So Sew Crafty

Birthday Surprises

2012-02-26T05:44:00.000-06:00

My beautiful new toy - a Brother CS-6000i. Didn't my sister do good! I love this light weight, very portable machine. All I need is a 1/4" presser foot and I will be ready for my quilting group's next meeting. I am so excited! My beloved Kenmore can now stay home - safe and sound in it's place of honor.

This is by far the best birthday card I have ever received. My almost 9 year old niece captured Cha Cha is a very unique way. I intent to frame this. I have a wall of fun cats in my bedroom and have found the perfect spot for this one.

The butterfly is compliments of my almost 5 year old niece. Her color selection is lovely. I will add a magnet and hang this on the refrigerator door.

Here is the case to my new toy. Cha Cha spent considerable time last night trying to fit in the opening toward the top. I'm unsure if she was simply curious or thought this was some new fangled litterbox!

My Brother is the third of her kind in our family. My older niece received one for Christmas. My sister, a devoted Bernini lover, liked the easy of this machine so well she got one for herself after Christmas. Lucky for me she remembered I wanted a smaller machine to carry about.

And, I bought myself an Omnigrid all in one, folding cutting mat/ironing station for applique and quilt group. Overall yesterday was a bang up birthday!

I'm off to play with my new toy. Have a wonderful day!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Red Lobster Hideaway

2012-02-23T11:28:00.000-06:00

Ms Cha Cha had serious doubts over this pattern. She heard Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co., the designer, has a DOG@!!#@!! My apologies to Miss Rosie. Ms Cha Cha doesn't care for dogs. Then, she really does not care for cats or people for that matter. She is rather antisocial.

Ms Cha Cha changed her opinion of Carrie's design this morning. Carrie's pattern is a very cat friendly quilt - Full House. You see the binding is 1 1/4" wide and you cut 5 delicious strips - all perfectly paw sized and rather wavy as they are transported between the cutting table, ironing board and sewing machine. Ms Cha Cha was totally impressed!

Despite the helpful paws at my house, Red Lobster Hideaway has become a quilt top ....

And the city building inspector beat the charges against her. She is back on the job ....

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

House of Mirrors

2012-02-20T04:00:00.000-06:00

Have you ever been in the House of Mirrors at a county fair? Everything looks distorted with the images changing as you round each counter. I was there yesterday morning .... my second panel for Bonnie Hunter's Trip Around the World had quite a few twists and turns, none looking quite like the pattern.

I was going for a Mirror Image but was getting an undetected House of Mirrors. I got four really pretty seams stitched and pressed before the House of Mirrors became apparent. I am not sure exactly what happened. I do know it has to do with the fifth strip - the only one of that specific color in the panel.

Much seam ripping later I got this - a Mirror Image ....

Am I the only one capable of taking a well written, rather simple pattern and creating a House of Mirrors? I hope not (ha!)

Ms Cha Cha missed the whole process. She was sulking under the bed after being scolded for once again walking on the kitchen counter, Why, oh why are her favorite places to be and things to do the ones I don't allow?

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

The Mind of a Cat or Demon Possessed?

2012-02-18T18:02:00.000-06:00

A while back I discovered a free pattern - Trip Around the World - on Bonnie Hunter's Quiltville's Quips & Snips blog. I downloaded the instructions for my "one day" list. About a month ago Jackie Kunkel of Canton Village Quilt Works had some really pretty batiks on sale. I immediately thought of Bonnie's quilt and ordered an assortment of fabrics. Today was the perfect day to start the quilt. My progress - cutting done and all four panels sewn waiting to be pressed! .....

Looks like Easter! I'm loving the colors. Once the panels are pressed, you sew into tubes and and cross cut. Bonnie's pattern is a twin using 4" strips. I wanted smaller so have cut 3" strips. I should have enough leftover from the ends of the panels to make one, hopefully two doll quilts for my nieces. The adventure of cutting through all the fabric tubes be another day. Tomorrow is a family day and I am out of "go" for today.

Have those of you who are owned by a cat ever wondered what was on the cat's mind; as in what could possibly possess said cat to get such WEIRD! behavior? For example - I was pinning strips. Ms Cha Cha was rolled in a tight ball sound asleep. Suddenly she lets out a loud battle cry, jumps on the table - you know 0 to 110 miles an hour in the blink of an eye - and starts yanking pins out of the pincushion. I'm baffled,, shocked, slightly amused. I grab the pins. She gives me a withering look, leaps back to the chair and curls up instantly asleep. One wonders; but, I probably do NOT want to know what was on Ms Cha Cha's mind.

Okay. So I couldn't stand it. I absolutely had to see one of the panels complete. I've been thinking Easter and the word Cadbury keeps coming to mind, over and over. Can a quilt be named Cadbury? Hmmm.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Ready!

2012-02-17T06:23:00.000-06:00

Bring it on Quilt Sue. I am ready. My Festive Mystery Quilt pieces are ALL cut.

Everything is stored safety away from Ms Cha Cha. She has a "thing" for 2" strips and my "thing" is for her to leave them alone. The poor mistreated kitty has her own private stash of strips cut from less expensive fabric. She, however, seems to prefer quality fabric!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Two Inches by Two Inches - Twice

2012-02-16T07:44:00.001-06:00

Two 2" square pieces! That is all I need for the cobblestone drive at Red Snapper Hideaway. I have searched and searched - Ms Cha Cha cat "steals" pieces but I have checked her hiding places. No luck! I will have to squeeze the two pieces out of the sashing/backing/binding/borders I ordered from The Old Country Store. When I do I am positive I will then find the odd piece the cat stole and put under the bed/couch/chair! I did find a missing plastic bowl, a lost piece of fabric from my last project and various other out of place items.

And I have my first reservation for a Gulf side condo at Red Snapper Hideaway. Quilt Sue and hubby are scheduled for two weeks starting mid May. We are SO EXCITED!

My fabric arrived for the Festive Mystery Quilt ........

The color is washed out. I think I need a new camera! I'll tell Santa later this year. The light and medium strips are neatly cut and far away from prying paws. Ms Cha Cha loves stolen fabric.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Catch-Of-The-Day Ave.

2012-02-15T05:07:00.001-06:00

Catch-Of-The-Day Avenue joins Pelican Way Blvd. and Oyster Bay Drive. As soon as the cobblestone streets and landscaping is complete these three swanky condos rows will open as Red Snapper Hideaway. Make your reservations early. This hot property is a going concern!

You may note the absence of the City Building Inspector. She was caught early this morning in clear violation of City Regulations by the Mayor and is now secluded preparing her defense. Translation - I caught Cha Cha cat walking on the forbidden kitchen counter and she is hiding under the bed to avoid being scolded. Never fear, she will be out shortly acting as if she just got up from a nap.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Pelican Way Blvd.

2012-02-14T04:00:00.000-06:00

Pelican Way Blvd., which is one sand dune up from Oyster Bay Lane, has been totally renovated after Tropical Storm Donna. The roof construction method was adapted for use with the rulers available (the specialty ruler used by for this pattern is not in my possession at the moment).

The city building inspector stopped by .....

and we have been given approval to move on to the last lovely street in our beach side condo development. All should be ready for rental at the season start. Get packed. Rental rates are guaranteed to suit your budget and the view from the condos is breathtaking!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Oyster Bay Drive

2012-02-13T04:00:00.000-06:00

Oyster Bay Drive is a lovely, upscale Florida neighborhood overlooking the Gulf. Put on your shorts, take off your shoes and stay awhile. The residents are very friendly ...

I hear there are at least two cats per house!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Tropical Storm Donna

2012-02-12T10:51:00.003-06:00

Two of eighteen houses - you will note there is "slight" wind damage to the roofs. Of course, these make up part of a row of beach condos in Central Florida. Wind damage happens! This damage was compliments of Tropical Storm Donna - no I cannot blame this on the cat!

Yesterday was fun with the sewing gals. I was way late because I discovered I did not have enough of the background fabric for the Christmas Quilt Along 2012. I ran to the local quilt shop. My plan was grab the fabric, which I KNEW they had, and get to my group. Horror .... Bittersweet is the fabric being used in a BOM so my choice was pick something else. Picking takes time! and I kept running into people I knew and couldn't be rude. Two hours later I was off to sew with the gals, where I -

Enjoyed lunch

Gossiped

Had a snack

Gossiped

Admired every one's work

Gossiped

Managed to sort two charm packs into matching pairs

I was so tired I had to take a long nap when I got home. I think some of the others, who got to group on time and prepared actually got some work done.

My replacement background fabric for the quilt along. The picture is awful! The fabric is more of a golden tonal and looks wonderful with the Bittersweet.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Christmas Quilt Along 2012

2012-02-11T09:53:00.002-06:00

The Quilt Along 2012 starts today .... Hazel of Hazel's Quilts is our hostess for the day and she has the fabric requirement/cutting instructions for the Quilt Along 2012 Mystery Quilt designed by Sue of Quilt Times. Go check it out - this will be INTERESTING!, as one of the supplies you need is "A Plastic Bag!" I'm in. How about you?

I've picked my fabrics .... the background and light fabric I had in my stash. The medium and dark fabrics have been ordered from Shabby Fabrics. My selection ......

Wonder how these lovely fabrics will look in? on? over? under? around? who knows? plastic bags! I am going to have to wait and see, so you will also.

I won't be posting about the quilt along anymore today. My quilting gang is meeting and I am joining them. We lack Internet access. My plan for is do the cutting for my Schnibbles "Full House" wall-hanging, using Rouenneries Deux by French General - plus a lot of quilting "gossip"!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Presenting Stepping-Stones

2012-02-06T07:15:00.002-06:00

I could wait for a sunny day or I could use my bedroom closet door, the only place in a 400 sq. ft. apartment I can get the whole quilt top. So, closet door it is. Presenting Stepping-Stones ......

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

2012-02-05T13:02:00.000-06:00

Stepping-Stones has been a quilt top for a week. I waited for an outside picture this weekend. Still do not have one. Yesterday was bright and lovely. I ran errands. Today is gray and dull. Oh, well!

Learning applique is my goal for 2012. My Hobbico Sealing Iron, C. Jenkins Freezer Paper, etc. etc. are ready. These goodies came from Jennifer Bosworth, Shabby Fabrics. Check out her website! - reasonable prices, great shipping, lots of fabrics/notion selections and Jennifer is offering a free Mystery Quilt BOM - Country Cottages. My fabric patiently awaits - Santa was Good! My John James straw needles snuggle in an adorable feed sack needle case I won from Susan Entwistle, Quixotic Crafter a while back.

I have debated thread. Jennifer uses Kimono #100 Silk Thread by Superior Threads. Susan, suggested the same. I thought less expensive for starters ...... but why question the experts? All morning I browsed the 80 luscious colors of Kimono. My rule - 4 spools ONLY! Hard decision!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions - presenting the 4 I ordered .........................

