Blue Bobbin

Scraps

2012-01-16T21:23:00.004-06:00

This one goes with a vintage suitcase that I love. The one below I'm currently using daily.

Made a couple of these bags from what was a free tutorial. The pattern is now for sale at Diary of a Flutter Kat's Blog. It's a good one!

Resolutions

2012-01-01T10:14:00.002-06:00

I spent some time reviewing things I've made and looking at what I have posted over the years I'd like to make. Committing this year to making a few of them:

Crib Sheet tutorial

Bought the fabric and the binding to make this Vintage Smock. Sew Mama Sew posted three separate tutorials to walk folks through the process.

Reversable drawstring bag----lunch bag---or just because!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-11-18T09:41:00.000-06:00

Found these adorable onsie appliques a Daffodil designs, through Pinterest.

First Full Bed Size Quilt

2011-11-15T13:00:00.001-06:00

I've made alot of small quilts and odd sized couch quilts, but other than the twin size I made for my son this s the largest one made so far. Already started on another that I hope to show soon though with Sugar Flower. This one is Hello Betty by Moda.

I showed my I Candy once before, but it wasn't quite ready to go to the quilter. Two jelly rolls were just shy the size I needed for a full sized bed. Added a 2.5" borderd to complete it. Ordered a backing today. Can't wait to see this quilted and bound.

Alien Hat!

2011-11-14T12:45:00.003-06:00

When my daughter said she wanted an Alien hat, I thought ick! I didn't want to invest the time into it, but this sure turned out cute. She is super happy with it.

I used this basic pattern (knit in the round though). Then took pieces of wool, used fray check on the edges and sewed it to the hat. Still thinking about adding pompons to the straps, but she says she likes it like it is. I'm thinking little silver pompons would be really cute though.....just saying!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-11-11T10:09:00.003-06:00

Oh Fransson teaches how to make a nice quilt pattern on your work.

Braided headband from Pinterest.

Have you been to Pinterest yet? OMG! Lots of inspiration there....

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-10-28T05:31:00.002-05:00

Away for a little "Fiber Holiday" with my sister. Found this list of 100 blog links to save to explore little by little. Lots of purse, wallets etc.

Pillows

2011-10-26T09:20:00.004-05:00

This is a Buttermilk Basin Embroidery that I made a pillow out of for my couch. It sits opposite the one I did last year. Hope to someday have enough pillow covers to update the living room for each Season...

This Christmas pillow is from the latest Art to Heart Book, Jingle All The Way. I don't have the peppermint buttons on it yet and not really sure I'm going to. This pattern would be so great done up with photos instead of solid blocks and different words on the front....a memory pillow, baby pillow, engagement or wedding pillow with LOVE on it......soooo many possibilities!

I've been wanting to try my hand at putting a zipper on the back of my pillow. It's hard to see in this picture (sorry), but I'm lifting up the flap hiding the zipper. Erin at House on Hill Road did a 17 minute video that walked me right through it. I watched for a few minutes, paused and did what she said - step by step-It was easy and very fun. No more lap over the backs for me. It takes less fabric to cover a back this way.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-10-14T07:24:00.003-05:00

Kat, from A Mumma's Time to Create did this wonderful tutorial - Scrappy Quilt As You Go Pouch

This fun Hot Pad Tutorial by Delores, featured at Sweet P Quilting & Creations

Ayumi, at Pink Penguin has some great tutorials that I've posted about before. I recently rediscovered this lunch bag tutorial. It would make a nice small projects (knitting/embroidery) tote as well.

Catching Up

2011-10-12T11:54:00.002-05:00

Been so busy making projects, that I've gotten way behind on posting! These are Terry Atkinson's Zippy Strippy bags. LOVE them! Great way to use up scraps when finishing up a project. Makes nice little gifts.

This is a cowl made from Plymouth's Baby Alpaca Grande. It takes one skein. Here is a free similar pattern.

A little knitting

2011-10-11T07:00:00.002-05:00

This cowl is made from Mini Mochi. It's a free pattern from Crystal Palace Yarns. Takes less than one skein and is so pretty.

I Heart Cuddle

2011-10-10T08:59:00.004-05:00

I love making gifts for friends and family. These products make some super nice gifts! I've been busy making samples for my local quilt shop.

Cuddle Critters are very plush stuffed animals that come with even softer fabrics to make a small blanket to go with the toy.
This kit was originally meant to be made by cutting the Critter in half, but there is a free non-surgical pattern available also. Each pattern has a website link that helps with tips for working with the fabric. An easy project especially for a teen or someone just getting back into sewing.

When working with this plush fabric it helps to use a 1/2 inch seam allowance, ball point needle #90 and 3 on stitch length.

Hug!

Being a labor nurse, I LOVE this quick little project/gift. Sooooo soft.You can buy pre-packaged hugs or use your own combo of Shannon Fabrics to create a Hug

Fall Fun

2011-10-09T06:55:00.002-05:00

A classmate of my daughter, took these wonderful pictures of her. Love the site they chose.

I've been working on some pillows for Fall. These are an anniversary present for my oldest daughter who got married last year.

This pillow is from the Art to Heart Book - Bittersweet

I used templates in the Bittersweet book to make this Fall Scrappy Pillow Inspired by this post.
When I get my Holiday sewing done, I'd like to make a set of these for my house too.

For those of you with small children or grandkids around. I found this post from Family Fun for

more fun with Fall Leaves.

New Fall Purse

2011-10-08T06:40:00.003-05:00

I've made four or five of these now. Love this purse! The picture doesn't do the size justice. This is the larger one (there are two different patterns and handle sizes). Once you purchase the handles, you can make all kinds of bags to attach. The larger purse is made from 3 fat quarters. The smaller one, from 2.

