Quilts and Pieces

Just a few Christmas Projects

2011-11-28T14:43:00.000-08:00

Been away for a month or so, and probably not much to post in the next month or two. But I thought I would quickly share what I"ve been working on for Christmas gifts (and some for me). Above is this really fun iron carrier/pressing mat! Folded up it carries your iron. Open it up and you have a portable ironing mat! The pattern is from here.

Then I"ve made a few fancy pin holders. I got these pretty little porcelein dishes at an antique shop. Put power magnets on the bottom and you have a pretty magnetic pin dish! (I need to hot glue the magnets on the bottom yet. But I got the idea online, so just search around you and will probably find some tutorials or examples such as here.

Then I heard about these cool stilletto's at a quilt retreat from a local quilt shop. They are antique small spoons cut off and made into little stilletto's. I tried one at the retreat and let me tell you - it works nice! And feels so good in your hand - and pretty too!

Some Antique Quilts from the show

2011-11-01T21:44:00.003-07:00

And last but not least a few of the Antique Quilts on display at from the show.

A few of my quilts

2011-10-30T21:36:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share a few of the quilts I put in the show. Things are slow in the quilting department right now, so at least I can show you some inspiration.

And even more Eye Candy

2011-10-26T19:39:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share some of my favorites from the quilt show. Above is a quilt by Heather that I thought was absolutely funny! It is so cute!

This great Stack N Whack was made by Judi. I love seeing how all the blocks look so different.

This one is by my friend Joan. It is Charity Crosses from the Moda Bake Shop. Of course it is done in 30's fabrics!

And I always love a Carpenter's Wheel. I"ve had this pattern for ages and just never have made it. Guess I had better get to it! Pam's version may just make me dig that pattern out again.

And check this one out - isn't it great! Those log cabins are teeny tiny, let me tell you. Mary did an awesome job on it don't you think!

And how about Mary's Round Robin quilt. I fell in love with it!

And who doesn't love brown and blue in little quilts. This is Hilda's Wyoming Star.

A little about this beauty. I made a mystery for our guild several years ago. Jeanne finished hers this year. I love how it turned out. It was roughly based from the book "Bears Paw Plus: Make New Tracks with Sampler Blocks" by Pat Syta. Mine has been done for year except the quilting. Need to get that one finished!

And another quilt that has been on my to do list.... Mary's To Grandmothers House

Had to share Lois' Dinner for the Family. That is all paper pieced.

And this is Rose's Winter Wonderland. I have about 1/2 of the blocks for mine done. But it is slow going for me. This gives me inspiration to get mine done!

And look at Susan's Jungle Rain. Simple yet striking!

And another one from Joan in 30's! She calls this Lemon Delight. You should see it in person - it really sings.

And Lois' "My Wishful Garden". I love these Jacobean like florals.

And here is Nann's Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt - Roll Roll Cotton Boll

More Eye Candy

2011-10-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Thought I would share some more eye candy from our show with you. Give you a peek at some of the other ribbon winners from the NQA judging. Above is my friend Joan's quilt - Dresden Delight, which got 2nd in the Applique, Machine (Long or Home) Quilted category. I helped her figure out the setting for this and talked her into using purple - isn't it great!

Below is another one of Joan's - Dresden Fans. Can you tell she LOVES 30's fabrics! She got 3rd place in the Applique, Machine (Long or Home) Quilted category for this.

The next one below is another friends quilt - Lynn, who got 3rd place in Pieced Bed Long Arm Quilted. Look all those great blue fabrics.

And this is another friend Madelyn's - Illinois Hard Times 2011. This got 2nd place in Bed Pieced Long Arm Quilted. Isn't it wonderful! A bit more about this quilt:
"the orginal of this quilt is owned by Marti Michell, circa 1900-1910 made in Tennessee. The name of the quilt is Tennessee Hard Times. The pattern was taken from scrap, patchwork and quilting by Marti Michell. Madelyn used all reproduction fabrics to make this quilt similar to the original. Obviously, 1900-1910 was a hard time for the generation, and here we are today in 2011 going through difficult and challenging times. It's fitting to call this quilt "Illinois Hard Times 2011"".

The next is my friend Sharon's quilt - Wildflowers. She got 1st place in Pieced Bed Home Machine Quilted. The flowers are machine embroidered and appliqued on.

Next is Pam's - Pieceful in Fall quilt. She got 2nd in Pieced Lap Long Arm Quilted. Pam does wonderful machine quilting.

This is LeAnn's "Fit to be Geese" quilt which got 1st place in Pieced Lap Machine Quilted".

They one below is one of my favorites by my friend Lynn - Stars Divided. She got 3rd place in Pieced Small, Hand Quilted. Don't you just love those stars and fabrics!

Now for you wool lovers - check this one out by Mary - Wool Bed Rug. This got 1st place in Applique Machine (Home or Long) Quilted. Isn't it a beauty. The applique is wool but the background is flannel.

Last but not least is Pam's Autumn Sunflower. She got 2nd in Art Quilt - Original Design Any Size.

More tomorrow.

Finally a bit of quilt stuff!

2011-10-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Our guild had their quilt show this weekend. I finally have some quilty things to share with you. Today is a peek at the 2 ribbons I got! I was so surprised when I walked in yesterday! Our show is judged by a NQA judge so that made it even more exciting. My Brownstone quilt won "Best of Show"! How cool is that!

And I also got 1st place in the Miniature category for my Cheddar Squares (Lori's Cheddar Cheese and Crackers quilt).

Tomorrow I"ll have more pics from the show.

So much Fun!

2011-10-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

I am having so much fun with my My Memories software! I had a bit of a delay with posts here due to a family issue that came up - but believe me, I'm still loving My Memories!

I"m still a bit busy but My Memories gave me a freebie Designer Pack to post for you! It contains 2 quick layouts and all the elements needed for them. I'll have more freebies to post in coming weeks, but wanted to put this one up right now while I"m still busy. I'll also add links to my sidebar when I get a chance.

