a maiden hair fern

Reunion Sneak Peek

2012-02-08T16:07:00.000-06:00

Reunion by Sweetwater, Quartered Logcabin almost ready for quilting.

sneak a peek:

Monaluna Ellie

2012-02-03T09:22:00.006-06:00

Another logcabin on white finished. You can see the first one I made here.

I originally found this log cabin design here.

quilt stats:

43" x 43"

9 - 15" squares

2 1/4" border

Warm & Natural cotton binding

fabric: Monaco in pink by Monaluna (link below)

You can find scrappy log cabin instructions here.

It began with a pile of 2 1/2 inch strips.

The white logs were 1 3/4 inches.

The last row of white creates the sashing.

quilted on the HQ Sweet 16, but any sewing machine with the capability of letting down the feed-dogs works well too.

finished:

I got the idea for this curling design from Angela Huffman in this YouTube video.

sashing quilted in straight stipple.

I started having withdrawals when I realized this was the last of my Monaco in pink by Monaluna. So I got online and hunted down 2 more yards for my stash :)

Free Motion Quilting

2012-02-02T10:18:00.002-06:00

I have been working on my free motion quilting skills. I like to look at FMQ pictures for ideas of how to quilt my next quilt. All of these FMQ pictures are from this blog. To see more, go to my PINTEREST and look for the FMQ board.

Sunkissed Sally:

Hometown Charm

To "stitch in the ditch" means to stitch in the seam on the fabric which is lower.

Ken's Cats

When you quilt around your figures on the front, look what you get on the back !!!

Olivia Apron

Small stippling around images makes them pop. Pebbles.

Calico Calvin

I quilted around the whirley gigs, including the seams inside, and stippled all the white.

African Safari

I found this design on Day Style Designs. She has lots of fun designs and video tips for FMQ. I found it helped to have a blown up picture of the design on my computer next to my machine to refer to.

washed.

Sherbet Pips

before washing . . .

washed.

My HQ Sweet 16. Love it!

Straight line quilting.

Monaco Log Cabin

echo flowers

Sunkissed Sally

open center circles.

more Hometown Charm

I love the idea of a quote on the back of your quilt. Carrie of Miss Rosie Quilts taught me that.

Boys will be boys

circle rulers.

Pear Decadence

straight stipple

Greek Square Quilt

I guess this isn't technically "free motion", but it took so dang long, I've got to put it in.

I had to create my own stencil. I'd like to try this again some time. I'll use a pounce pad.

What a great idea for a sewing machine cover. Great practice too!

"Don't Look Now", Kelly Wulfson is an amazing FM quilter.

Riley Blake display at market

Notice the quilting below the road (ground) and above the cars (sky/clouds).

Laura's fish

Quilt Soup giveaway

2012-01-26T21:57:00.001-06:00

I have a great giveaway for you today.

I have 9 fat quarters from Barbara Jone's collection: "Summer Time" for Henry Glass.

Need an idea for a project for this fabric? You can find a darling pillow on this post at Quilt Soup, Barbara's blog.

Or here is a tutorial for this easy pincushion.

To enter the giveaway, leave me a comment. I'll announce the winner on Tuesday.

Sneak Peek

2012-01-24T01:55:00.004-06:00

I'm trying to spend more time on Free Motion Quilting instead of quilting the same design through out. Here's a peek at my current project. The fabric collection is Monaluna Monaco Organic Cotton.

Stay tuned for a give away on Thursday.

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Potomac River

Scrap Quilt Top

2012-01-20T21:56:00.006-06:00

Here is my scrap quilt top made with 2011 fabrics. For a quick tutorial, go to this post.

I put a 2 1/2 inch strip around each finished block.

Here are some block close-ups:

This quilt is being donated to charity. The ladies at my church are going to tie it in the sashing, then I'll go back and FMQ the centers.

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Card Trick re-bound

Play quilts

2012-01-16T15:57:00.006-06:00

With the sound advice of my husband, I found another option for a baby gift to make. It's a win win win. Recipients will still enjoy a home-made gift, I still get a creative high, and I don't get stressed out from backed up projects (that's the idea anyways, but what it really means, is more time for more projects!). Actually, in the long run, I get to spend more time on my HQ Sweet 16.

I fine tuned this idea after seeing some play quilts at fabricworm.com. She has some in her etsy shop. The fabric is "crayon commute" from "The Alexander Henry Fabrics Collection 2010". Meander quilting design.

1 yard each of 2 coordinating fabrics.
Optional: use flannel for 1 side, or Satin-backed flannel from Joann's for a cool touch to the skin.

I made a template of the car in the fabric, and used wonder-under to adhere it to a blank card. I prefer to do this onto a white or brown gift bag, because then it can be reused by the recipient. But this play quilt was being mailed, thus the card.

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Bias Ruler - I love this tool!!

Pear Decadence

2012-01-07T07:51:00.007-06:00

8 inch square quilt tutorial found here.

Fabric is Crisp Pear Decadence by Samantha Walker for Riley Blake.

quilted in random continuous squares and rectangles, straight stipple . . . my new love!

A trick I recently learned:

If you have a pieced back that you want to align with the front, notch the sides of back and batting then align with the front.

water when needed

quilt stats:

57 x 65 inches finished

72 - 8" squares

8 across, 9 down
2 1/4 " scrappy border
Warm & Natural cotton batting

scrappy binding

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DIY kitchen curtains

Boys will be boys

2011-12-13T16:43:00.001-06:00

Shipped today to my new nephew. Adapted from Reveille, of "another Bite of Schnibbles", Carrie Nelson's newest book.

The fabric is from the Boys Will Be Boys collection designed by David Walker. You can still find some on etsy.

I used my new circle rulers for quilting. They took some getting used to. And I found that I preferred the 5" and smaller circles, more crinkle after washing.

back

Christmas give-away . . .

2011-12-09T15:01:00.003-06:00

*** Give-away Closed *** Danny, I've sent you an email.

Here's a little gift from the last of my Houston Quilt Market finds:

A set of 4 Christmas Cards from Sweetwater. They still have some in their etsy shop.

To enter, share your favorite gift that you're making for Christmas.

I love give-aways, it reminds me that I'm not just talking to myself. You have till Tuesday morning.

Have you put your favorite Christmas ingredients in a pot on the stove yet to simmer?

Ruffled Kitchen Towel

2011-12-05T10:43:00.003-06:00

I love this kitchen towel made by Sweetwater on their blog, Make Life Sweet. The instructions are in their post, The Fair, at the very bottom, scroll all the way to the end. It is a rather long post, so, I've included their instructions below. This is their Hometown collection, I think I'll make one with their Christmas fabrics too, using a linen/cotton in a light tan color for the pain part of the towel.

When I finished the towel according to their measurements, I had to make an adjustment to accommodate for the heaviness of the ruffles (the towel kept falling down). I lengthened the main piece from 22 to 30 inches. (pictured above)

My adjustments in the size of the towel:

Longer:

Cut main piece: 18 x 30.

Finished: 16 1/2" x 28 1/2".

Creates towel to be folded in 1/2, pictured above.

Bigger:

Cut main piece 26 x 30.

Finished: 24 1/2" x 28 1/2".

I wouldn't change the length of the ruffled strips, they were very full in the original pattern.

Creates a towel to be folded into 3rd's.

This is a great tutorial from Sweetwater's post.

RUFFLE KITCHEN TOWEL PATTERN
Finished Size: 16 1/2" x 20 1/2"

What You Need:
Canvas Twill - 18" x 22" - I made it longer to accommodate for the heaviness of the ruffles (see above)
Ruffle - 3 Prints 2 1/2" x 36" each
3/8" wide cotton twill tape - 1 1/2 yard (I found this at Joann Fabrics)

1. Cut Canvas Twill fabric 18" x 22" (I like the heaviness of the canvas fabric for a towel)

Ruffles - 2 1/2" x 36"

2. On one long side of each ruffle turn under 1/4" and press.
3. Turn again 1/4" and press.
4. Machine topstitch the hem in place.

5. On the other long side sew a gathering stitch close to the raw edge.
(set your stitch length to the longest stitch)
6. Sew another gathering stitch close to the first row of stitches.

7. Pull up the threads to gather the raw edge.
8. Your ruffle will need to measure 18" across.
Ruffle Placement
9. Pin the bottom hemmed edge of the bottom ruffle to the towel positioned 1" from the raw edge of the towel.