A Special Quilt

2011-09-21T22:18:00.002-05:00

Didn't want to post this till my Aunt Shirley received it. The gray and burgondy patches are made up from two of Uncle Bill's shirts. I wanted to make a special memory for her.

It was extra nice that her daughter was home for a visit when she got it. I had passed it to a cousin to deliver for me.

It turned out to be a large throw size. Made of 9 patches set on point with a plain block in between.

This is me sharing it with my quilt guild before the top was quilted. Such a priviledge to be able to share a craft/passion in such a way.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-06-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

Changing pad/wallet - great PDF to download. Would make a wonderful baby shower gift.

No more wet seat, thanks to this bike seat tutorial!

Bitty Bug Pin Cushion - just cute!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-06-03T05:31:00.004-05:00

Red Pepper Quilts does it again! Love her style! You can find her tutorial for this quilt here.

This little planter would make a great gift for a friend or look pretty in your own sewing room.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-05-20T10:04:00.004-05:00

Check out this very cool quilted Growth Chart.....I especially like the way she used triangles for hanging on the back!

At the quilt retreat I recently attended, we were looking at several E-Book covers. Rediscovered this great Kindle Cover today.

Slowly getting back to blogging. Recently lost two family members to cancer. My youngest moved out while I was doing hospice care for my sister-in-law. I've been busy re-organizing my own little "empty nest". (It was a planned moved. Not something to add to our sorrows) Lots of completed projects thanks to the much needed recent quilt retreat. As soon as I get some pictures taken..... :) Happy weekend!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2011-05-13T06:05:00.003-05:00

Not much posting as so busy with family. Off to a much needed quilt retreat this weekend. Have been getting back to visiting blogs again. Wanted to share some good finds.

Denim Bins
Bowl Covers

snowbound quilts

2011-03-23T11:41:00.004-05:00

Our Moda Club Group participated in Bunny Hill's free block of the month. There were more participants than pictured here, but these were the ones I took that weren't blurred from my i-phone.....

I did mine with embroidered snowmen and color crayons. I'm sorry that I didn't use a darker
background to show off the snowmen better...lesson learned.

Same pattern, but so many different quilts. I don't have the names of each of the gals that completed these, but it sure was fun to see them all.

You can see morer of Bunny Hill's Snowbound quilts and blocks at the

Snowbound Flicker Group.

Best Gift

2011-02-12T09:01:00.003-06:00

I have very few pictures of my three kids together. For my birthday this year they gave me these portraits that they took last August, while my son was home for a visit.

I cried tears of joy! Best gift they ever gave me. Pretty good kids!

i-candy

2011-02-11T11:27:00.002-06:00

This is my Blue Underground Studios, Inc, i-candy quilt. I used two Hello Betty jelly rolls.
Still planning to put a couple small borders on it. My friend, Darla, made it using batiks...
Beautiful! The designer made it using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. You'll have to suffer through seeing it again once it's quilted!

Back At It!

2011-02-04T13:10:00.003-06:00

I've been checking in on blogs, but not blogging much myself lately. Trying to do better...
Recently went on a WONDERFUL quilt retreat. These pics were taken with my I phone.
Rapid River is my favortie quilt retreat site. Twelve of us had a great time.

Under those lights, are three sets of sliding glass doors that look out on a river. (Beautiful)

We ate really well too! Such a big, comfortable setting to visit and be creative!

One of the things I did work on (and am totally hooked on right now) is the This & That pattern-Abby's Treasure Box. Made as directed, it is a tiny cosmetic (whatever) bag. The great thing about this bag is that it only takes 12 charm squares and some extra fabric for the lining. By cutting the same number of charms 1/2" bigger than directed it makes a bag size that I personally finde more usuable and yet still only uses the 12 charms! Great way to use up those left over charms. Would make great little gifts (especially filled with a few "treasures").

(More quilt retreat projects to follow)

Doll clothes

2010-12-16T06:27:00.002-06:00

Knitted these little bodices and then sewed skirts on to them for a friends daughters.

Making doll clothes has given me joy since I was a girl myself. These other two outfits were purchased and jazzed up with some iron on appliques.

Being an "elf" sure makes Christmas fun!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-11-26T09:10:00.002-06:00

Crayon Roll tutorial from A Pretty Cool Life. These could be made with fat quarters. Also check out her wristlet camera strap. Very cute!

Knitting needle holder from Pin and Paper

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-11-19T09:18:00.006-06:00

A friend found the link to this cute knitter's sock bag by Terry Atkinson. I'v made two now and as soon as I can get back to my machine, I'll be making more. Very fun, quick project.
Here are a few other things I found while surfing the web this week. Enjoy!

Christmas cookie recipe

Luggage tag

Hooded towel tutorial for children.

From Wee Folk Art a cute knitted hat and fingerless baby mittens to match. (Hat can be made for older children as well)

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-11-12T09:57:00.002-06:00

SewMamaSew is doing their 4th Annual Handmade Holidays Event. These are a few of the thing they've listed I really liked.

These hanging baskets would be great in a sewing room for sorting scraps or by the machine for projects....ohhhhhhh the possibilites!

Found at Penny's Hands Blog: Love this hexie caddie!

Silk flower pins to accent presents or bags from Obsessivly Stitching. Then I found her tutorial for these drawstring bags for small parts to toys.

Top 100 tutorials from 2009 list at The Long Thread. (I'll have to save this to go back and browse through)

No sewing needed---snowglobe soaps!

Mug Rug at Stash Manicure.

Snowbound

2010-10-20T09:00:00.003-05:00

Caught up with the monthly Bunny Hill free patterns. It won't be long before we'll be shoveling again...