Link to the freebie Designer Pack: Click Here

And my coupon for My Memories is still good. Use STMMMS22117 (I suggest copy/paste if you use it so there are no typos) which will allow you to save $10 off the My Memories Suite software AND a $10 credit to the My Memories store!

And the winner is.....

2011-10-16T20:13:00.000-07:00

Number 6 - SueB!

SueB said... 6 I would pick Dotty Boy. I have a new grandson and would make some great pages with it. You did a great job on your blog with it.

10:01 AM

Sue - I'll get in touch with you and help you get your own free copy!

Thanks for hanging in there. I had a family issue arise and wasn't able to draw the winner until tonight.

It's Giveaway Time! (And Coupon!)

2011-10-04T10:59:00.001-07:00

The day is finally here! Time for the big giveaway!

I was so lucky to be contacted by the My Memories company to review their digital scrapbooking software! While I don't do scrapbooking in the traditional sense, I do use elements of scrapbooking on my blog, for cards, labels, envelopes, newsletters, posters, etc. I'm always looking for cute and easy ways to make things. And I do like to document my quilts in an album.

The software was super easy to download and install, although it took a bit of time since my internet connection was slow that night. As soon as I had it installed I opened it up. I'm not a computer novice, but I"m not a super whiz either! Take into account I don't read instructions before I jump into most software either! So I took an initial look and thought - "where do I start"! Let me tell you, a few clicks around and I had a page made! I spent a bit of time playing with the different options and functions and felt fairly comfortable with it! I then made all those little pictures in the giveaway tease post below. All with my first time in! And not reading any instructions!

Want to know what I did so far with it? I updated my blog header!

I made a quilt label to print off on those photo fabric sheets. I can then sew this onto the back of a quilt! How cute is that!

I also made a really fun movie slideshow! Something I want to share about this. On my computer the movie file it saved is easy and clear to see. The quality is great. But when I loaded into blogger it goes to fast, it doesn't wait the 5 seconds per page. It goes much faster. I'm sure this has to do with blogger since it is fine on my computer. I then made the movie with longer page turns. But once loaded onto blogger it went at the same faster speed.

Pincushions5-small.mov

So then I tried loading it on webshots and linking it to my post. While this holds the page turning speed to what I saved it as, I lost a lot of the picture quality in webshots.

So know that you can get beautiful movies, even full screen - but I haven't had good luck "posting" the movie. I"m sure there is something I need to do "somewhere" but haven't had the time to track it all down.
There are TONS of papers, embellishments, layouts, etc on the My Memories website that you can purchase, and even some free ones. I also found some other digital scrapbooking sites and was able to download from those sites and use in My Memories Suite software.

Overall I love it so far. I can see myself stretching what I would use this for! It isn't just for scrapbooking anymore!
Have you stayed with me so far? Before I get to the details I want to list out a quick summary

Likes:

Easy to Use

Tons of papers, layouts, embellishments, etc

Makes movies, jpg's, albums, photo books

Can print from home or professionally

Dislikes:

When I did try and search the help for things I was having problems with it wouldn't skip to the word I was searching on. I had to click through all the pages of the help button to find what section I wanted. Not sure if that was my computer acting up or the software help. But I did struggle with that.

I dislike that when I got to save a page as a jpg that I can't give it the name I want it. It saves it by the name of the project and the page number. So while I can pick what directory I put it in, I would like to be able to choose my own name for the jpg.

Right now the only page sizes I can see are Square 12" x 12" or 8" x 8" and 8.5" x 11" either Portrait or Landscape. Could be I just haven't figured out how to make other sizes. I would love to make it something like 3" x 5" or 5" x 7"

Wishlist:

I would love to see an addition to this to be able to print out things like address labels or return address labels! I alway make my own return address labels and all the papers and embellishments in this software would make them so cute! It would make it so much easier to dress up my labels. (who knows - maybe I just haven't figured it out yet!)

Want more information or ways to check out My Memories? Here you go:
Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593
Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite
And check this out - You Tube tutorials! - http://www.youtube.com/user/MyMemoriesSuite

Want to play too? To Enter:

I am making it simple! Just check out the My Memories website and tell me what digital layout or pack you would like to use and what you would do with it first. It is that simple! Leave a comment below with this information and you are entered to win! Entries close at midnight Oct 15th (US Central Time).

Winner will be chosen from Random.org. Make sure you are NOT a no-reply blogger, or leave your email in your post. If I can't contact you - you can't win.

Your reward!

Your reward for sticking with me through all of this is a My Memories coupon! My Memories gave me this code STMMMS22117 (I suggest copy/paste if you use it so there are no typos) which will allow you to save $10 off the My Memories Suite software AND a $10 credit to the My Memories store! How exciting is that! So if you don't win the giveaway, you still can win by using this code on their site!

Good Luck to everyone!

The small quilt found its new home!

2011-10-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Check it out! The small quilt I made has made it to its new home! Go to Kathie's blog and check it out, along with the AWESOME new book she got (not from me). Now I need to get that book!

Advance Notice - Tease

2011-09-30T08:20:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know I'm having a BIG giveaway in a week or so.... so you will want to keep watch.......... (no unfortunately it is not a baby go! - how I wish it were!)

How is that for a big tease!

Surprise Project

2011-09-29T10:46:00.000-07:00

I've been working away on a surprise project for someone in blog land for the last few months (keep in mind I've been busy, so even though I said months, it isn't that big of a project)!

As of today it is winging its way to the happy recipient! I can't wait to show you what it is. But until then here is a peek at it!

Chloe continues to help...

2011-09-24T19:26:00.001-07:00

Chloe continues to help get the Tshirt quilt together. Even when I don't want her too!