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Magnetic Strips

2012-01-28T14:01:00.000-06:00

First border completely attached. I am liking this quilt! Remembering my experience with Ms Cha Cha vs continuous strip preparation, I executed a "plan." Ms Cha Cha and I engaged in strenuous, active play. We played with all of her favorite toys - one by one. She ran. She jumped. She climbed. She danced about like a Halloween cat. She had a grand time. We played until she refused to play anymore. So far, so good - my plan worked. Yeah!

I settled in my reading chair with my Kindle. Ms Cha Cha curled on the couch. She was "out," Quietly I moved to the cutting table. I reached for the continuous strip border. My hand encountered a black furry cat. Drat! Those strips apparently were Magnetic. The force field had reeled in a Cat!

The good news (for me!) was Ms Cha Cha lost all interest once the strips were tightly pinned to the quilt top. It was touch and go getting there. But I did! And I got .....

The First Side of the Outer Border and ...

The Second Side of the Outer Border!!!!!

Top and bottom with cornerstones coming soon! I'm loving this quilt.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

The MISSING!!! Pattern Instruction

2012-01-27T06:39:00.002-06:00

The pattern instructions for continuous border strips says (in abbreviated form) - place 1 1/2" strips right side together at right angles, draw diagonal line and stitch on line. Do this 5 times. How difficult could that possibly be? Why would the process take 2 hours?

There was a vital instruction missing from this pattern. Let me tell you my story - I sit down at the table to place the first two strips together. My able assistant, Ms Cha Cha cat joins me. She promptly starts removing pins from the pincushion. I remove pincushion and continue. Ms Cha Cha finds the pencil intriguing. I remove cat from table - very politely, of course. Ms Cha Cha now perches on back of chair to my right. I start to draw the diagonal line. Flying cat lands on table. Pencil hits floor. I remove cat from table with a stern warning. Cat's ears flatten. Cat's tail switches. Cat glares at me from a chair across the room. I draw diagonal lines successfully.

On to sewing machine. Unfortunately, I am closer to Ms Cha Cha's chair. I ignore flattened ears, switching tail and evil glare. I get the first strip in place - needle down. Flying cat lands on sewing table. Strips fly. Some are on the floor - sure glad I mopped last night. One strip "waves in the wind" as Ms Cha Cha runs down the hall with her prize. Who knows where the pin is? I suppose I will find it the next time I walk down the hall with no shoes on.

After three attempts, which included two seams requiring a seam ripper, I realize there is a MISSING!! instruction in my Pick Four pattern book.

REMOVE CAT FROM ROOM BEFORE ATTEMPTING

CONTINUOUS BORDER STRIPS!!!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

The Race is Not to the Swift!

2012-01-22T18:06:00.001-06:00

I had the 9 patch blocks complete back in October. The "nerve" to cut them as instructed in "Pick Four" by Sue Abrey finally hit me in early January. All my points matched and the blocks were too pretty to cut and, of course, the holidays happened. Blah! Blah! Blah!

Weeks later the pretty cut, squared up blocks were still stacked neatly on my table. I was ignoring Sue's suggestion I piece them. Her book provides both well written and visual directions. But .... what if I start and the new points do not match? Blah! Blah! Blah!

Obviously, my mind is my own worst enemy! Today I got moving .....

This quilt is coming together slowly and nicely. I am pleased with the result. The points are lining up and I enjoyed my day. All I've got to say is -

THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL

I Think I Can, I Think I Can....I Think I Can

2012-01-10T06:56:00.000-06:00

Holiday illness, family obligations, etc. etc. etc aside, why are my 9 patch units for Sue Abrey's Stepping Stones still in a neat stack on my cutting table? Maybe I need a special ruler or perhaps one of those rotating cutting mats I've noticed on the Internet. I know it is not because I need a new blade for my rotary cutter - can't be because I bought a 5 pack on sale at Joann's and 2 people gave me 5 packs as Christmas presents. What, oh what, can the matter be?

Sue's instructions are extremely clear. She tells me exactly where to cut. There is even a picture as an example. Two pictures to be precise - the first is step 5, block A on page 23 of her Pick Four book (I must have skipped this step!) and step 3, block B on page 24 has an almost identical picture as a second example. I am a wee bit dense at times but this morning the reality that there would be no quilt top until I followed Sue's instructions set in. What to do? Maybe a special ruler, a rotating cutting mat, or ........

I borrowed the lesson of the value of optimism and hard work from "The Little Engine That Could." Loudly repeating - I Think I Can, I Think I Can, I Think I Can - I slowly (2 hours!) got the little piles in the picture above. The moral for today is - I Thought I Could, I Thought I Could, I Thought I Could. Next up is Assembling the Quilt Top - step l.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Welcome 2012

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-06:00

I had every intention of being asleep at midnight. I then decided to attend my first Twitter party (setup a Twitter account, made my first Twit). Stitchin' Heaven was sponsoring a Twitter 2012 Party. I won a pattern from Little LadyBug's Creations. I had wonderful fun; although it got overwhelming at times - so many people twitting all at once - I had trouble ~~enjoying~~ following the conversation. I don't see Twitter becoming my new best friend.

May 2012 Fulfill Your Special Dreams!

The Christmas tree is down, safely stored for the year, along with all the directions. As much as I love Christmas decorations, I am always ready to get back to "normal" household decor as I have started to miss my "pretties."

HAPPY QUILTING!

2011 Bits and Pieces

2011-12-31T09:41:00.000-06:00

My gifts from Robbie, rooee's confetti, for the Santa Sack Swap2. You can read my comments and see all the of the other amazing gifts sent and received by some fantastic quilters on the Santa Sack Swap2 blog. I love everything I received. Thanks, Robin. And a heartfelt thanks to Carol of Carol's Crafty Creations for sponsoring the wonderful Santa Sack Swap2.

I've been out of blogland and way too far from my sewing machine for a while. The last couple of months of 2011 were .... well, let's just say I'm glad those months are behind me. There were a few great things that happened ...

The magazine is super COOL! I chomping at the bit to try my hand at many, many of the lovely blocks! Read their blog Quilty Pleasures.

I won these two wonderful patterns from Lesley of Sew Happy-Me on her Fourth Day of Christmas Giveaway. I ~~stole~~ borrowed the pictures from her blog as the patterns are not yet here - we decided she would ship after Christmas to avoid the lost Christmas mail.

That concludes my windup of 2011. Most folk are busy writing resolutions for the New Year. I elected to skip out! My New Year's resolutions from past years have been kept for somewhere between 24 hours and 6 days - No! I have never made a full week! I do have some "dreams" for 2012 which I will keep to myself for now.

HAPPY QUILTING!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:46:00.001-06:00

My niece's first cross-stitch project gifted to me. I'm told this took her two years - pretty amazing for a now 8 year old. The back has her name and documents this is her 1st Cross-Stitch Project completed in 2011..

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MAY YOUR DAY BE FILLED WITH LOVE, PEACE AND JOY.

No Sew Fun Weekend

2011-10-17T05:38:00.001-05:00

Sewing has been almost nonexistent around here. My 9 patches are waiting to be cut to start forming Stepping Stones from Sue Abrey's Pick Four book. The Uber-Quilt-Fest sampler is on hold for me - temporary condition. Instead of being productive I spent a lovely weekend with family and friends enjoying the lingering summer weather in sunny Florida.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Weekend Fun!

2011-10-10T05:10:00.000-05:00

Material nicely starched, pressed, cut and waiting to become a quilt. I am using Sue Abrey's "Stepping Stones" pattern from her wonderful book "Pick Four." The cutting took me a long time. I have nerve damage which gives me a lack of feeling in my hands. There is no pain in the cutting process. I tend to overcompensate and grasp items too tightly. This creates slippage as I work with the ruler and rotary cutter. I am learning to work around the issue. I improve the more I cut. So the fabric above became .....

I have 8 lovely 9 patch blocks of the red, cream and green ready to be cut into 4 pieces. I am leaving that for another day! I, also have the green and cream strips sewn into the mid section of 8 more 9 patch blocks and the gold and cream strips joined awaiting becoming the rest of the to be 9 patch blocks. Sue's book is so informative and well written. I love a pattern designer who takes the time to tell you the direction you need to press the seams!

Block 8 - Quilt-Uber-Fest

Designer Cara Wilson of Cara Quilts gave us this lovely block. Mine is not stitched together quite yet. It will be before I leave for work. I am having to get "creative" in fabrics utilized. I am getting down to layer cake squares with larger designs which do not fit the concept of this quilt. And I am out of two squares of the same print....Cara used 3 prints; I made do with 5 to keep going.

This has been a wonderful weekend! Hope you had as much fun as I did.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

The Point is My Points ARE Improving

I had the crazy desire to come back and add this. Block 8 is together and my points are much improved. The true color is better in this photo, also.

Happy Quilting! Have a wonderful day!

Jigsaw Puzzle

2011-10-09T04:00:00.000-05:00

Block 8 - Quilt-Uber-Fest

Designer April Rosenthal of 21st Century Charm School. This was my first attempt at a Chevron. I am somewhat pleased with the result - some of the points leave a bit to be desired. I do like the colors, which are much more vibriant than the photo shows. There are a lot of seams, points, small (for me) pieces and jigsaw puzzle arrangement.

April's block is beautiful. Go check it out on her blog.

I am thinking the time has come for me to go read a book. The Christmas tree skirt I had planned to work on can wait a bit.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Moving Along!

2011-10-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

Block 7 - Quilt-Uber-Fest

Designer Scott Hansen of Blue Nickle Studio's block. Scott is also the host of this quilt along. I'm having difficulty realizing I have kept up for 7 full days. I am enjoying myself!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Brain Teaser

2011-10-07T07:24:00.004-05:00

Block 6 - Quilt-Uber-Fest

Designer John Adams of I'm Just a Guy Who Quilts threw me a brain teaser with this block. I'm loving how it turned out - my resulting diamond is "mostly" smooth edged. This is a large block with little (for me!) pieces. I had fun with the challenge and do believe I want to put this one together again - soon. I can see a feature fabric becoming the center square. We will see.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Garden District Houses

2011-10-06T06:08:00.000-05:00

Block 5 - Quilt-Uber-Fest

Block designed by Amy Lobsiger of Mrs. Schmenkman Quilts. I love the little houses surrounded by flowers. My roof tops (Geese again!) look like they survived the last major wind storm (ha!).

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Flight On Schedule

2011-10-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

Block 3 - Quilt-Uber-Fest

Designed by Karen Linton, no blog. Karen's block can be found here on Scott Hansen's (our host) Blue Nickel Studios blog. There are Flying Geese and half square triangles throughout this block and I am amazed at how well mine are flying!

Below is the face of a somewhat angry kitty cat who is feeling ignored. Poor Kitty.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Rocking On

2011-10-04T07:46:00.003-05:00

Block 2 - Quilt-Uber-Fest

Designed by Konda Luckau of Moose on the Porch Quilts. There is a missing piece of mortar due to material shortage. And I had to piece one side of the outer blocks - the cut was 3.5 x 12.5 - ain't happening when one is using scraps from a jelly roll and a layer cake. Get over it and improvise!

