BOM Quilter

Yikes!

2011-12-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I let so many Sunday's slip by without my weekly post. This time of year I swear the clock moves faster and faster. I really need to learn to plan better.

Nothing much to show this week. I did catch up to my Vignette project just in time for the new magazine to arrive. The next step is half of the center. I think I am going to wait for the next issue to come out before starting this one. I think it may be easier to do the center as one piece.

The next project I worked on is my "Start Spangled Celebration". I am trying to keep up with this as the kits arrive in the mail. I made a big boo boo when I fused the liberty letters. I should have placed them closer to each other so they wouldn't overlap on the heart.

Yesterday Nancy and Beth came over and we celebrated Christmas by going out to eat Mexican food and coming back to my house for a gift exchange. I need to take better pictures of all the wonderful things I received from my special friends.

Beth made Nancy and I each a mini. A Snowman for Nancy

and a great little CW mini for me. She even personalized it making it more special.

She also added some chocolate kisses in the bag and this cute little baby Christmas Annie. Isn't she adorable. I have never been into dolls but these cuties are too cute. Nicole makes them if you feel the need for your very own. The cute little kitty watch was from Nancy. She had all kinds of cute items in the bag she made us. Wait till you see this bag!!

It is made from Dear Jane chapter fabrics. I really wish I would have taken better pictures of it. It is incredible. I can't wait to sport it to my next quilt class. Big pockets inside, which of course were filled with goodies. Of course I didn't take pictures of everything, Ugh! I am challenged at that. Just be assured that there were goodies in there that were fabulous.

I forgot to take pics of the gifts I got for the girls. Ooops.

I also got a very special gift from someone special that I need to take pictures of before the big reveal. I have to check with her first to see if it is ok to share. I was floored when I opened my mail this past week.

I hope you all have a very Blessed Christmas. I have big plans for UFO busting in the New Year. I will be sure to post all about it before the first of the month. Until then, big hugs from me.

Yvette

More BOM's

2011-11-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I missed another Sunday of posting. Time is just flying by! I did manage to finish a few BOM's.

This is my monthly Cat stitchery. I am going to eventually make little pillows out of them once I get them all stitched.

This is one of the blocks from the third issue of Vignette. I am still working on the other two sections from the same issue. Issue 5 is coming out any day and I was hoping to be caught up. I guess my next goal will be to catch up before issue 6 comes out. LOL
This is block 4 of "Star Spangled Celebration" I will get it attached to the other section of the quilt body net weekend.
I also made 8 more "Cotton Club" blocks but I don't have pictures of those. That brings my total to 17 out of 45 done.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend. Back to work tomorrow!

Have a great week!

Lots of Finishes

2011-11-13T16:21:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great week. I didn't have as much sewing time I would have liked but hopefully that will change next weekend. I finally managed to take pictures of all the finishes I have had the last month. Here they are.................................................................................................

I made three of these little mini's from the Klosjes I have made.

Here is my "Witches Boot".
Closeups of the quilting.

Here is the backing that Nancy gave me to use. I think the pumpkins look like they glow.
This is "Cracked Pots"
Closeups of the quilting.
Its a pretty all over swirly design. I love it!
This is "Vintage Valentine"
She did an all over with a heart pantograph and used feathers for the border.
Each heart was quilting different. I really love how this turned out.
This is a little mini that I made. I just love red/white quilts.
This is a cute, fun and fast project I actually put together in an afternoon. I bought the kit here. I think it would make a great gift. I'm not sure I can part with mine though. LOL
Look at the cute pink candy canes quilted on it.
I will finish this post with my second to last Kitchen Caper block. I look forward to getting the last installment of this so I can put them all together. I want to hang this up in the kitchen this spring.
I almost forgot to mention the book I won over at Janet's blog. The book is even signed by the author. It's a great book that has a ton of great scrap busting patterns. I will be collecting the author's other books soon.

Thank you all for visiting me this week.

Long Time No See!

2011-11-06T17:49:00.000-08:00

Where did the last three weeks go? Wow, I can't believe I missed posting the last two weeks.

I have several finishes but no pictures. The lighting is horrible right now so maybe I can get them taken next weekend. This is the time of year when it is dark outside when I leave for work and dark when I come home. :(

I did manage to get a picture of my natural disaster mini.
This next shot is of "Farm Fresh". These are the first three blocks.
Here is a big accomplishment. Blocks 2 & 3 of Vignette all put together.
Here it sits next to block one. I hope to work on block 4 finished next weekend.
This is "Star Spangled Celebration". Blocks 1, 2 & 3.
I have two big quilts, 2 wall quilts and several mini's finished but no pictures until next time.

I hope you all have a great week!!

Best Birthday Ever!!

2011-10-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Friday I celebrated my 49th birthday. On Thursday I received these beautiful flowers from my friend Colleen's dad. He is the most thoughtful man and I want him to adopt me.Friday morning I logged in to read my email and I found a gift certificate in there from my good friends for the Fat Quarter Shop. How did they know I needed to order a backing from there? Well, I hurried and placed my order. FUN!! I went and had my nails done with my mom and then we met a friend for lunch at my favorite restaurant, Wood Ranch. After that I picked up my Godson from school and we spent the afternoon together. Great day with some of my favorite people!

Saturday morning my friends Nancy and Beth came over to spend the day sewing. Look what they brought me!!! They each made blocks and put it together. Isn't that the cutest mini??

I also received these great things. A great little book of mini's, a note pad and a scissor fob. The scissor fob came in a trick or treat bag Nancy made for us. Beth and I each got one.

Isn't this bag cute???? I don't know when she found the time to make these.

Look at all the goodies inside. What fun!!!

Nancy and Beth also brought along a birthday cake. Let me tell you, it was delicious. Chocolate with strawberry inside. YUMM! I had it for breakfast today with my coffee. I cleaned house in record speed with all the caffeine and sugar. I think I will go have another piece now.

Nancy and I made our mini quilt of the month. This month it was little red houses. These measure 5" square. Nancy's houses were perfect, I wish I had a picture. My houses were in a hurricane, then a tornado, followed by an earthquake. LOL!

While Nancy and I were sewing, Beth was cross-stitching. OMG! You should see her work. I am amazed at how beautiful it is. We are going to the cross stitch store in few weeks so I can pick out a project and learn how to do this. I am so excited.
Today I met my friend Joy at the quilt shop. Look what she made me! I knew she made a Margo bag yesterday but I had no idea it would be for me. She even conquered the elusive ZIPPER. YAY for Joy and YAY for me.
She even put in a special label. I will treasure this forever.
I honestly had one of the best birthday's ever. Thank you to my friends. I have only known Joy for a few years but I know she will be in my life forever. I have only known Beth and Nancy for a few months and I feel like we have been friends for much longer. Quilting has brought me many, many friends that I treasure. I can't imagine my life without all of you.

Have a fantastic week!

More of the same

2011-10-02T16:56:00.000-07:00

This weekend we decided to do block 2 of "Farm Fresh". This one wasn't as quick and easy as last weeks block but I was able to get it done today.
Yesterday I made three more "Cotton Club" blocks to finish off part one.
I also finished block 8 of "Kitchen Fairies".
I hope you all have a great week.

Oh no she didn't! Oh yes, she did!

2011-09-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

What did I do? I started 2 new projects!

This is block #1 of "Farm Fresh". I have been resisting and resisting this quilt for a long time. Once I saw it in person it was all over. Beth and Nancy are ask working on this one too. I can't wait to start on block 2.
My next project is called "Cotton Club". Ranette and Nancy are also doing this quilt. I think the plan is to make 2 blocks a week, so far I am in schedule.
The next 2 stitchery blocks are for month 7 of "Kitchen Fairies" BOM.

This is another panel for "Vignette in Stitches". I have another band prepped and ready to go.
Yesterday I put together a quick little charity quilt for "Quilts for Kids". They actually sent me all the fabrics, which were pre-cut. I put it together, quilted, bound and washed it. I am ready to send it back.
I hope you all have a great week!

Weekend sewing

2011-09-18T16:21:00.001-07:00

These are this months "Civil War Chronicles blocks. They make me dizzy looking at them. Not sure I like the striped fabric.I finally attached the row I finished up on my "Farmer's Wife". Now I am going to start planning on the next row. (Get ready Joy)
I also finished Block 1 of "Vignette in Stitches". This block was from the first magazine. I am going to try to put together block 2 & 3 next weekend and finish the stitching on them. I still haven't bought the binding fabric for the quilt that Linda quilted for me. I will make that my mission next Saturday.

Have a great week everyone!

I'm back!

2011-09-10T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ooops, I missed last week's update. Time is just flying by too fast!! The good news is that I have had time to visit the sewing cave.

These are August's "Civil War Chronicles" blocks.

This is a stitchery project I finished during the week. It was quick and easy. I haven't decided yet if I am going to frame it or turn it into a pillow.
Here is my "Witches Boot" all stitched up. It was so much fun using different stitches and coloring the fabric. I look forward to another project like this one day.
I met Beth and Nancy last weekend at "The Orange Quilt Bee" and they helped me pick out fabrics to finish it off. I can't wait to get it quilted and hang it up for the fall.
Yesterday I made a mini quilt. I plan on making many more of these so I can put in ............
my new caddy! I think it is the cutest thing!!! Sharon's hubby makes them and she sells them on her site. I can't wait to fill her up with my mini quilts.
That's all I have for today. I did get a quilt returned that I sent to Linda a while back. She did a phenomenal job on it. I can't wait to show it off! I will try to get a binding on it ASAP.

Call for Help

2011-08-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

One of our own needs our help. Please head over to Nancy's blog and read all about why we are called to help. With every every donation, no matter what size, you can get a chance to win one of the beautiful gifts below.