10. Place the twill tape over the raw edges of the ruffle and topstitch close to each side of the twill tape. The raw edges of the ruffle will be under the twill tape and will not show.

11. Position the hemmed edge of the middle ruffle 1" from the bottom ruffle.
12. Sew the twill tape over the raw edges of the ruffle.
13. Position the hemmed edge of the top ruffle 1" from the middle ruffle.
14. Sew the twill tape over the raw edge of the ruffle.

Side&Bottom Hems
15. Turn under the sides and bottom edges of the towel 1/4" and press.
16. Turn under again and press.
17. Miter the corners.
18. Topstitch close to the turned under edges. (edges finished very nicely)

Sweetwater Advent Calendar

2011-11-20T22:07:00.001-06:00

One of my latest projects is an advent calendar for our college age student with little treats and love notes from home. It is a Sweetwater project with their cute labels and fabrics.

You can find the kit in their etsy shop.

Thank you, Quilt Story

2011-11-14T09:34:00.002-06:00

Thank you Heather and Megan for your kind words and for featuring my blog a few weeks ago. And thanks to those of you who hopped on over from their blog, QuiltStory. What a great way to share the fun! Go and see the great projects they've found for Christmas.

Market "give-away"

2011-11-09T06:11:00.004-06:00

*** Give away closed ***

The winner is Suz, who wandered over from Quilt Story. I've sent you an email, Suz. Hope to hear from you soon.

This is my first official "give-away". I want to share an item I received at Market.

These charms are from Sweetwater made with their new line coming out this fall, Reunion. In case you haven't noticed, they're my true love (in the quilter's world that is) at the moment. I love their fabrics and everything else they do.

If you'd like the long blue charm and a gift bag, leave me a comment on this post. You have through Monday. I'll post the winner on Tuesday.

Fall 2011 Quilt Market

2011-11-02T11:56:00.001-05:00

Thought I'd share some of my favorite finds from Quilt Market. I have lots to choose from for a give away in my next post.

Sweetwater

A beautiful quilt by Lucie Summers named "Summersville".

Moda

(I see a curtain pattern formulating in my mind)

Quilt Blocks by Ellen Luckett Baker

Aneela Honey's "Walk in the Woods".

Me and My Sister - . . . these ladies are always laughing!

A book signing for "Spotlight on Neutrals" by Pat Wys.

Amy Bradley Designs . . . cute, just cute.

Carolee at Adorn it had lots of cute quilts, and projects with accessories to match including buttons, and twill ribbon. They have tons of ideas on their website. And check out her blog for great scrap-booking ideas.

Kellie at Don't Look Now always has a new beautiful amazing quilt. Love the Robots.

I was excited to see that Riley Blake is coming out with "Peak Hour", a line of fabric with Kellie's darling cars from her previous quilt.

These ladies are always so gracious to let me take their picture. I tell them that it helps us "regulars" see that these marvelous designers are actual people.

More to come later . . . and watch for my Market give away!

Fall 2011 Blogger's Quilt Festival - Hometown Charm

2011-10-28T11:35:00.010-05:00

Here is my quilt for Amy's Blog Festival.

It is made from Sweetwater's Hometown line of fabric.

I got the idea for the pattern from "3 Times a Charm" by Me and My Sister Designs.

The ladies from Sweetwater wanted to involve their followers in their "Hometown" line of fabric. So they asked everyone to send in the name of their hometown. Here is their post about that. They have a darling blog, with an etsy shop.

As usual, you can't go wrong with any of Sweetwater's fabric lines.

I planned on this quilt fitting a queen size bed, but with the extensive quilting, it shrank more than I expected.

quilt stats:
78 inches square
25 blocks, measuring 10 3/4 inch each. Including a 1 3/4 inch strip around each block of Kona Stone.
1 3/4 inch square scrappy border.
I adjusted the pattern from "3 Times a Charm" to accommodate the size of the print in the fabric.
Bamboo Batting.

Comments are loved.
Thank you Amy!! Click on picture to link back to the blog festival.

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Sunkissed binding w/ SIMPLI-EZ Bias Ruler

2011-10-19T10:20:00.008-05:00

TRICKS/HELPS:
Have you discovered the SIMPLI-EZ Bias RULER by Susan Brown? You will love it! I learned about it while browsing through the tutorial videos at Missouri Quilt Star Company. Here is their "how to" for this product.

It folds in 1/2 for easy storing. You can adjust it to accommodate the desired width for your binding. After cutting the strips, I stack 3 or 4 at a time to trim the edges.

TRICKS/HELPS:

My binding preferences are:

Warm and Natural cotton batting: 2 1/4 inches.

50/50 Bamboo, Organic Cotton blend: 2 inches

Bamboo batting isn't as thick as cotton, so you can handle a thinner binding.

The ruler will give you strips 2 feet long. Trim the edges as shown, including the flat tip.

Match up 2 strips as shown, and sew along the diagonal with a scant 1/4 inch seam.

Don't worry if they don't match up exactly. Starch, press and add binding to your quilt.

ADVANTAGES OF BIASED BINDING:
I'm not a big fan of having a ton of tools but this one is a must for me. A bias binding is no harder to make for me than a straight or cross grain binding. It takes no more fabric because you don't have to square up your fabric and you can use the trianglar edges for binding as well.

A bias binding gives a little, making it easier to work into your quilt. If your quilt has curved corners or scallops, you definitely want to use a biased binding.

It adds a diagonal interest to binding edge of your quilt.

A Bias binding will wear longer than straight binding since it has multiple rows to wear through along the edge, definitely a consideration for bed quilts or children's quilts that will get a lot of wear.

I found mine at Joann Fabrics.

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Susan Brown Bias Ruler

Sunkissed Sally

2011-10-15T15:12:00.004-05:00

Sunkissed Sally is finally finished!

I took a class from Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie Quilt Co, in the spring. You can read the post about it

here. She taught us how to make her pattern "Long Tall Sally".

You can purchase the pattern at the Fat Quarter Shop.

I love this interesting free motion quilting design that keeps the center of the spirals open creating a poochy circle in the middle. I got the idea from this picture.

Carrie taught us the importance of putting historical information on the label. You can read more about that HERE.

You just can't go wrong with the Sunkissed line by Sweetwater.

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Sunkissed binding

Lavender Sachets

2011-10-08T18:47:00.001-05:00

Here's a fun gift idea I found here. The lavender is available from this etsy site. The aroma is wonderful. If you don't over stuff them, 1/2 lb. of lavender will make about 20 sachets.

Here are the instructions and a few helpful tips:

To make 1 sachet, pick 2 coordinating fabrics, and cut 4.25 inch squares. (I hope you're not just making 1!)

With a short stitch length (I used 2.0), stitch around all 4 sides, leaving a 2 inch opening on one side. Back stitch at the beginning and end.

Clip corners, turn right side out, press.

Press seam down the unsewn seam for easy finishing.

The top of a water bottle is the perfect size to use as a funnel. Do not over stuff, it's a sachet, not a bean bag.

Monaco Log Cabin

2011-10-01T07:46:00.002-05:00

I love this log cabin design with white as the center, originally found here

Scrappy log cabins are fun and easy to make. You can fine some instructions in this post.

Adding your sashing fabric as the last row going all the way around simplifies the whole sashing part. Then you just sew your squares together and your top is finished.

My favorite part.

I picked a big flower design for free motion quilting.

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Scrappy Log Cabin Tutorial

Scrap Blocks

2011-09-26T00:27:00.008-05:00

What do you do with all those scraps? Are you spending just as much time organizing and re-organizing your scraps as you do with the new fabric the mail man brings you? Do you spend just as much time searching on-line for ways to use your scraps as you do looking for new quilts to make?

I have the perfect solution for you. Make a quilt with your scraps, by making a block each time you make a quilt.

Here's how:
Upon finishing a quilt top, add a final step. Make a block or two with the scraps you've accumulated for that quilt. Just start sewing them together. No rhyme or reason, don't stress over it, just sew, press and trim, sew, press and trim till it all fits together. Go for a 13 or 14 inch block.

You can even add that last triangle that you have left after cutting your bias binding as shown in the 2 blocks above. If you choose to do that, make 2 blocks with your scraps, cut them in 1/2 diagonally, then add your triangular bias scrap.

If you follow this procedure, making a block or two after each quilt, pretty soon, you have enough for a quilt top. You can either square them up all the same size and sew them together, for a truly scrappy look, or you can put a little order to them.

