Way Too Much Stash!

Another BOW Block done!

2012-02-15T20:39:00.002-06:00

I'm changing this to the BOW for Block of the Week since it has way more than 12 blocks and we are getting a new one weekly. So, Block number 9 is Card Trick. I added yet another new holiday fabric in this one. Now I think I have a good 5 yards of holiday fabric choices, so should be able to handle even a scrappy border. I also continue to alter between 2 white-on-white fabrics. I'll have another to add to the mix. I need to cut out background blocks for a chicken BOM.

Block #8 of the QATW 2012 BOM

2012-02-10T23:50:00.004-06:00

Here's another one. Lady of the Lake!! I might make this a second time with the light/dark center instead of the solid/patterned center and see which I like. The holiday fabrics all kind of read the same and using gold had too much punch, IMHO. I don't expect to do any sewing tomorrow - if I can at least get the Apple Core quilt laid out and reading to pinbaste, I will be happy. Lots of other stuff I need to work on. Sis is coming next week to help me with more house projects (such as putting up hardware for new curtains).

Promises, Promises The Apple Core Quilt Top

2012-02-10T16:30:00.003-06:00

Finally, photos!! These, even despite the darned wind. I hope to start pin basting tomorrow. Yep. That is NO SNOW. Still. We do have some little piles here and there, but for the most part, still a poor snowing here in MN.

Pinned on clothesline sideways. It is 24 x 28 rows.

Closeup of some of the fabrics.

In addition, if you look at the post a day or two ago, I have added a page from the Linda Causee book so that you can see why it's such a great book for me.

More BOM Blocks

2012-02-09T18:25:00.005-06:00

Here's blocks 6 and 7 for the QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com (QATW) 2012 BOM. I'm doing mine in a selection of holiday fabrics. I have a couple of white on whites to use up from other projects for my background and most of the holiday fabrics have quilter's gold in them.

I used the book 400 Quilt Blocks to sew in 20 Minutes or Less by Linda Causee. This book is fabulous if you can find it. It has about 300 (plus color variations) different blocks and includes instructions for cutting them in 3 different sizes. I was a bit floored that it sells on Amazon.com and elsewhere for more than $80. I bought mine at a used book store for $9.98.

For the Dresden Plate, I finally used my Darlene Zimmerman template. Wasn't quite as easy as I'd hoped to sew it right the first time. The blades go together very swiftly, but it is very fussy with all those bias edges. Still, I plan to make a couple of gift quilts using this.

Finally, yes, yes, yes, the Apple Core quilt top is done. I finished it Monday, but I've been sick all week. I've had a lot of improvement today, so if it sunny, you will see a photo tomorrow! That final row and the Dresden Plate is all the quilting I've done this week. Anyway, the other good news is that my sister came over last weekend and I have a new closet, all freshly painted! Sis actually did most of the work, but she will benefit since I now can find batting for those wallhangings I've planned. Now, all the leftover batting is stored on the top shelf, and project containers on the next. I also have 2 large heavy duty shelves covering one side of the closet. Right now, quilts and afghans are just folded there. Old sewing machine is underneath. Not sure what to store in the rest, but I'm sure I'll figure it out. That's about it for today.

[edited to add] Here's a photo of a page from Linda Causee's book. As you can see, it gives instructions in 3 different sizes as well as piecing instructions intended for an experienced beginner.

2012 Free Motion Quilting Challenge - January

2012-01-31T21:59:00.003-06:00

Free Motion Quilting (FMQ) is my favorite type of quilting. This year, blogger SewCalGal is hosting an FMQ Challenge. Every month, there is a new video by a different FMQ teacher demonstrating some kind of FMQ. The challenge is to practice and learn that method and then post a photo of a completed sample.

I pledge to do a new sample every month as part of this challenge!

January's challenge was presented by quilter Frances Moore, who featured freeform leaves. My leaves have NEVER looked this good and I still have room to improve.

My sample is about 10.5 x 16 and uses a rather thick polyester batting from a roll at Hancock's. It's pretty thick - I used 2 layers of this stuff to tie my Dad's train quilt and it was often too warm for him to use. I also used my Bernina Stitch regulator and the clear foot (kindof like "The Big Foot", an accessory foot). It stitched beautifully on both sides. My biggest difficulty in the past was to make wider, more realistic leaves instead of long thin leaves. By consistently training myself for this teardrop shape, I only have a few of those skinny ones.

Front of January Challenge Sample

Back of January Challenge sample

What am I going to do with the sample? Trim and practice machine binding!! This particular one will likely end up as a cat pad, but next month's will be part of a tote bag. For more information on the Challenge, go to my sideline and scroll to the bottom buttons. Click on the 2012 FMQ Challenge button.

Progress on Apple Core!

2012-01-28T15:57:00.003-06:00

Here's my progress so far on the Apple Core quilt. I am currently attaching rows 15-18 and will get that done today. I have one more 3 row section nearly done, so I think by the end of the weekend, I will have attached 21 of the 28 rows. I had great sunlight, but poor positioning for this photo, but you can see how colorful it is. I have already bought the green flannel for the backing. Not sure what I will use for binding yet - will come to that when I get it quilted, I think.

I went for both Kindle and Nook training over at the library today (I have both). I am considering buying ONE quilting book to keep on my Kindle - just not sure it is worth the trouble or expense. The only time I would use it is if I am house sitting for my sister and I usually take a project that doesn't require any new knowledge. I'll have to think about that. I can read most craft books because the type isn't so close together - it's the paperbacks that are hard.

NYE Mystery Top Completed!

2012-01-26T12:40:00.003-06:00

Here it is! The New Year's Eve Mystery Quilt top designed by Anne Smith. This thing just shimmers in the light with all that quilter's gold. Mom really likes it, so is looking forward to using it next December. That puts a fire under me to get it quilted and I'm still looking for suitable flannel for it. The top is about 70x96 inches, give or take an inch. I plan to use what is left of the green fabric for the binding.

What would I change in this quilt? Well, had I known the pattern (this was a mystery after all), I would have used the gold in the center of those 9 patches and the red where the gold is now. I'm not complaining. It's great the way it is . However, the border was purchased with the assumption that the red would predominate and while it looks nice, it overpowers. I like to analyze quilts to see how I could do better - it also helps in picking fabrics for the next mystery.

So far, I'm the only one who did this mystery using Christmas fabrics, most of which are Hoffmann prints.

Another BOM Block

2012-01-24T21:50:00.002-06:00

Here's my QATW 2012 BOM Block 5! Log cabin done in more holiday fabrics.

Still working hard on the Apple Core quilt. Having some trouble with my hand, so it's going slower than expected. Still pushing to finish the top before the end of the month.

Happy Thermal Solstice Day!

2012-01-22T18:54:00.003-06:00

If you have nothing else to justify buying a half price DQ ice cream cake, try celebrating Thermal Solstice Day!!

What is Thermal Solstice? While the Winter Solstice starts on Dec. 21, the temperature lags because of "thermal capacitance of the atmosphere-ocean-land system." Thermal solstice is about a month after the Winter Solstice - we just pick a day and that is Jan. 21 this year.

By the way, you could also celebrate National Squirrel Day and thank a little rodent who plants all your trees pretty much all over the US.

QATW 2012 BOM

2012-01-20T23:06:00.005-06:00

Yes, BOMs (known to the greater needlework world as Block of the Month) are addicting. This year QuiltingAroundTheworld.com (QATW) is having a Block a Week so that everybody is done in plenty of time to quilt the finished quilt before holiday gift giving. It is a mystery and there are other finishing secrets. What is the layout? What is the setting? Don't know, but she mentions numerous finishing steps. I'm excited.

This year, I am trying strongly to use stash and I hope to make this entire quilt from said stash. The top will be. Most of these fabrics are Joann's Noel line over the last decade - so kindof thin compared to quilt shop fabric. However, they are all Christmas and Christmas quilts are only used during December, so works for me. Most have quilter's gold as well, which really gives it a luxurious look. I'm using white on white (WOW) fabric left from the 2009 QATW BOM as well as some leftover from a long ago project.

I continue to work on hand piecing the Apple Core quilt. I have 9 rows connected together and hope to be up to 12 before the end of the weekend. My row 28 has gone astray and will hopefully be found soon!

Block 1 Ohio Star QATW 2012 BOM

Block 2 Friends Coming Together 2012 BOM

Block 3 Dutchman's Puzzle 2012 BOM

Block 4 Sawtooth Star 2012 BOM

Crocheting Again

2012-01-14T20:27:00.003-06:00

Well, it finally happened. I can crochet again. Not for a long time, but hey better than nothing at all for over a year. I joined the Ravelry 2012 BOM for crochet. I also starting some amigurumi toy manufacturing. Since I just started playing Angry Birds (and totally love it), I'm making an angry bird. There are a few patterns on the internet and for the small amount of yarn, I will probably try them all until I figure out which is the keeper for me. During my year of absense from crocheting, I was only so-so at not buying yarn, so I'm also going to be working on reducing the stash down to 2 containers - one for wool and the other for everything else. I'm more or less going out of afghan making for awhile and going for little projects. Yeah, and maybe I'll get that ladybug afghan done!

NYE Mystery Clues #6 and #7 Done!

2012-01-06T23:07:00.002-06:00

Finished 6 and 7 today. Haven't pressed them yet. I learned long ago to never press when you are tired. Irons are hotter when you are tired, did you know that?

Part 7 is the 9 patch, Part 6 is the HST piece.

NYE Mystery Clue #5 Done!

2012-01-05T15:39:00.004-06:00

Yes, it just takes me all day to get these done! Actually, I work on them for awhile, stop and do something else, then putter back. Slow process mostly because my sewing chair is broken and I have to use a folding chair which isn't all that comfy. I've been waiting now 2 months for the replacement parts to show up for my sewing chair. I'm almost, but not quite, ready to just buy a new chair. However, I would then have to sell the old chair because I have no space for 2 rolling chairs permanently. Hmmpf. I digress. I think, but am not sure, that this is the last 'parts' step and that we now move into block assembly. That's the most exciting because I have no clue what this is going to look like (it's a mystery).

Snowy sky caused the lighting to be funky

NYE Mystery Clue #4 Done!

2012-01-03T09:15:00.001-06:00

Here it is! Waited until this a.m. to cut since cutting when you are tired is a sure trip to get bandaids.

NYE Mystery Clue #3 Done!

2012-01-02T22:15:00.004-06:00

I'm getting there. 140 of these little puppies done now. On to 4. Probably won't get this done before the weekend as I have to spend some time tomorrow working on a project for a class.

Here's some of the rows for the Apple Core quilt I've been working on. All 28 rows are now done, so I'm focused on sewing the rows together. Bought a nice 108 inch wide sage green flannel from Joann's.

Little Houses

2012-01-01T20:07:00.004-06:00

In future, I will just post a photo of the latest houses. A gal in Holland created a quilt-a-long to make a little house each day of 2012, then one large house to represent day 366 since we have an extra day. Members of QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com also wanted to do this, but created options for other sizes. I am doing a 4 inch finished house. I am not at all good at paper piecing, so this will force me to get with the program.

My first house uses a little leftover from today's NYE project. I have not yet selected a sashing.

My first paper pieced house.

NYE Mystery Clue #2 Done!

2012-01-01T16:15:00.002-06:00

I'm a little slow on this, but finished Clue #2. It takes a lot longer when you haven't done all the precutting, but I'm happier with my color choices. Anyway, on to the next step.

Clue #1 Done

2011-12-31T22:08:00.002-06:00

It's 10:06 p.m. and I am finally done with Clue #1 of the NYE Mystery!! I'm sure you will notice in the photo that I have a different fabric. I discovered that I hadn't bought a border for this quilt. Visiting another quilt shop to pick up something, I saw the perfect green to go with the red, so the poinsettia fabric will be used in my border. Makes sense. Turns out clue one cut pieces into 2.5 inch squares and this print is better used in a larger element.