A beautiful hand made table runner and ......
$100 gift certificate to a fabulous store.
or a GORGEOUS quilt.
It is all for a great cause. Please head over to Nancy's blog and read all about it.

Thank you!!!!

New project

2011-08-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have been in a major quilting funk. I just never seem to have the time to spend in my sewing room and when I have found time, I just don't know what to work on. I am so behind on everything that I just give up and walk out.

Nancy, Sharon and Monica made me work on this new project. Well, they didn't make me work on it, they just enticed me with it on their blogs. I guess that's what friends are for.
I had to go to Nancy's house to get a lesson on coloring on fabric with crayons. I was never a good at staying in the lines when I was a kid and it hasn't got my better. Good thing baking soda and Q-tips remove mistakes. I am now stitching like crazy on tho every night and on my lunch hour. I am hoping to finish it by next weekend so I can go shopping for fabric for the piecing part.
Another new project I started was this cute little cat stitchery. Sharon has been teasing me with these on her blog and I finally fell.
I finished a little more of the Vignette borders.

That's it! I hope everyone has a great week.

I am going to try to come up with a strategy to get my projects finished. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Anyone have time they can give me?

2011-08-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

I found two hours this morning and I locked myself in my sewing room. I make this weeks Civil War BOW and another make up block. I also worked a little on my "Blue Ridge Beauty" quilt. (no pics) I have made 996 2 patches, the next step is to put those together to make 448 4-patches. I do not look forward to ironing 996 2-patches, summer is finally here in Southern California so I am sure that won't happen until October.

During the week I stitched this months "Kitchen Fairy" BOM.
I also finished another band on "Vignette in Stitches". I have another 4 bands prepped and will work on those the rest of the month.
That's it! Have a great week everyone!

This week's accomplishments

2011-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

I was a stitching fool this week. I finished another section of "Vignette in Stitches". I would have had another section done but I ran out of red thread. :( I also ran out of pink thread but Nancy mailed me one of hers. :) Here are this months "Farmer's Wife" blocks. This makes another row done that I can hopefully add the sashing to the next time I can get to my sewing cave.
Here are two catch up blocks for the "Civil War BOW".
That's it for this week. Next week is hell week. ( 5 x 12hr day work week) I prepped some hand work to work on since my sewing room is out of the picture for a while.

Have a great week everyone!!!

2011-08-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share what I bought last Saturday from the quilt show. Those Primitive Quilts magazines are wonderful! So many cute projects. I also got a few buttons from Button Mad. I plan on ordering more as I need them. I also got a small kit for a cute little halloween table mat. Two plaid and stripe FQ's also came home with me to add to my collection for a future Bonnie Hunter quilt.

That's it! I think I was really good!
I managed to finish the July set of blocks for the "Civil War Tribute" BOM. 160 HST's this month. UGH! As usual, the lighting on my pictures is HORRIBLE. I went to Best Buy to look for a new camera this last weekend but came home empty handed. I was too confused at the different features. I thought I would do some online research and pick a few to look at and try again. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Have a great week everyone!

(Yes, I posted on a Monday) ;)

Long Beach Quilt Show

2011-07-31T17:35:00.001-07:00

As promised, pictures from the Long Beach quilt show. A fun day was had by all. I am still on a quilt high.

These are the ladies from Button Mad. What a wonderful booth filled with the most beautiful and fun hand painted buttons. I would love one of each! Below is a bag they had hanging. They assured me that the pattern will be available soon. I can't wait!! I need one of these and oh the fun I will have to shop for the buttons for it.
Below is a taste of some of the quilts we saw. Unfortunately, the best quilts were not able to be photographed. They were simply amazing and I am so glad I got to see them.
This was all Yo-Yo's.

This one also is all Yo-Yo's.
I love this one. It looks like reject blocks from other quilts thrown into one. I guess I should have read about it. LOL

Vignette & CW Block of the week

2011-07-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

I have been stitching and stitching and stitching on this block for about a month. I was finally able to get it together this morning. I still have to add 7 blocks around the top and left side to make it a finished block but I need to wait until I get more fabrics to make it a bit scrappier. Blocks 2 & 3 are next and those will probably take me 2 months at least to get the stitching and piecing done. A lot of work but oh so fun to do. I also was able to do this weeks Civil War block. Luckily it was a quick and easy one.
That's all the time I had this week. Next weekend I am going to the Long Beach quilt show so I don't think I will have any of my projects to share with you, instead I will have pictures of all the beautiful eye candy I come across.

I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, safe week.

Sew on!

A Flimsy, A Finish and more BOM blocks.

2011-07-17T18:05:00.000-07:00

After many months of being on a time out, Vintage Valentine is all put together. All I need to do now is fins a backing fabric and chose a longarm quilter to finish her up. I had to take a "Bring your own project" class a few weeks ago to learn how to do the mitered borders.
I also quilted the "Stitch-along" quilt. I really wish I hadn't put the red in the sashing on a few of the blocks. Live and learn.
Here are this months "Farmer's Wife" blocks. This makes 30 of 111 blocks done.
These are catch up blocks for the Civil War quilts block a week.
Last for this week at the "Civil War Chronicles" blocks for July. I made a big error but did not catch it until it was too late. I mixed up a couple of fabrics. Where the redder fabrics are should be the greener ones. Oops. I guess mine will be unique to everyone else that is doing this.
Well, my two week vacation is over. :( Only 22 more weeks till my next week off. LOL!!!

I hope you all have a great week!!

And the winner is.............

2011-07-10T19:12:00.001-07:00

The winner of the drawing for the X-Blocks rulers and patterns is:

Peg

Congratulations! I hope you can get some use out of them. Please email me your address and I will get them out to you as soon as my vacation is over.

Give Away

2011-07-08T12:33:00.001-07:00

I cleaned out my sewing room for today and I came across this set that I never used. I figured someone would like to give them a try so I am giving them away. The set includes both X-Blocks rulers and 3 patterns.

All you have to do is leave a comment. I will draw a winner this Sunday night. I will ship anywhere.

This Weeks blocks

2011-07-03T18:27:00.000-07:00

Well, I didn't make much progress this week. I was able to get in the to CW blocks for the week. The first one is a catch up block and the second one is this weeks blocks.
I finally finished the stitching on month 8 of "Baltimore Bunnies". I have had this block prepped and sitting next to my sewing chair for about a month now.
I managed 7 more klosjes on my lunch hours. I think I have enough fabric prepped for 1 more block so it is time to start prepping more. Fun. NOT!
I also went to sew with the girls at The Orange Quilt Bee today. This is my favorite shop within a 20 mile radius from my house. If I could only go to one shop in my area, and there are many to chose from, it would be there. I guess I should have taken pictures to show you why. ugh! They would have been blurry anyway. LOL!

Anyway, I worked on "Vintage Valentine" today with hopes of getting the top finished. The fussy cutting and my chatting with friends took too long and I wasn't able to get her done. All I have left is the outside mitered borders. YAY!!

I hope you all have a great week. I am driving out to Las Vegas tomorrow morning to spend time with family. I heard there are some nice quilt shops there so I am hoping to ditch the family for a few hours to explore.

This and That

2011-06-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

OK, I bought another pattern. Yes, I said that I would not buy anymore for a while but.................... I don't have a patriotic quilt. Everyone needs a patriotic quilt. Right? RIGHT!

I just think this is too adorable. I got mine here. This will soon be a BOM kitted too. That makes me happy since I don't have a stash. ( I don't count Civil War fabrics stash)
Who needs to start another hand project? Not me! I had this Vignette magazine sent all the way from Australia a few months ago. I just had to see what the hype was all about. I again swore I wouldn't buy anymore since the postage is not cheap coming from overseas. Well, Daisy Cottage Quilting is carrying them along with the fabric and floss. How could I resist??? I didn't! I adore Australian patterns. Leanne Beasley is one of my favorite designers too.

This project is going to be a LONG one. Lots of detail.

I did manage to finish the top to one hand project. This is "Tis The Season". It's a nice small wall hanging that I will use during the holidays. I did not plan to set the blocks this way but that's how they came out. I swear, I un-sewed more on this little quilt than any other I have done. I don't like the red and the way I placed it but I am not un-sewing anything else. I hope to get this pin basted and quilted soon to get it off my list.
Only 5 klosjes this week. I decided that Klosjes will only be made during my lunch hour at work. 278 done!
I also make this weeks "Civil War" BOW.
Here are two other "Civil War" catch up blocks.

That's it! I made appointments with my sewing room this weekend and it worked. I got in 2hrs a day three days in a row. I need to start doing that more often.

Have a great week everyone!

This Weeks Progress

2011-06-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

I just couldn't stand it anymore. I kept seeing this block a week on so many blogs that I had to join in. I know I didn't need another project. Doesn't that make me a true quilter? LOL!

I am going to try to stay current and do one extra block a week until I catch up. This is week #1.
This is this weeks block, #25.
During the week I finished month 5 of "Kitchen Fairies". I am going to wait until I get all of the months blocks before I start putting the other elements together. I want it as scrappy as I can.
Only 7 klosjes this week.
I thought I was going to have my stitch-along blocks ready to show you but when I looked at the picture, I noticed one row was sewn on upside down. I swear, I have un-sewed on this little wall hanging more than any other project.

That's it for this week. Hopefully next weekend I can fix the stitch-along blocks and add the sashing and borders.

Have a great week!!!