Kona Stone (shown here) or Kona White are good neutral colors for sashing.

The easiest method is to use the Log Cabin process with 2 1/2 inch strips of your sashing fabric.

Sew your blocks together to finish your quilt top.

It's much faster to take a few minutes at the end of each quilt top you make to sew up a block with your scraps then it is to start from "scrap scratch".

UPDATE: This quilt top is finished. To see it, go here.

Hometown sneak peek

2011-09-19T10:54:00.005-05:00

There are so many things I want to do with the Hometown line of fabric by Sweetwater.

I've been intrigued by this design. I'm done with small squares for a while, so I modified it to make it larger.

Hometown looks good with Kona Stone.

Me and My Sister Designs

UPDATE: This quilt is now finished. Click on the picture to see the post.

Card Trick - rebound

2011-09-16T13:52:00.003-05:00

I love this card trick quilt, I guess because it was my first pieced quilt. It was very patient with me as I struggled to learn the in's and out's of quilting before discovering the "blogging classroom".

But something has bothered me about this quilt for a while. I had this real cool plaid fabric and couldn't find anything to use it in, till I saw it sitting next to the card trick quilt.

You can see in this close-up that I've only basted the new binding down. It's waiting for the next time my Texan husband calls for a "required family activity" to watch an old western together. . . he says it's part of their heritage and helps build their character :)

new binding

old binding

I just learned that Carrie from Miss Rosie Quilts has another great book out:

and it has a card trick quilt pattern in it, featuring Sweetwater's Hometown line.

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QUILT FESTIVAL

Monaluna Monaco in pink

2011-09-12T22:43:00.003-05:00

The fabric is Monaco by Monaluna.

Stats: 20 - 8" squares with a 4" kona white border.

measures 36" x 43"

Stippled on the HQ Sweet 16 by a great group of girls from my church,

as a baby gift for their leader who just had a baby.

They were quick, enthusiastic learners. I see great projects coming from them in the near future.

First Look at Reunion

2011-09-09T16:20:00.003-05:00

Sweetwater just gave a sneak-peek at their beautiful new line, Reunion coming out for Moda . . . in JANUARY 2012 ?! that's worse than waiting for Christmas! . . . my teeth are aching! Look how cute those fabrics are.

In the mean time, I'll work with their most recent line, HOMETOWN, available at your local quilt shop, or Fat Quarter Shop if you don't feel like getting out.

Maybe I'll make this:

The pattern for Yacht Club in Sweetwater's EtsyShop.

Look at all this other fun stuff they have:

charms

table runners

notecards

art prints such as this one with all your favorite quilt blocks,

or this one which can be customized in a variety of ways:

streets in your town

favorite vacation cities

family facts

wedding date

etc

Greek Squares Quilt - finished

2011-09-03T23:01:00.011-05:00

King size greek square quilt finally finished!

I made a stencil, and hand chalked it. Then, I free-motion quilted it on my regular size sewing machine (not recommended).

Late mid-stream, I decided to add the blue around the edge so that it would fit on my king bed (also not recommended). Recognize the large pillow on the bed?

It was the inspiration for the fabrics in the quilt.

You can see more of this quilt's evolution in this post.

It's kind of growing on me. I think it's a keeper.

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a quilt from a pillow

binding

free motion quilting

Binding for a King

2011-08-26T00:29:00.011-05:00

I believe this will be my first and last king size quilt to make.

This unfinished quilt has become a permanent fixture on the back of the sofa for 2 years now. It just seems to blend in with the woodwork, and it's beauty is not recognized. Last month I got the energy to work through the "quilting" bugs and FINISHED IT!!

I had gotten tired of it, and thought I might sell it, you know, that stage in your quilt-making when you're not sure about the beast you've just created. Then after the "washing" . . . you have a new love.

UPDATE:

This quilt is now finished.

Summer House Charm - Liz's 2nd quilt

2011-08-17T14:49:00.004-05:00

Here is the 2nd quilt that Liz made this summer.

She found some charm packs on line. She discovered how much faster a quilt goes when you use fabrics from a collection, which are already cut for you.

She straight line quilted it. The squares were small enough that she didn't need to mark it or use tape, she just "eye-balled" it. I love her back and binding choices.

Beautiful job, Liz. Congratulations. How's that hand stitching coming along on the binding?

It's always motivating to hear what others think of your quilts. Any comments? . . .

pincushion tutorial

2011-08-15T15:44:00.002-05:00

Summertime Fabric from QuiltSoup.

I finally found a great place for my grandmother's spools of thread from the 50's.

I have re-worked this blog post and turned it into a tutorial for this pincushion:

Pick 2 fabrics that look good together. Choose bias tape color.

Joann fabrics is the best place to get your bias tape. Their online site has more colors available than at the store. When choosing bias tape, you have 2 options:

DOUBLE FOLD 1/4", shown here in red. This product is "ready to go", but the options of colors are limited. If you don't find a color you like, go to the next option.

SINGLE FOLD 1/2", shown in blue and has lots more color options available. You will have to fold this in 1/2 lengthwise and press to get the Double Fold 1/4". When you iron it, DO NOT USE STARCH OR STEAM, getting it wet, will quickly undo the pressing that is already there.

You will need 2 YARDS OF BIAS TAPE.

Here are 3 SIZE options: (all the pincushions shown in this post are medium)

LARGE:

Cut 2 circles of fabric measuring 10" in diameter.

Mark a smaller circle 7" in diameter with chalk on the right side of the fabric of one of your circles. (see diagram below). This will be a stitching line for later.

MEDIUM:

cutting circle - 8"

sewing circle - 5 1/2"

SMALL:

cutting circle - 6 1/2"

sewing line - 4 1/2"

(use smaller spools, see note below)

(Adjustments. If your spools of thread are the small ones from Joanns or Walmart, which come 10 or 12 to a pack, you will want the space between the 2 circles to be 1/4 inch less. The spools I used, my grandmother's, were a little larger.)

SEWING INSTRUCTIONS:

Sew bias tape around both circles, using thread the same color as your bias tape. Sew close to the edge of the bias tape.

On the right side of one of your circles you just cut out, mark the smaller circle with chalk as shown below. Stitch seam, back stitching at beginning and end, leaving an opening for stuffing. Do not stuff yet.

Mark perpendicular 1/2" lines along outer edge, every 2 1/4". For smaller spools, adjust length between stitching lines by 1/2". Align the opening you left for stuffing as shown above with your stitching lines along the outside. This will make stuffing easier.

Back stitch on both ends.

Stuff inner circle and hand stitch closed. Thread thin elastic through each spool and in between sewing lines as shown below.

Pull elastic together, and tie a knot. Work the knot in to hide it.

These darling pincushions make great gifts.

Vintage Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine

2011-08-08T07:25:00.014-05:00

I took a class last spring, and was interested to see the sewing machines that everyone was using. I was especially intrigued with this one. After inquiring about it and a little research, I learned that it's a vintage "Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine" made in the mid 1940's. They are great for classes because they're so light. They have a reputation for sewing a strong, straight stitch. Several of the ladies had them at home, and use them for piecing including Carrie (of Miss Rosie's Quilt's), the instructor of the class I was taking.

This one has a price of $450 on it (ebay). It's one of the best I've seen. Look how clean that manual looks.

You can find one on eBay for about $200, or spend more to get one that is in better shape. The price depends on the shape it's in, and how many parts are still with it. It even comes with a nifty carrying case. It's facinating to read the stories behind these machines. They're easy to work on, so if you purchase one that isn't working well, they can easily be repaired (so I'm told).

It's a nice "quilter's" machine, not too complicated, just does the basic straight stitch. So, if you're looking for a "back up" machine, check the reviews on the Singer Featherweight. I've sure had fun researching it. It's definitely on my "purchase some day list".

They come with a nifty carrying case. I'd love to own one . . .

Liz's first quilt - The Yellow One

2011-08-05T22:24:00.008-05:00

My daughter-in-law Liz, just finished her first quilt. She did a beautiful job. I love the colors and prints she chose. They came from different lines, but she brought them together well. She found most at our local quilt shop, then she found a few more on-line, including the back. I think seeing the colors and combinations of your fabrics with your own eyes is the best way to go when starting out. Unless you purchase a charm pack where the fabric all comes from the same line, shopping for fabric on-line takes practice, and a few mistakes along the way.