Procrastination

2011-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I do procrastinate at times. This project is one of them. 2 years ago my daughters best friend asked me if I could make a Tshirt quilt for her with some of her old favorite Tshirts. I said of course but we were busy getting ready for Holly's wedding and I had friends from Australia visiting. So it wouldn't be until after Christmas before I would start work on it. Well a year flew by. One thing after another kept me from starting it. Finally earlier this summer I got all the Tshirts stabilized and cut out. Hmmmm - this I just never got around to starting the piecing. So finally this weekend I made a dent! And now it is going smoothly. I just need to find time! So let's hear it for me actually starting this top!!!! Wooo Hoo!!!

The big finish!

2011-09-17T09:30:00.000-07:00

And this is the BIG FINISH from camp! Ruthie brought finished the quilting and I picked it up from camp. I got the binding on and my friend Joan hand stitched it down for me while she was chilling up stairs on the couch! How is that for team work!

And I didn't make Joan hand sew the binding down. She likes to do it and I was busy working on other stuff and chatting away with friends, so she just picked it up and did it!

Isn't it wonderful! Make sure you go tell Ruthie how much you love it too!

A fun find! And another tree skirt

2011-09-15T20:33:00.000-07:00

Had to show you the awesome fabric I found on our shopping trip before camp! I have no idea what I will do with it yet - but I knew I would regret it if I didn't pick some up!

And here is Chloe modeling the latest Christmas Tree skirt! And one not on her!

Sewing Lamp

2011-09-14T13:49:00.001-07:00

If you want to see the other lamp that was a door prize at camp Ruthie at Threads of Mine won the other one. Go check it out!

What I worked on at Camp

2011-09-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

So I bet you are wondering what I worked on at camp? Mostly I just played around and visited and laughed! I needed that! But here are a few of my things I worked on! Above are the luggage tags we made. It was one of our "make it, take it" projects. Luggage. Cruise. Aren't they awesome!

And our other make it, take it was little coin purses. I made one for myself and my 3 girls!

I worked on my confetti cake blocks. I have about 22 done. I need 36. This one has been going on for a few years. I work on them off and on!

And I made "Dow Jones" schnibble! I wanted something quick and easy. This was a fun one to do!

Fun at Camp - Big Wins!

2011-09-12T08:58:00.000-07:00

What a blast we had again at camp this year! There is so much to share with you I don't know where to start. So I decided I would share the theme and a few "wins" I got at camp! The theme this year was "Sail the Blue with Old Tippecanoe!" (Old Tippecanoe quilt guild). I found these awesome wall decorations at my local party store - so I had to deck out our walls!

And I found this wonderful hat for our friend Linda - as you can see she really enjoyed it!

And I was SO LUCKY and won the big door prize of the weekend - a sewing lamp! My other friend Linda's husband (different Linda than fish head Linda) collects old threads and sewing notions during the year at auctions and makes 2 lamps each year for camp. And I got the thread one!!!! I"ve been waiting to win for years! I was so excited.

I also scored one awesome vintage sewing box! Linda's husband has been scouting one of these out for me for a few years at auctions. And he finally found one, in almost perfect condition! Isn't it wonderful! As you can see Chloe is helping to check it out! I need to clean it out and apply a little murphy's oil soap and it will be as good as new.

An Old, Old, Old top finish

2011-09-05T09:02:00.000-07:00

I"ve been busy getting ready for camp! Only 2 more days!!! But I did dig out this old UFO to finish up so I could take it down to the quilter at camp. I made this probably 5 or 6 years ago. The only thing I had left was the little red berries and pine cones to machine applique. Well it is done! And this will be it until after camp!!! I can't wait!

Hot Cross Quilt!

2011-08-28T15:28:00.001-07:00

I have the top finished! Isn't it fun. I just loved this fabric line - "Countdown to Christmas".

And check out the fun New Zealand panel I got from Sue in the mail yesterday! Thank you Sue so much!

Remember this quilt?

2011-08-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

Remember this quilt top? Well.... it is quilted!!!! And look how AWESOME it is at Ruthie's blog! Ruthie belongs to the same quilt guild that some of my friends in Indiana belong to so I got to know her from fall quilt camp. When I saw she had this baptist fan pattern I knew this quilt needed it! So off my quilt went for a short stay at her house. I"ll be picking it up in a few weeks when I see her at camp!!!!!

Got all my Hot Cross blocks together and the inside border on tonight. Also got the outside borders pieced but not on yet. So in another day or two I"ll have the finished top to share.

No quilts yet... but some nicer scenes of WI

2011-08-23T15:48:00.001-07:00

No quilts yet - just got home from Wisconsin, but here are some of the more scenic things we saw! No words needed! (Copper Falls State Park)

And Aposotle Island Cruise with Lighthouse on Raspberry Island. (Note - 76 steps to get up to the lighthouse.... and then to get to the tower you have 1 flight of normal stairs, then some circular stairs (at least one or 2 flights), then you climb a ladder and go through a trap door on the floor of the tower. That takes you into the inside by the light. But to go out on deck you have to crawl on the floor through a low panel to the outside!

You know you are in Wisconsin when....

2011-08-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Paul Bunyon and Big Blue greet you at the eating establishment.

Or you eat dinner with the natives....

Your hotel is selling discount beef jerky...

And your daughters idea of fun is getting mom lost in the wilderness!

And the favorite mode of transportation is kayaking. I'm exhausted!

Pets on Quilts

2011-08-18T20:17:00.000-07:00

I decided I just HAD to share this picture of our Chloe on Emily's dog quilt. Look at that face! Even though she is in such good company with all those little dogs on the quilt she looks like she is so sad!

Chloe is a rescue dog. Emily bugged us for a dog for over 6 years. We finally thought she was old enough and she researched and looked and looked for just the right dog. And then we found Chloe! I don't know what we ever did without her!