Gifts & BOM's

2011-06-12T17:30:00.001-07:00

I have been dying to look at Bonnie Hunter's Scraps & Shirttails books every since I have been seeing the great scrappy quilts that are coming from them. Ranette was so sweet that she sent me "Scraps & Shirtails II" as a gift. I went so crazy over it that she sent me "Scraps & Shirtails". What a doll!!! So far I bought the 2 pieces of fabric that are on the right of the books and Ranette sent me the fabrics on the bottom. I never in a million years thought I would want to collect this type of fabric but that is all I want now. LOL!! Of course CW Reproductions are still my favorite. ;) I keep eying my bosses work shirts and checking the fiber content. I already informed his wife that she is never to give his old shirts away to anyone but me. LOL!
I received the fabric that I cut wrong last week so on Friday evening I was able to finish month 5 of "Civil War Tribute".
On Saturday I was able to get month 6 done and now I am all caught up. I thought about doing month 7 blocks today but I was burned out on HST's.
Twenty more "Klosjes" added this week to bring the total to 265. I was thinking I would start sewing them together into blocks.
That's it! I prepped a couple of applique BOM's that I have been neglecting so hopefully I can have those done next week.

Have a great week!

Civil War Chronicles - Month 6

2011-06-05T17:57:00.003-07:00

I was able to get this months "Civil War Chronicles" blocks for June done this morning. This is the half way mark to getting this top done. I thought I would get month 5 of Civil War Tribute done this weekend too but I cut wrong and now have to wait for replacement fabric. DOH!!! At least I have all the major components done and as soon as my fabric arrives it should be a breeze to put together. 10 more klosjes to add to my collection. This brings the total to 245. :)
I also have been working on my Bonnie Hunter quilt. This is from her book "Leaders and Enders" and it called, Blue Ridge Beauty. I am in love with Bonnie's books and am now hoarding scraps. I have only been working on this as a leader and ender project. The left tub is 2" blue squares, the middle is 2" light squares and the right tub are sewed blue and light patches. Once I am done I will turn them into four patches. One day I am just going to sit and sew, sew, sew them all together. I can't wait to see how it turns out. I want to do every quilt in her books.
Have a great week everyone!

Civil War Chronicles - Month 5

2011-06-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

May's "Civil War Chronicles" BOM called for 16 corner blocks. Once the corner blocks were done I was able to add it to the April blocks and then add to the body of the quilt. I love how you can put the quilt together as you go.
I have 20 more klosjes to add to the collection. My total is up to 235. :)
That's it!

Can you believe I posted on a Friday? LOL!!!

Two weeks of progress

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

I totally lost track of time and remembered that I didn't update my blog last Sunday.

These are June's "Farmer's Wife" blocks.
With these 5 blocks I was able to finish another row. I really like adding the sashing and rows as I go.
Last week I tackled putting on the first border to "Cracked Pots". I love when a pattern fits perfectly, there were no adjustments to make. This was a first!
Then I added the houses I made last month along with some corner stones.
This morning I decided to go ahead and make the last border and in between various chores and errands, I attached it.

TA DA!!!! All finished!!!!
The past two weeks I have also been working on more klosjes. 215 done. 12998465 to go. LOL!

My mom is doing great with her radiation treatments, she is finally out of pain and her spirits are much better. She has 6 more treatments to go and after those she should be even better. Thanks again for all the notes of support.

I hope you all have a fantastic, healthy week with plenty of time to play.

Sunday Report

2011-05-08T18:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast this week went by. I was able to get my center done for my "Cracked Pots" quilt. I sewed on the courthouse steps blocks a little at a time since last week and finally got them finished and put together this afternoon. I also made another 42 spools this week. That brings my total to 170. I still don't know how many I am going to make, I will re-evaluate after I get to 400.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mothers Day. Have a happy, healthy, safe and crafty week!!

Just a few things this week

2011-05-01T19:14:00.001-07:00

I didn't have that much time to spend in my sewing cave this weekend but I did manage to get another "Lovebird Lane" block done. I needed to work on something quick and happy and this just called my name.During the week I finished another "Kitchen Fairy" block..............................and
I also made a dozen spools.
That's it for this week. I didn't get everything done on my list for April but I came pretty close. I am not going to make a list for May. I decided that I am going to work on what I feel like working on if I can get time in the sewing cave.

I wish everyone a very happy, healthy week!

A little bit of everything

2011-04-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

I missed my Sunday posting due to Easter. My mom and I had my neighbor over for lunch and the day just flew by. It was a bit somber at my house with my mom recuperating from her procedure and my neighbor recuperating from her mom's death the week before.

I managed to get a "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" block made every day that I was on a mini Spring break. I am now 50% done with the blocks. I am going to tray to add another row on this afternoon between chores.

I seem to have more time to hand sew than I do working in my sewing cave. I managed to get all of the "Tis the Season" stitcheries done. I picked out the fabrics for my sashings so hopefully I can get those on next month.
I also finished another 19 klosjes and prepped another 40. These are the perfect portable project.
I also finished stitchery #3 of "Kitchen Fairies" and prepped block #4.
Ranette and I have been wanting to make these cute little baskets but really, we are so consumed with so many projects that we decided to wait a bit. We each made one basket to get it out of our system. LOL!!! We are going to start on this after we finish "Cracked Pots".
Mom update:

The diagnosis is Bone cancer. The only good thing is the cancer has not spread. We are going to see a radiology oncologist tomorrow afternoon to see what kind of procedures she can endure. The hope is to kill the cancer that is there and prevent it from growing. Thanks to everyone for their prayers and good thoughts.

Another Finish & Stuff

2011-04-17T17:15:00.001-07:00

I put the last stitch on the binding on my Nearly Insane(ish) quilt. I received it back from Margaret about a month ago but haven't had the time to get this done. I am really happy with the way she quilted it and I can't wait until I wash it and put it on my bed for the summer. As usual, my pictures are not the greatest. I didn't have anyone to help me hold it up to show the whole quilt. Here are a few close-ups.I tried to get the detail of the quilting that she did on the sashing and corner stones.
I love what she did with the zig zag border.
I also love the straight lines she did on the red border.
The next 5 blocks are this months "Farmer's Wife" blocks that Joy and I are doing.

I was able to sew 21 Klosjes so far this month. I have another 16 ready to stitch. I think it takes more time prepping them that it does to sew them.
That's all for this week. We are still waiting on the results of my mom's biopsy and should know more on Tuesday.

I hope everyone has a fantastic, healthy, productive week.

Civil War Blocks & a Finish

2011-04-10T17:08:00.000-07:00

I picked up my "Civil War Chronicles" BOM last weekend. I was afraid to see how many HST's we were in for this month. I looked at the block and thought, this isn't so bad this month. Then I read the cover. Make 8 blocks. So I went from 12 HST's to 96. LOL! This is April's "Civil War Tribute" blocks. One 18" finished and one 12" finished.
I finished sewing down the binding on my "Calendar Chair Redwork" this week. It's so nice to have a finish, it feels like it has been forever since my last one.

Thanks to all my blogging friends who offered their prayers to my mom. Her biopsy was Wednesday and our next appt. is the 19th of April. We are still praying for benign result and would appreciate good thoughts. She turns 86 this Friday!

Have a happy, healthy, crafty week!

April's Goals

2011-04-03T17:03:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it's April already???

I am going to do something different with this month's goals. I am going to list them in order of how I want them done. If I get to them, great. If I don't, no biggie.

Sewing Machine Projects:

1) 10 "Cracked Pot Houses"

2) Make and sew binding on "Calendar Chair Redwork"

3) Make and sew binding on " Nearly Insane-ish"

4) April's "Civil War Chronicles" blocks

5) April's "Civil War Tribute" blocks

6) 5 - "Farmer's Wife" blocks

7) 5- "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" blocks

8) 1- "Lovebird Lane" block

9) Square up all 13 "Vintage Valentine" blocks

10) Work on "Blue Ridge Beauty" leader and ender project

Hand Stitching Projects:

1) Sew binding on "Calendar Redwork Chairs"

2) Sew binding on "Nearly Insane-ish"

3) "Tis the Season" stitcheries

4) 20-"Klosjes"

5) 1 - "Kitchen Fairy" block

6) 1- "Baltimore Bunny" block

OK, I am tired! LOL!

I finished this "Baltimore Bunny" block at the end of March. I think I have 5 more blocks to go and then all the border treatments.

I finished all 25 "Cracked Pots" houses this morning that Ranette and I had set to do in April. Once you make a few the rest come together really quick. Monica also started this quilt. You can see her version here. She is really moving on it.

I have some prayer request if you all don't mind. My mom is going in for a biopsy on her hip this Wednesday to see what kind of tumor is growing. Could you all say a quick prayer that it isn't the "C" word? I really appreciate it.

I pray you all have a happy and healthy week. {{HUGS}}

Last Sunday in March

2011-03-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

I stole some time in my sewing room this weekend and cut & stitched block 2 of "Lovebird Lane" The cutting and piecing directions on these blocks has been a breeze, they are written very well.
I FINALLY finished the last block for my "Vintage Valentine" quilt. This baby took more than a month to prep and stitch. As usual, my camera took terrible pictures. I am really thinking about investing in a real camera. If anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate it.
I also finished cutting the "Cracked Pots" quilt that Ranette and I are going to start. They were the confusing cutting instructions I have ever come across. I was totally baffled and wasted a lot of time and fabric. It is all cut now so hopefully the piecing will go much easier. I did manage to piece a few of the houses and those were a breeze. I will take a picture when I have all 20 blocks done.

I finished almost everything on my March list. I am still working on my "Baltimore Bunny" block and I think I may have it done before Thursday. :)

I hope you all have a great week with plenty of time to play.

Sunday Sewing

2011-03-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

I was determined I was going to sew today and worked my schedule around it. I woke up early and got to it.

These are this months "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" blocks I was scheduled to do. The upper left one was done by hand during the week. Y-seams galore. UGH! These were NOT fun this month. I am so glad they are done.
This is the last "Farmer's Wife" block I had to do this month.
I am still working on the Applique on the center medallion for "Vintage Valentine". There are a bazillion pieces but I think I am down to the last twenty or so.