She wanted to learn how to quilt. So, she found a good used sewing machine on e-bay. That project could take it's own blog post! it took lots of research and several attempts at buying, but in the end, she got exactly what she wanted, a basic used sewing machine in a $350 budget.

She likes my wooden bread bowl :)

Finished size: 58" x 73". She used a basic 8 inch square pattern, a perfect beginner quilter project (you can find the tutorial for a it on the right side under "Laura's fish".)

She pieced the back from the border from one of her fabrics.

She binded it with the same fabric as the back, which I thought looked really nice. She is a fast learner, and did a fabulous job. Congrats Lizzie!!

Sherbet Pips Quilt

2011-07-25T23:04:00.008-05:00

I used a charm pack of Sherbet Pips by Aneela Hoey for Moda, and Kona White.

After piecing the top, I sandwiched the quilt together, and used a light weight white for the back.

I found the free motion quilting design I wanted on Leah Day's "Find a Design" page. Here is the flickr set of all her designs. I picked "Over lapping Arches".

It's so fun quilting on my new HP Sweet Sixteen. It stitches so smoothly.

Remember, I picked a light weight back, because I wanted to do an over-lay with Joann's flannel backed satin (kids prefer the silkiness these days).

I washed the quilt for shrinkage. After stitching around the edges, I also washed the back.

Then, I pinned the back to the quilt, silky side out, trimmed the backing to match the top, squared-up everything, again, and stitched all around the edge, 1/4 inch.

Time for binding. I wanted to try a thinner binding, so I started with a 1 3/4 inch wide strip.

I thought it would be hard, but it wasn't. You just have to be precise. I like the thinner binding, but I think my favorite is still a 2 inch width.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN:

work in progress

Onesies for TWO

2011-07-16T22:55:00.004-05:00

You can never have too many "cute" onesies . . . especially for twins.

Quilting Sherbet Pips

2011-07-14T00:18:00.008-05:00

Almost done quilting my Sherbet Pips.

I should have started my quilting pattern larger. It's a bit too small, so it's taking a while to finish . . .

but it sure is going to be cute!!

Nauvoo Quilt Shop

2011-07-06T11:12:00.001-05:00

We were in Nauvoo, Illinois for a family reunion a few weeks ago when I came across Old Nauvoo Christmas and Gifts. It always brightens my day when I come across a quilt shop while traveling. Since this was a family trip, I "got lost" one morning, while making a grocery run. I love the energy that comes from a quilt shop you haven't been in before. They had a darling patriotic quilt in the window.

I couldn't get a resource for the pattern, but if you call them, I'm sure they can send it to you.

I broke my fabric purchasing diet, and bought Sherbet Pips by Aneela Hoey. Visit this blog post of Aneela's to see the fabrics I purchased.

My Blogger's Quilt Festival Favorites - Spring 2011

2011-06-18T18:15:00.007-05:00

I had so much fun looking through all the quilts and quilting blogs from the Blogger's Quilt Festival. Thank you Amy! I really appreciated the up-dates, the thumbprints of the quilts on this festival's post. Here are my top 10 quilts.

1. Boy Quilt by Where the Orchids Grow

Check our her blog. She has a wheelbarrow for a prop that is to die for!

2. Sunny Days of Summer by A Stitch in Time

Who can resist the crispness of Sweetwater's "Sunkissed" on white? I love this quilt! I especially like the quilting. Maybe I'll try on my next quilting job.

3. Authentic Merry Go Round by Mary on Lake Pulaski

Another great line of fabric, Authentic by Sweetwater. Definitely on my "must buy" list, if there's any left. Look at the close up pictures of the quilting on her blog post about this quilt.

4. Cut. Sew. Iron. Repeat.

This quilt is a collage of squares from around the world, and auctioned off for some kind of charity. The shades of red are all over the chart, but it works because it's so scrappy.

5. Film Strip Quilt by Why Not Sew? Quilts

The colors blend so nicely in this quilt. The right grays give a calming affect. She gives a tutorial for it in this post, and it's also on her side bar, "Film Strip Quilt Pattern Free PDF". This is definitely on my up-dated "to do" list.

6. Wrapped in a Kiss by Artelicilous

I'm pretty picky about the art quilts that I like. This is a nice one.

7. Spring Wheel's by JAQ's Studio

Don't you love these pinwheels on white in these bright springy colors? So crisp and fun. The green horizontal lines add some unexpected interest. Great combination of colors.

8. The Shirt Quilt by Kameleon

This quilt is made from a stack of shirts. I think the colors blend very well. I would like to make a shirt quilt some day.

9. Corner Block Quilt by Shiners View

This is a great quilt. I love the colors! This is an original design, with the tutorial here. The amazing part of this quilt is that there is only 1 printed fabric. All the rest are solids.

10. Summer Night Twinkle by Quilting Gal

Wow . . . just wow. Maybe some day I'll have the patience to make a quilt like this.

Well, I've made some adjustments to my quilting "to do" list . . . . fun fabrics, great tutorials, awesome designs, and lots of new ideas. Thank you for sharing!

Miss Rosie's LABELS

2011-06-07T00:36:00.000-05:00

When I took the class from Carrie @ Miss Rosie's Quilts, I was fascinated to learn about her labels. She brought with her a new quilt, Scarlet Queen. You can purchase the pattern here.

On the back, she used a modified version of the squares from the front of the quilt, incorporating more white squares, places to document information about her quilt.

Name of quilt,

Location and year where quilt was made (sorry it's so out of focus),

"Machine quilted by . . ."

"Named after . . . "

" Pieced by . . ."

She uses a permenant marker, fine point. I press mine (no steam), afterwards to make sure it's permanent. A historian taught Carrie the importance of giving information to your posterity about your quilt and in your own handwriting.

Our children have grown up with a beautiful boat quilt made 50 years ago or so by a great aunt. How fun it would be to have all this information about the quilter, and in her handwriting!

The inspiration behind Calico Calvin's Quilt

2011-05-28T16:09:00.001-05:00

I just couldn't resist sharing this darling little nephew of mine.

Meet Calvin . . . sitting on his calico quilt.

Isn't he the cutest? Look at those big lips, and gorgeous eyes. Don't you just want to squish him?

He's happy and content . . . the caboose of 7.

Singer - #5 Sewing Machine

2011-05-25T16:51:00.003-05:00

I literally pulled this sewing machine out of the "Good Will" pile at my friend's house. It belonged to his wife who has passed on, she used it for over 40 years.

When I told my husband that I had just acquired sewing machine #5, his reaction was bewildering. I assured him, I'd soon give one away. As I was researching "vintage sewing machines", to learn more about my new Singer, I discovered that there are addictions in the quilting world other than fabric. As I try to decide which of my 5 machines to give away, I'm beginning to wonder . . .

It was made in Italy, and the manual is dated 1968.

I'm sure it could use a good tune-up, but it sews a wicked stitch.

. . . coming along on my "Long Tall Sally" that I started in my class with Carrie from Miss Rosie's Quilts. It looks complicated, but it's really quite easy. I don't think the pattern is out yet. Maybe in her next book. Care to comment on that, Carrie?

Miss Rosie Quilts

2011-05-21T00:21:00.003-05:00

Last week I got to attend a class sponsored by the CornWagon Quilt Shop in Springville, Utah.

Carrie Nelson of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. was the guest teacher.

This was the quilt which she gave instructions for in our class, Long Tall Sally (you can purchase it here). It looks difficult, doesn't it? I didn't want to take the class, because I thought it would be way over my head, but Carrie just looked like she was such a nice lady, that I figured it would all work out.

I was shocked to learn just how easy it was. There are basically 2 shapes to cut from your fabric, a bunch of them!!

Well, I can't say "I never win anything" anymore, because I won this fun project bag. It measures 14x14 square, and has a nice heavy duty zipper on the end. I don't even know where you can buy them, I've looked!

Carrie is genuine and fun to be around. She's a great teacher. She doesn't even looked annoyed if you keep bugging her. If you ever get the chance to take a class from her, it'll be a learning AND entertaining experience.

This is the back of her quilt "Scarlet Queen". I took some pictures of the back, because I was so intrigued with her "label". I'll do a post about her labels next week.

Isn't it gorgeous? you can read about it in this blog post of Carrie's. I loved her explanation of the "creative process" in that post. I was really happy to see that I wasn't the only one that used those resources for creativity or what ever.

