My design wall
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
My Puker
I have a decision to make in the morning.
For the past 4 days or so, Owen has had some sort of intestinal thing. Very clingy, needy... You get the picture. I think he's just about over it, though.
Tonight at 1 am- I wake up to Wyatt puking. Now, keep in mind, if there's ever anything wrong, he pukes. He's my puker. However, I don't know if I should consider him actually sick...
It's Thanksgiving. We're supposed to be at the in-law's house in about 9 hours. I am cooking 5 things (half are ready to go)...
Do I take him anyway? Do I "forget" to mention this puking episode?
I think I might... If he doesn't puke again...
*sigh*
Decisions...
Happy Thanksgiving!
*** Update: More puke 30 minutes later. Looks like we'll be chilling at home tomorrow, watching Cars and Little Bill and Dinosaur Train and the Backyardigans... Maybe I can sneak up to my sewing room and finish quilting myself a Christmas quilt! Wouldn't that be nice???
For the past 4 days or so, Owen has had some sort of intestinal thing. Very clingy, needy... You get the picture. I think he's just about over it, though.
Tonight at 1 am- I wake up to Wyatt puking. Now, keep in mind, if there's ever anything wrong, he pukes. He's my puker. However, I don't know if I should consider him actually sick...
It's Thanksgiving. We're supposed to be at the in-law's house in about 9 hours. I am cooking 5 things (half are ready to go)...
Do I take him anyway? Do I "forget" to mention this puking episode?
I think I might... If he doesn't puke again...
*sigh*
Decisions...
Happy Thanksgiving!
*** Update: More puke 30 minutes later. Looks like we'll be chilling at home tomorrow, watching Cars and Little Bill and Dinosaur Train and the Backyardigans... Maybe I can sneak up to my sewing room and finish quilting myself a Christmas quilt! Wouldn't that be nice???
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Nap Time: Coasters.
I sewed today. I made 4 or 5 sets of coasters. Sorry I don't have a picture. My kids have been SERIOUSLY needy today/tonight. I'm about 2 minutes from my head hitting the pillow and drifting quickly off to sleep.
I sandwiched a dozen or so more layer cake pieces to make more sets of coasters. This will be my standard gift for all the women in my life this holiday season.
I've used my Alexander Henry Christmas layer cake. It's almost completely gone. Made a couple of potholders, too... May make more, but if I do, I'll have to break into my last Kate Spain 12 Days of Christmas layer cake... And I seem to be saving it for something. Not sure what. My sister, Laura took a fancy to it. Maybe I'll make her a Christmas throw for her November birthday next year. We shall see.
I put my St. Nick Swap stuff in the mail today. Very excited to mark that off my to do list. No major swaps in the works now. I just have to send away a secret santa item to someone in my vintage sheet bee. Will probably include coasters, a potholder, an ornament or two and maybe some vintage sheet fat quarters... Maybe some Christmas candy? Or a holiday fat quarter... Don't quite know yet. I'd like to get it together this weekend, though. Picked up a box at the post office, so I can start filling it up now.
I am plum tuckered out. Goodnight, everyone.
PS Check out the kudos I got from my fantabulous quilter, Angela on her blog, Quilting is my Therapy.
I sandwiched a dozen or so more layer cake pieces to make more sets of coasters. This will be my standard gift for all the women in my life this holiday season.
I've used my Alexander Henry Christmas layer cake. It's almost completely gone. Made a couple of potholders, too... May make more, but if I do, I'll have to break into my last Kate Spain 12 Days of Christmas layer cake... And I seem to be saving it for something. Not sure what. My sister, Laura took a fancy to it. Maybe I'll make her a Christmas throw for her November birthday next year. We shall see.
I put my St. Nick Swap stuff in the mail today. Very excited to mark that off my to do list. No major swaps in the works now. I just have to send away a secret santa item to someone in my vintage sheet bee. Will probably include coasters, a potholder, an ornament or two and maybe some vintage sheet fat quarters... Maybe some Christmas candy? Or a holiday fat quarter... Don't quite know yet. I'd like to get it together this weekend, though. Picked up a box at the post office, so I can start filling it up now.
I am plum tuckered out. Goodnight, everyone.
PS Check out the kudos I got from my fantabulous quilter, Angela on her blog, Quilting is my Therapy.
Assembly line
Tonight I have grand plans. Will be making lots of potholders & coasters assembly line style. Going to try to sandwich & pin a bunch of potholders while the kids r up. They'll be ready to
sew tonight. Might try doing grommets instead of loops. I'm so fancy!
I think I'll work on coasters too. Any interest in a tutorial? I promise they are quick & painless!
sew tonight. Might try doing grommets instead of loops. I'm so fancy!
I think I'll work on coasters too. Any interest in a tutorial? I promise they are quick & painless!
Quick Coasters
Are you short on time? Do you like to make crafty things for your loved ones?
I have the answer, my friend.
Tonight, I chopped up some leftover batting into the size of a layer cake.
With them, I made reversible coasters with raw edges that I cut with my pinking shears.
Put a piece of batting between two cute fabrics (you can use charm squares, but I made 4 at once with 10 inch pieces of layer cakes).
I sewed around the edge, then in a cross pattern and chopped... trimmed with shears and I was finished!
So fast.
Will tie them up with some leftover strips of fabric and call it good!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Today's Progress
Mom leaves tomorrow. :(
Has been a good visit!
Today she helped me by making lots of bias binding for me. I hate doing that. She loves it. Perfect!
I did some work on a Christmas gift... Cut up some charm pack scraps and glued them onto blank stationary. Will randomly stitch around it and trim it around the paper. I'll make 4 or so and tie them together with their envelopes and cute ribbon. Instant gift. Will try to post pictures.
I also made progress on my second butterfly quilt for a baby that's due in May. I'd love to finish it by Christmas to give it to the mommy-to-be... but I think that's probably overly optimistic. However, I have everything I need as far as backing/batting/binding now... I might be able to pull it off. Maybe.
Am hopeful I can get an hour or two of sewing in tomorrow during naps. Maybe some more after I get the kids to bed. Bedtime around here has become a real struggle for the kiddos. I'm going to have to make some changes.
I think my 2 year old is ready for some normalcy. We've had company, daddy's been gone... Brother's been grumpy and we are all sleep-deprived. He wants as much of my attention as possible. And he also wants me to take him to the zoo. Every day. *sigh* He was kicking his bedroom door and sounding really pitiful for the better part of an hour (with a couple of interruptions of giggles when I relented by going into his room to dry his tears)...
My 3 year old insisted (at 11:45 pm tonight) that since he was still awake, it'd be a great idea to go visit his grandparents who live 20 minutes away. Needless to say, that didn't happen.
Maybe I should get some sleep since they're sleeping now... Sorry for the lack of pictures the last few days. Will make up for it soon. I promise!
Has been a good visit!
Today she helped me by making lots of bias binding for me. I hate doing that. She loves it. Perfect!
I did some work on a Christmas gift... Cut up some charm pack scraps and glued them onto blank stationary. Will randomly stitch around it and trim it around the paper. I'll make 4 or so and tie them together with their envelopes and cute ribbon. Instant gift. Will try to post pictures.
I also made progress on my second butterfly quilt for a baby that's due in May. I'd love to finish it by Christmas to give it to the mommy-to-be... but I think that's probably overly optimistic. However, I have everything I need as far as backing/batting/binding now... I might be able to pull it off. Maybe.
Am hopeful I can get an hour or two of sewing in tomorrow during naps. Maybe some more after I get the kids to bed. Bedtime around here has become a real struggle for the kiddos. I'm going to have to make some changes.
I think my 2 year old is ready for some normalcy. We've had company, daddy's been gone... Brother's been grumpy and we are all sleep-deprived. He wants as much of my attention as possible. And he also wants me to take him to the zoo. Every day. *sigh* He was kicking his bedroom door and sounding really pitiful for the better part of an hour (with a couple of interruptions of giggles when I relented by going into his room to dry his tears)...