Why so late? My Mom's replacement Ipod showed up yesterday and she wanted to fill it. It's an 8 Gb Nano, not the paltry 4 GB one I bought her (used 1st gen nano). Did a pretty good job. I have 5.4 Gb on it now, but it took from about 4 until nearly 9 p.m. to do so. I know she has more music, but that will probably have to wait until I buy a new, larger drive. This hard drive isn't big enough for the both of us (said in a Clint Eastwood mutter). We have 2 large music/audiobook libraries. I plan to buy the new hard drive later this month. Then, I get to reload all her CDs.

This is a lovely emerald green. Sorry, the 'daylight' fluorescent makes this look weird.

New Year's Eve Mystery

2011-12-31T13:08:00.004-06:00

I'm participating in the New Year's Eve Mystery quilt-a-long done by Ann and Cal. Yes, I'm a little behind, so it is more like the NYE Weekend mystery. I have my fabrics, photo below. The requirements were a background,2 medium colors and one pop color. Since I didn't get to the precutting during the week, I've opted to do a lap size instead of a full/queen size. I'm primarily using Hoffmann fabrics (half off at the quilt store!). I will post as I get clues done. I know that the rest are already done with clue #2 and are awaiting clue #3, but that's ok. I didn't even have my sewing machine back from getting an adjustment until last night!

L to R: goldish marble, red w/quitlers gold, gold w/quilter's gold, poinsettas on black

If you are interested in participating, the quilt-a-long is at Yahoo Groups. Search for the group at QTMysteryQuilts. There are several other New Year's Day mysteries - I usually enjoy the one at the quilt group at About.com, but won't be doing that this year.

In addition, completely unrelated to quilting, if you know anyone with a 1st generation Ipod Nano, they should know that if they have a metal back, those Ipods are being recalled. In many places, you will be getting an 8 GB 6th generation Ipod (current model) as a replacement as they've run out of 1st generation refurbushed. The recall is ONLY for the Nano due to batteries that potentially catch fire as they get older.

A House A Day

2011-12-19T12:11:00.003-06:00

A gal in Scandinavia is spearheading an international quilt-a-long for all of 2012 featuring a little paperpieced house - one for every day of the year and a larger one at the end of the year (to account for the extra day in 2012). She asks that we don't share photos on our blogs until the end of the year, but you can discuss your progress. At my group at QATW, we are going to do a modified block with options for other sizes. For one thing, some of us (me) are terribly paper-piecing challenged. No matter what size you do, be part of a 2012 quilt-a-long and well, quilt-a-long. A free paperpiecing pattern in .pdf form is provided at the link. I've also included it in my buttons at the bottom of the right panel.

Peek-a-boo Bag

2011-12-15T10:42:00.003-06:00

Peek-a-boo bag front

Made this bag at a quilting shop class last night. The pattern features a vinyl window so that you can see what it contains. It also has a zippered top and box bottom. I plan to make several more of these to contain my sock projects in safety from my cat.

The bag took 2-3 hours to make the first time out. Now that I know what I'm doing, it can easily be done faster. If you do this bag, a GREAT tip from the instructor is to use a teflon foot for the vinyl. Really helps as the other feet tend to grab on the vinyl and not let go. I'm going to also try it with leather rolling foot. Maybe I'll make a few to sell to help buy the new foot.

Anyway, I really needed this project to get myself going on making bags. Have another class tonight for another bag. Maybe I should join that group that makes a bag every month. How soon would I be overloaded with bags? Hmmm...

Happy Birthday Sis!!

2011-12-03T10:49:00.004-06:00

Yes, my sis is now another year older than me. How does that happen you wonder? Well, I stopped advancing in years at 39. So, she's getting up there a little faster than me. I'm also late with her birthday card (again), but that seems to be me these days. I just can't manage deadlines very well. On the plus side, she will be getting a gift this year, but I can't post it until I give it to her.

With that in mind, I am doing the Bonnie Hunter Mystery quilt this year. Yes, I'm behind on that, but I dithered over whether to participate because I didn't want to buy a bunch of fabric. My Orca Bay is going to be in holiday colors - red/green and cream with black highlights (I did buy the black since I have none on hand).

I'm making a lot of progress on my 2 HST quilts - Zig Zag and Lady of the Lake (LoTL). I want to get all the rest of the cutting done this weekend and then sew, sew, sew. I might even have one top done by next weekend.

On the knitting front, I'm going to try to do a pair of socks every month. While I love, love, love patterns in socks, you don't really see if unless you are wearing it. So, I'll give the patterns a break for awhile and just get 4 or 5 done.

Grumpy Witch Quilt is DONE!

2011-11-27T11:21:00.004-06:00

I always seem to be apologizing for my photos and today is no different. However, I will update these with better photos when the sun comes out.

I finished the Grumpy Witch quilt a couple of days ago. I've been waiting for the sun to come out so that I could take good photos, but, alas, not only is it not out, but the ground is pretty wet as well. So, here it is! I entirely machine stitched the binding using a type of zig zag. Yes, I prefer the hand stitched look, but with bursitis issues, I thought it was time to start learning to do it with the machine. My corners are horrible. I can live with that, but I need to practice on smaller projects so that the next quilt will have better corners. The only thing I regret on this quilt is using a solid black border. Just not something to do when you have cats with white fur. I'll live with it though. The bats came out pretty good. Quilt is about 76x96 inches.

Cat help as always.

Closeup of the quilting. I did modified feathers in sashing and spiderweb in the center witch blocks with a filler stitch in the rest of the block. Thanks again to Leah Day and her wonderful videos for doing filler stitches.

Here's a closeup of the bats that I quilted around the whole border.

I Won!! I Won!! I Won!!

2011-11-19T15:53:00.004-06:00

One of my local quilt shops had a drawing to celebrate their 7th anniversary. I won one of the quilts!!! It's called Autumn Braid. The leaf fabric that surrounds the braids is very sumptuous color with quilter's gold. Just makes this quilt sing. This quilt will be going on Mom's bed, at least until Christmas season, which obviously is not far off. I'd really like to find a good place to hang it though. So exciting!! I couldn't believe it. Sometimes my impulse buying of quilting stuff pays off. (he he he )

Quilting Guild Photos

2011-11-01T11:45:00.006-05:00

Here's a visit to my quilt shop quilting guild. They are so fast with that camera!! Most of the photos here are either things I admire or plan to make in future (at least one is already in progress).

Recognize this?

Beautiful use of Asian fabrics

One color!!

On my UFO list

Perfect for scrap asian or themed fabrics

How's this for the BACK of a quilt?

This quilter always has the greatest miniature quilts.

A great way for me to use some of those fabulous christmas FQs I haven't used.

This is just to remind me that I bought this pattern just to use up halloween fabric

I am progressing on the Witch quilt. The first row is entirely quilted, the 2nd and 3rd rows partially done. It's going pretty smoothly. I expect the Apple Core Quilt to progress a lot this week - it is part of the QATW UFO project this month as well as having 2 appointments this week (it is, after all, the take-a-long project).

Fall Quilting

2011-10-29T23:36:00.001-05:00

I have been progressing steadily since August, sewing 2 7/8 inch squares into Half Square Triangles (HSTs). My container had been so full, that not another scrap of fabric would fit and still close the cover. Here is what is left! Still enough to make a twin sized quilt.

Enjoyed some of the pleasant Fall weather today with a backyard french fry and marshmallow char. Yes, that is the Christmas train in the back.

Leftover bunnies from Easter marshmallows can char nicely.

Here's an example of the crummy meander quilting I did on the Witch quilt. I have now taken all of it out and am in the process of requilting. If I had used orange thread, it would have looked pretty good, but the purple was just awful.

Finished 2009 Block of the Month

2011-10-21T11:50:00.001-05:00

Takes me forever, but I can finish a block-of-the-month. This is the 2009 BOM from QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com. I got behind because of computer problems and then once behind, I just didn't get to it. As part of this month's UFO challenge, I finished the remaining blocks and then the borders and it all looks spiffy now! Yes, one block is wrong - but I would bet you wouldn't guess which one, so I'm not saying. I totally loved that turquoise fabric, so paired it with purple. This is a pretty large quilt roughly 85x101, so quilting will be a challenge. I do plan to put feathers into all those side triangles. Haven't yet decided on the blocks though. Should I do stitch-in-the-ditch or plan on even more feathers? Not sure. Plenty of time to decide. I hope to finish the binding today and then can put it in the To-Be-Quilted box. Yes, I now have a BOX of flimsies to quilt! It's not that I have a lot (6?), but I am also making the binding as well as backing (when it gets made in advance) so needed somewhere to contain these parts.

New BOM

2011-10-18T15:25:00.001-05:00

Not a lot on the crafting front to report. I decided that I hated the purple meandering on the witch quilt, so I'm taking it all out. Since I had done about half the blocks, it's taking some time, but I still hope to finish the quilt before Halloween. I hope to finish the assembly of the QATW 2009 BOM today.

I just found out about a "There and Back Again" Block of the month. I totally do not like paperpiecing because I can't get my head around it, but my interest in this BOM is so great, I will TRY my hardest to figure it out. The BOM just started Oct 5 and the first block is Gandulf. So, give it a whirl! I'll be posting any finished blocks here.

Progress on QATW 2009 BOM

2011-10-09T15:00:00.001-05:00

Posting during a break while sewing. It's hot and humid today, so I'm not getting a lot done. Here's a photo of what's was done last night on the QATW 2009 BOM. I changed the layout slightly (just switching two blocks). All the flying geese were done long ago and those rows are in partial assembly. I've sewn a row of flying geese to the first row and have started attaching triangles on the 2nd row. I need to cut more, but have to wait for Polly to wake from her nap since her napping box is on top of the cutting table. This quilt is also large, so I'm going to be quilting it in several pieces. Just trying to decide whether two pieces is going to be too big to manipulate the fabric. Mrs. Trish, the original designer listed that this quilt is 83x101, so you can see why I don't want to do it all in one piece! I still have hopes of completing this today, although I admit, I always underestimate how long it takes to do rows. The humidity seems to be going down a bit, so I'm hopeful that I might still get some quilting on the Witch quilt yet tonight.

Still Chugging On Old Quilt Projects

2011-10-08T23:23:00.001-05:00

This is primarily a month to work on old projects. I'm happy to report that I finally finished the last block for the 2009 Quilting Around the World Block-of-the-month (QATW BOM). Happy dance, happy dance! Still ahead is row assembly, but I should be able to get that done fairly quickly. The goal is to have a completed top and binding before the end of the month. The quilting on this isn't planned until January.

The Witch quilt is pinned and I plan to start meander quilting on that tomorrow. I still do a lot of HSTs when I get around to them, but I did start some assembly on the Zig Zag quilt. All leftovers go into the Lady of the Lake Quilt. Yay! The Apple Core quilt (hand piecing) is chugging right along. I have 5 rows now complete. I've decided to finish this top before the end of the year, so will start hand piecing while watching TV. I just have to find something I watch that is less action, more dialog oriented.

Other than that, I've attended a couple of Masters classes for my Bernina. Trying out more stitches and of course, there are those dozen feet I want (all expensive). But, I am THRILLED with my machine. Tonight, I decided that the cats were finally over the new machine, so stuck the slide on table on. Sewing is even easier with this wide table. The cats have a tendency to bite my new toys, such as the corner of my Netbook (the day I bought it). My stitch card is still a little threatened, but I keep it down so as not to tempt the little creatures.

I have a tip for all of you Kindle owners. I adore my Kindle, but that screen is really delicate! I was fortunate that Amazon decided to replace my damaged Kindle under warranty (almost a year old). I tripped (over cat) and grabbed the edge of the Kindle so as not to drop it and it damaged the screen (sob!). It was in the nifty case I had made. Due to this, I am coming up with a new Kindle case design that includes handles. For now, I will just add a short handle to the cow case because I do love my cows.

I have to mention that I think many of us will feel the loss of Steve Jobs. His visions have changed the world and I for one have benefited from that. I bought my first Mac, a Mac Plus in 1987. I still have my Mac Performa 6200CD. Yep, it still works, but I have no mouse now and don't play games any longer, so it's time for it to be recycled (sob). I had planned to get an Ipad2 this month, but with the Bernina buy, that is on hold. I will just continue with my little Netbook. (sigh)

Bat Placemats & Recycled Batting

2011-09-24T15:57:00.002-05:00

I finished my bat placemats. Yay!! I had a fire under me on this because the Guild challenge was to do something 'for the table' and this qualifies and my meeting is tomorrow. So, for once I'm not finishing a holiday thing the last day it is to be used! I've had this pattern since about 1991 and just knew I HAD to make it. Cute, cute cute. I did one with pumpkins on the back because my sister wanted something more 'harvest' like for use in November. I don't know. Reversed, it still looks like a bat to me. Mine, intended for my teapot, has scarecrows on the back.