Here I am after a week of working on this quilt. There are 9 or 10 rows, and I've finished 4. Mine is scrappy so, it will look different from Carrie's. It's very therapeutic for me to have a stack of fabric next to my machine and to sit down and sew when I need 15 min. (or 5 hours) of mindless down time. The great thing about this quilt top, is that when you're done with your rows, it's done!!!

I have to admit . . . I was quite disappointed that "Rosie" didn't make the trip.

Thank you Carrie !

Calico Calvin

2011-05-13T07:41:00.011-05:00

My first Whirleygig quilt is finally complete, measuring at 38"x44", it's my entry for Amy's blog festival:

There are lots of whirleygig tutorials in the blogging world. Allie at "Stranz . . . Obsessive Quilting Disorder" has a tutorial which is very easy to follow. You can find it here. "crazy mom quilts" also has one here. If you want a tutorial which instructs you to trim a bit off your square at the beginning, instead of having to trim the whole block at the end, visit Quilting on Turtle Hill's blog for a nice tutorial.

Finished quilt, baby size: 38" x 44".
56 (6") blocks, 7 across, 8 down.
My finished block size was 6 inches.
To make 1 block:
Cut 2 calico 4 inch squares
Cut 2 white 4 inch squares

56 different fabrics is a lot to come up with. On Calvin's quilt, I found 1/2 the amount, and made 2 blocks with each fabric.

Once I have my fabric cut into 4 inch squares, I like to match up 1 calico square and 1 white square, and cut the off-set line with them together. That way I'm sure they'll sew up right, and it helps with the organization of this whole mess.

Set them off by 1/8th". If you want your finished squares to look wonkier, you should off-set them by 1/4 ", or more if your squares are larger. Look at the link to Allie's tutorial I've given above.

Take into consideration when measuring, that you will loose some fabric when you trim your square down. So before cutting and sewing, this square would have measured 8 inches. After seam allowances and trimming, it's down to 6 inches.

I stitched in the ditch through the center of all the squares, going both ways. Then, I stippled in the white, which after washing, creates the "pop" effect.

It's backed with flannel since it's going to a cold climate.

I love comments, otherwise I feel like I'm blogging to myself :) . . . then,

go see the other quilts entered in the Blogger's Quilt Festival, click on this link.

LAP SIZE CONFIGURATIONS:
The next time I try this quilt, I want to make a lap size 60" x 80".
I will make the blocks bigger than Calvin's.

48 (10") blocks total (48 fabrics is hard to find)
Use the same fabric for 2 blocks, only needing 24 fabrics.

Finished block: approx. 10 inches.
To make 1 block:
Cut 2 calico 6 inch squares
Cut 2 white 6 inch squares
(cut 4 of each if using the same fabric for 2 blocks as mentioned above)

Cutting the white separately?
Total of white, 96 - 6 inch squares, purchase 3 1/4 yds. of Kona white for 48 blocks. (1/4 yrd. added for good measure :)

Make off-set cut between 1/4" and 1/2 ".
Experiment to determine amount of wonkiness.

You might also like:

Card Trick

Scrappy Log Cabin

Sneak Peek

2011-04-27T20:27:00.000-05:00

I'm stuck on my calico fabric stash. Thought they would make a cute boat quilt.

African Safari Quilt

2011-04-23T16:50:00.002-05:00

I finished my first quilt on my new HQ Sweet Sixteen.

I chose this machine because it is for "free motion quilting". I love the "organic" look of this quilting method.

I searched online for some ideas for free-motion quilting. One of my favorite sites is Day Style Designs. Leah has made some fantastic tutorial videos for quilters, and given lots of sample ideas for free motion quilting. She has a post for beginning free motion quilters here, with some trouble shooting solutions.

Leah noticed that most of the filler quilting in her quilts was stippling or mctavishing. So, she set out to create a new "free motion quilt filler design" for each day of the year. Here is her post about that. On her flicker site, you can find those designs. I kept the above sample, blown up to full size, next to my quilting machine as I quilted, and used it for reference. Leah shares her talents and ideas with us free of charge, but you can support her by making a small donation here.

I used fabrics from the URBAN CIRCUS collection by Laurie Wisbrun, as the feature fabric for this quilt.

This quilt went to my new nephew, Tsubasa. Here he is with his darling mother, Maiko.

The back and binding are scrappy.

HQ Sweet 16

2011-04-16T16:35:00.003-05:00

Boxes from heaven arrived on my porch this week via UPS.

The Sweet Sixteen is made by Handi Quilter. It's a sit-down (semi) long arm, for free motion quilting.

Here is a link to HQ's demonstration video of the Sweet 16.

Smooth sailing! No bumps, tugging, pulling, rolling, etc.

The back looks beautiful! No site of the top thread on the curves.

Lots of throat space . . . 16 inches!

Love it, love it!!

I think I'm starting to literally fulfill that prophecy my husband mentioned about my hobby "taking over the house". Maybe my next quilt should be for him.

Quilted with the HQ Sweet 16

2011-04-16T11:04:00.007-05:00

African Safari

Sherbet Pips

work in progress

Whirleygigs top

2011-03-28T22:43:00.000-05:00

Ready for quilting.

Back side:

"Little Red" in Sunkissed fabrics

2011-03-25T23:27:00.003-05:00

I found a new quilting store while visiting Salt Lake City. Pine Needles is located in Gardner Village. I was visually captivated in this quilt shop, full of fun projects, and all the fabric to go with them. When I walked in, I fell in love with this quilt:

I was so excited to see that it is "Little Red" from Carrie Nelson's book, "Schnibbles times two" which I recently purchased because the book itself is just so fun to look at. And then I remembered my stack of "Sunkissed" fabrics at home.

TRICKS/HELPS:
I learned from Carrie's blog her thoughts on prepping fabric, and decided to try starching my fabric before I cut into it which she explains in this post. I was very pleased with the outcome, clean cut lines, and ran down to my local Target to stock up on Carrie's favorite brand, in hopes that she hadn't already been there.

I was honored to meet Carrie at Market last fall. She's a normal, down to earth, gal, like you and me, wanting to share her talents. I appreciated her kindness.

Organize your "Munchkins"

2011-03-12T11:16:00.002-06:00

My mother-in-law taught me many years ago, "NEVER DO FOR YOUR CHILDREN WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR THEMSELVES". From toddlers to teens, I have remembered this concept. Ultimately, we are raising our children to be self- reliant, to go out into the world on their own, as responsible adults. We can start that process when they are young.

Now that I am older, I see that those that have been taught these principles are self-reliant, and self-motivating, without looking to Mom and Dad. When they have not, let's see, what's that word I keep hearing that describes spoiled adults? . . . "a feeling of entitlement". Just talk to any HR worker, they'll enlighten you.

DAILY RESPONSIBILITIES:

I love chore charts. You can make them age appropriate. Younger children enjoy drawing the pictures.

When you use charts each child knows what is expected of them, and nagging lessens to a minimum. When they want to watch their favorite morning show, or go play outside, instead of going down the mental list, all you need to say is, "Can I see your chart?" Well, they're certainly not going to show you an empty chart, so off they go . . . with no nagging :) (that kiss at the end of Laura's chart, stands for a kiss for Mom :)

Home-made pictures are great

Clip art is available all over the place. When your children help create their chart, they will "own up to it."

Once I asked a teacher what programs I should put my children in during the summer so that they wouldn't loose what they had learned during the school year. She told me that if they read 1 hour each day during the summer, that they would be ahead when school started in the fall. Hard as this may have seemed in the beginning, the kids learned to enjoyed it. Especially when I added in "library day" to the weekly schedule. So, during the summers, the daily charts included reading time.

As the kids got older, I found that I needed to implement a "Lost Power" concept. (bottom of the next picture). I don't remember the specific details, but you could customize it.

Choose your favorite method of home organization, and create charts for it, so that your home runs quietly and orderly. Everyone knows what is expected of them.

WEEKLY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Children should have daily responsibilities, as well as weekly responsibilities. I love the feeling of a clean house. So, many years ago, we developed the habit of cleaning our home each Saturday morning. The children all knew what was expected of them. They had their list. The most important part was that Mom and Dad worked as well on their list.

I made a long list of everything that I felt needed to be done in our home on a weekly basis to keep it clean. Then, I took a sheet of paper, divided it into 3 strips, 8 inches long, and put each person's name at the top of one. I took each item on my list and added it to someone's paper, age appropriate, until all items were assigned.

