the month programs in 2009, both of which end this month. I got a little bit behind on my blocks, but catching up is at the top of my list. One of the BOM is Lori Smith's pattern Ode to the 30's. The other is Fiesta from Possibilities. I will charge up the camera and get some photos of those blocks. I also started a wool BOM in November that I am not behind on yet. I belong to a small bee and we are doing a block swap soon. ( Wanna guess who has not started their blocks for that yet?)

I also have 16 quilts in various stages of completion and (gulp, gasp) 52 finished tops that need to be quilted. Not all of those are big quilts, there are a lot of runners and wall hangings in there. I will not even count all the projects I have bagged up and ready to go. It is just so hard to resist the next cute fabric/pattern to come out.

So stay tuned.. see what I can get finished. .

2009-10-01T01:22:00.000-05:00

Well now you know I am a novice, I somehow posted before I was ready.
Anyway back to last post, the baby quilt uses 3 Little Pigs fabric as the focus fabric. The second quilt is leftover bits of novelty fabrics. The last one in progress is a pattern called "Baby Bricks" can't remember the designer, but will try and look it up.
Bye for now. Happy Stitching

Hello

2009-10-01T01:10:00.000-05:00

Hello out there in blogger land. I have blogged a little, but am an real novice. I have been reluctant to start blog because I am not technologically skilled. I have really had fun reading other blogs and keeping up with the lives (and quilts) of other bloggers. It is a greatway to connect with people I would probably never meet otherwise, so I am going to give it a try.
Currently I am working on a couple of Block of the month programs, one is "An Ode to the 30's" a pattern by Lori Smith. The other is "Fiesta" by Possibilities. I am also working on "Hocus Pocusville" a pattern by Crabapple Hill Studio. As soon as I can figure out how to post photos I will do that.
I am also working on a few of baby quilts. They are all mostly stash projects. One is from a pattern by Teri Atkinson called "Tile Tango"and I am using 3 Little