Jaytee's Patchwork Place

Crazy Machine!!!

2012-02-13T14:43:00.003-05:00

Well, I didn't figure out why my machine wanted to skip stitches....I tried EVERYTHING!!! I have come to the conclusion that it was the backing fabric. It is a quilt for Community Sewing (that what the guild I belong to calls quilts that are to be given away) and it was very scrappy (2 1/2 inch strips sewed together) and the backing was donated fabric ( the kind with a small design printed on it in white).
I took it off the machine and today a "nonquilty" friend gave me a box of "stuff" a quilty friend gave her. In it was a panel, pinned together with batting and backing, that someone had began to hand quilt. Well, I just put it on my machine and meandered all over it (even on the hand stitching). It looks great...the machine did not SKIP any stitches. I did the happy dance!!! Now, I am off to cut some binding for it.

Quilter's Calculators

2012-02-07T10:35:00.001-05:00

If you ever need to determine how many strips of fabric to cut or how many triangles from a strip, etc.... check out http://www.blockcentral.com/calculators.shtml. I saved it as a favorite.

Machine skipping stitches!!!

2012-02-03T11:06:00.000-05:00

My long arm has gone CRAZY!!! My last quilt in December, PERFECT. Today nothing corrects its'problem of skipping stitches...turn power on/off, changed thread, rethreaded again, bobbin, needle, needle again, clean tracks and rollers, checked for dust or threads...still skipped stitches. I made a quilt to give Red Cross...regular 100% cotton fabrics. Read manual again...guess I look on some boards for answers (Hopefully)

New site found

2012-01-24T09:55:00.002-05:00

Today , I found a new site that has some great information Free and patterns too ( check under sharing patch). Check it out!!!
www.patchpieces.com

Which Block Shall I Use?????

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

BLOCK A

BLOCK B

BLOCK C

Big decision...Which one to use....all the blocks will be the same.....no sashing.

Half Square triangles

2012-01-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

168 half square triangles..DONE!!! Now to more trimming!!!!

336 Flying geese

2012-01-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

Let the trimming begin!!! I love the sewing...HATE the trimming!!! 168 of each color. I love the method of making the geese as mentioned in previous post.

Murphy's Law

2012-01-13T10:40:00.000-05:00

I read this on a quilting board today...I loved it.

Murphy's Laws of Sewing (Anonymous)

Fusible interfacings always fuse to the iron.

The serger only eats the customer's garment.

If you need 6 buttons, you'll find 5 in your button box.

The seam you meant to rip out is invariably the other one.

When you are in a hurry, the needle eye is always too small.

The fabric you forgot to pre-shrink will always shrink the most.

The pattern you wanted to make again will have one key piece missing.

If you drop something out of your sewing basket, it will be your box of

pins...with the cover off.

Whenever the construction process is going well, the bobbin thread runs out.

Your lost needle will be found by your son, husband, or

brother-in-law...while walking barefoot.

Facings tend to be sewn to the wrong side. (Opposites attract.)

Collar points don't match, and you've trimmed all the seams.

The iron never scorches the garment until its final pressing.

Pant seams always rip where they are the most noticeable.

The steam iron only burps rusty water on light silk fabric.

The sewing machine light usually burns out on Sunday.

Pinking shears get dull just by looking at them.

Gathering threads always break in the middle.

The scissors cut easiest past the buttonhole.

The magnitude of the goof is in direct proportion to

the cost of the fabric.

Mistake!!!

2012-01-08T18:36:00.001-05:00

I thought I had to make a total of 168 flying geese...WRONG!!! I needed 168 of each color!! SEW I'm halfway there!!! Hope to get through this week.

First Project of 2012

2012-01-02T13:09:00.000-05:00

Working on the 168 flying geese blocks needed for my first project of 2012!! I glad to have time to get back on the sewing machine. I'm making the flying geese by the method that seems to be in all the quilt magazines, even though it has been printed before. It is fairly fast. I love blue and yellow together.

2011-12-31T18:44:00.003-05:00

Happy 2012 to all and to all a great year!!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T20:04:00.001-05:00

quilting

2011-12-19T10:41:00.003-05:00

Last week I quilted 2 quilts for a friend of a friend!! She had made them for her 5 and 7 year old daughters. They are cute, made from all children's prints. Easy pattern but turned out so cute. I did a loose feathers pantograph that I liked. I have quilted some other items, but I have misplaced my camera. I hope santa's elves locate it!!! I am using one of my husband's camera that has way too many buttons for me.

Thankful

2011-11-26T10:04:00.001-05:00

Thankful for family, friends , fun and shopping!! Yesterday, we went to the Christmas Carousel Show (love the crafts) in Raleigh NC...I always find something to buy and lots that I wish I had room for! We always go eat Chinese (at the Food Court in Cary Towne Mall...it was a bit crowded...did not go in any stores there. Then to my favorite store JoAnn's Fabrics ( I was armed with coupons!) Got a cutting number as I went in and by the time I had selected what I wanted, it was my turn. I got some great deals...one a Christmas apron panel...orginally $11.99...I got for a $1.45!! It was the end of bolt!! The checkout line went fast. By the time my husband was thru at Home Depot, I was ready to go. Ate the leftovers from Thanksgiving...I LOVE leftovers...just as good as on Thanksgiving. Have not started the Bonnie Hunter blocks, but the second step is string blocks...so I will start them...I love sewing them.