Since you will have many "harder" tasks, too hard for your little ones, break them up and assign younger children the easier part of that task. For example, "clean the kitchen floor" can become "sweep kitchen floor" for a younger child, and "mop kitchen floor" for an older child. Obviously, sweeping on the young child's list will need to be one of the first items, so that it is done when the older child goes to mop it. If children are sharing a room, it is best to split their list so that they are not in their room at the same time.

To maintain the integrity of the standard of work, the performed tasks must be checked by Mom or Dad, or even an older sibling (done in kindness to prevent resentment). I have learned the hard way, if you do not check their work, laziness, and deception set in. . . not fun to break. After a few weeks of fine-tuning, I xerox copied the lists and put a staple at the top. Each Saturday, I passed out the custom tablets. When they finished, we tore it off, and the next week's list was ready to go. This was enough for 3 months or so, until I had to adjust the lists again. It's always fun to add an ice cream run, or a 30 minute "Trampoline Party with Dad" when everyone is done.

MY THOUGHTS ON LAUNDRY:

Your children should be doing their own laundry as soon as they are capable of it, 11 or 12 years old. Show them how to sort, and give them a specific day to wash. You can even let them watch their favorite TV show while they fold. I know what you're thinking. It is not cost efficient to have each child running the machine individually. I would rather spend a little more money, and have my children learn this concept thus, I have kept my "old fashioned" top loading washing machine.

Or, you can figure out some system where the children are gathering and sorting, then folding and putting away their own clothes. LEADERSHIP IS ALL ABOUT LEARNING HOW TO DELEGATE! You might as well learn it now.

STRAY SOCK IDEA:

I like to keep a bucket in the laundry room for stray socks. That's their place, not in drawers or under beds scattered through out the house. Every few months, I can match them up and send them to their proper home, whether it be a child's drawer, or to the "deep 6". Children love to come home from school and find a note taped to the back door with special instructions, "a treat in the freezer for anyone who brings me their stray socks." Make it a little more fun, and draw your request in pictures, or a riddle.

SOCK SATURDAY:
When all 5 children were young, middle school age and down, we had a "SOCK SATURDAY PARTY" every year in August just before school started. The kids brought down every single sock they could find in their bedrooms. The kids were all into sports, and mostly wore "tube socks", and by the end of the summer, those socks were a "sight to behold"!

They were each then given new, nice and white, matching socks which had no holes or beaded rough heels. Add a little excitement, and wrap them up like Christmas morning (me wrap? . . . the oldest child was always the designated wrapper).

I sorted the old ones, and they were given away or went to the "deep 6". (Just in case you're wondering, I've been with my 82 year old Dad for a few weeks and this phrase has rubbed off on me, I think it's a generational term).

It is much easier for children to keep their rooms orderly, if you have a "purge system". Every 2 months or so I sent them up to dump all their clothes out onto their beds. They went through their clothing items, and brought to me what they had not recently worn (that season), then carefully folded everything and put it back in their drawers.

MY TOY PHILOSOPHY.
I think that children can have a few toys and be happy, and millions of toys, and not be any happier. Occasionally when the toys all started running together, we had a "Toy Sort" activity. The kids had a funny little song that they would all "na na na" to, which brought a little excitement, and seemed to help them work a little faster. Each toy belonged to a group or set of toys. All cars go in this box, Legos in these containers, blocks go in this basket etc. So, I could hold up a toy and the children could tell me where it's home should be. Now, just because they knew where each toy belonged, didn't mean that they were always put away in their proper location, thus "THE TOY SORT".

TOY ROTATING:
After the toys were all sorted, I looked for the next opportunity when the kids were all in school, I collected a large selection of the toys, 1/3 to 1/2, and put them in big bins, and into the attic. I then, brought down the bins that I had put up there 4 to 6 months earlier, and PRESTO! NEW TOYS! I was always amazed how just 4 months earlier they were no longer playing with those toys that now seemed so exciting! I also did this just before Christmas time, knowing that Santa would bring EVEN MORE TOYS!! Thanks Mom for that idea :)

THE PAY OFF:

This is a surprise camera shot in my 17 year old son's room. (Confession: not always clean). I have done very little to teach him about laundry. The older children have paved the road, he just followed along. It is fun to now see our older children crave cleanliness and order in their homes. It doesn't always mean that you'll find it, but the feeling of order is part of their being, and it is fulfilling as a mother to finally see the pay off.

Children function well when they know their boundaries, when they live in order, and when they know what is expected of them and when they are to accomplish it.

I'M READY FOR GRANDCHILDREN !!!

Flag Curtains

2011-03-07T07:50:00.001-06:00

While I was at Market last fall, Robert Kaufman had the cutest curtains across the front of their booth. They were kind enough to let me take a picture.

I think this idea would make adorable curtains in a child's bedroom, play room, craft room, sewing room, utility room, maybe even the right kitchen.

How much easier could curtains be?

Love the choice of contrasting fabrics. And yes, I LOVE MY PFAFF!

ABC Organizing

2011-03-03T22:50:00.002-06:00

In any work place in your home, organize your "stuff" into 3 groups:

A - things you use DAILY

B - things you use WEEKLY

C - things you use MONTHLY

Put A things close to your working area, in shelves and drawers with the easiest access. The B things just 1 step further away. The C items on the top shelves, furthest away from the working areas. You can use this concept in the kitchen, office, laundry room, sewing area, closet, bathroom, garage, EVERYWHERE!

All work areas, (desks in the bedroom, study or kitchen), have some sort of mini filing system close by to help control clutter in that working area.

At the piano:
A - on the piano
B - Basket next to the piano
C - Box to the right of the piano, or in a file cabinet in another area.

I love to use notebooks for my "B" items that I don't use too often, but need easy access to.

Use the ABC method in your freezer. Don't forget to label your freezer items, INCLUDING DATES!

As you keep your home organized, your family members will unconsciously learn your techniques (hopefully).

Occasionally when I visit homes that don't have the ABC system, I find that in time, their kitchen drawers have become filled with "C" items, and their daily "A" items have to squish into little available spaces. You can easily become blind to the fact that daily you are moving your C items around to find your A items.

Compulsive??? . . . YOU BET!

Olivia Apron Modifications

2011-02-27T21:57:00.002-06:00

I made these aprons for my girls last year, here, but we found that some modifications needed to be made.

I added the bottom panel,

a piece along the top,

and a label.

Whirleygig Beginnings

2011-02-23T13:17:00.002-06:00

The beginnings of my next quilt.

Everything has a home

2011-02-16T08:34:00.001-06:00

I have had several friends ask me recently to help them organize their home. It has caused me to contemplate my methods to my madness, and I've taken a few notes. Here are some thoughts:

Everything needs "it's place". You should be able to pick up any item in your home, and know where it belongs. If you have a category of things which have been floating around without a home, create one with some kind of CONTAINER, and put it in a logical place, or where it gets used the most. I also love to use labels. If nothing else, just to create a sense of order.

With adult children at home during the holidays, and 7 laptops floating around the house, I was glad that "my" cords were labeled!

These containers from, THE CONTAINER STORE, are expensive, so I only use them in the cupboard I use the most.

I often send the kids to "the green box in the kitchen" when they need some sort of office item. I absolutely love my "glue/tape" container, it's amazing how many of those you can find floating around your house, why not put them all in 1 place?

This is my kitchen "junk drawer". I still like to have a place to put things that seem to sit on the counter, that can't be thrown away, but that I don't want to spend the time to find a different place for. I put coupons there, and other "papers" that will be used within a week or two. I go through it monthly, and PURGE (love that word, actually, I think it goes along with OCD :)

Sometimes, we have a quick "shoe basket party" where I ask everyone to come and choose 1 pair for the back door basket. You can only fit so many size 13 shoes in that basket! And of course, you always give out treats at a party.

This container sits by my back door. The keys drawer has "odds and ends" in it, including extra clasps, key chains and doubles of keys (labeled, of course). ALL receipts go into this drawer. If a receipt has a big item on it that I need to hang on to, I make note of it at the top of the receipt. It gets cleaned out every few months while I'm talking to someone on the phone. Most get thrown away (shredded), but if they still have a possibility of being needed, they get put back in the drawer. Big dollar electronic item receipts are filed with their manual (to be blogged about later).

Every item's home should be logical. If there is an area where clutter seems to collect, at least CONTAIN it. Clorox by the back door, helps me to regularly wipe off my phone, door knobs, steering wheel, the bottom of my purse as well as straps, handles to the fridge, faucets, and microwave. Every few days, I grab a few and quickly work my way through the house ending up in my bedroom. I swipe the toilet handle, then throw it away.

