Keep Me In Quilts

MONDAY FINISH

2012-01-30T17:53:00.000-05:00

AHHHH ... much better!

I could have probably been more creative with how I pieced these 1/2-square triangles but ... I wasn't.

These poor orphans will play together very nicely.

This is my friend Misty's quilt. She won blocks at our guild retreat last February. The green cow fabric was the challenge. Some folks were quite clever with their interpretation of the fabric. Can you find the "cow" bell? the "cow" pie? the "moo-lah"? There's even an outhouse with little teeny hooves sticky out under the door.

All quilted and ready for her to do the binding. I believe this is to be a gift for someone who works with her husband. I'm probably getting this a bit screwed up but I think her husband works for the Department of Agriculture in Dairy Science, or something like that. Anyway - it was perfect that she won the blocks.

Gotta love a Monday finish!

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

2012-01-30T11:13:00.000-05:00

This is on my design wall -right now. I hope to actually work on this quilt today. I did reject that pieced sashing for this quilt - just overwhelmed it. Put I think it will work for this.

These 9 blocks were part of my guild's "Take home some orphans" night. I guess that makes me the foster mother. and I really need to do something with 600 1/2-square triangles that were gifted to me.

This is what's on my needles right now...for the second time. No - not a second sock. I got this far last week and had to ripitripitripit. I needed to move up a needle size or these pretty socks wouldn't have fit me.

If you're on Ravelry and haven't discovered the Knitters Brewing Company group, you are missing out on a LOT of fun and a very helpful/knowledge group of knitters.

STASH REPORT 4 AND 5

2012-01-29T07:39:00.004-05:00

This whole stash report thing is really good for me. Well - it would be really good for me if I was using my stash and not acquiring NEW fabric. I'm thinking (hoping) this acquistion phase will slow down but at least I'm keeping track this year.

FOR THE WEEK ENDING 1/21

Used this week: 3/4 yard

Used this year : 6 3/4 yards

purchased this week: 0

purchased this year: 12 yards

TOTAL for 2012: +2.25 yards

FOR THE WEEK ENDING 1/28

Used this week: 1/2 yard

Used this year: 7.25 yards

Purchased this week: 11 yards

Purchased this year: 23 yards

TOTAL for 2012: +12.75 yards

hmmm ... on the bright side, I've been creating at the quilt shop and I don't count that fabric because it didn't come from MY stash and I've been working on string blocks for a UFO and that doesn't use up much yardage ... and ...

ok , enough justification - I'm not working at the shop this week and I will be sewing from my stash.

I put this top together this past week (swap blocks, no stash) BUT - it will get borders this week.

BLOCKED - AGAIN

2012-01-28T06:26:00.000-05:00

Where the heck does stuff go?

I thought my post about my "blocking" simply didn't show up via my ipad. Now that I'm home and have computer access - there is no post. A title and no pictures and no words.

So - here it is ...

This is a scarf that I made using some yarn that needed to be "showcased." The yarn is called, Mountain Meadow. It's sport weight and slightly unevenly dyed ... which makes for a great look as I knitted it.

This is the scarf - unblocked ...

This is the scarf - blocked ...

I have a very scientific way of blocking ... fill up my big yellow bowl with lukewarm water and dump in the knitted thing. Yep - just put it in there and squish it around so it gets good and wet. Squeeze out as much water as you can but do NOT wring it, just squeeze it. Roll it up in a towel, put the towel on the floor and step on it - depending on how much you weigh, this will get even more water out. Then lay it out on the guest room bed on top of a dry towel. Pin it out so that the stitches spread. Leave it overnight to dry. Make sure you close the door to the bedroom or your 4-legged friends will think they've scored a GREAT sleeping place.

I made up the pattern, if you're interested - just ask and I'll post it. The scarf ended up measuring 7" x 44".

THREADS RUN THROUGH IT

2012-01-26T15:12:00.002-05:00

Don't you just LOVE visiting a new quilt shop?

Donna and I (and 2 guildy/quilty friends went on a field trip to - Threads Run Through It, in Phenix, VA. What a FAB-O shop!

Besides wonderful fabrics - and LOTS of wonderful fabrics, there was a "shop friend." WingNut is the most affectionate cat I've ever met. I thought I might sit on the porch - yes, this shop has a great front porch with rocking chairs. Anyway - I was going to sit and knit a bit and enjoy the sunshine while waiting for the others ladies. No knitting was accomplished. WingNut needed LOTS of cuddling.

So - the shop ... I've got nothing negative to say ... expect that it's very far away from MY house. The owners, Steven and Lori are super friendly and very knowledge about their inventory. The inventory? It's plentiful, up-to-date and about a $1.00 a yard cheaper (or more) than what I find around here.

AND - she serves lunch - for free! We had deli ham and cheese, bread and variety of "go-withs." What a treat!

As Lori said, "Threads Run Through It is a destination quilt shop. When you take the time to make it your destination, we're going to make it fun." She says, quilting is as much about friends and fellowship as it is about sewing. She's more about happy customers than she is about making lots of money ... as long as the bills get paid!

This is a shop I will always attempt to visit when I'm anywhere near Phenix, VA ... I'm going to have to look at the map and figure out where exactly Phenix, VA is and what it's near.

A fun field trip!

BLOCKEX

2012-01-23T11:10:00.001-05:00

LOL. OK My dear followers - sorry for the confusion. For some reason when I clicked "publish" only the title showed up, not the blog post. I was referring to blocked, as in knitting. I had a great photo of a scarf I knitted and blocked. It It made since when I typed itI'm traveling and don't have access to my computer, only my ipad2. I'll repost when I get home. Thanks for listening!

PROGRESS REPORT

2012-01-19T13:49:00.001-05:00

I've been sitting and looking at this all morning. Well, actually, I've been making bags this morning while looking at this ...

I can't decide if I love this pieced sashing. The background (not really showing up in the photo) is a lightish blue tone-on-tone. Do you think the sashing overpowers the blocks? Be honest ... I'm hoping it works, but I need help.

Here's a closer view of "March." Sorry it's a little blurry.

I was gifted already cut out batik triangles and have sewn them together and squared them up and have over 600 half-square triangles. They really need a home or a quilt.

Here's your chance to be a design expert ... let me know what you think.

IT'S DONE

2012-01-18T12:42:00.000-05:00

This quilt had been sitting on a shelf in a quilt shop for a LONG time. Long time = a couple of years. It had many fused stars on the background squares. The shop no longer has the fabric or pattern and really no need for the quilt any longer. The stars needed a LOT of machine blanket stitching or ... they needed to go. Fusible web really isn't permanent.

Yesterday, I quilted this using both my HQ ProStitcher and some free-motion quilting.

It's a simple quilt and really much prettier in person.

Here's a close up of the ProStitcher quilting.

I'm not really sure what's in store for this humble quilt - maybe it will be sold, maybe it will be donated but either way ... it's FINISHED!

Amazing things can be done with computerized quilting - much like computerized embroidery. But my heart will always belong to free-motion quilting and hand embroidery.

DESIGN WALL MONDAY

2012-01-16T09:49:00.000-05:00

This is on my design wall right now. It's a BOM from Elsie Campbell, called: Love Knows No Season.

This is what's on my table ... lots and lots of 1/2 square triangles.

I haven't counted them and I haven't decided exactly what I'm going to do with them but they'll be used as some sort of pieced sashing to go with the "LOVE" blocks.

I was gifted the already cut triangles and have been sewing them together for about a year, in between other stuff (leader/ender style). There's a couple hundred of them!

The blocks are all appliqued (not usually my thing) and embroidered.

My mom's 80th birthday is in March. I really want to give her this (finished) as a birthday gift.

WEEK #3 STASH REPORT

2012-01-15T07:39:00.000-05:00

This week I needed a backing and binding for my Walk in the Night Garden quilt I did quilt 2 additional tops but they weren't mine (and neither was the fabric).

So ... my stash report ...

Used this Week: 3.5 yards
Used year to Date: 6.25 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 12 yards
Total for 2012: +3 yards

I may have to put the UFO's on hold this week and get cracking on a new project that uses fabric. I'd like to end the month with a big fat MINUS sign in my "total" column.

FRIDAY FINISH

2012-01-14T07:12:00.001-05:00

WOO HOO! There is one less UFO in my house.

"Walk in the NIght Garden" is done - quilted, bound and labeled. This is a Pat Sloan design, from her book "Folksie Favorites. This quilt was started 2 (maybe 3?) years ago. What a good feeling!

Friday was a great day all around ... look what arrived in the mail ...

It's Knit Picks Stroll in DK weight. I feel the start of a sweater coming on this weekend.

TRAVELING SOCKS

2012-01-12T06:47:00.004-05:00

Knitter's Brewing Company makes great sock yarn. It comes in a wide variety of colors and she offers 2 different types of yarn. I've made LOTS of socks (and a couple of shawls) with this yarn.

Wendy - owner, brew mistress and chief sock-a-holic also has a Ravelry group. It's an active group, staying mostly on topic and very helpful when a stitch just isn't being cooperative.

Several from the group decided we needed to do a round-robin type project.

So ... THE TRAVELING SOCK was born.

These funny looking things are the toes to my newest pair of socks. I won't see them again for several months. My toes will be growing and traveling all over the eastern half of the United States.