New Project

2011-11-19T09:24:00.001-05:00

I decided to start Bonnie Hunter's new mystery...Orca Bay. I hope to get started this ~~morning~~ afternoon...I am getting ready to leave the house to hit a few local church bazaars. I love handcrafted items!! Of course, there will be delicious goodies to buy and munch on!!!

Ramblings

2011-11-16T08:07:00.001-05:00

Been busy lately doing quilty/nonquilty things, but still good or fun things...collecting food items for food baskets, raking leaves, taught last quilting class last night for this year, raking leaves, quilting a quilt for one of the beginners in my class ( her first quilt), raking leaves, cutting 6 inch squares for a student's senior project (she needs 5000 to make throws for chemo patient ..(.And I have plenty of fabric that's not large enough for a project?or I don't know why I every bought that piece!!) raking leaves,cooking/freezing collards for Thanksgiving and Christmas...( always cook a huge pot and freeze some so as not to smell up house later!!!) raking leaves!!! Can you figure out we have lots of trees??? 7 Oaks, numerous dogwoods, and several Bradford Pear...the colors are beautiful and the leaves are pretty falling to the ground.
I also tried to enter Quiltmaker's magazine Treasure Hunt contest. I believe some of the sponsor's really do not have the contest button on their website!!! I spent time looking when I could have been RAKING LEAVES!!

Latest project

2011-11-11T10:55:00.001-05:00

I decided to make the same quilt in fall colors. I love it. The

background is a light beige color.

200 prairie points!!! I even found leaf buttons to use!!

I used the sewing machine to sew all the buttons!!

When I quilted it I had to be careful not to sew the prairie points down

and not to catch the sides of the trees. The quilting really makes the trees pop out.

Christmas Sampler quilt along

2011-11-03T10:29:00.001-04:00

http://www.sewsweetness.com/2011/10/12-days-of-christmas-sampler-quilt.html

Christmas Sampler quilt along...it is on week 4, but the blocks are so cute and look very easy. I hope I have time to do these. Check it out.

Quilt show

2011-10-30T17:38:00.000-04:00

The Mid Atlantic Quilt Fest is not until the end of February, and I'm already getting excited. A friend ( that loves quilting and fabric as much as I do) decided we are going to take a class this time. It will be our third year going. Last year, we both bought long arm machines, AND we LOVE them!!! We looked over the classes and did the online registration...now we have to wait to see if we are in the class.
Now to get to work on the project I am working on.

Tablerunner

2011-10-28T10:52:00.001-04:00

Front of tablerunner made using the Cotton Theory method of quilt as you go. It was fun. I had to adjust the size to fit the snowmen.

Back of tablerunner... I love the cardinals...they do not show up very well in the picture.

At least, I have it ready to put on the table in about a month!!! Christmas is fast approaching!!!

Christmas Tree Quilt

2011-10-26T14:39:00.001-04:00

My Christmas quilt is finished...actually has been for a few weeks, but I've been busy. It is so fun to make. I should take a picture of the back...I just love Christmas fabric!! I found the pattern at www.modafabrics.com

This is a close up.

Now I am making one in fall leaves and fall colors...love it!!!

retreat

2011-10-19T19:03:00.002-04:00

Our retreat was this past weekend....my hair looks like I stayed up too long!!! We were learning the Cotton Theory method of quilting as you go....I did get three sections done. The decorative stitches look neat on the back. I hope to keep working on it until I finish it. We had fun sewing, shopping ( didn't miss any fabric shops), eating and a little sleep!

Remember when????

2011-09-16T15:45:00.000-04:00

www.modafabrics.com
While looking a free pattern on Moda's web page...I saw this picture of the wooden spools. I can truthfully say, " I remember when wooden spools were the only type available". They were better than the plastic.

Latest project

2011-09-14T19:33:00.001-04:00

Blocks for Christmas tree quilt

I found the pattern on the Moda page....I made 200 prairie points for it!!! I hope to put it together tomorrow.

Moda Blog hop

2011-09-07T08:39:00.008-04:00

Looking for some creative ideas...then follow the Moda Blog Hop. I've really enjoyed the first two stops.
Here is the link for Moda..The Cutting Table

Quiz

2011-08-02T10:29:00.000-04:00

Try this name the quilt block quiz from SewCalGal. I got 19 out of 30...I guess I need to read more quilt books and magazines!!!

Fall project

2011-07-29T12:24:00.002-04:00

The above was made and shown at our guild meeting last night. Isn't it cute!! Vickie bought the pattern at the Hampton Quilt Fest back in February.

One Project Finished!!!

