and Jelly Roll gets to live another day.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Unsuspecting Friends
Jelly Roll and i have concocted a plan. we convinced Layer Cake and Charm Pack to visit us. a few unsuspecting friends that have no idea we plan to cut them up this weekend. shhhh! don't call them up and tell them. today beautiful pre-cuts. tomorrow a simply gorgeous patchwork project.
and Jelly Roll gets to live another day.
and Jelly Roll gets to live another day.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Half-Pint Quilt Along
i'm a doublechecker. and sometimes a triplechecker. but not tonight.
i needed to complete 132+ of these these teenie tinie blocks.
Week 5: Piecing the saw-tooth border blocks.
done.
Week 6: Adding borders and sewing scrappy binding.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
i needed to complete 132+ of these these teenie tinie blocks.
Week 5: Piecing the saw-tooth border blocks.done.
Week 6: Adding borders and sewing scrappy binding.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
delight
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Cindy Lou Who
it's the wee hours of the morning and i haven't finished quilting my Schnibbles.
on the back is another of my AH flannels which i have been saving.
i should have the binding on today. but times up! the parade has already started.
on the back is another of my AH flannels which i have been saving.
i should have the binding on today. but times up! the parade has already started.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Half-Pint Quilt Along
lots and lots of silly strings to clean up.
when oh when am i going to find time to do that.
i added 2 more rows. 25 fabrics. 50 9-patches.
Week 4: Piecing the quilt center.
done.
Week 5: Piecing the saw-tooth border blocks.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
when oh when am i going to find time to do that.
i added 2 more rows. 25 fabrics. 50 9-patches.
Week 4: Piecing the quilt center.done.
Week 5: Piecing the saw-tooth border blocks.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
Monday, October 26, 2009
AQB1 - for Sara
these is my block for Sara at Just One More.
just a quick string block she said. could it have been that simple. i resisted so much just sewing them together that i had to think about it for-ev-er.other blocks can be found on Flickr.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
believe
Friday, October 23, 2009
Have Ya Noticed...
how focused and organized i seem to be lately.
it happens sometimes. and then it just goes away.
but the panic of i-could've-done-all-that-in-October has set in.
my Schnibbles is pinned. and my Half-Pint is on the design wall.
and i've cut out an apron. cute pattern can be found here.
it could be my new basket system. most of my 8 blue baskets were in the pantry ooozing with maple syrup or other sticky stuff. i went to store to get more and they only have them in white. so i left. but i don't care what color is in the pantry hall closet. so i might have to go back. because my blue baskets are now my-important-project-baskets.
i have plenty of these wicker ones so it's holding my Half-Pint. it has a big handle so i feel like Laura Ingalls when i go get it.
this bucket really works for me. when i find lost pattern pieces. that's where they go until i decide where they really should go.
it's unfortunate that i put this sofa table/computer table in front of a really nice dresser that i can't see or use anymore. but that's where the plug and cable come in. i probably won't move it any time soon. because i can also see the t.v. from here. and that outranks almost everything.
it happens sometimes. and then it just goes away.
but the panic of i-could've-done-all-that-in-October has set in.
my Schnibbles is pinned. and my Half-Pint is on the design wall.
and i've cut out an apron. cute pattern can be found here.
it could be my new basket system. most of my 8 blue baskets were in the pantry ooozing with maple syrup or other sticky stuff. i went to store to get more and they only have them in white. so i left. but i don't care what color is in the 
i have plenty of these wicker ones so it's holding my Half-Pint. it has a big handle so i feel like Laura Ingalls when i go get it.
this bucket really works for me. when i find lost pattern pieces. that's where they go until i decide where they really should go.
it's unfortunate that i put this sofa table/computer table in front of a really nice dresser that i can't see or use anymore. but that's where the plug and cable come in. i probably won't move it any time soon. because i can also see the t.v. from here. and that outranks almost everything.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Half-Pint Quilt Along
i made 2 of each fabric found. and then i found a few more.
Week 3: Piecing the 9 patch blocks.
done. i think. because i also found this sweet green batik. hmmm.
i wonder how many extra rows i could add before i get kicked out of the group.
Week 4: Piecing the quilt center.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
Week 3: Piecing the 9 patch blocks.done. i think. because i also found this sweet green batik. hmmm.
i wonder how many extra rows i could add before i get kicked out of the group.
Week 4: Piecing the quilt center.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Got Vintage
does anybody else have a pretty little stack like this?
well in just a few minutes i made these.
following this very cool tutorial i found on Meet Me At Mikes.
my napkin was 12-1/2 in. x 15-1/2 in. a bit bigger than the suggested size. so i turned the top down 1/2 in. more. and made an extra pocket. inside one are a few hole punchers. but it's a bit big for my wallet essentials. so i'm hoping that i have a smaller pretty tucked away and forgotten about.
well in just a few minutes i made these.
following this very cool tutorial i found on Meet Me At Mikes.
my napkin was 12-1/2 in. x 15-1/2 in. a bit bigger than the suggested size. so i turned the top down 1/2 in. more. and made an extra pocket. inside one are a few hole punchers. but it's a bit big for my wallet essentials. so i'm hoping that i have a smaller pretty tucked away and forgotten about.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Stars on Sunday
2 more. 16 stars done. 64 more to go.
finally. after inspecting 208 background pieces. ta-da. that embossed design. if the light is behind me instead of in front of me. then i can easily see it without tipping it left and right and left again.
finally. after inspecting 208 background pieces. ta-da. that embossed design. if the light is behind me instead of in front of me. then i can easily see it without tipping it left and right and left again.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
peace
Friday, October 16, 2009
Half-Pint Quilt Along
pink. green. white.
a mixture of stash fabrics and would you believe a vintage sheet.
Week 1: Gather fabric.
i missed this week.
Week 2: Cutting the quilt.
yesterday i did this.
Week 3: Piecing the 9 patch blocks.
trust me. everything is put away. must work on something else today.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
from there you can link over to see the other participants.
a mixture of stash fabrics and would you believe a vintage sheet.
Week 1: Gather fabric.i missed this week.
Week 2: Cutting the quilt.
yesterday i did this.
Week 3: Piecing the 9 patch blocks.
trust me. everything is put away. must work on something else today.
Kelly of Charming Chatter wants us to comment on each of the weekly posts when we've done it.
from there you can link over to see the other participants.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Reducing Bulky Seams for a Nine-Patch
i just made nine-patches-with-a-heavier-fabric.
but when ironing the finished block it just seemed too bulky.
so i thought i would share with you what i did.
prepare your three rows as usual. and follow along:
press seams as shown on LEFT.
top and bottom towards center.
middle away from center.
sew rows and press as shown on RIGHT.
away from center.
unpick stitches in seam allowance of middle square.
approx. 2-4 stitches.
do not cut threads.
just unpick them.
then take your finger and pull down seam as shown.
move this seam towards center.
until each corner of middle square looks like a four-patch.
finger press and carefully iron.
i learned how to do this making a four-patch on pg. 38 of Victory Quilts. and accidently discovered it could be done for a nine-patch. surely i am not the first to have discovered this. let me know. the heavier fabric in above photos is Kona cotton.
but when ironing the finished block it just seemed too bulky.
so i thought i would share with you what i did.
prepare your three rows as usual. and follow along:
press seams as shown on LEFT.
top and bottom towards center.
middle away from center.
sew rows and press as shown on RIGHT.
away from center.
unpick stitches in seam allowance of middle square.approx. 2-4 stitches.
do not cut threads.just unpick them.
then take your finger and pull down seam as shown.
move this seam towards center.until each corner of middle square looks like a four-patch.
finger press and carefully iron.
i learned how to do this making a four-patch on pg. 38 of Victory Quilts. and accidently discovered it could be done for a nine-patch. surely i am not the first to have discovered this. let me know. the heavier fabric in above photos is Kona cotton.