Block 3 - To Follow Soon .... I skipped this one this morning. There are GEESE - very pretty GEESE! I decided these would be a better after work project. Speaking of work it might just be time for me to start getting ready. Piecing in PJs is perfectly acceptable. Work, on the other hand, is a different matter.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Barely Airborne

2011-10-03T18:15:00.002-05:00

John Adams of Quilt Dad calls his block for the Blogger's Quilt-Uber-Fest being sponsored by Scott Hansen of Blue Nickel Studies "Taking Flight." I have aptly named my rendition "Barely Airborne." Something happened during my translation of the lower right hand section of the block. I'm unsure exactly what I did (or didn't do) but I am using scraps, love the colors and the block will stay what it is. This quilt will be nice and warm.

My Friends Swap 2011 and Santa Sack 2 packages are on their way to Grace and Robbie.

Now I am off to find the other two blocks which have been released for Quilt-Uber-Fest.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Back on Track

2011-10-02T14:43:00.000-05:00

FRIENDS Swap 2011

Santa Sack 2 Swap

My gifties are ready for the trip to the post office so they will be on the way to Grace and Robbie tomorrow.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Perfection!

2011-09-30T20:03:00.001-05:00

WE GOT A BOX! MAKE THAT TWO BOXES! YEAH!

FRIENDS! are so WONDERFUL!

My FRIENDS swap package arrived from Grace, citymousequilter. Look at those lovely packages. How exciting! Almost (I said almost!) too pretty too unwrap.

This is all from 6 packages. WOW!

The seventh package.

The blueberry fabric is to die for and please do not drool on my lovely purple fabrics and I have been eying paisley fabrics at the quilt shop - now I own a piece! Oh the dancing whales will delight a favorite little nephew this Christmas. Do you see all of those books, magazines, patterns .... I had foundation piecing on my list of things to learn in 2012. Looks like my start will be the Feathered Star.

How sweet is the potholder! The colors are so wonderful!

My gifts are absolutely amazing! Check out those tiny little squares forming the NOEL letters.I LOVE this wall hanging!

Thanks Grace. I consider myself one lucky FRIEND.

She won't let me play with anything! Mean Mama!

THE SECOND PACKAGE

My Santa Swap 2 second set of packages arrived from Robbie, rooee's Confetti in the same mail. These beautifully wrapped packages seem to have suffered no damage - no little torn pieces of paper, untied ribbon or loose tape - during the mailing process. Bummer! Because I canNOT open these until Christmas. Who came up with these rules? I'm driving myself crazy trying to figure out how to get a sneak preview!

Here is the picture of all four lovely presents from Robbie - Still Wrapped!

And I have had two of them for a whole month!

This is Pure Agony!

Thanks, Robbie!

My return gifts to Grace and Robbie will be on their way this coming Monday. My work schedule has been hectic and I got behind.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My Autographed Quilt Book!

2011-09-28T07:20:00.000-05:00

Look what Quilt Sue sent me - all the way from the UK! I am the proud owner of an autographed quilt book compliments of the lovely book plate Sue sent to grace the front cover of my "Pick Four." The fabric holding the book came in the same mail and is the "to be" flimsy from the Antique Nine Patch pattern in Sue's book. I am ever so excited! The fabric was ordered from the fab Fat Quarter Shop where you will find amazing savings in their sale section.

How is this for Way Cool! Thanks Sue!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Blogger' Block of the Month

2011-09-25T12:55:00.001-05:00

Sherri of A Quilting Life posted the first block for the Blogger's Block of the Month being hosted by Jackie of Canton Village Quilt Works. The above is my block. I am using fabrics I have on hand. I surprised myself with how easily this block came together and the fact the points line up! Sherri's instructions are outstanding.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Approval Process

2011-09-18T09:50:00.003-05:00


What!! Potential Danger Alert!


This is My Bed! I am prepared to FIGHT or RUN! How could mom let this happen?


Maybe - Just Maybe, I can be comfortable here. I think I am liking this!


Finally a Real Flimsy!

Miles from a finish but I do have a quilt top. Now I'm off to my next project.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalms 84:11

Row by Row

2011-09-17T18:37:00.001-05:00


My First Two Rows!


10 Hours Later - Five Rows - Two to Go!

I have had a productive day. Tomorrow, if the creek don't rise, I will have a flimsy. This one goes to my long arm quilter. My quilting ability is masking tape and a walking foot - okay for baby quilts but definitely not for this one. I cannot even imagine wrestling this very large quilt through my Kenmore.

Here is hoping everyone had a wonderful day!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Scripture reference: "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Psalms 90:17

Almost Flimsy

2011-09-13T06:40:00.001-05:00

A wee bit of squaring up and these 15.5 x 15.5 blocks will be ready to transform into a 90 x 105 flimsy. Yeah! The rows are numbered. I spent hours on my design floor getting the "controlled" scrappy.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Scripture Reference "For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." Psalms 84:11

Dare to Be Square

2011-09-10T20:30:00.001-05:00

I finally took a deep breath and started squaring up the 42 stars for My Lucky Stars queen quilt. I will admit I was petrified. Thankfully, all went well. And I can really believe this is going to be a quilt!

See! I got the 6 blocks for the first row and 2 for the second row ready to be stitched together. This quilt is supposed to be scrappy - then why is it taking me so long to decide which fabric to place where on each block? Perhaps I'm not a scrappy gal - just a plain old square! I am super pleased with how well the squaring up went today.

I also spent time today working on my gifties for my two swap partners. I can't show these just wanted to let my partners know I was working hard!

My scripture for today: "Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever." Psalms 119:160

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Cha Cha says Enough Already - Go to Bed!

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-31T05:49:00.000-05:00

I heard by e-mail from Robbie, my Santa Sack 2 partner, this morning. She and hubby are safe after Hurricane Irene roared through. She says the county they live in in New York was hit hard. They, their home and their pets weathered the storm; although power was just recently restored. They have been helping supply needed necessities at local shelters. Please join me in keeping Robbie and all others recovering from Irene in our prayers.

Scripture reference “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and out Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Philippians 4:19-20

Crushed Walnut Shells = Angry Cat!

2011-08-28T20:42:00.000-05:00

Crushed walnut shells (bird litter) comes in a bag almost the size of, definitely the shape of and most certainly makes the sound of CAT FOOD. Cha Cha and I had some interesting "conversations" about crushed walnut shells today. Twice (not once but twice) she got extra kitty treats because I felt sorry for her. This is the treatment I have received in return.

LOTS OF TAIL ACTION!


ONE SASSY MOUTH!

She has retreated under the bed to sulk. Do not bother to feel sorry for the poor, mistreated kitty cat. She has a bowl of food, as well as water, in the same spot it always sits on the kitchen floor. And, she has "tricked" me into extra kitty treats - TWICE - today.

Robbie's Santa Sack and first two gifties are ready for the postman. Robbie is roughly 168 miles from New York city. I got an e-mail this morning, which said nothing about the weather, so I am hoping all is well. I will check with the post office tomorrow to see if they predict delivery delays. My prayers are with all the people effected by Hurricane Irene.

Cha Cha has her nose back in the hall. She wants to be positive I know I am the source of her anger.She will be okay!

My scripture reference for today - "And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." Matthew 8:26

Pick Four

2011-08-27T15:19:00.000-05:00

Sue Abrey said pick four. First I had to pick one - just one of the lovely quilts in Sue's recently released book - "Pick Four." Definitely a hard process. I love all of Sue's quilts. Here is a picture (back cover of Sue's book) showing the one I am making first - Stepping Stones ....

I spent hours deciding on four fabrics. I had two gift certificates to Shabby Fabrics which I won online - one from Sherri, A Quilting Life, and the other from Jennifer, The Shabby. Thanks again Sherri and Jennifer.

Bittersweet by Nancy Halverson for Benartex Fabrics is my choice. The colors are much richer than my photo shows. I love this fabric line! The two wonderful gift certificates to Shabby Fabrics made it possible for me to purchase the backing at the same time.

Purple makes my drool! The backing is Bittersweet as well. Quilt quality fabric; one designer. Nancy Halverson did the hard part for me! Didn't she do a fantastic job?

Stepping Stones will someday be the quilt I snuggle under in my reading chair. I am a slow quilter/sewer and am currently making gifties for Grace, citymousequilter, and Robbie, rooee's confetti - my swap partners. Besides My Lucky Stars (the queen quilt for my bed) is no where ready for a long arm quilter to work their magic! Wonder if progress would happen if I got off the computer?

Should you want to know more about Sue Abrey, her amazing new book "Pick Four" and maybe win some prizes, join the fun blog tour Sue, Quilt Times is currently sponsoring. The tour is loads of fun! Go investigate.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My scripture reference for today "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

What a MESS!

2011-08-21T18:48:00.000-05:00

How many times to I have to tell Mom she cannot leave my table looking like this! Looks like I will, once again, have to clean up Mom's MESS!!!

Such is the life of a ~~hardworking~~ curious cat!

I (not Cha Cha) have been a busy beaver today. My Santa Sack is completed for Robbie, my swap partner. I, also, have most of her first two Christmas presents ready as well. I would have finished except Cha Cha decided to drive the sewing machine when I took a short break. Her sewing efforts - heavy paw on foot pedal - created some bonding time with the seam ripper for me. My fault! I know to unplug the machine any time I leave the room.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My scripture reference for today - "And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it." Psalms 90:17

Battle Cry! (and Shopping Expedition!)

2011-08-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

A wee bit of progress has been made on "Lucky Stars." Here is my pile waiting to be pressed. Note my new word - pressed - instead of ironed. I was pressing but using the wrong word. My brain connected with the correct terminology when I read "Pick Four" by Sue Abrey (Quilt Sue of Quilt Times). What a relief! I can continue to ~~hate~~ dislike ironing and admit I have come to enjoy pressing - I love to watch the pieced fabric come to life!

Last night I was playing on the computer. Cha Cha had retired to the bedroom. She always goes to bed before me. Whatever she does all day while I am at work must exhaust her. Suddenly I hear a full fledged cat battle cry - you know the I will defend my territory with my life growl/hiss. Cha Cha has done nothing more than psst! at me when I told her to quit doing something in the year and a half she has lived here. I was almost immobilized with fear, crazy thought running through my head - snake or some other slithering awful Florida creature in my house threatening my baby. Armed with a broom (all I could find) I go to save Cha Cha.

How I wish my weapon had been a camera. Cha Cha was "blown up" appearing 40 lbs instead of 10 - Ready to fight! The indoor/outdoor cat from two houses down was casually reclining on the outside window sill - paying absolutely no attention to my inflated cat. Of course, my laughter insulted Cha Cha. She slept under the bed last night!

I spent hours shopping online. I won a $25. gift certificate to Shabby Fabrics sponsored by Sherri of A Quilting Life. I saw the fun surprise on Sherri's blog yesterday morning. The story gets AMAZING here - Sherri planned to e-mail the winners. At work I occasionally check my e-mail; however, do not read blogs. I got an e-mail from Jennifer owner of The Shabby. She sent gift certificate information for $50. Wanting $50.; thinking I won $25., I "forced" myself to e-mail Jennifer, who replied I won $50. Okay! Yeah! What is a girl to do!!!!! Happily shop was my choice! This morning I get an e-mail from Sherri. Guess what? I'm standing on my head with excitement!!!!! I did win a $25. gift certificate to The Shabby! Someone - ME - will be purchasing the backing fabric to go with the quilt top fabric I ordered last night. I will show you when it all arrives. What a fun two days!