These are Shannen's socks. They arrived from New York and when I finish with the second toe, they will be heading off to Georgia.

Each time a pair arrives at my house, I will knit an inch or 2 on them and send them on their way. I'll also write in the "sock journal" any pertinent (or not) info - what stitch I used, what yarn, what the sock did last night, who it went out to play with, etc.

These socks will be having a GREAT trip and will come home wild and wonderful!

LADYBUG'S GARDEN

2012-01-11T10:59:00.001-05:00

My friend and co-worker, Ray made this quilt. It's called: Ladybug's Garden.

The fabric is called: OOPS a Daisy by Moda. It's nice to see pretty, cheerful fabric in the winter.

Ray designed this quilt and pieced it. I quilted it and wrote up the pattern. I think we make a pretty good team!

DESIGN WALL

2012-01-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

This is what was on my design wall yesterday.

This is what is on my design wall today.

Hopefully, it will be off my design soon. And I really hope that it looks something like what I've been imagining in my head.

Stay tuned!

STASH REPORT #2

2012-01-09T07:11:00.001-05:00

First week of participating in the stash report. I think keeping track is going to be VERY good for me. It's not a "no buy" challenge but I do feel a teeny bit guilty for buying more than I used.

BUT ... there are very good excuses, er, reasons ...

I worked on (and finished!) something from December so I only needed backing.
I completed a UFO, and only needed backing/binding
I shopped with a couple of quilty (not guilty) friends and we went to Obies, in Goodville, PA. THAT is reason enough!

Yes, bloggy friends, it really and truly looks like this. Lighting isn't great, aisles are small and crowded. Bolts are jammed packed and it often takes 2 people to get 1 out. 1 person holds the shelf while the other pulls the bolt.

I do believe that Obies has every fabric ever made. Bolts and bolts of novelty fabrics (I really needed pickles). Lots of new stuff but LOTS of older stuff too. It's great to go and just have a good laugh even if you don't buy anything ... but of course we did buy. Who can pass up fabric that ranges from $2.50 to $6.50 a yard.

We stopped at a couple of other shops too and they also have great prices but Obies is just so bizarre. Not a place to go if you have claustrophia!

STASH REPORT

purchased this week: 12 yards

used this week: 2 2/3 yards

net total: + 9 1/3 yards

I really hope those numbers look different next week.

OOOPS

2012-01-07T07:24:00.000-05:00

This is my ironing board, in my sewing room. It's a "big board" that sits on top of a dresser. It's wonderful - a great work surface, completely stable and has lots of storage. It's the BEST.

This is the top of ironing board yesterday....

The glue spilled on the iron handle, the scissors and of course - the ironing board cover. NOT the best. I've washed it many times but as you can see, the scorch marks don't come out and it looks pretty sad. So - I cleared it off (yes, big space = big clutter), took off the cover and threw it away. Now I have no choice ... I will make a new ironing board cover.

This is the quilt I was working on when the glue spilled. It'll still be on my design wall on Monday so you can see the whole thing.

Today, I'm off on an unexpected shopping adventure with 2 quilty-b friends. I might just get fabric for a new cover.

FRIDAY FINISH

2012-01-06T11:04:00.001-05:00

A finish is a finish ... but a FRIDAY finsh - that's something to celebrate!

Sunflowers in My Garden

I'm going to be teaching a class in February. Everyone needs a little springtime pick-me-up and this should work.

I'm thinking sunflowers (for real) need to be planted right there where that quilt is hanging.

It's 39 degrees outside right now. I'm heading out to the quilt shop to hang this quilt as a class sample. Already thinking of warm spring days ...

BRIDGE OF ROSES

2012-01-05T08:35:00.002-05:00

A sock finish!

These were started on March 7, 2011 and finished last week. They were actually a pretty easy knit, I got one done right away and it's sole mate ... languished on the needles for months.

They were well worth the wait. Look at the pretty detail on the cuff ...

I do love hand knit socks!

This was a KAL (knit-along) with Knitters Brewing Company. Wendy, the brewmistress, is starting another KAL on January 13. Her directions (and videos) and support are GREAT.

WEDNESDAY FINISH

2012-01-04T11:53:00.000-05:00

3 quilts in 4 days - I'm on a roll!

I didn't piece this quilt but I had the pleasure of quilting it this morning ...

My friend/customer Pam made it on a quilting cruise with Bonnie Hunter. I did different free-motion stitching on it. I think it looks sort of tropical and underwater.

My fan quilt isn't quite done. I did finish it yesterday (or so I thought) but this morning when I looked at it ... it definitely needs something more. Another day, another quilt - hopefully I'll be binding this one tomorrow.

JANUARY UFO

2012-01-03T14:37:00.000-05:00

First completed UFO for 2012!

This quilt was made with the Square-in-a-Square ruler. I made it for a class I taught to a guild in VA - I think the guild is Lake Gaston Piecemakers.

The top was made in 2009. Quilted and bound today.

And - because I had all the ingredients but ran out of time over the Christmas holidays - I made a white chocolate peppermint cheesecake.

I might send all but 2 pieces to work tomorrow with the Cute Husband. Otherwise - I might just have to eat it all.

My goal today was to finish the top - Sunflowers in My Garden. I've made excellent progress, just have a little handstitching to do on the ric-rac ... I LOVE ric-rac.

WELCOME 2012

2012-01-03T07:28:00.002-05:00

Welcome to 2012!

This year I'm going to try and link up to a couple of blog posts that I followed but didn't participate in last year. Judy Laquidera does a weekly "Design Wall" post, a weekly "Stash Report" and a monthly "UFO". They're fun to look at but I think, more importantly, when you put it out there publicly, I'll be more inclined to accomplish it.

So ... nothing to do with any "reports", I quilted this yesterday ...

A very cute Christmas panel, quilted for a customer/friend and thankfully, it didn't need to be done by Christmas 2011.

And ... this is what's on my design wall ...

I'm working on another "fan" quilt. This is a sample for a class I'm hoping to teach in February. It's called - Sunflowers in My Garden".

My goal is to finish the top today. I have to do some housework and laundry and pick up Daghter #2 from the airport this afternoon and then the Cute Husband and I are headed to a hockey game. This might be a rather ambitious goal. Oh - and I'll have to walk to dog at some point.

Better get myself off this couch and get started on my day!

2012 UFO CHALLENGE

2011-12-31T18:26:00.000-05:00

Harleigh got a few goodies for Christmas. She's really not much of a chewer but she is enjoying her new toy.

This photo has nothing to do with this post but I just can't post with a picture. I'm participating this year in a UFO Challenge. Here's my "hopeful" list:
1. Quilt my Pat Sloan, Moonlight Garden
2. Quilt my Deb Tucker Carolina Lily
3. Quilt my Marilyn Doheny Balloons
4. Finish the top - Burgoyne Surround
5. Quilt my Square-in-a-Square Christmas Tree
6. Put together the top from the 2010 Retreat Blocks
7. Put together the top from MAQ Tumbling Blocks (2005?)
8. Quilt my green "Hazmat" quilt
9. Finish (and quilt) a Dresden Plate charity quilt
10. Work on (complete the top?) Rangley Stars
11. Complete "leftovers" Black,Red, White S-n-S scraps
12. Complete the blocks for Big Behemouth

We had to list 12. Each month a number is picked and that's the UFO we will committ to working on/finishing.

I also have a few that REALLY need/want to finish but don't want to be held to waiting for the correct number ... I need a couple of them for my guild quilt show in March. In the spirit of committment, I'm listing them here.

13. Quilt Lucinda Brodie
14. Complete the top - Spectrum Quilt (TBDB swap)
15. Complete swap top - umm - don't remember the name
16. Complete and quilt - Recalculating
17. Complete and quilt - Love Knows No Season

Holy Cow ... last year I didn't officially participate but I did make a list and tried to keep up. My list had 15 items and I completed 8. But, you KNOW I completed a lot of other stuff.
Wish me luck!

FASHIONISTA

2011-12-28T17:36:00.000-05:00

When I grow up, I want to be an American Girl Doll. They have the CUTEST clothes. Starlyn and I spent a day sewing for our granddaughters.

A nightie with lace yoke and flannel jammies ...

A really cute top and pants and the best ... this coat - THAT's really what I want when I grow up.

Kierstyn, with Aunt Sarah and Samantha ... a very happy Christmas!

BEE BUTTONS

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

I just realized that this never posted ... at least I don't think it did so I'm posting it now.

I belong to a bee ... a small sub-group of my quilt guild. TBDB ... that stands for "To Be Deternmined Bee" because we've never thought up a name. We celebrated Christmas together with pizza and presents. We had to have 9 gifts, each costing about $3.00.

I made beaded buttons for everyone.

Each button was different. And yes, each took a couple of hours to make. But I had LOTS of beads and only had to purchase the covered button forms ($4.00 for a pak of 2).

The buttons are destined to decorate a fabulous bag or jacket, something button-worthy!

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

2011-12-20T11:13:00.005-05:00

My oldest daughter has been married for 3 years ago and I had 3 days notice till the wedding. No time to madk her a quilt. I haven't made her a quilt since she was a little girl. She's never really showed much interested. A couple of months ago, I got wind (from daughter #2) that #1 REALLY wants a quilt.