Here is one bat.

So, what did I use for the batting in my bat placemats? Leftover Warm and Natural! When I have leftovers, I like to use them in Quilt-as-You-Go preplanned projects. How you connect them depends on the type of batting and the depth. With Warm and Natural, I first cut out 7 inch squares and 5 inch hexagons. So, what is left over are narrow batting strips that are usually about 3-4 inches wide. I even up the strips and zig zag them together. I take the opportunity to use up bobbins and nearly empty spools of thread with this projec.t This particular group was mostly leftover from a wallhanging, so I added a couple of pieces to make it large enough to cut out two batts of bats. As nice as it is to use up narrow batting this way, there are limitations on how to use it. The zig zags do not hold the batting together all that well with any weight even after quilting, so you would want your project to either lay on the table or be hung lengthwise. All these narrow strips would be very irritating in a quilt and they likely would separate with regular use.

Sometimes you get a little wave in your batting unless you are very precise in your cutting. I'm not that picky, so this often happens on the edges. You can't leave it this way or your project will never lay flat, even with quilting. Yes, quilting fixes a lot of evils, but not all of them!

Easy to fix. First, cut where the wave is the highest and fold the edges over each other until your piece is laying flat. Sometimes you can eliminate several waves with just one cut, as I did here.

Next, use your scissors and cut through. You will have a leftover piece on top and on the bottom and your cut edges will match straight.

Finally, zig zag over the cut edges and you are done.


All Fixed now!

My Bernina is Here!!

2011-09-24T15:45:00.002-05:00

Ah, yes, joy oh joy! I love, love, love my Bernina. I received my Bernina 440 QE earlier this month and WOW, it is so worth every darn dollar. My favorite feature is the stitch regulator, which I used to finish off the trees in the Pine Grove Quilt, but I was surprised that the little needle up/down button makes sewing so much more pleasant. You press it and the needle goes up or down - one stitch is all you want sometimes and this does it. Another feature I have used a lot is the speed regulator. Doing applique or really curvy things, I can slow the speed significantly reducing the need to redo sections.

As always, anything new requires special kitty investigation. Polly just wouldn't quit, so I finally set the box up higher so that she could be ON the box AND look out the window. I still have parts to get out of the box, such as the wider table piece, but so far, just did without to let her have the darn box. Yes, Yes, I know, I need to start putting more photos up of the OTHER kitties, but she is far more dedicated to quilting than the other 4. Sylvester, for instance, only comes in to get a pet and go into the window to look for chipmunks. He does make an excellent quilt inspector - just not so much into the sewing part.

Pine Grove Quilt is DONE!

2011-09-12T15:06:00.000-05:00

Finished the Pine Grove quilt last night. It's about 86x108 inches, so a large queen size. It was done with mostly Thimbleberries fabrics and Quilter's Dream batting. This quilt was originally intended as a 50th wedding anniversary quilt for my parents, but quilting such a large quilt was impossible for me at the time. I was also frustrated to discover that the person who helped me pin it, insisted it was straight, when it was not, so I had to piece one corner on the back to have enough fabric to quilt it. Grr. Most of this was quilted using my Brother, but I did all the trees using my new Bernina with the stitch regulator. That alone was worth the price of this machine. Oh my gosh, the results are SO nice. The original pattern is by Lynette Jensen in the book Thimbleberries Book of Quilts.

That bright spot in the middle shouldn't be there. It was the sun peaking through tree leaves, I think. I need to do an additional photograph to show the quilting since it never shows up in the patterned fabric. Oh, and this is possibly the only quilt that I bought all the fabric for this single project at the same time. I just knew what had to go together.

Sadly, my Dad passed away 2 days before their 56th anniversary. He did see the quilt though I think he preferred the boat wallhanging and train quilt.

New Bernina!!

2011-09-11T22:19:00.001-05:00

I have been meaning to post, but I misplaced my SD reader. As a result, I have no photos (sob).

On Monday (a mere 6 days ago), I got a Bernina Aurora 440QE. Totally love it. Love it, love it, love it! My first computerized machine and worth every penny. The only problem I've had is not threading it right, but I'm getting there. I think it's actually the bobbin going in backwards that is the problem. The BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) is so worth it. It made finishing the Pine Grove quilt such a treat! Also, one little thing it does that I totally love. If you leave the presser foot up, it beeps at you. Saves a LOT of effort. Unfortunately, this feature doesn't work with the BSR, but you can't get everything.

As for the Brother machine, I will fix the tension and it will be my sewing machine to use for quilter's nights out. It works fine for piecing. It was quilting that it was horrible at (and which messed with the tension so bad).

Today, I finished the Pine Grove quilt, but the sun had already gone down so photo and more details tomorrow. I have made more HSTs done. I have plenty for the first HST for the first two quilts now. Tomorrow, I'll start cutting the black fabric and assembling blocks. Finally, I now have 3 rows of apple cores sewn together, so this take-a-long project is coming along nicely.

On the knitting front, I am starting a pair of socks called Croakers, as part of the Scarefest Sockfest on Ravelry. I am confident that I will eventually be able to read a regular knitting diagrams, but if not, there will be plenty of folks to explain it to me. That's it for now. Photos as soon as I find or replace the SD card reader.

Day 13 - The Last Day!

2011-08-23T21:52:00.004-05:00

Sis and BIL are home! However, I'm holding off on going home until tomorrow morning so that I can time it right to visit a quilt shop. Also, so that she can harvest stuff like cucumbers in less heat (it was pretty hot by the time they got here).

So, what did I do today? I did the continuous binding for the Pirate Quilt. My sister's counter is so much easier to do the layout and cutting on, that I couldn't miss that opportunity. I wrapped it on a toilet paper roll so that it feeds out nicely when I am sewing. While visiting a blog, one blogger suggested NOT pressing the binding, but folding as you go. This is because one side needs more fabric than the other because of the 'edge'. Make sense. So, I'm going to try it.

My sister found my other sister an old Kenmore for $5 at a sale. While she took it apart, cleaned and oiled it and adjusted the settings, I worked on more HSTs. Hundreds of HST's and the box still looks pretty full, so plenty more to be sewn.

On the left are sewn, but not pressed HSTs that I made this evening. On the right are pressed and dog ear trimmed HSTs. In the center is about 12 yards of bias binding on a roll.

Day 7 - A Trip To Sortof Local Quilt Shops

2011-08-17T18:34:00.003-05:00

Today was a change of pace. Picked up my bro and went to Brainerd to visit quilt shops. That's about 45 miles away from where I'm housesitting. You will be impressed on how much I limited my purchases, but it was hard. I still got a few things not on the list with the excuse that I could use it in this quilt or that quilt, but really, I just bought it cuz I wanted it.

So, what did I get? Well, the first 3 pieces are for the kitty cat wallhangings I'm doing. The two marbles are 1/8 inch cuts for inner borders. The polka dot is for the border of one wallhanging. Then we have the popcorn and Dr. Suess pieces. Largest is 1/2 yard, so reasonable. Didn't need them, but they will go into the quilt "My Favorite Things". The kitty cats at a scary movie - No idea what I will use that for. On the bottom is a rooflike fabric for my planned wonky house quilt. Ok.. go ahead and laugh. Get that out of your system. EVERY quilter should one day try to do at least a single house quilt block. If you don't get to it, you don't, but the thought should be there. The last 3 pieces (one doesn't show in the photo) are fat quarters from the new Stonehenge collection from Northcott fabrics. WONDERFUL stuff. I can see buying yards of this stuff for several projects, but I promise - not until I have the project planned out.

Here is my helper Huff. He keeps the chair warm if I get up. Even if all I'm doing is threading the machine and need to get up to move something. Yep. Right there, keeping it warm. He knows he's not allowed in the kitchen chairs. My sister and BIL put stuff in the chairs deliberately to keep him out of them, so that they can sit down without getting their rumps covered in fur. However, he was recovering from a thunderstorm last night, so after taking this photo, I gave him the other chair to sit in. He was much happier. When there isn't a chair for him to sit in, he scoots over and lies on my foot. Yes, the foot that is operating the sewing machine pedal. Huff excels at hampering.

Day 5 - Pirate Quilt Top Done

2011-08-15T19:01:00.003-05:00

Yeppers, I finished it. :) I tried to get a closer photo, but had to do everything quick because of the skeeters. They love me. This is my version of what to do with a can't cut it fabric. The size is about 74x96 inches including those 2 inch borders.

Closeup of Fabrics - I bought them at Hancock Fabrics maybe 2 years ago. All 3 were part of the same line and as close to Pirates of the Caribbean as they could get without getting into trouble for licensing. It's called Doom of the Sea by Fabri-Quilt. I still have to make binding. Leftovers? Maybe a pillow? Maybe a tote bag? Knitting needle bag? Pincushion. We'll know soon.

Totally unrelated to my quilting vacation, here's your chance to see the little Vikings pincushion I made with leftovers from the Vikings/Tree quilt I made for sis and BIL a couple years back. Just a simple box pincushion. It lives here at my sister's house. :)

Ok.. so now I'm back to making HSTs. The plan is to work on Bambi quilt all tomorrow. Maybe I'll get that done before it becomes a UFO?

Disgusted with Mistake

2011-08-14T21:37:00.003-05:00

Didn't post yesterday because I was mad at myself. This is like a beginner mistake. Didn't realize that ALL the fabrics I had for the Pirate Quilt were directional until they were sewed. So, I spent hours and hours yesterday and today taking those stitches out. I left one strip backwards because you can't tell when 5 feet away. Anyway, getting these sewn tonight, so a photo tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I'll be back to HSTs. I can't do the back of the pirate quilt because I'm missing some fabrics as well as having no light fusible, so I'll fold those up, put them away and move on to other projects. I plan to work all day on the Bambi quilt starting first thing Tuesday a.m. I have a lot of space to lay it out in the correct order, making the sewing WAY easier.

Oh, and good news! I'm going to be the owner of a Bernina 440QE in mid-September! Happy dance, happy dance. Expensive and likely the last machine I will own, but I'm thrilled. Every time I think...gosh, maybe I shouldn't have spent so much, I remind myself that Consumer Reports even considered this a best buy. Bernina is replacing this model with another one that is more than $1,000 more with features I don't really want, thus the push to get a machine. The ONLY negatives I have heard about this machine involve the embroidery module and since I'm not getting that, it's a nonproblem.

Day 2 - Thunderstorms

2011-08-12T23:22:00.002-05:00

Almost couldn't post today due to thunderstorms. I will make this short. I've continued making HSTs. I also pressed fabric and started sewing on the pirate quilt top. This will be a reversible quilt, one side has pirate fabrics, the other will have jungle birds and diagonal strip blocks. I will be able to cut and sew the strips together, but have to get some lightweight fusible before I can cut them into squares since they are cut on the diagonal.

This photo shows you the mess I made in order to completely mix up all the finished sets of apple cores. Flip, flip, flip.

All neat now and ready to sew into rows!! The storage container is one of those packages of baby spinach you buy at Sam's Club. They are kindof flimsy containers but fine for storing a project of completed pieces. The Kitty Cat Quilt is the one I made for Sis and BIL several years ago.

Quilting Vacation Day 1

2011-08-11T21:20:00.006-05:00

I am on a quilting vacation that is disguised as housesitting! The goal is to try to post every single day while I am on a mission to complete my tasks. I've managed to get all my stations more or less in order: Sewing, cutting, project bags. I'll be sewing at this spot in the kitchen. While the round table is sometimes a challenge, it works well. What is especially good is that there is a bright, hanging light directly over the table making a well lit work area. Yes, I know - part of my machine is missing. Not a problem - just mislaid it at home and wasn't going to scrounge for it too long.