I did a bit more piecing. It feels so great to be back in the sewing mode and feeling like a human again. Have a wonderful day.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My scripture reference for today (or should I say Cha Cha's - God has a sense of humor!) "The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace." Exodus 14:14

Jellyroll Goodness

2011-08-16T07:20:00.000-05:00

My first ever jellyroll - Lilac Hill by Brannock & Patek for Moda. This lovely arrived in my mail and I am so excited! How does one unroll this? I mean it looks so pretty and fits my table decorations perfectly. I bought this from Carol of Life & Sew Much More (this is her new blog and well worth checking out!)

Go check out the giveaway Green Fairy Quilts is having. Lovely prizes. More importantly Judi and hubby are raising funds for a mission trip to Romania.

Ms Cha Cha says Meow - translated that means Hello and ....

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My scripture reference for today "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son." 1 John 5:10

Sewing Again!

2011-08-15T08:23:00.000-05:00

No pictures today. My crazy schedule finally gave me an opportunity to sew last night and again this morning. My parents are off on the long drive back to Mississippi. We had a wonderful weekend. It is always sad to see them go.

I have started my surprises for the Santa Sack 2 and am quite pleased with the results so far. I spent time this morning working on the stars for my Lucky Stars quilt. That one will hopefully be on my bed by the time it gets cold (for a day or so! - Florida Ha Ha!) in late December or early January.

Ms Cha Cha has decided the kitchen cabinets are off limits for a few days. This morning I was at the sewing machine and my eye caught movement by the computer desk. Cha Cha was "sneaking" up on a piece of ribbon. She has her "prize" safely hidden under the bed. Cats! I'm off to work.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My scripture reference for the day “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” Psalms 1:1-2

Cat Retraining - Day Two

2011-08-09T07:50:00.000-05:00

Day Two of Cat "Retraining" could not have gone better had I planned it. I wanted a bowl from the back of a kitchen cabinet which required removing a bunch of plastic bowls to reach. Everything was sitting on the counter. I stopped for a bathroom break. The next thing I heard was a "surprised" cat scream, falling plastic and then a herd of elephants (one 10 lb cat in full flight!) trampling down the hall. Ms Cha Cha decided she was safer under the bed! Ha!

I took great pleasure is lifting the bed skirt to see the wide green eyes and say - Stay off the kitchen counter! This accident was worth having to clean up the kitchen!

I do believe I should avoid the computer when feeling under the weather. Look what came in the mail yesterday ...

Such a cute pattern! Perfect for a wall hanging for my friend who loves owls. This is Remember Whoo Loves You by Acorn Quilt & Gift Company. I only remember buying one more item but I will wait until it comes to show you.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My scripture reference for today -"Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." Deuteronomy 10:19

Summer Cold Gone & Things

2011-08-08T18:30:00.001-05:00

My summer cold finally ran its course. I have had no energy for a couple of weeks and haven't been doing much more than dreaming of quilting. But all is well! This weekend I sat at the sewing machine for a few hours. The result is this little pouch for my niece to keep her "treasurers" in. All it needs is a button. This is scrap material and a "make it up as you go" sort of pouch. An 8 year old should enjoy.

I won a giveaway from Kansas Troubles Quilters. My prize was a Snow Bloom charm pack. Look at all the amazing goodies sent with the charm pack - 4 wonderful quilt patterns, the cutest little 2.5 x 2.5 precut fabric AND the adorable tin holding the charm pack. I am in love with the tin. Thanks so much Kansas Troubles Quilters!

One day when I was feeling better yet not up to sewing I ordered the Which Witch pattern I have been coveting from Crazy Old Ladies. I got plans for this!

I do so envy all of the wonderful people who write patterns! Maybe one day!

I signed up to participate in FRIENDS SWAP 2011 being sponsored by Khris of Sew Prim Khris. Go check it out. The swap partners will be assigned August 19, 2011 - we get to spy on our partners and then send them 7 gifts representing the letters in FRIENDS. I was a part of the 2010 swap and had an absolutely wonderful time! I am looking forward to 2011.

My swap partner for the Santa Sack Swap 2 was assigned. She is Rooee of Rooee's Confetti. I'm looking for any "secret information" you might have about this person. Feel free to e-mail me any and all details! It is lots of fun to try to figure out what will make your swap partner smile.

This upcoming weekend is family time - my parents are coming from Mississippi. I very excited. I don't get to see them as often as I would like. Yet part of me would really prefer to be able to quilt - Family comes first!

Ms Cha Cha has been enjoying me feeling down. She has been up to no good and I have ignored her behaviour. Imagine her "shock" when I "suggested" she get off the kitchen counter this morning. She is now in my "cat retraining program!" How easily a cat forgets!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

My scripture for the day "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right." Ephesians 6:1

Giveaway Winner

2011-07-25T06:57:00.000-05:00

The Winner of a Lucky Stars pattern by Atkinson Designs, $25. gift certificate to an online quilt shop and a surprise or two is #4! Joanna of Needle. Thread, Happiness.

Joanna, I have sent you an e-mail to get your snail mail address.
True Random Number Generator Min: 1 Max: 23 Result: 4 Powered by RANDOM.ORG (I gave us trying to get a picture image of the Random thing....this was the best I could get.)

Thanks to all who entered. I much enjoyed reading your comments.

No sewing happened around my place in almost a week although I did get a bit of pinning done. I'm dealing with a summer cold. After a day at the office, I am exhausted and know not to attempt sewing. I have had some disastrous experiences in my past using a machine when feeling under the weather!

One year ago today I wrote my first blog post. Seems like yesterday.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL

My scripture reading for the day: "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:32 (KJV)

The HEAT Made Me STRIP!

2011-07-17T04:26:00.000-05:00

Run! Hide your eyes! What you are about to risk seeing could be dangerous. I could not help myself. The HEAT Made Me STRIP!

And strip I did. I sewed a massive pile of 3.5 x 8 inch strips together using the chain stitch method Terry of Atkinson Designs illustrated in her Lucky Stars pattern. These strips are waiting on the ironing board along with the final star points for some extensive ironing in the morning.

My day was rather productive and I even managed a cat nap. Speaking of cat naps, I watched Cha Cha spend 10 minutes arranging the bed covers - she patted and smoothed, walked in circles and patted some more - for her morning nap. She had just settled down for a long sleep when someone knocked on the door. Fearing for her life she had to quickly relocate under the bed. Cha Cha does not cotton to visitors. The amusing part of this story is the knock was on the door on the other side of our duplex! Poor kitty.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Go here to leave a comment on my giveaway coming up July 25, 2011.

Scripture for my day: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18 (KJV)

Carol's Santa Sack Swap 2

2011-07-16T13:20:00.000-05:00

Go to Carol's Crafty Creations and check out the Santa Sack Swap 2 Carol is sponsoring. There is time to sign up ... Carol will assign swap partners July 30, 2011. I've returned my questionnaire and am excitedly awaiting the name of my swap partner so I can start snooping and stalking. Go here to sign up. It could be you I will be stalking! I love Christmas!

I've gotten no piecing done -Yet! - today. I spend all morning pinning the 3.5 x 8 strips for My Lucky Stars quilt. Less pinning would have probably worked for these rectangles. I, however like lots and lots of pins and find the procedure to be relaxing!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Scripture for my day: "Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will JOY in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:18

Snail Mail

2011-07-15T18:55:00.000-05:00

Backing, Binding & The Cutest Park Avenue Fat Quarter!

The USPS is so slow, has a tracking system you can laugh or cry about and is generally as annoying as a billy goat. Should you not be country folk and know about billy goats, I had one for a pet for four years as a child. His name was Billy. My mother bought massive amounts of sheets during the yearly white sales. The sheets were to replace the ones Billy ate off the neighbor's clotheslines. Billy only ate white sheets!

I got a bit off track! The above goodies were in my mailbox yesterday - the backing and binding material for My Lucky Stars quilt. There was, also, the cutest free fat quarter in the package - Park Avenue by Three Sisters. I love the backing. It it beautiful - even wrinkled from shipment.

Scripture for my day: "For ye have need of PATIENCE, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." Hebrews 10:36 (KJV)

New Kitchen Appliance - "The Shrimp Box"

2011-07-13T18:32:00.000-05:00

Last week I had leftover steamed shrimp from Cato's. Cha Cha enjoyed shrimp for a few days. Her goodies were safely kept in the ~~refrigerator~~ "Shrimp Box." She ate all the shrimp and I have no immediate plans for replenishing her supply. Cha Cha disapproves! I get within 5 feet of the ~~refrigerator~~ "Shrimp Box" and she breaks the sound bearer, defies gravity, risks my her life performing acrobatic maneuvers to be parked in front of the "Shrimp Box" before I get there. Ms Cat KNOWS there is shrimp and I, being BAD, am withholding her shrimp.

Cha Cha has developed an attitude but nothing like the attitude of Mr. Peanut Cat, who lives on the other side of the duplex. Last night I heard loud, angry cat howls. Mr. Peanut ~~has~~ had a passion for shredding shower curtain linerS. Caught in the act, he got WET when his human roomy turned on the shower. Oops! Owner reports Mr. Peanut is avoiding the ~~torture chamber~~ bathroom.


Dry Yet Shrimpless, Ms Cha Cha

My giveaway is here. Leave comments on that post.

Scripture for my day: "PEACE I leave with you, my PEACE I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:26 (KJV)

Look What I Ordered

2011-07-12T07:53:00.000-05:00

Hot off the press - "Pick Four" by Sue Aubrey of Quilt Times. I have been waiting for this one. Amazon, where I found the best online price is still showing as not in stock; however, I ordered. I can't wait for the e-mail telling me my book is on the way. Better yet would be to have the book in my grubby hands!

Scripture for the day: "And there was great JOY in that city." Acts 8:8 (KJV)

Second "Quilty" Weekend!

2011-07-11T06:40:00.000-05:00

I have had two wonderful "Quilty" weekends in a row! Yeah! Four of the star sets are ready for squaring up. The star points are starting to appear on the other two sets. This is such wonderful fun!

My Favorite for The Moment! Love the Rose!

I took a break while a friend borrowed my oven to bake brownies. Her expensive, new (and I mean mere weeks) stove from Sears died. She set the oven to preheat, mixed up her brownies, put them in a pan and discovered a COLD oven. The broiler won't come on either. The contract from Sears states "Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed," however, Sears did not seem interested when she called. The earliest appointment is July 20th. Sears probably does not care but they have one very dissatisfied customer in Panama City, FL.

I am feeling almost (but not quite) guilty for having a wonderful weekend when my friend's was lousy. Almost forgot her other "fun" - one of her dogs ate the middle seat cushion on her couch yesterday! When it rains if pours!