And if you like Chloe and Emily's dog quilt, go here and vote for me (on Sat Aug 20th or Sun Aug 21st)! And check out all the other very cool quilts! (Emily and Chloe are Entry #86)

Hot Cross Progress

2011-08-18T19:41:00.001-07:00

A few more Hot Cross Blocks

2011-08-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Have a few more made. Just been short on time.

But look at these crazy bikes I saw yesterday while coming home from an errand! The guys inside were pedaling like a bike! And I saw about 20 of them of all colors, but they all were teeny tiny like this!

Are you tired of those bulky intersections?

2011-08-14T13:13:00.000-07:00

Do you have a top where 5+ seams come together and they just push up? Hate those "bumps"? I"d like to introduce you to "The Wacker"!

Just whack away at those intersecrions and have nice flat seams! All it needs is a burst of steam and a good whack on something hard and you will get lovely intersections!

A friend of mine had this a few years ago at quilt camp. She got it from a class she took from Susan Cleveland who uses it. Well you know how it goes, I just never took the time to order one from her website. Well yesterday I was at a machine quilters show and ran across the man who makes them for Susan to sell! Of course I had to get one!

Sometime this week I need to get my board made that I will use with it. He had them for sale at the show too - but luckily I have a friend whose husband is a woodworker, so I begged a piece of board off him. And look what he gave me today! Trimmed edges and stained. It is almost too pretty to use! I"ll be covering the top with 2 layers of thin batting and then a light colored fabric - then bingo, I"ll have a wacker board! I can't wait to whack away!

It is good for all frustrations too!

Fat Man's Squeeze!

2011-08-12T16:58:00.000-07:00

The top is done!!!! I love it! And it was so much fun to make! If you want to make one it is in this book - Strip Smart Quilts by Kathy Brown! (Yes hers looks a lot like mine - but I just loved the colors and had to make mine in those colors! Plus I already had the jelly roll!)

Inside Border is on.....

2011-08-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

And one more border to go!

Blocks are together!

2011-08-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

Got all the blocks made this weekend and sewn together! Don't you love it! Still have the borders to go. (and yes this is laying on an air mattress - my design floor is being used for a daughters friend right now).

And I couldn't help but play with a new project. The minute I saw this Christmas fabric line I HAD to have it. Isn't it great! It is called "Countdown to Christmas" by Sweetwater. And I thought it would be so cute done up in a schnibble - Hot Cross. I can't wait to do more!

A few more blocks

2011-08-05T20:04:00.001-07:00

I got a few more blocks made. Here is what I have so far. Can't wait to get the red ones in!

I've also been busy making bags. My daughters friends all fell in love with her bags I made for her so they all wanted one. So I"ve been busy making bags. With the leftovers I made the gathered clutch for each one also. (And of course one more me!) Check them out!

And no, we are not Packers Fans. Our house is for the Bears. But DD has a friend who wanted a Packer Lining!

And you get....

2011-08-03T12:47:00.001-07:00

THESE! I have 4 of these done. 12 more to go!

And I know some will want to know. The pattern is in "Strip Smart Quilts". One guess as to the quilt from that book I"m making!!! Not too hard is it!

And....

2011-08-02T08:19:00.000-07:00

A little of this

A little of that

And we have some fun semi-blocks.... but wait......

Did....

2011-07-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

I started with some of these....

And did some of this....

And some of this....

Stayed tuned!

Finally some new "things"!

2011-07-30T22:03:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I went up to Madison, WI with a friend and I made her stop in Janesville so I could go to a quilt store - Life's a Stitch. What a great shop! I had never been there before so I was overwhelmed with all the awesome things! Since my friend isn't a quilter we didn't spend a lot of time there, but boy I could have! Look at all these goodies I got! 2 new fun patterns.

Some great tan solids (for a project I have in mind)!

And these beauties! Which I"m going to start working on this weekend! It has been forever since I"ve done real quilting just for fun! So watch for what this is going to become!

Mini Design Boards

2011-07-21T19:27:00.000-07:00

When I saw these on Lori Holts blog I had to make them (Part 1 and Part 2). They are perfect for my short spurts of time to work on Dear Jane and other projects. I often cut for 15 mins, then the next day maybe sew for 15 mins and maybe 3 days later sew some more. These will keep my pieces together by block and will make it easy to carry to the ironing board. Mine are 10" square, but I may just have to make some bigger ones too!

An old UFO finished!

2011-07-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

I got an old UFO finished this week! Isn't it fun! Years ago we had secret sisters in our quilt guild. Mine new I loved civil war fabrics and quilts and every month she packaged up the pieces for one quilt block and instructions to make it. I didn't know what it was going to be until the end. And this is it! It was from one of the underground railroad pattern books, but I"m not sure which one. I love all the fun bright colors. I would never have picked them out, but love how it turned out.

I also was busy making some thread organizers for our guild quilt show silent auction. I use this pattern by Anne Unrein. You can see some others I've made in the past for friends here and here and here.

A few more Project Travel Totes

2011-07-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Made some more Project Travel Totes for our guilds boutique at the quilt show this fall. Aren't they cute!

And one small quilt made from scraps - just for fun!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-01T12:26:00.000-07:00

Just some of my patriotic type quilts! Enjoy!

2 more little finishes

2011-06-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Thought you would like to see the lighthouse quilt finished! I'll be sending it off to mom shortly!

And I also quilted up a small quilt for our guilds silent auction at our quilt show this fall. Not perfect, but ok.

What have I been doing now?

2011-06-25T20:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I was suppose to make a Tshirt quilt for my daughters best friend for 2 years now. Had the Tshirts in a bag just sitting there. So finally I started cutting them up this week. I finished cutting the neck and arms off tonight and have about half of them stabilized. At least it is a start! Tomorrow I'm hoping to get the rest of them stabilized - you wouldn't believe how long that takes!

