Simply Cotton-A Creative Connection Blog

A Little Lanyard Tutorial

2011-12-05T12:18:00.001-08:00

I'm trying my hand at tutorials, and I thought I'd put one together for lanyards~quick and easy, also a great gift!

Let's jump right in. . .gather your supplies. Fabric and supplies given are enough to make 2 lanyards.

•8 charm squares (5" x 5" squares)

•Thread to match fabrics (bobbin thread needs to match your top thread)

•1/3 yard lightweight fusible stabilizer (I like Pellon 950F)

•Fabric marking tool (be sure it's water or air soluble)~nothing permanent

•2 large metal lobster swivel clasps (E50H~42mm x 25mm); I bought mine here.

•General sewy/quilty stuff (mat, ruler, rotary cutter, iron, sewing machine)

Stack the 8 charm squares one atop the next~nice and even. With your rotary cutter slice at the 2 1/2" mark.
Now you have 2 stacks of rectangles 2 1/2" x 5". Set one group aside.
With the remaining stack sew short ends together to form a 2 1/2" x 36 1/2" strip.

Press seams open~this will evenly displace the bulk of the seams.

Cut 2 strips of the fusible stabilizer 2 1/2" by the width (it comes on a 22" bolt). Ensure the "fusible" side of the stabilizer is laying against the wrong side of your fabrics. Place the stabilizer 1/4" to the inside of the strip and fuse to fabric.

When you near the opposite end of the strip cut the stabilizer 1/4" shy of the end of the strip.

Turn strip over with the right side facing you and press well, again.

Next, with wrong sides facing, press the strip in half along it's length.

Open your strip up and find the center line.

Along one length press outside edge in to meet the center line. Press well.

Repeat for other side.

Fold in half along original press line to bring the two folded edges together. Press well.

Slip the swivel clasp over one end of the strip.

Open up both ends of the strip, just enough for those raw edges to lay flat. Pin right sides together.

Stitch the two ends together~don't run over your pins.

Press your seam open. Fold and press along the center and bring the two folded edges together again.

To this point, your lanyard should look like this. Let's topstitch!

For top stitching, increase your stitch length to 3.0. We'll stitch the open ends first. Stitch 1/8" from the edge. Move your swivel clasp along the length of the lanyard as you stitch.

Backstitch to secure stitches.

Turn the lanyard over, and topstitch along the opposite length.

Press to set the stitches. Next, decide where you'd like the clasp to lay on your lanyard. Finger press in place.

Measure 3/4" from the point at which your clasp lies and using your fabric pen mark the measurement.

If your machine has a needle down function, set it now. Sew through all layers as indicated. From the mark sew 6 or 7 stitches away from the clasp along your previous topstitching. Pivot. Take 5 or 6 stitches across. Pivot. Come down toward the clasp 6 or 7 stitches. Pivot and across once again to the starting point. Pivot your needle to come across the diagonal of the box you've just formed. Pivot. Follow your topstitching one last time to the opposing corner, pivot your needle and come across the diagonal to form an "X" in the box. Done! Trim your threads and press to set your stitches.

Attach keys, identification badges or. . .

Have fun! Any questions, just shoot me an email! Happy stitching!

Uummm, Chenille. . .

2011-11-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

Chenille is making its way back into home decor. HRQ has several colors to choose from including the cream and a luscious bolt of cranberry. I paired it with a cotton/linen cheater print from Lecien to make this super-fast quilt. The fabric is 54/55" wide so two yards was enough to make the quilt and the pillows!
The pillows finish at 24". We picked up a daybed frame on Craigslist for $100 and once we've bought a mattress the quilt and pillows will be perfect. A little pre-winter spruce up!

Sherbet Pips~The Romance Continues

2011-09-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

Do you ever just fall completely in love with a line of fabric? Sherbet Pips is my love. I love the color connection of red and aqua; couple that with gray and white~L.O.V.E. It's an amazing palette of color and design. I took these pics just as the sun rose yesterday, adding to its wintery appeal.My friend Patty of Uniquely Quilted, quilted it for me. She and my daughter Cassidy coerced me into the sweet pea pink thread; and I'm so glad they did, I really like it! I knew I wanted a swirled pattern, I love the way it appears the little girl is swinging in the wind.

The back of the quilt is almost as fun as the front. The pink swirl against all of that Free Spirit solid, (the color is Manatee) and the Lecien pink stripe made for the perfect binding; definitely smile worthy.

I used wool batting to give it a nice lofty hand and appearance. It's off to Honey Run Quilters for a bit, then travel to Santa Clara in October to adorn HRQ's booth for PIQF. After that, home for a good washing to then be all wrapped up~it's a Christmas gift for my niece.

Whispers of Autumn

2011-09-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

It seems I'm in an awful habit of falling in and out of Blogland. Have I been sewing. . .yes, but being energized to photograph my projects and progress is yet another story and a blog post without pictures is, at the very least, boring. What I have been completely taken with these past few months has been our home, more specifically our property. Northern California received one of the wettest winter and spring we've had in nearly a decade. We've also had a fairly mild summer, with temperatures just this week reaching over the century mark. It's been the most beautiful transformation, and our property is lush and green. I take my camera and walk the property, I want to remember always, how it is to me right now. The hibiscus have multiple blooms in rich, vibrant colors. I love to watch them close in the evenings just as the sun peeks over the mountains into the Pacific.My husband loves the tropical feel of Florida; he brought home several tiki's from there on a recent trip. We've set them poolside. They add such character.Even the roses have embraced the cooler summer days with blooms the size of dishes. And the evergreens we planted grew nearly 2 feet this past year~amazing!

The lilies also have enjoyed the cooler weather. The bloom clusters are more full than I've ever seen.

As we close in on summer and the days are counted until the hammock comes down, I can't help but hope for yet another mild autumn and rain-filled winter to fill our lakes and snow to cover the twin peaks of Mt. Lassen. It's what greets me as I look out my kitchen window.

Enjoy your last few weeks of summer my friends.

Sew2Speak~Our Modern Block Party

2011-07-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

For 2010-2011 I participated in an online quilting bee. Our group~Sew2Speak. I had asked for 2 blocks from each of my 11 co-block partiers.

These are the fabrics they each received. I asked for blocks representing their individual interpretation of a modern log cabin variation.

Blocks were received and stitched together. I received 23, and I made 2 to make an even 25.

A friend did the longarm quilting for me. And ta-daa! There is so much talent represented here. Thanks girls~it's the most beautiful gift. It will be treasured.

Summer Stitching

2011-07-25T11:57:00.001-07:00

Summer is all about skirts~more comfortable than shorts and definitely more girl-y! Love this pattern A Versatile Skirt from Make It Fit Designs. Simple. simple. simple. And such a cute little bow. . .
Used some of my favorite prints by AMH. I love the Innocent Crush fabrics.

Summer. Fresh. Pretty.

Farmer's Wife Quilt Along

2011-06-15T07:07:00.001-07:00

This summer I'm participating in the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along. The goal is to complete two blocks each week for a total of 111 blocks. I'm armed with some of my favorite tools. And I've also decided to join the 21st century, and have downloaded the book to my Ipad (my very first!). The book itself is based on a contest held in the 1920's whereas wives of farmers submitted short essays as to why or why not they'd want their daughters to also become a farmer's wife. I can't decide which I like better, these anecdotal stories of 1920's farm wives or the blocks themselves. I know the frustrations I feel somedays being a modern day farmer's wife~the cattle get loose, a leak in the watering system, the neighbors horses eating your fruit trees etc., I can only imagine what it must have been like without a tractor, or running water and electricity in the barn~eek! But, I do enjoy the fresh eggs, knowing where our meat comes from and canning and preserving fruits and vegetables to enjoy throughout the winter. This project seems to be the perfect parallel for me at the moment.