Cha Cha had a great weekend, also. She did have a bit of "terror." She is anti-social - hates company - and had to hide under the bed while my friend baked brownies. Otherwise, she slept, lounged, bird watched, ate and slept some more - a Cha Cha kind of weekend.

My giveaway is here. Make sure you comment on that post.

Scripture verse for today: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE, that we may obtain mercy, and find GRACE to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16 (KJV)

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Sweet and Innocent???

2011-07-10T05:00:00.017-05:00

Isn't the kitty sweet? So adorable and cute. Does anyone notice the curtain hanging at a strange angle behind the lovely, so innocent Ms Cha Cha? I get the WHO done it. The WHY eludes me ... perhaps the Cat version of Decorating 101?

I was very busy yesterday. Here is my chain stitching for this morning all lined up and ready to go. For someone who refuses to wear clothing unless it comes out of the dryer wrinkle free, I have been giving my iron quite a workout the past couple of weeks. I still refuse to iron clothing!

And I broke down and ordered the backing fabric for this quilt. The line includes 108" wide fabric and it is just as beautiful. My original plan was muslin or wait for a sale (hoping the fabric would last until sale time), but it kept nagging at me so I ordered. Sometimes I have to do what I have to do!

My scripture for the day - "For by GRACE are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, least any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

If you are looking for my giveaway go here and comment on that post. Best of Luck in the drawing!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Grace and My Belief

2011-07-09T10:03:00.000-05:00

"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand..." Romans 5:1-2 (KJV)

My quilting journey with the lovely fabric - Grace by Three Sisters - is leading me upon a spiritual quest and affirmation of faith. I believe grace is a free gift from God. I believe Jesus Christ came to the earth to die for my sins. I believe Jesus Christ arose from the dead and through Him I have been granted salvation. I BELIEVE.

This is where I am in the star making process. This is becoming a rewarding quilt in more ways than one. A time of reflection and affirmation is very good for me.

Should you be looking for my giveaway go here.

Kaleidoscope

2011-07-07T22:00:00.000-05:00

KALEIDOSCOPE

Check out this video. The effect is Many, Many beautiful quilts in the making! It is awesome.
Click here: http://inoyan.narod.ru/kaleidoskop.swf

To comment for a chance at my first giveaway go here.

My First Giveaway!

2011-07-05T19:06:00.000-05:00

I am joining the Giveaway bloggers. This giveaway is open to all. I will ship internationally. The rules are simple - leave me one - only one - comment telling me something amusing. I want to LAUGH! Below is my example ----

I once had a beautiful skein of Christmas red yarn and a 20 lb. Persian housemate. Arriving home from work I found no Mr. Cat to greet me; nor would he come or answer my calls. The yarn basket was overturned. I was wondering if the police would consider taking a missing person report for a beloved cat when I discovered my very embarrassed, unusually silent cat hanging upside down, in the air, between my twin beds. He was "tied" very tightly in red yarn, which was wrapped elaborately between the beds. Scissors were required to free Mr. Cat. And it is an unsolved mystery to this day. Was this crime committed TO or BY the cat?

The winner will receive .....

Lucky Stars pattern by Atkinson Designs AND a $25.00 gift certificate from the online quilt shop of their choice. There could be more goodies - little surprises - added!

Please make sure I can contact you via e-mail otherwise your name, regretfully, will be eliminated. The drawing will July 25, 2011 using the random generator. I will contact the winner via e-mail to get the name of your selected online quilt shop and your mailing details. There are links to several of my favorite online quilt shops on my sidebar, which you can select or give me another.

Best of luck to all! For the record, the adorable Ms Cha Cha (my current house cat) would never "steal" yarn. She is much too well behaved or so she would like you and me to believe.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

7 out of 8

2011-07-04T18:19:00.000-05:00

Chain stitching! Looks like a pile of scraps. In reality there are quite a few wannabe Stars in the pile. The bright green is either the lead in or end scrap (a REAL scrap!) to keep the stitching smooth.

7 out of 8 - statistically speaking is rather good odds! Wrong! Or at least in my case, wrong is the appropriate word. When I attached the bottom rows of the 8 blocks from yesterday, I managed to flip a back seam in 7 out of 8. Same seam, same flip. The little evil voice deep within me cranked into gear - Nobody will know! Never fear - the seam ripper and I triumphed! All 7 flips were re-sewn. I have 8 out of 8 neat seams like this ...

Additionally, I have 8 blocks, one of the red fabrics, on the way to becoming Stars! I enjoyed my weekend. Hope all of you did the same.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Independence Day! and Seeing Stars!

2011-07-03T20:52:00.000-05:00

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

JULY 4, 2011

May you all enjoy a safe and happy July 4th.

I spent the day pinning, ironing and sewing. The day was most enjoyable. I don't get a whole day all to myself with no chores, commitments or frantic dashing here and there very often. I sang along to the radio (be glad you were not here - I am tone deaf!) and had wonderful fun working on My Lucky Stars! The result is I have 8 of these ...

No, the bottom row is not attached yet and the blocks need some serious ironing/squaring up but I have 8 of these. The day was quite productive and oh so much FUN! I am grateful for today!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Humpty Dumpty!

2011-07-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

HUMPTY DUMPTY!

Grace by Three Sisters is cut and neatly stacked - 978 plus 102 extra pieces. I was admiring the beautiful fabric when this came to mind ...

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King's horses
And all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again!

I can put these together again! I think I can! I think I can! I think I can!

I know I can, thanks to my Lucky Stars pattern by Atkinson Designs.

The ~~978 pieces~~ quilt has a name thanks to Quilt Sue, Quilt Times. In response to my Freaked Out post of yesterday, Quilt Sue suggested I name this quilt "My Lucky Stars!" Thanks, Sue. Assembly of "My Lucky Stars" will begin once someone - any volunteers? - draws diagonal lines on ALL 336 of the 2.5 x 2.5 star points to be.

Back to Humpty Dumpty ....

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
Threescore men and threescore more,
Can't place Humpty Dumpty as he was before.

This fabric will never be as it was before! We will all have to wait and see what it will become. Please stay tuned.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

FREAK OUT!!!! Sigh...All is Good!

2011-07-01T22:00:00.000-05:00

All week I have cut on my Grace for the Lucky Stars quilt. Every morning before work and every evening after work - Iron, spray starch, measure, cut, stack and iron, spray starch, measure, cut, stack and so forth. The pieces for the stars and background were stacked neatly. Tonight I started one of the 6 fabrics which border the stars - iron, spray starch, measure, cut! Bedtime is coming fast. I am going to finish this fabric and then curl up with a good book.

FREAK OUT! Much to my horror I am short fabric for two 3.5 x 8 cuts. I will be that short on all 6 fabrics! Drat! I was disgusted, frustrated, and ready to SCREAM!

Wait...take a deep breath. Oh, a sigh of relief. I remember now - I had had enough star/background fabric to cut 6 additional blocks to be used in something else. Those can be finished differently. ALL IS GOOD!!! Below is my progress so far.

5 more fabrics to cut into 3.5 x 8 and 3.5 x 9.5 strips and I will be ready to SEW! Yeah!

ALL IS GOOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Two By Two

2011-06-28T07:20:00.000-05:00

The cutting of my Lucky Stars quilt continues. This quilt will have 42 stars using 6 different fabric prints. I now have 4 of the prints cut for 28 of the stars plus 4 (the fabric allowed 1 additional star per print - table topper or curtain valiance? Time will tell!) My goal is 2 fabrics a day or Two By Two!

The process got a wee bit "hairy" this morning. Measuring and cutting is slow for me. I am very careful of where my fingers are as the rotary glides along. Gets complicated adding two black paws, a fluffy tail and one curious nose to what not to cut! Cha Cha got gently TOSSED!!**!! off the table several times.

Cha Cha's issue was her litter box. On Tuesdays it gets the royal treatment - soaked in Pine-Sol. I always seem to pick the exact moment she is struck by nature! She ~~worries~~ is quite an annoying cat until she gets to christen the fresh litter. Cats!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Yeah Spray Starch!

2011-06-27T05:00:00.015-05:00

I elected to try spray starch on the pieces I am cutting for my Lucky Stars quilt. The difference I saw in the rotary cutting was Amazing! I'm hoping it will make construction of all those star points smoother and the points sharper.

I did not get a lot done. I had guests coming for dinner. And, something told me they were likely expecting food. People! I am pleased with what I have so far ...

There is lots left to cut! If I work on this little by little next week, I may be able to start stitching (my favorite part!) Saturday. I have to stop at the first sign of "tired" or I tend to get sloppy. Terry has some super chain stitching suggestions included with this pattern BUT in order to chain stitch efficiently I need all the pieces ready! There is a catch to everything in life! I am in love with this fabric and pattern!!!!

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Anticipated Arrival!

2011-06-26T09:43:00.000-05:00

My FABRIC has arrived! The selections from Shabby Fabrics arrived last Thursday. My lovelies from The Old Country Store got here Saturday. The Old Country Store e-mailed a tracking number - both a blessing and an aggravation. I KNEW the FABRIC was in Panama City early Saturday. I spent an entire day watching out the front window ... sort of pacing, trying to pretend I was not anxious - looking, looking, looking! I must have taken a bathroom break at the exact arrival time because I missed seeing the mail truck. Drat! Finally, unable to stand the suspense, I walked to my mailbox. My FABRIC had arrived.

Beautiful! Absolutely Beautiful. This is Grace by Three Sisters for Moda. It is their 2011 Christmas release; however, my plans are for this Beautiful Fabric to become my winter bed quilt. I find the graceful design not limited to Christmas!

The wonderful cat tote in the pictures was made by Lucky-1, Stitch Selection. This tote will become the home of zip lock bags containing 630 cuts of fabric waiting to become a quilt. My selected pattern is Lucky Stars by Atkinson Designs. Now I am off to iron, iron and iron some more. Have I mentioned ironing is my least favorite part of quilting? Oh, well one must do what one must do.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Coming Soon!

2011-06-20T19:44:00.000-05:00

Christmas 2011 is to be the year of a ~~new~~ real Christmas tree skirt. The former is actually a table runner, which is going to get to be a table runner this year! These lovely fabrics "Mistletoe" by Windham Fabrics were in my mailbox today, all neatly packaged. This is absolutely beautiful fabric - perfect for a Christmas tree skirt! My order was online from The Old Country Store. If you haven't already, go browse their online store. The prices are reasonable. The shipment was timely. Overall the ordering was a pleasant experience.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-19T06:31:00.000-05:00

Celebrate, appreciate, honor and love all the Fathers on their special day today. My dad is, among many other things, a Clown for Wahabi Shrine out of Jackson, MS. Shriners fund and support Shriners Hospitals for Children designed to giving children a new outlook on life. Their main focus is on the treatment of burns victims and crippled children. Check out their website. Should you know a child in need of these services, please make contact with them. The hospitals are there to help.

Today I cannot spend the day with my Dad. He is 8 hours away. I will call him and he will be constantly in my thoughts. My memories of his love are wonderful.

I am joining a group of friends this afternoon for a cookout. We will have lots of dads in attendance. My specialty chocolate cake is ready - I went all out and put sprinklers on it (ha!). I do believe there are lots and lots of dads who are fond of chocolate cake. Enjoy your day!