Retreat coming up soon....planning to make the joining quilt blocks. Snowbound - Bunny Hill

MCQA Quilt Show 2010

2010-10-18T09:39:00.003-05:00

Our local quilt guild hosted a quilt show this weekend in our community. There were over 200 quilts in the show. The following is just a sample of some that caught my eye....

This one incorporated quiltshow ribbons!

This one had been a blotto challenge from last year. Chris won these blocks, and did a super job of putting them together.

Theresa, called this wall hanging "Letting Go". The colors in my photo are not as vivid as the quilt. She said she made it right after she retired.

cool moose!

Our guild participated in a Lenore Crawford workshop this past year. There were quilts here by Lenore Crawford herself. This one was made by a gal in our guild at that workshop

Some guild members worked with a local classroom to make self portrait quilts. This little girl came to the show to see her's. She is the one on the top with the flower in her hair. So sweet!

This is another Blotto quilt. I have a block in here, but was not the lucky winner.

I LOVE the whimsy of this quilt block. Just look at those tumbling snowman hats!

It is amazing to see all the different styles of quilts from vintage to art. Now we can all rest till 2012! I've learned that I didn't keep good enough records of pattern, quilter, etc. Info that goes on registering a quilt at a show. I'm set up now to keep track of all those little details. I had three quilts in the show, but none of them for judging.

It was a great weekend filled with demonstrations and vendors. (I did a little shopping too!)

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-10-15T09:52:00.002-05:00

Fabric Clutch (Martha Stewart) - wish I would've found this before Em's wedding. The video/tutorial is very good.

Adorable! Reversable Baby Bonnet Tutorial over at Sew mamma sew.

Local Quilt Show this weekend. Sure wish I was feeling better. Hope to get there and be able to enjoy it. You know I'll be posting pics from it soon.

Knitting

2010-10-11T09:13:00.002-05:00

Home sick with some kind of cold/flu/bug... While browsing Ravelry today, one link leads to another, found this link for knitted Barbie Doll clothes. I have all my daughter's Barbies, and at some point, would love to make some new wardrobes for them.

This Mini Mochi Cowl is also now on my to-do list. It would make a nice Christmas present as well as something I would use myself.

Today though, I'm headed back to bed. Working on a baby sweater that I've already ripped out once....

I'm a Mother-In-Law

2010-10-06T18:10:00.003-05:00

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Wiig 10/2/10

More pics to follow soon!

Camping

2010-09-19T09:10:00.002-05:00

For the first time in many years, we took our camper out to a site in Grand Marais, Michigan. Grand Sable Dune is there. Along the dune is a "log slide" which is now really just a very steep descent to Lake Superior.

You can tell just how steep it is from this pic. We took our time going down so we could enjoy the view.

This is a shot of the Grand Sable Dune on the way down. It was too cool for a swim, but perfect weather for walking. It took us just over three hours to walk along the shore back to our campsite.

This was the view of Lake Superior from our camper window. There is a nice little town there with a great micro brewery. We took our bikes and had a great time.

Next time, we'll go earlier in the Summer, when we can take the whole day to swim and meander back.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-09-17T09:29:00.002-05:00

How to make your own colorful solar lights.

This picnic tote is too cute! Would be just the thing to take your placesetting to pot luck.

Cute Receiving Blanket from Whip Stitch.

Bobbin Work

2010-09-12T08:59:00.003-05:00

My friend Rose, was teaching this class at our Guild "School House" on Saturday. Sooooooo glad I took her class. This first picture is of her work. (My favorite) She used bobbin work to accent the tree and branches.

This, more simple project, was for us beginners. She sent these out as her Christmas cards last year. She used Razzle Dazzle in her bobbin, bypassed the tension and used a monofiliment to sew with. You are actually sewing on the back of the fabric to make the design. I was able to make two cards, and then I tried a tree on a piece of fabric to use for a pincushion or center of a pillow. Very fun! I have some embroidery designs I'm planning to try it with using peal cotton in my bobbin.

Rose said she uses this technique to write names on baby bibs, blankets, shirts etc. You can applique something and then do bobbin work around the outside......the possibilities! Thanks Rose!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-07T05:52:00.003-05:00

This is our fourth annual Bridge Walk. We made the walk in 1 hour and 34 minutes this year. We weren't trying to beat any certain time, it's just the amount of time it took us to walk it.
Thousands of people who cross the Mackinaw Bridge each year on Labor Day. This year, it was reported that 42,000 of us walked the Bridge.

The Mackinaw Bridge has been open to traffic since 11/1/1957. Construction started in 1954.
It is currently the third largest suspension bridge in the world, and is 5 miles long.

After our walk, we got on the ferry to Mackinaw Island. It's a 16 minute boat ride. We rented bikes and road around the Island. There are no cars on the Island. Only bikes and horses. It's a very fun place to visit. Liz, from the Quilted Turtle lives year round on Mackinaw Island. Check out her blog.

Some sewing and knitting was accomplished in the car, so I should have fiber/fabric related posts soon.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-09-03T05:21:00.003-05:00

Break is over...I've been catching up on all my favorite blogs. Edmond and Lizzy are back in college. Em's wedding is less that a month away, (most of the details are attended to). The weather is finally cooling off here, so I'm ready to get back to some sewing and knitting.

This personalized bath towel would make a great birthday present for a little girl, or a couple for a graduation gift for someone heading off to college. While at What I made Today, I also spotted this Ribbon Tag Mini Blanket that would make a wonderful baby gift.

Fall is here and I'm dreaming of making this Fall leaf pillow. It might be just the thing for me to do today! I need to clean up my sewing room. I could look for leaves while doing that....