Today, I went for simple and am making endless half square triangles (HSTs). My 2 7/8 in square box from scraps is FULL. So, I have 2 HST projects. The first is an HST project I saw in an issue of Fons and Porter (Sept/Oct 2011 edition) that I just received the other day. I will give more info on that as I progress. I actually stopped at a quilt store on the way here to get the black fabric I needed. In addition, I'm making a Lady of the Lake quilt. I could not decide on the fabrics to use for the large blocks, but it needs a LOT of HSTs.

No quilting holiday is complete without quilting helpers. I have 3. They are Spitty, Huff and Ptolemy. Spitty (beautiful , but very shy girl cat) has stayed out of the way, but the boys have been helping. Ptolemy lays in the middle of the floor forcing one to walk around him (cat hampering technique), and Huff sleeps on my foot pedal (supervision, apparently).

Jammies are Done!

2011-08-04T19:00:00.005-05:00

Finally finished my first pair of jammies for my Mom. I know she thinks the pattern of the fabric is a tad wild, but she's so desperate for jammies, she doesn't care. The fabric is Moda one that I think was called Italian Renaissance. Simple pattern taken from taking apart her old, well loved jammies. I had to follow a shirt pattern instructions to get the top done in the correct order. It's also my first more complicated project using my new-to-me serger. I have to make her 3 more pairs, 2 with full sleeves and then I will make some for myself as well as making flannel bottoms for the top I have already completed.

Shortsleeve jammies with pocket in both pants and shirt.

Knitting, yes KNITTING!! Ok.. well, this is the cat bed now that the knitting is completed. Alice is my model (she is the blanket cat - loves being under blankets and fighting under blankets). This is pictured before the felting. I plan to felt tomorrow and hopefully, it will be all dried by Saturday or Sunday. I've done a little bit of knitting and still having a bit of trouble with the tennis elbow (yes, 10 MONTHS later!), but I'm going to try some sock knitting soon to see how that goes.

I'm looking at buying a Bernina 440. This model is being discontinued and replaced with a model that is over $4000. I have to clarify the financing issue. If it really is zero percent interest for 12 months, I will be a Bernina owner this month. If not, well, we'll see what's in store. I hate, hate, hate quilting on my current machine. It sews fine, but the quilting, well, I think you have an idea that I am not that happy with the results. If I do buy the Bernina, I will have to very seriously stop buying fabric for a year because my budget will go for the payments.

Lost My Dad

2011-07-21T13:18:00.006-05:00

My Dad passed away on June 30th, so things have been a little awry. He was 79 and he told me himself several months ago that he didn't think he had a lot of time left primarily due to his heart problem. He was buried in Fort Snelling Cemetery as he was a Navy veteran during the Korean Conflict. I was surprised that he got a rifle regiment and bugle - I thought that was reserved for active or career military.

I just don't FEEL like doing stuff, but I am still accomplishing slowly. It's been particularly hard to pick up the Pine Grove quilt to finish it. It would have been done on June 30, including the additional quilting my Mom and Dad asked for (it is for them). I'll likely get it done sometime in August, but for now, I'll let it go. I have continued to work on the Apple Core quilt at appointments. My relative will done with the twice weekly physical therapy and going to once a week, so my opportunities are going down for awhile. On the other hand, I am confident that I will probably finish all the sets needed to make a full sized quilt. I've decided that the apple cores will go right to the edge with a nice wavy binding at the end. It's a challenge I will try to meet.

I am making these cooling neckerchiefs for family members. I bought an example one at a craft show a couple of years ago and finally got the little crystals that are super-absorbing. Here's a photo of the ones I made for my sister and BIL. The Vikings one illustrates that you can use two different fabrics, although I'd go for the same color. If you decide to make these, be sure to go over your stitching twice if you don't have a specialty stitch that does it for you. You do NOT want these crystals leaking out where pets or children could eat them. In addition, this is not an item for children. I have 4 or 5 more to make. I'm also going to make some wider ones that attach with velcro for muscle injuries.

Finally, I will be getting back to knitting when it cools down. Right now, my hands always seem to be sticky due to either sweat or high humidity. I still have the tennis elbow, but if I don't overdo it, I can knit again. I need to get those 2nd socks done! Crocheting is still out, darn it.

Here's Polly earlier today keeping me company while I sewed. The Wall, basic structure anyway, is done, so once it cools down, I'm going to do something about those weeds.

Progress with Photos!

2011-06-28T14:26:00.004-05:00

Making lots of progress despite feeling like I go at a snail's pace.

The Pine Grove quilt is part of a QATW June contest, but I'm not quite sure if I will be done by then. Working hard at it though!

Highlights the quilting.

Freeform leaves in border

I've been working hard on my take-a-long project of Apple Cores. After a trip to the ER (he's fine now), I really accomplished a lot! I've made over 200 light-dark sets and need maybe another 50, so I have to start cutting more apple cores tonight to be ready for the next appointment! I'll be able to start rows soon. I'm thinking of hand quilting this using embroidery thread and primitive stitch. I think that will give the North Woods feeling I was hoping for with the plaid. That pincushion thing was too small for use in my chair, but perfect for across my thigh while working at doctor's office waiting areas. Using a larger eye needle also helps to make threading easier. I've recently read that a straw needle is even better for piecing, but haven't seen it sold locally. Will try it. Sometimes gadgets work. Sometimes they don't. Oh, the Mickey Mouse bag is my current project bag. My sister bought it a long time ago and was going to sell it on Ebay. I convinced her to wait, hoping she might find a use for it. In the meantime, it works great for quilt piecing. Lots of pockets and plenty of places for stuff without being bulky. I store my competed units in a salad container (Sam's Club). Yes, they break down over time, but great for storing lots of small pieces and they are free.

Progress on Quilting

2011-06-17T23:47:00.002-05:00

Not much going on in the knitting front. I hope to do the cat bed tomorrow, so maybe some before and after photos on Sunday.

I joined a June contest where I have to get an old project done before the end of the month to be included in the drawing. So, I've been working hard on the Pine Grove quilt which was started 6 years ago. I have roughly half the quilting done. It sortof halted a bit while I removed some quilting. Originally, I meander quilted in some of the sashing and then just gave up finishing the quilt because I was just exhausted from trying to quilt a queen sized quilt. Now, I take it in smaller chunks and have advanced to feathers.

So, all the sashing is getting freeform feathers. I still have to remove the meander quilting from 2 more sashed blocks, but I'm glad I decided to make the extra effort. The back, where you can see the actual stitching much better, looks great. Still to do are the trees and the large side triangles. I would like to do a fabulous feather for the border, but we shall see how that goes. I NEED to finish off the sashing, inner border and trees this weekend so that I can concentrate on the outer edges. My binding is already done and ready to be attached, but I still have to allow 4 days to get the binding sewn to the back. Yes, some of you are really fast at this, but I tend to be slow. One of my favorite parts of quilting is attaching that binding.

I'm also spending some time in doing reduction of stuff. I found my box of quilting books in the storage unit a few weeks back. As a result, I am parting with 15 books to make room for those books I really want to keep. It's tough, but I really don't have more space to expand to. Same thing with the fabric, although in the coming couple of weeks, some will become jammies and some curtains as well as a few other smaller sewing projects.

Asian Sidelights

2011-06-05T12:18:00.003-05:00

Yes, all that Asian fabric I bought because I had to have it, is now getting some use. I completed the first wallhanging last night!! This design is based on the Karrie Nichols' pattern Sidelights. I did it up based on the photo. If I did this again, I would miter the outer borders. I think mitered borders look much better on a wall quilt and is worth the extra effort there. I used fabric from the Han e mei fabric line from RJR Fabrics to make this. One down, a bunch to go.

Hearts Quilt Sashed

2011-05-28T18:33:00.001-05:00

Hearts quilt sashed
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Finally sewed the sashing on this quilt. Yay!! as I was constructing it, I decided that I'm going to quilt it in 2 sections, attach them, then add the borders and quilt those. I used clothespins to connect them for the photo. I have a light pink marble fabric that is perfect for the back. After quilting and attachment, the separate pieces won't be obvious.

Progress on Hearts Quilt

2011-05-22T10:38:00.002-05:00

Progress Hearts Quilt
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Be patient knitters and crocheters. I'll get to those projects.

Today, however, I'm continuing to work on the Hearts Quilt. I've sewn together 4 of the 10 rows so far. I found this fabric by accident and apparently had intended it for this quilt since the borders were already cut. If it was intended for something else, I can't figure it out. It's a nice reddish purple with coffee berries. I plan to continue to complete the rows and sashing today.

The rest of the day is going to cleanup and decluttering. Seriously, I feel like I'm walking in a rabbit warren and it's all my stuff. I hate to have yet another miscellaneous fabric box, but I see no option right now. Just need to separate those things that are part of projects from the rest, especially since I have yet more Asian fabric!! I will be good now though. No more until I get the planned projects done.

Mystery Top Done

2011-05-20T20:06:00.002-05:00

Mystery top done
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Here's the completed mystery quilt that I did for the Home Retreat at QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com this week. I'm actually glad I got 'stuck' with the brown for the dark color. It makes the quilt pop much better than navy blue would have done. Just shy of 57 inches square. That is the helper cat that you see at the bottom of this photo.

The rest of the evening is dedicated to working on sashing for the Hearts quilt. If I can get that done in a reasonable time, then I'll do the finishing work on the not-yet-felted cat bed that needs to be done before it is felted. I was just bummed - beautiful and perfect week for a felted item to dry and I just could not get to it to sew in some few yarns!

Hearts Applique Quilt Is Progressing

2011-05-13T11:55:00.002-05:00

The day before yesterday, I finished the 70th applique heart for my quilt. So, this quilt is ready to be assembled once I have the fabric for it. I also need to figure out a new take-a-long project. I can't really afford to buy fabric to finish this until next month, but I might just buy what I need for the sashing and leave it at that until next payday.

Valentine's Quilt Done!

2011-05-09T19:21:00.005-05:00

Hey, another quilt is done! This one was a challenge quilt in the 90s. The goal was to do a quilt over the weekend using just scraps left over from other projects. I had recently done a block swap using this variation of a Friendship Star and it went fast. Forgot about it and it ended up on the bottom of a fabric box. Lori (MissSadie) at QATW quilted it for me.

The quilt is about 67x79 inches. Lori used Warm and Natural for batting and I have Snuggle Flannel from Joann's for the backing (solid red). No high end stuff here. The quilting is a lovely scroll and heart combination.

Edited to add: If you want to make this block, click here. I made the block originally using instructions from Quilters Almanac, Quilt Block Part, Series #3 by Eleanor Burns (c.1991).

This closeup shows Lori's quilting.

Asian Fabrics

2011-04-27T18:40:00.006-05:00

I've been on a roll collecting some Asian fabrics in order to complete some projects. Here's some really great choices from Blue Bamboo. I actually bought from them before not realizing at the time that they had a store locally. Great shop to visit! My selections mostly reflect my need for small and medium prints for a Japanese Doll Wallhanging that I will be making. A couple of the fabrics I bought because my brother couldn't decide which colorway he wanted for his Kindle bag. He came into the shop with me and then asked how much the fabric was. I told him not to worry about it, I was only getting a yard of each. Yes, well, I spent $156 today. Didn't take long either. Combine that with my order at the Quilted Crow and you can see that I blew the budget this month.

After seeing this quilt, I couldn't help it. I bought the kit. Went way over budget, but hey, I just could not refuse this one. It is going to go above my TV. This thing is fabulous! You can do this pattern too. It is a free pattern at RobertKaufman.com called 12 Moons.

Photo from RobertKaufman.com

Lots of Stuff

2011-04-27T17:56:00.006-05:00

Sorry about not posting recently. I was determined to do it from the Netbook, and then couldn't get the photos on or PixResizer to make them a more maneageable size. All fixed now.

Spent a long weekend working on sewing projects at my sister's while she helped me figure out my new-to-me serger. I made 2 pillowcovers, a pillow case, pajama bottoms and a pj top (another pair).

The first project was 2 pillowcovers. I bought one for my king sized feather/down pillows a while back and all they sold was this satiny thing for $9. It feels really nice, but the pillowcase was forever coming off. I had some plain Christmas fabric with some mistletoe that I've been using for backings and they made perfect pillow covers. This gave me zipper practice as well.