I'VE TAKEN THE PLUNGE!

2011-06-18T23:09:00.000-05:00

This started my jump over the cliff. I purchased the fabric in a bundle of Christmas scraps in October/November 2010. The selvage so stated Moda by 3 Sisters. Perfect colors for my bedroom! I envisioned a quilt for my queen bed st first sight. Finding the fabric in the yardage required has proven impossible. Release was several years ago.

Look at Grace, 3 Sisters' 2011 Christmas line for Moda - color and delicate design - Perfect!, super quality - Awesome! and my reaction Instant LOVE!

I have waited and waited and waited for the yardage to be released. Had my pattern - Lucky Stars by Atkinson Designs .... LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! The Fat Quarter Shop HAD a kit for a lap quilt in MY chosen pattern using MY beloved fabric. I want a queen, more "planned" with less of the browns.

Grace yardage was released. DO I WAIT FOR A SALE? The fabric cost is a major investment for me. But what if by the time it goes on sale the remaining is mainly the browns? I've debated and debated!

Shabby Fabrics pushed me. Free shipping through tomorrow evening (June 19) at midnight. They had Grace. I ordered for the 9 1/2" star blocks - all 42!!! I'll hold off on the rest .... well, until .... I "discovered' The Old Country Store had Grace for $8.15/yard.

Many words to say, I'VE TAKEN THE PLUNGE! Twelve yards of Grace ordered, paid for and on the way to Florida.

I AM DOING A HAPPY DANCE!

I am EXCITED! I am SCARED - this will be my largest project ever. What if I screw it up? What if it looks awful? What if .......... WHY DON'T I JUST DO MY BEST ......... The fabric and pattern are so PERFECT a few imperfections will surely be okay. Happy quilting to all!

Full Moon Tonight!

2011-06-15T19:46:00.001-05:00

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Bad Moon Rising Lyrics

Songwriters: John Cameron Fogerty

I see the bad moon arisin'
I see trouble on the way
I see earthquakes and lightnin'
I see bad times today

Don't go around tonight
Well, it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise

I hear hurricanes ablowin'
I know the end is comin' soon
I fear rivers overflowin'
I hear the voice of rage and ruin

Don't go around tonight
Well, it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise
Alright

Hope you got your things together
Hope you are quite prepared to die
Looks like we're in for nasty weather
One eye is taken for an eye

Well, don't go around tonight
Well, it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise

Don't go around tonight
Well, it's bound to take your life
There's a bad moon on the rise

A Great End to a Bad Day

2011-06-14T20:13:00.000-05:00

My day at the office was AWFUL! I talked to a lot of people - too many chose to take their frustration with life in general out on me. Only one of those calls was something I had the control to help the caller with, which I did!

The caller of all callers was calling to complain about getting voice mail at a company unassociated in any way with the one I work for. ????

The sickest caller refused name, contact number, etc. Hm mm ... Caller ID!???! No problem. I doubt I will feel the need to ever dial the "unknown" number of the ANONYMOUS??? (Ha! Ha!) caller.

Enough of my ranting! I arrived home to ----------------Ta! Da! Great End for the Day!

I won this lovely panel and fabric from Sandi of A Legacy of Stitches in a recent giveaway. The lovely fabric panel and beautiful complimentary fabrics were provided by Jacquelynne of The Noble Wife.

Quilters are the most amazing people - kind, generous, sweet and so wonderful to know! Thanks Sandi and Jacquelynne!

Apologies and a New Leaf!

2011-06-09T08:04:00.000-05:00

My Sincere Apologies!

Earlier this year I won two giveaways which I have been remiss at blogging about. Please accept my apologies, Bren and Susan. I was and am most appreciative. I won't make excuses. I feel badly about not expressing my thanks on my blog sooner.

An Adorable, Colorful Feed Sack Needle Case!

Beautiful inside of needle case showing John James' straw needles - Sizes 9-10-11.

The above came from a generous giveaway by Susan of Quixotic Crafter. What a wonderful addition to my sewing supplies! I am so appreciative of Susan! Thank you, Susan!

Sweet smelling, handmade soaps and lavender scented soy candle!

There is one soap missing - it is in action in my shower! I won these lovelies from Bren of Life With a Little Sass. The soap has been an absolute pleasure. Bren also included a fabulous fat quarter bundle which I failed to get a picture of. Thanks, Bren!

I have been meaning to take care of the above for some time now. Again my apologies and THANKS to Susan and Bren. Go check out their blogs from the links provided. I believe it will be well worth your time.

So, now in light of turning over a new leaf .... meaning prompt attention to saying thanks. I got an e-mail from Sandi of A Legacy of Stitches first thing this morning. I have won a beautiful "sweet sewing themed panel and bundle of coordinated fabric" designed by Jacquelyn of The Noble Wife. Sandi has been having a THREE year blogging anniversary! Pictures to follow when I get my "grubby hands" on the "goods!" Ha! Ha! These are two more great blogs you should go check out!

HAPPY QUILTING, TO ALL!

Distracted

2011-06-06T06:38:00.000-05:00

No quilt sandwiches got made because I got distracted yesterday afternoon. First there was a much needed break. You know where you are going to ~~sit~~ recline with a good book to rest for a moment and end up asleep for an hour. Then I got the phone call to come eat fresh garden peas, homemade cornbread and cobbler made from just off the tree peaches at my sister's house. Brother-in-law grilled BBQ pork to complete the meal. Who can turn that down? Especially, when you know the great nieces - nephew will provide the entertainment. Here is one of the distractions (and, the owner of the quilts should I ever get them sandwiched and finished).

I never post family pictures - security issues - but I thought this shot taken up close and personal by the 4 year old sister would be perfectly safe and secure.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Happy quilting to all!

TWO Bright, CHEERFUL Baby Quilt Tops!

2011-06-05T13:16:00.000-05:00

My cutting skills have improved somewhat ... will have to work on picture taking next! Sorry for the crooked photos. I do not have a design wall so I sort of stuck these to the wall with pins.

Regardless of my lack of picture taking skills, I now have TWO bright, cheerful baby quilt tops. I read babies are stimulated by primary colors. Hopefully, that is true. Otherwise, I can give these to a clown to wave in front of charging bulls.

My brilliant mind has decided these TWO do not need borders ... both seem to be busy enough! Besides they are perfect baby quilt size as is. My plans are to use the stripped material to back the first quilt and the dark blue sashing from above to back the second quilt.

I am having fun today! Hope all of you are doing the same. Now I am off to make quilt sandwiches while I am on a roll. Happy quilting to all!

YEAH INTERNET!!

2011-06-04T10:02:00.000-05:00

One might think I was addicted BUT twenty four hours without Internet is a wee bit much. How can I possibly know what all of you are up to when I cannot get to blogger? I was about to need medical attention. I switched to Comcast as my service provider. Old carrier was disconnected yesterday and Comcast scheduled for 8-10 a.m. this morning. The tech phoned at 8 to say he would be here in 10 minutes and he was! I am excited!

I AM DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!

ROWS! Who'd of Thunk It!

2011-06-01T07:33:00.000-05:00

And finally there were ROWS! I may finish this baby quilt before he goes to college! Hopefully, I can say this without jinking myself - my cutting skills are slowly improving Happy quilting to all!

BAD Sock + Layers of Dust = Tired

2011-05-31T06:43:00.000-05:00

My three day weekend was "planned" as a quilting marathon. Why did I plan? I failed to calculate the cost of one very BAD sock. I was up early Saturday morning, showered, made the bed and decided nice soft socks would be perfect for patting the foot pedal of my Kenmore. I had one specific pair of socks in my mind. The closet revealed only one sock.

Three hours later I had a perfectly organized, clean closet and two - nor one - two socks! Why couldn't I simply put the socks on my feet and hit the pedal? Oh, no. Instead I noted the layer of dust residing on the floorboard. And, so the weekend went. Tuesday finds me with a beautifully clean, fresh smelling home but very little sewing to speak of. I did manage to square up the blocks for a baby quilt.

The stripped fabric is the backing and I am thinking cornerstones for the blue sashing (not shown). The beige you see is my living room carpet.

And, I found this in my closet adventure. The cross stitch was from a printed kit I completed many, many years ago when I was still a teenager! Wow, how time flies!

I freed the piece from the closet. This now proudly hangs to remind Each Dawn is a New Beginning! I can start quilting another dawn .... the past three were starters to a clean home!

I also hung these .....

My Friends Swap partner, Lucky -1, Stitch Selection, made the cat hexagons as coasters. I love them way to much to allow anyone to set a glass on them.

My weekend adventures also included reorganizing kitchen cabinets and major furniture moving. Cha Cha spent three days searching for the "safest" place to hide from me, the dreaded vacuum, the horrid dusting spray, the fearful clothes basket and all the other cleaning paraphernalia she is petrified of. During the furniture moving, I picked up a skirted bedroom table to hear a disgusted Meow! Poor Cha Cha! I was unknowingly in the process of relocating her current hiding spot. She was beyond finished with me! She says I need to go back to work! Fast!!!

I went to bed (passed out?) last night beyond tired. Today dawn found me refreshed and ready to start a new day. Hope all of you had a wonderful Memorial Day. HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Spring Housecleaning! Changes!

2011-05-17T07:31:00.000-05:00

Spring - what few days we have in Florida - has arrived! Let me rephrase, we are having an unusual few days of late spring after a couple of weeks of hot, hot, hot! I slept with the window open last night and had to get up in the middle of the night to find a light blanket. Normal people would have simply closed the window. Not me! I love the fresh air.

Nothing creative has happened around here but .... I do have plans. I started a new full time job Thursday. The company provides rentals - tables, serving dishes, chocolate fountains, arbors and so forth - for weddings and special events. There is a companion company (all run from the same office) with inflatables and children's party games. At the moment I am "overwhelmed" learning all the possible rentals. However, this position is going to be fun and rewarding! I am really excited!

I've spent considerable time reorganizing my apartment. You know the old "everything has a place and is in it's place." We will see how long that lasts. Feels so great to have things neat and orderly.

Happy quilting to all!

Plans

2011-05-09T06:57:00.000-05:00

Wikipedia definition -A plan is typically any diagram or list of steps with timing and resources, used to achieve an objective. Well I thought I had "a plan." I had a pattern (list of steps), free time (timing) and material (resources); and I had an objective (a quilt top) to achieve. Another day ..... the objective will remain the same.

Cha Cha had a better plan. I elected to join her - not on the cutting board - in a nice long nap. Afterwards, I had a Mother's Day supper to attend. That is my excuse for now and I am sticking to it!

This is Cha Cha's second favorite pastime - after napping, that is. She is enjoying having the windows open and sitting in the fresh air. Unfortunately, this is Florida so her pastime will be short lived. Soon - very, very soon - we will have to resort to air conditioning.

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T05:09:00.003-05:00

God could not be everywhere and therefore He made mothers.

Jewish Proverb

Shortly before Mother's Day 2010, my Mom suffered a stroke. We faced possibility of losing her. Mother's Day was extremely stressful.