Ken's cats

2011-02-04T23:11:00.002-06:00

This is one of my favorite quilts. I didn't follow any sort of pattern, and really wanted to try the checked border. Lesson learned: MUST FIGURE OUT ALL MEASUREMENTS BEFORE SEWING A QUILT WITH A CHECKED BORDER. It was a nightmare matching it up with the rest of the quilt.

I like the attitude of these cats, designed by Debra Mason for Robert Kaufman.

I made 2 of these cat quilts. The fussy quilting took longer on this one, but sure gives character to the quilt.

Binding is scrappy.

Connor's Rear Window

2011-01-31T00:16:00.008-06:00

Last year, our 17 year old son Connor, discovered the beautiful, Gracy Kelly. Alfred Hitchcock's famous film, "Rear Window", became his favorite movie. You have to see it to understand the name of Connor's quilt.

I used Kate Conklin's tutorial on fussy framed blocks.

labeled with Heather Ross, of course.

Exercising? Accessorizing? how about QUILTING!!

2011-01-26T23:03:00.002-06:00

I can't come to the gym for my training session today, Val. I'm at home quilting, I mean, I'm home in bed with a fever :)

Olivia Strip Quilt

2011-01-19T21:42:00.002-06:00

Who can resist a strip quilt? My good friend Nettie @ a quilt is nice, introduced them to me. Here is one of hers with Katie Jump rope fabrics.

Olivia fabrics make a great strip quilt.

Be sure you "stitch in the ditch" between your fabrics, and where your stripes are wider, quilt inside.

A tight stipple around figures makes them POP!

Beany Boy Quilts

2011-01-17T22:48:00.002-06:00

Meet Benay of Beany Boy Quilts, a very talented artist and passionate quilter. Some of her beautiful quilts feature fabrics manufactured by Moda and Riley Blake.

Being a mother of children, some of her quilts are interactive, bringing a whole new dimension to quilting. She invited me to help in her booth at Market in Houston this past fall. If I had a day, I'd tell you about all the things we learned, people we met, treasures we purchased (or didn't purchase), and all the hard work we put into this incredible experience!

Here are some of her interactive children's quilts:

This one is called SUGAR HIGH. It was the most popular pattern. It has some simple applique, and has a Pantograph designed especially for it by Benay, as do most of her quilts.

This beautiful quilt is called LOVE BUD. It also has some simple applique and it's own Pantograph.

PETAL PARTY is an interactive quilt. Behind each flower pedal and leaf, you will find pictures, for a matching game.

FARMING FUN has corn, carrots and strawberries which can be velcroed to their designated spot, or housed in a pocket.

corn . . .

carrots . . .

This one is called SECRET POCKETS, to be filled with what ever your imaginative child can find.

Her quilts have been officially and throughly, "kid tested" and approved. You can find her patterns here.

Don't forget to look at Benay's pantographs here. My favorite is "drip", so adorable!

Rice Warmers

2011-01-12T17:34:00.004-06:00

Have you ever worried about keeping your heating pad with you in bed while plugged in all night? Looking for the perfect solution?

For Christmas gifts we made Rice Warmers. You can use them in place of a heating pad for soreness or cramps. You can take one to bed with you on a cold night. If made correctly, they can stay warm for 20 to 30 minutes.

Pick 2 coordinating, pre-washed fabrics. I found some in my Heather Ross stash. Flannel works well, though a tight weave such as poplin, gives a light feel to the skin:

Lay your fabrics right sides together, cutting both at the same time.
Using your rotary cutter, cut 2 - 8.5 x 14 inches.
Sew around 3 sides, leaving a smaller end open. Trim corners.

Turn right side out, and press.

Turn under unfinished edges and press.

Fill with 8 1/2 cups rice (largest size grain you can find). Sew 1/8th inch seam along pressed opening, double stitching at beginning and end.

Put your Rice Warmer in a clean microwave for 3 1/3 - 4 min. You will have to experiment on the time.
Enjoy!

We made some with pannels, but I don't think they'll stay warm as long.

Hamilton's 9 square slash

2011-01-03T22:19:00.011-06:00

Take 9 -5 inch squares, and sew them into a block, slash down the middle, and again across. Lay your squares out, and randomly toss them. White Kona sashing makes your blocks pop.

I love this quilt, it finished up real nice. I had a hard time letting it go, but it went to the home of our newly married son and his darling wife and I know it will be loved and appreciated. (Hamilton is the name of their dearly loved pet Hedgehog . . . yes, you heard right).

This was my first quilt made with bamboo batting. It is so soft, and light weight. Please leave me a comment if you have used bamboo batting.

I love meander quilting. It is by far the fastest to quilt. I picked a variegated thread for this one.

I found a fun new way to add a little more character to a quilt, and use my sacred Heather Ross scraps at the same time.

Finished Quilts

2011-01-01T11:00:00.033-06:00

Pear Decadence 2012

Boys will be boys - 2011

Hometown Charm - 2011

Sunkissed Sally - 2011

Monaco Log Cabin - 2011

Greek Squares - 2011

Monaluna Monaco in pink - 2011

Sherbet Pips - 2011

Calico Calvin - 2011

African Safari - 2011

Rear Window - 2010

Hamilton's 9 Square Slash- 2010

Laura's Fish - 2010

Joseph's Pinwheels - 2010

Olivia Strip Quilt for McKenna - 2010

Westwood Pinwheels - 2010

Scrappy Log Cabin - 2010

I Spy for Richard - 2009

Ken's Cats - 2009

Potomac River - 2008

Clowns Turning Twenty - 2008

Brick Wall - 2008

Card Trick - 2008

Basic Quilt Making

2011-01-01T08:00:00.007-06:00

Laura's Fish - A beginner quilt - this post has a lot of good information for the beginning quilter.

Chasing Cottons - 12 week course from beginning to end.

Week 1 - Fabric - Choosing fabric, fabric designers, fabric bundles, Fat Quarters, jelly Rolls etc, Where to buy fabric locally or online overseas, shipping costs.. My favorite online shops etc.

Week 2 - Design - 'Sew as you go' OR the Designer - Using a graph book and planning, no rules.. Books/ blogs/ flickr... all the online sources or inspiration..
                             - Design Tips with Jennifer from That Girl That Quilt
                             - Design Tips with Amy from Amy's Creative Side

Week 3 - Cutting - Tools I use, how to cut your material properly, to wash or not to wash, incorporating seam allowances etc.
                             - To wash or not to wash??  Leanne from Mount Vincent Quilts
                             - Cutting Tips - with Rachel from Stitched in Colour

Week 4 - Sewing - Your machine, threads, needles, 1/4" foot, seam allowances, joining seams accurately, pins,
                            - Threads, Needles and Pins,  Cindy from Live a Colorful Life

Week 5 - Constructing your Quilt Top
                - Part (A) Sections, Chain Piecing..Design
                        - Part (B)
                        - English Paper Piecing with Saffron Craig
                        - Raw Edge Applique with Jess from Twin Fibers
                        - Stack and Slash Tutorial with Kate from Kate Conklin Designs.

Week 6 - Borders - adding borders the correct way,

Week 7 - Batting - The different types and what each one is used for..
                                            - The Pro's and Con's of Batting - Amy - Diary of a Quilter
                                           - Piecing Batting by Machine Tutorial - Vicki - Sew Inspired

Week 8 - Backing for your Quilt - Different backing fabrics, creating a pieced back, How much fabric required...Check out the Linky's in today's class for tons of inspiration!!

Week 9 - Basting - how to Baste your quilt, spray? Pins? Types of pins? Tape etc..
                                            - Spray Basting Tutorial with Kristie from OCD

Week 10 - Quilting by machine - Straight line Quilting, using a guide, free motion quilting, stitching in the ditch etc..
                                           - How I'm Quilting my QC Quilt!

Week 11 - Quilting by hand - Cottons to use, technique, needles, hoops..
                                           - Hand Quilting my QC Quilt

Week 12 - Binding - By machine or by hand.. or both.
                                                - Fusible Thread and Binding Tutorial from Amelia, Stitch 'n' bits.

Week 13 - Labels - Labeling your Quilt with Krista from Poppyprint

Other good Basic Quilt Making sites:

Basic Rotary Cutting Tutorial
The only thing I would add to her tutorial is to press your fabric WITH STARCH before cutting. It gives you a cleaner cut and makes your fabric easier to work with.