My 3 year old insisted (at 11:45 pm tonight) that since he was still awake, it'd be a great idea to go visit his grandparents who live 20 minutes away. Needless to say, that didn't happen.
Maybe I should get some sleep since they're sleeping now... Sorry for the lack of pictures the last few days. Will make up for it soon. I promise!
Monday, November 15, 2010
My Mom is Here...
and that, my friends, means that things are getting done around here!
Got my swap item for the St. Nick Swap on Flickr pieced, basted and ready to quilt. Bought some thread for it today, too.
Got Parthena's baby quilt pieced and basted. Ready to quilt! Must decide on thread and how I'll quilt it... Maybe wavy lines with my new leather roller foot...
(As I type this, I am trying to ignore my children banging on their bedroom doors, singing and trying to do anything but sleep)
And I got my Christmas quilt that I'm making for myself basted, too! I was going to give it away in the St. Nick Swap, but in the end, I decided that I'd spent too much $ and time on it... Didn't want my partner to feel like I'd done more than she had... and I fell in love with the fabric... so I decided to go another route for the swap. Am hopeful I can get it finished soon! The binding is what will be my downfall. I don't have any particular fabric set aside for it... Must think on that one...
I got mom hooked on making mug rugs. She's I even got her more involved with flickr. Hopefully, she will pick up quilting again soon. She has had a lot going on in her life the past couple of years. She retired and moved to another state... Big changes and a new house... Yardwork galore and grandmother duties... Everything gets in the way of her quilting. But we found a GREAT fabric shop not terribly far from her in Humble, TX (It's a Stitch... go there online. It's fabulous) and so I think I've talked her into taking a class to get back into it. Let's hope!
I am needing to get serious about Christmas gifts! I have done almost no shopping. Every year prior to this one, I've had Christmas gifts all taken care of by Thanksgiving. Not going to happen this year. I also make gifts for everyone, too. Even if it's just an ornament... Nothing is made yet. Yikes!
I would really like to finish up the other butterfly quilt I'm making for my cousin, Kristen. We're 80% sure she's having a girl in May. Should know before Christmas one way or the other. The quilt is about 60% finished... It's just like Parthena's, which is about 80% finished. Parthena is due in January, though... and it is COLD here in January. Her baby is the first girl in the family (2 big brothers), so I think she needs some handmade pink things to keep her warm. I suspect she will come early, so I need to get jiggy with it.
I want to quilt a top that I made about a year ago (no... 2 years ago!) for Owen before Christmas. It'll be very warm for his bed. It's the softest flannel I have ever seen. Feels almost like soft wool. Very thick. It's just a small throw, so I think I can do it.
I picked up a charity quilt for Safe Home, which is a battered women's/children's shelter here in town. They have a shortage of twin sized quilts. Thought I could get some quick practice in on straight lines with my new feet before diving into my other quilts.
I want to make sets of coasters for my two sisters, my mom, my aunt, my cousin, my grandmother, my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law. That will really add up if I make 4 coasters per person. Yikes! Luckily, I think I have a method that won't take too long.
If the spirit moves me, I will whip together some potholders from layer cakes. Nothing fancy, but cute. I have some great Christmas fabric.
And I intend to make some stationary by sewing fabric scraps onto some blank cards. These will be gifts, too.
I am behind on making doll quilts for my nieces and nephews.
Sigh. I need more time. Mom leaves the day after tomorrow. I'm thinking of bringing my sewing machine downstairs...
Enough rambling! I have quilting to do! Night, everyone!
Got my swap item for the St. Nick Swap on Flickr pieced, basted and ready to quilt. Bought some thread for it today, too.
Got Parthena's baby quilt pieced and basted. Ready to quilt! Must decide on thread and how I'll quilt it... Maybe wavy lines with my new leather roller foot...
(As I type this, I am trying to ignore my children banging on their bedroom doors, singing and trying to do anything but sleep)
And I got my Christmas quilt that I'm making for myself basted, too! I was going to give it away in the St. Nick Swap, but in the end, I decided that I'd spent too much $ and time on it... Didn't want my partner to feel like I'd done more than she had... and I fell in love with the fabric... so I decided to go another route for the swap. Am hopeful I can get it finished soon! The binding is what will be my downfall. I don't have any particular fabric set aside for it... Must think on that one...
I got mom hooked on making mug rugs. She's I even got her more involved with flickr. Hopefully, she will pick up quilting again soon. She has had a lot going on in her life the past couple of years. She retired and moved to another state... Big changes and a new house... Yardwork galore and grandmother duties... Everything gets in the way of her quilting. But we found a GREAT fabric shop not terribly far from her in Humble, TX (It's a Stitch... go there online. It's fabulous) and so I think I've talked her into taking a class to get back into it. Let's hope!
I am needing to get serious about Christmas gifts! I have done almost no shopping. Every year prior to this one, I've had Christmas gifts all taken care of by Thanksgiving. Not going to happen this year. I also make gifts for everyone, too. Even if it's just an ornament... Nothing is made yet. Yikes!
I would really like to finish up the other butterfly quilt I'm making for my cousin, Kristen. We're 80% sure she's having a girl in May. Should know before Christmas one way or the other. The quilt is about 60% finished... It's just like Parthena's, which is about 80% finished. Parthena is due in January, though... and it is COLD here in January. Her baby is the first girl in the family (2 big brothers), so I think she needs some handmade pink things to keep her warm. I suspect she will come early, so I need to get jiggy with it.
I want to quilt a top that I made about a year ago (no... 2 years ago!) for Owen before Christmas. It'll be very warm for his bed. It's the softest flannel I have ever seen. Feels almost like soft wool. Very thick. It's just a small throw, so I think I can do it.
I picked up a charity quilt for Safe Home, which is a battered women's/children's shelter here in town. They have a shortage of twin sized quilts. Thought I could get some quick practice in on straight lines with my new feet before diving into my other quilts.
I want to make sets of coasters for my two sisters, my mom, my aunt, my cousin, my grandmother, my mother-in-law and my sister-in-law. That will really add up if I make 4 coasters per person. Yikes! Luckily, I think I have a method that won't take too long.
If the spirit moves me, I will whip together some potholders from layer cakes. Nothing fancy, but cute. I have some great Christmas fabric.
And I intend to make some stationary by sewing fabric scraps onto some blank cards. These will be gifts, too.
I am behind on making doll quilts for my nieces and nephews.
Sigh. I need more time. Mom leaves the day after tomorrow. I'm thinking of bringing my sewing machine downstairs...
Enough rambling! I have quilting to do! Night, everyone!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Mom's mug rug (in progress)
My mom is in town for a few days. She's a quilter, too. We went to 2 quilt shops today and she's whipped up this adorable mug rug. Don't you love this?!? The solids were from my stash and she pieced together the individual gifts and trees after fussy cutting them.
Her binding is a candy cane pink stripe. Will be so adorable. I want one.
Her binding is a candy cane pink stripe. Will be so adorable. I want one.
Progress...
I finished assembling Parthena's baby quilt top tonight. Planning on basting it this weekend & starting to quilt it. Must buy batting!
Also sewed together 4 of my Wonky Log Cabin blocks from my Bee Vintage bee. They're made of vintage sheets. I'm expecting to get 9 more in the mail. May make a few more blocks. Not sure. They're 15 inch blocks. I love these.
Also sewed together 4 of my Wonky Log Cabin blocks from my Bee Vintage bee. They're made of vintage sheets. I'm expecting to get 9 more in the mail. May make a few more blocks. Not sure. They're 15 inch blocks. I love these.
12 inch brown & yellow vintage sheet quilt in progress
In progress... Made of 12 inch blocks of vintage sheets. Trying to use mostly yellows and oranges... maybe browns too.
Don't know how big it will become. Depends on when I run out of sheets (not soon)...