Next is Dad's Train Pillowcase. He is a train fan, so needed this. Didn't have to adjust anything. The trains go the right way for the easy-make pillow case. I used the basic pattern from 1 million pillowcases. I'll be making a couple more to donate to the cause since I used their pattern. I have it laying across my king sized pillow to show you that you do not need to adjust this pattern. Very generous length!

Here's a closeup. I added some stitching on the top. Looks very professional and I did it!

On the quilting front, as always, I have too many projects going. I am doing a quilt-along project with my group at QATW (www.quiltingaroundtheworld.com/) using the book Hop To It by Edyta Sitar. It is an applique project. Originally, I was going to follow her instructions using invisible thread, but after endless adjustments on my tension, I just can't get it right with the nylon and will instead just match thread with the pieces and satin stitch. This photo shows the design for Block 1 fused down. I am using Kona solid in bone for my background. The red flowers with yellow centers is actually a brick color with dark zig zags, not a solid. I dithered as to whether to use something brighter, but kept returning to this. As a stand alone block, I'm not thrilled with my leaf fabric choices. My Mom likes it. I'm thinking of doing a second one with alternate color choices and will then go with whichever one I like best for the rest of the quilt.

As always, what's a blog without including pets? Here's Polly in her box on the cutting table. My sewing machine is there too because the serger is where my sewing machine usually is. Gotta find a new setup that will work with the serger. My biggest challenge right now is finding a food that is lower calorie that makes all of the cats happy. We thought we had one, but it appears to cause Bart to have a skin problem (He licks all the fur off his legs). Cleo-Claudine and Polly are both overweight, Bart and Alice are at the top of the weight chart for their size. Sylvester is the only one who is at a perfect weight. Go figure.

Garden Party Completed!!

2011-04-06T15:27:00.004-05:00

My first finish of the year!! Got the quilt back from the quilter (Julie Ann of Fat Quarter Quilting), bound it, washed it and walla, a photo! Quilt is about 79x96 inches. Now, the details. This was from a QATW 2009 swap that included both blocks and strips of pastel fabrics. It was a 3 part swap - one month had to be applique, another was pieced (or paperpieced) and the last month was whatever method you wanted. I supplemented with my fabric supply (and bought a few 1/4 yards) to make the patchwork border. I did the bee, iris, and dragonflies for the swap, but also added a bunny and ladybug to finish it off. Gift to my Mom and Dad. Mom was totally sick of winter before December was even over. Still needs a label and I'll get to it.

Binding A Quilt

2011-04-03T17:42:00.005-05:00

I've attached the binding to the Garden Party quilt and am now sewing to the back. I'm about half done. I highly recommend these binding holders. Flimsy metal pieces, but they hold your binding very well and you never get stuck with a pin. I use about 10 of them. It is more of a bother to 'pin' a whole side. Doing about 10 out forces me to stop, stretch my arms and hands a bit, clip, then go back. I use a relatively large needle to do binding because I tend to take too small of stitches with smaller needles. Kindof a waste really, and annoying when you have to remove the stitching to replace the binding. The good news is that soon, very soon, I can start a new section for 2011 finishes!!

Netbooking!

2011-03-26T16:15:00.004-05:00

I'm happy to report that I now have a netbook and a WiFi hotspot. This means that I can finally be connected in my quilting area. I will no longer have to print out directions for one block - I can just view on the computer as I go along. More importantly, I can do step-by-step videos close to where I am working and in lighting that allows me to see my stitches.

I have a 160 meg Acer Aspire One. The only complaints I have is that the keyboard is a tad awkward (just a teeny bit smaller keyboard) and it just sucks, and I means sucks, fingerprints, lint and cat fur to every single place with black. In other words, the whole thing except the screen. So, this poor thing already looks likes it's been heavily used for several months and I've only had it a day and a half.

I also have a used serger, given to me by an employee of Hancock's who no longer used it. I had to buy a new foot pedal and bring it in for a once over since it was in a garage for 15 years, but now I'm ready to serge. It is a SergeMate Companion 5040. You've probably never heard of it. I hadn't. Not so easy to thread, but hey, the goal was to discover if I was really going to USE a serger. If so, I can upgrade.

I haven't done much sewing for a couple of days while I prepare to do a couple of projects. In addition to a few clothing projects, I also bought Bambi fabric for a quilt for my Mom (Bambi is her favorite Disney movie) and another yard of another green to let Mom decide which to use for her Spring quilt so I can get that binding attached! For the Bambi quilt, I already know what pattern to use, but need to do the fussy cutting to determine if I need anymore to complete the quilt. The fabric won't be there long.

That's it for now. Typed to you using the new Netbook.

Quilt Came Home!!

2011-03-21T12:49:00.003-05:00

I am happy to report that the Garden Party quilt came home today. Julie Ann did a great job of quilting it. It's a custom job and has lots of little details. Looks very whimsical. Now, on to making binding. It usually takes me a week to make binding, attach binding, sew to back, so possible photo soon. I also have a Friendship Star quilt that is getting quilted by another quilter. I expect that to arrive before the end of the month.

I am continuing my NO BUY for quilt fabric for yet another month or two. The next two or three quilts that I may send in to be quilted already have backing fabric, so other than binding, I really don't NEED any fabric. The real tough part is to not join any swaps. I just can't buy any fabric. There is one swap that is going on with flying geese that doesn't require me to buy any fabric at all, but I've fallen behind in my goals for stuff I already have, so am trying to resist.

I have 9 hearts left for the Hearts quilt. That project is in a bit on a slowdown, but I'm still hoping to finish the applique process this month. Have another 2 hour plus appointment to bring relative to on Friday, so no matter what, there will be progress. I still have the tennis elbow, so after I complete the hearts appliques I will move on to continue to piece an apple core quilt for my take-a-long project. Hopefully, I will be again able to knit or crochet in April sometime.

Completed Quilt Tops remaining to be quilted:

Barbie Quilt - to be sent out
Star Wall quilt
Pyramid quilt - dithering whether to send out or not
Courthouse steps
Small Halloween wallhanging - it's in a safe place. I just don't know where.
Pine Tree Quilt - in progress
Witch quilt

Expected tops to be finished this year:
Road To Ahs
2 Halloween Wedding Ring quilts
Japanese quilt (to be tied)

Electronic Cozies

2011-03-04T12:23:00.006-06:00

I had a need and made something using STASH!! I got a Kindle and am concerned about scratching the screen when I toss it into my purse. I also have needed a custom armband for my Ipod for ages. I've had this cow fabric since the early 90s. Too thin for a quilt but didn't know what to use it for (it's darn cute). I decided to make a cover for my Kindle and an arm band for my Ipod Nano. Not perfect, but very cute. Less than 1/2 yard of fabric for both with enough left over to make perhaps one more small cozy.

You can see the insides below. Let me tell you my mistake so that you don't repeat it. I made the Kindle Cozy with 2 layers of cow fabric using leftover batting (Warm & Natural). Sewed into a nice rectangle. Folded it up and sewed down. Did not take into consideration that no matter how slim the case is, you still need to allow for that depth. At least I figured this out before I sewed it down, so sewed about 1/8 inch further in on either side. It still looks good, but if you want it perfect, that last fold should be a little wider, say about 1/4 inch.

As for the Ipod Nano holder, I did not line the holder and I think I think I will do that next time. Just gives it a more finished feel. I made a loop on the back to thread the armband through and to make adjustment easier. First time I took it off, the case fell right through and on to the floor. So, I need to tack the band to the case. Lesson learned. Now I can wash dishes and work on projects without the Ipod falling or getting all tangled up in the earphone cords. I want to make one more case, large enough to fold the headphones into a pocket for taking along in my purse.

Slow Getting It Done

2011-02-25T23:05:00.003-06:00

Still suffering from that evil tennis elbow issue (and I haven't played in years). So, no knitting or crocheting yet, and a lot of quilting is on hold. However, most every day I have been appliqueing away on Hearts. I have 15 hearts left to applique before I can start assembling this quilt. This will end up being roughly a full sized quilt. Obviously going well. My points...well, that's another story. However, I decided I can live with rounded points rather than redo. They look pretty good from 10 feet away.

I have decided on the patterns for the next two Hawaiian blocks and hope to get them cut out and basted down this week. Since the tennis elbow continues, I also need to cut out the background panels for the Dresden Plate quilt - some piecing, mostly applique. I can manage a few cuts before the elbow screams 'Not Happening!" That will be my next appointment project when the hearts are done. The Hawaiian blocks are just a little too complex for wonky lighting at a medical office and besides, I have several audio books to get listening to.

OK.. that's about it. There will be some updated photos next posting!

New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-02T18:41:00.003-06:00

Last year, my resolutions worked pretty good until around September. No complaints there - I accomplished a lot until then. So, here's the 2011 resolutions.

1. Do something quilty every day for at least a few minutes.
2. Complete 6 Halloween tops.
3. Sell or trade 60 craft books and patterns (part of library reduction)
4. Yarn NO BUY for crocheting (need to finish projects!)
5. Complete all sock UFOs
6. NO BUY on fabric except BOM, backgrounds and backing or to finish a project.

Quite honestly, number 6 is clearly my biggest problem, but I plan to pay someone else to quilt 2 or 3 of my quilts and the money has to come from somewhere. By not buying fabic, I can afford it. I would like to do something knitty every day, but due to the tennis elbow (both elbows!), I can't even knit now.

This year, I am also making a goal of getting rid of 2011 items. I have way too much stuff and need to cut back. I'm making a blog of it just to keep me going.

A Finish!

2010-12-31T11:23:00.003-06:00

Finished a project!! In the nick of time!! Here's the Take-a-Long Granny square afghan that I've been working on. It's about 45x65 inches (standard afghan size) and based on a photo of a kit that I saw in the Mary Maxim catalog. I used Red Heart yarn in white, sage, time and dusty rose. Yep, it's a scrap afghan. I plan to gift it sometime in January.

Bad photo- it's just been dim and dark outside. I'll replace this with a better photo when I can.

Another Top Done!

2010-12-20T13:59:00.004-06:00

Finished the Garden Party top last night. The blocks are from a swap at QATW. I made the bee, dragonflies, ladybug and bunny. It's roughly 75x85 inches. I'm going to have someone quilt it in January, so this will get done early! I'm now going to work on finishing the 2009 BOM. The final 6 blocks have been cut out, but it is putzy piecing, but I still am hoping to get it done before the end of the year. I plan to send both Garden Party and the 2009 BOM out to be quilted. Quilting is not really my favorite part of the project, and I just want to get some of these done.

Snow, snow, snow!

2010-12-04T09:54:00.003-06:00

Finally got our puffy winter snow last night. It was a shame I had to drive through it, but not too bad. So today is mostly going to be shoveling out.

Yesterday, I brought my Dad for an all day appointment and got quite a bit done on the granny afghan. I'm on the final row, which of course takes the longest. I'm doing a 9 triple crochet scalloped border. Nearly done with 2 sides, so for certain will have this project done within the next week. I did about half of sewing in ends already, so that won't take as long as usual.

In between, I need to spend some time doing mending. Yes, non-hobby stuff, darn it. ;)

Garden Party Almost

2010-11-28T11:08:00.004-06:00

A UFO project is progressing! I've been working on finishing this swap top called Garden Party from Spring 2009. That pieced sashing takes FOREVER. I think I went through 5 short audio books to finish it. Still to do are the borders (and a better photo). I'm definitely thinking of tying this quilt, since the idea is to use it in the Spring (in March, we still have snow, usually). On the other hand, the quilting on this would be pretty simple - just another large quilt to mostly meander on.

Crocheting Near Finish!

2010-11-18T17:52:00.005-06:00

Just thought I'd show you some progress on the crochet front. Here's a photo of the Granny Square afghan. I've completed the body. I still need to work in ends and then do the edging. I plan to make some crocheted kitties to attach and personalize this afghan. This is just brainless crochet for someone as experienced as I am, but it sure looks nice. I still have a LOT of leftover green and pink, so yes, I'll be making another one. I cannot BELIEVE how many skeins I bought thinking I wouldn't have enough and of course, Mom then wanted a change of green. I don't know who the final afghan will go to, but it will be my main project in December. I still cannot knit due to my arm pain, so a good time to work on the project.