My mom also wanted a small wall hanging for her door. I finally got that made this week. Just have to finish quilting it. I cheat on these and do the button hole stitch after I layer so it is kind of like quilted where the applique is. Just need to do the sky background.

And meet H and A's newest family member! Isn't she adorable! She was abandoned in the back yard of some friends of A's parents. A had always told H that she could name their dog "Santo" after Ron Santo of the Chicago Cubs as long as it had "White Socks (Sox)"! Can you tell those 2 support opposing Chicago teams!

Finally a finish

2011-06-23T20:15:00.000-07:00

I finally have a finish! This little quilt was made from some leftover charm scraps from this quilt I made last summer.
And look at the fun fabric I put on the back. Picked up a yard of this in Paducah a few years ago, I knew at some point I would have a small quilt it would look good on!

Fabric Bowls

2011-06-19T22:31:00.000-07:00

When I saw these on Janet's blog I just had to try it. Mine aren't as nice as hers - but hey - I did them quick just to play! The tutorial is here. (I also didn't bother to hand sew down the binding.)

Sling Bags

2011-06-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

One of my daughters wanted a sling bag. I offered to make her one but that wasn't cool. So we shopped and shopped and she couldn't find anything she liked or was close to what she wanted. So I offered again. She didn't say yes, but she didn't say no.

So when we got home I showed her this pattern I had. Needless to say that was exactly what she wanted! So then she bugged me to go to the store to buy fabric. THAT wasn't hard to do!

The result? 2 bags for her and 1 for me! Tonight she told me that all her friends want one now too!

Quilting Tool Caddy - Tutorial

2011-06-09T21:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is. Hope you find the instructions easy to follow. And don't forget... I want to see pictures of your finished products! I'll be putting up a linky so we can share with everyone!

Quilting Tool Caddy Tutorial - Part 1

Quilting Tool Caddy Tutorial - Part 2

Quilting Tool Caddy Tutorial - Part 3

Share your finished Caddy with us HERE.

Quilting Tool Caddy - Share Yours!

2011-06-08T12:52:00.000-07:00

See this post for tutorial link.

Share your Caddies with me! I really would love to see them! Please give the link to the post where you share your caddy.

Quilting Tool Caddy - Fabric Requirements

2011-06-08T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here are the fabric requirements for the Quilting Tool Caddy. I'll post these today and on Friday we will celebrate (nothing special) by posting the instructions. This will give you a few days to gather your stuff. And if you make one - I want to see it!

Here is what you need to gather for Friday:

5" x 7" acrylic photo frame (you can get them for $1 at dollar stores and walmarts)

Main Fabric - Pre-quilted fabric 6" x 15"
I found the pre-quilted fabric gives the base of the sleeve just a bit more of a foundation for the sleeve

Big Front Pocket - 6-1/2" x 11"

Little Front Pocket - 6-1/2" x 8-1/4"

Back Pocket - 6-1/2" x 10"

Until Friday - Have fun gathering!

Quilting Tool Caddy - Batch 3!

2011-06-07T10:05:00.000-07:00

Quilting Tool Caddy - Batch 2!

2011-06-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Check this out!

2011-06-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: I've had a lot of interest in a tutorial. So are you in? You want me to do it?

I saw this on Bonnie Hunters blog post here. And I just had to figure out how to make one.

So I played a bit this weekend and look at what I got! I"m making some for guild quilt show boutique and some for roommate gifts for our fall quilt retreat. So I have more to go - but I'm liking what I have!

Misc....

2011-05-31T20:22:00.001-07:00

Finished quilting my spring tree in my Primitive Primer quilt tonight! I have about 1/2 of the quilt quilted now! Next up will be the flowers in the pot.

I also made these 2 Sewing Bags for on the go projects to put in our guild boutique. I got the idea from Qulting in Mequon - "My Life with Thread and Needle".

And if you want to know a bit more about me; check out Micki's blog - I'm the June Star!

Salisbury House

2011-05-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

Wanted to share this AWESOME house with you. We went to tour it one day while I was in Des Moines. Of course I took about 3 pictures and my camera battery died so Jenna was kind enough to take pics on her iphone for me. So these are as good as I got.

Salisbury House was built by Edith and Carl Weeks from 1923 thru 1928. It was modeled after "The King's House" manor house used by royalty in Salisbury England dating back to the 13th century.

Carl Weeks had made his fortune from women's cosmetics - the Armand Cosmetics Company.

The house is absolutely beautiful! Check out the closets! I want closets like those!

Can't you just picture being a lady strolling the gardens with not a care in the world! Wouldn't that be nice!

Today's Adventure

2011-05-27T18:22:00.001-07:00

I've been spending a long weekend with my daughter Jenna in Des Moines - look what we saw today! Do you know what Meredith is?

Here is a clue.

Yup, the company that publishes American Patchwork and Quilting! Oh would I love to work for that magazine! Too bad I can't write (or edit)!

We even took a walk through the Better Homes and Gardens Test Garden. It was really nice! It was spinkling a bit, but it didn't bother me, but DD was a bit concerned about her hair!

Leavez

2011-05-24T20:21:00.003-07:00

My latest "almost" finish. Got the binding on, just have to hand sew it down!

It's finally spring in the midwest!

2011-05-23T20:07:00.001-07:00

It takes some time, but spring finally arrived! Since I"m not quite done with my next project I want to share with you, I"ll share these pictures of our beautiful tree in our yard!

Even got some honey bees!

Come on Baby, Lets do the Twist

2011-05-21T18:01:00.000-07:00

I spent the day "twisting"! Start with some simple squares like above.

Then use the magic twister ruler to cut out new squares.

Sew those squares together.

And look at the fun pinwheel twist quilt you get!

I have twist rulers in 3 sizes, one for 10" blocks, one for 5" blocks and one for 3.5" blocks. Today I used the 5" block ruler. Check out the Twister and Lil' Twister here.