Monday, October 12, 2009
I'm Schnibble-ing Again
just a peek snatched from my design wall.
and some color combinations that didn't make it. want those unused pieces? be the first to send me an email and they are yours.
and some color combinations that didn't make it. Sunday, October 11, 2009
Stars on Sunday
2 more. 14 stars done. 66 more to go.
i was making my stars last Sunday but got distracted. i was going to double up but instead decided to get all my ducks stars in a row. for some reason i thought i could just put all my finished blocks into the middle of my book and it would fit neatly on the shelf. but month 3 came in. drats. so now they have their own basket. and extra time was spent on prepping.
i was making my stars last Sunday but got distracted. i was going to double up but instead decided to get all my Saturday, October 10, 2009
hope
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Army Star
there's really no reason to show you my 12-1/2 in. block. because it's just not as cute as the little one.
the flying geese are 3/4 in. x 1-1/2 in. can you see the dime. it pretty much covers the entire star point. next month is Brave World.
the flying geese are 3/4 in. x 1-1/2 in. can you see the dime. it pretty much covers the entire star point. next month is Brave World.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
joy
free BOM from Gail Pan Designs.
my lazy daisy stitches are a little uptight. after i make them pretty. i go back and pull them tighter. every single one of them. before i do another project i must do some embroidery doodling.
finished blocks: love. merry.
making one block a week with Melanie, Simone, and Lynn.
my lazy daisy stitches are a little uptight. after i make them pretty. i go back and pull them tighter. every single one of them. before i do another project i must do some embroidery doodling.finished blocks: love. merry.
making one block a week with Melanie, Simone, and Lynn.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Winter White
Figgy Pudding.
eight 1/2 yd. cuts purchased from Quilt Taffy, The Sproutz Store, and Sew Inspired.
extra fabric to play with.
maybe another against the red background.
72 flying geese. that's alot. my ruler made things easier. although i used yardage in lieu of charms. if you buy yardage for the background. you can make 4 flying geese with 1 charm. by using a 6" background square with a 4-1/2" geese square. but if you look closely you will find i used 2 4-1/2" squares to make what i am calling a 3-1/2" faux-facing-geese.
eight 1/2 yd. cuts purchased from Quilt Taffy, The Sproutz Store, and Sew Inspired.
extra fabric to play with.
maybe another against the red background.
72 flying geese. that's alot. my ruler made things easier. although i used yardage in lieu of charms. if you buy yardage for the background. you can make 4 flying geese with 1 charm. by using a 6" background square with a 4-1/2" geese square. but if you look closely you will find i used 2 4-1/2" squares to make what i am calling a 3-1/2" faux-facing-geese.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Stars on Sunday
2 more. 12 stars done. 68 more to go.
with 8 different fabrics you could really make 8 different stars.
while 8 different stars made me crazy.
seeing 4 different ones with a twin made me calm.
with 8 different fabrics you could really make 8 different stars.while 8 different stars made me crazy.
seeing 4 different ones with a twin made me calm.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Stars on Sunday
2 more. 10 stars done. 70 more to go.
an annoying light but needed to properly show off fabric.
an annoying light but needed to properly show off fabric.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
love
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Stars on Sunday
my new set of stars. this time around. points prepped. ready to go.
am i sick of this pattern yet. absolutely. but i am committed. just look at Edyta holding her finished quilt.
am i sick of this pattern yet. absolutely. but i am committed. just look at Edyta holding her finished quilt.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
au-then-tic
finished new book. started boy color knitting.
and admiring my new jelly roll.
if you mix Allspice Tapestry and au-then-tic you might just have fabric color perfection. well for me. today's palette posted here made me stop and stare. that's me. and the winners of the jelly roll contest were announced here. love the one called Beach Huts. o.k. no more JR talk.
and admiring my new jelly roll.
if you mix Allspice Tapestry and au-then-tic you might just have fabric color perfection. well for me. today's palette posted here made me stop and stare. that's me. and the winners of the jelly roll contest were announced here. love the one called Beach Huts. o.k. no more JR talk.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Bake then Sew then Eat
there was no whipped cream in her refrigerator.
but while i waited for my sister to come home i made this recipe.
we did not get much done.
after discovering the iron was broken. measuring the bed. and counting coins. revealed we need to go shopping. so the making of the quilt goes on.
but while i waited for my sister to come home i made this recipe.
we did not get much done.
after discovering the iron was broken. measuring the bed. and counting coins. revealed we need to go shopping. so the making of the quilt goes on.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
1941 Nine-Patch
not a very exciting block. except for the flying geese. but i like it.
here are my geese rulers. the top two are a set of mini's. the bottom one you might have already used. mini on left made this block. mini on right i need next month to make Army Star.
slowly advancing on my Hope of Hartford blocks. 12 done. and most of the border blocks.
have you signed up for A Year of Schnibbles? the first quilt is Winter White and has flying geese. i won't get my pattern for a few days. but i'm ready with my rulers.
here are my geese rulers. the top two are a set of mini's. the bottom one you might have already used. mini on left made this block. mini on right i need next month to make Army Star.
slowly advancing on my Hope of Hartford blocks. 12 done. and most of the border blocks.
have you signed up for A Year of Schnibbles? the first quilt is Winter White and has flying geese. i won't get my pattern for a few days. but i'm ready with my rulers.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
My First Jelly Roll
well. that's not the whole truth. long ago my sister and i used to make those jam jelly rolls. they were so delicious. and a bit messy. and i won't bake cookies without my insulated jelly roll pan. but my very first fabric jelly roll is on its way to me as we speak. that's right. i won the flower table runner contest. yippee. take a peek here to see the other runners that were made.
hey sis. let's not sew on Friday. i feel like making a sweet jelly roll. just kidding. we really have to sew. but if you find the recipe and put all the ingredients on the counter. pretty please. i promise to get it in the oven before you get back from your appointment.
if she takes the bait maybe i'll show you what we're working on...
hey sis. let's not sew on Friday. i feel like making a sweet jelly roll. just kidding. we really have to sew. but if you find the recipe and put all the ingredients on the counter. pretty please. i promise to get it in the oven before you get back from your appointment.
if she takes the bait maybe i'll show you what we're working on...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Run Run Runner
absolutely my favorite fabric line ever.
Allspice Tapestry by Joanna Figueroa and Lisa Quan Fig Tree Quilts for Moda.
not making it anymore.
good thing i have more tucked away.
free pattern found here on Sweetwater.
found out about it here on Jaybird.
then Jaybird put it here on Moda Bake Shop.
would you believe there's another photo here on Flickr.
if you make one. and enter. Sweetwater is giving away one of those awesome Authentic jelly rolls.
Allspice Tapestry by Joanna Figueroa and Lisa Quan Fig Tree Quilts for Moda.
not making it anymore.
good thing i have more tucked away.
free pattern found here on Sweetwater.found out about it here on Jaybird.
then Jaybird put it here on Moda Bake Shop.
would you believe there's another photo here on Flickr.
if you make one. and enter. Sweetwater is giving away one of those awesome Authentic jelly rolls.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Secret Knitting
can i sit still long enough so that i can say i finished this in 21 months.
almost finishing a $4. scarf is just as satisfying as finishing a $34. scarf.
convincing your niece to work two things on one needle.
knitting with girl colors when the next baby shower is for a boy.
if you are local you may find it of interest that the Comstock Ferre building and seed store has closed down. because the building closed the knitting store had to close. this knitting store was a second location which opened up on the second floor of the Comstock Ferre building. no AC. no heat. wooden floors. but an absolute delight to visit and knit. the main store which used to be located in West Hartford has been in Bloomfield for about two years. only wish i had taken pics in Wethersfield so i could show them to you. here are seats from Wethersfield moved into Bloomfield.
i can't knit unless i hand-roll my yarn. obsessively checking for knots. and i also have to cast on all my pieces at one time. and work on them all at once. but it seems that Nora has inspired Bridget to work two things on one needle. crazy huh. but it really doesn't get better than that. so the three of us have our secret projects to work on.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Stars on Sunday
by now you must have guessed it's not me picking out the fabric.
Starscape BOM can be found here. they send enough to make 8 stars. then only scraps to play with. that's how i made this block.