I use a BASIC GRANNY SQUARE pattern and change colors every row. I'll include more instruction when I finish the afghan. Right now, I'm thinking of going with my favorite scall0ped edging. I'm going to first consider some of the edging options in 50 Crocheted Afghan Borders. I was hoping for something more like a flat braid, but using an H hook, that doesn't always work in a larger size. We'll see. I'll experiment tonight.

Disarming

2010-11-12T23:54:00.003-06:00

Well, injured arm anyway. Last week, I fell on the patio rushing around so that I could get to the fabric store before it closed. Didn't seem like a problem in the hour after I fell. It has been a big problem all week. I still can't use a rotary cutter. Picking up a 6x24 inch ruler with the right hand -nuh uh...not happening. Today was the first day I could crochet, and it hurt some, but I got quite a bit done.

So, I decided to focus on applique and machine sewing things already cut out for the weekend. I hope to post some finished blocks tomorrow and Sunday. Lots of snow expected. I'm staying in with my cocoa.

Halloween Cut Outs

2010-10-28T18:50:00.004-05:00

As mentioned yesterday, I'm hard at work cutting out two Halloween Wedding Ring quilts. I've finished 82 insides and between 250 and 300 melons. I need 96, so I'm almost done. I hope to finish cutting those tonight and then will move on to cutting the semi-solid arcs to make two samples. I'm not sure if I will be using yellow or orange for the arcs. I have no shortage of both. I'm thinking red for the 4 patches (appear when you assemble blocks). I'm using the Double Wedding Ring template set from Shar Jorgenson (now sold by Omnigrid) and it really makes cutting this out quick, easy and accurate! If you get this set, consider getting something that applies to one side to prevent movement of fabric or your melons will shift as you cut.

Surprisingly, there was a lot less fabric waste than I'm accustomed to when doing fussy cutting for a large quilt. The melons don't have to be spot on like the center piece. After cutting out pieces for my Halloween version of Lucky Stars (Atkinson Designs), the remainder will go into a string quilt. I really thought I would have TONS of leftovers with this project given how much Halloween fabric I do have, but honestly, I'm not going to have any of the quilt shop fabric left and much of the Debbie Mumm will also be used up. So, it is looking like 5 quilts will use up all 96 yards plus I may have to buy backing for one quilt. The 5 quilts are: Witch quilt (top done), Spider quilt (top 50% done), 2 Wedding Ring quilts, 1 Lucky Stars quilt and MAYBE a sampler lap quilt depending on the remainders. My biggest concern right now is that because I have none of these quilts done, and all the nicer fabrics already cut, what am I going to use to cover the table where we give out treats this year?

I want you to know how tough it was to cut a lot of these can't-cut-it-fabrics! I may need beer to get through the next one.

Cutting, Cutting, Cutting

2010-10-26T18:10:00.005-05:00

My hand is starting to get a tad sore from cutting for 2-3 hours every day. The big moment finally arrived and I have started cutting into my can't-cut-it Halloween fabric! I'm cutting for 3 quilts - 2 Wedding Rings and 1 Lucky Stars. I need 96 inner rings and have cut about 72. Most also have 4 matching melons to complete the circle, but I know I'll have to use some random fill-in for that. Katier825 over at the Quilting Board provided me the cutting dimensions for Lucky Stars after I misplaced my pattern. It's here somewhere, but at least I can cut.

I had a lot of advance on the crochet project last week due to chauffeuring my Dad to the ER and then his subsequent appointments. Several appointments next week as well, so this project is going along pretty fast. I do want to gift it before the end of the year, so that works for me.

My sock knitting for the annual Sock Scarefest came to a sudden stop, alas. I'm having a little trouble with hand control. Temporary problem, but sometimes it's just best to set stuff down and ignore it for a couple of weeks and then pick it up again. I won't win any prizes, but I have the patterns and the finished sock will be a prize. Speaking of socks, while I am so-so on the LOOK of these socks, they are OH so comfortable and warm. I speak of Baba's Bed Socks made with Woolease. I have large feet (10W), and with my somewhat loose knitting, the size is perfect. They stay on. They don't wrinkle. They fit snugly. Try them! I finished these last April so only wore them a couple of times, but I really appreciate them now that it's getting cold. I plan to make another pair using more leftovers from a completed afghan. The only disadvantage is that two of my cats love the Woolease afghan and love these socks. I often find them in the hallway at night. Cat toys. Who would have thought?

Crocheting and Cat Beds

2010-10-10T12:29:00.004-05:00

A 3-4 hour appointment turned into 5.5 hours of solid crocheting. As a result, I was able to get nearly 3 of the large squares done last week. Each large square is about 14 inches and the entire length is roughly 43 inches. Once all the rows are done, I think I'll finish the edging in scallops. I love scallops.

I have a lot of cat help at most times. But what they really do is sleep. Everywhere. All day long unless you are working on something and then they help. Their current favorite sleeping bed are the 2 boxes from the grocery store.
It's not like they don't have other beds. Its there. It's a cardboard box. I'm going to sleep in it.

Cleo-Claudine and Bart (he's the all black one). Cleo and Bart tend to sleep together. Bart is very much a mama's boy. See that ugly chair in the back? I'm hoping to refinish it before it snows. Gotta buy some paint stripper this week.

Polly in grocery cardboard boxes. Too tired to even look up.

Here's the cat bunk bed. I think this photo was taken last Spring. From top to bottom is Bart, Cleo-Claudine, and Sylvester.

Here's Polly sleeping in a chair. Too funny.

We bought these beds for about $6 at Walgreens. Polly was in it so quick, I didn't even have the tag off! This is their winter livingroom bed.

Crocheting Afghan Again

2010-10-03T12:10:00.004-05:00

Well, today I'll show you progress on the crocheting project. This is the my take-a-long project granny afghan. It's based on a photo for a kit sold at Mary Maxim. After getting my leftovers from the rose afghans together, I realized that I had only 3 skeins of white and 5 or more of rose and green, so my color arrangement had to vary.

Here's a closeup. Threading in the ends is always such a pain in the neck. So, I just stick in DVDs and watch movies or series while threading in. Star Trek Next Generation is good for this since I've already seen most episodes before, although some were so long ago, I've forgotten them. I'll have to start crocheting the larger blocks now. I do want to finish this afghan (as well as the Ladybug afghan that continues to linger) before the end of the year.

After I finish these two projects, I have 5 more afghan projects for which I have yarn. Planned projects include a dragonfly afghan, an Irish Rose pillowghan, Winnie the Pooh, and an animal afghan.

2009 BOM progress

2010-09-21T19:43:00.004-05:00

Yes, you read that right. I'm working on the 2009 Block of the Month from QATW board. I got behind when first the printer failed and then the computer. Since the pattern information for the blocks will likely disappear in January, I thought it was time to get a move on. I have completed all the flying geese parts. Here is the first panel. That first block may get replaced. I couldn't figure out why I had two of them, and now that I can see that the white edging just disappears, I remember why I had made a second one. Oh well. I have six blocks still to make and then complete assembly.

The quilting on the Pine Grove quilt has halted temporarily while I take some bad stitching out.

Template Free Applique

2010-09-14T18:12:00.004-05:00

Usually, when I post a new technique, it's because I tried it. I haven't yet, but I am so awed by this applique technique that I wanted to post a link so that you can see this wonderful step-by-step tutorial on it. This is template free applique and the method is just ingenious. I am definitely going to try this on one of my Hawaiian applique blocks that have multicolors.

Template Free Applique

Puff - A Sad Day

2010-09-11T01:28:00.005-05:00

My sister's cat Puff died yesterday. He was about 10 years old. He was diagnosed with cancer a couple of months ago and we knew he didn't have a long time. He was finally losing his battle and it was just time to go. Puff the Cat God, also known as the Guardian of the Water Bowl and Keeper of the White Rump Spot was a dedicated quilt inspector whenever I housesat. He and his catmates always made sure that no block went unnoticed.

Here is the Cat God preventing the Barbie Quilt from moving in 2006.

Here's my sister's other 3 cats. That cat in the front is Huff, Puff's brother, followed by Ptolomy and the all black spot in the back is Spitty.

A Loss To the Quilting World

2010-09-08T19:03:00.003-05:00

Bonnie Lehmann passed away on the 5th of September. It is because of Bonnie and one of the cover quilts she designed for her magazine Quiltmaker that inspired me to take up quilting in the first place.

Here's a link to additional information on Bonnie.

This photo is the finished quilt of the inspiring cover. My first quilt. The instructions were so clear for someone who had nobody else to ask. As I recall, this pattern came out before rotary cutters became available in my area (1992). I really need to take a better photo of this quilt - it predates my digital camera.

This was my second finished bed quilt - Also from the cover of a Quiltmaker Magazine. I believe both patterns were designed by Bonnie. Both of these quilts were done by me while still a beginner.

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Tropical Quilting?

2010-09-07T23:43:00.004-05:00

My chances of returning to a tropical paradise are slim to none, but I've decided to try Hawaiian quilting finally. I actually started a Hawaiian Style Quilt-a-long over at Quilting Around the World (secretly it is so I can get tips) for encouragement while I work on all these large blocks. Anyway, here is my first block all basted and ready to start appliqueing. Elizabeth Root's instructions were very good and this first one came out correct the first time. Well, pretty close anyway. It's all basted and I'll start doing some of the needleturn tomorrow. The final block will be around 18 inches square - these are based on designs for pillows, but I plan to put them in a quilt, so just a lot of large blocks. I definitely need to make my backgrounds smaller. Didn't think of that when I cut it out.

I've also been completing swaps. I've finished the Goose In the Pond swap, round 1. I also completed the Spooky Attic Windows swap. Here are my participant block! I figured nobody else would have these fabrics as all but one or two are pretty old. Remember, I mentioned before that I had like 97 yards of Halloween fabric? You don't get that over night. Takes several years of collecting! See those orange and black ghosts? I think that fabric must be at least 12 years old (Bernatex). Couple of Debbie Mumm plus a 1930s repro-like fabric. This was my style of the Attic Windows pattern. Two strips of black. Easy. Not sure if I will participate in the Goose In The Pond Round 2 - I've hit that time of year where everything is a struggle, so I think I will focus on things that don't require a deadline. I can meet that.

Working on the Swap

2010-08-27T00:46:00.004-05:00

Since I haven't posted much, I thought I would include some photos of my current swap progress, Goose In the Pond. As you can see, Polly came along to help. This is my cutting table. It's one of those resin folding tables sold in some big box hardware stores. Not perfect, but I do ok. That little white container at the end is my 2 inch squares - the current leader/ender project that will ultimately end up as heart blocks.

Of course, I can't accomplish anything with her help, so I had to resort to bribery. Despite the fact that there are several bed choices, all very costly, her preference is a cardboard box with or without a quilt folded into it. Obviously, she needed the quilt for some prompting. I've made a quilted pad for her - just have to add the binding. Unless she is in the box, I can't take the risk of using the rotary cutter - cats move so darn fast.

Anyway, by the end of tonight, I have finished all the rows for this block and will start assembling the rows into blocks tomorrow. I'm hoping to press, bag and tag to mail on Saturday. I plan to do Round 2 of this swap, and then I should have nearly all the blocks I need to complete a large quilt.

Swap Works

2010-08-23T13:37:00.003-05:00

Haven't posted in a bit, but I have been working on projects! Currently working on a swap and I hope to have a photo soon. Yes, I really need to stop participating in swaps for awhile so that I can finish other stuff, but couldn't help it. I had always wanted to do this other one and then someone came up with an easy peasy Halloween swap, so just the way it goes. So far, I've resisted joining a charm swap, but it's hard. I was collecting charms for SO many years, but really don't need them now that the Pyramids top is done.

I hope to spend some time soon making my sidebar look a little less crowded. I've seen how some people are linking between multiple blogs in order to streamline. Not sure my stuff can do that, but I'll try. Part of why I have so many links is simply to maintain them for me. At least if my bookmarks go astray, my most important ones are on the blog!