Emmye

2010-08-15T13:05:00.001-05:00

My oldest daughter is getting married. We had a wonderful Bridal Shower yesterday. Just had to share.

Blog Break

2010-08-12T06:35:00.002-05:00

I'm still checking in to read my favorite blogs. Trying to enjoy the last days of Summer here.
I hope you are too. I'll be back again the end of the month.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-07-29T18:52:00.001-05:00

Not getting much accomplished around here this past week. Still hoping to finish the pinwheel doll quilt before Wedneesday. Thanks for stopping by.

Early Bird

2010-07-22T05:11:00.003-05:00

I first saw these earring holders over at Handmade Mommy's blog. Her tutorial is here.

This is a great gift idea for using scraps of fabric. It involves no sewing. I made my first two following the tutorial exactly.

The next three I used foamcore and pins. A friend showed me how to do this. It makes a great difference in how nicely it stretches and stays in place.

Instead of the glass, use foamcore cut just slightly small than the glass in the frame. (I'm sure a local frame shop would help you with this.) The pins just slide in.

My daughter wants to make some for her friends for Christmas too.

Using a larger frame, you could have two or three rows of ribbon for hanging earrings on.

I have seen this done with screening attached to the frame, and over at

Trey and Lucy's with lace.

On The Edge

2010-07-20T09:21:00.000-05:00

Another set of pillowcases completed. I LOVE this fabric! I was going to do a wider crochet edge, but the simplicity of the shell made them look the best.

Pinwheels

2010-07-19T08:53:00.006-05:00

Using scraps, I cut 9 blocks 4 3/4" floral print and white print (9 each). Using the method I learned at Sandra's Blog, The Cumberland Island Quilt Chick, I sewed a 1/4 inch seam around all blocks. I quartered each block diagonally

Pressed the seams toward the darker fabric the cut off the seam where is came over the edge of my fabric. (Using 4 3/4" blocks to begin with gave me four 3" half square triangles)

It is important that the pinwheels all "spin" in the same direction if you plan to
sew them together....I found this out the hard way and had to rip one out...

Once sewn together, the blocks were slightly larger than 5". I squared all mine

up to 5" blocks to sew together.It's been my weekend to work, so this little quilt isn't quite completed yet. My goal is to have a little doll quilt this week.

Thanks Sandra, for all the fun! I'm really lovin making pinwheels now.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-07-16T02:21:00.001-05:00

Check out the update portion of this post. It shows a neat way to make pinwheels from two charms. I played with it with several 5" charms. It worked great. I was making a dog bed for a friend's tea cup chiwawa....Tank! It has a little place that he can crawl into to sleep if he wants.

I think Tank likes his new little bed. It has a zipper so it can come off for washings.

By using this same method of making pinwheels, you could make a zig zag quilt top easier too.

A very cool dragonfly craft.

Blueberry Moon has several posts (linking to each other) with pattern templates you can print to make adorable doll outfits. She has a great doll quilt pattern here.

This Mama Makes Stuff has a printable pattern and instructions for making cute little bloomers for a real baby 0-3months.

Early Bird

2010-07-15T00:00:00.000-05:00

These could be done up in Holiday fabric or just colors to match a kitchen. This tutorial can be found at Sew4home

This tutorial is from SewMamaSew

Both were easy and fun to make up. I also like the one from Pleasant home.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-07-14T06:40:00.001-05:00

This makes 7 double blooms and 10 single blooms in my "garden". (65 more double blooms to go...) Final plan here.
I had been making the second round a different shade of the first, but am going to have to just repeat some rounds of the single blooms, as a couple fabrics are just too "busy" for me. I hope that will look okay.

Progress

2010-07-13T07:54:00.000-05:00

Second green pillowcase done. Ready to add crocheted edging on. Pink Pima cotton.

Another Summerlin Dress completed. This one for a friend's wee one. So cute!

Blast from the past

2010-07-12T09:02:00.001-05:00

Tay asked me about a tutorial for making totes from placemats...I knew I had posted about it somewhere. I finally found this link to a placemat tote back in 2008! And, I still haven't made one. While I was back in the 2008 (can't believe I've been blogging that long...) I thought I'd repost links to some other favorite things I'd still like to try.

Beaded dish covers
Cute Cowls to knit
Owl appliqued hoodies for little girls
Small baby blanket with ribbons for attaching toys
Nursing cover
Fusion Bag
Baby hat to knit
Shabby Chic tote
Zig Zag Quilt top
canning jar pincushion
charming tote
friendship bag tutorial
Fall pillow topper
Pinwheel bobbi pins (I've been meaning to make these since Spring)
Table runner
pinwheel doll quilt

These are going to have to be added to my list of sometime soon.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-07-09T04:27:00.001-05:00

My son home for the Summer visiting with my parents.

This Binky Leash and carrying pouch would make a great little baby gifty, especially when paired with these burp cloths. Colorful and fun.

Free knitting patterns for Teddy Bears By Mary Martin. This link prints out sunsuit, overalls and jacket and pants in several different sizes. The quilting guild I belong to makes teddy bear quilts every year and I'd like to make a coordinating outfit for mine. :)

Personalized baby quilts at Moda Bake Shop! Too cute!

Early Bird

2010-07-08T04:22:00.000-05:00

This little bag could be a lunch bag for a co-worker, or a knitting bag for a friend. The pattern is free at All People Quilt 1/2 yard of exterior and lining makes this bag. I did use a fusable fleece lining.

The lining even has small pockets. Fun and fast to make up.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-07-07T07:01:00.003-05:00

My youngest daughter wants this quilt when completed.....More insentive to keep working on it. One flower at a time.