Tuesday, November 09, 2010
My new roller foot (Merry Christmas to ME!)
Designed by a glove maker. Turns corners like nobody's business!
For my Bernina. It's one of their more expensive feet, but I am thinking I'll save lots of cash by quilting things myself, rather than paying a longarmer to quilt for me... I think I can do this mindlessly.
Will play around with it late tonight and post pictures of it in action... Stay tuned!
For my Bernina. It's one of their more expensive feet, but I am thinking I'll save lots of cash by quilting things myself, rather than paying a longarmer to quilt for me... I think I can do this mindlessly.
Will play around with it late tonight and post pictures of it in action... Stay tuned!
New stuff
Got an extension table today. Also, I got a walking foot & a neat foot with a wheel on it that I can use for lots if fun circles doing free motion.
Drank 2 cups of coffee after supper. Hopefully I can get the kids to bed at a decent hour & play in the attic! Hubs is out of town this week.
Drank 2 cups of coffee after supper. Hopefully I can get the kids to bed at a decent hour & play in the attic! Hubs is out of town this week.
Monday, November 08, 2010
Ready for winter
My 2 year old, Owen is ready for winter. Tonight he found his mittens & my winter hat.
He's all about accessorizing!
Friday, November 05, 2010
From craftytammie
For my month of the bee vintage bee
A wonky log cabin made of vintage sheets. So excited!!!
A wonky log cabin made of vintage sheets. So excited!!!
For the swap, I made...
A potholder, one of my prairie point Christmas tree ornaments and these coasters...
Camille drew my gift. Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
What I've Been Up To...
Just awarded FORTY Quilts of Valor this morning. SO exciting. For real. Check out this link to see pictures.
Monday, November 01, 2010
Top Secret Progress...
True to form, I've procrastinated making something for our holiday swap at KCMQG until this week. Our meeting is Thursday.
Happily, I made two items to wrap up during nap time today and I have been hanging onto something else that I made previously to be given away along with those... Might even make one more item if time permits...
Now to dig out the Christmas paper and wrap it up!
I will try to remember to post some pictures this weekend...
Happily, I made two items to wrap up during nap time today and I have been hanging onto something else that I made previously to be given away along with those... Might even make one more item if time permits...
Now to dig out the Christmas paper and wrap it up!
I will try to remember to post some pictures this weekend...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Got a Sitter
Just so ya know... I lined up a sitter so that I can attend the KCMQG meeting next week.
Can't stay late, tho. My sitter doesn't drive. Must pick her up and take her home after.
That's ok, tho. I'm just tickled that I'll be able to go.
I haven't missed an event or meeting yet. Such a great group of people. So inspirational. Very fun.
I need to make a couple of things to take with me. We're having a holiday swap. Probably won't have time to sew again until Monday next week. Busy weekend. Going to Arkansas to root on the Razorbacks (Go Hogs, GO!) and visit with my aunt and cousin. It's homecoming. Will try to fit in a quilt shop or two... and dinner with old friends. Looking forward to 3 hours of alone time in the car to get there and another 3 hours to get back home. TWO nights away... Am smiling.
Can't stay late, tho. My sitter doesn't drive. Must pick her up and take her home after.
That's ok, tho. I'm just tickled that I'll be able to go.
I haven't missed an event or meeting yet. Such a great group of people. So inspirational. Very fun.
I need to make a couple of things to take with me. We're having a holiday swap. Probably won't have time to sew again until Monday next week. Busy weekend. Going to Arkansas to root on the Razorbacks (Go Hogs, GO!) and visit with my aunt and cousin. It's homecoming. Will try to fit in a quilt shop or two... and dinner with old friends. Looking forward to 3 hours of alone time in the car to get there and another 3 hours to get back home. TWO nights away... Am smiling.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Picnic Quilt
I've been meaning to finish this picnic quilt. For over a year. It's been in my living room with safety pins in it...
Am tying it. Not quilting it. It's WAY too big to try on my machine and since we're going to roll around in the grass with it, I don't want to spend $ to have it machine quilted. Did I mention that it's really big? It is.
And since I have 2 boys, not just 1, I've decided to make another one of these picnic quilts. That way, they'll both have one. No fighting over it when they grow up.
I got some more batik charm squares from a couple of exchanges, so I have more than I'll need (I think) to complete this quilt's twin.
I've started sewing together squares for it, but it'll take a while at this rate...
Am tying it. Not quilting it. It's WAY too big to try on my machine and since we're going to roll around in the grass with it, I don't want to spend $ to have it machine quilted. Did I mention that it's really big? It is.
And since I have 2 boys, not just 1, I've decided to make another one of these picnic quilts. That way, they'll both have one. No fighting over it when they grow up.
I got some more batik charm squares from a couple of exchanges, so I have more than I'll need (I think) to complete this quilt's twin.
I've started sewing together squares for it, but it'll take a while at this rate...
Grr...
I have a confession.
I hate my old sewing machine.
I hate it.
Specifically, I hate the walking foot. It is inconsistent, the tension is questionable... And it's the only walking foot in the house.
I haven't bought one for my Bernina yet. I need to badly. But it's a pretty expensive purchase. Even if I just get the generic, it'll be almost $100... And we've been putting off a new roof. Seriously. A year or two ago, I got estimates for a new roof... 12 grand! Ouch!!!!!!! So I'm trying VERY hard to not blow money. Very difficult. I'd imagine the price has gone up...
One slight chance of a break, though... My neighbor thinks we have wind damage. *CROSS YOUR FINGERS*.... His insurance people are coming Friday to look at his roof. If this is the case, then it'll save us booko money.
I'm going to get 4 estimates. Hopefully, it'll be reasonable... We currently have a cedar shake (sp?) roof. We'll be getting a composite one for the replacement. Much cheaper and safer (not so flammable) but still expensive.
So frustrated.
BUT... I have a secret plan! This secret plan will potentially solve my dilemma... I have decided to SELL my Singer. Yes, the hated machine. It's actually pretty new. I got it 2 years ago and I have extras to go with it. It's the Confidence Quilter model... If I can sell it, I could probably justify using that cash to buy myself a walking foot and maybe even an attachment to go on my fabulous Bernina to give me more room to quilt...
Dare I hope???
Should I feel guilt for trying to sell this Singer to someone? No, I don't think so. Before I sewed with my Bernina, I thought it was fine, except for that damned walking foot. So I could warn the buyer that it's not the best for quilting... or maybe that it needs some service or expertise to get that part working well... I bought a darning foot for it, too. Can't get the tension right on that, either. So frustrating...
Anybody want to buy my old machine? Hmm??? For piecing, it's great... I have lots of feet! I even have the original box and the manual....
I hate my old sewing machine.
I hate it.
Specifically, I hate the walking foot. It is inconsistent, the tension is questionable... And it's the only walking foot in the house.
I haven't bought one for my Bernina yet. I need to badly. But it's a pretty expensive purchase. Even if I just get the generic, it'll be almost $100... And we've been putting off a new roof. Seriously. A year or two ago, I got estimates for a new roof... 12 grand! Ouch!!!!!!! So I'm trying VERY hard to not blow money. Very difficult. I'd imagine the price has gone up...
One slight chance of a break, though... My neighbor thinks we have wind damage. *CROSS YOUR FINGERS*.... His insurance people are coming Friday to look at his roof. If this is the case, then it'll save us booko money.
I'm going to get 4 estimates. Hopefully, it'll be reasonable... We currently have a cedar shake (sp?) roof. We'll be getting a composite one for the replacement. Much cheaper and safer (not so flammable) but still expensive.
So frustrated.
BUT... I have a secret plan! This secret plan will potentially solve my dilemma... I have decided to SELL my Singer. Yes, the hated machine. It's actually pretty new. I got it 2 years ago and I have extras to go with it. It's the Confidence Quilter model... If I can sell it, I could probably justify using that cash to buy myself a walking foot and maybe even an attachment to go on my fabulous Bernina to give me more room to quilt...