2011-07-28T16:03:00.001-04:00

My Wounded Warrior quilt with stars quilting.I love the stars in the sashing ( super easy!!). It called Country Spirit...the pattern is from BOM. Look under the free patterns on left in the Quilts of Valor section.They have some nice free patterns.I like the way it turned out and have started one for my husband...same fabrics.

working

2011-07-28T10:39:00.000-04:00

I have been quilting, but have no pics to show. I machine quilted a Wounded Warrior quilt and a Stack and Whack quilt for a friend...may I'll get photos when she binds them. I am also in the process of adding the binding for a Wounded Warrior quilt to turn in at tonight's Guild meeting...I better get with it!! HOT here in North Carolina...good sewing weather!!!

practice...practice...and more practice!!!

2011-07-04T11:49:00.001-04:00

I have a quilt top I made last year with snowball and Irish chain blocks that I want to do feathers on. So, now I am in the process of becoming more consistent with them...I am practicing feathers that will go in triangles and also making round ones. I also have ordered a ruler base/extension table so I can stitch in the ditch on it too. That will mean More practice when that arrives. The quilt will be for me, BUT I hope it looks great when I finish it. I think I will soon be ready to take the big step.

Road trip!!!

2011-06-25T17:50:00.003-04:00

Karen giving instructions to us

A Friend and I took a road trip to visit Karen Sievert ( She has a wonderful book,Better Together.) Karen taught at our quilt retreat last fall. She said she could teach us to do feathers in a day...so we set up a fun day. She was wonderful and we left knowing lots more about feathers than we knew when we arrived!! Some of ours looked pretty good.... She gave us lots of helpful hints. Of course, we are going to have to practice, practice, practice! The picture may be hard to see....this is one of mine.

Today's work

2011-06-20T18:07:00.000-04:00

Today, with the help of my husband, I froze 18 dozen ears of corn. I cut most of it off the cob. This is all I plan to do for me, will help my daughter do hers. My husband & I are like hogs....we eat a lot of corn!!! Last year , we froze 30 dozen ears and ate it all!!! It has been so dry here, I was suprised when our neighbor called and said it was ready. It was perfect.
I had to take my midarm to the local Singer repair man...he sat down and fixed it in 10 minutes. I was having a tension problem( it was causing me a lot of tension!!) It was working great on one row of quilting and decided to do its own thing when I began the next row. He said the tension spring was out of place. I wonder if it was every in right...it worked!!!

Another Finished Project

2011-06-03T11:24:00.000-04:00

I started making the blocks for this wounded warrior quilt several months ago...they are done on fabric softener sheets. I washed it twice . It is all patriotic fabrics...I had quite a few. The navy border helps calm it some.I will turn it in at the end of the month at our guild meeting. My husband liked it so I am looking at my stash to see what color combo I can do for him.

Latest quilt for Wounded Warriors

2011-05-29T15:43:00.000-04:00

My guild sends quilts to Afghanistan to be used when wounded soldiers are sent out...this is the one I just finished. It is really rewarding to make these quilts ,for someone I'll never meet but who gives so much for our country. Happy Memorial Day to all...take time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom.

Latest Farmer's Wife Sampler block

2011-05-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

Look at all the foundation pieces!! It's a puzzle to put together.

This is Darting Birds...it's a lot of triangles, but with foundation piecing, they are always perfect ( or almost, in my case.)

Back to work on the Farmer's Wife Sampler blocks!!!

2011-05-16T13:24:00.001-04:00

Finally, I'm getting time to work on The Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt blocks...it has been awhile since I made any blocks. Today, I printed some of the foundation directions on muslin. I like sewing on it instead of paper...I don't have to rip paper out. I iron the muslin on freezer paper and it goes through my printer. I tested the first one I did to be sure the ink would not run. Time to get sewing. Yay!!!

Progress being made but no quilting going on!

2011-05-13T16:01:00.002-04:00

I have worked this week on getting the attic cleaned up. We live in a ranch style house so the roof is low pitch....no standing room up there. I wanted to get it done before it got HOT! Here in NC, 80 plus humidity plus attic equals HOT!!! I should have sweated off some weight, but didn't. I got rid of lots of things that needed to go and have 4 big boxes of STUFF for the Habitat Restore...they love me. It looks so neat....now on to the upstairs in the garage...at least, we have lots of walking room there and will have more if we get rid of STUFF. It seems my husband thinks what should go is mine and I find it easy to get rid of his stuff!!!

I won!!

2011-05-09T19:57:00.000-04:00

I entered Dawn's Quilt Corners giveaway and won one of the fat quarter bundles shown above. The mailman brought them today...I love them. Now to decide what to make!!!

Day 13 & 14 FMQ Challenge

2011-05-08T18:13:00.000-04:00

On the final two days, I practiced on Kids For Quilts quilts. The first is the fabric they sent me. I did free motion all over. I got curves and stars in!!! It was also the first time that I have zigzagged a binding. In the instructions, it said to quilt heavily for heavy use. I thought the machine sewing would be studier than hand stitches. Last year was the first year I did a Quilt For Kids kit...it had all the fabric I needed. This year, when I got to the borders, I had no more fabric, so I searched my stash and added cornerstones. I had a print that was exactly the same color. They sent no binding fabric, so I looked and found a green that exactly matched even though it had a swirly design.