Starscape BOM can be found here. they send enough to make 8 stars. then only scraps to play with. that's how i made this block.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Stars on Sunday
2 more. 6 stars done. 74 more to go.
yeah. i was able to fix the shortage on the triangles by cutting them bigger than recommended.
yeah. i was able to fix the shortage on the triangles by cutting them bigger than recommended.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Happy Thread
i found this cute stitchery here. i also have one of the bicycles. and i might get the basil. not sure what i will do with this. but after i make another one i'm sure i'll think of something. so proud to have dipped into my stash of thread. but the happy dot i got @ JoAnn's. 5/8 yd. 30% off. $3.06. i was able to cut eight 10 in. squares.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Radio Windmill
i used background fabric inside this block in lieu of contrasting fabric. this places attention on the red and yellow blades. a contrasting fabric would have placed attention on the square of the block. does that make sense. i placed my blocks over some fat quarters not using in this quilt. i would like to use these yellow polka dots in the green and mauve colorways in another project. i love the blue. but i couldn't pass up getting the others while they were available.
here's my progress on the Hope of Hartford quilt. on a cooler night this would have been a snap to finish. but each puff of the iron throws unnecessary heat on the hands. hands which are crying out to wait for another day.
i have to say i continue to learn new things taking this class. and the book fully explains each step in detail. for example. to make the above blocks. using two squares right sides together. we first mark with an "x". then sew on the left side to the middle. pivot across center. then sew on the right side. then rotate and do it again. when you cut on your marked "x" lines. you get 4 pieced triangles. which you sew to a full triangle. the top row are for my blocks. the bottom row are for my ribbon border. my teacher recommends not cutting your squares into triangles until you are ready so they don't pull out of shape. normally when i am in class i listen to the teacher and then just do it the way i want to. because there is always more than one way. but in exchange for my time and money i have vowed to try new techniques hoping that "they will be good for me". last month i found myself telling everyone that they weren't using the right ruler to trim their blocks. that would have been me before. using whatever ruler i wanted. next month we use the mini flying geese ruler. it sometimes takes me the entire three hours of class to complete my block. but i like to think that i am attending "quilt school".
here's my progress on the Hope of Hartford quilt. on a cooler night this would have been a snap to finish. but each puff of the iron throws unnecessary heat on the hands. hands which are crying out to wait for another day.
i have to say i continue to learn new things taking this class. and the book fully explains each step in detail. for example. to make the above blocks. using two squares right sides together. we first mark with an "x". then sew on the left side to the middle. pivot across center. then sew on the right side. then rotate and do it again. when you cut on your marked "x" lines. you get 4 pieced triangles. which you sew to a full triangle. the top row are for my blocks. the bottom row are for my ribbon border. my teacher recommends not cutting your squares into triangles until you are ready so they don't pull out of shape. normally when i am in class i listen to the teacher and then just do it the way i want to. because there is always more than one way. but in exchange for my time and money i have vowed to try new techniques hoping that "they will be good for me". last month i found myself telling everyone that they weren't using the right ruler to trim their blocks. that would have been me before. using whatever ruler i wanted. next month we use the mini flying geese ruler. it sometimes takes me the entire three hours of class to complete my block. but i like to think that i am attending "quilt school".
Monday, August 3, 2009
Stars on Sunday
2 more. 4 stars done. 76 more to go.
i barely made the seam allowance on a few triangles. i must figure out why.
i barely made the seam allowance on a few triangles. i must figure out why.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Christmas In July
all wrapped up in polka dot fabric. my Christmas In July package arrived all the way from Australia. it was from Kerry of Kerry Swain's Cottage.
a pretty patchwork bag with the cutest buttons. and a little scrappy which i love.
and inside i found a beautiful card. a handmade teatowel. and Kerry's own book of recipes and projects. the result of many gatherings with quilt friends which she has now shared with me.
thanks Kerry for putting together a nice Christmas package. and thank you Stephanie and Linda for hosting a fun swap.
a pretty patchwork bag with the cutest buttons. and a little scrappy which i love.
and inside i found a beautiful card. a handmade teatowel. and Kerry's own book of recipes and projects. the result of many gatherings with quilt friends which she has now shared with me.
thanks Kerry for putting together a nice Christmas package. and thank you Stephanie and Linda for hosting a fun swap.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Stars on Sunday
2 stars done. 78 more to go.
making Starscape on pg. 110 of Hop To It! by Edyta Sitar for Laundry Basket Quilts.
making Starscape on pg. 110 of Hop To It! by Edyta Sitar for Laundry Basket Quilts.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Pizza Book Movie Fabrics
i don't eat cheese anymore as doctor says i have an allergy to milk products. i can have a bit of butter and some parmesan cheese. although i think i indulge in a bit more than a bit. good thing my favorite pizza establishment makes the best fresh tomato pie. add peppers and onions. it's yummy. the best times i have with my Mom are our regular dinners for pizza. tonight she felt like salad. so most of this is going home with me for t.v. eating. Soundstage has Billy Idol. Bravo has the finale to Fashion Show. although i still like Project Runway better. and a pretty good newcomer on NBC The Listener. oh how i love my dvr. except when it gives a Repeat when i only ask for a New.
a few nights ago i went to a free screening with a friend who happens to love Julia Child and cookbooks. so a happy night out. Meryl Streep playing Julia Child was very good and very funny. if you don't go next month you should queue it in your flix list. my fav cookbook has been Clean Food. and the author has been a busy bee in preparation for a new publish of her first cookbook. this one will be available everywhere. i plan to give one away.
i slightly hate to do the peaky thing but i really love what i made so since i know that you all love to be teased.... this will have to satisfy your curiosity. is anyone surprised that i put Sweet Red and Sweet Green together?
August is my month in the quilting bee. if you don't know what that is. all you have to know is that i had to make 11 piles of fabric and put them in 11 envelopes. include instructions on my theme and vision. and send them on their way. and wait patiently as they magically and individually find their way back to my mailbox. apologies. "some" of my readers sometimes have no idea what i am talking about. not you guys. i'm referring to those adorable and supportive family readers. who never comment. but still know what you've been up to.
i also had to make a 12th pile. for me. i get to play too.
a few nights ago i went to a free screening with a friend who happens to love Julia Child and cookbooks. so a happy night out. Meryl Streep playing Julia Child was very good and very funny. if you don't go next month you should queue it in your flix list. my fav cookbook has been Clean Food. and the author has been a busy bee in preparation for a new publish of her first cookbook. this one will be available everywhere. i plan to give one away.
i slightly hate to do the peaky thing but i really love what i made so since i know that you all love to be teased.... this will have to satisfy your curiosity. is anyone surprised that i put Sweet Red and Sweet Green together?
August is my month in the quilting bee. if you don't know what that is. all you have to know is that i had to make 11 piles of fabric and put them in 11 envelopes. include instructions on my theme and vision. and send them on their way. and wait patiently as they magically and individually find their way back to my mailbox. apologies. "some" of my readers sometimes have no idea what i am talking about. not you guys. i'm referring to those adorable and supportive family readers. who never comment. but still know what you've been up to.
i also had to make a 12th pile. for me. i get to play too.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
AQB1 - for Barbara
our blocks will be combined with some swap-nine-patches.
these are my blocks for Barbara at Crazy Lady Crafts.
Michelle made this block using this large template after seeing Terry working on this quilt. go click on Michelle and Terry. lots of good stuff besides applecore templates. so. once i saw the fabrics that Barbara sent i wanted to try this too. so i ordered the large template. but turned out it was too big to make a 12-1/2 in block. then i found a medium template pattern. this Applecore pattern is also called Axehead or Double Hatchet. Michelle also linked to a pattern which includes the large template pattern. but if making a quilt i would recommend buying the acrylic template. there's not much budge-room when piecing these shapes. accurate cutting and lots of tiny pins. i should tell you that the medium template pattern actually made a 13-1/2 in. block. but i was able to tilt a bit and cut a very nice 12-1/2 in. block.
now is there time to talk about the little block. of course there is. i knew i was going to make tiny-nine-patches to go with the swap-nine-patches that Barbara will be using to finish her quilt. i only had enough red to make four squares and i had not used any of the white and i only had a little strip of a green left after chopping up two greens that were sent and and then it was a bit boring so i added the yellow. why did i chop up two greens and then have to add some. well. you can't cut out an axehead shape and then change your mind and make it smaller. it won't let you.
these are my blocks for Barbara at Crazy Lady Crafts.