I've sorted through my scraps and stash and picked out a few of my VERY favorite fabrics to use. I've been dying to use the newspaper print in blue forever, and it seems like a good choice for a background fabric.

Week 3 is currently underway, here are my blocks from weeks one and two.

Here are the fabrics I've picked for block #5. I love the Kaffe print with the aqua linen and dots; the miniscule gray dot seems to compliment the grouping. So, what do you think? Could you be a farmer's wife~or simply quilt along with us. . .

It's Been A While

2011-06-13T22:01:00.001-07:00

With Summer here, and hopefully, a bit more time on my hands, I can breathe some much needed life into my blog with updated, and hopefully interesting banter. Or maybe just entice you with the blackberries growing in our orchard~there are so many this year, this is one bush.

I have been sewing a bit, participating in some online swaps, finishing up some UFO's and of course adding to my stack of hexagons. These little hexies are so relaxing to make. I'm not sure what they'll end up being, a pillow, a quilt. . .

We planted our garden over a month ago, but as I'm sure you're all aware California had an unusually wet winter and spring~can you say "Welcome to Seattle!" The lakes are full and there is still visible snow on the peaks of Mt. Lassen~virtually unheard of. This left the plants tall and green, now to wait for the fruit!

Had two child-related milestones. The twins graduated from 6th grade, buckets of tears, but what a year! 12 years I was a Shasta Mom, I can't believe it's over.

Son #1 graduated from high school~tears here too, but he was definitely ready, a serious case of Senioritis. His next step begins July 11th, when he deps out to Camp Pendleton for Basic Training. I'm not sure I'm ready for that, but a Marine is what he wants to be. I've already begun writing letters to him while he's in boot camp.

All for now. Happy Monday!

Signs of Spring

2011-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

I always love when blogger friends post pictures of their home and that which surrounds it. We've had a wonderful winter here in northern California~lots of rain and snow; because of this, the scenary is beautiful. Cassidy (daughter #2) and I strolled the property this past weekend and here is what we saw.Fruit trees in bloom. In nearly 20 years we've learned what trees do well here and those that do not. The do-nots include apples. With 110° summer days, our poor little apple trees just didn't do well. So, about a month ago we tore them out and planted 10 new cherry and peach trees. This brings our little fruit orchard to nearly 50 trees, with some additional room for planting.Given a few sunshiny days the trees have begun to blossom, and the bees have gotten busy. Not necessarily a good thing in February, we're sure to have frost-laden mornings and more rain before the trees have leafed out. Cross your fingers!Even our flowering bushes are feeling a bit of spring fever.The hydrangea, a bit more cautious, peek out to greet the warm sunshine. We will continue to cover them with more pine needles until the fear of frost is over.

This is a dry creek bed which runs through our property. When we purchased it we were told it had once been part of a river which carried run off from the twin peaks of Mt. Lassen. It's dry in the summer, but in the Winter and Spring we have this beautiful waterway. The kids find tadpoles and other little creatures. It also becomes a sanctuary to visiting friends.

Each year mallards visit to mate and hatch their young. So far this year, we only have this one pair. We usually have more. There's plenty of food, and we don't let the cows graze near the creek bed until after the ducks have moved on. The grass grows long and provides a nesting ground for the mallards, pheasants and Canadian geese. We, well actually, I don't allow hunting on our property, much to my son and his friends dislike. My husband just smiles.We also have several Herron visit. Some are white, like this big guy others are more blue. They eat small jack rabbits which also seem to like it here. This particular Herron did NOT like his picture being taken, we stalked him a bit, and managed to make him angry. He'll be back.

Always wanted to know what the fashionable farm divas sport for footwear. . .this is it! Aren't they glamourous. In my 40 something years, I don't remember a time where I didn't have a pair of black barn boots. I have stepped it up a bit, Cassidy has a pink multi-striped pair and Bethany's are baby blue. . .oooo la la!

We're about to be hit with another cold winter storm. This picture was taken over the pool house. Snow down to the valley floor is the prediction (we are about 100 feet above sea level); I can count on one hand how many times it's snowed here in my life time, so you can imagine the excitement. For the kids you'd think they'd moved Disneyland to the backyard. For me, I'm on my way to bring in more firewood and maybe a bit of sewing. . .

A Few Things. . .

2011-01-30T19:52:00.001-08:00

With January on it's way out, I felt I had some unfinished projects hanging over my head. I had this quilt machine quilted months ago and then it just sat. I vowed to put the binding on before February. This morning, I finished the last several stitches and ran outside with the camera to capture a few fleeting moments of precious sunshine. It was a perfect day to finish the quilt.
Also, wrapped up some VQB blocks. Every color is represented in these blocks, the finished quilt will be a well orchestrated concert of color.
Here's the Olivia Bag all done up in Valori Wells' new cotton linen collection Jenaveve. It actually traveled with HRQ to Road to California as part of the handbags display. The pattern is easy to follow and well written~and it's reversible! We have a great button selection at the shop so I chose these big metal buttons. It's a nice roomy bag and I really love the dimension the pleats give.
I've also finished a couple of mug rugs. I love the idea of having a special little cozy to have my breakfast or snack on. I received one as part of a swap I participated in, and I keep it next to my sewing machine for my water to sit on. . . so classy! I'm thinking these would make great gifts for Mother's Day and friends' birthdays; especially if I coordinate a mug to go with.

Another Monday awaits. The kids and I have counted the remaining 17 weeks of school until Summer break, we are all pretty excited. Enjoy your week~and make time to stitch something pretty!

2011 Kick Off

2011-01-09T16:57:00.001-08:00

2011 has flown in at full force. I hope all of you enjoyed a happy holiday season. I love having the kids home, holiday music and all the special food associated with Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I'm just as happy to have it be all wrapped up for another year. Today is the first sunshine of the year~yahoo! I literally stood on our front deck and soaked up the sun. It's a chilly 51°, but still there's sunshine! I look forward to spring, the field grass grows tall and green, the mallards hatch their eggs and we have ducklings, the fruit trees blossom in pink and white; and there's an overall feeling of rebirth; the first sunny day of Winter always reminds of Spring.

I've been sewing a bit. Finished the top for my Valentine's table runner. All shades of pink with splashes of orange, purple and gray thrown in for impact.
A bit of fussy cutting too~had to include some of the Mendocino mermaids in a pink quilt. Once I quilt and bind it, it'll be a shop sample for the binding class I'm teaching in February.I've been on a bit of a bag kick lately. This is the latest. Ordered the Echino print and Olive Swing Bag pattern from Pink Chalk Studios. I love the bright, fresh print. Honey Run had this nifty button and my favorite Kaffe Fassett shot cotton for the lining. Is it too early to start thinking Spring?

I'm off to start dinner, fold one more load of laundry and check backpacks for school. Enjoy your week!

The Ruthie Clutch

2010-12-12T09:13:00.000-08:00

This was my first attempt at the Ruthie Clutch by Anna Maria Horner. I was looking for a pattern which I could incorporate some of the wonderful wools we have at HRQ. This patterns seemed to accommodate that desire. I chose a cotton for the body of the bag; wool for the band and a dupioni silk in mist for the lining.

The pattern itself is well written and has detailed diagrams.

And I *love* her non-buttonhole technique! I work tomorrow, I wonder what other cotton/wool combinations I can come up with. . .

Modern Swapper Project Complete

2010-12-08T09:58:00.001-08:00

Project Modern Swappers is now complete. I do believe I enjoy these little swaps even more than the VQB's I'm in. It's so much fun teasing your unknowing partner. Along with the string quilt I posted earlier, I also tried my hand at embroidery hoop art. The doodle stitching was fun, I had a hard time getting past the raw edge issue at first, but I think it came out quite cute! Also, included will be some thread and a FQ pack of Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow fabrics.

I hope she'll enjoy!

A New Fondness. . .