A Special Gift

2010-07-05T06:06:00.000-05:00

My grandmother was married to my grandpa (a railroad engineer) at the age of 16. They had 10 children and 25 grandchildren. They were married just shy of 75 years when they died. Both of them lived into their 90's. Grandpa always lovingly called grandma his "Jennie Sue".

My Grandma gave my sister and I a love for crocheting and knitting. She was always working on something. Shirley recently went to the family reunion and brought back this great apron made by my Aunt Iszie.

Aunt Iszie had been collecting recipies (in my grandmother's hand writting) for this special project. She made several different versions with different accents.

I have such a thoughtful sister to bring me one back since I wasn't able to attend.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-07-02T08:19:00.006-05:00

It was a very productive week for me. (Unusual here) This Quilts for kids is ready for the quilter. The back of the quilt has electric guitars and the words dream on it.

Artsy-Crafty Babe has update an old purse pattern. Her new one is super! The directions are great and the pattern prints out at 100% size.

Make up Roll! What a great idea! Lots of other great tutorials to be found at this site. She has one on making a tote and another on a little zippy bag.

This little duckie embroidery would look so cute on something for a baby...bib, blanket...

This little headband is super cute and easy! I have some great leftover ribbon from key chains that I made awhile back....

How About Orange posted a link to a neat meal planner idea.

Bee in My Bonnet did a great little tutorial on how to make a vintage chair pincushion.

Early Bird

2010-07-01T11:16:00.005-05:00

The Pink Penguin, did a wonderful tutorial on making these fabric baskets. This one with the Christmas fabrics, is the size of the one in her tutorial.

I enjoyed it so much, that I played around with size and ended up with these other two. The top one will most likely go to a neighbor with popcorn, candy and movie gift certificate for Christmas.

I envision the other two with bath products or manicure items as a gifty for a friend. Would be cute with a small knitting project (a skein of sock yarn and size 2 needles). So many potentials.

My favorite size is the middle one. For this one, I cut fabric:

After piecing some fabric together I cut two 3.25" x 12", the onsnaburg, that I used for the base, was cut 8 x 12. The small handles are essentially the same size. It's a very fun way to use scraps.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-06-30T11:19:00.004-05:00

I've been a little distracted by other projects this week. One new flower is done, but I didn't quite get the second round on last weeks flower yet today. (My goal, to do one new one and a second round on an old one each week.) So here is where I am as of this moment....

Yesterday, before work I sewed the pre-cut strips together then cut them and resewed to make the four patches for my Quilts for Kids Quilt.

The printed instructions you see in the background can be found here. Hope to get the blocks sewn together today.

Another Quilting Project

2010-06-29T11:42:00.004-05:00

Recieved this kit from Quilts for Kids the other day. It is really great to be able to give something to a good cause and yet get so much enjoyment out of the process.

So fun to recieve the package in the mail....it's like Christmas opening it up to see what fabrics they sent to work with. All I need to do now is make the quilt and send it back. :) You can request your own free kit here.

Catching Up

2010-06-28T11:22:00.004-05:00

I was without a camera for the last couple of days....My Wednesday flowers are done for last week...I missed that post. Two "garden" post this week for ya.

I have spent the last several days in my sewing room working on small projects. I now have WEEKS worth of Early Bird projects to share on Thursdays. There are so many unfinished projects taking up space in my sewing room ..... (You know exactly what I mean...) Anyway, since I was showing you flowers today, I thought I'd share this pillowcase. The next time I make this, I'm taking 2" off the original pattern. My pillows will fit into the cuff much better that way.
The original post with step by step instructions can be found here. I would make the top 20x28" and the bottom 20x36" the next time. (One yard would make a pillow case this way and not be so over generous in size. It would, of course, depend on the size of pillow you use.) Also, I think I'm going to fold down the top edge twice to cover the raw edges. It's a super easy, elegant pillowcase.

This one is going to have a pink crocheted edge. The bottom part of the pillow is done in a coordinating fabric. I purchased this 1 yard cut of floral at the Chicago Quilt Show. Love it!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-06-18T07:51:00.000-05:00

Bunny Hill's June Block complete! Looks a little 4th of July like, so I tried to use appropriate colors. Block 6

How About Orange posted a link to this cute little wallet tutorial done by Noodlehead.

It's good to have my son home. I have to get a picture of him with his sisters before he goes back out West.

Early Bird Post

2010-06-17T06:48:00.001-05:00

Eleven little gift card wallets sewn together and tucked into a page protector in my Early Bird Notebook. I like to gift video rental gift cards or gift cards to local book stores, as well as to coffee shops etc. Hope to get a few more projects made this next week.

I'm not making one of these this year, but here's a link for a recycled card basket.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-06-16T08:28:00.004-05:00

This is my newest single bloom......6 made now.....66 more to go! Thanks for keeping me inspired.

Third double bloom.....69 more of these beauties...... :) I think I've decided on white for the joining block.

Speaking of flowers.... Just completed this flower quilt. Quite awhile back, I made a quilts for kids quilt with fabric they sent me. I completed this one from fabrics I purchased . The purple fabric is the backing. It's off to the quilter to work her magic now. I recently received a new kit from them so hope to send two back this time.

You can send for your free kit here.

Embroidery

2010-06-15T12:14:00.003-05:00

I really love this little embroidery. I'm hopiong to make several more of these for family before Halloween. Goes together very quickly.

This one is a wall hanging

These were two patterns picked up from Buttermilk Basin at Quilt Market. I did them up to put in the shop for demos. You can check out all of the new great Halloween patterns here. There are still two others I plan to do before Fall. I just started another ghost pillow yesterday.