So ... here it is ...

I started this quilt several years ago and have worked on it, off and on, over time. It was on my "really want to finish in 2011" list. I get LOTS of points for this quilt ... 1) a gift, 2) a finish, 3) another UFO checked off ... hurray!

Son-in-law is a big Patriots fan. I found the perfect fabric for the back ...

Another multi-point quilt ... finished, old UFO and a gift ...

This is a Pat Sloan table runner that I made 3 years ago and never quilted. Cute Husband asked me on Saturday if there was a chance I might "whip up" something for his admin person at work. 2 hours later ...

I really shouldn't perpetuate the myth that "whipping up" something can be done with little to no notice. But it's nice to know that my family thinks I'm amazing!

A LITTLE MORE CATCHING UP

2011-12-18T17:55:00.000-05:00

This is the front of the UFO quilt. I showed you the back on Friday. The blocks were all hand pieced. The quilt just needed a little love.

I took a Kathy Schmitz stitchery and made into an applique with wool and wool felt. It's small, about 10" x 12", and totally cute!

These 4 quilts are all hanging in the shop. I pieced one and quilted all 4 - very autumnal. They were well received by the shop hoppers.

My best accomplishment this month ...

I'm going to teach a class on this sweatshirt jacket ... it's called Crazy Curves by Moonlight Designs. My mom's getting it for Christmas. I have to make another one for the class.

I told you I'd been busy. But I'm back to blogging.

Tomorrow .. new stuff!

ALIVE AND WELL

2011-12-16T11:37:00.000-05:00

Over a month since I've posted! Have you missed me? I've certainly missed blogging. So much as been going on - mostly good. The time has just gotten away from me. Here's a brief (ok, not so brief) update ...

Sometimes I work at a quilt shop - And Sew It Goes, in Savage, MD. We were involved in a shop hop for the first time ... Quilter's Quest 2011. It was tons of fun and TONS of work.

This is a sample I quilted and we sold lots! It's called Fall Frolic.

Each shop made this quilt, using different fabrics. I quilted it and it was a big quilt.

And I made this skinny runner - very cute. All sold!

This is a Terry Atkinson bag - LOVE it. Even the sample sold so I have to make myself another one.

In the mean time - my computer crashed ... it wasn't pretty! Thankfully, the brilliant guy at the computer store managed to get my files and pictures off the old harddrive. Then I went on a mission to try and blog from my ipad2 but I've decided, it's just not possible ... more days go by and no blogging.

My quild - Southern Comforters of Bowie had a UFO swap night. I didn't bring one to swap because I love all my unfinished objects. But - I did claim one ... it was a bit sad looking. I took off the borders, recut them, added some more. Even the back turned out great.

oops - lost the photo of the front - well, I'll show that another day.

Then my Cute Husband brought home a new computer ... more days go by as I try and navigate a new system. I couldn't find my blog for DAYS. Finally solved that problem.

Then I made this snowflake candle mat for the shop. I'm keeping this sample.

In the meantime - the week before Thanksgiving, I caught a bad cold, which turned into bronchitis (sp?) and lasted and lasted and just when I thought I was getting over the coughing, the cold came back. Now, I'm down to some sniffles and managing to stay awake all day without a nap.

I've done some knitting and lots of Christmas shopping. Now that I'm reasonably healthy and caught up on work, I'll be back to regular blogging ... is that a cheer I just heard?!

You guys are the best!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

2011-11-08T07:40:00.000-05:00

Sunday was my birthday. And it was a very happy birthday!

Family and friends, cards and presents and the traditional "birthday pie"

Just kidding about the traditional part. With the weather turning cooler, I had a hankering for apple pie. I make really good apple pie so I decided to make my own birthday cake this year. We had birthday pie!

I started a new knitting project. It's a mystery shawl from She-Knits. The mystery is the stitch pattern and shape. I'm quite pleased with the colors and how it's turning out. Each Wednesday we get a new "clue." I'm not ready yet for the next part. There will be knitting going on tonight - I have to do about 20 more rows.

BUSY BEE

2011-11-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

Busy busy busy ...

Today, I was in finishing mode.

I made a really cute tea towel.

Here's a close-up. Sorry for the wrinkles!

The I made a purse. It's called "Tag Along" by Terry Atkinson. VERY cute.

Not thrilled with the way she has you put in the optional zipper, which I did opt for. I'm going to make this bag again and do the zippered top differently.

I quilted this early this a.m., when it was damp and foggy outside.

Then the sun came out so I could do some "fence photos"

AND ... I quilted this ...

I made and quilted this once before. This time, someone else made it and I quilted it ... I like this version better.

WOW ... what a day. I'm thinking a little apple pie might be needed to get me through the rest of today.

AUTUMNAL QUILTS

2011-11-04T07:45:00.000-04:00

Autumnal ... I've already said it - one of my favorite words!

Ray made this quilt and I quilted it. It's so pretty and fun. She told me - have fun quilting it.

I free-motioned lots of different things - simple but effective.

Did I show you this one? It's called Harvest Farm. The fabric panel is Jackie Patton. I free-motioned funky feathers all over the setting blocks and did some outline quilting on the "scenes."

ACK - blogger decided to turn this one sideways. Each scene is a little different.

I love the primitive look.

JAZZY JACKET

2011-10-31T08:47:00.000-04:00

I've said this before ... I'm NOT a photographer! Bet I didn't even need to say that - right?

My jacket is finished. And I do think it's pretty awesome. If I had cropped the photo and maybe found someone to wear it when I took the picture, it's awesomeness might have shown up better. But - it's still finished and it's still turned out great.

The beaded button works great on the jacket. I made this button back in April and have been waiting for the perfect project. I'd say this jacket is definitely "button worthy."

There's really a large black snap to close the jacket. The button is strictly decorative. When you're that pretty, your sole purpose in life should be to simply hang around and look pretty.

NO SUN BUT PHOTOS

2011-10-27T10:40:00.000-04:00

The sun never did come out yesterday afternoon but it did stop raining ... for a few minutes. I didn't START any of these but they were all finished yesterday.

A little Autumn Blessings wall hanging. It's only 18" x 22", a simple panel with sashing. It'll look nice hanging in my small bathroom.

A tablecloth/topper, measures 40" square. Starlyn pieced it.

I did a little HQ Prostitcher in the center and free-motioned the borders.

And ... my guild did a block lottery called: Celebration! My friend Elfreida won a set of blocks. She pieced them together and I quilt it. This quilt will be headed to Georgetown Hospital Pediatric Cancer Ward.

It's really fun fabric and will hopefully brighten up some young person's day.

My purple batik sweatshirt jacket is almost done ... just a little bit more handsewing on the binding.

BEST INTENTIONS

2011-10-26T14:04:00.000-04:00

Early today, when the sun was shining and it was a clear, crisp, LOVELY autumn morning, I headed to the dungeon to finish up several things. My best intentions? ... a blog post with great photos and an afternoon knitting on the porch.

BUT ...

when I can up from the sewing room ... it was raining. I have things to show but I need to be out in my backyard to take "fence photos" and it's raining. Hopefully, it will stop soon. The quilt I posted about yesterday (on the frame) is done and going home to it's owner tonight. I have a couple of other things to show too.

In the meantime ...

Here's something I quilted last week for a customer ...

A simple all-over pattern on a very soft flannel quilt. The back is flannel too. Someone will be VERY snuggly this winter!

WHAT A DAY!

2011-10-25T14:48:00.000-04:00

What a day it's already been!

1. Completed my Leftober challenge - was too tired last night to finish the one thumb.

I don't really "get" fingerless gloves ... seems like if my hands are cold, then my fingers would be cold too.

2. Went to 2 banks ... yes, 2, I know, it's weird.

3. Loaded this on the Handiquilter - will wait until tomorrow to quilt it.

4. Went to the MVA (in MD we don't have a DMV, we have an MVA) and renewed my driver's license. I only spent 20 mintues waiting!

5. Finished the parts to this jacket, which will be awesome when it's done!

6. Treated myself to this ...

7. Ran to Joann's for some lining fabric for the above mentioned jacket.

8. Went to Target to buy a new iron (my stopped working over the weekend), and while at Target, I did a little Christmas shopping. Starbucks is IN Target, isn't that just grand!

9. Got 2 rows done on my Deliah scarf. Would have gotten more done but the wait at MVA was so short.

10. Did a load of laundry.

11. Took Harleigh, the Wonder Dog for a quick walk.

NOW ... I'm eating some leftover pasta salad and contemplating what's next.

KNITTING PROGRESS

2011-10-21T07:08:00.000-04:00

A couple of things have been checked off "the list." You know that list ... the things-to-do list. But it's raining and I can't take my favorite fence photos so I'll do a little show 'n tell on that later.

I joined a challenge with the Knitter's Brewing Company Ravelry group. In honor of Leftober - we had to make something in October with leftover sock yarn.

Here's what I'm workingon ...

I gotta be honest ... I don't really get the whole fingerless gloves thing. If my hands are cold then so are my fingers. But, my girls love them and I had enough yarn to make them.