For the 3.5" block size, buy the Primitive Gatherings Itty Bitty Primitive Pinwheel pattern.

Versatile Blogger

2011-05-20T10:54:00.000-07:00

Look what I found in my mailbox the other day! (Yes it takes me awhile to get to things these days!). A Versatile Blogger award. Thank you so much Pat! Please go check out Pat's blog - Quilts and Other Hobbies - you won't be sorry you did! I've followed Pat's blog for a long, long time and always enjoy what is going on in her studio!

I"m not so sure I"m deserving of this lately, but it did make me happy! Versatile? Or is it just plain craziness on my part! I think the hardest part is thinking of 7 things to share with you about me. Why is it so fun to read things about other people, but when it is my turn I come up blank? OK, so here goes - hope you don't fall asleep!

1. I was born a cheesehead (born in Wisconsin)

2. I once brought a puppy home from camp without telling my parents!

3. In my high school and college years I was a dancer want a be. (That is me front right with long braids)

4. I"ve only lived in one state all my life. (I was born in WI, but lived in IL)

5. I actually stepped over the Mississippi River at its beginning.

6. I saw the Berlin Wall (while it was still up) and went through Checkpoint Charlie.

7. I have 3 daughters, a brunette, a blonde and a redhead (all natural). I also have 1 son who's hair color is a touch of brown, blonde and red.

Now, on to the new awardees (it is so hard to pick!):

But what makes all of these 6 blogs wonderful, are the wonderful, sweet, friendly ladies behind each - I wish I could meet them all in real life!

1. KarenDianne at LeeHaven - She is always working on something gorgeous.
2. Anita at Hayestackhayes - I always find her dolls just wonderful! And her projects fun.
3. Taryn at Reproduction and Antique Quilt Lover - One word describes this blog - DROOL
4. Janet at Quiltsalott - OK, another big DROOL
5. JulieQ at JulieKQuilts - I always love what she is working on!
6. Linda at the Quilted Pineapple - Another fun blog to see what is going on!

This is starting to look like....

2011-05-17T19:48:00.000-07:00

The fabric I got in Australia

Is starting to look like this!

And here are a few tiny blocks finishing at about 2.5"

Broken Plates

2011-05-13T20:02:00.000-07:00

Told you I would have something to share! I started these blocks in Jan at Miss Mary's and then put them away. I decided it was time to get them back out and finish! So here is my small lap quilt! Isn't it just fun!

And from the leftover HST's I made this! I need to find a border fabric yet. Not even sure what I"ll do with it! But it was fun to make.

Slowly working away on hand quilting

2011-05-11T19:11:00.000-07:00

Been slowly working away on the hand quilting of my Primitive Primer. Soon I"ll have a new quilt top to share. But for now this is all I have to share.

What I"ve been working on

2011-05-08T19:44:00.001-07:00

I've been slowly working on several projects. I haven't quite gotten back into big time sewing since I've been back from vacation, but I have finished a few little things. First off I bought this monkey pattern and kit at the quilt show in Melbourne - isn't he cute. You have to love the monkey boxer shorts! It is called Magoo by Melly and Me.

I worked on my Winter Wonderland redwork over in Australia and finished this block up after I got home.

I also told Karen at Log Cabin Quilter that I would show her my spring wall hanging like she made and my Ginger Cookie Company Sunflower runner. I made these a long time ago, but it is always nice to get them out and share.

Flora and Fauna from my trip!

2011-04-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

First off, how adorable are these babies that came to visit me in my friends front yard one day! The older ones were a bit farther away and a whole group of them up on hill. But I couldn't resist snapping these guys!

And I got to see a Kookaburra! Who didn't learn that little song as a young child!

Cockatoo's everywhere!

Of course I got up close to a Koala Bear - but no touching - that is a no no. Besides - check out those claws!

More Kangaroos! They were so adorable, you got to go right inside the fence with them.

And this Emu loved me! He followed me all over the zoo and kept putting his face right in my face! As you can tell my friends Jody and Laurie thought it was hysterical!

Lots of wonderful flowers - even though it was fall! I LOVED the gum blossoms. And the Bird of Paradise.

The trees were even amazing! The top picture are Morton Fig Trees.

Lorikeets everwhere too - but they were harder to get pictures of!

And of course your YUCKY animals - HUGE spiders and snakes. The Red Bellied Black snake is very poisonois - so I was glad it was dead!

A Tasmanian Devil! And now I know why they alway depict him whirling around. this thing didn't stop once! He was always on the move!

And above, the fern like things are Budawang (In the Budawang Range). The aboriginals and local people used to grind up the roots to make a flour for damper (bread). Maybe the still do? Not sure.

And below are the views I had most every day out the front and back of my friends house! It was heaven!

Queen Victoria Building, Sydney

2011-04-24T19:10:00.001-07:00

While in Sydney we went shopping in this gorgeous building - the Queen Victoria Building. It is absolutely beautiful. Inside and out!

Check out the elevator!

And the clocks!

And the stained glass and ceiling.

But most of all - the floors!

Bateman's Bay, Australia

2011-04-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

Some pics from Bateman's Bay, Australia - it was beautiful!

And driving to it in the middle of the curving and winding roads through the mountains we passed Pooh's Corner! I could only grab quick pictures because there was NO shoulder to pull over and there cars behind us. So I snapped as fast as I could!