Sneak Peak

2010-06-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

This is a challenge quilt I'm working on with some friends. I've had the Jack and the Beanstock fabric for several years now. This quilt is making me so happy. It's so whimsical. This is just the first row added together. More sashing to follow.

A little peak at a few of my favorite characters. There are five rows, so Jack will appear in all five rows.

This weekend I got three rows together and hope to have all five rows together by the end of the day. :)

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-06-11T10:26:00.001-05:00

This is a great way to use a charm pack. I think as a quilter, I'd use the 1/4" seam allowance though. Sweet Baby Quilt.

Knitting pattern for cute Summer top.

Knitting pattern for baby mittens.

These cute little purses from leftovers!

My VERY favorite thing about today is that my son comes home tonight! :) (He's the one in the black t-shirt).

Early Bird

2010-06-10T11:18:00.004-05:00

I'm joining Judith over at Creative Studio in the hopes to be more "ready" for the Christmas Season this year. (It's also a great excuse to make small projects.....and, I love me some small projects!)

She asked that we first start by making a Christmas Book/Journal to put our list of people to make for and what we're planning to make them. This is my first attempt at one of these notebook covers. Years ago, I asked my mentor (Lisa B) to make up this to use as a knitting needle holder. I had the idea, but not the skills to make it. I guess I'm improving :).

It still needs some paper and dividers. I hope to keep my gift list, card list, favorite Holiday recipies and patterns.

This is my small gift idea. As the kids have gotten older, gift certificates/cards have been popular with them. I saw this idea to recycle Christmas cards to make a gift card holder here.

I cut mine 2.75" x 3.75" then did a zig zag around three sides using a varigated thread. I think I'll make up some of these and put them in a plastic envelope in my notebook.

New Blooms

2010-06-09T00:37:00.001-05:00

One Flower Wednesday

June 7th

2010-06-08T10:28:00.002-05:00

A big day at our household yesterday. My "baby" turned 19. She celebrated with friends.

My parents celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary. So much joy in one day....

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-06-04T09:13:00.002-05:00

This massive list of free quilt patterns. It is very impressive. (You do have to scroll way down the page to get the list of links.)

One Flower Wednesday

2010-06-02T07:10:00.001-05:00

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-05-28T08:37:00.000-05:00

I so want to work on Christmas list, projects ahead of time. I'm not the first one out here thinking about that. Last year, I was so behind, that I didn't really enjoy the Season (and it's usually my favorite time of year). Found this wreath wall hanging at Moda Bake Shop.

Judith is hosting an Early Bird Christmas Group. She proposes making a bound book to keep a list of project ideas paired with people you plan to make something for. I know Summer has just begun, but little handmade projects might be just the thing for crafting through the warmer months.

Gift for a Friend

2010-05-27T12:47:00.000-05:00

On the car trip to market, I finnished this cute baby vest. It's a gift for a friend's baby due in July. There were 13 fat quarters and an alphabet panel in this bundle of fabric. It's called Baby Business by Benartex. It's gonna make such a cute quilt!

One Flower Wednesday

2010-05-26T09:40:00.006-05:00

I put a second round on my first flower, made a new one for last week and one for this week. Getting caught up. My plan is to put a scound round on the previous weeks flower and make a new flower each week. This is a great Summer sewing project. So portable!

Karen, of Journey of a Quilter said there are now 76 gardeners. She is posting a sign up sheet so we can visit the blogs that have posted about One Flower Wednesday progress.

Quilt Market

2010-05-24T06:33:00.004-05:00

I was lucky enough to get to tag along to quilt market this year. I do work at least one day a week in a local quilt shop. It's fun to get to be amongst the fabric and yarn. To check people out and see what they are enthused about making. We had a wonderful couple of days in Minneapolis. These are just a few of the highlights. The ideas are all still spinning in my head. I'm so excited to start making some new samples.

Ann Sutton, of Bunny Hill. Had to have my pic with her. You know how I've been keeping up with the free Snowbound patterns she's putting up monthly. You can follow her at her blog.

Amy Butler in person! She was so very gracious. She had lots of slides showing us her studio and newest lines. We received some free patterns from her that you can access here.

Edyta Sitar was very moving and inspiring. She showed us many projects made from her book

Friendship Triangle. She had a basket of "Cinnamon Sticks" (6 1/2" rolls of fabric) paired with a paper that when sewn as directed and cut makes 28 half triangle squares.

The idea is to keep a triangle or two then turn in the rest to a participating shop. You will get back that number of blocks from friends working on the same program. There is usually a party involved with lots of beautiful quilts. I have the cinnamon stick she was holding in her hand. (I know, I'm such a groupy).

Finally one of the people I was most excited to meet...Monica of the Happy Zombie. I've been a follower of her blog for some time now. She was with the Lecien Corporation. I LOVE their fabrics. Monica is so creative. She gave us the Poochie Bag. She had cool bags made from the new Christmas line.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-05-21T03:30:00.002-05:00

Cute tote tutorial here. (A girl can never have too many bags!.....)

Wee Folk Art did a nice tutorial for making diapers (and wipes !) for dolls.

Kari at Handmade Mommy did this great little earring organizer, I'm thinking about making a few of these for Christmas gifts.

Amylouwho has posted a Sew and Tell Friday with LOTS of links to what other creative people are making.....I'm still checking them all out - pretty cool.

A Garden Tour on One Flower Wednesday

2010-05-19T04:48:00.005-05:00

Dawn is making great progress on her garden. I love the second layer of color.

Sandra is doing and I-spy flower quilt....too cute!

Gisele has fussy cut her flowers to give them a special look...very pretty!

I found this link for yardage and layout of the double ring

and the single flower quilts. Still leaning towards the double right now.