2010-11-29T06:24:00.001-08:00

This is my latest "mini" quilt. I'm part of this round's Modern Swappers group, and this is the project I came up with. My partner has modeled her sewing room in orange, purple and gray. Initially, I was a bit hesitant; but, I definitely have a new fondness for this color combination. It reminds of sweet grape and orange popsicles on a warm summer day. With the exception of the gray, this was stitched up with strips leftover from several larger projects. I did a square spiral quilting to emphasis the strips. Wouldn't a full size quilt in this colorway be fun!

Hope you all had a lovely holiday!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like. . .

2010-11-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, the holidays are approaching and this year I'm really looking forward to them. I've dug into my FQ stash of favorite Christmas fabrics this year (12 Days of Christmas by Kate Spain) and finished a couple of little projects.

First, the little Friendship Bag~instead of 1 1/2" strips, I just fussy cut the front and back panels to accentuate the wee people ice skating.

Same with the Hexagon Needle Book I just can't get enough of this print. A whimsical Christmas~that's for me!

A Little of This and A Little of That. . .

2010-10-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

October has blew in with wild abandon. We had several 100°+ days this week, but the nights have been very cool~Autumn is upon us. We decided to head to our favorite day spot for one final harrah before the holidays and chilly weather set in. Oldest son decided not to join us, there was hunting to be done. The cold waters of Butte Creek didn't stop the kids from doing some body surfing, I remember doing that when I was there age. Too cold for me now.

I settled for being the photographer. Butte Meadows holds so many memories for me, honestly there is no place I love to visit more. I spent summers here as a kid, met my husband here, turned 21 in one of the local establishments, cut our Christmas tree each year; well the list goes on.

Look at the water, it's really moving. I was a little scared to let the kids play, but John gave me one of those "we used to do it" looks~what's a mom to do. . . I still love to climb from rock to rock and walk the fallen trees.

A little sewing too. My baby is 100 miles away being serviced; so I've been using my little Janome. This little hexy needle holder is one of the projects I finished this weekend. I love the Farmdale print by Alexander Henry.Used a soft wool for the inside. Also, took a trip to my favorite bead store to pick a few apples for pin toppers. I love making fun pins for my cushions!I've also decided to follow along with Amy and cut into my Flea Market Fancy to make a quilt for myself. I've cut half the prints, 21 remain~the reds, pinks, yellows and golds. I'm tired of cutting I want to sew!

Here's my plan, all drawn up. I can't wait to see it come together.

Happy October everyone!

Embroidery~En Francais

2010-09-22T17:11:00.001-07:00

I've noticed recently all the excitement out there in blogland of the embroidery designs coming out of Japan. But have you seen THESE? I picked these two books up from this Etsy shop. Yes, the books are in French (those 4 years of high school French are finally paying off~thank you, Madamoiselle Niles), but the instructions are straight forward and user friendly. All the thread colors are numbered for DMC~I prefer Cosmo Floss so I'll have to convert the numbers, but that's easy peasy. French designs, Japanese Floss~tres internationale. I thought I'd share a design or two. . .aren't they sweet?

I love this little fawn with the polka dot tree. . .How cute would this be embroidered on a kitchen towel. . .

And we could all use this one for inspiration in our sewing space. . . Je t'aime!

Taa-Done!

2010-09-21T11:13:00.001-07:00

Finally finished! The quilt has been done for nearly 4 weeks, but we had a horrible time trying to take that "just right" photograph. It's still not exactly what I had invisioned, but my husband and daughter were ready to shoot me and bury me out back if I didn't choose something! Oh, and the name was almost as difficult~we decided on Loco Motion. . . snappish. The quilt will be offered as a kit at Pacific International Quilt Festival next month in Santa Clara, CA. I'm so excited!

In other sewing news, my friend Patti shared this pattern with me~The Newport Tote by Lazy Girl Designs. Wasn't a big fan of the bag pictured on the cover, but I love it with these little bicycles! It has a couple of great pockets; I added a magnetic closure and a key fob~because I can't ever leave well enough alone. Somehow between the time I finished the bag and the picture I snapped, one of my beloved housemates (i.e., children or husband) managed to get mashed potatoes on the handles and on the inner lining. One adult husband, 3 teenagers, and 2 tweenagers and still we have issues with mashed potatoes. . .I just don't know.

Have a good day!

In Loving Memory. . .

2010-09-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

May God walk with each of us today as we remember the events of September 11, 2001. Offer a prayer of thanks for those who survived, and one of gratitude for those who did not. Lest, we not forget the many men and women who continue to defend our country on foreign soil; they too need to be recognized and appreciated for the job they wake to each morning.

Modern Improv

2010-09-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

Still working on a name for this one~This was such a fun project; cutting strips and sewing them down~I did jot down some notes as I went, though. This is one of two projects I've recently patterned. The pattern jacket will be back from the printers on Monday, given I can come up with a name by Friday. I'm excited! Honey Run Quilters will be carrying the pattern and I've been contacted by other shops, as well. It will also be traveling to Pacific International Quilt Festival with HRQ. If you're in the area, stop by the booth and say hello to Carmen, Amanda and Theresa.

Speaking of Amanda, here's a Modern Improv based on a fractured crystals pattern. It's absolutely stunning! Lots of Kaffe~she loves Kaffe!

Theresa has also been busy, this is a pattern she calls Chocolate Patchwork. The original was done in all rich dark, prints thus the name. The current version is done in soft voile and quilted with wool batting~to die for! We photographed it here at the farm. Theresa has been asked to design a quilt for the cover of Quilter's Home this winter. I tease her of her celebrity status!

Well, it's off to detention sewing for me; I'm delinquent in my Bee Blocks for August. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

A Little Zipper Pouch

2010-08-12T12:54:00.000-07:00

Kids are off for their 2nd day of school~so I've found myself a bit of sewing time. My stash of Far, Far, Away 2 has been willing me to do something with it so I thought a little zipper pouch might be fun.

Bethy wouldn't pick a new pencil pouch for school during our Target outing because she thought a homemade one would be more unique. A swish of my sewing fairy wand and here it is! (Maybe more than one swish. . .) It even coordinates nicely with her backpack.

Happy stitching!

Bee Block and a New Toy

2010-08-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post, I've been working on Bee blocks for the past 2 days trying to catch up. This block is for Nichole, my Quilter Bee buddy. She mailed the best strip set for this spider web block. Now I'm completely caught up with July. . .on to August! You may have noticed the little bit of aqua love. . .say hello to Hello Kitty! This is the HK version of Janome's Harmony 1017. It's for Bethy~she loves it! We picked up a 1/4" foot for it at our local dealer to help her with her seams when she pieces. It's the little things. . .

Happy Wednesday!

A Few Summer Things

2010-07-31T08:10:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe I've not posted one single thing since June~and tomorrow marks the 1st of August! We've had quite a busy month. Lots of fruits and vegetable growing on the farm. Blackberries have produced unbelievably this year~3 gallons per day, I've literally filled the freezer with them. Peaches are just now beginning to ripen; we'll move on from blackberry pie to peach cobbler.Warm weather has found my family in the pool each day and enjoying late night barbecues, poolside, of course.

Hexagons have been a favorite project of mine~I quartered a charm pack of Moda's Hunky Dory and baste them up a few at a time. I even made a little zipper pouch from some leftover canvas to tote them about.

More sewing includes an improv quilt made as a store sample for HRQ; it's not my usual style, but it's growing on me. It's made of the Gee's Bend solids. I love the fabrics, but they're definitely pre-washers!

I also have some new fabrics I've added to my stash. The toaster print will be pajama bottoms~I fell in love with this~it's super fun and the background is such a soft robin's egg blue.

Another new favorite is the Meadow Sweet 2 collection. I love yellow and aqua.

I'll leave you with a photo of one of our hibiscus blooms. I'm now off to redeem myself with my favorite bloggers; in neglecting my own blog, I've failed to sit down and keep up with virtual friends, Dee, Terry, Amanda and Beth. And the word on the street is, these ladies have some pretty interesting things to share.