Dare I hope???
Should I feel guilt for trying to sell this Singer to someone? No, I don't think so. Before I sewed with my Bernina, I thought it was fine, except for that damned walking foot. So I could warn the buyer that it's not the best for quilting... or maybe that it needs some service or expertise to get that part working well... I bought a darning foot for it, too. Can't get the tension right on that, either. So frustrating...
Anybody want to buy my old machine? Hmm??? For piecing, it's great... I have lots of feet! I even have the original box and the manual....
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Christmas Quilt
I intended to make a throw for my St. Nick Swap partner but it kept getting bigger and bigger... In the end, I started to think I'd bitten off too much...
So I think I'll keep it & make a wall hanging & a couple extras instead.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
So I think I'll keep it & make a wall hanging & a couple extras instead.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Friday, October 22, 2010
Much To Do!
I'm having a great week with my kiddos. Took them to the zoo yesterday and saw the magic sparkle of understanding in their eyes... Their innocent fascination with nature. So pure and delightful. Making memories. Love it.
Not much time for sewing this week... I did work one night this week into the wee hours of the night...
I think I'm going to run upstairs. The kids are "napping" (Wyatt is playing loudly in his room and Owen fell asleep playing in his closet but I don't dare move him)...
I want to do a little work on my St. Nick Swap. Am making a stacked coin throw for my partner. I have the materials on hand and might have the top together in the next couple of days if I get serious...
I also need to do some work for a secret santa swap with one of my virtual sewing bees. I'll tell you, this swapping stuff is addictive!
I haven't done any sewing for gifts for my family, really. Not quite sure what I want to make yet. I always make something for everyone. Maybe a new kind of scrappy Christmas ornament... Not sure.
Enough typing! Must get serious and run upstairs!
Not much time for sewing this week... I did work one night this week into the wee hours of the night...
I think I'm going to run upstairs. The kids are "napping" (Wyatt is playing loudly in his room and Owen fell asleep playing in his closet but I don't dare move him)...
I want to do a little work on my St. Nick Swap. Am making a stacked coin throw for my partner. I have the materials on hand and might have the top together in the next couple of days if I get serious...
I also need to do some work for a secret santa swap with one of my virtual sewing bees. I'll tell you, this swapping stuff is addictive!
I haven't done any sewing for gifts for my family, really. Not quite sure what I want to make yet. I always make something for everyone. Maybe a new kind of scrappy Christmas ornament... Not sure.
Enough typing! Must get serious and run upstairs!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Ispy squares from a swap!
Just got back 200 squares from an I Spy swap. I love them!
Am thinking of sorting them by color, adding to them and making 16 patches. Might use some different shades of solids in with the prints to make it more interesting...
Just another quilt in the long list of projects to work on...
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Trim the tree swap
On Flickr, I signed up for a swap where I make 3 ornaments to send to 3 different people and then 3 different people will send me ornaments...
Trying to get into the holiday spirit!
And trying to get some things accomplished from my to do list... I have not gotten ANY Christmas gifts finished and have only started a few...
I've made these in the past for friends and family. They're very easy and quick!
Cut 3 inch, 4 inch and 5 inch squares... Fold them diagonally/iron and then do it again so that you have a prairie point. Then sew the 3 units together by zig-zagging the raw edges... I cut some brown tweed wool up for a trunk and sewed across the bottom. To finish it off, I use brown pearle cotton in a loop on top to use to hang it from the tree. Simple as pie!
What are you guys doing in the crafty department for others this Christmas???
Monday, October 11, 2010
Stash Replenishment
After all of the scrappy pink butterflies I've made lately, I thought I would be justified in buying a few new pink fq's... You like? My shopping spree was at Quilters Haven in Olathe.
I also ordered about $100 worth of fabric from the fat quarter shop. A couple layer cakes of Kate Spain's 12 days of Christmas and a charm pack of some cute stuff (I don't recall which line it was)...
Hubs is out of town next week for work, so I'm thinking I'll start the whole early to bed thing with the boys and I'll crank out some quilts! Needing to get serious. I haven't made ANY Christmas gifts yet. Need to decide on what to make everyone!
I'm making a Christmas throw for myself. This summer and fall, I've been doing more sewing for myself. I figure I should reap the benefits of my hobby, right?
I also ordered about $100 worth of fabric from the fat quarter shop. A couple layer cakes of Kate Spain's 12 days of Christmas and a charm pack of some cute stuff (I don't recall which line it was)...
Hubs is out of town next week for work, so I'm thinking I'll start the whole early to bed thing with the boys and I'll crank out some quilts! Needing to get serious. I haven't made ANY Christmas gifts yet. Need to decide on what to make everyone!
I'm making a Christmas throw for myself. This summer and fall, I've been doing more sewing for myself. I figure I should reap the benefits of my hobby, right?
Busy busy busy
I have been sewing. Really.
I sewed for a charity at church (by hand!) Saturday and then I set up my machine/cutting mat in my kitchen.
As a result, I've done a few butterflies and am almost finished with my bee vintage blocks. Am making churn dashes and I made things harder than I should've. 3 attempts. Finally realized that my first attempt was actually correct... Almost finished.
My quilt guild (Blue Valley Quilters' Guild) is having a show this weekend. I'm having a Quilts of Valor booth. LOTS of final things to get ready. I've got friends manning the booth and I'm working on having about 6 quilts for them to sit and bind... Not my favorite job.
And this morning, I'm taking my kiddos to the pediatrician. They're both coughing a lot and they've got a rash on their faces. No fever, though. I'm just wanting assurance that they don't have strep or bronchitis...
Wish me luck!
Will try to post some pics soon!
I sewed for a charity at church (by hand!) Saturday and then I set up my machine/cutting mat in my kitchen.
As a result, I've done a few butterflies and am almost finished with my bee vintage blocks. Am making churn dashes and I made things harder than I should've. 3 attempts. Finally realized that my first attempt was actually correct... Almost finished.
My quilt guild (Blue Valley Quilters' Guild) is having a show this weekend. I'm having a Quilts of Valor booth. LOTS of final things to get ready. I've got friends manning the booth and I'm working on having about 6 quilts for them to sit and bind... Not my favorite job.
And this morning, I'm taking my kiddos to the pediatrician. They're both coughing a lot and they've got a rash on their faces. No fever, though. I'm just wanting assurance that they don't have strep or bronchitis...
Wish me luck!
Will try to post some pics soon!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Settling In
So I'm just now getting my suitcase unpacked.
I have about 8 loads of laundry to fold.
My youngest is still sick. No vomit or fever anymore, but he's teething and has the whole congestion/snot thing going on. I suspect a sore throat. His voice is scratchy. And he clings to me constantly. I secretly enjoy this clinging thing... I LOVE that my boys are affectionate. Having a sick baby allows me some leeway on housework... Allows me to sit and snuggle him all day (and unfortunately often during the night), but realistically, it's not a great plan. Housework has piled up for days. I cannot get anything done with the kids around.
Happily, my husband is in town this week and he took them to the in-laws tonight. I mopped/vacuumed the first floor and got almost all of the laundry clean (but not folded or put away)... Made brownies (which I'm about to enjoy in peace- they're not home yet) and I did a bunch of dishes. I still have a good bit more to do, but I'm feeling good.
Why am I bothering to clean, you ask? Well... Let me tell you! I've never used a babysitter other than family before. Not ever. I suppose childcare (very occasionally) at church and at the gym constitutes non-family babysitters, but I've never hired anyone to watch my kiddos. That's about to change...
I've got a couple of teenaged sisters coming over tomorrow night to meet the kids, have some pizza and get acquainted with the way we do things around here.
Getting sitters asap is essential because Cherry HOUSE is coming to KCMQG next week and I'm not sure if my husband will be in town or not. I am sure that my in-laws won't... and they're my go-to sitters when he's out of pocket...
So I MUST get something lined up.