Monday Show and Tell

2010-05-17T05:43:00.001-05:00

This simple baby blanket is 28" square. Just the right size for a stroller or car seat. Pre packaged blanket binding made this a very easty project. One side is a Minky type material, the other is flannel.

I love little knitting projects. And, this one turned out super cute. It's a newborn to 3month size. Yarn and Pattern by Sirdar.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-05-14T04:50:00.000-05:00

Paper pieced Blotto Block for June, for our quilt guild. Directions can be found here towards to bottom of the page. Our instructions were to make it in shades of green and cream.

Avignon Picnic Quilt by Moda Bake Shop. Classic!

This little cute Button Tote.

Summerlin

2010-05-13T04:46:00.000-05:00

This pattern by Kathryn Ivy is wonderful! It requires very little yarn. I had left over Cotton Ease from another project and have yet enough to make at least one more in this color. Her directions are very clear and easy to follow. Thanks Kathryn! This one is a size 2. The pattern comes in sizes 1-5. I think it is much cuter with a shorter dress attached. This one came just above the knee on the 2 year old I tried it on. For size two I would use 15" of fabric, the width of fabric gathered, with a 1" hem.

One Flower Wednesday

2010-05-12T06:56:00.002-05:00

One Flower Wednesday group can be found here. Helpful Tutorials here and here.

Favorite Friday Blog Find

2010-05-07T04:42:00.001-05:00

I made this Bernat pattern using Sugar N Cream. It's lined with just shy of a yard of batik to help keep it's shape.

Basic knitted doll pattern in 6 sizes. This is their latest post with instructions for the knitted hats.

Flower Garden Quilt Making

2010-05-06T03:12:00.000-05:00

After seeing this at Jan's blog, My Scrap Basket,

I am going to start my flower garden all over. (Good thing I only have one flower made...)

I bought 1/2 yard of yellow today to be my centers

One Flower Wednesday

2010-05-05T06:54:00.001-05:00

I've been wanting to work on a grandmother's flower quilt for some time now. After finding this group, I hope to make it happen! This is a great tutorial recommended by the group for prepping your hexagons. And, this one is for sewing them together.

Speaking of flowers....check out this cute little wrist pincushion accented with flower petals. Sachiko, of Tea Rose Home is very creative!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-04-30T01:05:00.000-05:00

Chicago Quilt Show "Bling" I knew I just had to have this bobbin and bead necklace!

Sian was one of the people I recently exchanged a fat quarter with during the Fat Quarter Exchange at Sew Mama Sews. While checking out her blog I found several great links.
Knitted Dishcloth.
Cute little Bandana Skirt for up to ages 2-3

Moda Bake Shop Whirly Wheels Baby Quilt.....so cute!

This lined, crocheted bag is pretty cute. It was also done here with recycled shopping bags.

Bunny Hill Designs Block of the Month

2010-04-29T05:22:00.001-05:00

I know we're not really thinking about snowman at this time of year, but I'm trying to keep up with this free on-line pattern. This is my block four embroidered.

My friend Kathy is doing it in Blue Work.

My friend Carol is doing applique.

I need to get started on the pieced blocks to go with my snowmen. The pattern for that can be found here.

Wild Flower Pincushion

2010-04-28T04:54:00.002-05:00

For once, I actually made a favorite Friday Blog Find....:) This wild flower pincushion just caught my eye. It's actually pretty big. This is stuffed with crushed walnut shells and some batting. It's for my secret pal in the quilting guild I belong to. She collects pincushions.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-04-23T04:27:00.003-05:00

Just in time for Spring, I found this little tutorial on how to make a origami, biodegradable plant starters.

Flower to wear or add to a tote here.

I LOVE Kim's tip for making the petals for this wild flower pin cushion.

Cluck Cluck Sew did a nice tutorial on a baby quilt. Check it out here.

Chicago Quilt Show 2010

2010-04-18T22:34:00.004-05:00

I was lucky enough to be invited along to the Chicago Quilt Show by some of my friends. Six of us gals made the trip. It was full of great fellowship, laughter, and shopping! I did take some time to view the quilts (After all it was a quilt show...) I'm no expert, but these were my favorites.

Tops on my list was this one....it made me think of Charlotte's Web. I kept thinkin "That's some pig!"

These two reminded me of where I live....Both beautiful woodsy quilts.

This was just awww....beautiful. How do they make quilts that look like paintings?

And, this of course, was from someone out West. It reminded me of our vacation and where my son lives.
So Florida like. Just look at that shading! Amazing work. I'll show you some of my "treasures" tomorrow.

2010-04-15T05:37:00.003-05:00

My picture doesn't do this quilt justice, but it's finally done....or rather, I finally made one. And, now that I've made one, I'll make more! This is one of my favorite quilt patterns. It takes 1 charm pac and 1 1/4 yard of fabric for the top. I put this together in a day. Pattern and Tutorial can be found here.

I made the Eyelet Yoke Cardigan which is made in sizes 6months to 4 years. Now Lion Brand has come out with the same sweater in sizes 6-8 to 11-12. This is the 6/8 size. I did make the body of the sweater longer. The pattern for this size is called Fresh-Picked Color 3/4-Sleeve Cardigan #70807AD. It is also free on the Lion Brand Website.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-04-09T08:52:00.001-05:00

This knitting journal and project carrier tutorial is wonderful by Spoonful of Sugar.

Quilt Block for April

2010-04-08T06:44:00.003-05:00

Inspired by this String Quilt, I used these blocks for our MCQA April Blotto Blocks.

I cut paper 8.5 X 8.5 (just lopped off the top of a sheet of computer paper), added a white on white 1.5" X 13" long strip of fabric with fabric glue. Guild members are encouraged to think Spring...think Easter Egg colors as they "Spring Clean" in their stash for this month's block.