Hexies, Treasure and Some Dessert Love

2010-06-23T13:14:00.000-07:00

Remember when I blogged about my hexies? And how I had a special plan for these. . .

Well, here's the nearly finished product~see the binding waiting so patiently? Haven't quite got to that yet. I've been participating the Hexagon Along, but I also made these in a bigger size 1.5". Instead of hand piecing, I fused these to a piece of sheer-weight interfacing. Being careful to snug them together really closely. It worked! Once fused, I layered it with batting and a backing piece and machine quilted 1/8" inside each hexy. I'm thinking of doing a table runner using this method.
This one however, will have it's place on the newly "trash to treasure" dresser Hayley and I just finished. I wish I'd taken before photos~you would have never believed it was the same piece. It had been faux painted with an oil base paint. It took two coats of stripper to remove all of the old paint. We sanded it, filled the nicks with wood putty, applied primer and then this wonderful blue-grey paint. Hayley and I found these shabby chic glass knobs at Target. We're both in love. It's in our sun room and will hold quilts (of course), board games and cards. My husband wants to put a flat screen on it, ah. . .NO! On the homefront, my mom celebrated her 78th birthday this past week. She came over and we celebrated with delicious taco salads, watermelon and her favorite dessert~homemade angel food cake with cream, chocolate sauce and berries straight from the garden. Happy Birthday mom!

Tweet, Tweet!

2010-06-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

Tufted Tweets, that is! My latest quilt finish. I so very *heart* this fabric from Laurie Wisbrun. I've named it~Make Yourself Comfortable; yes, I name all my quilts. Laurie's the same gal who has those AWESOME donkeys in rainboots over at Scarlet Fig. Robert Kaufman was lucky enough to pick Laurie up as one of their new designers. These are the cutest prints~with orchid, sorbet, grass and sky colorways. The solid is Kona Charcoal; and the purple, blue and green solids are Kaufman Dimensions.

My friend Patty (at Uniquely Quilted) did the awesome machine quilting on her super cool computerized Statler Stitcher. The quilt is now on display at HRQ right next to those 12 luscious bolts of Tufted Tweets!

And, on the homefront, I have yet another tidbit to share in what's turning out to be a saga for Bethy in the Parenting 101 department this summer. Mom (that's me) upstairs quilting a little table runner when Bethy comes bounding up the stairs wailing and mumbling something about how I can ground her for the entire summer, but "mommy, please come help~I handcuffed Colby to the bed." Okay, first the handcuffs are not mine~they're a trinket my husband found in a car he purchased and is restoring. He gave the handcuffs to John (son #1) because he thought they were "cool". Yes, Colby was handcuffed, but just sitting on the bed while Cassidy (daughter #2) was trying to find the key to the handcuffs. Of course, John has no idea where the key was. I wasn't too worried, the cuffs weren't tight, and my cousin is a police officer here locally~ worst case scenario I'd have to call Richard and drive Colby to him to have him decuffed. Cassidy being the level headed kid she is, dug through the "junk" drawer and found the key. Colby is now a free man and enjoying a toasted cheese sandwich in the living room anticipating a late afternoon movie date with his mom and sisters~Iron Man 2. Seriously Bethy, give mom a break! Am I going to have stories to tell her kids!

Totes and Some A-Team Magic

2010-06-03T18:16:00.000-07:00

I've completed quite a few projects this week~these two bags included. They're made with a soft blanket weight fabric, nice and slouchy. . .and in the 40% off closet at my LQS.

Tried my hand at snaps~easy peasy.

Also, a loop closure with a hand-painted wooden button~beautifully green.

Another wooden button~just for looks.

Have I ever blogged about how much I love A-Team television. These 4 guys were my favorite TV heros. I was their biggest fan. Honestly. I would stay home from school dances, ball games, the works, just to watch these guys be the vanguards of justice. I'm still a fan. I own 4 of the 5 seasons on DVD (season 5 with new writers and new story line was the series downfall). I listen to it while I sew. My daughter's volleyball team adopted one of Murdock's lines from one episode as their team slogan. . ."I'm a bird, I'm a plane, I'm a choo-choo train!"

And because of them I can't wait for this ~ because after all, there is no Plan B.

Hexagons and Parenting 101

2010-05-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

I'm quite in love with hexagons. Especially being able to piece them in such clever fashion. This is the Kaffe jelly roll quilt. Completed with Fons & Porters hexagon ruler~best purchase ever!

And there's also this option. . . MoMo makes it hip and again, used a jelly roll. This is a Hexagon-A-Long project over at Old Red Barn Company. . .

But, there's also these handpieced little cuties of which I've been attempting to destash my scrap bin with; leftovers from this quilt.

And, also these from a FQ bundle (thank you Fat Quarter Shop) I purchased specifically for this purpose. These are larger, and no basting~just an iron and a lotta starch! I've got a plan for these which doesn't include hand piecing them all together~I'll be revealing the top secret plan in a later post. Giggles.

Oh, and I have to leave you with a bit of Parenting 101. When you're a mom of 5 and your kids are good kids~no drugs, no booze, good grades, nice friends, love sports and their vegetables~ you sometimes find yourself with one of those "my kids are the best kids in the whole entire world" attitudes. Yes, yes. Well, when one gets too full of herself sometimes life gives your a big ol' swat. I made the mistake of leaving the confines of the house. Daughter #3 decides to phone her best pal Sarah. Sarah's phone number is 891-1***, well let's see if you can figure out which number sticks on our house phone. . .yep, the 8. Sheriff picks up, Daughter #3 realizing what she'd done stutters, starts to cry and hangs up. Sheriff phones back, no answer. Sheriff dispatches deputy to our home. I bought a new phone. Never go outside. We weren't even through our 1st full day of summer break. Wow.

Milestones

2010-05-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go. Were daddy and I not just bringing you home from the hospital. And now you're graduating junior high. Today, we made special memories. Though 8th grade promotion may not be looked upon as a "major" milestone, I think it is. Two years ago you came to "Gator Country." Marsh isn't our feeder school so for you, this meant saying good-bye to all but 3 friends and beginning a new journey with new people. Easy, no not really. Frightened, a bit~we had quite a few lunch time conversations on the forbidden cell phone. But you persevered.

You met new friends with whom you've made wonderful memories.

Friendships which will always be.

And the new friends are such a fun, supporting group of kids. Love them.

There are those you've mentored and encouraged.

You realized Volleyball is your game. And boy, what a game you served up! Sweet girls and Mike~what a coach~he's going to be a great high school history teacher!

And those friendships from Shasta endured~and you're still smiling, still laughing, still together.

And your sister, your biggest fan. She insisted on driving you to your dance this week. Helping with all those last minute homework assignments, dress shopping and gift hunting. She loves you more than you'll ever know. And, of enduring friendships, imagine these two 8 years ago posing for their 6th grade grad picture. Milestones.

It rained on us today just as Ms. Bodner began to announce your names. No one seemed to mind. A fresh spring rain to bring forth a new day, and as quickly as the rain came, the sun shone on you and your peers, the graduating class of Marsh Junior High 2010. Congratulations, baby~I love you.

Another Sweetwater Bag

2010-05-16T07:43:00.001-07:00

Had a bit of the canvas leftover from the Ella Carry-All bag I posted on last week. Enough, in fact, to make one more bag~a big, roomy book bag. Look at this great hand-painted ceramic button~the kids gave me a small pouch of pretty buttons on Mother's Day crafted by some local artisans, this is one of them. The lining is cotton, another whimsical Sweetwater print. I chose to reinforce the bottom with Timtex to give the bag some shape. The straps are wide and long, so it's perfect as an over the should sling.

Have a good weekend all~I'm off to a second day of tournament volleyball for daughters #2, and #3; going to help build a rocket for daughter #2, read a chapter of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief with son #2; go grocery shopping and last but not least, make a birthday cake and potato salad for my father-in-law's birthday dinner this evening. . .geez, what weekend. . .