I started cutting the fabrics for "Cracked Pots" today. I started with the 15 light fat quarters. I don't know how I did it but I am so short of fabric. I must have read the directions wrong. I am short 34 - 1 1/2 x 21" strips. HUH??? I went step by step. These weren't the easiest cutting instructions I have ever had. I still don't know what I did wrong but I will have to go back in my CW crate and pull out a few more fat quarters to make up for it. I still have to cut out the red's and the blue's. I do not look forward to it but will be glad when it is over. It's a good thing I have plenty of CW fabrics and more on the way.

Have a great week! I hope all of you have time to sew and plenty of fabric.

Civil War Blocks

2011-03-13T17:14:00.001-07:00

I hid away in my sewing cave as much as I could this weekend. I had so much to do that I would get out of bed at 5am to make sure I could get it all done and have time to play. We even lost an hour this weekend. Why do they take our weekend time away??? Why can't they change the time on a Monday at 2pm?

I was able to knock out 4 Farmer's Wife blocks this morning. I did these before 8am.
I started these "Civil War Chronicles" blocks last weekend. On Friday night I worked on them a few hours and yesterday morning I finished them up. I spent as much time reverse sewing as I did sewing. I could not get them to 16 1/2". I got them as close as possible and called them done. No way was I going to even try to redo them.
Once they were finished I was able to add the first three months together.
That's all I have this weekend. Next weekends sewing time looks bleak. I may have to work 11 days in a row due to a convention next weekend. :(

I hope everyone has a great week with plenty of play time. I am off to prep some hand work to keep my busy the next 11 days.

Weekly check in

2011-03-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

Hi Friends! I was finally reacquainted with my Bernina this morning. I was able to get March's "Civil War Tribute" blocks done. There are 2@ 18.5" and 2@12.5". These went together pretty easy and no triangle tips were harmed in the process. What a miracle!!

I also made 64 HST's for this months "Civil War Chronicles" BOM but I forgot to take a picture of them. This month I used Triangulations and it was so much easier.

I finished my "Kitchen Fairy" BOM this week too.
I also finished 20 more Klosjes this week. That brings my total to 75. I will decide what to do when I reach 200. Either I make something with the 200 or I make more.
I also gathered all the fabrics for the "Cracked Pots" quilt. Ranette posted her fabrics here.

That's it for this week. My goal this week is to stitch the rest of the "Vintage Valentine" medallion. I am about 1/2 way there!! I also hope to get started on my Stitch-a-long blocks.

Have a great week!!!

A Finish!

2011-02-27T16:41:00.000-08:00

I sent my "Berry Picking Party" off to be quilted by C.J. I mailed it on a Monday and ten days later it was back in my arms. She did a fabulous job quilting this! I just LOVE it. The pantograph she recommended is just perfect and so are the stitches. All that needs to be done is a label and it will be ready for its new home.

No sewing took place at my house this weekend. :( I did get some fabrics together for a quilt I will be doing with Ranette and Joy. I am going to do mine in red, blue Civil War's and light shirtings. Here is a picture of the quilt.............

I did everything on my February To-Do list. I started working on my "Vintage Valentine" UFO. I prepped 104 applique pieces and will start the stitching process tonight.

Here is my March To-Do list:

1) 1- "Kitchen Fairy" block

2) 5- "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" blocks

3) 5- "Farmer's Wife" blocks

4) 20 - Klosjes

5) Month 3 of "Civil War Chronicles"

6) Month 3 of "Civil War Tribute"

7) Work on "Blue Ridge Beauty" leader & ender project

8) 1- "Baltimore Bunny"

9) 1- "Lovebird Lane" block

9) Cut & label "Cracked Pots"

UFO to work on: Vintage Valentine

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Catching up with my February list.

2011-02-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

It looks like I have accomplished most of my February list. I still need to work on my Leaders & Enders pieces and then I can start working on an old UFO, "Vintage Valentine".

These blocks are month 2 of "Civil War Tribute" I was in HST hell!

EDIT: YIKES! The top two rows on the top two blocks are turned upside down. Thank you Monica for letting me know. I will fix that next weekend.

This is month 6 of "Baltimore Bunnies"
I also did F-9 of "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler". I then attached it to the rest of the rows I have made.
I finished another 10 Klosjes as my lunch hour project. I am up to 55. I will wait until I have 200 to see how many more I will make.
These are the 5 blocks I planned on doing this month on "Farmer's Wife"

I am also going to start attaching the rows as I go.
Last, but not least. Here is my helper, Linda. She managed to get some quilt blocks to cover her this morning and took a nap.
I hope to have a finish to show you all next week. I sent a quilt out to C.J. and all I have to do is attach the binding. I may sneak that in during the week.

I want to again wish all of you a great week. Stay safe! Stay healthy! Be Happy!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T17:41:00.000-08:00

I am the luckiest girl this Valentine Day. Look at the surprise I found in my mailbox this past week. Carrie made me a special card and a Valentine Lavender Sachet. It is so adorable!! She also sent me a fat quarter and some chocolate. YUM! Thank you so much Carrie! You are the best!! You can head over to Carrie's blog and enter to win one of these special gifts.
I managed to finish my "Civil War Chronicles" blocks for February. These took a LOT of time. They measure 16 1/2" each.
I finished another "Baltimore Bunny" block too.
On my lunch hour I managed to get another 10 klosjes done. These are really the perfect portable project.
On to "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler". I am supposed to get 5 done this month. I managed to get 4 done this morning and I prepped the 5th one to do by hand. I am hoping to get the hand one done this week and add it to the others to finish another row. You can see my progress by clicking on the Frog on the upper right corner of my Blog.

That's all for this week. The month is about half gone and I am about half into my to-do list. Yay!

I hope everyone had a Happy Valentines Day. Be sure to have a safe, healthy, happy, crafty week!

First Weekend in February

2011-02-06T15:17:00.000-08:00

The weekend was a bust as far as getting my quilt on. I managed a few hours this morning to cut and put together about 64 of 128 HST's that I need for my "Civil War Tribute" BOM. I hope to get the other 64 HST's and get the four blocks together next weekend. I also have block 2 of "Civil War Tribute" cut and hope that next weekend they will take shape. I also prepped another "Baltimore Bunny" BOM to hand stitch during the week.

On my lunch hours at work I stitched all 10 of my Klosjes I prepped last weekend. I also prepped another 10 to do this week. This is the perfect portable project for work. I think that next weekend I will prep a "Dear Jane" block and see how that goes. If I get the knack of this hand stitching thing maybe my Jane will get finished.
I also finished my first "Kitchen Capers" BOM. I was going to add the other elements to it but I noticed that I didn't have enough of a variety of fabrics. I am going to wait until I receive all packs and then put the other elements of the block together.
That's all I have for the week. :( I sure hope I have more time next weekend. This work thing just isn't helping me. LOL! I really thought the city of Los Angeles should have taken a "snow day" to sympathize for all of our brothers and sisters on the east coast.

Have a happy, heathy, safe, crafty week.

Berry Picking Party

2011-01-30T17:32:00.001-08:00

As usual, I have the worst lighting and pictures. It was rainy and gloomy outside too so that wasn't an option. One day I may surprise you all with a good picture.

Here is "Berry Picking Party". It is much brighter in person. Hopefully I will get a better picture once it is quilted.

I managed another 10 Klosjes this week. I have a total of 25. I guess that makes 1175 to go. LOL! I think a wallhanging will be a lot easier.
This is month 4 of "Baltimore Bunnies" in wool.

I made a list of goals for the month.

Road to California - Part 2 --- Pictures!!

2011-01-24T10:36:00.000-08:00

Joy did a great job taking pictures. If you are interested, click on the link and watch a slideshow.

http://s30.photobucket.com/albums/c342/Quiltnmt/Road%20to%20California%202011/?albumview=slideshow

Road to California

2011-01-23T17:16:00.001-08:00

I was able to attend the "Road To California" quilt show yesterday with my two friends, Joy and Karen. I could have sworn I took more pictures but according to my camera, I only took a few. This is why I won't invest in a fancy, smansy camera. I never seem to get any pictures. I guess I was too busy looking and drooling.

I did manage to get a picture of the Dear Jane quilts that were hanging. One was traditional and the other was in 1930's reproductions. Yummmmmy!!! Now I know I will have to hand quilt mine when I am done. I guess I had better learn how. No rush at the rate I am going. LOL!

I am not sure what attracts me to this quilt but I was mesmerized by it.

Of course I fell in love with the gold and red "Nearly Insane" quilt.

I also fell in love with this teapot quilt. There were so many people hovered around it that i didn't get any full size pictures. It was amazing!

Can you believe that is all I have???? I know Joy and Karen took a ton of pictures so when they put them on their blogs I will post a link.

What did I buy? Well, I was a good girl and restrained myself and only bought 3 patterns. :)

Here is what I created this past week...........

Month 3 of "Baltimore Bunnies" in wool & 2 Christmas Ornaments. I also squared up all of the "Berry Picking Party" blocks and made 11 of the pieced blocks. I am hoping to start putting it together next weekend.

Have a great week everyone! Be safe! Be healthy!

This Weeks Stuff

2011-01-16T16:40:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to make a wool candle mat ever since I saw one posted online. I found a cute little pattern from Bareroots and decided to go for it. This was really fun and quick. I also finished another Farmer's Wife 6" block.
I put the final borders on the "Calendar Redwork" BOM.
That's all I have this week. I seriously need more than one day a week to play.

I Hope everyone has a happy, healthy, safe week.

3 New Starts & 2 Finishes

2011-01-09T16:55:00.000-08:00

I started 3 new BOM's. The first one is called "Civil War Chronicles". I am a sucker for 1800's quilts and this one really caught my eye. The first month only has one 16" block so it was fairly easy. I thought I was trying to get the directional fabrics right but a few got turned around. My seam ripper was on over drive so I just left it. These blocks are for a BOM I was supposed to start last year. This is month one of "Civil War Tribute".
The next four blocks are for "Farmer's Wife". Joy and I are going to try to get 5 of these 6" blocks done every month. I plan on doing them and putting them together as I go.