Quilts For Kids ask if you will send a second quilt also. It was made from a book panel that a friend gave me. She didn't remember how long she had had it...I had never seen it before....but is is so colorful and cute. I did the pantograph on it. Not all curves and loops are smooth and I still have some problems when the machine bumps the side tensioner clamps. I know one of my problems was that the backing was on a little over 2 inches larger on each side. From now on, I'll baste a strip so the tensioners are farther out.

The FMQ (Free Motion Quilting) Challenge gave me practice I needed.

Day 12 FMQ Challenge

2011-05-06T11:00:00.001-04:00

I practiced this pantograph because I think it has more quilting than the one I did yesterday. The curves look smoother...to me..LOL!!

FMQ Day11

2011-05-05T15:34:00.001-04:00

Trying out the pantograph I think I will use on theQuilts for Kids quilt... It may not be heavy enough on the quilting...they wrote they wanted heavy quilting as it will get lots of wear. I got the top pieced...it is a cute monkey print and bright pink. My curves are not very smooth.

Day 10..FMQ challenge

2011-05-04T11:30:00.001-04:00

Day 10: More stars( top pic)...the machine platform wanted to keep grabbing the side tensioners.

Added some stippling and practiced some of a pantogragh one of my friends gave me. I think I am going to use it on the Quilts For Kids quilt I am making.

FMQ Day 8 & 9

2011-05-03T13:00:00.001-04:00

Forgot to post last night ...so doing 2 days again.

Day 8:When I put the new fabric on my frame and started trying to make hearts , I kept having problems in one area with "Drag"...like the machine did not want to move. I took a peek and saw no problem. Then quilted a few more hearts...looked again...then I saw that I had left my 5 inch square pincushion on the machine's support...no wonder it could not move freely. Most of the hearts look consistent.

I also tried feathers again...I think I will be practicing them for years!!

Day 9: Practiced stars again...I still need practice here.

I guess I could call them very free form stars!!!

I decided to practice a star pantogragh also...it is difficult to stay in a straight line even with the laser light.

FMQ Challenge Day 6 & 7

2011-05-01T19:47:00.000-04:00

Day 6: practiced more curves and squiggles...not good. Tried feathers....Hard!!

Tried some loose curves...sort of even.

Day 7: Tried to do some meandering hearts...I think they would look nice on a project...they are my best "project" so far.

Tried to do some stars...some okay, BUT I still need lots of practice here!!! I ran ut of fabric....so Time to take this section off and pin more on.

FMQ Day 5

2011-04-29T15:31:00.002-04:00

Day 5: I turned the page. First, I tried some feathers using the method described in The Quilter Magazine I received yesterday. They have a great article, Ruffle Your Feathers. Mine couldn't get started!!! Time to get out the doodle pad!!! the leaf shapes seem to be improving, but that "squiggley" thing at the top below is AWFUL. I may be on this page several days!!!LOL!!

FMQ challenge Day3-4

2011-04-28T16:57:00.001-04:00

Day 3: Still on page one of basics. More practice on circles & leaves ( 2 rows not pictured)

The hearts looked ok going one direction, but bad news when I went back across!!!

Day 4: More practice on hearts...not there yet!! The flowers were fairly easy to do!!

I might use them on a border somewhere. Tomorrow, I might turn the page.

My quilt guild is hosting a Day Of Sharing in May. The theme is Recycling.The challenge was to use Scraps, etc. in a creative way. I used selvedges, leftover batting pieces and scrappy fabric to make a CATCH ALL basket for tools, accessories, etc. for my midarm.

Free Motion Quilting Challenge

2011-04-26T17:15:00.000-04:00

I decided to take part in Inky Threads (Wendy) and Thread Heads ( Joanne) Free Motion Quilting Challenge which runs April 22- May 12. You can start anytime but must practice free motion quilting 14 consecutive days. I didn't get Day 1 posted yesterday...too busy.

Day 1 I started out trying to do some feathers ( upper right and off the picture). They

were awful...I need to find out some hints there!!! The hearts looked fiar and so did the stars...something I may try on a quilt for my granddaughter.

Day 2 I decided to start with loops...I got out the book below and started at page 1.

I need to loosen up....I think I heard red wine would help!!! I might run over my fingers then!!! LOL

Looking for a blog

2011-04-24T22:24:00.000-04:00

I wated to take part in a free motion quiltalong ( for 14 days)....but I don't know which blog I saw it on.. Can anyone help??? Thanks

Latest project

2011-04-10T17:24:00.001-04:00

I just completed sewing the binding on my latest project. I quilted it yesterday on my midarm using a pantograph called meandering rose. I was happy with the design, although I did get a "puffy" section between one or the rows in the quilting. I hope when I wash it, it will minimize it some...it is not huge! This was a free pattern on the Clothworks site. (They called it Hydrangeas as they used that line of fabric.) There are several other patterns I may try later. This may be a Christmas gift for my sister in law...she doesn't blog!