Oh Frasson - quilt making basic
quilt making basics, projects, pattern downloads

Missouri Quilt Star Co. - video tutorials
videos for beginning and intermediate quilters, projects

Crazy Mom Quilts - quilt making basics
binding, grid quilting, free motion quilting, quilt pattern tutorials

Film in the Fridge - basic pattern tutorials
straight line quilting, 505 spray adhesive, strip quilts, pillowcases, and other quilt patterns and projects.

Fat Quarterly - index of basic quilt making tutorials online
scroll to the bottom to see the index.

Fussy Framed blocks -Tutorial

2010-12-14T07:36:00.002-06:00

I pulled out an unfinished project to finish for Christmas. I didn't do my research ahead of time when I started this quilt, so I was making each square 1 at a time, and ended up putting it away because it was taking so long.

I found a great tutorial on Kate Conklin's blog on how to make Fussy Framed blocks, 2 at a time! The way she cuts her squares, gives you no waste, and your outer square is a continual design.

You can find that tutorial here. She has some great modern quilt designs. I love the "floating squares" border in this post. Maybe I'll try it on this quilt.

Laura's Fish - a beginner quilt

2010-12-13T07:33:00.021-06:00

This is a good design for a beginning quilter. A lap quilt (58" x 74") is a good size to start with because it's not too big. I like to use 8 inch squares.

This size quilt has 72 squares. You may want to add another row if you are tall.

Choosing Fabric:

If you are cutting your own fabric, and you are using 8 inch squares, you will want to purchase 1/2 a yard of 9 to 12 different fabrics. 1/2 a yard will give you 10 - 8 inch squares of that fabric. This is a little more fabric than you will need, but it gives you some options when you are laying your quilt out.

If you have a hard time choosing fabrics that look good together, you can purchase a group of coordinating fabrics. They come in a package already pre-cut. For an 8 inch square quilt, I purchase 2 "Layer Cakes" (10 inch squares pre-cut).

To get a good look at coordinating fabrics, I like to go to fatquartershop.com. At the top left of their website, you will see "specialty cuts". Click on "charm packs" and scroll through to the end for a good selection of your latest coordinating quilting fabrics.

Fabric Prep:

I do NOT like to wash my fabrics until my quilt is finished. Start by pressing your fabric, USE STARCH. I like Niagra non-aerosol spray starch found at my local Randalls grocery store. Its cheap and smells lovely!

Lay your fabrics over a chair after pressing.

You will need to cut your fabric using a rotary cutter, mat and rulers. I don't have a good on-line tutorial for cutting, have a quilting friend teach you or ask a happy person at your local quilt shop.

After cutting your 8 inch squares, lay them out on the floor. Move squares around until you have contrasting fabrics next to each other. If you have a figure in your design such as the scooters in the picture below, place them all right side up. Think about things like: do I want the stripes going in the same direction? do I want a pattern or randomness? are the darks balanced? are my focal prints balanced?

If you are struggling with the lay-out of your fabrics, leave it for a while, or ask another person's opinion. When you are happy with the placement of your squares, you can start to sew.

Sewing:

Decide ahead exactly what your seam allowance will be, I use 1/4". All seam allowances must be the same or your rows will not match up when you sew them together.

Begin with the top row, sewing the squares together. After you have finished the first row, press your seams in the same direction, then lay that row back down in it's place. After you finish sewing the 2nd row, press your seams in the opposite direction. Continue to the bottom of your quilt.

Sewing rows together:

Take your top 2 rows. Placing right sides together, pin at the intersections after butting those 2 seams together. If your fabric tends to shift when you sew, you may want to pin in-between the seams also.

I used my regular sewing machine to quilt this design. Day Style Designs has good basics on free motion quilting with your regular sewing machine. Here is a link to her motion free quilting designs on flickr.

Ready for binding? Follow this post. Stripes make a fun border. Scrappy borders are also fun, especially with the 8 inch beginner quilt.

Create a quilting file system:
As a beginning quilter, start book-marking the sites that seem to help you. Label your book marks in a way so you can find them in the future, for example: quilts I like, tutorials, blogs I like etc.

Here are some more links for beginning quilters:
Missouri Quilt Company - has a video tutorial on just about everything.
Cherry Pie is a beginner quilt by "crazy mom quilts".
crazymomquilts FAQ -great info there!
Oh Frasson has a post titled Quilt Making Basics with some great links to posts.
Strip quilts make good beginner quilts.

"crazy mom quilts" has a lot of information on her blog. Use her search engine to look for what you need help with.

WARNING: This disclaimer is to notify you that quilting, fabric, colors, designs, shapes etc, can become addicting. Remember moderation in all things is the best policy.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Basic Quilt Making (click here)

beginner sewing machine

Laura's fish - in progress

2010-12-03T21:54:00.082-06:00

I couldn't wait to show you my latest project, I'm still hand stitching the binding down and have the basting to take out, but I'll give you a peek. I've always been intrigued by Heather Ross's designs, and one of my favorites is "Lightning bugs and other Mysteries" for Free Spirit. You can still find it being sold on etsy.

I knew this was the right fabric for a quilt for Laura who is a freshman "fish" in college this year (or is that term only used for high school?). It wasn't hard to find fun coordinating fabrics in my stash.

Ever since I discovered Kelly Wuldson's quilts at "Don't Look Now", I've been fascinated by her quilted circles, and decided that this was a good opportunity to try it out . . . I don't know if mine will ever look as good as hers, but it sure was fun.

It certainly took a lot of bobbin thread, 2 plus bobbins per row!

My top pick for an adorable binding happened to be in my stash . . .

Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape

2010-12-03T13:17:00.048-06:00

I like to use "Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape" to insure straight lines when I quilt a grid pattern. It doesn't pull on my quilt when I remove it, and I can re-use the same strip, and the bright color makes it easy to follow.

Lay your quilt on a flat surface, and lay a strip of tape in the desired direction along the middle of your quilt. Sew along both sides, being careful to not puncture the tape. Working your way towards the edges of your quilt, pick up the tape, reposition and sew.

I used the 2 inch tape on this quilt.

You'll be amazed at how many widths you can find. My favorite is the 2 inch. I can always eyeball adding an inch or so as I sew along the side of the tape on my quilt.

I lay 2, 2- inch strips down on this quilt to create 4 inches.

You can sew your grid design through out your whole quilt, or just portions of it.

a maiden hair fern

Reunion Sneak Peek

Monaluna Ellie

Free Motion Quilting

Tags

Quilt Soup giveaway

Sneak Peek

Scrap Quilt Top

Play quilts

Pear Decadence

Boys will be boys

Christmas give-away . . .

Ruffled Kitchen Towel

Sweetwater Advent Calendar

Thank you, Quilt Story

Market "give-away"

Fall 2011 Quilt Market

Fall 2011 Blogger's Quilt Festival - Hometown Charm

Sunkissed binding w/ SIMPLI-EZ Bias Ruler

Sunkissed Sally

Lavender Sachets

Monaco Log Cabin

Scrap Blocks

Hometown sneak peek

Card Trick - rebound

Monaluna Monaco in pink

First Look at Reunion

Greek Squares Quilt - finished

Binding for a King

Summer House Charm - Liz's 2nd quilt

pincushion tutorial

Vintage Singer Featherweight Sewing Machine

Liz's first quilt - The Yellow One

Sherbet Pips Quilt

Onesies for TWO

Quilting Sherbet Pips

Nauvoo Quilt Shop

My Blogger's Quilt Festival Favorites - Spring 2011

Miss Rosie's LABELS

The inspiration behind Calico Calvin's Quilt

Singer - #5 Sewing Machine

Miss Rosie Quilts

Calico Calvin

Sneak Peek

African Safari Quilt

HQ Sweet 16

Quilted with the HQ Sweet 16

Whirleygigs top

"Little Red" in Sunkissed fabrics

Organize your "Munchkins"

Flag Curtains

ABC Organizing

Olivia Apron Modifications

Whirleygig Beginnings

Everything has a home

Ken's cats

Connor's Rear Window

Exercising? Accessorizing? how about QUILTING!!

Olivia Strip Quilt

Beany Boy Quilts

Rice Warmers

Hamilton's 9 square slash

Finished Quilts

Basic Quilt Making

Fussy Framed blocks -Tutorial

Laura's Fish - a beginner quilt

Laura's fish - in progress

Scotch-Blue Painter's Tape