And, I started a new Mystery KAL (knit along) with She-Knits. The KAL doesn't start until November 2 but we received a bonus surprise ... a KAL before the KAL. I'm a couple of days behind on my start but making progress ...

It's called Deliah and it will be a scarf. Right now it looks like some aquatic creature, but I have hope!

BEE BLOCKS

2011-10-19T15:55:00.000-04:00

My BEE blocks are done!!! D. O. N. E. finshed and completed! I did October AND November and now I'm ALL DONE!

We started in March. We - the 10 women in my quilting bee. Each month we have swapped 20 pieced blocks and 20 fabric squares. They are only 5" square ... yes, the pieced blocks are only 5" square too.

Here's what I've got so far ...

Next month, after I receive the final blocks from everyone else, this is the quilt I will make ...

It's from McCalls Quilting, J/F 2011 issue. Seems like forever ago that we started this project and it's almost a quilt! I'll be retreating with my guild the weekend before Thanksgiving and I plan to put this baby together.

MY LITTLE CUTIE

2011-10-18T21:04:00.000-04:00

Today's list was long ... actually it's still long. I have lots of shop samples to make and tops to quilt and errands to run.

But ...

I also have a daughter who REALLY wants to be Raggedy Ann for Halloween.

And - because I'm the best mom in the whole wide world ... at least according to my youngest daughter, well, at least TODAY, I was the best mom in the whole wide world, I didn't do "the list" today. Instead, I did this ...

Even Harleigh, the Wonder Dog, hardily approved!

Did I mention - my youngest daughter is 30 years old?

Sarah's a HeadStart preschool teacher in Baltimore. She's been searching for a costume and very unhappy with what's available in the Halloween stores - everything was "too slutty." When she got home today from school, I had quite a surprise for her. There was no pattern ... I totally made up the whole thing, even the hat/wig. I stitched yarn to a big circle, then added elastic. Pretty clever, huh? It's not as hot as a full wig. The stockings - Joann's - on sale!

Tomorrow ... back to the list.

FRIDAY FINISH - SORT OF

2011-10-14T12:57:00.000-04:00

I didn't piece this top but I did quilt it - today.

It's been raining for 2 days so I had to take the photos inside. The sun actually JUST came out but the fence is still wet so no outside pictures today.

Love the border on this quilt, kind of unexpected and a great design feature.

This is as good a photo as I can get today.

Guess she got bored with quilt pictures...

AUTUMNAL

2011-10-13T08:14:00.000-04:00

What a weird sounding word ... autumnal. It's one of my favorites.

OK - it was weird to even write that - sorry.

Here's a fun autumn wall hanging panel I quilted this week.

My list for day is really long and it does include a trip to the Post Office to mail some scissors off to a GIVEAWAY WINNER.

I'll be back tomorrow with photos of what I accomplished today.

QUILTER'S QUEST coming

2011-10-11T18:26:00.000-04:00

November 9 - 13 is QUILTER'S QUEST. 10 shops in Maryland and Virginia participate in a shop hop. There are prizes and pins, bags and bragging rights.

Each shop made and will be displaying a quilt designed by Jinny Beyer.

And Sew It Goes made this quilt...

And I did the quilting ...

lots and lots of quilting ...

Each shop is choosing different fabric and making some minor changes. Make plans to join Quilter's Quest next month. If you don't live in this area, you can check out the shops online.

GIVEAWAY NEWS!

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

Life around here for the pets ... oh, so wonderful!

And now - for the giveaway!!

The number generator picked ...

BRIDGET B

Congratulations! Bridget, I'll contact you via e-mail for your address.

MARILYN DOHENY

2011-10-06T06:52:00.000-04:00

Marilyn Doheny came to MY house!

She invented the 9 degree wedge ruler and makes spectacular quilts.

She gave a lecture and trunk show at my guild and I had the pleasue of hosting her. I was so busy admiring the quilts, I only took a couple of photos. (sorry)

The next day, she gave a class - Spectacular Fan Sampler ... and boy, they WERE spectacular! These are the start of several style fans that will someday be a quilt.

I've taken classes with Marilyn in the past and will continue to take them in the future. She's creative and inspiring. Now ... to get these Fans into a quilt ...

2 IN 1 DAY

2011-10-04T11:40:00.000-04:00

WOW ... yes, folks, 2 posts in 1 day! Just had to share.

While taking a quick lunch - peanut butter toast and grapes - I suddenly realized something about myself ... I'm not weird! Just creative? ... maybe?

ok - the lunch might be weird but look at this ...

Today I'm working on 2 projects. I'm quilting this, which I love ...

while I'm piecing this, which I love ...

Could these 2 quilts be more different?

AND ... I'm having a great day, despite my mishap last night - tell you later.

Check out the giveaway on my blog post from this morning.

GIVE AWAY!!

2011-10-04T08:26:00.000-04:00

WOO HOO! It's a giveaway!!

Fast and fun. No muss, no fuss!

Just leave me a comment on this post sometime this week. You don't have to follow me or jump through any hoops, just leave a comment.

And look what I'm giving away ...

Who couldn't use a new pair of scissors?!

How's THAT for a little Trick or Treat!

I'll use the old number generator and pull a winner on Sunday morning. You have until I get my coffee ready on Sunday (probably about 8 a.m.). Those Gingher scissors just might be winging their way to your house next Monday.

I'VE BEEN BUSY

2011-10-03T09:27:00.000-04:00

Hello my bloggy friends!

Where the heck did September go? It's been such a crazy month ... after the non-vacation, life just started happening and I woke up today and realized it's October.

I have been busy. My guild had a Quilt Bingo yesterday. I quilted this for my BEE's contribution ...

My mom requested a quilt! She's never asked me to make a quilt for her. This one is going to friends who recently celebrated their life commitment to each other. They're 70-something and FUN. I think this quilt will be well-received.

Then, I made this one ...

It's a Stack 'n Whack and very colorful. I haven't made this pattern in a LONG time and it was fun seeing how the blocks would turn out. I LOVE the kalideoscope look!

Today I'm nesting ... it's a dreary day, I have a cat sleeping on my lap (makes it hard but not impossible to type), it's chilly and I have the Snuggi! I'm catching up on blog reading and contemplating not moving from this chair all day. But - I do have to move later. Sue Spargo is speaking at a local guild tonight and I'm going!

Come back tomorrow and sign up for a give away. I've been so sporadic with blog posting that I think you all deserve a chance at a prize. Thanks for hanging with me!

LITTLE BLUE BIRD

2011-09-23T07:58:00.000-04:00

Today's pincushion ... a little blue bird. And NO creepy spider!

I quilted a top for Dawn of Spring Water Designs. I do believe it's going in a magazine so I can only show you a little peak. Hop on over to her web store. Dawn has great stuff!

So far, this has been a great week. Busy, busy, busy AT HOME! Catching up and getting stuff done. It's all good!

3 LITTLE PUMPKINS

2011-09-21T09:27:00.000-04:00

Everyone needs a pincushion (or 7). This week I've been making a few different seasonal pincushions.

A little wool + a littl embroidery = a cute little pincushion.

While considering inspiration ... this did NOT make the cut.

THE REST OF THE STORY

2011-09-20T09:03:00.000-04:00

The update to this story ...

I don't "EQ-#", whatever number it is now. I use a pencil and graph paper and waste very little fabric. The border came about because of the left-over triangle cut offs. My quilts tend to evolve as I make them. This one had to start with the outside border and work it's way in. I had a limited amount of striped fabric and I wanted to miter (not great) the corners.

If you're interested in making this quilt, e-mail me and I'll send you the info to purchase the kit (with pattern).

IT'S GOOD TO BE HOME!

2011-09-16T08:36:00.000-04:00

We've decided, we are NOT calling the last 3 weeks our vacation. We were away from home but NOT on vacation ... we did laugh, a lot, because of all the craziness with weather and credit card issues, and carpet cleaning and doctor appointments. And now, I'm home in my snug, dry little house and life is good.

It's a beautiful morning, clear, crisp air. It's sunny and only going to be in the high 60's ... definitely hoping for some outside time today.

We did have a sewy-sighting on our hurri-cation. This is the actual sewing machine that Orvil and Wilbur used to sew the "sails" (wings) for their airplane. We managed a quick visit to the Wright Brothers Museum in Kitty Hawk before being kicked off the Outer Banks.

And just what have I been doing while away? I knitted and felted some slippers. It's a free patter - here - and an easy one too!

And did some hand embroidered embellishment on this skinny runner ...

And, although it doesn't show up too well, I did a lot of hand-work on this ...

I've been busy busy busy, now that I'm home. And it is good to be home!

VACATION UPDATE

2011-09-02T19:31:00.000-04:00

This has been the weirdest vacation we've ever had ...

An earthquake in MD? Who woulda thunk it?

We get evacuated from the Outer Banks after 18 hours. Our friends' wedding got cancelled (rescheduled for 9/17 but NOT at the beach). So we headed south - who goes to Florida to avoid a hurricane? We arrive at my mom's house, a week early - she's thrilled. Cute Husband's credit card gets denied at the grocery store. Seems our card was "flagged" because of questionable charges ... to the tune of $900 in TEXAS. So, card is cancelled.

What do we do next? ...

Go to the "Happiest Place on Earth!"

Where it POURED rain.