Pincushions

2011-03-31T13:47:00.001-04:00

I finished the pincushions I was making...4 will be door prizes at our guild's Day of Sharing. The bottom right one is for my midarm quilting frame...it has a strip of velcro so I can put it on a rail when pinning or on the handles or some other convenient place.

Aaaaa Hhhhhhh!!!

2011-03-27T15:19:00.000-04:00

This is my fourth small quilt on my Empress...my first free motion. I have used pantographs on the others. I was so pleased with myself...no wrinkles, front or back...no tension problems, etc. Then I looked at the back...I had the wrong side of the fabric out!!!! Thank goodness, it's a fabric that looks good even on the wrong side!!! ( I guess it's true about pride before a fall!!!) I was happy with some of my quilting...lots more freedom of movement than on my little Kemore. I just stippled before.

Prizes Received!!!

2011-03-23T11:47:00.000-04:00

Last week , I found out that I won a prize from two blogs....an autographed copy of Jennifer Chivaerini's book, The Union Quilters ( from Quiltmaker magazine's blog) and from Melissa at Happy Quilting...I won 9 fat quarters of the Penny Lane line by Riley Blake!!! They are so beautiful!!! I can't wait to see melissa's tutorial for that line that she will have up on her blog soon.

First project

2011-03-19T19:37:00.001-04:00

My first quilt quilted on my new midarm. Its about 50 X 60 inches. I used a pantogragh that was included with the machine. I was pleased...I do have a small wrinkle on one border. My granddaughter saw it when it was still on the frame...she said she wanted it. Grandma can not refuse a 4 year old!!! Now to bind it.

New arrival!!!

2011-03-16T19:43:00.000-04:00

My new midarm came on Friday. The frame arrived yesterday....in 2 million pieces!!! There were more screws, etc. than at Home Depot!! We got it together by 5 today. More things happen (interfere) when you are trying to do something fun. I loaded the practice piece on it...I thought I did very well considering I have never seen or done one attached before. Well... I'm headed back to the machine ( Empress quilter)

Christmas Quiltalong report

2011-03-13T14:37:00.000-04:00

These 4 pincushions are part of what I did for the Christmas Quiltalong. They will be gifts for quilting buddies. I still have a few more to make. Only the black one is stuffed...I think I will try some of the Lizard Litter I read about on one of the blogs and see if I like it. The Scatty Stars will be pictured later ( not thru yet!!)

What I have worked on this week...

2011-03-12T08:44:00.001-05:00

This is a panel...I added 3 borders to make it larger. It is for the Wounded Warriors project. It is going to be the first item I quilt on my new midarm.

I added 2 borders to this fabric. It is also going to be a practice item on the new machine. It will go to our local Red Cross to be used as needed.

This was a kit I bought at the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival. The pattern is Topsy Turvey from Fabric Cafe.

The really big thing I accomplished this week was to FINALLY get my sewing room organized. It looks the best it ever has... I hope I keep it this way!!!! BUT it probably won't happen!!!

Just One Star Comfort a Soldier

2011-03-07T08:35:00.000-05:00

If you are up to a new challenge, check this one out. It is sponsored by Moda . Just a few minutes of your time can give you a warm feeling and think of the comfort it will bring a soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan . http://www.unitednotions.com/LA_just_one_star.pdf

Giveaway winner.....

2011-03-04T17:50:00.000-05:00

Stitching By The Lake was the giveaway winner!! Email me your address so I can send your prize.
Thank Goodness It's Friday!!!! I had horrible sore thoat all week and chest congestion....the kind the dr. won't give you anything for....so I took OTC meds and the sore thoat is getting better...YEAH!!!

MY First Giveaway!!!

2011-03-01T07:35:00.000-05:00

While shopping at the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival...I decided I should have a giveaway for my followers!!! I found a cute scissors leash ( "To Quilt is Human: To Finish, Divine!") is what it says. I bought 2, one for me and one to giveaway. I also found a Sew Unique Creations basket wallhanging pattern. I bought a hanger with a heart for mine to go on ( when I get it made!!) So if you are a follower, old or new, ( in the USA, sorry to others living elsewhere) just post a comment about your present project. Drawing will be on Friday, March 4. Be sure I can contact you.

More Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival pics

2011-02-28T08:20:00.001-05:00

My favorite!!

Love this water scene.

Love that paper piecing!!

I could find a place to hang this one !!

Great landscape!

So realistic!!!

I wish I could say that I made one of the above, but I didn't. What works of art!! It was so inspiring...I am ready to start stitching!!!

New family member

2011-02-27T18:34:00.000-05:00

Look at my newest family member!!! She'll be arriving in 2 weeks!!! I am sooo excited!!! Just like shopping for a new baby...M bobbins, cones of quilting thread, needles and pantographs!!!! I bought

it (her) at the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, Virginia.

This is not me... but look at some of the books available.

look at the fabrics!!

There were plenty of patterns and samples to see!!