Cozy

2010-05-09T09:33:00.001-07:00

My first Spring to Finish project. I originally began this quilt hoping to use 10" squares thinking it would be a great pattern to use for all the yummy layer cakes available. But to no avail. I moved on to fat quarters and well, here we are.

Sugar is the fabric line, by Art Gallery. A really pretty grouping. Actually, I'm thinking some new lounge pants are in order made from these same fabrics. Perfect summer colors~cozy.

Here's a couple of coffee cup cozies I whipped up before bed last night. These honestly take about 15 minutes~start to finish. I used the Tweet Tweet fabrics by Keiki~love the fish. Coincidentally, my friend Carmen is having a giveaway on her blog of these same fabrics~get on over there and sign up!

A Happy Mother's Day to all of you girls out there. These were awaiting me this morning~I absolutely L*O*V*E paper poppies. They press well and they're such a beautiful wildflower. Enjoy your day~I'm off to make a German Chocolate cake~coconut pecan frosting and all. It's going to be delicious, it's a favorite of mine.

Sweet Life. . .It's In The Bag

2010-04-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

My latest non-quilted endeavor. . .The Ella Carry-All Bag by Tanya Whelan. Used some Make Life Sweet by Sweetwater for Moda. May I say, I'm in love! The outer bag is made with the *WONDERFUL* canvas prints and the lining is made from the cotton text print.

I'm not generally a big pattern person, but this is an extremely well-written pattern. The directions are clear, and at no time did I say "huh?" The hardest part of the entire project was trying to turn the key fob rightside out~make a note~canvas fabrics require only a LIGHT interfacing~it took me 45 minutes to turn that little monster. The front pockets are roomy~an easy fit for water bottle, iphone and wallet. The key fob has a velcro closure to secure your keys to the inside of the bag. Easy to install grommets gives the bag a nice finish and some canvas tie brings it all together.

Yes, the girls are fighting over it. . .but for now it's a store sample for HRQ. Have no fear, HRQ just received the canvas prints of Freebird by MoMo ~I don't think I'll see a dime of my check this month from the store~I think it's all part of Carmen's evil plan. . .

Bee Busy

2010-04-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's once again time to mail off all of my VQB blocks. Angie, of Quilter Bees, asked for 2 blocks with circles of our choice. The quilt is being made for ALS charity. It'll be donated to an ALS patient or raffled to benefit ALS research. One is a simple circle on a snowball block~a sort of double circle if you consider the snowball block to be a circle. The other is a wonky circle~I like wonky circles~I used a machine blanket stitch to sew them to their background blocks.

May is my month to send fabrics and receive blocks for this particular group~I'm kind of excited. I'm planning a Christmas themed project, so I'll be guaranteed a new Christmas quilt by the time the holidays roll around.
The Flying Dutchman is Block #1 for Ruth of Bee Stitched. She asked for one block made with triangles. . .and another made as a circle. Well, everyone knows behind every great man there's a lady~so I'm sending this Single Girl block to accompany the Dutchman above. I found a download by Jennifer Paganelli which has the quarter circle, paper pieced segments to form the circle. The original block is much too large, so when printing the pages for paper piecing I reduced the print size in my Page Setup menu to 85%~a perfect fit! The outer and inner edges are turned and machine stitched to eliminate raw edges. Here's the link to the download, if you'd like to give it a try. The fabrics are a combination of Hope Valley by Denyse Schmidt and Timber by Jessica Levitt~such a pretty combination, no wonder it's so popular.Elaine, of Sew 2 Speak, requested wonky houses~I know they're not very wonky, I have linear balance issues, but I think they're cute, irregardless. Made with batiks on a Kona Ash background, it will be a beautiful quilt.

Enjoy your week~it's off to work at HRQ tomorrow. I wonder what new fabric has arrived. . .

Okay, Maybe I Do Have A Problem. . .

2010-04-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

I realize many of us share the same, let's call them, issues when it comes to fabric. And there are times when a fabric line comes along with which we are simply more enamoured with than others. . . right? Just as long as we're all on the same page. . .I'm not going down alone on this one. . . This is a bit of Martinique by 3 Sisters for Moda. We received this "cheater" fabric at HRQ and I thought it looked especially wonderful with the aqua chenille~a wonderful spring to summer throw. . .

Then, I thought I might pick up a charm pack or two. . .you know for one of those Disappearing 9-Patch quilts I've evidently become so famous for (locally, not globally). Reasonable . . .

The more I looked at the chenille next to the square-patch and the more I sorted through those sweet little charm squares, I realized I still needed more. . .Yep, an entire FQ tower and 3 yards of the prettiest print in the bunch.

Thank you, Moda. . .I know who to ask to testify on my behalf at my divorce hearing.

Here's a paper weight my husband made during one of his glass blowing endeavors. He's pretty good. . .

Books, Quilts and Fab Photography

2010-04-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

I love books. Especially books about color, photography and quilts. . . These are my newest favorites.

Simple Shapes, Spectacular Quilts is the latest Kaffe Fassett book. The projects are beautiful. The photography is amazing~it's a coffee table must have even if quilting is not your thing. This quilt is made up of fussy cut snowball blocks.

This is a very simple pattern pulling blues and greens together into a Poseidon's palette. This would be great in my sun room!

The other book, Kiln Formed Glass, was actually a buy for my husband who recently purchased a studio full of glass blowing equipment. As with all crafts, there is a certain amount of crossover in color theory. This is what drew me to this book, her application of color is vibrant and really draws on the color wheel for inspiration. This plate reminds me of a Kaffe Fassett print. . .

Aqua and orange~love.

Look~another Kaffe print! I may have to try this myself, our local String Bead is offering a fused glass course over the summer and one of the local adult education programs is offering a silver smithing class~maybe there's a necklace or a hip little bracelet in my future. . .

I Heart Swaps and Other Things Too. . .

2010-04-12T07:04:00.000-07:00

I love swaps. . .pot holder swaps. . .fabric swaps. . .and especially mini quilt swaps! I participated in the Winter Time Mini Quilt Swap. This is the mini I received from Emma in Australia. I absolutely LOVE pink and brown~always have. It reminds me of neapolitan ice cream~all swirly, rich and colorful. So you can image how happy I was to find this in my mailbox!

Receiving the little mini quilt also sparked a renewed interest in paper piecing~

I also love red and aqua. You know, I think I love it all as long as it's fabric~I'm hopeless! Have a good day and create something beautiful!

It's All Black and White

2010-04-10T06:52:00.000-07:00

Just a short little post today~it seems like life is getting in the way of my blog~the nerve! This block was one of two I made for Quilt Rush 2010 (a Northern California Shop Hop). The guidelines this year were for each store to pick/create a block using only blacks and whites. Each shop owner received a pattern from each of the other shops. In the final quilt the shop owner's block was to have a splash of color. Carmen asked each of us to make a block or two and here's my contribution. Once the quilt is hung in the store for Quilt Rush (it's next week!) I'll photograph the entire project~all the blocks turned out so cute!

Now I'm off to catch up on a few of my favorite bloggers Terri, Beth and Dee. . .

In the Blink of an Eye. . .

2010-03-25T13:25:00.000-07:00

Each Spring we have a BIG birthday~actually two. . .

This was then. . .they were so tiny. . .

This is now. . .not quite so tiny. . .they're 5'4"! They are amazing, funny, happy, smart and silly. They are a force to be reckoned with. . .just ask their siblings and cousins! Together, they'll love you, tease you and if you'll allow, use you for tickle torture! Though very much their own person, they are also very much twins. They'll play for hours together completely content with only each others company, they have a bond which is truly remarkable.

We, of course, had to celebrate with cake and ice cream~Colby, chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and Bethany, vanilla cake with vanilla icing. Go figure.