This year Mom is doing great. Thanks be to God!

She's 8 hours away and I will not get to spend the day with her; however, my love will be with Mom.

All of you who are blessed to spend the day with your Mother hug her, honor her and love her! Have a wonderful day!

Back to Blogging!

2011-05-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

I have been away for way too long. There were "issues" that took far too much of my time. I have kept up with reading (and some commenting!) all my blogging friends have shared - in fact doing so was what kept me moving forward. I appreciate ALL of you. I did some clean up on my blog and plan to get back to regular blogging in the next couple of days. Hoping to have things to show you also. Have a wonderful day! Happy quilting!

All Flat!

2011-02-07T06:00:00.007-06:00

I kept looking at my 19 pinwheels from yesterday. They seemed somehow three dimensional on my table - not exactly the look one goes for in a quilt. My dressmaking skills kicked in. So right or wrong - I'm not sure - I ironed (did I ever tell you how much I dislike ironing?) all 19. I opened the middle seam. The center bulk was decreased and now my blocks are much flatter on the table.


Flat is Good!

Perhaps I am strange but I like the back of quilt block. They look so neat all ironed (Ironing is becoming a theme!) and flat.

I'm off to work. This week is going to be much better because my attitude is improved. And, my friends that is all I can change or rather "fix" - my attitude. Have a wonderful week. Happy quilting to all!

Weekend Sewing

2011-02-06T20:06:00.000-06:00


Pinwheels Spinning in the Wind!

Weekend are wonderful! I left work Friday exhausted and stressed. I went immediately to bed - planned to hide out there all weekend. I have an insane desire to "fix things." I brood - replaying and replaying issues in my head looking for something - anything - I can do to "fix" whatever is not right. Normally makes for a gloomy day.

Saturday rolled around - big deal. Oh, no I am supposed go sew with my new found friends today. My head says I'll skip, no I'll suck it up and go, etc. etc. I was such lousy company the cat spit at me. So I got dressed, packed up my sewing things - this is where it got funny ... Ms Cha Cha, the naughty cat who spit at me, apparently thought I was leaving town (not her favorite thing for me to do). She freaked becoming an adorable nuisance - talking to me, rubbing my legs, patting me and she even went so far as to attempt to unpack my sewing bag. She was hiding under the bed when I left.

The day was wonderful! Last month was my first invite. I went without a project to sort of get a feel for the group. This Saturday I took more "stuff" than I needed but I went and had an absolutely wonderful time. We sewed, admired each others projects and laughed and laughed and laughed. My gloomy day was washed away!

Cha Cha was super surprised when I got home! She has been a perfect angel cat all day today. My baby kitty cat loves me! She has been with me for almost a year. I got her last Valentine's Day. Of course, it was sometime around May of last year before I saw much of her. She hid under the bed for roughly three months. We are good enough pals she feels free to spit at me these days.

So today, I kept up the positive, good mood. I ironed, measured, cut, pieced, ironed and not one single time did I think about "fixing" anything except lunch! The result was 19 very colorful pinwheels for a baby quilt. Granted I somehow miscalculated - only need 16 of the pinwheels - so, what? Next week I will make some more and have two baby quilts - one for my soon to arrive grand nephew and one going to Queensland, Australia.

What a beautiful weekend this has been! Hope yours was wonderful, also. Happy Quilting to all!

So Sew Cheerful!

Does Anyone Recognize This Cat?

2011-02-04T18:27:00.000-06:00

Does anyone recognize this cat? I do believe that is an ironing board the sweet kitty is doing a balancing act on (off?). Thankfully, this is not my kitchen, ironing board or Ms Cha Cha (not today anyhow!). My Google homepage shows the most adorable cat pictures titled Funny Cat Photos. When I saw this one, I could not resist copying the image for all the quilter/cat lovers out there in blog land to see. Hope you get a good laugh from this one.

So Sew Crafty Has a Blog Button!

2011-02-03T12:02:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Barb, Bejeweled Quilts By Barb, I now have a blog button. Check it out on my side bar. Check out Barb's, also on my sidebar, while you are checking. I have no idea why I wanted a blog button except so many of you have one and the buttons are so cute! Here is the link Barb sent me to which told me how to finally get a Blog Button!!!! http://www.ehow.com/how_4891649_button-text-box-underneath-code.html

This was so simple. I spent a lot of time and energy attempting to do something that really was so simple! Thanks Barb for the research (and, now shouldn't you be helping your nice hubby unpack the household items?)

Block 7 - Layer Cake Quilt Along

2011-01-30T17:12:00.000-06:00

My version of the Layer Cake Quilt Along, sponsored by Moose on the Porch, Block 7 - Designed by Celene Perkins, Perkins Dry Goods. Celine named the block "Spin Wheel." This was by far the most challenging block for me, however, I learned a lot and ENJOYED every stitch. I am pleased with the way the block turned out. The pinwheel points are not perfect and I believe there needed to be more color distinction in my fabric choices. I am learning quite a bit about hues and values as I venture further into this world of quilting.

My lone bird is facing front and center. Leave it to me to select directional prints for learning new quilting techniques. Live and learn! However, I do have a stubborn streak which has plagued me for many, many years!

The above picture is my favorite - absolute favorite! All of the seams in this block, which had many small (well small for my skill level) pieces - and lots of pieces on top of that - are laying down! - with NO screwed up seam directions! And, Mr. Seam Ripper went into action ONE time - ONE time - did you get that? - ONE time for Mr. Seam Ripper on this block.

There is no picture; however, I have my 9 patch lap quilt turned into a completed quilt top - just needs borders. I would have finished today but was not pleased with the border fabric I had purchased. That fabric will make something else one day and I get to make a fabric shopping trip! Yeah!

Quilts for Queensland

2011-01-16T13:45:00.000-06:00


Early Morning Cutting - Lots of 4 1/2" Squares


One of Six Completed 9 Patch Blocks

Try my best I could not get a photo showing the true colors of this quilt top to be. The fabrics are truly very pretty - muted and very, very serene. With the massive clean up and rebuild Queensland is looking at, I hoped some sweet lady would appreciate a bit of serenity.

I've emailed Retro Mummy with my intent to send to her a completed, lap sized quilt top for her generous offer of completing the quilt. Go check out her blog - she has the first Quilt for Queensland ready and it is Beautiful!

I have had a rather productive morning - ironing, measuring, cutting, laying out, sewing and Ironing. Did I mention I have been IRONING? Could anyone possibly guess ironing is my least favorite part of the quilting process. My mother swears I begged and begged and begged to learn to iron so she taught me. Gotta love mothers!

Happy Quilting to All!

Moving On!

2011-01-15T18:49:00.000-06:00

I took a serious look at Blocks 5 & 6 of the Layer Cake Quilt Along. Both were a bit "modern" and did not seem to lend themselves to the overall look of my material (quilt). Determined I plowed on. I started Block 6, did not like the look I was getting and decided (wrong decision!) to become inventive - you know alter the block to my taste and not waste material. The result was an absolute MESS! This block will not make it's way into this quilt.


My MESS!

Please do not misunderstand me. The above looks nothing like the block design. And, the original design was lovely just not right for the look I was going for. I scratched Block 5 - as it too would be lovely in a more modern quilt top. The block said NO! - not this time - and I moved on!

So, then I really did get inventive! To my surprise I like the result. At the moment it is my favorite of the blocks. I fussy cut one of my favorites out of Eden by Lila Tueller, "matted" it like a picture with Crackle by Kathy Schmitz and put the piece in a fancy frame made out of the Eden.

My "Design"

I did discover "designing" is major WORK! And, on my day off? Phew! Wanting a 6th block so I could theoretically be "caught-up" in the Layer Cake Quilt Along, I turned to the Internet for guidance. I suddenly remembered a block I had seen just earlier today on Learn 2 Quilt Online. Chris Dahl's block was perfect for my quilt. Thanks Chris!

I am pleased with the result. Remembering the unruly geese of last weekend, I tried a new game plan, I carefully carried only the pieces "seam by seam" from my design area ALL the way across the room to my sewing machine, sewed the seam and came ALL the way back to my design area to carefully check "direction" before proceeding. Does ALL the way across the room and ALL the way back count as exercise??? Chain stitching is faster! Today I left the chain stitching to the experts and my seam ripper got a rest!


Block 6 - Yeah!

This is the end of sewing for me for today. Believe me - I quit in the Nick of Time! See how much thread I had left!

Tomorrow, with new thread, I am devoting to the sewing kits for the the Queensland, Australia flood victims. I may also start on some fairly simple 9 patch blocks for the Quilts for Queensland (see button on my side bar) that Retro Mummy is graciously offering to turn into quilts. The people in the flood zone need all the help, love and support we can provide. Happy Quilting to All!

Ice Storm Hits Florida

2011-01-14T11:09:00.000-06:00

Awful weather alert - Ice Storm Hits Florida. Okay, okay I was getting a wee bit tired of hearing 71% of the United States was covered in ice/snow and the only state not ~~enjoying~~ effected by the winter weather was Florida. This really is an early morning picture taken from the parking lot at my office. However, one might say this is man-made ice. The sprinkler system ran and it was COLD here last night! Happy quilting to all!

Heart Shaped Needle Case for Australia

2011-01-13T11:22:00.000-06:00

Are you following the Be Mine Blog Tour? You should be. There have been some really great "free" projects.

Today Carol's Crafty Creations presented an adorable heart shaped needle case and scissor holder. I LOVE it! And, I had an idea when I saw Carol's pattern presentation. Remember Guntree Designers is asking quilters to prepare "New Beginnings Kits" for quilters effected by the horrid flooding in Queensland, Australia. What a wonderful way to send our love and encouragement to these quilters in need - a kit including this lovely heart shaped needle case and scissor holder. Both pretty and practical!

Just a thought to all of you. Happy quilting!

Queensland Flooding

2011-01-12T18:40:00.000-06:00

The flooding in Queensland Australia is devastating. Last year I participated in a FRIENDS Swap sponsored by Khris of Sew Prim Khris. My wonderful swap partner was Leanne of Stitch Selection. Both of my blogging/quilting friends live in Australia - not in the flooded area; although Khris has family directly effected by the flooding.

Quilters, I have found, are loving, generous people. This is a time of need and there are things each of us can do to make a difference. Please join me in helping where we can.

On my side bar you will find a lovely pink flower which is a link to Gumtree Designers. These loving people are organizing a drive to assist quilters in the flooded areas. Please take a moment to visit this site. Your help and prayers will be much appreciated.

Directly under the lovely pink flower on my sidebar you will see the cutest stuffed pig - his name is Percy - and Percy will link you to Stitch Selection and Leanne's request for Huggles (soft stuffed toys) for the children of Queensland. Please check it out. The children who have been displaced by the flood will certainly appreciate a Huggle made by you.

Go visit Sew Prim Khris. You will find under her post of 01/12/11 a list of sites/organizations prepared to assist in these difficult times. Follow your heart. Thanks.