I also realized that a friend at church does babysitting on the side. Going to utilize her, too.
On the sewing front, what's new, you ask? A couple of things...
I had my Blue Valley Quilters Guild meeting yesterday. Very energizing. The ladies there and I (along with some others) work on Quilts of Valor. I'm so thrilled to say that in the next month, I anticipate awarding between 50-60 Quilts of Valor to veterans. Cannot tell you how proud and touched I am that we've been able to pull this off!
I'm dropping a couple of QOVs off at my friend, Shirley's house tomorrow. She will take the two I have along with 28 more to Ft. Riley next week to be awarded. (Her 28 are not in the figure of 50-60 that I mentioned in the last paragraph)... Hopefully if the stars all align, Friday night will be spent with my friend, Elaine trying to get more organized from a paperwork standpoint. I've got a blog to document our efforts, but it's WAY behind and we have been cranking out quilts like there's no tomorrow. Time to get a handle on things.
Saturday is an annual quilting day at my church (Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church). If you're local and you'd like to join us, please let me know. We are making quilts for the Rose Brook Center, which serves battered women and children.
Hopefully, Saturday night, the stars will once again align and I will go on a double date with my hubby and our friends, Andy and Parthena. Ideally, this date will be CHILD-FREE! I don't know where we will go yet, but I know the boys will drink expensive Scotch and Parthena and I will talk entirely too much about our children...
I'm starting a new bee in January. The Lovely Linen Bee. Will have more details soon, but we'll be making quilts (one block per month) out of linen and cotton quilting fabric. Cannot wait. The possibilities for this one are exciting! If you're counting, that's 3 bees for me. The KC Scrappy Bee, Bee Vintage and The Lovely Linen Bee.
I'm also doing a couple of swaps on Flickr. The Scrappy Mug Rug Swap is almost complete. I've sent away a mug rug to a nice new friend in TN and soon I'll receive one from my secret partner. I've also joined a St. Nick Swap. I've not had time to get started, really. I've bought some fabric. I've made a few hexagons. Needing to get serious! I'm also in a Christmas Tree Ornament swap. I'll make 3 and receive 3.
No time to sew for myself, though. Must get some Quilts of Valor out the door. Must get my baby well. Must spend quality time with the hubs. I need a clone.
I have about 8 loads of laundry to fold.
My youngest is still sick. No vomit or fever anymore, but he's teething and has the whole congestion/snot thing going on. I suspect a sore throat. His voice is scratchy. And he clings to me constantly. I secretly enjoy this clinging thing... I LOVE that my boys are affectionate. Having a sick baby allows me some leeway on housework... Allows me to sit and snuggle him all day (and unfortunately often during the night), but realistically, it's not a great plan. Housework has piled up for days. I cannot get anything done with the kids around.
Happily, my husband is in town this week and he took them to the in-laws tonight. I mopped/vacuumed the first floor and got almost all of the laundry clean (but not folded or put away)... Made brownies (which I'm about to enjoy in peace- they're not home yet) and I did a bunch of dishes. I still have a good bit more to do, but I'm feeling good.
Why am I bothering to clean, you ask? Well... Let me tell you! I've never used a babysitter other than family before. Not ever. I suppose childcare (very occasionally) at church and at the gym constitutes non-family babysitters, but I've never hired anyone to watch my kiddos. That's about to change...
I've got a couple of teenaged sisters coming over tomorrow night to meet the kids, have some pizza and get acquainted with the way we do things around here.
Getting sitters asap is essential because Cherry HOUSE is coming to KCMQG next week and I'm not sure if my husband will be in town or not. I am sure that my in-laws won't... and they're my go-to sitters when he's out of pocket...
So I MUST get something lined up.
I also realized that a friend at church does babysitting on the side. Going to utilize her, too.
On the sewing front, what's new, you ask? A couple of things...
I had my Blue Valley Quilters Guild meeting yesterday. Very energizing. The ladies there and I (along with some others) work on Quilts of Valor. I'm so thrilled to say that in the next month, I anticipate awarding between 50-60 Quilts of Valor to veterans. Cannot tell you how proud and touched I am that we've been able to pull this off!
I'm dropping a couple of QOVs off at my friend, Shirley's house tomorrow. She will take the two I have along with 28 more to Ft. Riley next week to be awarded. (Her 28 are not in the figure of 50-60 that I mentioned in the last paragraph)... Hopefully if the stars all align, Friday night will be spent with my friend, Elaine trying to get more organized from a paperwork standpoint. I've got a blog to document our efforts, but it's WAY behind and we have been cranking out quilts like there's no tomorrow. Time to get a handle on things.
Saturday is an annual quilting day at my church (Shawnee Mission Unitarian Universalist Church). If you're local and you'd like to join us, please let me know. We are making quilts for the Rose Brook Center, which serves battered women and children.
Hopefully, Saturday night, the stars will once again align and I will go on a double date with my hubby and our friends, Andy and Parthena. Ideally, this date will be CHILD-FREE! I don't know where we will go yet, but I know the boys will drink expensive Scotch and Parthena and I will talk entirely too much about our children...
I'm starting a new bee in January. The Lovely Linen Bee. Will have more details soon, but we'll be making quilts (one block per month) out of linen and cotton quilting fabric. Cannot wait. The possibilities for this one are exciting! If you're counting, that's 3 bees for me. The KC Scrappy Bee, Bee Vintage and The Lovely Linen Bee.
I'm also doing a couple of swaps on Flickr. The Scrappy Mug Rug Swap is almost complete. I've sent away a mug rug to a nice new friend in TN and soon I'll receive one from my secret partner. I've also joined a St. Nick Swap. I've not had time to get started, really. I've bought some fabric. I've made a few hexagons. Needing to get serious! I'm also in a Christmas Tree Ornament swap. I'll make 3 and receive 3.
No time to sew for myself, though. Must get some Quilts of Valor out the door. Must get my baby well. Must spend quality time with the hubs. I need a clone.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Upcoming batik charm square exchange
Doing another charm square exchange. Making another picnic quilt. Batiks. Love it.
Future butterflies for baby quilt # 2
These need to be ironed and trimmed. They're the wings for 56 butterflies. I got these done while visiting family and friends in Little Rock last week. They will become a baby quilt for my cousin, Kristen. I hope she has a girl! It's not due until May, but I have a gut feeling. Even if it is a boy, she still gets the quilt. It's very Kristen. Maybe she can use it for a wall hanging or table topper something... But I think she's going to have a girl.
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Home Again
I'm back. Finally.
Was a fabulous trip and my toddlers were TROOPERS! But it was a long journey. Driving. By myself without my hubby (he had a business trip all week). From Kansas City to Little Rock last Friday, visited there until Tuesday morning. Tuesday ALL FRICKIN Day to Houston (there's not a good way to get there from Little Rock) and only one bout of vomit (#1 getting carsick). Stayed a couple of days and then Friday we drove from Houston to Dallas, played around at the Dallas Zoo (had a great time) and drove on to Oklahoma City. Took forever to get there, but milkshakes and chicken nuggets made it easier. So did Bob the Builder. And Godiva coffee that my sister gave me. Yum.
In Oklahoma City, we sprung for an Embassy Suite (great price, I thought... $109 with breakfast included) and I am so thankful that I stayed there. Had a bellhop give me help with the (many) bags and the kids had room to run around and play in our rooms. Put #2 in the pack and play in the living room area and shut the door, using the baby monitor to hear him. #1 slept on a pallet I made on the floor for half of the night and then with me in the king sized COZY bed the other half.
The part I've not mentioned yet was that #2 was sick all night. Fever (reduced with medicine at 7 pm and 2 am) along with two bouts of vomiting. *sigh* #1 had bad dreams, also. Mom got little sleep.
But we made it. Left Oklahoma City this morning at 9:35 and arrived at home by 4:20. Took a while, but we stopped some and even ate in a restaurant in Wichita (Pizza Hut)...