We always do birthday banners which reflect current interests~it's amazing how those change over the course of a year. . .

And for good measure, one of all 5 of them~this is what makes my life so very sweet.

Busy Bee

2010-03-20T16:03:00.001-07:00

My sewing room has been seeing all kinds of action. . .but my in progress projects aren't shrinking! I've been working on virtual bee blocks. This one is for Adrienne from the Quilter Bee group. She requested each of us make a block resembling a quilt. I just love the floral print.
These two are for Anna, my Sew 2 Speak buddy. Wonky log cabins, I'm beginning to feel more comfortable with these types of blocks~not so concerned with straight lines. Pretty lavenders and pinks mixed with batiks. . .super cute fabrics.
And, finally, Greta's block. My gal pal from Bee Stitched. Greta sent us each 50 print squares and some gray Kona requesting this star block. Very pretty. . .no two prints are duplicated. The quilt is going to be yummy! Notice the Flea Market Fancy prints. . .

Happy Spring everyone!

Winter Mini Quilt Swap 2010 & A Sweet Start

2010-03-07T11:02:00.001-08:00

My Winter Time Mini Quilt is finished! My latest free-pieced, raw edge appliqued mini~ Frightful Outside, Delightful Inside. . .This one travels to my swap partner in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Though, not a good picture~the label is a pair of mittens held together with mini rick rack.
Close up of the machine quilting; not without injury~I grazed my finger with the needle~reason #101 why to love a long arm. . .The sky is adorn with machine-stitched snowflakes sewn with an aqua iridescent thread. My partner's request was for something happy, I hope this fits the bill.

We just received the latest collection Sugar, by Patricia Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics this week at HRQ. I've given new life to the old-fashioned cross block (I think it's more of a plus sign) using a modern fabric palette. The quilt will measure 60 x 60 once complete and is perfect for a fat quarter bundle with 12-15 pieces. It took 20 minutes to cut the entire top, but 2 hours fooling with color placement until I was happy with it.

Enjoy your week, my friends. We're due to have clear days in the mid-sixties~and yes, the kids are already questioning when the pool is going to be ready. . .Spring Break begins March 15th, I'm ready to have them all home for a bit. . .too bad the week is scheduled with hair cuts and dentist appointments. . .

Oh, and the Modern Quilt Guild of Sacramento is hosting it's first meeting this Saturday, Carmen and I (and maybe Amanda too) are going~we're so excited!

Good Folks Snugly Flannel

2010-02-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

Some garment sewing happening today. Total, I'm making 3 pair of pajama bottoms (aka lounge pants) for my 3 girls. The first pair is for Cassidy. While in HRQ the other day she spied a bolt of Anna Maria Horner's Good Folks flannel. It is super soft, nicely weighted and pretty, pretty, pretty!

Stopped by Heartstrings Yarn Studio (another dangerous shop) and picked up some very girly, pink velvet trim. . .It's a good thing I don't know how to knit. . .BEE-utiful stuff. Actually, there's a wool bag in there I now want. . .

And every good pair of pajama's needs a pocket to fill with hair bands, I-pod headphones and gum wrappers.

One pair down, 2 to go. . .the next pair will be with Amy Butler's Love flannel. . .sweet~

More Love

2010-02-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day everyone! A day dedicated to love and chocolate~flowers, too but I prefer them in my garden! We're enjoying a bit of sunshine here, a nice break from all the rain. It was 65° and sunny yesterday~aaahhh! So in honor of everything sunny, I'm sharing my mini~Hung Out to Dry. I haven't quite finished quilting my larger version~I had to unsew some of the quilting, and it discouraged me. Quilt Rush 2010 is coming in April (15 stores, 4 days, prizes, cool fabrics, food. . .) and HRQ is one of the participating shops. Each store has a quilt challenge and this year's theme is Rock Around The Block. Carmen asked each of us to interpret the theme to spark creativity in the contestants. And since Jacquie has me hooked on these little guys~I thought it perfect for the event. Would you like to see some of my co-workers projects. . .

This one is Gayle's. Cute little embroidered path, a raw-edged flower garden (she loves her garden) and a very smiley sun! Her granddaughter refers to her visits here as Camp Chico~thus the name!

This is JoAnn's. Every little detail on this project is needle turn applique and it's perfect. The picture doesn't even begin to do it justice. It's really beautiful.Here's Kate's quilt! She's the youngest member of the crew. Beautiful African-themed fabrics. There's so much color and energy in the fabrics, it has a vibe. I'll share more later. . .Though Valentine's Day is only once a year, there is love all around us, everyday. Simple things fill our lives with love and happiness~a text, phone call or surprise visit from someone near and dear; a big love from our favorite cat or dog; a favorite pillow; watching the old folks holding hands as they walk down the street. . .and even this carelessly placed hair band on the coffee table worn by one of my 3 baby girls today. Love it's everywhere.

Drunk Love and Kaffe

2010-02-10T09:42:00.000-08:00

Quilter Bee Sharon is our gal for February. She's requested blocks resembling Denyse Schmidt's Drunk Love pattern. We each were sent light and dark gray Kona's (love) and just a splash of color to give it flavor. Touch on the link to check out the other blocks. And speaking of my Bee sisters, you HAVE to visit this post, Anna has finished her quilt we've all contributed to~what a great neighborhood! I just love those little houses.

My Springtime In Kaffe quilt top is complete. I hope I like it more once it's quilted. At this point it reminds of a 1970's togo party at 2:00am~

Happy stitching friends!

A Little In Progress Work

2010-01-31T10:04:00.001-08:00

Not much time spent in the sewing room lately~the kids have been sick and then I managed to get it too. And I've been working quite a bit at HRQ. But I have managed to cut the fabrics for a simple throw I've been wanting to make (based on this quilt of Ashley's). I've recently acquired a love for Kaffe Fassett fabrics, I just love all of the florals~maybe I'm wishing Spring to arrive.

I've completed Theresa's blocks~she's our January Quilter Bee. She requested blocks based on Kaffe Fassett's Jewel Squares quilt. She sent each of us some of Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley fabrics~ something else I'm loving at the moment! Anna made this block and I'm wishing it were mine.

I haven't forgot about my blog awards, ladies. I'll post them this week. My goal is to be more consistent with my posts hoping to reach my 100th blog post by my birthday in May. And in honor of this momentous occasion I will be hosting a giveaway!

Weekend Projects & Some Leftovers

2010-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

For a while now I've been wanting to build one of those wonky neighborhoods. Jacquie has done some very cute little mini's which I just L.O.V.E. This quilt is very much based on those minis. And in the center of all this, a very splashy sunshine (again, a Jacquie inspiration). I've just begun the quilting. . .

The quilt itself is a 46" square. It's a blend of raw edge and pieced blocks. I just had to add a clothesline with some laundry courtesy of my Kaffe scraps.

We also have a bit of leftover Christmas spirit, in the form of cookie dough. It makes me smile when the Christmas spirit is so easily sparked by something so "everyday" as cookie dough. I brought the forgotten dough in from the outside fridge (yes, 5 kids require 2 fridges), and all of a sudden, here come the cookie cutters, the sprinkles, the Christmas music, and a Christmas episode of Scooby-doo. The kids had so much fun with this. . .even the older two thought it was fun. All 5 of my kids gathered 'round the kitchen table, laughing, humming Christmas carol's and chasing stray sugar crystals. Christmas without all the stress. Totally fun!

Enjoy this long weekend courtesy of Dr. King.

Oh, and being the huge football fan that I am. . .GO CHARGERS!

Fall Mini Update, A Birthday Block and A Rant

2010-01-13T10:21:00.000-08:00

My Fall Mini Quilt Swap quilt is finished! It's very autumnly (is that a word. . .). I hope the recipient will enjoy it. The fabrics are from an older Moda line~boasting pumpkins, clever little ears of corn and a snappish plaid which ties it all together. I love plaids. . . almost as much as polka dots~my friend Terri can attest to that. The project was a bit more challenging for me this time around. . .my swap partner hasn't a blog, nor a flickr and stated no preference. I wasn't even able to lurk (LOL)! Given these circumstances, I went with the traditional block in a seasonal colorway. It's off to Ohio today. . .good-bye little pointy stars!