This block wasn't supposed to have the red fabric around the sides. I did this block over and over again and this was the best of the lot. Dreaded Y seams. ACK! The block somehow came out too small so I added the borders and called it done.
I also finished the last "Berry Picking Party" stitchery last night. Now to the piecing.
Here is "A Gardener's Journal" all finished. Lighting is terrible as usual.
Another finish was my "Life is Beautiful" quilt. I quilted around all the circles and called it done. I hope to get it washed next weekend
My goal is to finish 10 things on my 2011 list before I start anything else.

I wish everyone a fantastic week! Happy Quilting!

Time flies.................

2011-01-03T18:05:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

What's a New Year without a new project? I wouldn't know. LOL I started this BOM with a group of friends last week. This is Block #1 of Lovebird Lane. I hope we can all get together soon for Block 2, this was a lot of fun.

In the last few weeks I managed to finish 3 more "Berry Picking Party" blocks. I am now working on the last one! I hope to start the piecing soon.

This is my "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" as of December 31st. I made 5 additional blocks since then. Joy and I decided to do 5 blocks a month instead of 10 so that we could start "Farmer's Wife" soon. :)
Here are all the blocks.........

I listed all of the projects I am going to work on in 2011. My goal is to finish 10 of those before I add anything else to the list. Of course I added many things to the list so that I won't be bored. LOL!

Again, I hope everyone has a Happy Healthy New Year with plenty of time to stitch.

The Most Thoughtful Gifts!

2010-12-19T15:09:00.001-08:00

I was so surprised at what the mailman brought me this week. Look at the beautiful things that Carrie sent me. I have never owned such a gorgeous pillow. It looks PERFECT on my bed. I can't even tell you what her generosity has meant to me. I really want to make more ornaments like she sent me to decorate a tree with next year too.Look at the other special treat I received this week. Cindy was sweet enough to send me one of her special Christmas ornaments she made. I LOVE IT!!!!! I am hoping to have a tree next year to place it on. I didn't put one up this year because I was afraid Linda kitten would be all over it.
It rained all weekend and will continue to do so all week. I dread my commute this week though, it usually takes me 90 minutes each way to work but I am afraid it will increase to 2hrs each way this week. :( I don't remember having this much rain at once. Last Sunday it was 87 degrees and sunny, this weekend is 60 degrees and wet. Ya gotta love Southern California. What better way to spend a rainy day than to sew??

This morning I made 4 more "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" blocks. These finish at 6".

I finished 2 more "Berry Picking Party" blocks. I think that leaves me with 4 more blocks before I can start the piecing.

That's all I have to show this week. I have a few finishing touches to do on a few things before I show them but hopefully they will be done by next Sunday's Blog entry.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Stitchery progress

2010-12-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

It took two weeks but I finally finished this "Berry Picking Party" block. I am trying to get all of these blocks done so I can start piecing the rest of the quilt. I want to give this as a birthday gift in May. May seems far but in a quilters world it is just around the corner.I finished the last block for my "Calendar Redwork" quilt. I have to find a nice red w/ white fabric for the sashing so I can start putting these together. This may be a Christmas gift for someone next year.
I also finished the binging on the redwork basket table runner. My mom will be ready for spring.

I had no time on my sewing machine this weekend. :( I really look forward to a day I can spend in my PJ's and live in my sewing room.

Have a great week everyone!

More LIB and Christmas gift bags

2010-12-05T10:53:00.000-08:00

These are the final blocks for my "Life is Beautiful" quilt. Before I add the sashing and put them together I am going to make the 48 small circles that will be appliqued on the top. I spent any sewing time I had this weekend making grocery totes to place Christmas gifts in. Since our local markets are going to be charging 5 cents per bag soon I thought I would give everyone on my list a bag for their groceries. This also helps me in not having to wrap their gifts. LOL!

That's all I have this week. I really need to start making a dent in some of my WISP's. I am hoping to have a finish next week if I can get a binding sewn down.

Have a great week everyone!

Early Christmas gift for self

2010-12-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

I bought myself an early Christmas present on black Friday. I headed over to Daisy Cottage Quilting, my new favorite online shop. They have the cutest patterns and quilting supplies you will ever find. She is even starting to carry Australian quilt patterns! The owners hubby even makes cute little wooded quilting goodies. I can't wait to get a hold of some of those. Anyway, look how cute my order was wrapped! I was so surprised when I opened the box. I even got a little surprise gift. :)
Now get a load of all this deliciousness. Oooooh, Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

This is what I am going to use them on. I have had this pattern set for a few months but I have been waiting for the right fabric line for them. I can't wait to have the time to get started.
If you have the time, head on over to Daisy Cottage Quilting and have a look. She even has a Facebook fan page! I love that feature because she always lets us know when something new has arrived at her shop.

Note: I will not be held responsible to any damage done to your wallet.

More "Life is Beautiful" blocks

2010-11-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

This week I concentrated on the "Life is Beautiful" blocks. I finished stitching down all of the embroidered blocks. I cut out all the backs of the circles and prepped the applique and started stitching those down to their 4-patches. I have several left to sew down, which I will do on my lunch hour and evenings. I then have to cut those backings out and prep 48 small circles to applique in the sashings.

I also finished another "Berry Picking Party" block. I left out the monogrammed initials the pattern had and will change it to the initials of the recipient of this quilt.
I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving weekend. Back to the ole grind tomorrow!

Have a happy, healthy week!

My Jane's have returned from vacation.

2010-11-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

My Rainbow Jane and Dear Jane decided to come back from vacation. They went away when I was concentrating on the two Nearly Insane quilts I was working on. Then I started Sylvia's Bridal Sampler and they started getting really jealous. The first triangle is for Rainbow Jane RS-1, the second triangle is for Traditional Jane TR-1. I added all my Janes to a virtual design wall. Click on the frog widget on the upper right hand corner of my blog to see. I also loaded my SBS and LIB blocks there to see my progress. Joy's niece built us this site so we could easily see our projects grow. Check it out and let me know how you like it. She is working on a way to get blocks on point too! She is going to be having a giveaway here soon for a 1 year subscription. stay tuned.

Here is block #2 of "Baltimore Bunnies".
Block 3 of "Berry Picking Party"
and 6 more "Life is Beautiful" blocks.
I hope you all have a great week!

Prep Sunday!

2010-11-14T18:04:00.000-08:00

I don't have much to show this week since I had a long work week. All I had time for was some hand stitching here and there.

Here are the first four "Life is Beautiful" blocks attached to their four-patches. I sewed these blocks this morning and just finished hand stitching them on.
Here is November's "Calendar Redwork" block.
This is the last "Redwork Basket" block. My mom wants me to make her a table runner with all these baskets instead of a quilt. I am hoping I can get fabric and get it done before Christmas.
That's all I have this week. I spent most of my time this morning prepping blocks to hand sew. Hopefully I will be a lot more productive next week.

Have a great week!

Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Row D + other stuff

2010-11-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Joy and I have the assignment of completing Row D of "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" this month. Once I start making these blocks I like to finish, they are just so messy.
I think I should start taking pictures and looking at the blocks more closely before sewing them to the quilt. I see this one is completely off. Why didn't I notice this before??? Oh well, it really isn't as noticeable in person.

I had no idea how I was going to tackle this so I did it by hand. It isn't exactly as it should have been but I am calling it done.

Here are all the blocks sewn together. You can see them better if you click on the Frog Widget on the upper right side of my Blog.
I made the 10 Klosjes I planned on this month. That makes a total of 15 so far. Hmmmmm, 1985 to go. LOL!!!
This is the stitchery for "Berry Picking Party" block 2.
................number 11 of Redwork Baskets.
and finally, "Tisket a Tasket" quilted and bound.
I hope you all have a happy, healthy, creative week.

Goodbye October, Hello November!

2010-10-31T17:45:00.001-07:00

I think it is time I had better start saving for a better camera. Yikes! Either my photo's are too dark, too light or too blurry. I used to have a great camera but I didn't want to put the time in necessary to learn it. New technology has arrived and I think I had better start saving and invest.

I put the borders on my "A Gardener's Journal" this morning. It is much brighter in person but I just couldn't get the lighting right. (see, I think I need a new camera) I am hoping to purchase the backing fabric in November so I can pin baste and get her quilted before the end of the year.
This is the tenth Redwork Basket completed. Two more to go and then I figure out how to lay them out. I have a ton of leftover red/white fabrics but I don't have any big pieces. I may have to shop for some sashing/border fabric for this also. I think I will cut strips and tumblers with the balance of my red/white stash and knock out a charity quilt in 2011.
This is block #1 of "Baltimore Bunnies" that I am doing with Monica. I bought this kit 2yrs ago at the Long Beach quilt show. The backing is flannel and the applique is wool and cotton. I almost went crazy sewing all those leaves on.
That's all for October! Time for November's goals.

1) Make/pin baste backing for "A Gardener's Journal"

X2) Row D of "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler"

X3) 2 - Redwork Baskets

X4) Cut all squares for "Life is Beautiful"

X5) 10 - Klosjes

X6) November's "Calendar Redwork"

X7) Work on "Blue Ridge Beauty" Leader/Ender quilt

X8) Block 2 of "Berry Picking Party"

X9) Block 2 of "Baltimore Bunnies"

X10) Cut Blocks 1 & 2 of "Civil War Tribute"

X11) Cut scraps into strips & Tumblers

If all above are finished before the end of the month

1) Quilt & Bind "A Gardener's Journal"

2) Prep more "Berry Picking Party" blocks

I pray you all have a happy, healthy, safe week, with plenty of time to play.