Hubs decided it'd be a great idea to order sushi and bring it home. My man is so smart. For real. He is the finest man I know. I love him to pieces. Sushi was JUST what the doctor ordered.
As a result, if I can ever get these kids in bed, I'm going to call it an early night with my honey and maybe break open a bottle of wine.
The unpacking of my sewing machine (and new fabric!!!) will have to wait until tomorrow.
So good to be home.
Was a fabulous trip and my toddlers were TROOPERS! But it was a long journey. Driving. By myself without my hubby (he had a business trip all week). From Kansas City to Little Rock last Friday, visited there until Tuesday morning. Tuesday ALL FRICKIN Day to Houston (there's not a good way to get there from Little Rock) and only one bout of vomit (#1 getting carsick). Stayed a couple of days and then Friday we drove from Houston to Dallas, played around at the Dallas Zoo (had a great time) and drove on to Oklahoma City. Took forever to get there, but milkshakes and chicken nuggets made it easier. So did Bob the Builder. And Godiva coffee that my sister gave me. Yum.
In Oklahoma City, we sprung for an Embassy Suite (great price, I thought... $109 with breakfast included) and I am so thankful that I stayed there. Had a bellhop give me help with the (many) bags and the kids had room to run around and play in our rooms. Put #2 in the pack and play in the living room area and shut the door, using the baby monitor to hear him. #1 slept on a pallet I made on the floor for half of the night and then with me in the king sized COZY bed the other half.
The part I've not mentioned yet was that #2 was sick all night. Fever (reduced with medicine at 7 pm and 2 am) along with two bouts of vomiting. *sigh* #1 had bad dreams, also. Mom got little sleep.
But we made it. Left Oklahoma City this morning at 9:35 and arrived at home by 4:20. Took a while, but we stopped some and even ate in a restaurant in Wichita (Pizza Hut)...
Hubs decided it'd be a great idea to order sushi and bring it home. My man is so smart. For real. He is the finest man I know. I love him to pieces. Sushi was JUST what the doctor ordered.
As a result, if I can ever get these kids in bed, I'm going to call it an early night with my honey and maybe break open a bottle of wine.
The unpacking of my sewing machine (and new fabric!!!) will have to wait until tomorrow.
So good to be home.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
I'm in Houston
and I'm going to TWO quilt shops and then to IKEA tomorrow.
Jealous?!?
Pics to come... stay tuned!
Jealous?!?
Pics to come... stay tuned!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
On Holiday
I love the way the Brits always say that they're on holiday. That's where I am.
I've gone back to the town where I grew up. Spending time with my family. I've been homesick lately, so it's good to be back. My Memaw greeted me with fried deer steak, fried squash and fried okra. MMMMmmmm.... I rarely fry at home. I've had fried food for every meal here. I even fried my egg both mornings in bacon grease. Delish.
And I've been sewing! I brought WAY more projects with me than I'll finish, but I've made serious progress on my second butterfly quilt. I also worked some on my Christmas hexagons. I have a little somethin, somethin in mind for an upcoming swap or two. Needing to whip out some hexies on this trip.
Tomorrow morning, I am going to lend some moral support to a longtime friend. I am not going into details online, but it will involve sitting in a courthouse for a couple of hours, so I'll bring my cheerful hexagons with me to pass the time more quickly. Hopefully, being there will be a comfort to her. It's the sort of situation where there's not much I can do to help, so I'm glad that I can be there for her during this really difficult time in her life.
Anyways, I have been busy sewing. Tuesday, I'll be driving to Houston to visit my mom and sisters. I should say, my two toddlers and I will be driving to Houston. NOT my favorite thing to do... but I'm missing everyone. My hubby starts a new job tomorrow where he will be gone most of the week, every week, so I'm in no hurry to get home and face that music yet.
Just going to spend time enjoying my family and friends... and doing some sewing when I can.
I've been sitting in the living room listening to the baby monitors for the past 35 minutes and I think I might actually have two sleeping babies at this point, so I'm going to head to bed. Night, everyone. I'll try to post some pictures sometime soon...
I've gone back to the town where I grew up. Spending time with my family. I've been homesick lately, so it's good to be back. My Memaw greeted me with fried deer steak, fried squash and fried okra. MMMMmmmm.... I rarely fry at home. I've had fried food for every meal here. I even fried my egg both mornings in bacon grease. Delish.
And I've been sewing! I brought WAY more projects with me than I'll finish, but I've made serious progress on my second butterfly quilt. I also worked some on my Christmas hexagons. I have a little somethin, somethin in mind for an upcoming swap or two. Needing to whip out some hexies on this trip.
Tomorrow morning, I am going to lend some moral support to a longtime friend. I am not going into details online, but it will involve sitting in a courthouse for a couple of hours, so I'll bring my cheerful hexagons with me to pass the time more quickly. Hopefully, being there will be a comfort to her. It's the sort of situation where there's not much I can do to help, so I'm glad that I can be there for her during this really difficult time in her life.
Anyways, I have been busy sewing. Tuesday, I'll be driving to Houston to visit my mom and sisters. I should say, my two toddlers and I will be driving to Houston. NOT my favorite thing to do... but I'm missing everyone. My hubby starts a new job tomorrow where he will be gone most of the week, every week, so I'm in no hurry to get home and face that music yet.
Just going to spend time enjoying my family and friends... and doing some sewing when I can.
I've been sitting in the living room listening to the baby monitors for the past 35 minutes and I think I might actually have two sleeping babies at this point, so I'm going to head to bed. Night, everyone. I'll try to post some pictures sometime soon...
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Etsying
Confession time.
I had a crazy and unexpected expense a month or so ago... Bought my Bernina. Named her Babs.
Intended to sell my vintage feed sacks that my mom (Barbara) recently gave me to fund said purchase.
Even told the hubby I would. Then I didn't do anything with them.
He's been patient with me, not saying anything about it... I'm sure he's waiting to see what I will do.
He did bring up the fact that when I shattered my IPhone screen this summer, I told him I'd sell it for a couple hundred dollars to fund a new I Phone 4... and then kept the old phone... and it's still shattered... But I've found someone who will replace the screen! How handy it will be to have an extra iphone for the kids... (sounds reasonable, right?)
Now I don't know. Not sure I want to part with those feed sacks!
Official excuse: Haven't had time to research what they're worth.
Truth: I'm a fabric hoarder. And I'm greedy. And I want them for myself. Even though I probably won't chop them up and use them. I'll just pet them from time to time.
Also: I am confused on a couple of things about Etsy/Ebay. How do you figure out shipping? I suppose they have some kinds of tools for that.
Also: I Phone photos don't do things justice. I need a new camera. Cha-ching.
Future intentions: Getting help from my friends who do Etsy on how to set up my shop... Also making some other items to sell (doll quilts, ornaments, charm packs, etc.)
I feel better now. Confession time is over.
I had a crazy and unexpected expense a month or so ago... Bought my Bernina. Named her Babs.
Intended to sell my vintage feed sacks that my mom (Barbara) recently gave me to fund said purchase.
Even told the hubby I would. Then I didn't do anything with them.
He's been patient with me, not saying anything about it... I'm sure he's waiting to see what I will do.
He did bring up the fact that when I shattered my IPhone screen this summer, I told him I'd sell it for a couple hundred dollars to fund a new I Phone 4... and then kept the old phone... and it's still shattered... But I've found someone who will replace the screen! How handy it will be to have an extra iphone for the kids... (sounds reasonable, right?)
Now I don't know. Not sure I want to part with those feed sacks!
Official excuse: Haven't had time to research what they're worth.
Truth: I'm a fabric hoarder. And I'm greedy. And I want them for myself. Even though I probably won't chop them up and use them. I'll just pet them from time to time.
Also: I am confused on a couple of things about Etsy/Ebay. How do you figure out shipping? I suppose they have some kinds of tools for that.
Also: I Phone photos don't do things justice. I need a new camera. Cha-ching.