Michelle made this block using this large template after seeing Terry working on this quilt. go click on Michelle and Terry. lots of good stuff besides applecore templates. so. once i saw the fabrics that Barbara sent i wanted to try this too. so i ordered the large template. but turned out it was too big to make a 12-1/2 in block. then i found a medium template pattern. this Applecore pattern is also called Axehead or Double Hatchet. Michelle also linked to a pattern which includes the large template pattern. but if making a quilt i would recommend buying the acrylic template. there's not much budge-room when piecing these shapes. accurate cutting and lots of tiny pins. i should tell you that the medium template pattern actually made a 13-1/2 in. block. but i was able to tilt a bit and cut a very nice 12-1/2 in. block.
now is there time to talk about the little block. of course there is. i knew i was going to make tiny-nine-patches to go with the swap-nine-patches that Barbara will be using to finish her quilt. i only had enough red to make four squares and i had not used any of the white and i only had a little strip of a green left after chopping up two greens that were sent and and then it was a bit boring so i added the yellow. why did i chop up two greens and then have to add some. well. you can't cut out an axehead shape and then change your mind and make it smaller. it won't let you.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Hope Of Hartford
i said when we were doing this block that i would also make the small quilt in the book with all Hope of Hartford blocks.
so far i have only cut out my pieces.
the fabric with the flowers and flags will be the backing for this small quilt.
so officially i am working on 3 quilts from this book all with the ribbon border. the one with 12 in. blocks will measure 67 in. x 83 in. the two with 6 in. blocks will measure 44 in. x 50 in. the book gives fabric requirements for making the Hope of Hartford quilt in both the 6 in. and 12 in. blocks.
so far i have only cut out my pieces.
the fabric with the flowers and flags will be the backing for this small quilt.so officially i am working on 3 quilts from this book all with the ribbon border. the one with 12 in. blocks will measure 67 in. x 83 in. the two with 6 in. blocks will measure 44 in. x 50 in. the book gives fabric requirements for making the Hope of Hartford quilt in both the 6 in. and 12 in. blocks.
Monday, July 6, 2009
AQB1 - for Jessica
our blocks will be stitched around this center medalion.here is my block for Jessica at J.M.B. - each of the four sections were made separately. it was supposed to fan out a bit more and not be so even but i kept cutting my pieces of equal size. black sashing makes this design more striking. but i did not want to cut it down. instructions memorized until i got home. that's right i did not buy that book either. this time browsing at JoAnn's. but you'll be proud of me. or not. for next month's block i found inspiration on a new-to-me-blog and purchased a new notion. 
the way it is is the way i was making it. but before i sewed the center seam together i realized that it could also come together like this.
here is my block for Jessica at J.M.B. - each of the four sections were made separately. it was supposed to fan out a bit more and not be so even but i kept cutting my pieces of equal size. black sashing makes this design more striking. but i did not want to cut it down. instructions memorized until i got home. that's right i did not buy that book either. this time browsing at JoAnn's. but you'll be proud of me. or not. for next month's block i found inspiration on a new-to-me-blog and purchased a new notion. 
the way it is is the way i was making it. but before i sewed the center seam together i realized that it could also come together like this.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tornado in Connecticut
that's right. last Friday. NWS reported "a tornado that knocked out power and downed trees lasted three minutes, traveled 1.7 miles, and packed winds between 80 and 90 mph". Jessica lost two windows with rain gushing in sideways across the room. Linda lost one large tree limb that landed and blocked road in front of their house involving wires. and a tree at Anna's almost landed on their car. they all live so very close to where the tornado came down. trees broken like toothpicks.
we all knew the weather was going to be rough. but we had gotten used to the constant changes. Jessica came home from settling in at the beach to work one more day. my BIL rode his motorcycle home when he saw the darkening sky only to get soaked when he had to go around the block when he could not get into driveway the way he had come. my plan was to go to beach the next day. it had rained Friday morning but i had decided to go to park and take pics. it had rained so much in June and i was worried about the condition of the roses. well worried that there may not be any rose petals left to take a pic of. so raindrops have been included.
i live in the city and even though i heard about it on t.v. Saturday morning i traveled through Hartford and then did the zig-zag through Wethersfield trying to get to post office before i jumped on the highway on my way to the beach. of course i knew but forgot the last road i use to cross town was where the badly damaged house was. that road was blocked. but i saw enormous tree roots that had been lifted out of the ground. and almost every house was busy making piles of broken branches that lined the sidewalks one after the other. the local paper posted a video and photos. and Flickr.
then i had a few days of summer fun. an assortment of water toys. the water in Connecticut in June is freezing. after some screaming you get used to it. it never really gets that warm.
and while i was finishing up a birthday present for my niece.
OMG. my friend Melanie had already mailed me a beachy present. here's a peek at what i got.
i'm going to squeeze one more day at the beach tomorrow. although it's probably going to rain.
this is a video i shot Friday morning in the park.
we all knew the weather was going to be rough. but we had gotten used to the constant changes. Jessica came home from settling in at the beach to work one more day. my BIL rode his motorcycle home when he saw the darkening sky only to get soaked when he had to go around the block when he could not get into driveway the way he had come. my plan was to go to beach the next day. it had rained Friday morning but i had decided to go to park and take pics. it had rained so much in June and i was worried about the condition of the roses. well worried that there may not be any rose petals left to take a pic of. so raindrops have been included.
i live in the city and even though i heard about it on t.v. Saturday morning i traveled through Hartford and then did the zig-zag through Wethersfield trying to get to post office before i jumped on the highway on my way to the beach. of course i knew but forgot the last road i use to cross town was where the badly damaged house was. that road was blocked. but i saw enormous tree roots that had been lifted out of the ground. and almost every house was busy making piles of broken branches that lined the sidewalks one after the other. the local paper posted a video and photos. and Flickr.then i had a few days of summer fun. an assortment of water toys. the water in Connecticut in June is freezing. after some screaming you get used to it. it never really gets that warm.
and while i was finishing up a birthday present for my niece.
OMG. my friend Melanie had already mailed me a beachy present. here's a peek at what i got.
i'm going to squeeze one more day at the beach tomorrow. although it's probably going to rain.
this is a video i shot Friday morning in the park.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Summer Fun
Leta and Dawn have won a Variety Pack.Des, Lindsey, Melanie, and Atasha have won 1 Wavy Wiper and 1 Scrubbie. send me your info so i can take your package to the Post Office. then i'm going to take some time and enjoy a little summer fun.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Variety Pack
1 Dish Cloth.
1 Face Cloth.
2 Pretty Cloths.
3 Wavy Wipers.
4 Scrubbies.
leave a comment.
leave it here.
a Variety Pack could be yours.
i'll pick two names on Friday.
and let ya know who gets a Variety Pack.
and after i pick two names i will pick another four names to win 1 Wavy Wiper and 1 Scrubbie.
once again here are details on how to make your own.
1 Face Cloth.
2 Pretty Cloths.
3 Wavy Wipers.
4 Scrubbies.
leave a comment.leave it here.
a Variety Pack could be yours.
i'll pick two names on Friday.
and let ya know who gets a Variety Pack.
and after i pick two names i will pick another four names to win 1 Wavy Wiper and 1 Scrubbie.
once again here are details on how to make your own.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Scrappy Sunday
Block #34
wow. another week has gone by. this is honestly the first time i have layed out the blocks. it doesn't really make much difference which order i put them in.
i'm going to say design wall. but it's really the back of plastic table cloth nailed above my couch. my design wall is only showing you a 5 by 5 layout. looking for one more middle or middle substitute so i can make a 5 x 7 layout.
wow. another week has gone by. this is honestly the first time i have layed out the blocks. it doesn't really make much difference which order i put them in.
i'm going to say design wall. but it's really the back of plastic table cloth nailed above my couch. my design wall is only showing you a 5 by 5 layout. looking for one more middle or middle substitute so i can make a 5 x 7 layout.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Scrappy Sunday
i made a Block #34 yesterday using my last middle square.
at least i thought it was my last. turns out it was that square i found in my stash a few weeks ago. but oops. i didn't check the size before i started sewing. it was 1/2 in too big. couldn't figure out why my pre-cut-just-a-bit-bigger-than-9-1/2 in.-strip-last-to-sew-on was too small. the whole time i was thinking i am going to miss this block. and that i should just make it again. and what would i do different. i was also working on my Fala blocks.
so today i will re-sew my scrappy block. and finish up the handwork on Fala.
at least i thought it was my last. turns out it was that square i found in my stash a few weeks ago. but oops. i didn't check the size before i started sewing. it was 1/2 in too big. couldn't figure out why my pre-cut-just-a-bit-bigger-than-9-1/2 in.-strip-last-to-sew-on was too small. the whole time i was thinking i am going to miss this block. and that i should just make it again. and what would i do different. i was also working on my Fala blocks.
so today i will re-sew my scrappy block. and finish up the handwork on Fala.