Berry Picking Party

2010-10-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Monica and I decided that we were going to do a BOM together. Now only did we decide to do one, we decided to do two. So far I finished the first block of the one I chose. This is called "Berry Picking Party". I prepped the first one Monica picked, "Baltimore Bunnies" and I will be starting to stitch that one soon. We even picked another one after we are done with these. I was also able to finish another Redwork basket on my lunch hours. Three more to go.

That's all I have for this week. It seems like I only had time for hand stitching. I do have "Tisket a Tasket" on my sewing machine. I am about 25% into quilting it and hope to have it done next weekend.

I hope everyone has a ton of time to play this week! Have a happy, healthy week!

This weeks accomplishments

2010-10-17T20:12:00.001-07:00

Nearly Insane(ish) #1 is on Colleen's bed now. This is a California King bed and the quilt finishes at 118x118. My first and last jumbo quilt. Today Joy came over and we each made a purse. I could kick myself that I didn't take a picture of Joy's purse, it came out so great with the fabrics she picked from her stash. Here is my version of the reversible bag.
Look what I won on Darlene's blog. I love charm packs and I adore Schnibbles patterns. What a great gift!! Thank you Darlene!!!

Three more Klosjes made last night.
I finally finished the binding on the Crazy Catz. Just made it in time for Halloween.
This is October's "Catalicious" BOM. I think I only have a filler block to do and then figure out how I am going to set these. I thought a pattern would be given to us at the end but I think we are on our own.
I also finished another redwork basket. Four more to go before I have to figure out how to set these too. I sure wish I knew how to work my EQ7. LOL!!
Have a happy, healthy, crafty week!

Hand Stitching Fever

2010-10-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

I made another Klosjes. These things are going to be addicting! I have to prep a bunch more when I have the chance because these will be a great portable project. 2 down 1198 to go. LOL!I put together the last block of my "Gardeners Journal" top and added it to the others. I have to find something for a small border and then add the scrappy final border. This will have to be put away until I go shopping.
Here is a closeup of the last block. I cut a little too much on the left. OOPS! I guess the wind is blowing my tree.
I managed to get October's "Calendar Redwork" BOM Done. These are quick and easy!
I also finished 2 more Redwork Baskets.

That's it for this week. I did clean out my sewing room of patterns and books I knew I would never use. I gave some to a friend online and am waiting for another friend to go through them before I put them up here to see if there are any takers.

I pray you all have a safe, happy, healthy week.

My First Klosjes

2010-10-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ever since I have seen these little guys on other blogs I have wanted to make them. Thanks to Crispy and her hand piecing tutorials, I was able to make my first one. This measures 2 3/4" finished. I figure if I want a queen sized quilt I would need to make 1200 total. LOL! I am sure a table runner is as far as I will get. To start I will try to make one a week.I also used the skills Crispy taught me to hand piece this block from my "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" quilt. This is D-1.
I also finished 2 more Redwork baskets.

I wasn't able to visit my sewing machine this weekend. I did pin baste the Crazy Cats and Tisket-a-Tasket and will try to get to those in the next few weeks. I think I am dedicating next weekend to cleaning out the sewing room and organizing. It will not be an easy feat. I want to get rid of anything I know I don't need or want anymore.

Another UFO bites the dust.

2010-09-26T19:58:00.000-07:00

It isn't the best of quilting jobs but it is done. I should have probably sent this one out to be quilted but my quilting budget is at a halt at the moment. I am still plugging away at my works in progress. My goal is to get all of my WISP's and UFO's done, including my flimsies that need to be quilted, before I start anything new. I'm not sure if this is possible but I want to try.

Here are two more Gardener's Journal blocks done. One more block to go and I can start on the borders and get this baby on the flimsy list. I think I have enough fabric left over to make a scrappy backing.

This is the Catalicious BOM, finished just in time for the end of the month.
By the time I can get to my sewing room it will be October so my progress for September is done. I met all of my sewing goals for the month. Unfortunately, I didn't lose the 5 pounds I had set for myself. I weight exactly the same today as I did the first of the month. :(

October's list will have the the 5 pound goal as #1. I am going to have to start earning my sewing room time. It is limited to the weekend only as it is but before I can go in there I have to have all my workouts and foods cooked for the week.

October Goals:

1) Lose 5 pounds

2) Pin baste, quilt & bind Crazy Cat table runner

3) Pin baste, quilt & bind Tisket - a - Tasket wall hanging

4) 10 Sylvia's Bridal Sampler blocks

5) Cut and sort squares for Leaders and Enders quilt

6) Basket Redwork

7) Calendar Redwork

8) Catalicious

9) Cut all fabrics for Life is Beautiful

10) stitch last Gardeners Journal block

I hope you all reach your goals you set for yourself! Have a happy, healthy week!!

A finish, a flimsie, more embroidery blocks

2010-09-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

I quilted this 2 weeks ago but finally hand sewed on the binding this week. I have 2 more quilts on deck to hand sew binding so I potentially have 2 more finishes this month. I basically just echo quilted the flowers and did a swirl throughout the sashings.
I got out my "Crazy Cat" blocks and sashed them into a long table runner that fits my dining room table. After I took these pictures I added some embroidered whiskers. I am hoping to get this quilted in time for Halloween. I guess this had better go at the top of the list for Octovber. ;) Linda seemed to like it too!

Here are the last two "Life is Beautiful" blocks. Now I need to start making 4-patches and start the applique process.

Another weekend has flown by. Time to sit, relax and sew some bindings. I hope you all have a happy, healthy week.

Look What I Got!

2010-09-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

My birthday and Christmas came early to my house this week. I was so surprised to open my mail earlier this week to find a surprise from Betsy. She made me a cover for my Bernina. Look at the beautiful embroidered initial that she then cross hatched. I can't imagine the time she took to make this. She is so busy with work and getting her daughter's wedding planned. I am truly blessed to have a friend like Betsy. THANK YOU!!!!I really do need photography lessons.
Isn't that the nicest machine cover you have ever seen????

More List Busting

2010-09-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

First up, Wonky Handled Tisket -a - Tasket wall hanging. Hopefully I can get this pinned and quilted next month. I also finished the last of the months SBS blocks and added it to the other 2 rows.
Here are the individual blocks I pieced this morning. Row C was an easy row, I checked row D and it will be a challenge. I am going to have to practice my hand piecing on a few of the blocks but luckily Crispy has great tutorials.

Here are three more "Life is Beautiful" blocks that I made during the week. I have two left and then I can start putting the blocks together.

The month is almost 1/2 over and my list is looking good. I have a few big items left but I see them getting done. I better start dieting soon though. LOL!!

I hope you all have a happy, healthy, craft week.

Chipping Away At September's List

2010-09-06T19:06:00.000-07:00

I love long weekends! When is the next one? LOL!

I started putting the rows of my Sylvia's Bridal Sampler together now so I don't have the chore when all the blocks are finished. As soon as I get September's row done I will attach it to these.
I was able to get 5 of the 10 blocks done this morning. Row C is looking pretty easy. I took a peek at row D and it will give me a run for the money.

This is the 3rd of 12 redwork baskets I am doing for my mom.
Here are 5 more Life is Beautiful blocks done. I have 5 left to do before and then I can start putting them on blocks.

Here is September's Gardener's Journal.
...................September's Calendar redwork also finished. :)
I hope everyone has a great week! I should be getting back Nearly Insane(ish) #1 back from Margaret this Friday. This quilt is a MONSTER, 118 x 118. I dread binding this baby. Click here if you want to see the magic she worked. I look forward to sending her mine but Murphy moved into my house and wreaked havoc on my wallet so it looks like I will have to wait till the end of the year before I can have a quilting budget.

A Finish!

2010-08-29T15:42:00.000-07:00

I was able to pin baste three quilt tops at the quilt shop on Friday and actually get one quilted. I just did a straight stitch 1/4" line quilting. Really easy and fast. On the back I put a white flannel with black polka dots. All I have to do is wash her and she will be ready for the birthday girl.
I also started the quilting on Blooming Beauty and hope to get that finished and bound next weekend.

I finished all of my August goals! YAY!!!! I guess it is time to post September's goals.

September Goals:

1) Quilt & Bind "Blooming Beauty"

2) Quilt & Bind "Be Attitudes"

3) September's "GJ" Stitchery block

4) September's "Catalicious" stitchery

5) September's "Calendar Redwork"

6) September's "Redwork Basket"

7) 5 - "Life is Beautiful" blocks

8) 10 - "Sylvia's Bridal Sampler" blocks

9) Sashing & borders on "Crazy Cat"

10) Sashing & borders on "Tisket a Tasket"
11) Lose 5 pounds

I think I will get started on that list now.

Everyone, please have a safe and healthy week!

Scrap Busting! (and stuff)

2010-08-22T15:06:00.001-07:00

I have a ton of red/white, white/red scraps leftover from the two Nearly Insane quilts I made. I joined the 9-patch a day summer challenge and used up some scraps. Yesterday I sewed sashed and sewed all the 9 patches together and made a nice twin quilt.
Now for the stuff...............

This is August's "Redwork Calendar" BOM
I finished all my hand work on my August goal list so I am now doing a few extra's till the end of the month. Here are 2 more "Life is Beautiful" blocks done.

I finished all my chores Friday and Saturday so that today I could spend as much time in my sewing closet as I wanted. I just LOVE those days. I decided to get all the tedious stuff out of the way. I sewed together 5 quilt backings. UGH!!!!! I also sashed my Nearly Insane quilt. I am going to go to the Quilt Bee on Friday and use their pinning table to baste 3 quilts. (Blooming Beauties, Red/White 9-patch/Be Attitudes) I guess the month of September will be actual quilting month. I haven't decided yet on if I am going to quilt my Nearly Insane myself or send it out. I hate to have put all that work in it and then mess it up with the quilting. I did send out Colleen's Nearly Insane quilt to Margaret and look forward to seeing what she does with it.