There is a great tutorial for this here. We had 23 blocks from last month's blotto. I'm hopeful to get enough back to at least make a lap sized quilt.

Just so you know.....we woke up to snow on the ground this a.m.!

Twenty One!

2010-04-07T07:15:00.001-05:00

Today my son turned 21....where does the time go? Happy Birthday Edmond!

Embroidery Project

2010-04-05T07:45:00.003-05:00

I posted about block one, back in January. Haven't shown any since so thought today would be a good catch up day. My friend Carol, is doing them in applique while I'm using embroidery and crayola crayons. This is block three.

This picture came out a little too dark....I did put one button on his scarf, but after they are quilted they will have small black buttons as well. This is block two. Overall a pretty quick little project. I'm looking forward to the Irish Chain Blocks that will connect them. They'll be cute as a quilt, but I could also see a couple done up as the center of a pillow .

Block four just came out today. Our snow is almost completely gone. The bicycles and walkers have come out in abundance. Spring has sprung!

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-04-02T09:10:00.001-05:00

This little origami bag looks like it would be fun to try.

A cute idea to display a favorite button - a little flowered brooch

On the Edge

2010-03-29T16:43:00.003-05:00

I spent most of the day resting my head on a pillowcase. Fighting off whatever this is that I'm coming down with.
Worked this past weekend, so I took this second On The Edge pillowcase in to show co-workers. Have to get these washed and dried to see how they hold up before I try anymore.

Favorite Friday Blog Links

2010-03-26T05:13:00.000-05:00

Button Earrings! Adorable! At the same blog site.....I found a new boy onsie pattern that has a guitar on the front! Guitar Onsie. Speaking of Onsie fun. I made these two up with some fun dog prints. The dress has a tie in the back

Trey and Lucy is so going to my everyday read blog list.
She has so many wonderful tutorials at her site, but I'm defintely making
one of these tutus for my grandneice Evelyn! So cute

These fabric name tags are a brilliant idea!

Here is a great little Easter idea for a fabric carrot to fill with candy.

Have a happy weekend!

On the Edge

2010-03-24T03:52:00.001-05:00

I have been SO in love with these pillowcases too. You Go Girl has gotten permission from Rose Hip, who originally posted these lovelies for a tutorial.

This link is for putting the pillowcase together.

Here is where you sew the foundation base for the crocheted edging.

And, finally the beautiful crocheted edging to your pillowcase! This one is a simple shell, but she promises to show us more later. I'll be adding them to this post as she does.

Your Go Girl's sense of humor and love of chocolate makes for some good reading and her photography is so inspiring.

For more inspiration check out all the ones Rose Hip made. BEAUTIFUL!

Moda Bakeshop Fun

2010-03-23T07:39:00.003-05:00

I have admired this quilt from Moda Bake Shop for some time now. On National Quilting Day, I stayed in my sewing room all day. (It was wonderful!). I love this quilt because it really is made with just one charm pack and 1 1/4 yards of solid fabric for the top.

It's at the quilter's to be quilted now. Because I'm not quilting it myself, it took 1 1/3 yards for backing and 1/3 yard for binding. I'll show it again after it's quilted and bound, but I'm very pleased with the Moda instructions. The directions for how to press the seams, makes the whole quilt easy to put together. The only thing I would do different is cut my squares for the pinwheels, and not sew half triangles (you know, draw a line down the center of the square, sew 1/4 inch on each side of it and then cut.) Those prairie points just make it look so whimsical!

Scraps

2010-03-19T08:20:00.004-05:00

My Pieced Scrap Quilt is done. I started it back in November. Red Pepper Quilts did a tutorial on how to make this in October. I've already started cutting strips of scraps for another someday. This barely made a dent in my scrap bag.

I love it because I used so many of these fabrics in the quilt I made my son and in so many gifts I made for friends. My friend Darla, quilted it with Hard to be Humble.

It now resides in my chair where I work on completing some other projects. I have a whole week off and plan to get a few things done. I'm working a string scrap quilt block for this month's Blotto at MCQA.

Fat Quarter Purses

2010-03-08T08:33:00.004-06:00

During our last "Shop the Hop", Kathryn, from Alley Kat's Quilt Shop, designed this cute little purse from fat quarters. It was a free pattern at the time. I'm after her to publish this pattern

I'm currently sporting this black/blue one. It holds a wonder wallet. hand cream and hair brush. It has two handy pockets inside and two spaces for things on the back side. I keep my cell phone on the outside back pocket.

This one I made originally for my daughter, but she has since picked out a different fabric. They are fun and fast to make. I'm sorry I held on to this pattern so long before attempting it myself.

Vacation....

2010-03-07T08:43:00.004-06:00

I haven't been blogging, because I've been playing "catch up" since our vacation. When we got back, my unit was terribly busy (3 12 hour shifts in a row). You know the drill...laundry, etc.

We did have a wonderful visit with our son in Reno. He's the one in the middle. One of his best friends, Andrew stayed with us last Summer. We got to see him and meet his mom. Edmond took us to his favorite spots. The weather was beautiful the whole time we were there.

This is at Donner Lake. We got to see where he's going to school and where he works. We're already planning our trip there again next year.

On a quilting note.... I won all the paper pieced moose blocks done by our quilting guild. I wanted to get this quilt done for our March meeting. I just barely completed this top for the meeting.

I'm very proud of it. It was my first quilt made without using a set of fabrics.

Favorite Friday Blog Finds

2010-02-19T10:48:00.001-06:00

Some cute applique = adorable dish towels. I keep finding all these cute dressed up dishtowels, but not making them. I need to move that up on my list of things to do...