Monday, June 8, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Patiently Waiting
while i wait for the roses to bloom. i continue to take short visits to my local park.
an amazing fragrance coming from the yellows.
across the path from the rose garden there is more to see. i just call these purple pompoms.
a small tree with loads of new buds.
another small tree with these hanging yellow flowers.
behind is the small greenhouse.
in front of greenhouse.
a beautiful mix of new buds and closed flowers and then the fully open ones with large petals and gold centers.
and then i make my way back to this bench to do some knitting.
i love to watch tennis on t.v. so for two weeks the French Open has provided me with hours of knitting pleasure. but then i have to get outside. i have stopped at Starbuck's to knit so much that it was time to check in with my knitting friends at the local shop. i missed last month's sale but went ahead and checked the mark-down-bins. here's a peek at my $4. scarf. i found two lonely skeins in different colors and mixed them in my favorite stitch.
and $10. for yarn i was eventually going to buy anyway i was pushed to overcome my issues with crochet. it was so enjoyable sitting around the big wooden table listening to everyone as they each worked on their own special projects. i missed that.
an amazing fragrance coming from the yellows.
across the path from the rose garden there is more to see. i just call these purple pompoms.
a small tree with loads of new buds.
another small tree with these hanging yellow flowers.
behind is the small greenhouse.
in front of greenhouse.
a beautiful mix of new buds and closed flowers and then the fully open ones with large petals and gold centers.
and then i make my way back to this bench to do some knitting.
i love to watch tennis on t.v. so for two weeks the French Open has provided me with hours of knitting pleasure. but then i have to get outside. i have stopped at Starbuck's to knit so much that it was time to check in with my knitting friends at the local shop. i missed last month's sale but went ahead and checked the mark-down-bins. here's a peek at my $4. scarf. i found two lonely skeins in different colors and mixed them in my favorite stitch.
and $10. for yarn i was eventually going to buy anyway i was pushed to overcome my issues with crochet. it was so enjoyable sitting around the big wooden table listening to everyone as they each worked on their own special projects. i missed that.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Make Your Own Variety Pack
congratulations!
you have both won a Variety Pack. send me your info so i can drop it off at the Post Office. i plan to do this again next month and i've already started.
but in the meantime. if you remember. i did promise you details.
Dish Cloth. pattern from Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. Spring/Summer 2009. i used size 5 needles in lieu of size 6 needles. i used Lily Sugar'n Cream stripes cotton(120 yds.) in lieu of Debbie Bliss Eco organic cotton(100 yds.). mine measures 10 in. x 8 in.
Face Cloth. my own pattern. well not really. Broken Rib. one of my favorites. easy to follow. any combination of 4 stitches plus 1 will work. size 7 needles. cast on 41 sts. just slightly loose. K2 P2 repeat until end K1. repeat this row 54 more times. cast off in pattern just slightly loose. after pressing mine measures 9 in. x 9 in.
Pretty Cloth. used Nanette's waffle dish cloth tutorial. after cutting squares i sink-washed the waffle cloth pieces and hung to dry before sewing on binding. this made mine measure 8-1/2 in. x 9 in.
Wavy Wiper. this is my own pattern for a cloth that i sell on Etsy and that i am sharing with you. please do not use my pattern for anything other than your own personal use or for gifts that you are giving. size 5 needles. cast on 15 sts. Wave #1: knit until last 2 sts. K1inc1. K1. repeat this row 7 more times. stitch count is now 23. knit until last 3 sts. K2tog. K1. repeat this row 7 more times. stitch count is back to 15 sts. Wave #2: repeat Wave #1. Wave #3: repeat Wave #1. EXCEPT when working last row. the row with your last K2tog. you will ALSO be binding off purlwise. (another way of saying this is. when working this last row. bind off purlwise until last 3 sts. P2tog. bind off last 2 sts. purlwise.) mine measures 4 in. x 5 in.
Scrubbies. used Berlin's knitted kitchen scrubbie tutorial. also read her scrubbie update. size 9 needles. i cast on & cast off tightly for a tighter scrubbing edge. & i found it easier to cut the netting with a rotary cutter at 2-1/2 in. then cut up the middle with scissors.
Basic Cloth. this one is not part of the Variety Pack. but i'm making one from each colorway just-because. size 5 needles. cast on 50 sts. work garter stitch. until you have 53 bumps on right side. cast off purlwise.
drop me a line if you have any questions. or let me know which knit or crochet pieces you love to make.
you have both won a Variety Pack. send me your info so i can drop it off at the Post Office. i plan to do this again next month and i've already started.
but in the meantime. if you remember. i did promise you details.Dish Cloth. pattern from Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. Spring/Summer 2009. i used size 5 needles in lieu of size 6 needles. i used Lily Sugar'n Cream stripes cotton(120 yds.) in lieu of Debbie Bliss Eco organic cotton(100 yds.). mine measures 10 in. x 8 in.
Face Cloth. my own pattern. well not really. Broken Rib. one of my favorites. easy to follow. any combination of 4 stitches plus 1 will work. size 7 needles. cast on 41 sts. just slightly loose. K2 P2 repeat until end K1. repeat this row 54 more times. cast off in pattern just slightly loose. after pressing mine measures 9 in. x 9 in.
Pretty Cloth. used Nanette's waffle dish cloth tutorial. after cutting squares i sink-washed the waffle cloth pieces and hung to dry before sewing on binding. this made mine measure 8-1/2 in. x 9 in.
Wavy Wiper. this is my own pattern for a cloth that i sell on Etsy and that i am sharing with you. please do not use my pattern for anything other than your own personal use or for gifts that you are giving. size 5 needles. cast on 15 sts. Wave #1: knit until last 2 sts. K1inc1. K1. repeat this row 7 more times. stitch count is now 23. knit until last 3 sts. K2tog. K1. repeat this row 7 more times. stitch count is back to 15 sts. Wave #2: repeat Wave #1. Wave #3: repeat Wave #1. EXCEPT when working last row. the row with your last K2tog. you will ALSO be binding off purlwise. (another way of saying this is. when working this last row. bind off purlwise until last 3 sts. P2tog. bind off last 2 sts. purlwise.) mine measures 4 in. x 5 in.
Scrubbies. used Berlin's knitted kitchen scrubbie tutorial. also read her scrubbie update. size 9 needles. i cast on & cast off tightly for a tighter scrubbing edge. & i found it easier to cut the netting with a rotary cutter at 2-1/2 in. then cut up the middle with scissors.
Basic Cloth. this one is not part of the Variety Pack. but i'm making one from each colorway just-because. size 5 needles. cast on 50 sts. work garter stitch. until you have 53 bumps on right side. cast off purlwise.
drop me a line if you have any questions. or let me know which knit or crochet pieces you love to make.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Variety Pack
1 Dish Cloth.
1 Face Cloth.
2 Pretty Cloths.
3 Wavy Wipers.
4 Scrubbies.
leave a comment.
leave it here.
a Variety Pack could be yours.
i love the Scrubbies.
knit your cotton leftovers with some Shiny Tulle.
i'll pick two names on Friday.
and let ya know who gets a Variety Pack.
i get up early.
and i'll also give you details on how to make your own.