No one could say there were not plenty of hand dyed wools, Batiks, fat quarters, half yard cuts, as well as yardage to purchase. What a selection of patterns, threads and notions!!! Numerous home, mid and long arm machines to "test drive"!!! Mor pictures later of what I bought and pictures of quilts that were on display.

Looking for a snack???

2011-02-19T17:31:00.001-05:00

I found this recipe for Oreo Truffles ( http://www.recipe.com/oreo-truffles/) on a Board I read...I think I will make them when I have to do guild meeting refreshments. They are super easy!

Scatty Christmas Stars blocks

2011-02-16T15:36:00.000-05:00

I finally got the Christmas QuiltAlong blocks made. One of the yellows is the same in both blocks. I hoped to get them completed on Monday, BUT I teach a beginners Quilting class on Monday and Tuesday at the local Community College. Next month , I will be ready as I now have the fabrics picked out.

Christmas Quilt Along Final pic

2011-02-13T14:00:00.000-05:00

Here is the completed tabletopper. It really is square, but I did not do a good job hanging it. I like the outside border print as it is wintery and I can use it several months next winter. The pattern in the kit showed using fall colors ...I think I will do it that way later on. It seems it would look good in any fabrics. I learned alot making it. I am going to make the stars blocks later today....if I can decide on the fabric!!!

More Christmas Quilt Along

2011-02-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Four paper pieced trees will be in the topper....love big pieces when paper piecing!!! Moving along quickly!!!

Christmas Quilt Along blocks

2011-02-12T20:00:00.002-05:00

I made 4 stars...two of each color. I love the uneven points and the braid centers. Moving along!!!

Christmas Quilt Along braids

2011-02-12T18:00:00.002-05:00

I am working on a tabletopper kit I ordered from Connecting Thread ... it was on clearance so the price couldn't be beat!!! These are part of the braids I made...they were very easy to make...they look hard. they are used in several places in the topper. More later!!

Tired of being a stripper!!

2011-02-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

A wallpaper stripper that is!! Only one wall left and it is a short one over the sink cabinet!! That will have to wait until about Wednesday of next week ...I am fizzled out for the day. I did a wall yesterday and this morning, my husband said he would help me on the longest wall. Four hours later, we finished it. I think he thought I was slow, but he found out that the wallpaper remover is about worthless. I have had plenty of arm exercise. We are not in a hurry on getting this done....the tub and tile will come down next, so we can have a walk in shower. Thankfully, we have two full baths.

Did You Read This????

2011-02-11T10:26:00.000-05:00

A friend was de-stashing and sent me some fabric. In the bottom of the bag was a newspaper print fabric with this story. (see pic of the newspaper fabric above).

Police Officer Jim Schneider was first to arrive on the scene of a domestic disturbance where a man was found buried under an extraordinarily large pile of fabric. Neighbors reported hearing muffled cries for help and phoned police to investigate. Upon arriving at the home, police made their way through mounds of quilting and sewing supplies to find the man, Thomas Baker, buried under what appeared to be a huge cache of fabric. The fabric apparently belonged to the victim’s wife, who was out, at a fabric sale, at the time of the incident. “I told that husband of mine not to go in there” his wife. Estelle, said. “It’ll probably take me three weeks to get those fabrics back in the right piles”. “Darn fool husband”. When asked about his wife’s rather large fabric collection, Baker, who was fine once he was freed from the pile of fabric, was quoted as saying , “You should see the room that holds all of her notions!”

I found this on a forum I read!!! It's so funny!!

A fight in the Bathroom!!!

2011-02-04T14:13:00.001-05:00

Do you know what this is???? It's the tool from H---!! We are going to take the tub out of one bathroom and have a walkin shower added. I decided that I would like the walls painted. The wallpaper is supposed to be strippable, but it is not. I have to use the scorer ( I call it a claw) to punch little holes in the paper. Next, a special spray is sprayed on and wait 15 minutes and it is SUPPOSED to peel off in large pieces. NOT!!! I think spit would work as well. I have one strip the width of wallpaper down...it only took 2 hours!!! I was hoping to get a wall done...boo hoo!!

Good Grief!!!

2011-01-31T14:24:00.001-05:00

I decided to change my background...I was looking for something springy. I love this one, although I wish I could change it to Happy Spring, but I'm not that smart!!! In fact , I lost some of the widgets and spent way too much time adding them back . I think I still have a missing one, maybe I will remember what it was!! Next time I'll know accept all widgets!!!

Can A Quilter have TOO Many Panels????

2011-01-27T11:34:00.000-05:00

Day 3 of stomach virus...at least I feel that I can move about some and not feel too queasy!!! I thought about the Christmas Quiltalong that Shakerwood Quilts ( Cathi) and Quilt Times ( Sue) will be starting in February. Check out the pattern they are offering. I hope to make it,plus make up a panel also. I got out the box labeled Christmas panels...and unfortunately I know 1 or 2 more are stored elsewhere!! Some of these are probably vintage by now....the first row middle , was a door panel that I used on my classroom door at least 25 years ago!!! I have fabric to go with most of them...now which will I make first...one for me, my favorite niece, my sister, etc.....With more than 13, I should find one I want to get made!!!