It has rained everyday in sunny south Florida, since we arrived. I'm thinking anyday now, there's going to be an invitation for us to visit the drought areas in TX and OK.

In the meantime ... I squared up 98 half-square triangles...

and made LOTS of progress on my sweater.

The Cute Husband is heading home tomorrow to MD. I'm staying in FL. My mom is going to have cateract surgery and needs me. It's good to be needed

My laptop is going home in the car tomorrow and I'll be left with my ipad. I'm not too good at blogging from my ipad so it may be quiet here for another week. But ... I will be back!

IRENE

2011-08-31T21:02:00.000-04:00

Our vacation certainly hasn't turned out as we had planned. BUT ... we managed to avoid the wrath of Irene.

My sister lives in Vermont. They are safe and dry. Their home and property are undamaged. They have a generator.

But ...

much of VT is very damaged.

These are photos she sent me from her phone.

All of these photos are of roads.

Who ever would have thought Vermonters would suffer so much from a tropical storm?!

I can't really complain about my vacation when I look at these photos.

VACATION DAY #1

2011-08-25T22:37:00.000-04:00

My Cute Husband and I are headed off on a 2 week vacation.

Project bags are all set ...

The new car has GREAT cup holders - just perfect for a ball of yarn!

We arrived at our hotel in Kitty Hawk, NC (yes - Outer Banks) at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

And this is pretty much the extent of our beach vacation.

By 8 a.m. we were on our way ... mandatory evacuation. Our vacation has turned into a Hurri-cation. Headed west and then south. Tonight, we're in Daytona. Not sure what comes next ... stay tuned.

EARTHQUAKE

2011-08-23T21:42:00.000-04:00

An earthquake? Is it global warming?

Whoever heard of an earthquake on the East Coast?

This photo would make a little more sense if I had taken one AFTER putting the spools back ... but ...

Here's what I found what I got home today ...

Some fell over but stayed up there, and others fell on the floor ...

Odd things fell - a little basket (but nothing next to it), 2 pincushions (but not the other 25), a couple of wooden boxes (but not the others). I was delivering quilts to the MD State Fairgrounds when the earthquake hit ... I never noticed it. I sure did notice when I got home.

We're facing a pending a hurricane (Irene is on her way). We can prepare for her ... but an earthquake ... very weird.

FRIDAY FINISH

2011-08-19T20:24:00.000-04:00

WOO HOO!

It's always great to have a finish but to have a FRIDAY FINISH ... well, that's just even better.

A husband came into the quilt shop and commissioned this for his wife (who's a marathon runner) for her 50th birthday. I pieced it, Starlyn added the outer borders, I quilted it and Starlyn will bind it. We work well together!

And - once again, the Cute Husband's fingers and feet go down in blogger history.

A STORY FOR YOU

2011-08-18T08:03:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time there was a pile of pretty fabric that really wanted to grow up to be a quilt.

After lots of planning and drawing and figuring and meaursing, the fabric was cut.

Then ... there were 9 (NINE) little piles of 4-patch blocks. NINE ... did you count them?

Any one little pile joined up with some other fabric and became a quilt block.

And after all the planning and drawing and figuring and meaursing ... and throw in some sewing and ripping and resewing some how those NINE little piles did NOT turn into nine quilt blocks.

Don't fret ... a little more sewing (and no ripping!) was accomplished and the center of a quilt was born.

The moral of this story ... after all the planning and drawing and figuring and meaursing (and sewing and ripping and resewing) and you seem to have some leftover pieces (?) ... those are NOT leftover pieces!

WHAT A DAY!

2011-08-16T07:53:00.000-04:00

Why is it we say things like, "it was a typical Monday."? What is it about Mondays? I kind of like Mondays - I love "starts." Monday is the start of a new week.

Yeah - right. Yesterday, Monday ... not so great.

I woke up to torrential rain. It was dark out and rainy, rainy, rainy. My plan was a playdate with my sewing buddies but I really wanted to wait until the rain let up some.

I settled in with hot coffee and some knitting and suddenly the sun came out. I started to gather up my sewing stuff and it started pouring rain again. I'm talking - buckets!

I moved on to my sewing room and started playing with these. It's Monday - why not start something new!

It stopped raining (again), so I grabbed my stuff and jumped in the car ... only to realize that I needed gas. As in - the "needs gas" light is on; I headed straight to the gas station. $53.00 later - I have a full tank of gas,

AND ...

wait for it ...

a dead battery!

And ... because a long time ago, we had 2 teenaged female drivers in the house ... I have (and have never needed nor used) AAA. While waiting (and waiting) for help - I just happened to have some handsewing with me and got a lot done on my Sue Spargo class project.

Michael, from AlleyCat Towing to the rescue. 2 hours (and $125) later, the battery is replaced, car is full of gas, it's not raining, the sun is out and it's about 8000 degrees and I'm "glowing."

After all that - I deserved a treat.

Back home to wash up/change clothes and I decided that maybe, just maybe - I was supposed to stay home and I did.

I worked on a new quilt design and made 3 (of the 9) blocks.

So ... moral of this LONG story ...

sometimes Mondays are Mondays ... and that can be a good thing or not.

PROGRESS

2011-08-13T09:38:00.000-04:00

Carpet cleaning and then the needed housecleaning can really cut into fun stuff like sewing and knitting and blogging. That's what we've been doing this week and it's almost done!

I have managed a little hooky business in the evenings. Donna gave me this cute little spring-loaded tote.

And it's the perfect size to hold my new crocheted sweater. This is the progress part of this blog post:

In between loads of laundry, dusting, and waiting for portions of the carpet to dry, I made this wall-hanging. It's a Sandy Gervais pattern but I couldn't resist changing it up a bit and making it more folk-arty.

I can't imagine ever going a whole week without some sort of fiber in my hands ... and I don't mean carpet fiber. By the way ... did you notice how nice the carpet looks under my partial sweater? The Cute Husband is in competition with the Stanley Steamer guy!

PS ... please don't notice that I put the center left side border squares in the wrong place - thank you so much for not mentioning it. It's amazing what you don't see until you take a photo and blog about it.

ANOTHER START

2011-08-08T20:45:00.000-04:00

A "FINISH" is a great thing. What a sense of accomplishment to have a project D.O.N.E.

But a "START" ... there's something so exciting about starting a new project. I tend to have a few more starts than finishes.

Yesterday just felt like a START DAY.

This yarn is so pretty. The sequines are spun right into the yarn. I'm using some with and some without the Bling.

It's going to be a sleeveless top. The front and back get started, then joined at the underarm. Here's my Sunday progress ...

Here's my Monday morning fix ...

Yep ... took a pair of scissors, took a deep breath, cut each side and unravelled the join. I've now rejoined the 2 pieces without the extra 15 stitches on each side. I'm a pretty "healthy" woman but that top was going to fit me AND the Cute Husband - together. He just doesn't look good in sequins.

Lesson learned ... use the correct hook when crochetting ... size does matter.

LAST ONE ... AGAIN

2011-08-06T10:21:00.000-04:00

Not my last blog post ... heaven forbid!

My late Christams sample ... maybe,

at least for now.

It's from the book Schnibbles Times 2, made from a charm pack and a little extra fabric.

Although it's small (33" x 33"), I still had to piece the back, but that only gave me more width not length. Then I cut a diagonal, moved one side down a bit, squared it off and ... a big enough back. I've seen/heard of this technique but never tried it. It gave the back a great look.

I did an all-over free motion design of poinsettias and holly - not bad, if I do say so myself!

Maybe it's the heat ...if I make Christmas quilts and knitted scraves and sweaters ... I feel cooler.

or - it could be the AC.

FRIDAY FINISH

2011-08-05T11:25:00.000-04:00

WOO HOO ... not a sewing a finish but it's still a finish ...

I bought this silk/wool yarn a couple of years ago at Six Loose Ladies and Friends. It's a fiber co-op in Vermont. Didn't really know what the heck I would do with it and now I do. It's a pretty and oh-so-soft curly scarf. When it's 100 degrees outside, it makes a lot of sense to stay inside and knit a scarf.

AND ... TA-DAH ...

Here's my friend Ruth's quilt all quilted. She'll be putting the binding on but I thought it looked just right on MY bed ... at least for a few minutes.

I love the simplisity of folk-art.

I think I've said that before.

ONE BLOCK DONE

2011-08-04T16:35:00.001-04:00

As promised - here's my first (of 3) blocks from my Sue Spargo class ...

The color of the background fabric is SO blue and SO pretty.

I'm not terribly knowledgable about fabric. This is raw silk ... I thought it was burlap.

Thankfully, I didn't say it too loud!

The kit included lots of wool, some cotton, a little velvet and a little silk (raw silk, NOT burlap). It also had lots of embellishments - some beads, some couching threads and ricrac.

Today ... I'm quilting a large quilt. Ruth's quilts are just so lovely. I love folk-art designs.

SUE SPARGO

2011-08-03T08:07:00.000-04:00

While at Quilt Odyssey, last Thursday, I took an all-day class with Sue Spargo. There aren't enough complimentary words to describe her work.

The simplisity of shapes may be humble, but the embellishment is far from humble.

Her samplers are works in progress ... many threads, many stitches

Each of her quilts has so much to look at and admire. Sue takes folk art to a whole new level!

