Quilts for Queensland

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!

Ice Storm Hits Florida

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

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

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

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)

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!

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

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!

New Year's Day 2011

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

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

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

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!

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.

Thanksgiving

I have so much to be thankful for. I spend a wonderful 3 days in Mississippi with family. We did our traditional feast - steaks on the grill, twice baked potatoes and my mom's melt in your mouth pecan pie. The trip was fantastic; even if I did have a major tire blow out on the way back. That is just part of living ... the road ready maintenance was taken care of prior to leaving Florida but that tire decided to go Pop! on I-10 in the holiday traffic. All is well!

Here is the surprise awaiting me as I arrived on that cute little donut tire yesterday evening ............

 

My very own Rose of Sharon Block Book personally signed by the author Sharon Pederson. I was (AM!) so excited. Many thanks to Kelly Jackson of I Have a Notion for the giveaway.

I just got back from eating crab cakes at the Granite Cafe in Panama City, FL. I took my friend who cat sat while I was gone for a treat. Should you be in the Panama City area drop by the Granite Cafe. The food is great!

And, now since I am all well fed and in my PJs, I do believe I will curl up with my new quilting book. I cannot think of anything better to do.

HAPPY QUILTING TO ALL!

Pink Fig Holiday Giveaway! and More!

Chelsea at Pink Fig Design is having a fantastic giveaway which will run until December 1, 2010. In celebration of her First Fabric Line! she is giving away TWO quilts! One to a random lucky person and one to a random lucky shop owner to display in their store. Go check it out. And good luck to all!

The Henry Glass Designers Holiday Project Parade starts December 1-7, 2010!  There will be free patterns, inspiration, stories, individual blog giveaways, and one Grand Prize Giveaway! I have setup a page giving you the links to the gracious hosts.  I think the schedule and "rules" will follow. Sounds like a great blog hop!

This morning brought a wonderful surprise for me.  I won the "Rose of Sharon Block Book" autographed by Sharon Pederson that Kelly from I Have A Notion graciously gave away. This is the book I have been drooling over at Quilting by the Bay. I've picked it up, admired, carried almost to the checkout stand and put it back regretfully time after time - my quilting skills are still Very Raw!  Each time I have said one day.  I am SO EXCITED!

My recent Friends Swap buddy Leanne of Stitch Selection sent me an email stating she is working on a table runner from the Adoring Moda range I sent.  The Friends Swap was lots of fun. I am looking forward to doing it again.  One more BIG THANKS! to Khris of Sew Prim Khris who organized the fun.

And, now having said all of that I do believe I may go sew. Life has been happening at a rather fast rate for me. My sewing time has unfortunately been almost nonexistent for way too long.  I have blocks to catch up on for the Layer Cake Quilt Along I signed up for - sponsored by Moose on the Porch. Happy quilting to all!

Arrival From Australia

Apologies upfront, this post has lots of pictures.  I recently participated in a FRIENDS Swap sponsored by Khris (from Australia) of Sew Prim Khris.  My swap partner was Leanne (also, from Australia) of Stitch Selection. The postman greeted me today with this .....

Note the customs stamp ... from Australia. My very first package from Australia!

Inside was this...

Adorable, pink packages - so sweetly labeled.

Well, very pretty ... until I tore in!

To find ...

Seven - Count them - Seven Wonderful Gifts - All for ME!

Lots of gorgeous ric rac, a beautiful case for my scissors, a lovely needle case, two hexie coasters (not!, these will definitely decorate my bedroom wall), Cadbury chocolate (Yummy!), two of the cutest, fun mice you have ever seen (see them perched on the needle case!) and the an absolutely lovely shopping bag (see the kitten faces on the front pocket!).   I'm on a picture roll even if the lighting is awful ... rainy and dark in "sunny" Florida.

Enough, you say? Just be happy there are only 7 letters in FRIENDS.

See the pretty card which came with the gifts.

Digital cameras are so FAB .. no film to purchase or days to wait on prints from the store.

OKAY. OKAY.

ONLY ONE MORE, I PROMISE.

ALL HAS MET THE TEST OF HARDWORKING

INSPECTOR CHA CHA CAT

(Actually, she was attempting to snitch the mice, which are now safely tucked away from her thieving paws!)

Thanks ever so much, Leanne. I am so very excited over my gifts. This has been great FUN!

And, thanks Khris for sponsoring the FRIENDS Swap. 