Show me the Goods

2011-04-19T19:41:00.001-07:00

I know, you all are saying... so show me the goods from the show. So here you go! First off above is the little quilt Linda from Quilts in the Barn made for me! Isn't it adorable! I will treasure it always!
The English Basket Quilt by Corliss Searcey and The Sykes Family Album pattern by Somerset Designs.
Stars Upon Stars and Georgetown Circle by Michelle Yeo.
Ballaarat Beauties, Indiana Rising Sun and California Stars by Michelle Yeo

Phebe by Di Ford, The Civil War Bride by Corliss Searcey, The Burnt Quilt by Di Ford
2 really cool carrying cases. The brown one on the left has one side of a large area to put projects, fabric, etc. The other side has zipper pockets with clear vynal fronts to see in. It is about 8" square. The one on the right is just some zippered pockets that fold up and snaps shut.
And the cases shut.
A gorgeous Aboriginal Fabric
And another gorgeous Aboriginal Fabric

Australasian Quilt Convention - Melbourne

2011-04-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

So much to share with you all! But I thought I would share some pics from the Australiasian Quilt Convention that I went to in Melbourne! Above is me with notorious Ned Kelly - an Australian bushranger. (Notice the Ned Kelly thimbles on his fingers!) Robin, Me, Linda, Anne - I got to meet Linda Collins from Quilts in the Barn! And Corliss Searcey from Threadbear Patchwork and Quilting in front of her "The English Basket Quilt" - isn't it GORGEOUS! I went with my friends Jody (middle) and Cathy (left) - we had a blast! We took Melbourne by storm! And ate lots of yummy food! I could have stayed and ate my way through Melbourne!

Cathy, Tess (her daughter), Jody and myself eating on Lygon Street.

I've been bad...

2011-03-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

Just no time lately to even visit blogs, so I've been bad. But I thought I would share a few things with you. The above is a bag I made for my trip. Isn't it a great shape! And I put a clip on it inside to pull it together a bit if I want so things don't slide out.

And isn't this bag wonderful! My friend Jody sent it from Australia for my birthday! Perfect also for my trip!

And last but not least I got the raffle quilt all sewn together. I passed it off to get some borders on it since I"m just frazzled right now. But thought you would like another peak.

Working away....

2011-02-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

Well working away on getting all the blocks together on our guilds raffle quilt. I"ll actually be kind of glad to be done with it! Other than that not much going on. Just some family medical problems keeping me a bit down and stressed.

Getting ready for my trip...

2011-02-20T18:26:00.001-08:00

Decided I wanted a little wallet for my trip coming up, and saw Melly & Me's pattern Sunshine and decided that wallet looked just like what I needed. So I made these up. I made the first one in 30's fabric and forgot to take a picture. Each time I made one I tweaked the pattern a bit for things I liked.

Until I decided to try and use a purse magnet instead of velcro. Didn't work. It was just too heavy and pulled too much on the fabric, even though I had used several layers of interfacing. So today I cut out the magnet and just sewed velcro over the hole!

A few of you have sent me notes wondering where I've been. Things are a bit hard right now. Work is extremely busy and stressful and my mom is not doing well so my sister and I have been busy trying to figure out what kind of help we can get for her. Mostl likely I"ll be tied up in the coming weeks. When I have so much on my mind I just have no desire to blog. I'm just a bit overwhelmed at the moment. But just know I"m ok.

Question...

2011-02-14T07:52:00.001-08:00

Do any of you know of a place online in the US that sell nice/fun leather purse handles similar to the ones shown above? Inquiring Minds want to know!

Another Tree Skirt

2011-02-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

Holly called the other day and wanted me to make 3 more Christmas Tree Skirts for shower gifts this spring/summer. So I managed to get the first top done! Now to get it to the quilter and then bind it. I think I"m going to have to teach Holly how to do the binding! Man these skirts have a lot of binding!

Midnight Stars Top Finished!

2011-02-12T20:35:00.001-08:00

Yes it is! To see other very fun Midnight Star tops/quilts check Lori's list on this post.

Are these cute or what!

2011-02-11T20:12:00.001-08:00

Check out what I made this week! The pattern is Cash And Carry. Aren't they fun! Yup the little ones are 2 zipper wallets sewn together.

On the 4th day of quilt camp

2011-02-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

I got to start a new project!!!!

On the third day of quilt camp..

2011-02-06T18:25:00.000-08:00

I finished 2 projects! The Smore Snowman quilt top that I've had cut and ready to make now for years, and 3 pillowcases to go with it!

On the second day of quilt camp....

2011-02-04T21:07:00.000-08:00

My quilter brought to me....

3 quilts to bind

In exactly 2 months....

2011-02-03T08:15:00.001-08:00

I will be here (Sydney)

And here (Batemans Bay)

And here (Canberra)

And here (Melbourne)

Can you tell I'm just a bit excited! And Holly is worried I won't take any pictures!

On the first day of Quilt Camp

2011-02-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Mel's Block: A block that represents the maker

my sewing machine made.... 4 birthday blocks

Lela's: Barns

Mary J's: Flowers

Michelle's: Pink and Brown

Thank Goodness for Friends and Indiana!

2011-01-31T12:26:00.001-08:00

More on my old project....

2011-01-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

OK, so many wanted to see the whole quilt I took it downstairs to my daughters room and snapped a few pics. Its in the basement so I only get so much light down there! Anyway, here it is. Thought I would snap closeups of the few sections I have quilted.

For those of you that asked what the pattern is: It is Primitive Primer by Jan Patek. An oldie but a goodie. The first running of this book had side projects to make with blocks and sections of the full quilt. The second printing is just the full quilt. So if you go looking for the book just note that.

Someone else wanted to know about my pin basting. Yes, I pin my hand quilted quilts. I don't have the time or the space to really thread baste it. so I pin baste just it, just like if I would machine quilt it. Then I start quilting sections. If a pin is in the way of the hoop when I start I just move the pin. And I"m just extra careful when I put the quilt in the hoop to make sure I"m not folding any backing in it, or pulling the backing funny. Has worked for me.

Midnight Stars part 4

2011-01-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

All caught up! Midnight Stars part 4!

An old quilting project

2011-01-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

It is so cold out I finally hauled out an old hand quilting project I've worked on off and on for a few years. Got most of the tree block done tonight - but need to work up that callous on my bottom finger again!