Seems like I never did take a picture of the class project, "Red Clover" - sorry about that. I finished one block and have started #2. Tomorrow - photos, I promise.

ON THE ROAD TO QO

2011-08-02T07:42:00.000-04:00

Donna and I headed off last weekend to Hershey, PA for our annual trip to Quilt Odyssey. Along the way we made a slight detour into Intercourse and Bird-in-Hand. These 2 small towns pack in a LOT of quilting.

Among other places, we made a stop here ...

The shop is in the basement of the house. Along the driveway are beautiful flowers. In the yard, clothes line is strung and quilts hang on display.

Lots of quilts hang on display.

Lots and lots of quilts hang on display.

It was like going to a quilt show on the way to a quilt show ... such a lovely surprise!

This was hanging on the door of one of the shops ...

For once, we were very restrained. I only bought 4 yards of fabric from the various shops where we stopped. And then we arrived at Quilt Odyssey.

Donna did a wonderful job telling the story of Hershey Lodge and the show. Go HERE and read it. My camera managed to stay in the bag for most of the weekend.

SCRAPPY VS SCRAPPY

2011-07-28T00:14:00.000-04:00

When is a scrappy quilt really a scrappy quilt?

Wow ... ok, is that too profound?

I was thinking about scrappy quilts lately ... actually, I'm always thinking about scrappy quilts because scrappy quilts are my favorite kind of quilt.

My quilt bee made this quilt for our guild's Quilt Bingo. 10 women contributing strips of fabric from their stash. We did have a "color feel" and specifics on the neutrals but it's definitely scrappy.

The background of this quilt is scrappy but it's "controlled scrappy" and the blooming roses - very scrappy.

This quilt is made from scraps but the fabrics aren't scrappy because they are regularly repeated, specifically chosen and kitted from the same fabric line. I would say that although made from scraps ... not scrappy.

This one ... lots of variety for the kitties but not scrappy. Too darn cute, though!

This one is called, "Big Quilt of Many 2" Squares," a true scrappy quilt. Although slightly controlled in color (autumnal), after cutting a gajillion 2" squares and a million 2x4" rectangles, I pretty much just pulled from a bag and started making 4-patches and it grew from there.

This one - not scrappy. It was 20 different fat quarters, it's a scrappy look but it was planned out.

My Christmas Tree quilt - definitely scrappy. The trees are scrappy and the strippy blocks are scrappy. Another quilt that was made by pulling fabrics out of a bag and sewing whatever came next.

I'm heading off to Quilt Odyssey in Hershey, PA for the rest of the week/weekend. I haven't figured out how to add photos to my blog from my ipad. I'll catch up on Monday. See ya!!

FINISHED IS A GOOD FEELING

2011-07-26T08:05:00.000-04:00

This quilt was free!

Pure and simple ...

No money was spent in the making of this quilt.

All the parts were made from left-over pieces of another quilt project. Thanks, Donna - pinwheels for the corners - GREAT idea.

Even the back ... pieced from leftovers. The batting pieced from leftovers. Binding ... yep, leftovers.

Here's a close-up of the quilting. I free-motioned an all over design ... not really swirls. Hmmm - any thoughts on what I can call this quilting design?

DONE!

Can't beat that feeling.

Free

Priceless!

KNITTING FRENZY

2011-07-25T14:01:00.000-04:00

What's that saying?

"Time flies when you're having fun!"

And I have been having fun. Working some, sewing some, quilting some, cooking some ... and knitting.

Finished these anklets for my sister (Goofy 1). I started them, restarted them, put them away, got them back out and finally finished them. She's not getting them until Christmas. Check that off the list.

I started a curly scarf for ... ME! I bought this yarn a couple of years ago (in VT) and finally found a project to use it. It's so soft and a really quick knit.Although I did have to cast on 648 stitches to start.

AND ... another re-found friend. This is, or rather - will be, a sweater. I started this a couple of years ago, before I really knew what I was doing with knitting needles. I switched patterns mid-stream ... not such a good idea, started the back, got stuck, started a front piece, wasn't doing it correctly, reverse knitted parts of it (rip-it rip-it rip-it), put it away - far away, and finally ... this week ... got it back out, got reorganized and I think I might actually know what I'm doing now!

Quilting blog/photos tomorrow!

ON MY DESIGN WALL

2011-07-18T18:14:00.000-04:00

Remember when I made this and there were leftover bits?

I figured some average size measurements of some of the chunks and made this ...

Originally I was thinking I'd go rectangluar but it just didn't work as well. So now - tabletopper, maybe?

There were also several (16) cut-off triangles that I sewed together and squared up but I don't think they're going to make into this project ... HURRAY! I'm going to get 2 additional little quilts from this!

This is what I have left to work with ...

My goal is to NOT add any additonal fabric. All this was leftovers from a kit and it's all I plan to use for the tops of hopefully 2 more small quilts.

I couldn't resist ... one more of Harleigh, the Wonder Dog, playing at the Dog Beach.

A VERY PLEASANT SUNDAY

2011-07-17T21:45:00.000-04:00

My daughter and I took Harleigh, the Wonder Dog to the dog beach. How fun! It's a small sandy beach for dogs (and their parents) to play.

Harleigh LOVES the water. Boxers can't swim very well, but that she didn't stop her from having too much fun!

I finished this baby afghan last week and finally got around to taking a photo. This was a fast crocheted project. I need 2 baby gifts in the near future and thought a "non-quilt" might be a surprise.

And - the back of this quilt shows up so well. I free-motion quilted flowers and leaves on my friend Marion's quilt.

The quilting shows up a bit on the front but GREAT on the back.

I think Harleigh will sleep well tonight!

NEW FRIEND

2011-07-16T19:50:00.000-04:00

This is Athena and this is Athena's very first quilt.

She did a great job on her "Yellow BrickRoad". And ... she's been bitten by the quilting bug! She's already started working on her "Garden Star" quilt using the TriRecs ruler. She's hooked!!

My Christmas samples are now on display at And Sew It Goes (quilt shop in Savage, MD). Molly (my coworker) is also a new quilter and she's already very prolific. She made the 2 red samples here. She's also made several others,including a full size quilt.

And this ...

This is called "House on the Hill" by Jan Patek. It wasn't designed to be a Christmas quilt but I used a charm pack and a jelly roll from Moda called: Count Down to Christmas. It turned out festive without screaming, "HO HO HO."

I love the folk art look.

OLD FRIENDS

2011-07-15T20:12:00.000-04:00

My friend Ruth made this quilt ...

I quilted it. I loved quilting it. And I love this quilt.

I love all the scrappy fabrics.

I have most (maybe all?) these fabrics.

It was like spending the afternoon with old friends. Who doesn't love spending time with old friends?!!

SPINNING

2011-07-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Sunday I took a class for Beginner Spinners. It was very humbling. How can something that looks SO easy on a YouTube video make you feel like you're all thumbs?

Or maybe make you feel like you have NO thumbs ... which is what Diva is thinking!

I spun the red/pink during the class and then came home and spun the brown. I'll save all this because someday (when I'm old), I'll get it out and realize just how much better I am at spinning. At least that's what I'm hoping!

This wheel did come home with me but it's a rental. For $25, I get the pleasure of finding out if this whole spinning thing is really for me.

A PURPLE QUILT

2011-07-11T19:39:00.001-04:00

Fellow guild member (and in my Bee) and friend - Misty put together 12 orphan blocks into a VERY pretty purple quilt. And I quilted it.

This block has 3D pinwheels ... VERY careful quilting around them.

This one had an intricate little border.

The blocks were all different and all went together so nicely.

Get out your orphans and let them play together ... you might be surprised to find out - you've got a whole quilt just sitting there waiting for a little attention.

A LITTLE SUNDAY HUMOR

2011-07-10T12:53:00.000-04:00

OK - first a little laugh ...

Now - the back story ... The Cute Husband was in southern Maryland on business last week; he had to meet a guy. He called me and said, "I'm in LaPlata, at Starbucks, waiting for a guy. Guess what I can see out the window." I blunted out, "MATERIAL GIRLS!"

Just so you know - Material Girls is a large quilt shop with the funnest, brightest fabric and the nicest staff. It's also the ONLY place in LaPlata that I know so it was an easy guess.

The Cute Husband called to ask if I wanted him to stop and buy me something!! He's a keeper - for sure. I asked him to go in and "buy one yard of laminated fabric, sort of like a plastic tablecloth, just ask, they'll help you." He did. They did.

And I made my sister, Goofy 1, a hat and a little bag. She participates in PaddlePower in August. Kyaking on the Connecticut River in VT to raise money for suicide prevention. Last year is rained and she wore a trash bag. THIS year ... she's have a cute new hat that's water resistent and a little bag to keep her camera dry.

Trying to get a good picture of the hat wasn't an easy task.

Rocky wanted NO part of this activity at all ... thank you very much.

Always ready, Harleigh, the Wonder Dog, just KNEW hanging out with me could be fun!

And - there might be treats!

The hat? A very easy, very FREE tutorial! Check it out. Thank you Lorenna Buck for a great pattern.

PROGRESS? not!

2011-07-08T12:07:00.000-04:00

To start my adventure into spinning, I got this stuff from Starlyn ...