I am An Addict!!

2011-01-26T14:59:00.000-05:00

I went to JoAnn's last Friday ( about 50 miles from where I live). I was only going to get a book on free motion quilting, so I can practice. I got two books PLUS all this. The black fat quarters are for block for the Winter Wonderland wallhanging that I am going to hand embroider. The rest is for my collection ( stash). I wish I could get started sewing BUT my husband and I are both fighting a stomach virus. This is day 2 for both of us.

top finished

2011-01-19T10:56:00.001-05:00

I finished the top I had started earlier this month. It's queen size. The colors are really prettier than the picture. I had started with red/green sashing ( that I posted about on Jan. 11) and decided I didn't like it...I was halfway!! I selected the yellow /purple and liked it better. I hope to order a midarm quilting machine in February ( after checking them out at the Mid Atlantic Quilt fest in Hampton Va) and plan to quilt it myself.

new giveaway

2011-01-17T09:08:00.003-05:00

Checkout Green Fairy Quilts latest giveaway....I hope you don't win...I WANT to!!! LOL!!
(http://giveaways.jaybirdquilts.com/2011/01/sponsored-giveaway-featuring-green.html)

thinking...

2011-01-13T14:48:00.000-05:00

I feel a mug rug coming on. I was looking in my stash and saw the fabric with the mugs ( I bought it last year for ???) and pulled the other fabrics out. I think I like it!! I don't think it will scream Valentine's too loudly.

Have you ever started over????

2011-01-11T16:02:00.005-05:00

The green and red sashing is what I started with...I thought the green was the same color as in the leaves. It looked perfect in the store. I got the top half made and just hated looking at it. Soooo, I took the fabric and went to the LQS and found the purple and yellow. ( The yellow is tone on tone and not a solid.) It really is purple although in the photo it doesn't look it. It matches the purple flowers perfectly...so now I am at the point I was before changing my mind. Have you ever had to start over???

Gum Tree Designers giveaway

2011-01-09T07:00:00.003-05:00

http://www.gumtree-designers.com/

Gum Tree Designers is holding a fantastic giveaway. Check it out!!

New shirt

2011-01-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

My husband said this shirt is so me!!! This is probably what I would look like if all my fabric did fall on me!!! I got the shirt at the Sanford show yesterday. Can't wait to wear it to the next guild meeting!!!

Sanford NC quilt and fiber show

2011-01-07T17:12:00.001-05:00

This is Cathi from Shakerwood Quilts (http://www.shakerwoodquilts.blogspot.com/). She had beautiful wools and patterns for sell. She hand dyes wool!! Check out her blog.

I loved this booth...it was so full of items I love

More patterns and fabrics

I loved this Cotton Boll quilt...I didn't buy the pattern as I am not into applique!!!

I bought the pattern for the quilt with the houses on it... Who knows when it will get made???? I also bought several other patterns here. Will post them later.

More fabric and patterns purchased.!!!

The show is today and tomorrow in Sanford NC at the Dennis Wicker Civic Center...very easy to find. There were 70 vendors there....everything from Featherweights, quilting machines, patterns , fabric, and rulers galore!!! I test drove a Homesteader midarm.It was great. I want to check them out...if anyone has one I would love to hear how you like it. My husband drove me ( it's about an hour and a half from our house) and he knows how I follow directions. I think he enjoyed it..he talked to several vendors and encouraged me to buy fabric and patterns ( as if I need encouragement!!! LOL!!!)

I won!!

2011-01-02T13:46:00.000-05:00

I won a year subscription to the new Quilt Pattern Magazine (http://www.quiltpatternmagazine.com/) from Passionate Quilter's blog!! What a great way to start the new year!!

Quilt 'til you wilt!!

Happy New Year

2010-12-31T10:00:00.001-05:00

Mailman brought package....

2010-12-30T16:04:00.005-05:00

Snow Folic

Yuletide Snowflake quilt

Woodland Stars Winter Fun (table runner/wallhanging)

I placed an order with Connecting Threads last Sunday and here it is. These kits were on sale/clearance. They always have more than enough fabric to complete the projects. I think Woodland Stars will be the one I do first...but I have to make a sample project for the class I'll be teaching starting the end of January. I went to Hancock Fabrics yesterday and bought the fabrics for it. It is going to be super easy...large scale print and 2 other colors.
Today I am still packing up Christmas "stuff' ....dishes and decorations. Hopefully I will finish soon.

Can you believe...???

2010-12-27T17:01:00.001-05:00

I went to WalMart (7 miles from my house) to get a Christmas tree storage bag.....there was no way I could get that tree back in the box it came in. The road was clear. Yesterday, we had 10-11 inches of snow... the cashier said she worked 12 hrs. yesterday. I said the store was open??...she said yes, and the people were packed in. (Only 4 cashiers made it in) Why risk your life and that of others to get to a sale or return something??? They had tons of Christmas items and looks like most will be there a week from now.