Midnight Stars parts 2 and 3

2011-01-18T19:31:00.000-08:00

Caught up today! Parts 2 and 3 of Midnight Stars!

A bit under the weather

2011-01-17T19:15:00.000-08:00

I"ve been feeling just plain yucky lately. Fighting the winter sinus stuff. But I did finish the sewing caddies!

And look at this one! Isn't it adorable!

Over Christmas I also finished this block to my Winter Wonderland redword quilt. Just got around to taking pictures.

And I finally started Lori's Midnight Stars.

Hard At Work

2011-01-08T16:42:00.001-08:00

I"ve been hard at work the last 2 weeks working on roommate gifts for my end of January retreat. I started always making something for my gift and this year is no different. I need a total of 12 and have 4 completely done. But it isn't as bad as it sounds. I"m on the last steps for the other ones, so I really have a lot done.

Check them out - aren't they fun!

I found the tutorial here (look at right hand column): Ginabean Handmade

Guild Raffle Quilt

2011-01-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Just a little progress on my guild's raffle quilt! Soon I"ll be able to start putting it together. I"m hoping to get the remaining 7 blocks back Wed night. Pattern is Eldon by Laundry Basket Quilts.

Look who came to live with me!

2010-12-30T12:52:00.000-08:00

Isn't she wonderful! I got her from my friend in Australia for a xmas gift (the one I'm visiting in April)! The material her dress is made of is so soft and gorgeous! And all that crochet details!

And get a load of the Cherry Tree! And that little purse is way too cute!

3 New DJ blocks

2010-12-28T16:41:00.001-08:00

Some new Sewing Kits

2010-12-26T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have 2 new sewing books to share with you! Above is my Chickadee book. I bought this kit last summer when I was out at my mom's house. But I wanted a different wool for the main part of the kit so I had to wait until I found just the right piece!

And the inside!

Then this gorgeous baby was made by my friend for me for xmas! It is a Sue Spargo pattern.

Don't you just love how it shuts by winding the tail around the button! It makes it so easy to close and open! I love this idea!

Inside is a wonderful new pair of stork scissors Lynn gave me with a beauiful fob! In the very center of the roll is a pincushion. Hard to see in the picture, but it is a big pincusion.

She also gave me a new marking pencil and cosmos floss! I"ve been wanting to try this. I hear it is really wonderful, but I haven't been able to find any since I've heard about it. Can't wait to give it a try!

Some Christmas Gifts

2010-12-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

I finally can share another project I've been working on this fall. Got together with my small quilting group last night and gave them their gifts so I can show you now!

My friend Joan and I went in on these gifts together. Her husband Gary made the wood boxes for me, and I did the punchneedle that we put on them! Above is Joan's. Can you tell she loves pigs!

And Julie's

And Nann's

Aaaack! The days are flying by!

2010-12-20T11:15:00.001-08:00

The days just seem to fly by lately. Things are hustling and bustling at our house. Emily came home from college last Thursday and Jenna will be home later this week. Emily is busy baking cookies before Wednesday when she has shoulder surgery and won't be able to do anything for awhile! I"m just trying to keep up with them and work.

I did make these for some gifts this year for friends. Little Kindle and iTouch/iPhone holders. Holly found them online and wanted to know if I could make them. It took a few tries, and let me tell you the first few were really, really funny looking, but I finally figured them out! Some of these will be going to new homes this week!

UGGGG and while I was typing this I heard a metal cling, clang, cling, clang. I go into the kitchen and what did I find? Miss Chloe up on the table licking butter out of the bowl for the frosting for the cookies. She has NEVER done that before. Geez. So much for that butter! Look at that face - can you believe it?!

Since I"m busy, Just some humor....

2010-12-16T12:46:00.000-08:00

2 more

2010-12-11T20:36:00.001-08:00

2 more done while it snows and I watch Christmas movies!

Question - HELP!.... UPDATE - RESOLVED!

2010-12-10T07:39:00.000-08:00

UPDATE!!!! - Thanks to joulesB I got the answer on the first comment! Thank You! I will pass this along!

They are called Pinmoors. Check them out if you had no idea what I was talking about!

I had a friend at guild mention that she had seen on the web those straight pins you baste quilts with that have the little rubber/eraser like plugs you put on the end. I know I"ve seen a few blogs recently where some of you have tried them. HELP - I can't remember which blogs, or more importantly where you got those pins from? Any ideas?

Didn't want to leave you with no quilty pictures, so 2 more Dear Jane blocks!

2 more easy peasy blocks

2010-12-06T20:53:00.001-08:00

Thought it was time to do 2 easy peasy blocks for my Dear Jane. At least I got 2 blocks done!

If you want to see my progress go here.

Remember This?

2010-12-04T20:45:00.000-08:00

Remember my X-Rated quilt? I wasn't sure what I wanted to do for borders. Well I decided to go plain and put some nice hand quilting on them.

So I had the piano key strips left. What to do? Make a strippy coin quilt of course!

The Stockings are Home

2010-12-01T21:05:00.000-08:00

Holly and Adam arrived safe and sound back to Oklahoma, and got the stocking hung up on their mantle! Don't they look great!

Holly also got a good start on her xmas decorations. WAY ahead of me! Thought you would enjoy they cute pics she sent me.

2 more Dear Jane Blocks

2010-11-28T19:04:00.000-08:00

It has been FOREVER since I"ve worked on my Dear Jane quilt. So I thought it was time to make a couple. Here are my 2 new ones.

I finally can share!

2010-11-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

I finally can share the project I've been working on since July! I made wool Christmas stockings for Holly and her husband Adam. I couldn't share before now because Holly checks in on my blog and I didn't want her to see.

I gave them the stockings while they were home for Thanksgiving so that they could use them this year. Aren't they adorable!

I picked up the patterns in Paducah last spring. They are from Crawford Designs.