Nature's Colors & a Layer Cake Quilt Along

These are photos of the sky were taken just outside my front door.  It is dusk and somewhat overcast, however, I love the colors.  The blue, purple gray and green with shots of a silvery white would make a fantastic quilt fabric. Add in the beautiful two toned green in the tropical plant against the reddish brick and ... well, my bedroom needs a make over!  I love the colors. Happy quilting!

I have decided to participate in my first quilt along. Moose on the Porch is sponsoring a layer cake (or I can use 12 fat quarters) quilt along. I am going to give it a try. The first block is to be released November 2, 2010 with a new block coming every two weeks until April (I believe-follow the their blog button on my sidebar should you want more details). I'm a bit uncertain about not knowing what the completed project is supposed to look like. This will a leap of faith requiring me to lighten up and go with the flow. Speaking of lightening up, I do think I want something like bright springy blues, greens, purples, pinks ... perhaps a bit of yellow and definitely a fair amount of white. Of course, my next project will be committing to the fabric. I am going with quilt shop quality. Quilting by the Bay in Panama City will just have to adjust to my "decision" process. (ha!) They are a wonderful group of helpful, supportive, creative folks. I expect they will offer wonderful suggestions. Wish me luck!

The weekend has been on a "cool" side for Florida.  At least one could stand to be outside and the breeze has been wonderful. From the look of the sky, tomorrow will bring rain. Hope all of you enjoyed your weekend. Until next time.

Green Fairy Quilts

Great giveaway at Green Fairy Quilts.  Tell them I sent you. Happy quilting!

Table Runners, FRIENDS Swap and Christmas

This is the back side of the top of a table runner under way. I had to take a picture. The seams bunted just right and everything went together without use of the seam ripper! And the finished size measured correctly according to the wonderful skill building book "Quilters Academy - Vol. 1" by Harriett & Carrie Hargrave. Love that book.  I haven't posted the practice pieces, however, I am studiously working through the lessons in the book. The process has been rewarding.

On to the table runner. All I have so far is the top. I think it is turning off fairly well. This is a Christmas gift for a dear friends, who loves birds and gardening. I believe she will enjoy this.

The funny thing is I lost on of the 5" blocks just before I was ready to start sewing them together. It fell or blew right off the table when I turned my head away to take a sip of coffee.

Oh, look Cha Cha found it! Isn't she a brilliant cat? 

This "incident" was approximately 5 minutes after she came out from hiding under the bed. Earlier this morning I ran to the store - wasn't gone long.  Miss Cat must have figured I was finally gone for the day. She's less than thrilled with me taking time off from work. I cramp her day time activities. Back to the story - I guess she failed to hear the car drive up because she was playing in the dried beans soaking in the pan sitting in the kitchen sink. My "What are you doing?" sent her streaking down the hall to hide under the bed, where she stayed for quite some time. The little darling came out just to help me sew! Sweet kitty!

This picture is the Christmas table runner I have been working on.  It is narrow to fit the table it is being made for. I had to stop because the border fabric I purchased is way too busy. I am thinking it is going to need a fairly solid muted green.  Hmm, I am thinking with a different border fabric this may become a fall table topper rather than a Christmas table topper. Food for thought anyway.

My FRIENDS Swap goodies are close to ready to ship to Australia. Just a few loose ends to tie up. The swap has been loads of fun! I'm thinking I will probably do it again!

I have spend days blog hopping to the over 130 blogs participating in the Fall Into Fall Giveaway. I've greatly enjoyed the journey, have added a few new blogs to my regular reading list and put my name in the pot for some wonderful giveaways. If you haven't checked it out, I recommend you get busy. Just click the button on my sidebar to be "magically" directed to the fun.

Well, that's it for today. I have sewing to finish before I have to go back to work tomorrow. Not to mention my house could use a bit of cleaning. Until next time .... Happy Quilting!

Christmas

Started a Christmas project today. This is the beginning of a table runner. I did not get much done - had several not so great starts, which required the use of a seam ripper. Ughh! All of you bloggers make this quilting look so easy. I find myself thinking oh yes, I can do that! I am finding the doing a bit more complicated than my thinking. But Rome was not built in a day!

I kept hoping the local quilt shop would have a new quilters class. They have been telling me to check back in the fall; however, although the weather remains Hot in Florida, it is October. No class has been listed. So, I purchased the Quilters Academy by Harriet Hargrave and Carrie Hargrave. I am told it is a great skill building - learning to quilt book. I intend to start on page one and do the projects in order.  I have been pleased so far with the few projects I have worked on; however, I know I have lots to learn. I'm also thinking I need to go take a picture taking class! The colors are much richer in the above than they appear on the screen.

Anyway ... I am having a grand time learning a new skill! Happy quilting!