Future intentions: Getting help from my friends who do Etsy on how to set up my shop... Also making some other items to sell (doll quilts, ornaments, charm packs, etc.)
I feel better now. Confession time is over.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
All Aflutter
I'm cranking out pink butterflies like NOBODY'S business. There's an epidemic of pregnant women in my life. So fun!
Not quite ready to show pictures.
Patience, my fans... Maybe tonight after bedtime...
Not quite ready to show pictures.
Patience, my fans... Maybe tonight after bedtime...
Monday, September 20, 2010
Recent Activity
I've been busy. I just don't have any pictures to prove it.
Dropped WAY too much $ at Sarah's this weekend. Bought fabric for my Christmas Swap on Flickr and for a couple of butterfly baby quilts I'm making. I went to Harper's Sunday and bought backing for Katie's quilt (my Modern Quilt Guild Challenge Entry). I also sewed for 3 hours at Harper's and then another couple hours last night. Made SERIOUS progress on one butterfly quilt and I'm pretty happy with the way it's shaping up. It'll have 56 different butterflies. They're all pink. Very girly. Can't wait to see it all together.
I've also been working on a couple batik quilts. One is going to be a big picnic quilt. I made a picnic quilt like this before, but I've decided that both of my kids need their own, so I'm sewing together charm squares. Also, I have some half square triangles that I'm sewing together to make another baby quilt. Everyone's having babies... But not me!
I signed up for an I Spy swap today. Sending in 20 four inch squares of ten different fabrics. I thought I might make an I Spy quilt someday. Why not? :D
I used my stash and found eight fabrics to cut up. I have to go buy two more fat quarters. Might run do that today.
I also need to buy some batik for an upcoming exchange at the Blue Valley Quilters' Guild. Dark blue, I think. Will have to wash it before I chop it up because batiks bleed so much. I almost never pre-wash, but I try to make an exception with batiks.
I'll try to post some pictures of my quilting soon. Until then, here are some pictures of the two items I received from the Urban Home Goods Swap on Flickr! A pincushion and thread catcher and a wall hanging for my bathroom! Sorry for the picture quality! They're so fun!
Dropped WAY too much $ at Sarah's this weekend. Bought fabric for my Christmas Swap on Flickr and for a couple of butterfly baby quilts I'm making. I went to Harper's Sunday and bought backing for Katie's quilt (my Modern Quilt Guild Challenge Entry). I also sewed for 3 hours at Harper's and then another couple hours last night. Made SERIOUS progress on one butterfly quilt and I'm pretty happy with the way it's shaping up. It'll have 56 different butterflies. They're all pink. Very girly. Can't wait to see it all together.
I've also been working on a couple batik quilts. One is going to be a big picnic quilt. I made a picnic quilt like this before, but I've decided that both of my kids need their own, so I'm sewing together charm squares. Also, I have some half square triangles that I'm sewing together to make another baby quilt. Everyone's having babies... But not me!
I signed up for an I Spy swap today. Sending in 20 four inch squares of ten different fabrics. I thought I might make an I Spy quilt someday. Why not? :D
I used my stash and found eight fabrics to cut up. I have to go buy two more fat quarters. Might run do that today.
I also need to buy some batik for an upcoming exchange at the Blue Valley Quilters' Guild. Dark blue, I think. Will have to wash it before I chop it up because batiks bleed so much. I almost never pre-wash, but I try to make an exception with batiks.
I'll try to post some pictures of my quilting soon. Until then, here are some pictures of the two items I received from the Urban Home Goods Swap on Flickr! A pincushion and thread catcher and a wall hanging for my bathroom! Sorry for the picture quality! They're so fun!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Raggedy Ann & Andy
My mother-in-law, Janie made this quilt for Wyatt. I love the quilting pattern the quilter used (Baptist Fan). Reminds me of my great-grandmother, Grandma Nell always had fans hanging on her walls from funerals & churches.
Janie did a great job with the embroidery and her fabric choices for the borders are perfect.
When I was little, I watched Raggedy Ann & Andy. It was like Toy Story for my generation because it had us convinced that when we weren't looking, our toys came alive. I was pretty freaked out by this in general. After all, my baby dolls had very real looking eyes that would shut when you laid them down. I often turned all of my dolls away from me on their shelves before I could sleep. I didn't want them looking at me. :D
I love this little quilt.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Janie did a great job with the embroidery and her fabric choices for the borders are perfect.
When I was little, I watched Raggedy Ann & Andy. It was like Toy Story for my generation because it had us convinced that when we weren't looking, our toys came alive. I was pretty freaked out by this in general. After all, my baby dolls had very real looking eyes that would shut when you laid them down. I often turned all of my dolls away from me on their shelves before I could sleep. I didn't want them looking at me. :D
I love this little quilt.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Thursday, September 16, 2010
These Will Be a Quilt Made of 54 Six Inch Butterflies
I'm making two baby quilts and I have another set of all of these fabrics already cut out. One quilt is for my best friend who is due with a sweet baby girl in January and one for my cousin who isn't sure yet if she will have a boy or girl in April or May. I'm voting for her to have a girl.
Here's the tutorial I'm using:
mrsschmenkmanquilts.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/butterfly-bl...
I used this to make a few blocks for Toni in my KC Scrappy Bee and to make a table runner for my Urban Home Goods Swap and fell in love with the process and the results! You should try it too...
Saturday, I'm going to Sarah's to buy fabric to go with these. I need to find one fabric to be the body of each butterfly and another fabric to be the background around each butterfly. The fabrics pictured above are going to be the wings. There are two of each of the rectangles above.
Whatever I buy needs to be calm and NOT busy. I'm thinking maybe a chocolate brown and a slightly lighter brown? Thought about gray, but I'm afraid it will wash things out. Green might be a nice background but it'd have to be the perfect shade... I'm not sure.
What do you think, my friends?
Here's the tutorial I'm using:
mrsschmenkmanquilts.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/butterfly-bl...
I used this to make a few blocks for Toni in my KC Scrappy Bee and to make a table runner for my Urban Home Goods Swap and fell in love with the process and the results! You should try it too...
Saturday, I'm going to Sarah's to buy fabric to go with these. I need to find one fabric to be the body of each butterfly and another fabric to be the background around each butterfly. The fabrics pictured above are going to be the wings. There are two of each of the rectangles above.
Whatever I buy needs to be calm and NOT busy. I'm thinking maybe a chocolate brown and a slightly lighter brown? Thought about gray, but I'm afraid it will wash things out. Green might be a nice background but it'd have to be the perfect shade... I'm not sure.
What do you think, my friends?
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Kate's Baby Quilt
I'm making this quilt for my littlest sister, who is 2 months pregnant. Way too early to know if it's a boy or girl, but I'm taking a gamble and making a boy quilt. She can only have it if she has a boy...
It's a very different approach in piecing than I usually take and I've really enjoyed it. This picture doesn't do it justice. I started with the darkest color in the center of the block and worked my way outward in a wonky log cabin fashion with lighter and lighter colors.
I've decided against adding a border and I'm thinking of quilting it with straight lines, maybe slightly diagonal... Not sure yet.
I can't quilt it yet because I don't have the backing ready and I don't have a walking foot yet for my new machine. Hopefully when I get the backing ready, I'll have the right foot.
Anybody have advice on how to quilt this other than what I mentioned above? I'm not solid with my free-motion yet, so I don't want to do something this big without my walking foot. What thread would you use?
I'm going to try to finish it in time to enter it in the contest at the Modern Quilt Guild. I have a couple of months to go, though.
It's a very different approach in piecing than I usually take and I've really enjoyed it. This picture doesn't do it justice. I started with the darkest color in the center of the block and worked my way outward in a wonky log cabin fashion with lighter and lighter colors.
I've decided against adding a border and I'm thinking of quilting it with straight lines, maybe slightly diagonal... Not sure yet.