Progress on UFOs

2010-08-02T23:28:00.003-05:00

While I still have more work to do, periodically, I go through my links to make sure everything works. I noticed that my list of 'selected UFOs' has shrunk a lot in the last 2 years.

These items have been on there for at least 2 years. Potentially 3, if not 4, will still come off the list yet this year! In some cases, due to a quick cleanup, parts were separated and I'm finding them now. For instance, the Summer Sling bag has been completely crocheted for 2 years. I just found all the parts a couple of days ago. So, I'm going to make an effort to make that lining and attach, so that I can finish assembling the bag. I need to add a zippered pocket to the inside of this bag, so it's great that I have some additional yarn left over, as I don't have enough lining fabric to make one.

July Was A Bust

2010-08-02T23:04:00.004-05:00

I got so little crafting done in July. I spent much of it mostly cleaning, cutting up scraps and doing other things. I've made a fair amount of progress on the granny afghan. Photos to be up later this week.

I did start working on a hand pieced Apple Core quilt from the scraps I've been accumulating. I have roughly 500 apple cores and according to the sheet, you need about 900 to make a queen sized quilt. Well on my way, I'd say. Why hand pieced? I have tried machine sewing these and I seem to spend as much time taking some apart to fix than it would take to hand sew these in the first place. It's a mostly mindless task. I have a needle with a larger eye and don't even need my needle threader to do this AND my bifocals aren't driving me nuts while sewing them up. I sew 5 or 6 sets of two during an hour of watching a show. No rush to get it done. It will likely become my take-a-long project when I finish the granny afghan.

August projects include quilting the Pine Grove quilt and continuing to work on the Spiderweb quilt top. While I'm getting progress on the quilting, the Spiderweb has come to a stop given that my sorting areas include the ironing board. Finishing that this week and can then focus on my swap and the Spiderweb. Swap? Yes, bad me. I joined another swap, that again required me to buy fabric because I didn't really have stash. This time, it's a plaids/strips Goose in the Pond block using shirtings as a background. It's a simple pattern - HSTs with 9 patches and rail fences. The fabric choices will make it look very cabin like and homey. We're doing a 15 inch finished block, so that should go fast. Who gets it? Me. All quilts are for me unless I decide I can part with it. (evil grin).

Couldn't Help Myself - Another Swap!

2010-07-22T10:58:00.007-05:00

Joined another swap, mostly because I had the fabric and the final quilt will be fabulous. It consists of 12.5 inch star in a star with alternating HSTs in lights and darks. Here's the blocks I've done for the swap, although I will be making more to finish off the fabrics. If QATW doesn't do a second round, I will finish this over the winter using other FQs. My only limitation is that I don't have a lot of lights to choose from, but there is always a FQ sale around New Years. In fact, I attended a FQ sale at my LQS and was so proud of myself to limit my choices to things I needed for projects already in progress. Yes, I bought some spiders for the Halloween quilts - you understand that collections must be fed, which is why I'm trying to finish all the Halloween quilts so that the collection can go away.

I've mostly been cutting through scraps in the last week or two, but am working on quilting the Pine Grove quilt. Today I have both a doggie and a kitty pad to finish off. The doggie pad is a gift to my mom's coworker in celebration of her new dog and already planned, but her husband had a stroke last night, so I'll just get it made so my Mom can give it to whenever she next sees her.

On the knitting side, they finally had both yarns in that I needed to finish off the Kitty Pi Bed! They arrived the other day and I hope to finish that project this month. Yes, yes, I did buy a single skein of sock yarn for socks. Not sure why, but I just loved this tonal green. I'm not a bright green sort of gal, but we'll give it a shot.

Tonal Stroll Sock yarn by Knit Picks

This weekend involves some marathon recording, which is great because I will get a lot of crocheting done on that granny afghan. I record favorite shows and take the commercials out to save for my Mom to watch later. Naked Science has a new episode tonight. Being Human season 2 starts Saturday and I can do some catch up episodes for Dr. Who before the season's grand finale this weekend. Of course, I can't miss Eureka on Friday night. Have you noticed the sort of geek format of my favorite shows? It is not a coincidence.

Top Done

2010-07-09T00:00:00.004-05:00

I'm happy to report that I finished that final row on the 1000 Pyramids and the top is now complete. It has 1,260 triangles, all of which are different fabrics (yes, I have a couple of repeats, but we will ignore them). I plan to set it aside for the month of July and get the last of my previously pinned quilts quilted (Pine Grove Quilt) before starting on this.

So, for the rest of the month, I'm packing up some stuff, working on the Spiderweb quilt and quilting the Pine Grove Quilt. I hope to be painting by the end of the month and then I can set up a more permanent spot for my sewing machine stuff.

Swap Kitties

2010-07-06T19:10:00.003-05:00

Finished my swap kitties and mailed them off. Yep. Bad photo, but you can see the star in the first kitty on the 2nd row.

I am also working on the latest afghan, which is a granny afghan. Lots of people love the colors (well, natch, I've made 2 afghans already with these). I have decided that I need to add some texture here - maybe a few bobbles. My cousin's daughter was really into textures, so I think she would enjoy that.

Happy 4th!!

2010-07-04T20:39:00.004-05:00

I've spent all of today watching Star Trek TNG season 1 episodes and working on the 1000 Pyramids quilt. I've completed all 9 rows and assembled the 3 sections. The edges added enough width that I have now decided not to add a border, but do need an additional row. Only need to make 3 pyramids to assemble that 10th row. That will make it about 76x93 inches - plenty big.

Here's a photo. I hadn't pressed since I finished sewing, so it looks a tad rumpled. I plan to quilt this in 3 sections, which is why they are separate. I really like the look of this simple one-patch pattern, but in future, I think I will assemble each pyramid with all lights or all darks. I couldn't with this charm quilt because I knew I had way more darks than lights. Heck, the only reason why I have as many lights as I do is because of charm swaps!

Finally, go to this quilt related link on YouTube. Hilarious!

I really Got a Lot Done!

2010-07-01T12:49:00.002-05:00

Looking back at June, I did get quite a lot done. Finished a UFO wallhanging (the Panther), have nearly finished the 1000 Pyramids top (started in 1992) and a good start on the Spiderweb quilt. I've also made a start on a granny afghan for my cousin's family.

For July, I really need to make a push to finish the Ladybug afghan. Not much remains. I am redoing the wings because they are just too small. It's really only a weekend of crocheting to finish, but I have to have everything in front of me. Then attaching, which does take longer (attach black spots to wings, then wings to bodies) and finally assembly.

July goals:

Complete Ladybug afghan
Finish 1000 Pyramids top
Finish Spiderweb Quilt
Finish 1 pair of UFO knitted socks

Certainly a doable list, even with interruptions and such. I'm also trying to get back in the habit of doing cross-stitch at least once a week, but so far, a suitable every-week day hasn't presented itself.

I'm also on a no-buy thing for the summer for crafts. I really, really, really need a new chair and it's looking like I will never find something suitable that is either low cost or used. I've been looking even through Craigslist and even used, folks are asking an awful lot. Therefore, I'm going to have to start looking in the $400-600 range.

Panther Wall Hanging

2010-06-28T18:38:00.004-05:00

It's done, it's done!! It's going to look SO cool against the cool green wall (yes, I have a place picked out already and plan to hang it this week).

First, I should say that I did not make this top. It was a store sample sold when Country Peddler Quiltshop in St. Paul closed. I loved this top, but the fabric was no longer available, so was thrilled when I had the opportunity to buy the store sample (2001?).

As far as the quilting, I did 1/2 inch diagonal quilting in the window, tight woodgrain quilting in the window and freeform leaves in the border mimicking the leaves in the fabric. I originally had some vine quilting in the sashing, but it looked odd. It actually looks better unquilted, so I have left it that way. The backing fabric is also jungle leaves, so really well planned. Alas, none of this used up stash as the backing was purchased only a couple of months ago and the binding was just leftover from the last quilt.

Here's a closeup that shows some of the quilting detail. Really hard to see against black (using black thread).

Country Peddler closed because the owner decided to retire. It was a loss for me as it was my first quilt shop and I learned so much from there. To see what it was like, see the writeup at the link below. Keep in mind that this was posted about the same time as the shop closed, so it's a pretty old posting! Heck, half the postings are of now closed shops!
http://www.planetpatchwork.com/travel/minnesota.htm

Busy, Busy Month

2010-06-28T08:58:00.004-05:00

This has been a busy, busy month. It's amazing how much work there is before and after a garage sale. Unfortunately, our garage sale wasn't all that successful. I can only assume it was because it was the first nice weekend in over a month and people were doing other things. Well, we'll be having another one in the Fall.

Also, during this month QuiltingAroundTheWorld.com has had a Bounce Contest! Every day, you work 20-30 minutes on one of 3 projects (and 2 projects on Saturday). GG decides which numbered project you work on. Lots of progress. I'm almost done with my Panther Wallhanging, finished all the blocks for my oldest UFO (started 1992) and got a good start on the next Halloween quilt (as you saw in previous entry).

Here's a photo of my 134 pyramids finished on Sunday!! This charm quilt has more than 1,000 different fabrics.

On the crochet front, since my cousin and his gal recently bought a house, I decided to make a granny square afghan for them using up the leftovers from the 2 floral afghans. They'll get a fancier one later, but right now, there is a house without an afghan and I need to correct that situation. I'm using 2 sizes of blocks, one block being the same size as 4 put together to get a more homey look. Guys are kindof funny about afghans. They can't be too 'pretty.' Anyway, 3 blocks are done and it is both my TV and away from home project.

Spiderweb Halloween Quilt Bounce

2010-06-05T09:22:00.005-05:00

At my quilting board, QuiltingAroundTheWorld, I joined a Bounce Contest. Every day (and twice on Saturdays), Glenda posts which of 3 projects we should be working on for 20-30 minutes. Yes, and we get points (and a chance to win a grand prize). My projects are the 1000 Pyramids, a spiderweb Halloween quilt and a Panther wallhanging.

I started the Spiderweb quilt back in the 90s but just really didn't have the skill to do hexagons. I looked at this project a lot with the intentions of doing it and then just never got to it. However, since this is the year when I'm using up all the Halloween fabric, it is project #2 (as well as #2 in the Bounce Contest. I finished the first block yesterday. Cool, huh?

I'm getting ready for a garage sale for next week, so am going through the agonizing task of figuring out what stuff to get rid of to trim down my clutter. It's all GOOD STUFF, but I just don't have the space for all of it (boo hoo!).

Public Service Announcement: I recommend that you get a combo carbon monoxide/gas detector for your basement. Many people over the age of 50 cannot smell gas until it is quite strong. Ours alerted us to a leak 4 days before we could smell it. There was a pinhole in the pipe leading to the furnace, so even if you don't have your furnace running, there could be problems. We thought the alarm might be faulty. Nope. Just detects gas at a lower range than people can.

Top Done

2010-05-30T20:50:00.003-05:00

Finished the Grumpy Witch top. I just added 6 inch solid black borders. It won't get quilted until I finish more tops so that I know what I can use for the back. I have Peanuts (i.e. Snoopy, Charlie Brown) fabric, but not enough for the whole back especially since it is a directional fabric.

My plans for working on the Ladybug afghan came to a temporary halt, but I hope to pick it up tomorrow now that I've finished the Grumpy Witch top. Too many distractions, darn it! I have to keep reminding myself not to get sucked into the Spike TV marathon of all SIX episodes of Star Wars given that I have them on DVD, but it is tempting. Sad.

Halloween Quilt Progress

2010-05-27T17:29:00.003-05:00

I'm nearly done with my first Halloween quilt. I'll call this Grumpy Witch for the center squares. I had originally planned to follow the pattern and just use the orange for the single border, but I just didn't have enough. So, tonight, I'll set out the quilt with several border fabrics to determine what I'll use. As mentioned before, I'm focusing on just getting the tops done for now. When I have all the planned quilts done, I will know what I have to use for backings. If you are new to my blog, while this particular pattern is no longer available, it is called 'square in a square' and there are plenty of instructions and sizes available on the net for free.