After a bit of struggle and MANY YouTube videos later ... I actually got something on the spindle. (not the green yarn, the gray stuff)

Here is it off the spindle and wound around the seat of my high chair. It's a beautiful high chair, a family heirloom. I could go on and on about the high chair - it's much nicer than the yarn I spun.

BUT - I did get yarn spun!

For a very brief minute, I thought I'd switch to the "good stuff".

Not so pretty ...

But - I'm not giving up. I did manage to spin all the gray and next I'm going to do the brown. Then - I have to ply. OK - just typing that made me sweat. PLY ... I have to watch more videos.

BACKYARD FENCE

2011-07-07T07:15:00.000-04:00

The backyard fence has become my best showcase for quilts. When I'm home alone and need to take a photo, this works great. The Cute Husband is VERY helpful holding quilts for me, but ... he does have a day job.

Won't it be really cool to actually have this painted on the fence?

This little quilt belongs to my friend Sheila. She made it for her sister and I quilted it.

The crape myrtle is blooming - almost as pretty as fence quilts.

Tomorrow, I'm going to share some photos of my attempts at spinning ... be prepared to laugh.

SPINNING ... OUT OF CONTROL

2011-07-06T11:10:00.000-04:00

My friend Starlyn bought this kit 3 years ago.

And decided maybe this just wasn't for her.

Soooo - because I don't have a zillion other projects to start and/or finish - I thought I'd give it a try. Using a drop spindle isn't so easy. Or - maybe it's MY spinning that isn't so good. I watched MANY YouTube videos and read the instructions that came with the spindle and gave it my best shot. The green is for comparision - it's lovely sock yarn from Knitters Brewing Company.

Then - I made a trip to a local yarn shop that has b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l wool ...

I'm a firm believer in a simple fact ... if you don't know HOW, it's better to have MORE!

A GOOD DAY

2011-07-05T19:25:00.000-04:00

Another Christmas sample done! I'm keeping this one. The photo color isn't great but the blues and browns are sew pretty together.

This morning was spent working in the garden. It was hot out there but I started (and finished) early.

Moved a few things around, added some transplants from a friend and pulled a few weeds.

Harleigh, the Wonder Dog, kept me company.

A hot day in the summer garden sure does beat a cool day in ANY office!

FROM ONE COMES ANOTHER

2011-07-02T09:18:00.000-04:00

Last month I made these blocks ...

Actually, I made this whole quilt ...

And like often happens, there were leftover bits and pieces. So ... I started a new project from these leftovers and it will soon be a new wallhanging. Maybe for the bathroom?

PS ... I managed to take out the seams in yesterdays botched pants - there were THREE seams - I sewed the back leg in upside down AND topstitched it on BOTH sides of the seam ... then realized my mistake. It will be pants by the end of the weekend.

2 FORWARD, 1 BACK

2011-07-01T08:39:00.000-04:00

First there was this ...

Then there was this ...

Then ...

After making 15 pairs of pants, guess I got a little cocky ... I just had to walk away.

CHRISTMAS? YES, REALLY!

2011-06-30T09:06:00.000-04:00

Yes, really ... this week, I made 3 Christmas wall-hangings.

This one has a ring of teeny gold beads surrounding the candle flame.

This one is a pattern I made up with a charm pack and 2 background fabrics ... fast and cute.

And ... the jolly 'ol guy himself ...

Today - NOT Christmas!

FABRIC TUESDAY

2011-06-28T15:24:00.000-04:00

Click on the FABRIC TUESDAY button and check out what's happening over at QuiltStory ... they always have lots of inspiration!

Christmas samples are in progress - 1 is completely finished, 1 is mostly finished and 1 is 1/2 finished.

The 1/2 finished one would be completely finished but I had a bit of a "fabric malfunction" ... twice. I cut a piece wrong, went back to the shop to get another piece, got it, lost it, had to go BACK again and got a new piece and found the lost piece. So ... I decided to put Christmas on hold for another day.

So, I quilted this top ...

This isn't my quilt but I did quilt it. LOVE the orange and brown and blue together.

She just wanted a simple over-all stars and loops pattern. It really shows up on the back.

The quilting was easy. The challenge? Using this premade binding.

I've never used this stuff before and it would never be my choice for binding BUT - it was actually very easy to use, once I figured out the placement and needle position. It's a LOT wider than what I would typically use for binding.

It worked and another finished quilt has been born!

DOING WHAT I LOVE

2011-06-27T13:58:00.000-04:00

Deadlines help keep me moving, staying on task and getting stuff done

... but ...

deadlines mean "have to" sort of sewing.

And that's not always fun.

I have NO deadlines pending and NO "have to" sewing waiting!!

I'm back doing what I want and loving it. This morning I quilted a Wounded Warrior quilt for a guild friend.

Product Update ... still using and still loving Glide thread.

It has a shine to it, is strong and not linty ... what's not to love?!

I blogged about these Regina Leader grips. I wasn't sure if I like them. Well, I do! It was money well spent. I really like how easy it is to load a quilt. They snap on (and off) quickly and hold the quilt tightly. I'm still not happy with the initial installation but once that's done, it never has to be done again. I would definitely recommend the purchase of these.

Mid-day break is over ... back to the sewing room. Can you believe it? I'm making some Christmas wall hangings? That + the AC + a fan ... helps keep me cool.

PS ... I was asked where the owl pincushion pattern came from ... Fons and Porter, Love of Quilting, Nov/Dec 2010.

FRIDAY FINISH

2011-06-25T14:33:00.000-04:00

The profile ... over there on the right ... says, "I'm a quilter, who knits." What the heck?! I've been making way too many garments lately. I don't even LIKE making clothes. I'd much rather be making quilts. But ...

Pants and sundresses have been coming out of my sewing room A LOT.

I'm done (I think) with clothes (for now) ... how's that for being definite!

My beautiful hydrangas are really showing off this summer.

The 3 bushes have sort of merged ... lavender and shades of pink.

Oh so pretty!

My daugher (#2) stayed with a friend last night. Harleigh, the Wonder Dog, was lonely. She thought it would be a good idea to wake me up at 6 a.m. After a quick potty, poor Harleigh was exhausted and needed a nap ... and so did I.

THURSDAY?

2011-06-23T08:25:00.000-04:00

Thursday? It's already Thursday? How did THAT happen?

The week has just flown by and I haven't really accomplished too much. I did finish this orphan quilt ...

There's a little yellow flange that looks wavy - it is. I intentionally flipped it back and forth while quilting. Not sure I love the look but I thought the blue needed a bit of color separation. This orphan was a real challenge. There weren't a lot of completed blocks, just bits and pieces. Not bad overall!

And ... because I'm such a glutton for stress - here's the next set of projects I'm going to do ...

In case you didn't notice - yes, that's Christmas fabric you're looking at! I'm going to make a few shop samples for And Sew It Goes. My "have to" sewing isn't finished but, what the heck ... why not add in some Christmas sewing?!

AND ... I thought I might like to try my hand at using a drop spindle. My friend Starlyn (who owns but doesn't use this piece of equipment) will be away for the month of July. I'm borrowing it and have a month to master it.

Today isn't a sewing day (much like the rest of this week) - errands and a little grandkid babysitting, but first ...

I'm finshing my coffee! These cute and large (YAY!) mugs were a gift from my friend Terri. She thought several quilting lessons (most via the phone!) earned me a present. Isn't she sweet! Another example - it's great hanging around people who "get you."

FATHER'S DAY

2011-06-19T12:41:00.000-04:00

My Dad lives in heaven now. He went April 24, 2009.

He almost made it to 91.

I know he was wearing his SuperMan cape when he left us.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

KNIT IN PUBLIC WEEK

2011-06-17T16:01:00.000-04:00

In honor of "Knit in Public Week", Daughter #2 and I took Harleigh, the Wonder Dog, to the dog park today ... and we crocheted.

OK - we didn't knit but it WAS yarn!

Silly boys were showing off for the pretty girl dog.

AND ... 12 orphan Christmas blocks are now a quilt.

FRIDAY FINISH

2011-06-17T06:51:00.000-04:00

After the disasterous start to my day yesterday, things did turn around a bit. I actually managed to handle sharp implements without drawing blood!

OOPS ... almost forgot - full disclosure - I did manage to cut some directional fabric upside down. Sister #2's sundress is now on hold. Sew - I moved on from the list of "need to" and on to the list of "want to."

I made my mom a new purse.

She requested bright summery fabrics. I found this great FREE pattern for a messenger bag. The tutorial was very well done. I added a little bling.

There are inside and outside pockets and zippered closure (under the flap). I changed up the zipper a bit, didn't use a separating zipper and I liked the look better. Otherwise, I followed her instructions and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

Oh yeah ... I did change the handle a bit too. My mom wanted a longer "across the body" handle but I also know that she will often carry her purse on her arm. Sew - I made it easily adjustable.

Perhaps today I will go back to my "list", make my mom her nightgowns, add in the coasters and mail the whole thing off to her. I am such a good daughter!