Bumpy Flight - Happy Landing

2011-01-10T06:08:00.000-06:00

Where is ~~Air~~ Geese Traffic Control when you need them? The block I selected to work on for the Layer Cake Quilt Along sponsored by Moose on the Porch yesterday had 12 - count them - 12 HSTs, which became Flying Geese. These little critters have a designated flight pattern. We require ORDER! My geese had minds of their own. A couple of them changed directions between the layout and piecing processes. Bad geese! Since Geese Traffic Control was apparently sleeping on the job, I used a ~~cattle prod~~ seam ripper to correct the geese. In the end all are safely flying and there are no congestion issues in my quilt.


Layer Cake Quilt Along Block #2

Block #2 (my 4th) was designed by Vickie Eapen of Spun Sugar Quilt. Lovely design and a pleasure to piece. Vickie is also the organizer and first designer in the Be Mine Valentine Blog Hop which yesterday (01/09/11). If you haven't already, go check out the her adorable hearts ornaments - she is offering the instructions for free.


Miss Snitch Hard at Work!

No wonder the geese thought they could fly any old way they wanted! They had been watching the master snitch cat being sneaky and uncontrollable! Happy quilting to all!

Busy, Busy Day - Loads of Fun (and some progress)

2011-01-09T06:00:00.005-06:00

Yesterday was wonderful. First I found Jackie of Canton Village Quilt Works' super tutorial for HSTs - see my post from yesterday morning. Thanks again Jackie!

Then I was off to Quilting by the Bay for the Scrap Buffet. I was handed three Styrofoam boxes when I walked in the door. I followed the long line of customers to a very large table piled high with all kinds of scrap material in various sizes and shapes. The instructions were simple. We could fold, jam, cram, whatever all the scrap material we could get into our "little" Styrofoam boxes. As long as no material hung outside of the box the cost per box was $5.00.

My NEATLY Folded LOOT!


LOOT Spread Out! - Quite a Bit of Fabric!

My plans for the LOOT are some colorful mug rugs for an 8 year old. I am having visions of a very "sophisticated" tea party in the near future.

Off I went to meet with a lovely group of ladies who get together once a month to create. I did not take my machine this time. The visit was my first and I wanted to get to know everyone. We are scheduled for February 5. I will be there will all my quilting "thingies" - ready! I had a wonderful time visiting. The ladies are extremely creative!

And, I am catching up on the Layer Cake Quilt Along sponsored by Moose on the Porch. I now have three blocks out of the five published.


My Starry Starry Block!

Sherri McConnell of A Quilting Life designed the Starry Starry Snowblock. I fussy cut the center to get the adorable little bird where I wanted her. My HSTs yesterday's post are pieced into this block.


My Basket Block!

Sarah Vanderburgh of Sew Joy designed the Basket Block. The picture does not do my block justice. This one is my favorite so far. The fabric I selected fits the "basket." I have part of another block cut out. But I was getting tired and decided to stop before I did some creative cutting!


Cha Cha Says She Has Had ENOUGH of the Quilting!

Poor, poor kitty. She strongly dislikes me participating in any activity in which she is not the center of attention. Also, no is her least favorite word ... unfortunately, no is often required when Cha Cha tries her paw at sewing!

Remember the Be Mine Blog Tour starts today. See you there.

Dilemma Solved! Thanks Jackie!

2011-01-08T07:57:00.000-06:00

Check it out! 3 1/2" HSTs - Yeah! As I have said in previous posts I am participating (on my own time schedule) in a Layer Cake Quilt Along sponsored by Moose on the Porch. I had my 4 1/4" blocks all pieced with those little tabs sticking out the ends. The instructions were to then square up to 3 1/2". Okay, and how do I do that? Major dilemma! This was last night, so I went to bed!

The first blog I read this morning was Jackie, Canton Village Quilt Works. Jackie must have read my mind. Her post today was a tutorial for making HSTs. I now have 8 3 1/2" HSTs and it was so simple. Thanks Jackie!

I am starting to like my living room lamp as a design wall! Ha! Ha!

Quilting by the Bay is having a Scrap Buffet today. All you can fit into their container for $5.00. See you there should you be anywhere close to Panama City, FL.

Afterwards I am joining up with a few ladies for a quilting day. This will be my first time and I am so excited. Happy quilting to all!

Spotted Giveaways

2011-01-04T08:21:00.000-06:00

I was a sewing last night! I am well on my way to finishing block #4 of the Layer Cake Quilt Along I've been talking about. Now please do not get confused. I did not magically sew my way through blocks #2 and #3 to be well into #4. I found the instructions to #4 first, so started there. Hey, they are all going into one quilt top and the "production order" really does not matter. Hope you guys have a wonderful day!

Here are two great giveaways I spotted browsing the Internet this morning. Check them out!

Giveaway(s) - Sew Fabulous Quilt Shop is having a giveaway for a 9 piece Isabella by Lisa Tueller fat quarter bundle. Hop over and check it out.

JayBird is sponsoring a giveaway for Lisnaweary Quilts. The prize is a Crimson Burst Quilt Kit - absolutely beautiful!

Happy Quilting to all!

Layer Cake Quilt Along

2011-01-02T18:49:00.000-06:00

Okay. Okay. So I am slow .... slower than a 100 year old turtle. A while back I purchased the fabric - Eden by Lila Tueller for Moda - the dark green is Crackle by Kathy Schmitz LLC for Moda for the Layer Cake Quilt Along sponsored by Moose on the Porch. Now most people who committed to the quilt along are waiting patiently for the release of block #5 (they have actually completed blocks #1, #2, #3 and #4). I, on the other hand, just the moment completed my block #1. Better late than never!

The block is called the "Alabama Spinner Block" and was designed by Gene Black from Alabama. I fussy cut the center block because I simply did not want to attempt the circle Gene put in his design. I mean - come on - this was my first attempt at cutting and sewing half square triangles. My star points are not 100% accurate but I am pleased with this first attempt.

And, you gotta love the fringed lamp displaying my prized block! Lacking a design wall and wanting a straight shot at the block, I elected the living room lamp as "holder." Sort of suggestive of a New Year's Eve lamp shade on my someones head!

This took me hours! I will eventually finish all the blocks - I will! - however enough for tonight. Happy quilting to all!

New Year's Day 2011

2011-01-01T06:57:00.000-06:00

2011 has arrived. I was sound asleep when the new year arrived but am up bright and early to enjoy the day! The weather is rainy and cool - not the cold we had for Christmas. Yesterday, I ironed and ironed and ironed fat quarters. Ironing can wear one out! Today I get to cut into my lush fabrics. Yeah!

I put an adorable New Year wish on yesterdays blog, a blog button I located on the Internet of an angel wishing you God's blessings in the new year. This morning the blog button had timed out (or whatever they do) and wanted me to buy the service. You get what you pay for - free was 24 hours apparently (ha!). Enjoy the for real "free" picture I replaced the angel with. A lovely picture of Cha Cha cat sleeping away New Year's Eve. May God bless your New Year!

Giveaway(s) - Green Fairy Quilts has Dilly Dally - one layer cake and one jelly roll - for two lucky winners. Go check it out.

And, remember to drop by Stray Stitches for Linda's giveaway. I posted about it yesterday.

Happy New Year! and a Great Giveaway Over at Stray Stitches

2010-12-31T14:25:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year to all. Cha Cha and I will be safely tucked away in our bed when the ball drops us into 2011. I will be dreaming of projects for the new year - the fun of planning, cutting, sewing, quilting, binding, the list is endless. I am all excited about the possibilities in the new year. Who knows what Cha Cha cat will be dreaming of. Perhaps how to ~~steal~~ borrow spools of thread or other small paw sized sewing items when I'm not looking!

Giveaway: Linda of Stray Stitches is celebrating 300+ followers by holding a fantastic giveaway ending 1/9/11. There is a "to die for" full color pattern - "Flying Colors" by Georgette Dell'Orco. And! - 25 fat quarters plus 5/8 yard of black fabric to make the quilt top. The colors are so Beautiful! Go on over and check it out. Sign up (if you don't already) to follow Linda at Stray Stitches. I adore reading her blog.

Congratulations, Linda on your blog success. Your giveaway is super generous and much appreciated.

After Christmas Surprise

2010-12-28T19:20:00.000-06:00

I have been "limping along" in the Holly Jolly Blog Bingo sponsored by In Stitches. My word selection was SUPER .. the words simply were not getting drawn fast enough! Today instead of a new list of words I found the announcement of their winner - Darlene B. of Worth, IL. Congratulations, Darlene! The package coming your way looks fab!

Maybe next time I thought with a wee bit of sadness and continued reading the In Stitches blog - if you haven't already go check this blog out.

I read .... Congratulations also go to Donna in Panama City, FL. I'm thinking she will enjoy the giveaway prize from yesterday. My brain functions a bit slowly! Then .... much to my surprise ... could that be me .... there are a several Donna(s) in quilting blogland. Do they live in Panama City, FL?

I WON! -- a fat quarter bundle of 12 Moda Metallic Swirls basics! Yeah!!!! Many thanks to In Stitches for sponsoring this fun bingo game. I had a wonderful time playing! Of course, winning a prize made me do a happy dance!

Be Mine Blog Tour by Spun Sugar Quilts and Buddies

2010-12-27T18:47:00.000-06:00

Vickie of Spun Sugar Quilts and her buddies are presenting seven days of projects designed to inspire you for Valentine's Day! The blog hop will include prizes from the Fat Quarter Shop. Check out Vickie's blog for details. The list of participating buddies can be found on a special page of my blog. Sounds like wonderful fun! Don't you absolutely LOVE Vickie's button announcing the blog hop. I can only imagine the creativity of the upcoming projects. See you there!

The Christmas tree and all the trimmings are down at the office. The place looks like the real estate office it is once again. And, as much as I enjoyed the lights, I am really glad to move on. I got my own apartment back to normal yesterday. Everything is sparkling and in its place. Of course, that probably won't last long but it was super fun to walk into a nice, clean, organized space!

Santa Came!

2010-12-26T17:36:00.000-06:00

Santa made it to my house! And, he was very generous this year. Thanks to my sister I am going to have one happy, happy day or two at Quilting By the Bay, Panama City, FL. I have been making plans in my head! I, also have an Omnigrid ruler grip, a new rotary cutter, three project filled magazines and several quilt making "gadgets."

My wardrobe increased in shades of blue, silver and white.

My parents were here for Christmas. We had a lovely family holiday.

The tree came down today. All the Christmas decorations are packed away until new Thanksgiving! Cha Cha was not a happy cat when her tree was boxed until she discovered her favorite table back under her favorite window.

Giveaway(s) opportunity - Dawn is holding a wonderful New Year Fabric Giveaway. She has 7 yards of Dr. Seuss for one lucky winner. Drop over and visit her blog to enter. Should you happen to win please remember to send me my share for sending you over to her blog -- just kidding! Good luck to all!

Charlie of Qubee Quilts is having a giveaway for a Fandango layer cake in honor of his birthday.

The Tree Stands!

2010-12-10T05:03:00.001-06:00

Almost a week and the tree still stands.

I am going to try wrapped PRESENTS next!