1 Face Cloth.
2 Pretty Cloths.
3 Wavy Wipers.
4 Scrubbies.
leave a comment.leave it here.
a Variety Pack could be yours.
i love the Scrubbies.
knit your cotton leftovers with some Shiny Tulle.
i'll pick two names on Friday.and let ya know who gets a Variety Pack.
i get up early.
and i'll also give you details on how to make your own.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
A Little Stitching
for my Christmas In July swap i decided to do a little stitching. not too much.
last week at the beach i spent time reviewing the instructions. when else would i have time to do that.
it was a gorgeous day. i never stitched a gift. so i am practicing on this pretty Shabby Roses BOM from Elefantz.
you might recognize the fabric i am using. the background is linen from an old dress that belonged to my sister.
i also picked Aviary fabric and soon realized choosing a neutral thread for applique would have caused the words and flowers to stand out. so i might try this one again. just to see the difference.
i used a Mark-B-Gone pen and to my amazement the blue lines washed out. my tracing wasn't that accurate and the fabric kept moving around. so i would like to try transfer pencils. do you have a tried-and-true method for transferring? or a stitchery fabric that you like?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Scrappy Sunday
i still have scrapper's block. so why not fill the in-between-time stitching on the sashing.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Star Spangled Banner
we appliqued the stars using Steam-A-Seam and just a straight stitch.
wondering if i should change the cornerstones from red to yellow. and whether i should make the ribbon border green with blue. or blue with green. pieced borders take time. i want to cut it up now. decisions. decisions.
the 6 in. blocks are still the cutest. oooh. don't look at those points disappearing into the seams.
next month we're making Fala. Fala is a Scottie. the First Pet of President Roosevelt. in real life. grey and black. in my quilt. red or blue or green or yellow. decisions. decisions.
wondering if i should change the cornerstones from red to yellow. and whether i should make the ribbon border green with blue. or blue with green. pieced borders take time. i want to cut it up now. decisions. decisions.
the 6 in. blocks are still the cutest. oooh. don't look at those points disappearing into the seams.
next month we're making Fala. Fala is a Scottie. the First Pet of President Roosevelt. in real life. grey and black. in my quilt. red or blue or green or yellow. decisions. decisions.
Monday, May 11, 2009
AQB1 - for Chen
update - Chen has posted her completed quilt top here.this is my block for Chen at Mushyhed's Sweatshop. i went to Border's and sat in the quilt-section browsing through some fantastic books. i'm thinking about making another block. i'm also thinking about buying the book i found this in.
and here it is on Flickr for AQB1. you can also check out Flickr for AQB2.
this is my block for Chen at Mushyhed's Sweatshop. i went to Border's and sat in the quilt-section browsing through some fantastic books. i'm thinking about making another block. i'm also thinking about buying the book i found this in.
and here it is on Flickr for AQB1. you can also check out Flickr for AQB2.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
AQB1 - for Sarah Ch.
update - our blocks arranged differently.
our blocks gathered while decisions are made on how to connect.these are my blocks for Sarah at By Needle And Thread.
i made the above block a month ago before i looked at the wonky tutorial. then i looked at the tutorial and was not absolutely sure that i was making what was asked for. after a month i still liked it. so i did not change it.
i followed the tutorial to make this one.
and here they are on Flickr.
our blocks gathered while decisions are made on how to connect.
these are my blocks for Sarah at By Needle And Thread.
i made the above block a month ago before i looked at the wonky tutorial. then i looked at the tutorial and was not absolutely sure that i was making what was asked for. after a month i still liked it. so i did not change it.
i followed the tutorial to make this one.
and here they are on Flickr.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Scrappy Sunday
if you wait for someone to come in the middle of the night and cut your thrifted clothing into pieces so that you can eventually make some kind of quilt you will probably be waiting a long time. i not only wished it once i wished it a million times.
since i have no interest in spending valuable time on a new project but i do have an interest in making some kind of progress on transforming thrifted as well as personal clothing into a finished project i will again be using that one-block-at-a-time method.
new inspiration came from this summer quilt made by Dawn's Great Grandmother. and who could forget the tumbler quilt made by Ulla. i like that these patterns can handle those scrappy bits that don't seem to go together.
even from these small pieces i was able to cut quite a few squares and tumblers. i also saved strips just in case. but honestly i had to throw the rest away.
i don't miss any of the thrown away bits from my thrifted quilt.
since i have no interest in spending valuable time on a new project but i do have an interest in making some kind of progress on transforming thrifted as well as personal clothing into a finished project i will again be using that one-block-at-a-time method.
new inspiration came from this summer quilt made by Dawn's Great Grandmother. and who could forget the tumbler quilt made by Ulla. i like that these patterns can handle those scrappy bits that don't seem to go together.
even from these small pieces i was able to cut quite a few squares and tumblers. i also saved strips just in case. but honestly i had to throw the rest away.i don't miss any of the thrown away bits from my thrifted quilt.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Sweet Selvedges
using Nanette's waffle dish cloth tutorial i took selvedges to make the binding. i cut my selvedges at 2 in. used a 5/8 in. seam to sew on and tried both zig-zag and straight stitch to finish.
three pieces to make Sweet binding. one long piece to make Santa Claus binding.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Sweet Pink
a pink bucket. sadly this Easter paraphanelia belonging to my niece was found empty. goodness gracious. when they were younger the candy lasted much longer. i coulda snuck a piece of candy for at least two weeks. so. well. watcha thinking. more colors. please don't show me any more colors. hmmm. if you missed Sweet Red you could go back and look.my weekend list will require some abracadabra. turn my pieces into 30 blocks. lol. transform some pretty strips into these. and while i soak up some sun. whip up a few of these.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
He's Just Too Much
if i fall asleep before The Late Late Show comes on i just press Play in the a.m. when i have my morning coffee.
last night was especially silly and hilarious. my DVR keeps me connected. but you can check out the other clips of this show by clicking the ones marked 4/20/09.
last night was especially silly and hilarious. my DVR keeps me connected. but you can check out the other clips of this show by clicking the ones marked 4/20/09.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Scrappy Sunday
i'm having scrapper's block. for the last few weeks i start to put a block together and i just don't like it. so tonight i did some playing. these are four scrap strips sewn to green squares.
see last pic here. Kathy of Material Obsession calls it her Green Scrap Eater. but it has been worked up in other colors. love the "anything goes". love the "no matching points". love that it might just "eat up my scraps".
see last pic here. Kathy of Material Obsession calls it her Green Scrap Eater. but it has been worked up in other colors. love the "anything goes". love the "no matching points". love that it might just "eat up my scraps".
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Bunny Dresses
i hope my three bunny designers like the dresses i made for them. i'm popping them in their Easter goodie bag right now.
here's my bunny Cindy with the dress i made for her. and she is giving you a sneak of a new quilt i am making. i feel a little guilty starting a new project when i have so many to finish. but it's from the Moda Sweet line. and who could resist a little of this sugar.
i did after all need something new to sign up for six months of professional studio cutting at a LQS. here are my peeps getting cut into 1-1/2 in. strips. i'm learning how to prep my fabric before i get there. i'll keep you updated on how i like it as i do more cutting.
have a most Happy Easter Day! i can see the sun shining outside my window and it looks beautiful. but i'm off now to make some cookies so i can complete my Easter goodie bags.
here's my bunny Cindy with the dress i made for her. and she is giving you a sneak of a new quilt i am making. i feel a little guilty starting a new project when i have so many to finish. but it's from the Moda Sweet line. and who could resist a little of this sugar.
i did after all need something new to sign up for six months of professional studio cutting at a LQS. here are my peeps getting cut into 1-1/2 in. strips. i'm learning how to prep my fabric before i get there. i'll keep you updated on how i like it as i do more cutting.
have a most Happy Easter Day! i can see the sun shining outside my window and it looks beautiful. but i'm off now to make some cookies so i can complete my Easter goodie bags.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Easter Dresses
1953, Dutch Point, Hartford. this is my Mom when she was in high school. she is the oldest of 8 children.
in the background is the Church of the Good Shepherd. in the next pic she's with my Aunt Sue and Aunt Dotty and little Aunt Karlene.
1961. my Mom Carole, Tommy, Bobby, Sue, Dotty, Karlene and Carl. Carl just turned 4. so i was about 3-1/2. Pamela would arrive in a few years. you can see Joanne who is married to Bobby in the background.
1962, in front of our home in Germany. i'm on the right. my sister Linda just turned 3 but she is clearly digging that outfit.
1964, Hartford. over the fence you can see the new development that my grandparents later moved into. over to the right across Stonington Street is Colts Park. a bit of info on Colts.
recycled dresses. August 1967, on a bridge across from Buckingham Palace. my Mom had these made for Easter out of the most beautiful yellow brocade fabric. they were sleeveless. that's my brother Lenny in the middle.
those glasses look pretty cool now. but i never liked them. bifocals. enough said. back then no lie they took pieces of glass in different thicknesses and put them together. definitely not seamless like they are today. the military selection was skimpy & i always said no to the pink ones. in junior high i got to go offbase to pick out what i wanted. the style in the 1970's were very large or John Lennon style. i later wore contacts 18 hours a day up until just a few years ago. even now when they can make them lighter and thinner i've never had lenses that did not stick out of the frames.