In December I joined a birthday block swap. This is Amanda's block. She requested a wonky log cabin to finish at 13" all done up in blue and green. This one's heading to New York.

I usually don't go on and on about my son's autism. When I began my blog, I designed it to be about the creative endeavors in my life. Usually, I post something regarding autism during April which is Autism Awareness Month. Today is an exception, so if you'll indulge my rant, I'll be most gracious.

Today, is Colby's annual IEP. For those of you without children or those with mainstream kids, IEP is an acronym for Individual Education Plan. In attendance there will be Colby's principal, his mainstream teacher, his Special Day teacher, a school psychologist, his speech therapist and adaptive PE specialist, my oldest daughter, Hayley (thank, God) and myself. How's that for parent/teacher conference. I hate these. I don't sleep for a week prior. Until last year, it seems this annual meeting was more like an annual bashing. I've since learned to navigate through them with a positive demeanor. To better understand, please note, we moved Colby from his neighborhood school (best academic program in the District, I might add) to attend his current school which offers a Special Day class. This, separating him from his twin sister.

We had such a positive year last year. I wish the same could be said of the current one. His mainstream teacher has indicated he's "burnt out" with special day kids. . .oh, I'm sorry. I hadn't so much as received a returned homework assignment until Monday of this week, after I "went off".

His special day teacher has changed his routine (routine is ESSENTIAL to children with autism) 5x since the school year has begun. And now is wondering "what's wrong with Colby?" Hmmmm. . .let's think on that shall we. She finds the need to have him stand in the hallway as punishment, whereas it's clearly stated in his IEP he is to "take a lap" when he's feeling he can't cope. Colby has a 1:1 aide who is wonderful, and is now being shuffled off to make copies and run errands. What! AND, the 2 teachers don't collaborate on homework, daily activities or modifications and choose not to include his aide in decisions which she should have input. Hello! Might I add, Colby is high functioning, verbal and relatively mild mannered; he does have his moments, however. He's completing math and science at the 7th grade level and is grade level in all other subjects. He does 2x as much homework as the other kids, because I push him to be his very best.

In addition, Bethany has pulled out most of her eyelashes and has lost hair on the crown of her head the diameter of a soup can. Why, stress~caused from separation anxiety. I'm done. . .done with special day, done with teacher's who are mean, and done subjecting the twins to unnecessary turmoil. Today, we will respectfully request a return transfer to Colby's neighborhood school. Breathe.

What should you as a parent or prospective parent take from this. Research, research, research before you vaccinate your children. Mercury is still used in vaccines and the pharmaceutical companies admit to it. Across the board, statistics are now 1 in 150 and as high as 1 in 50 for boys. EDUCATE yourself. Children are not born with autism, they acquire it.

Parents, attend your child's parent/teacher conferences~take sick leave, vacation time~ whatever it takes. . .DO IT! Be involved, drive field trips, volunteer in the classroom, be an advocate. . .and be thankful you have a mainstream child. With those of you who join me as parents/family of children with special needs. . .here's a hug. . .you deserve it.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I hope your holidays were merry and bright! It was VERY busy around the Richer household this past December. Gifts for teachers, baking, shopping, family, more baking (so much in fact I have developed a wonderful case of tendonitis is my right arm!) We also had a small disaster two days before Christmas~our wonderful Soma bed struck a leak~wet carpets, wet bedding~the whole works. We decided not to replace the bag and purchased a new conventional bed with a most comfortable pillowtop mattress. I will sleep better at night

knowing my bed isn't going to destroy my entire bedroom floor!

Along with Christmas and New Year's I've been plugging away at a few projects~first, my Fall Mini Quilt Swap~all pinned and ready for machine quilting. I'll have to hurry~it has to be in the mail by January 18th. I hope my swapper enjoys this, it's all done in creme, brown and orange for a truly autumn feel.

December was Heidi's month to receive Quilter Bee blocks. I love the fabrics she chose~Aster Manor from Moda. They're so feminine and soft. Here's her block.

I've also been working on this half-hexagon quilt. I was really excited when I came across this quilt along, not too excited about a paper template, however. Well, Fons & Porter came through! I used a "jelly roll" of Kaffe Fassett and F&P's hexagon ruler~I really love this! And the ruler allows you to make several sizes of hexagons and half-hexagons. I'll be making another of these, I'm sure!

I've also pulled together from my scrap basket these blue/green fabrics for the Birthday Block Swap I'm participating in. Both Amanda and Cari have requested blue/green fabric combos~ hope these'll do. I've included my very favorite Kaffe polka dot!

Be back later this week!

Sweet. . .

2009-12-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while I feel the need to sew up something wearable. I love this cute tiered, twirly skirt. When the girls were younger these were so fun to make in coordinating prints. This one is a store sample for HRQ. I absolutely love the yo-yo and button. The one, slightly disappointing factor, this doesn't fit any of my girls. . .but I have nieces! Little cuties to dress up, so this will be for LeAnna after it's visit at Honey Run.

This might also be cute as a hair band.

Checkin' My List

2009-12-05T08:07:00.000-08:00

Another finish! I need to thank Jacquie for her motivation. Each day I plug away at the "Need to Finish" pile. Binding takes me forever, it's the OCD in me; I want all the stitches to be uniform~like anyone's going to check. This is the quilt for Lisa. Lisa is Colby's aide in school. She is an unbelievable human being with more kindness, patience and dedication than anyone I've ever known. She loves my son, and for this I'm eternally grateful. Her birthday falls on Christmas, so I wanted her quilt to shout "Happy Birthday!" without a trace of "Merry Christmas!" I hope she enjoys it.

These little Friendship Bags are so addicting! It's a good thing, I'm making quite a few for the kids to give to the secretaries at their schools and their teachers. The kids will make something yummy to fill them with. Christmas is so much more fun when it's homemade. Speaking of homemade here is my version of carrot cake~cream cheese frosting and all. Hayley insists on taking pictures of every baked good that passes through the kitchen~which is a lot. I made this to go along with the traditional pumpkin pies for Thanksgiving. It was a hit!

Have a good weekend and stay warm~that means you Terri, on your outing for the perfect Christmas tree!

A Couple of Finishes

2009-11-21T07:59:00.001-08:00

These were the two quilts I had to finish by November 23rd. Last year about this time I posted about a project which I volunteer for~Evan's Heart. I help a local group of girl scouts make quilts for the Neonatal Unit at Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. This is the project we've done this year~A Disappearing 9-patch. The requested size was a 19" square, mine is a bit bigger~24" x 28". I should have pics soon of the girls' quilts as well, they're finishing their bindings this weekend! The babies these quilts go to are so very small. And sometimes a quilt is all mom and dad have to take home~a quilt which held their baby for it's short life. This is why Evan's Heart came to be.

There was a request from the hospital this year for boy quilts; and though not for a baby, this will go to the Pediatrics Unit for a special boy. Though, we generally never hear from the recipients, the nurses let us know how important and appreciated these small gifts of love are to the families. A run through the washer and dryer will have these all comfy and ready to go.

Oh, and this. . .this is how Bethany felt about getting up to go school yesterday. . .Yes, our household is definitely ready for Thanksgiving Break.

In my next post, I'll share "some old stuff" her words not mine, a fabric rep left for HRQ this past week, which my wonderful boss Carmen said I could have.