WINDSHIELD OR BUG

2011-06-16T09:33:00.000-04:00

Fear not ... I'm home safe. It is 9:23 right now and I've already had a full (and unproductive) day. Here are the highlights:

1. Woke up at 5:30 and could NOT get back to sleep
2. Ice maker is broken - ice coffee is lukewarm coffee
3. Headed out to post office, got there at 8:45, they don't open until 9:00
4. No problem ... scoot next door to the grocery store for Father's Day card and Twizzlers (Cute Husband's favorite candy). There were NO $5 Friday Specials ... I LOVE the $5 Friday Specials. I ask the deli lady and she politely tells me that tomorrow there will be $5 Friday Specials - they don't do them on Thursdays.
No cash - how did THAT happen? OK then, my store has my bank and an ATM - it was soooooo slow but it did give me $$. I apologize to the man waiting in line behind me ... his toothless response, "no problem honey, I got nothing to do today." ... but I do!!
5. Run to the salon for my 9:00 nail appointment ... which actually isn't until 10:30 ... next week.
6. Forgot my phone. Not that I have to call anyone but I hate not having it.
7. Glove box in my car fell out. Door just opened and fell and everything landed on the floor.

It is now 9:30 a.m. ... maybe I should go back to bed.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE'S TOO MUCH TO DO

2011-06-15T22:04:00.000-04:00

When you have a gazillion things to do ... where do you start? Do you start?

I have to make 2 nightgowns for my mom, another pair of pants for Daughter #2 (and a sundress), a sundress for my sister (Goofy 2), swap blocks and bee blocks (similiar but not the same), a couple of orphan tops to quilts, a couple of orphans quilts to make, a baby afghan started - baby due in October, P.L.E.N.T.Y of time, 3 single socks with no sole mates and that's just what's on the NOW list.

So, Sew ... what did I do today?

I made some coasters.

Starlyn gave me a bag of leftover strips (pretty batiks) and Teresa gave me some leftover cotton clothesline - because they love me and because they know I do stuff with leftovers.

There were enough strips for 5 fabric-wrapped coasters.

Then I made some ice coffee and tried out the coasters - they work great!

MORE RETREAT

2011-06-15T08:06:00.000-04:00

Starlyn made this really cute kid quilt ...

It's an alphabet quilt with fun animals.

Everybody made a coffee can "catch-all." LOTS of pockets!

Cappy made each of us a notebook cover ... personalized.

The best part? ... a graph paper tablet inside.

Then ... when it got late and we were tired and silly ... we made owl pincushions. Teresa, who lives on the self proclamed "Funny Farm" made the one in the middle. After she went to bed, someone (?) thought her owl needed cowboy boots and a lasso.

If you look really close, you can see the needle felted "BEE" that Teresa made each of us. And of course - each owl got a "BEE" button.

I love my sewing buddy retreats!

BLUE MOUNTAIN RETREAT

2011-06-14T07:28:00.000-04:00

Twice a year I go on a weekend retreat with my sewing buddies. We call ourselves the Quarter Bees ... because we really try hard to get together 4 times a year ... a couple of sewing days and a couple of weekends.

For the weekends, we go to the Blue Mountain Retreat Center in western Maryland. It's a GREAT place to go - quiet, functional, not too far away, but far enough away from home responsibilites.

It's in the woods with lots of pretty flowers all around. Each morning a deer wandered through the yard.

On the second day (we went for 4 days) - we had our own little quilt show. These were UFO's and now they're finished quilt tops!

Cappy finished a couple of orphan quilts, Tara finished a baby quilt, Teresa finished a baby quilt and a Hunter Star.

I finished my Pat Sloan, Walk in the Moonlight quilt.

Throw in a little laughing, a little knitting and a lot of eating ... that's what a quilt retreat is all about!

ANOTHER FINISHED ORPHAN

2011-06-13T12:33:00.000-04:00

Look what I just did!

My friend Elfrieda (fellow guild member and Bee member) found a home for 12 orphan blocks and I quilted it this morning.

She made a fun scrappy backing and I free-motioned meandered butterflies in a bright yellow thread.

It turned out really sweet.

It's a beautiful summer day - sunny, mid-70's, no humidity.

It's a "makes my heart sing" kind of day.

UPDATES

2011-06-09T08:12:00.000-04:00

I was in Florida for a few days ... no sewing. When I visit my mom, I knit and help her sort out stuff - files, computer, TV settings, etc. And we eat out ... all the time!

But when I get home ...

My needle-felted flock is growing ...

And - still playing with some orphans ...

Today - I'm off again. Retreating with 5 sewing buddies and we will be SEWINGSEWINGSEWING. I'll be back next week with photos!

ORPHANS HAVE A HOME!

2011-06-01T15:33:00.000-04:00

The orphan blocks (you can see the pile of blocks here) that I took home from my guild meeting last week are no longer orphans! None of these 15" blocks started out that big. I received 4", 6", 9" and 12" blocks. I cut some the blocks into smaller pieces and added in a little extra fabric here and there. Some needed a bit of a "frame" and then I squared them all up to 15" ... because I have that size ruler. A little sashing and a border ...

TA DAH!!

I free-motion quilted a feather border and did a simple meander in the center.

It's a little easier to see on the back.

This quilt will go to Andrews Air Force Base to be given to a wounded soldier.

What a great feeling ... orphan blocks get used, a quilt gets finished, a soldier gets a little love.

PANTS - LOTS OF PANTS

2011-05-31T13:36:00.000-04:00

Part of yesterday and this morning I sewed ... nothing usual about that. But I wasn't sewing little bits of fabric together into bigger bits and ultimately into quilts.

I sewed pants.

Five pairs of pants.

Only four pairs made into the photo - I was wearing the first pair.

This is the pattern I use and I've used it a LOT - elastic waist with pockets (my favorite!). As of today, I've made 15 pairs of pants, using this pattern, over the last 7 years. Regular length, capri length, just below the knee, dressy and casual. I tried shorts but that totally didn't work.

I've tweaked this pattern a bit - shortened the rise, widened the legs, added different types of pockets, used different types of fabric - linen, velvet, poplin, denim, even quilting cotton.

It takes exactly ONE hour of sewing to make a pair of pants. It took a little longer for the flowered pair ... I put the pockets on wrong ... twice. Two of these are for daughter #2 and I've made a couple pairs for Goofy Sister #1. They haven't ALL been for me, sometimes I share.

ORPHANS FIND A HOME

2011-05-30T08:15:00.000-04:00

Southern Comforters of Bowie is my quilt guild. The theme of our meeting last week was: Orphans Need Homes. Folks brought in orphan blocks of all shapes, colors, patterns - finished and unfinished stuff.

We spent some time putting some orphans together into families and then we adopted them out.

This is the pile that came home to live at my house ...

I cut up a few blocks, rearranged some of the pieces, added a little here and there and so far ... 6 completed 15" blocks. I need 3 more, a little sashing and border ... orphans no more!

When finished - this will become a quilt for a Wounded Soldier.

Thank you to my fellow veterans who served proudly in our armed forces. Happy Memorial Day!

GOOD MAIL DAY

2011-05-29T09:39:00.000-04:00

Look what came in the mail for me ...

AND ... look what was in this beautiful spring fabric basket ...

The chocolate didn't arrive already open and 1/2 eaten ... that happened before I took the picture. Thank you to Christine (owenjulesmommy on Flickr). She was a GREAT swap partner!! If you don't already, you really should be reading Quilting Gallery. Michelle hosts great swaps and contests and other really fun stuff.

PS - I don't know what the Blogger problem was but I finally just signed out and signed back in and all was right with my world.

ROAD TRIP PROJECT BAG

2011-05-28T07:55:00.000-04:00

Because I can't figure out how to get new photos posted into my blog ... for some reason it hasn't worked for me in 2 days ... I can't show my FRIDAY FINISH quilt. What a drag! I had such a busy, productive week.

I did find a "draft" post that I never finished and never posted. It contained 1 picture ...

This was my project bag for our trip to TN.

1. I finished the second sock (lower right) - birthday gift for the youngest daughter

2. I took apart the shawl (middle) - ran out of original yarn and didn't like the substitute. It's now 3/4 done in a new pattern that will work with the original yarn - gift for my mother

3. Made one sock (upper left) and will make the other next month - socks for me.

I only actually did #1 on the trip. The rest has been done since we got home. I knit during evening TV time. The Cute Husband LOVES cop dramas ... we watch them all.

Sorry no finished quilts, no beautiful roses, no pets, no mess ... maybe tomorrow.

HELP

2011-05-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

What's up with blogger ... I can't load photos?

How am I supposed to do my big FRIDAY FINISH?

A NEW PROJECT

2011-05-26T09:13:00.000-04:00

FLAIR FIESTA by G.E. Designs

It starts with panel blocks, some kept whole and some cut into quarters. The cut part ends up in the corners of the block. Hopefully tomorrow I'll have the top done for a big "Friday Finish"

Here's the block ...

A very cool way to make the pieced part ... sort of a star within a star. Start with an hour-glass block, fabric placement is important.

Add a square in the corner, sew diagonally, trim and press.

Do that for both sides, on top of the printed fabric (not the background fabric).

You need 4 of these to make the star block. Only problem? The directions are for exact cuts. I really prefer to cut a little bigger and square-up after sewing. I'm going to play around with this block so I can get the measurements that will leave a little "fudge" room.