Eileen has a call out for Easter outfit pics. if you want to see more dresses visit Eileen and click on her Mister Linky box. and if you post your own pics add you name and we'll visit to see yours.
in the background is the Church of the Good Shepherd. in the next pic she's with my Aunt Sue and Aunt Dotty and little Aunt Karlene.
1961. my Mom Carole, Tommy, Bobby, Sue, Dotty, Karlene and Carl. Carl just turned 4. so i was about 3-1/2. Pamela would arrive in a few years. you can see Joanne who is married to Bobby in the background.
1962, in front of our home in Germany. i'm on the right. my sister Linda just turned 3 but she is clearly digging that outfit.
1964, Hartford. over the fence you can see the new development that my grandparents later moved into. over to the right across Stonington Street is Colts Park. a bit of info on Colts.
recycled dresses. August 1967, on a bridge across from Buckingham Palace. my Mom had these made for Easter out of the most beautiful yellow brocade fabric. they were sleeveless. that's my brother Lenny in the middle.
those glasses look pretty cool now. but i never liked them. bifocals. enough said. back then no lie they took pieces of glass in different thicknesses and put them together. definitely not seamless like they are today. the military selection was skimpy & i always said no to the pink ones. in junior high i got to go offbase to pick out what i wanted. the style in the 1970's were very large or John Lennon style. i later wore contacts 18 hours a day up until just a few years ago. even now when they can make them lighter and thinner i've never had lenses that did not stick out of the frames.Eileen has a call out for Easter outfit pics. if you want to see more dresses visit Eileen and click on her Mister Linky box. and if you post your own pics add you name and we'll visit to see yours.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Preparing For Ham Dinner
not sure if it will be ham. not asking. there's so much work involved in preparing for a family dinner. but it's not the kind of work i'm very good at. staying up late making cookies and trying to find something to wear usually leaves me wondering how everyone else does so much more.
but i did make some bunny bundle kits for the girls. i used this pattern. visited Kinko's and enlarged printout 129%. some 4x6 flannel prints for the ears. some 11x12 fleece pieces for the body. i'll split up some craft stuffing and wrap it in "drum-roll-please" zippie bags. love the see-thru quality when giving small pieces. and the built-in-organizer when it goes home. the Mom's are busy on Good Friday. one working and the other finishing her taxes. so i am not sure when we will get to the clothes for the other bunnies. and one designer has changed her mind and would like to pick another fabric. so i might just throw the clothing pieces in the bag too.
did i tell you that Jessica got a new sewing machine. she was brave enough to sew up the last bunny. oouch!
since Jessica no longer has to wait for me my machine she has been busy. after making this heart quilt. she whipped up two more for gifts. another heart one in softer pinks for her Mom. and this great beach one for her friend. i wish i could take credit for that cute flip-flop. but we just talked about her idea until it looked just right.
Eileen has a call out for Easter outfit pics. i was able to find a cute selection. but i'm off to scan them. so please come back. of course when you go looking for treasures you find them. on the left is me and my sister in matching outfits that my Mom made. it's probably not Easter but i love the cars in the background. and i found an old pic of me that i actually like. back then we wore dresses much more than we do now. and is there anyone who didn't use Joy to wash the dishes.
just one more pic. when the girls were making their bunnies we took a break for that chocolate cake you make in the microwave. all of the recipes i found were pretty much the same. it was fun to watch it rise and then fall.
we recommend a skinny mug and sharing and dumping onto a plate.
but i did make some bunny bundle kits for the girls. i used this pattern. visited Kinko's and enlarged printout 129%. some 4x6 flannel prints for the ears. some 11x12 fleece pieces for the body. i'll split up some craft stuffing and wrap it in "drum-roll-please" zippie bags. love the see-thru quality when giving small pieces. and the built-in-organizer when it goes home. the Mom's are busy on Good Friday. one working and the other finishing her taxes. so i am not sure when we will get to the clothes for the other bunnies. and one designer has changed her mind and would like to pick another fabric. so i might just throw the clothing pieces in the bag too.
did i tell you that Jessica got a new sewing machine. she was brave enough to sew up the last bunny. oouch!
since Jessica no longer has to wait for 
Eileen has a call out for Easter outfit pics. i was able to find a cute selection. but i'm off to scan them. so please come back. of course when you go looking for treasures you find them. on the left is me and my sister in matching outfits that my Mom made. it's probably not Easter but i love the cars in the background. and i found an old pic of me that i actually like. back then we wore dresses much more than we do now. and is there anyone who didn't use Joy to wash the dishes.
just one more pic. when the girls were making their bunnies we took a break for that chocolate cake you make in the microwave. all of the recipes i found were pretty much the same. it was fun to watch it rise and then fall.
we recommend a skinny mug and sharing and dumping onto a plate.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Bunny Faces
the girls are on school break this week. just wanted to share the bunny faces we made yesterday. using this pattern.
added - here they were waiting for us this morning.
each arm & leg perfectly stuffed by the owner. rolled so as not to get mixed up. one bunny designer had a sleepover. & preferred to complete her own tummy stuffing. so only three were actually finished today.
fabrics have been chosen for their new outfits. but no date as yet when we will meet again. for more bunny fun go to Flickr.
added - here they were waiting for us this morning.
each arm & leg perfectly stuffed by the owner. rolled so as not to get mixed up. one bunny designer had a sleepover. & preferred to complete her own tummy stuffing. so only three were actually finished today.
fabrics have been chosen for their new outfits. but no date as yet when we will meet again. for more bunny fun go to Flickr.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Back To The Museum
who is Anna Tuels? even the museum doesn't really know. but her quilt was made by her mother in 1785. marking items with names or initials was important as "legally, married women had no right to own property". this quilt was quite worn but made from fabrics only a well-to-do family could have obtained. named "Hourglass".
made in 1794 using fabrics from "her wedding dress, family dresses, and dresses of famous women". of course we all know that this pattern came from England. but it may be the oldest American one on record. named "Hexagon Mosaic".
made in 1842 and received a silver medal. initially women were reluctant to show their homemade items at agricultural shows. named "Star of Bethlehem".
made 1885-90 by two sisters. plenty of inexpensive American printed cotton made "charm" quilts and fussy cutting popular. named "Broken Star".
made 1860-70 from beautiful silks that her sister brought back from New York City. she traced a tin template on paper which she removed before assembling. named "Tumbling Blocks".
quiltmaker in family is undecided. date is inaccurate. but "synthetic dyes" were not used until 1856. this led to the "jewel-toned" shades which make this quilt exciting. named "Sunburst".
ooooh. a sad bit about the crazy quilt i showed you here. designed using 1,047 pieces it took 4 years but was to remember all of her 3 children which died very young. the other crazy quilt which was too dark to photo was made in 1888 by a dressmaker using silk scraps and gave to her son as a wedding present. although he divorced he donated to the museum just prior to his death in 1924.
museums are so clean. i think i left some dust or threads in there before i left. mostly my own words came from information provided in a Labels and Gallery Guide i purchased from the museum. i will post pics of full size quilts later. but if you have any questions i will try to answer. i assumed that this was a traveling exhibit but was pleasantly surprised that most were made in or very close to Hartford and are part of the museum collection.
made in 1794 using fabrics from "her wedding dress, family dresses, and dresses of famous women". of course we all know that this pattern came from England. but it may be the oldest American one on record. named "Hexagon Mosaic".
made in 1842 and received a silver medal. initially women were reluctant to show their homemade items at agricultural shows. named "Star of Bethlehem".
made 1885-90 by two sisters. plenty of inexpensive American printed cotton made "charm" quilts and fussy cutting popular. named "Broken Star".
made 1860-70 from beautiful silks that her sister brought back from New York City. she traced a tin template on paper which she removed before assembling. named "Tumbling Blocks".
quiltmaker in family is undecided. date is inaccurate. but "synthetic dyes" were not used until 1856. this led to the "jewel-toned" shades which make this quilt exciting. named "Sunburst".