I can't quilt it yet because I don't have the backing ready and I don't have a walking foot yet for my new machine. Hopefully when I get the backing ready, I'll have the right foot.
Anybody have advice on how to quilt this other than what I mentioned above? I'm not solid with my free-motion yet, so I don't want to do something this big without my walking foot. What thread would you use?
I'm going to try to finish it in time to enter it in the contest at the Modern Quilt Guild. I have a couple of months to go, though.
Monday, September 13, 2010
November's Bee Vintage Block Details
I'm getting ready for November. That's my month in "Bee Vintage", my online vintage sheet bee. I'm going to ask each member to make a 15" wonky log cabin block made from 2 different vintage sheets. One that reads white & one that reads a color. What do you think so far of the sample blocks I've made? This IPhone pic doesn't do them justice, FYI...
*** Edited to provide more details for my bee members****
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
15 Inch Wonky Log Cabin Blocks
This quilt is the inspiration for my request:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/12260277@N07/4265049746/in/faves-25806308@N00/
Imagine how lovely it will be in vintage sheets! Merry Christmas to ME! I think this type of block will be fun and quick to make.
Details: I'd like to request one block that is bigger than 15 inches unfinished (I will trim them to 15 inches) made out of just two different floral prints of vintage sheets in the wonky log cabin style. I would like for one print to be predominately white (like a floral with a white background) and the other print to read solidly one color (like a floral with a pink background-not white, for example). You can pick whatever color you'd like to go with the white print. Hopefully, when I get all of my blocks, I'll have a nice assortment of colors. There aren't any colors I'd like for you to avoid. Even browns are fine. I will trim all of the blocks myself to 15 inches when I get them from you. If the spirit moves you to make more than one block, I'll dance a happy dance, but one block is all that is required.
See above for examples I've made of this type of block.
If making wonky log cabins is new to you, please take a minute to read this great blog entry I found on how to go about making them.
http://blempgorf.blogspot.com/2009/08/advice-on-making-wonky-improvisational.html
Thank you so much! I cannot wait to see what you all come up with!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Scrappy mug rug swap
Here's the front of the mug rug I made for my partner. She likes polka dots and color.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Labor Day
This weekend was very busy with family events and I'm happy to say that the hubs is gone (probably to a movie or the bookstore), the kids are asleep and I can go upstairs guilt-free to work on quilts.
I have to work on organizing my paperwork for Quilts of Valor, though. We're gearing up to award 38 QOVs to the WWII, POWs and a Holocaust survivor at a local retirement village in about 2 months. I also have my regular list of people who need QOVs, too. Time to get a friend to embroider some labels so that these quilts can be awarded.
I also have a couple of QOVs that are going to be in an exhibit at the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, KS. They're a two of my favorites. After the exhibit, they'll be awarded to Kansas soldiers. This is a yearly thing that the Eisenhower will be doing every year on Veterans' Day. This year is the first time they've done it. If you're interested, let me know. I have some brochures and info on deadlines (October something) along with size requirements and other details.
So my sewing time will be spent doing paperwork today, but I might sneak in a minute or two to work on my scrappy mug rug. Got one side finished, but I would like to make it reversible, so I need to get cracking on the back.
Leave a comment and let me know what you've been up to!
I have to work on organizing my paperwork for Quilts of Valor, though. We're gearing up to award 38 QOVs to the WWII, POWs and a Holocaust survivor at a local retirement village in about 2 months. I also have my regular list of people who need QOVs, too. Time to get a friend to embroider some labels so that these quilts can be awarded.
I also have a couple of QOVs that are going to be in an exhibit at the Eisenhower Library in Abilene, KS. They're a two of my favorites. After the exhibit, they'll be awarded to Kansas soldiers. This is a yearly thing that the Eisenhower will be doing every year on Veterans' Day. This year is the first time they've done it. If you're interested, let me know. I have some brochures and info on deadlines (October something) along with size requirements and other details.
So my sewing time will be spent doing paperwork today, but I might sneak in a minute or two to work on my scrappy mug rug. Got one side finished, but I would like to make it reversible, so I need to get cracking on the back.
Leave a comment and let me know what you've been up to!
Friday, September 03, 2010
Kate's Baby Quilt
*** Edited to tell you that these pictures don't do these colors or the optical illusion of depth justice. ***
Kate's baby quilt, originally uploaded by nkiblueeyes.
Here are the two blocks I've completed. I have a bunch more in progress, but ran out of fabric. I bought a bunch of fat quarters but need more of the outer colors: green, blue, gray and off-white.Kate's baby quilt, originally uploaded by nkiblueeyes.
Trying to decide how to set these. Sashing or touching each other? If I sash them, I think I need to pick a different color. Maybe a snow white? Or a white linen???
What are your thoughts, people?
And while you're thinking, tell me how I should quilt this. I am thinking swirling outward from the darkest fabric (center of the block) might be cool. Not sure if I can pull it off with my darning foot, but I think with some practice, it's possible. What color thread? Hmm... Decisions!
*** Edited again to let you know that I went shopping today to get more fabric. It's a good thing, too because they were almost out of the green! Got a yard of everything except the green and I could only get two fat quarters of that. Should be enough to finish the top and I'll have some to use on piecing the back. Can hardly wait to get busy on it, but my weekend is a busy one. :( ***
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
New Quilt for Potential Nephew
Did I mention to you that my littlest sister, Katie is pregnant? She's 24 (almost) and this will be her first baby. I think it's a boy. He/she's not due until April or May so I have some time... But I'm planning to make 3 quilts. Initially, I'll make a girl one (haven't started it yet) and a boy one (so excited about this one) and one that would be fine for either (Batik quilt-Christmas gift)... and then she can have two of the three
She likes subdued colors... So I'm thinking solids... I started the most FUN quilt for her today. Very out of the box for me... but I'm finding that I'm stepping more and more into a new style these days. I am not going to post a picture of this quilt until I have a few blocks completed. Should take me about 30 more minutes of sewing to get that far, but alas, I ran out of sewing time today and tomorrow morning is pretty packed. Having friends/kids over to play and have lunch... might need a nap afterwards... Obviously, I'm not going to get a very good night's sleep tonight, since it's 11:14 now...
Let me tell you a bit about this quilt. It's a wonky log cabin. I picked Moda solids. About 9 or 10 fat quarters. I arranged them from lightest to darkest. I'm envisioning the darkest color fabric in the center of the block and the colors gradually getting lighter as they go out from the center. Lots of browns/grays and a little green/blue...
If you know me, you know that using solids is a relatively new thing with me. I didn't have ANY in my stash when I joined the KC Modern Quilt Guild a few months back. I've made some progress in remedying that problem since then... :D
So I'll do what I can to show you guys some progress with this quilt tomorrow. Katie, if you're reading this, you'll ruin your surprise if you're not careful...
She likes subdued colors... So I'm thinking solids... I started the most FUN quilt for her today. Very out of the box for me... but I'm finding that I'm stepping more and more into a new style these days. I am not going to post a picture of this quilt until I have a few blocks completed. Should take me about 30 more minutes of sewing to get that far, but alas, I ran out of sewing time today and tomorrow morning is pretty packed. Having friends/kids over to play and have lunch... might need a nap afterwards... Obviously, I'm not going to get a very good night's sleep tonight, since it's 11:14 now...
Let me tell you a bit about this quilt. It's a wonky log cabin. I picked Moda solids. About 9 or 10 fat quarters. I arranged them from lightest to darkest. I'm envisioning the darkest color fabric in the center of the block and the colors gradually getting lighter as they go out from the center. Lots of browns/grays and a little green/blue...
If you know me, you know that using solids is a relatively new thing with me. I didn't have ANY in my stash when I joined the KC Modern Quilt Guild a few months back. I've made some progress in remedying that problem since then... :D
So I'll do what I can to show you guys some progress with this quilt tomorrow. Katie, if you're reading this, you'll ruin your surprise if you're not careful...
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