I pray that you all have a healthy, happy, crafty week.

Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Row B & LIB Blocks

2010-08-15T15:31:00.000-07:00

I think this list thing I am doing is really working. I focus on what is on the list and get it done then move to the next item. Genius! Here are the rest of the SBS blocks for August. We are trying to do a row a month.

Row B. I think I am going to start sashing them and put them together now. This way when I am finished with the last row I will only have to add the borders.
Here are four more "Life Is Beautiful" blocks. This makes 20 of 32 stitcheries done. I look forward to making the blocks.

I hope you all have a fantastic, healthy week with LOTS of time to play.

Pet's on Quilt Show

2010-08-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

Here is my entry for the Pets on Quilts Parade that SewCalgirl is hosting. Be sure to check it out and get your entry in soon! This was the 12th quilt I ever made. I finished it about 3 yrs ago and had a great time working on it. Of course the favorite is the poodle. ;)

THANK YOU!!!!

2010-08-08T17:02:00.000-07:00

I just want to thank everyone that commented on yesterday's post. Each and every comment was very helpful. I am going to hit my favorite quilt shop next weekend and try a few more fabrics before I make my final decision.

This morning I was able to get 1 out of the 10 Sylvia's Bridal Sampler blocks for the month done. I thought I would be able to get at least 3 done but this one took a little longer than I anticipated. This is B1-Stamp Baskets.
I was also able to put together this months "Gardener's Journal" block. I just love the gal bending over in her garden.
I got caught up on my "Catlicious" BOM during the week.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy, healthy week.

Please Help!

2010-08-07T16:17:00.001-07:00

I finally finished putting on my zig-zag border for my Nearly Insane-ish quilt. What a tedious job! Now I need to add a 6" border and call the top done. I just don't know what to use. I took a picture of the fabric I used on the zig-zag.

Should I try to get more red with white polka dot?
Should I go white?
My original plan was to get a nice white with red print.

What do you think????

July Goals Met!

2010-08-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

Yippeeeee! All of my July's sewing goals were met!

X1) Quilt Angel quilt

X2) Quilt & Bind Polka Dot Girls

X3) Borders on Bloomin Beauty

X4) Borders on CK's NI quilt

X5) Piece backing for CK's NI quilt

X6) July's "Gardeners Journal"

X7) July's "Calendar Redwork"

X8) 4-"Life is Beautiful" stitcheries

X9) Stitch 3 "Tisket a Tasket" blocks

X10) Finish red/white 10-patches

X11) Start paper piecing my NI borders (1 side done)

Below is a new redwork project I am doing for my mom. My cousin brought me the pre-printed panels and I just need to stitch them. So nice not to have to transfer the design onto the fabric. I plan on doing one a month or more depending on how other ongoing projects are going.

Here is my Polka Dot Girls all quilted! I practiced my free motion skills I learned at a class.

The last thing I finished is my July's Calendar Redwork BOM. Time to drive over to the quilt shop and pick up August's block.

Time to list August's goals.

1) Pin baste "Blooming Beauty"

2) Paper piece 3 borders for "Nearly Insane-ish"

3) Gardener's Journal block for August

4) Calendar Redwork block for August

5) 4 - Life is Beautiful Stitcheries

6) 2- Catalicious Stitcheries

7) 1- Redwork Stitchery

8) 10 - Sylvia's Bridal Sampler Blocks

9) Start sashing red/white 9-patches

knocking out the list

2010-07-18T15:34:00.001-07:00

July is just zipping by. My two week vacation has come and gone and it is back to work for me tomorrow. I spent the first week visiting family in New Mexico and the second week at home getting things organized at home. The first picture I have here is my Blooming Beauty top all put together. I am hoping I can get it quilted and bound in August. I guess that will be the first thing on the list.
I was also able to finish the last three Wonky Handled "Tisket a Tasket" blocks. Now I have to figure out what to use to sash and border them with. I think I will add this to September's list. LOL

I did 4 more "Life is Beautiful" stitcheries while I was in New Mexico. I can't wait to get these done and start making the blocks these will go on.
Here is July's "Gardener's Journal" block.
I also put borders on Colleen's Nearly Insanish quilt top. She opted out of the zig-zag border and wanted extra large borders to be able to use this on a king size bed. I started piecing a backing for this but my math skills didn't surface and I had to order more fabric. LOL! One more strip and I should be done with that.

It was nice spending the week with all my girls. I hope everyone has a great week! Happy Quilting!!

OOOOOOH! Next weekend is the big Long Beach quilt show. I can't wait to be surrounded by all those quilts and fabrics. I was smart and cleaned my sewing room this weekend to help keep me from buying anything I don't need. Will it work? I guess we will know next weekend.

A finish and other stuff.

2010-07-05T18:25:00.000-07:00

I finally put my June's "Gardener's Journal" block together. I finished four more "Life is Beautiful" stitcheries. I prepped 10 more of these for my trip to New Mexico tomorrow. I guess I will pack them in my luggage. I would love to work on them on the plane but I am afraid needles and scissors won't be allowed in my purse. :( Good thing my Kindle is all loaded up!
I quilted this Angel panel this past weekend. I needed to get it done since it is a gift for my cousin in New Mexico.
I also made a ton of the red/white 9-patches for the 9-patch a day challenge. I have a total of 72 now, which is 2 more than I need for the project I have in mind.

July's Goals:

1) Quilt Angel quilt - DONE

2) Quilt Polka Dot Girls - Pinned and ready

3) Borders on Bountiful Beauty

4) Borders on Colleen's NI quilt

5) Piece backing for Colleen's NI quilt

5) July's "Gardeners Journal"

6) July's "Calendar Redwork"

7) 4 more "Life is Beautiful" stitcheries

8) Stitch last 3 "Tisket a Tasket" blocks

9) Finish red/white 9-patches - DONE

10) Start paper piecing my NI borders

Hmmmm...... I think my plate is full. LOL!!!!

OOPS.....I also finished another "Tisket a Tasket" wonky handled block. 3 to go!

Weekly Review

2010-06-27T16:23:00.000-07:00

It was a LONG work week for me but I did manage to steal some time in my sewing room yesterday afternoon and this morning. I made the last 2 blocks from the first row of Sylvia's Bridal Sampler. I will now wait for Joy to catch up before I proceed with row B. The first block I had to draw in EQ so I could paper piece it. I tried doing it the way the book wanted to, after an hour and a heap of a mess, I turned to EQ.

Here are all the blocks for the first row. We plan on getting a row a month done but I think it will be more like a row every 2 months. We both have a lot on our plate right now so we shall see. I am thinking about attaching these with the sashing strips now and save all that labor at the end.
I also knocked out 7 more 9-patches for the 9-patch a day challenge.
In the evenings I worked on "Catalicious BOM". Here are May and June's block. All caught up!! :)

Does anyone want the pattern below?? I received it as a gift from a shop I ordered from. I won't use it so if anyone wants it for their collection just let me know. When I am on vacation I will go through all my patterns/books that I don't want and have a give-away. Stay tuned in July.

I Still Hate Y-Seams!

2010-06-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

I got 3 more of Sylvia's Bridal Sampler blocks done this weekend. I have 2 more to do and I will have the first row done. I will then put it away and wait for Joy to catch up. Psssst....Joy.....Please take your time.

The first one I was able to avoid the Y-seams that the book had you doing.
This next one has the dreaded Y-Seams. It is slightly wonky on the bottom but it is done.
The next one had curved seams and applique. I decided to avoid the curved seams by using Misty Fuse and doing a blanket stitch.
I also finished July's "Tisket a Tasket block". Yes, this also has a wonky handle. I would hate to disappoint you all. LOL!
I was also able to get 2 quilts pinned today using the table at the quilt shop. The next 2 weekends will be spent quilting. This is when I wish I had room for an HQ16 setup.

Have a great week!!!

OOPS.... I forgot to add the seven scrappy red/white 9-patches to my accomplishments. I am all caught up with the challenge of one a day till end of summer.

More misc. projects

2010-06-13T17:05:00.001-07:00

I finished 2 tops that I started a few years ago. I passed them on to Joy who will quilt them to donate to the crisis center. 2 UFO's off my list. WOO HOO!! Daisy and Linda were trying to help me iron one of them. Below is June's calendar redwork BOM.
Here is July's wonky handled Tisket a Tasket block. I told ya I wouldn't disappoint this week. I think this is the wonkiest one to date. LOL
Today I went to my good friend Ellen's house for a sew-in. It was so nice to be with the girls. I was able to get three more Sylvia's Bridal Sampler blocks done. 5 down, 135 to go. LOL My goal is to do a row at a time and start putting them together as I go.
I also fused 8 more Blooming Flowers blocks. All the flowers are done, I now have to begin stitching them on.
7 more 9-patches were also knocked out for the summer nine patch a day project. I am caught up till tomorrow.
I hope you all have a HAPPY, HEALTHY, QUILTY week.

Random Stuff (Lots of it)

2010-06-06T17:15:00.001-07:00

A started a new project. Well, I started 3 new projects. Please do not call the quilt police. I still promise to finish 12 UFO's this year. This is the book..............This is the project from the book.................
Here are the 8 blocks I made so far. I am going to make the other 8 before I start stitching them. I can then sit in front on my machine like a zombie and do the blanket stitch dance. This way I can hopefully not have to change the thread colors as often.
This is the next project I started. This will be a LONG term project that I am doing with my friend, Joy. We are planning on doing one block a week. I started last week but forgot to post a picture. Here is the book.........