ooooh. a sad bit about the crazy quilt i showed you here. designed using 1,047 pieces it took 4 years but was to remember all of her 3 children which died very young. the other crazy quilt which was too dark to photo was made in 1888 by a dressmaker using silk scraps and gave to her son as a wedding present. although he divorced he donated to the museum just prior to his death in 1924.
museums are so clean. i think i left some dust or threads in there before i left. mostly my own words came from information provided in a Labels and Gallery Guide i purchased from the museum. i will post pics of full size quilts later. but if you have any questions i will try to answer. i assumed that this was a traveling exhibit but was pleasantly surprised that most were made in or very close to Hartford and are part of the museum collection.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tea Pics
not mine anymore. belongs to Jodi now. i love it. she loves it. i hope you like it too.
head on over to Jodi's as she has more pics than i do.
head on over to Jodi's as she has more pics than i do.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Tea Pics
my Time For Tea Swap package arrived and here is what i got.
a beautiful card. & one of my favorite cookies. how did she know.
the cutest fabric basket.
filled with all i need for a nice hot cup of tea.
ooh. what a pretty set. i'll need that too.
and some vintage fab for some good proper daydreaming.
but it's also a fantastic apron.
all my Tea goodies came from Jodi. thank you Jodi. if you get a chance to visit Jodi's blog This That and The Other you'll find she generously spends her time highlighting other blogs even showing all the nice things that they are doing and creating.
& another big thank you to Stephanie of Loft Creations for organizing this swap. here's what Stephanie sent. on the other side is a tea bag inside a little pocket. so cute.
a beautiful card. & one of my favorite cookies. how did she know.
the cutest fabric basket.
filled with all i need for a nice hot cup of tea.
ooh. what a pretty set. i'll need that too.
and some vintage fab for some good proper daydreaming.
but it's also a fantastic apron.
all my Tea goodies came from Jodi. thank you Jodi. if you get a chance to visit Jodi's blog This That and The Other you'll find she generously spends her time highlighting other blogs even showing all the nice things that they are doing and creating.& another big thank you to Stephanie of Loft Creations for organizing this swap. here's what Stephanie sent. on the other side is a tea bag inside a little pocket. so cute.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
AQB1 - for Sarah
update - Sarah put our blocks in a group pic here.
this is my block for Sarah at Sarah's Corner.
then i made another one.
and here they are on Flickr.
this is my block for Sarah at Sarah's Corner.
then i made another one.
and here they are on Flickr.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Summer Postcard
this was a fun project.
it's been cold here. but in Australia it has been warm and sunny. can't wait until that happens here. this was a little thank you to Helen for her mystery quilt. her daughter Matilda has really enjoyed receiving cards from all over.
it's been cold here. but in Australia it has been warm and sunny. can't wait until that happens here. this was a little thank you to Helen for her mystery quilt. her daughter Matilda has really enjoyed receiving cards from all over.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Party Started
i have enough of these to do the whole challenge. that would be lovely & boring.
some pretties with orange. but certainly never planned to put them together.
then i peeked. & guess what. it's started. i have to go. if ya wanna know what's going on. we're playing with this & this. see ya later.
update 1 - using orange thread and thinking about the middles.
update 2 - hmmm.
update 3 - before i move on i have to consider what might happen next.
update 4 - the light cream(right) is a perfect companion to all the oranges. but it's see-thru. the dark cream(left) is more substantial. but should i change?
update 5 - this will be an inspiration piece.
i added a strip of cream to the outside edges so that the orange binding won't get lost. i'll do some hand stitching here and there. but without a supply of orange Perle Coton i'll have to go shopping. thanks Pat. this was fun. & valuable experience in working with color.
i started with a 4 in. center. used 2 in. strips & 1 1/2 in. center crosses. unfinished blocks should have measured 10 1/2 in. but i cut them down to 10 1/4 in. to prevent any problems.
update - my pic on Pat's blog here.
some pretties with orange. but certainly never planned to put them together.
then i peeked. & guess what. it's started. i have to go. if ya wanna know what's going on. we're playing with this & this. see ya later.update 1 - using orange thread and thinking about the middles.
update 2 - hmmm.
update 3 - before i move on i have to consider what might happen next.
update 4 - the light cream(right) is a perfect companion to all the oranges. but it's see-thru. the dark cream(left) is more substantial. but should i change?
update 5 - this will be an inspiration piece.
i added a strip of cream to the outside edges so that the orange binding won't get lost. i'll do some hand stitching here and there. but without a supply of orange Perle Coton i'll have to go shopping. thanks Pat. this was fun. & valuable experience in working with color.i started with a 4 in. center. used 2 in. strips & 1 1/2 in. center crosses. unfinished blocks should have measured 10 1/2 in. but i cut them down to 10 1/4 in. to prevent any problems.
update - my pic on Pat's blog here.
Thimbleberries
here are my January and February blocks.
i've made 3 each of the small blocks but it was easier to photo just 1. we're also cutting rectangle spacers of each fabric as we go.
i've made 3 each of the small blocks but it was easier to photo just 1. we're also cutting rectangle spacers of each fabric as we go.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Voila
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Be Mine, Valentine
this figurine is called Be Mine, Valentine. & part of The Jessie Wilcox Smith Collection. see here and here to see the other figurines.
dinner & a movie with a couple of cuties. thank-you-no-school-day. my sister and i had a sweet outing with Nora and Gabbi. we recommend Coraline. we recommend P.F. Chang's. we recommend sharing a plate of Banana Spring Rolls for dessert. yummy.
Jessica finished her Valentine Quilt. & is close to finishing another one.
beautiful hand stitched hearts.
here's a peek at a summer postcard i made. a young lady on other side of the world should be receiving this soon.
i was of course inspired by those cute valentines made by Nanette of Freda's Hive.
dinner & a movie with a couple of cuties. thank-you-no-school-day. my sister and i had a sweet outing with Nora and Gabbi. we recommend Coraline. we recommend P.F. Chang's. we recommend sharing a plate of Banana Spring Rolls for dessert. yummy.
Jessica finished her Valentine Quilt. & is close to finishing another one.
beautiful hand stitched hearts.
here's a peek at a summer postcard i made. a young lady on other side of the world should be receiving this soon.
i was of course inspired by those cute valentines made by Nanette of Freda's Hive.
Friday, February 13, 2009
OP Party
i am unsure if i will have time for this challenge. but couldn't resist at least going to the party. here's my orange fabrics. my friends pink and green will be joining us. are you coming too?
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Organizing Thimbleberries
if i stay this organized do ya think i could start a fourth version of the 2009 quilt.
extra copies of chart will help me track fabrics used for the two extra quilts.
extra copies of chart will help me track fabrics used for the two extra quilts.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tea Pics
this is a teapot cake i made when my sister and i had a crystal party. found this idea in a magazine.
then i made a teapot cake for Jessica's baby shower.
here's that pic of all the teapot favors together.
when Jessica and Anna were planning my sister's baby shower they asked me to do the cake. they told me to make it look like the watering can on the invitation.
i think they were expecting a sheet cake. but i had experience in making a 3-D teapot. so i make an upright watering can.
i would not recommend making this but here's a pic before assembling. my experience was like an episode of that cake making contest on t.v.
the teapot cake was easier. put 2 bundt cakes together. make a template for sugar cookies. your template should include most of the cookie being pushed into the cake down to the plate so it won't fall over. i recommend making a few handles & spouts. pushing them into cake can cause them to break.
need a cute centerpiece for your next party?
then i made a teapot cake for Jessica's baby shower.
here's that pic of all the teapot favors together.
when Jessica and Anna were planning my sister's baby shower they asked me to do the cake. they told me to make it look like the watering can on the invitation.
i think they were expecting a sheet cake. but i had experience in making a 3-D teapot. so i make an upright watering can.
i would not recommend making this but here's a pic before assembling. my experience was like an episode of that cake making contest on t.v.
the teapot cake was easier. put 2 bundt cakes together. make a template for sugar cookies. your template should include most of the cookie being pushed into the cake down to the plate so it won't fall over. i recommend making a few handles & spouts. pushing them into cake can cause them to break.
need a cute centerpiece for your next party?
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