Snowy Day in NC

2010-12-26T15:47:00.000-05:00

Trees in our yard are covered. Some trees with leaves ( Bradford Pear,Magnolia,etc.) we had to shake snow off to keep limbs from breaking. We have 8-10 inches and it is still falling!!! Glad it was not snowing yesterday. I hope the folks who were supposed to work today ( at the mall, WalMart, fast food places) got another day off.

Need another project????

2010-12-25T08:11:00.001-05:00

11th Hour quilt

Ryan and Charlie designed this mini quilt/tabletopper for Patchwork Squared. You can get the free pattern from http://www.fatquarterly.com/. Another project to add to my to do list for next year!!!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T12:55:00.003-05:00

No Sewing....

2010-12-21T09:44:00.002-05:00

guest towel display fixture

No sewing has been going on the last 3-4 days...I'm trying to reorganize my sewing room. I discarded some fabric that I know I will never use,so I have more space to put other fabric/items. I have tried to sort out by color, panels, seasonal,etc. also. I found the above item ( guest towel holder) at an outlet store yesterday for $.50 each. I got several. It is made up of 2 cubes (each 4.5 inch square). They are great for fabric markers, fabric pens, scissors, rotary cutters, seam rippers, screw drivers, etc. I can see what I have....I did not know I had so many seam rippers!!!
I hope I get through today....I have one shelf that miscellaneous items end up on. I hope to find everything a home today!!!

check this out

2010-12-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

Quilt Frenzy ( http://www.quiltfrenzy.blogspot.com/) is having a giveaway. It's a one year subscription to Love of Quilting.!! check it out.

Stitching For Christmas block

2010-12-15T11:06:00.000-05:00

My last Stitching For Christmas block...I should have been finished, but got behind. Now I have to add sashings. It won't get quilted this year but may be used as a tabletopper anyway!!!

Asking your opinion...

2010-12-12T16:46:00.000-05:00

paper pieced Christmas tree mug rug

I know I haven't made the last mug rug for the last ornament set....but I couldn't locate the pattern as I sat at my sewing machine,,,,but I did see the pattern for the one above. I am thinking that I will bind it with the same white snowflake fabric. Do you think the blue goes okay with the tree fabric? Instead of white, should I use a green fabric on the tree??? I'd love to have some input from others.

mug rugs

2010-12-10T09:28:00.000-05:00

paper pieced mug rugs
I hope to get the 4th one completed today...but that may not happen. I have Christmas cards to address, pecans to shell, laundry, and the list goes on!!! I have not had much experience with paper piecing and the little flying geese were a challenge. They are 5 inches square. They also gave me practice with mitered corners on the binding. My husband says they are too pretty to use.

Prizes arrive!!!

2010-12-09T16:16:00.000-05:00

Today, the mailman brought the 12 Days of Christmas wallhanging and pattern I won on Leona's Quilting Adventure blog's Let's Get Ready For Christmas giveaway. The quilting on the wallhanging is beautiful. I have the perfect spot for it. I love the pattern also, although I may not start on it for several months. On her blog, she also had a birthday signup and as my birthday is next week...she sent the tissure holder ( I need it...I have a bad cold) the zippered bag with safety pins on it and the buttons bag. I love all the gifts.

check this out!!!

2010-12-08T10:47:00.000-05:00

Check out Bee in My Bonnet's (http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/2010/12/post-signature.html) button tree!! it is so cool!!!

Bingo

2010-12-04T17:46:00.002-05:00

Want to have some fun??? The Quilt Shoppe's bingo starts on Dec. 10. Check it out!!! http://www.the-quilt-shoppe.blogspot.com/

Time Flies

2010-11-30T10:50:00.000-05:00

Well....so far I have been to the gym and exercised an hour ( working off that turkey!), made chicken salad and am preparing to machine quilt a Christmas throw. This afternnon I have the class I teach at the local community college (beginners). They are all progressing well.

This is a wallhanging I have been working on. The greens do not show up very well. It's the first log cabin blocks I ever made...I want to do more!! That book with the log cabin projects has me hooked. I think I will applique a few gifts under the tree...I don't like empty trees!!

almost forgot

2010-11-29T23:05:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot to post something today....after blogging everyday as part of the NBPM challenge!!. No sewing went on today ,except for some hand embroidery on my Stitching For Christmas block. I did shell out pecans part of the day...hopefully I can make some candy soon as if I need candy!!!

Mug Rug

2010-11-28T09:00:00.001-05:00

I made a mug rug..now have to make 3 more to go with it!!! It's 4x6 inches....I may decide to make them napkin size...who knows??? I really want to make some with a snowflake appliqued on them.

Look What I Won!!!

2010-11-27T15:58:00.000-05:00

Look what I won over at Leona's Quilting Adventure!!! It was part of her Get Ready For Christmas Giveaway...the other part is a cute pattern!!! I have just the place to hang it!!

I Got A Package!!!!

2010-11-26T13:20:00.001-05:00

I got a package in the mail today!!! It was from Carol in Indiana. I love it!!! It's the Secret Santa Christmas Swap item. I have the perfect spot for it. Now, it really puts me in the Christmas decorating mode! i hope my person got hers today.