Here are my first two blocks. We are going to try to go in order but may stray from that idea when we get to a difficult block. Those we may want to do together. I am doing mine is blue, yellow and creme. Joy is doing hers in black and brights. I can't wait to see her first 2 blocks. (hint, hint, Joy)

The last project I started is another one I am doing with Joy. It is the "Summer nine-patch project" You do one nine patch a day until the end of summer. At the end of summer you will have 92 nine patches made. We will then get together and figure out how we are going to put them together. It will either be a gift for someone or a donation quilt for out charity group. I am using my red/white leftovers from my Insane-ish quilts. Next week I will reverse the colors.

Here are June's "Gardener's Journal" stitcheries. Now I need to get them put together. If only us Quilters could be given an extra day every week.
Here are my wonky handled "Tisket Tasket" blocks I did this week. These are not quite as wonky but you should see next weeks block, I will not disappoint. LOL!

I had this quilt kit in my closet for 2 years. I bought it to make for my cousin who lives in New Mexico. She collects Angels and I thought this would be perfect to add to her collection. Well, I am going to New Mexico next month so the rush is on to get it done. Last weekend I put it together, which was really easy. I wanted to send it out to be quilted but decided to be frugal and do it myself. I think my cousin would like it better knowing I did the whole thing myself. I bought the backing and will pin it this week and hopefully work on it the next 2 weekends. Any quilting ideas will be appreciated. HELP!!
Last but definitely not least. Look what I won from Cindy. I LOVE reproduction fabrics so these make me really happy. I plan on using 2 of the charm packs for my Dear Jane quilt that needs to come out of hiding soon. The other 2 are destined to be a Schnibble, I just need to figure out which Schibble woud work best. I pray that you all have a happy, healthy, quilty week.

Where did May go?????

2010-05-31T18:39:00.000-07:00

I am amazed how fast the month flew by. I guess I missed another weekend post so I will make up for it now. I put together both Insane-ish tops. I still need to square them up and add borders. I am waiting to hear how many and how big Colleen wants her borders to be. I am going to do a zig-zag border on mine so I need to get going on paper piecing those. Here is February's WONKY handled "Tisket Tasket block. What would a basket of mine be without the wonky handle? LOL!
Here are March and April's blocks. Handles are a little better.
This is the last "Polka Dot Girls" block.................
Here is the Polka Dot girls put together. All that is missing are the borders.
Last but not least, my "life Is Beautiful" stitcheries. 8 of 32 done.
I have a new addition to my brood. Her name is Linda. Daisy and Mindy LOVE her and she loves them back. I need help on training a kitty. Of course she is potty trained, that was easy. I am talking about jumping on furniture I don't want her on and clawing things. I bought her a post and tree, the one in the picture was a loaner. So far she hasn't destroyed anything and the vet did clip her nails. Any help is appreciated. Also, if you are a kitty owner, did you declaw?
Back to work tomorrow. I hope everyone has a safe, happy, quilty and healthy week.

Slight Progress

2010-05-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

I am making slow progress in putting together the 2 Nearly Insane-ish quilts. I have 1/2 done on each. If I were going to make another, (no, I'm not that crazy) I would put the rows together as I made them. I am hoping to get the two tops together next weekend and then square them up. Then the final decision on the borders has to be made. The block below is May's calendar redwork BOM from my local quilt shop.
The next block is a UFO I pulled from the bin. It is January's Tisket a Tasket BOM. I re-did it in wool. Complete with wonky handle. It wouldn't be a block made by me without a little wonkiness. :)
The next 2 blocks are the final blocks for the "Polka Dot Girls". All I need is time to put the block together and add it to the rest. Can someone spare time????

Last but not least is April's Catalicious BOM. It is the same as block #7 on Polka Dot Girls so there was a little deja vu working on it.
I hope everyone has a safe, happy, healthy week. I also hope everyone has time to work on things. If anyone can spare some please send it my way.

5 down, 10 to go

2010-05-02T16:38:00.001-07:00

I spent 5 hours in my sewing room today. I made all the sashing strips for both Nearly Insane-ish quilts. I also put 5 rows together. I can't believe this is as far I as got in all that time. I thought for sure I would get these tops put together today. It looks like it may take a few more marathon sessions just to get all the rows put together. I will then have to square it up and start thinking about borders. I think Colleen wants me to put a small 2" white strip around hers first and then her wide white with red border that she chose. I haven't decided whether or not I am going to do the same or go ahead and make that paper pieced zig-zag border that Ranette made. Decision, decisions.
I finished my "Gardeners Journal" BOM for May on Friday night. I had to make this block twice. It just gave me fits! I think this one has the ladybug going the wrong way too but it is staying just like it is.
I was sorting through UFO's yesterday. I started 2 quilts a while back, I was going to do a white version and a black version. I made 7 of 12 blocks for each quilt and quit. They are about 18" square and have a few hundred pieces each. I lost interest and don't want to finish them. They are called "A New Beginning" and "Out of the Darkness" and are Pam Bono designs. Joy and I decided to use them to make 2 twin size quilts to donate to her father's charity. I am going to take them to our get together next Saturday so we can figure out how to lay them out and finish them. I don't have it in me to make that 8th block to make them even. Maybe we can use 6 blocks per quilt and use the 8th block for a pillow. Daisy decided that they were the perfect spot to sit on. LOL!
I wish everyone a Happy, Healthy, creative week.

Another April Finish

2010-04-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

I just don't have the camera or the photography skills to be able to capture the quilting Margaret did on my "Affairs of the Heart". She is a wizard on the Longarm. She quilted down the appliques and stippled around each block.

She did these amazing feathers on the borders and beautiful hearts in the center of each border.

I finished the block 7 stitcheries on "Polka Dot Girls" last night. I was able to put it together today. I only had 2 hrs to visit my sewing closet all weekend. :( Hopefully next weekend will be different.
Have a Happy, Healthy, Quilty week!

A Gardener's Journal

2010-04-18T15:41:00.000-07:00

I just don't know where my weekend went. I was able to get my "Gardener's Journal" block done for the month. I am going to try to keep up with the group and get one block done a month. I found a pile of fat quarters I had bought a while back and decided to use those. I am trying to be as frugal as possible until the Long Beach International Quilt show. I am 7 days clean. (haven't bought anything quilt related) Can I make it till the end of July??? LOL!I was also able to put together block 6 of "The Polka Dot Girls". Now I have to get busy and stitch the last 2 blocks so I can finish this one.
I had to make one more Insane-ish block. I miscounted how many I needed and came up short. I had to pick an easy one because my head is so not into red and white blocks right now. I am hoping to get started on putting them together next weekend.
I hope everyone has a happy, healthy, quilty week!

A Finish!

2010-04-11T16:01:00.000-07:00

On Monday I received two quilts I had sent to Margaret. I was able to get the binding on this one to show you. I just LOVE it. It is called "An Angel's Story". I used all the scraps I had to make some string blocks for the back, I think it turned out great. It looks like I need some photography lessons.

I was also able to piece the rest of the blocks I had ready from my Polka Dot Girls. I have 5 blocks completely done and am working on the stitchery for block #6.

This last block is from the April Calendar Quilt Redwork BOM I am doing with a LQS in my area. I love these because they are so simple, yet cute.
I spent a lot of time prepping a bunch of stitchery projects to work on the next few weeks. I am going to try to get block G of "A Gardener's Journal" done by next weekend so I can put it together. I really want to keep up with the group on this one.

End of a Long Weekend.

2010-04-05T19:20:00.001-07:00

I have been bitten by the Schnibble bug. Thanks to Cindy, I finally decided to start a Schnibble project. I have been collecting the patterns and charm squares but just haven't had the time since I was a mission to finish my Nearly Insane blocks. Well, I finished my Insane blocks and decided to put them away and Schnibble. This was so quick and fun to make. The best part is that there is hardly any waste at all. I used every single charm square. I hope to get it pinned so I can practice my quilting skills on this soon.
After my Schnibble fest I decided to work on a UFO on my list. I put together block #1 of my Polka Dot Girls. I am using my 30's stash since I am on a fabric diet.
I also finished up another stitchery from this quilt, I think it is from block 6. I still have a few to go but they are all prepped and ready.
The next two are quick little BOM stitcheries from a local quilt shop. It is a Calendar BOM. These are Feb. & March. I started April and should finish this week. It is so nice to be caught up on something.

The next block is the Catalicious BOM. This is as close to having a cat as I can get. LOL

The next 5 blocks are the final blocks for my Nearly Insane-ish quilts. Now the chore of putting them together begins. I need to cut a bazillion sashing strips and sashing squares. Colleen and I have to decide how we want to lay out our blocks. I don't think we can do this for a few weeks so I will take a break from this and work on other UFO's.

Back to work tomorrow. We were able to take a nice long 5 day weekend. We used to get a week off at Easter but since the economy is in the toilet we need to work and try to get in all the patients that are on vacation.

I started a new blog, it will detail on how I plan on losing the 20 pounds I gained since I started sewing 4yrs ago. UGH!! Looks like less sewing and more workouts are in the horizon.

The Insanity Continues...............

2010-03-28T18:09:00.000-07:00

I managed to do some more insane blocks for the insane-ish quilts. I made 2 of each. Forgive the photo's, I used my cell phone.

The reason I was able to make 4 blocks on a short weekend was because I had my kitchen floor redone. The old tiles had to be ripped up and the new ones installed. I closed myself in my sewing room and prayed the mess wouldn't kill me. Once the demo was done and the dust settled I was able to clean my house. Thankfully I am off from the 1st till 5th of April. It looks like the spring cleaning will commence then. HELP!

INSANE Weekend

2010-03-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

I am on a mission! The mission is to finish my 2 Nearly Insane-ish quilt blocks by Easter Sunday. Each quilt has 98 6" blocks. I managed to knock out 7 more blocks each this weekend with a total of 10 blocks for each one to go.

I hope you all have a healthy, happy, quilty week.