What about other crafts? I plan to work primarily on my crocheted ladybug afghan this weekend so that I can get it done. I have a portable table with adjustable height to set by my chair and will probably finish watching the remainder of my Buffy or Next Generation dvds while crocheting and attaching spots to wings and wings to bugs.

In June, not only do I need to finish a knitted sock pair for my sock-a-month group, but my online quilting group has a contest that requires 20-40 minutes a day of quilting. I really get a lot done with these contests (I won once) and it's fun to see all these other folks also getting project progress.

Fish Bowl Quilt is Done!!

2010-05-27T17:20:00.003-05:00

I finished the Fishbowl Quilt a few days ago and have been testing it for several nights. Comfy, comfy, comfy! I deliberately used a light batting in this one because I planned to use it in the summer. The fish fabrics in the bowls were the only birthday gift I ever received from my brothers (bought in FL). I added a border fabric with cats and aquariums. While mostly meander quilting, some of the bowls feature quilted sharks and rock fish. Around each bowl, I quilted bubbles and in the blue sections, I quilted watery streamers. I'm really happy with how they turned out. This quilt is about 70x86 inches. I've had the fabrics since the mid-90s, but the quilt was started in 2004. Another UFO DONE!

Here's a closeup.

Fishbowl quilt pattern. It is not paperpieced!

Fish Bowl Quilt Almost Done

2010-05-14T23:52:00.003-05:00

I'm nearly done with the Fishbowl quilt now. I attached the binding to the front and just started sewing to the back. I do need to do a little finishing in the center area (redo the quilting on some spots and quilt a spot that I missed). I expect a finish in the next week. I also need to do some catching up on quilt labels. I'm getting a tad behind on those. I think I have 6 to do now.

Once the quilt is done, then I'll be doing more finishing on that ladybug quilt. The wings need to be redone (they are too small) and then I make and attach black spots to them. A couple of days of good solid work there.

Got a lot to get done. I plan to start the first of the Halloween quilts on June 1, so getting some of this other stuff out of the way is really helpful.

Finished the On Hold Socks

2010-05-09T16:30:00.006-05:00

Yes, ironic that the name of these socks should be "On Hold". They've been on hold since July, but done they are. I used size 0 (2.0 mm) circulars to make these in Knit Picks Stroll Sock yarn (Lantana). Pattern is On Hold Socks from Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy Johnson. The pattern is not all that complicated, but I found that I couldn't do these while away from home or watching TV. I'd just get messed up and have to rip back (over and over). I did learn that I need to adapt her patterns just a bit by cutting them about 3/4 inch in length to get the right fit. Then I don't have to adjust the heel - save a step. So, one sock is a little longer than the other, but I'll live with it. I also chose to do a regular K2P2 cuff with a sewn bind off.

I'm not too happy with the photo. The color is totally wrong, why I don't know. Here's the correct color.

House Socks

2010-04-21T16:56:00.002-05:00

House Socks
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Finished these quick to do socks last night. They are shortie socks with ribbing all the way down the instep. Fit really nice and cushy.

Made from Woolease Denim (left over from afghan) on size 8 double pointed needles from the top down. Used the pattern "Baba's Bed Socks". Love the socks, hate the double pointeds. Will do again, but using 2 circs. Pattern does fit my size 10 wide feet, but I would add an additional inch to the width and knit to 1 inch length required before starting toe. Reductions are just too fast to to accommodate the 2 inches mentioned in the pattern.

Baba's Bed Socks pattern

More Quilting

2010-04-13T18:39:00.004-05:00

I'm plugging away on the Fishbowl quilt. I tried several different quilting styles on the bowls and nothing looked as good as the meander, so that is what they are getting. It's because I am making myself use the variegated thread. I KNOW everybody will wonder why I have an issue with it, and I guess it is personal preference. I just don't like variegated thread. However, I have 5 spools and a cone of it and I gotta use it. Looks good in the border, however.

If you have read substantial portions of my blog, you know that I love quilt-as-you-go methods because they are just easier - sometimes more time consuming, but easier for a large quilt. Quilter Andrea has created a step-by-step that is VERY clear for anybody who wants to put blocks together after quilting. Here is the link and I will keep it over in the side bar under my quilting links.

Quilt As You Go Tutorial

Tonight, I'm working on the Baba's socks while recording V for my brother. Sorry, bro, but I just don't like 'V'. But, I am taking commercials out, so I hope you enjoy it.

I won't be getting the Ladybug afghan done by the 15th. Can't find my stupid knitting bag. It's gotta be under something and probably staring me in the face, but I just can't find the darn thing. Just another reminder that I have too much stuff.

Waterfall Quilt is Done!

2010-04-11T00:19:00.003-05:00

Completed the Waterfall Quilt last night!! Yet another UFO DONE!

The pattern is Waterfall and from Mystery Weekend #18 in June 2006 at Quiltaholics.com. Yep, took me 4 years to get it done! It's been pinned for at least a couple of years - I just couldn't decide how to quilt it. It is 64.5x76 inches. I would have liked it a little longer, but it was a Mystery and I'm happy with it anyway.

Here's a closeup. Yes, the backing is upside down. Looks great anyway. I did echo quilting around the diamonds - really emphasizes them.

Projects and Near Dones

2010-04-07T23:07:00.005-05:00

Lots of things I have been working on when I should be doing other things. Just finished attached the binding to the front of the Waterfall quilt, so that is an almost finish. I expect that I will finish it in a few days. For the first time, I finally used the instructions for making continuous bias binding from a rectangle. Went very smooth. I learned from the last time - just make more than you need and save the leftover for some scrap quilt or potholders.

Started a pair of Baba's Bed Socks finally using leftover blue Woolease. The instructions say to cast on using 2 strands of yarn. Ok... remind me to never again try to do this using 2 ends of the same skein. It works, but it was just a dumb thing to do. My only excuse was that I was rushed. I couldn't find my knitting bag and I needed a take-along and it was the only thing where I could quickly nab yarn, needles and instructions and zoom off. I foolishly only grabbed ONE skein of yarn. Anyway, this is a top down on double pointed needles pattern. I finished the cuff and since it goes right to the heel, I expect, it won't take too long to do.

My goal has been to finish the ladybug afghan by April 15, so I really have to get a move on that one. I'm at a point where everything needs to be done at home, so I have my large clipboard to hold the background piece while I attach. Periodically, I have to stop and make more spots for wings. They are tougher than they seem to make because of the black, but the stitches themselves aren't particularly complicated.

Shorty Socks Done!

2010-03-23T13:39:00.005-05:00

Finished my sister's shorty version of my Fur Cuffed Socks. I did hers using ONE skein of Vanna's Choice yarn plus some eyelash yarn from the yarn store.

My greatest help for adapting the Fur Cuffed Socks pattern at Lion Brand yarns was the generic toe up pattern at www.knotanotherhat.typepad.com. In addition, I needed to stop the foot about 3 1/2 inches shy of the heel AND take out 4 stitches in the heel on the first purl. Otherwise, the heel was just too dumpy.

First, I will say that I really don't like acrylic socks. They feel kindof plasticky to me. However, my sis can't wear wool, so went with the flow. Bernat and others have put out some non-wool yarns at low cost. They also feel nice, so I bought some to give it a whirl. My sis has had a LOT of problems getting socks that don't cut her in the ankle, so more sockmaking is likely in my future for her.

National Quilting Day Stuff

2010-03-21T17:49:00.004-05:00

Lots of things were worked on yesterday. I spent most of the day taming the hoard, by folding fabric. Ok.. at this point, I MUST agree that folding fabric using your ruler really does take up less space. I chose to use my 24x8.5 inch ruler because it fits my Rubbermaid bins as well as the storage cabinet where I just put all the Halloween fabric. Fabric Folding Tutorial

Yesterday, March 20, was National Quilting Day. One of the challenges on my board was to clean up and organize the thread box! Mine is always a mess because I have too much thread. I haven't yet used down the thread that I bought when a quilt shop went out of business, but I'm getting there! I have all different sizes, but mostly all cotton. I have a handful of Coats and Clark and some specialty threads such as silk.

Here's the thread all organized. It all fit in and the cover closes, but not completely. In the glass bowl (a former candy dish), I keep thread and incidentals for the current project(s). In the larger round container, I have thread used for hand projects such as silk and hand quilting cotton, plus a few metallics. About once a year, I get all the partial spools together and use them up in a scrap quilt top.

Progress on the Waterfall Quilt. Here's what it is looking like a few days ago. It's about 1/2 quilted.

Close up of quilting. As you can see, I did echo quilting around the diamonds. The dark green areas are done with a wave meander (sharp instead of smooth meander), the green is done with a regular meander and the yellow is bubbles. I put off quilting this quilt for ages because I couldn't decide how to quilt it. Then I was going to do leaves, but find I just don't have the skill to put leaves in these narrow sections. I like the bubbles though. Cool. I give credit for the method to Leah Day, who gave me tips. See her Free Motion Quilting videos!

Tonight, I'm recording both Pacific (HBO) and two episodes of Life (Discovery), so I'll be knitting on my short fur cuffed socks. I've completed the red part on one sock and just started the gusset on the other. I hope to get the red section done tonight. Once I get this pair done, I'll be working on my UFO socks.

So Much Done!?

2010-03-06T12:58:00.004-06:00

I have to say that I've been doing so much better progressing on things lately. I think I've finished more items already in 2010 than all last year. Of course, many of these projects were in progress during 2009, but still. 2008-2009 was just a bad year for me due to all this coughing stuff going on and feeling plain worn out.

Knitting: Currently working part time on 3 alternating projects. I started my Kitty Pi Bed. I'm on about the 9th round. It's weird knitting 3 yarns together, but going well. I'll be thrilled when I can switch from the double pointed needles to the circs. My second project is the Buffy potholder, left over from the Ravelympics. I have to sit at the table to work on this project, so don't work on it as much. Still. Should finish this coming week. My third project is a UFO. I started these On Hold Socks last September. Finished one sock and then got stuck because something was arwy with the heel. Not really understanding heels and unwilling to spend hours ripping back and being unable to figure out where I was, I set it aside. Now that I GET heels, it was a lot easier to fix. I have finished the heel and about an inch up the ankle now. I expect to finish soon. I think I will avoid starting new yarn over patterns for awhile and stick with intarsia and knit/purl combination.

Crochet: I plan to just focus on finishing the ladybug afghan now. It is pretty close to done and a little focus will finish it. All the squares are done. I have sewn most of the ladybug bodies on. I have to redo many of the wings and then sew on the dots, but that is coming along. I started working on the daisies last week.

Quilting: I'm trying to stick with 1 hour a day because I really need to do a lot of organizing. I am currently quilting the Waterfall quilt. If I can get my shirt cut this weekend, I can then also start putting together the top sections for the Pirate Quilt which will quilted in sections and then, later assembled. My LQS has a re-grand opening, so I'm off to that in a few minutes.

Cross-Stitch: Set up materials to do a couple of little projects from one of Donna Kooler's christmas cross-stitch books. I wanted to do 5 of them and then can post the book either on Ebay or Paperbackswap.

Tall Ships Quilt is Done!

2010-03-06T12:38:00.004-06:00

Finally, I'm able to post my completed quilt (finished Monday). I started Tall Ships in 1993. Due to really bad tension and quilting problems with my machine, I needed to take out all the quilting. Yep. Took a while mostly because most seam rippers couldn't get those tiny stitches out without damaging the fabric. The winner was the Clover Seam Ripper - slips under even the tiniest of stitches.

I did meander stitching in the background (an Alexander Henry fabric called "Starry Night" based on Van Gogh). The hull is outline stitched and I left the sails free. Border done in filler shell stitches. Looks really great (see 2nd photo). The idea for the border stitches came from 365 Filler Stitches blog (See link under Quilting Links in my sidebar)

So, I have finished my 2nd oldest UFO!!

Toying With A Finish

2010-02-28T21:44:00.002-06:00

Robot
Originally uploaded by Tarana5

Finally made the robot and finished just before the Closing Ceremonies started. Cute, cute, cute. Primarily made with Vanna's Choice yarn on size 7 needles, my robot is about 10 inches tall without the antennae.

Made using Jess Hutchison's out-of-print pattern. I do need to improve my sewing together skills, but hey, still cute.

Here's Polly trying to help me take the photo.