In A Bind

2009-11-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

Well, I've gone ahead and jumped on Jacquie's Joy In The New Year Challenge ~ I've listed the projects in my sidebar to help keep me motivated and it'll be fun to remove them as they're completed. I'm starting with these three; they each need binding. The top quilt needs binding and to be washed by November 23rd~it's heading down to the pediatrics department of Sutter Memorial Hospital in Sacramento. The next, is a birthday gift for Colby's instructional aide, Lisa. She is a miracle in her own right~she deserves a whole houseful of quilts! The 3rd quilt just needs to be finished, the girls are using it without a binding, just a little embarrassing.

Do you have a stack of WIP to finish up before the New Year?

It's That Time of Year

2009-11-10T08:42:00.001-08:00

In the midst of my sewing projects I'm finding time for my favorite Fall activity~baking. Each year we do gift baskets for our relatives and close friends for the holidays; they're filled with homemade goodies from the kitchen~banana bread (yep, that's it up there), cookies, candies, spaghetti sauce and stewed tomatoes. All that's left of this loaf is one piece, the fab five and husband dear devoured it this morning.

Hope your enjoying your preholiday season!

Christmas Friendship

2009-11-03T18:28:00.001-08:00

I was in need of a quick and simple project; so I went with Rachel's Friendship Bag. What a great tutorial and a fun little bag. This one will go to HRQ as a store sample. The shop is fast becoming filled with holiday projects~the twinkly lights are already strung and illuminate at night~very festive.
I stitched a really fun little leaf motif along the straps. I used strips from a Honeybun~a wonderful Moda invention~for this bag. There are many more of these in my future. Simple~Quick~Cute.

October Recap

2009-11-02T13:05:00.000-08:00

November? I'm still trying to work my way through October! This probably accounts for my lack of posts. Lots of volleyball games and various other kid-related obligations has kept me away from my blog and my sewing machine. I sure hope November will be different.

There was a BIG birthday this past month. Cassidy, daughter #2 turned 13. Yes, I am now the proud mama to 3 teenagers (God, help me) and 2 ten year olds. Where does the time go? This little sweetie was voted best all around player of her volleyball team during the end of season team dinner. You should see her serve. . .oh, my!

I did manage a bit of sewing. I finished my Disappearing 9-patch quilt top. I deviated from my initial plan deciding against the raw silk, but kept with the linen. I also added the flying geese border to dress it up a bit. I love this fabric, Rouenneries, it definitely makes my favorite collections list.

Let's not forget a bit of Halloween fun! Bethany wanted to be a veterinarian~not very scary, but everyone thought she was cute and at once house, the kitties followed her out of the house and down the path~animals know a good heart when they see one!

Oh, and my ninja boy, Colby! Again, not very scary, but he did a little ninja warrior demonstration for several people. Grandma thought he looked more like a cat burglar. . .nice.

Here's a UFO I completed in October. Well, almost~it needs to be quilted. It's a giant, so off to the long arm gal it goes. The colors are more subtle than they appear. The fabrics are from a 3 Sister's line~Maison de Noel. Our lovely sunny weather hardly lends itself to the appeal of a Christmas quilt.

We had one good rain here 3 weeks ago, and sunny 80° days ever since. It has my lilies confused.

Evidently, it has some of the wildflowers confused, as well. The hibiscus has new blooms too and we're still picking tomatoes.

Happy November, everyone!

French General Disappears

2009-10-02T11:09:00.000-07:00

New fabrics from French General is the palette for my latest project. Rounneries is the line. Very pretty, very French chic. These are all cottons, but the line does have a toweling that is very pretty~perfect for dish towels and new pillows! I'm thinking a red raw silk for an inner border and a coordinating linen for the outer border. The fabric line itself lends well to the Fall season. This is a store sample for HRQ~a disappearing 9-patch.

I've actually been working in the store a bit lately. Very fun to be surrounded by pretty fabric and happy fabric shoppers! Carmen and crew are preparing for one of the biggest shows on the west coast, Pacific Quilt International~Honey Run has a booth each year and oodles and oodles of kits and fabric are being packed into huge boxes in preparation for the show. So, if you happen to be in the Santa Clara, CA area stop in at the show and the HRQ booth! Well, back to the quilt. . .

Happy Friday everyone~enjoy your weekend!

Rome Wasn't Built In A Day

2009-09-27T17:35:00.001-07:00

It was either Rome wasn't built in a day or somewhere there's a village missing its idiot (me). I love these little houses which are growing in popularity around blogland, but OMG if I didn't have the hardest time figuring these little guys out. The frightening thing is, I have a piece of paper from the California State University system saying I'm mathematically inclined. Arrgh! But after two attempts ending in failure, I think I've got it~

This first block is for my Bee buddy, Anna. We're all making a 9" finished block for her. The background is light gray to represent the wet weather of the Pacific Northwest.

She'll also receive this partial block, there wasn't enough gray to finish the block, but I'm sure she'll work it in somewhere. I'm really excited to see all of these little houses form a small city.

And here's one for me! Will I continue making an entire village (LOL), I'm not quite sure. Ten little fabric cottages may make a cute wall hanging for my kitchen which is 6 days out from fresh paint and new flooring!

A Last Little Slice of Summer

2009-09-19T16:13:00.001-07:00

It's all finished~my Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt Swap project! And with 2 days to spare! The guidelines indicated projects had to be mailed no later than September 21st, well there you have it. . .right down to the wire. It was such a fun little project to make. My only bump in the road with this project was having my walking foot decide to die right as I began to quilt it. You see, my sewing machine is a Husqvarna Designer 1 and our local dealer closed her doors in April. So my options were, the internet or to drive 60 miles either north or south of Chico to purchase a replacement. Didn't want to do either. So, I looked in my Husqvarna Foot Book hoping for some divine intervention. Found it!

It just so happens, my machine came with a presser foot which collaborates with this wavy stitch. Everything automatically adjusts and no feed dogs to drop. . .devine intervention at its finest. I'm so happy with the results.

I hope my San Diego swap pal enjoys this last little slice of summer.

Happy weekend all. . .

Quite A Stack & A Front Porch View

2009-09-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

Well, Round 2 of the 9-patch Quilt Along is quickly coming to an end, and what fun it has been! No stress, one block a day (or sometimes 5 or 6 over the weekend to catch up) and in just over two months, enough blocks for an entire quilt! The best part is my scrap bucket has taken a huge hit! Most fabrics represented here are those of my last three projects~the 9-patch will tie them all together.
What a stack~61 blocks, with only 9 left to make!

I know this isn't the best picture ever shot, but it is the view from my front porch looking toward the coastal mountain range of the Pacific Ocean. I try to take a minute each evening to take this all in. We're in the country and have no neighbors to block our view. If you were to walk off my porch, across the valley and over those mountains you'd find yourself in Ft. Bragg or Mendocino. . .ahh, it would be a perfect trip right-about now, we're still seeing temps in the 100° 's and as much a California girl as I am, I am for sure ready for a little cool weather~ maybe even a little rain.

Hope you enjoy your view.

It's Been A While. . .

2009-09-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Adjustment. . . I'm having a hard time balancing with the kids back in school. It happens every year. . .getting back in the groove~especially when we all would rather laze around the pool. Thus, my failure to blog~however, it's a quiet Labor Day Monday, the kids are still sleeping and there's alot to catch up on. First, I have to thank Terri ~ I was the winner of a giveaway she hosted the last week in August. Look at this great DS fabric. There are two very cute patterns and some pink checked crafty ribbon (which daughter Bethany promptly claimed for herself~go figure). Don't forget to check out her etsy store Patchwork Trails; Terri has some GREAT gifts for you and yours~I think the checkerboard is my favorite.

On to national news. . .drum roll please. . .HONEY RUN QUILTERS has been selected as one of America's Top 10 Quilt Shops by American Patchwork & Quilting, appearing in the Fall 2009 Quilt Sampler magazine. . . go Carmen, go Carmen! The magazine is set to release Tuesday, September 8th. Carmen is throwing a HUGE party to celebrate and she's raffling a Juki sewing machine to one lucky winner. If this weren't enough, the store's classroom just finished a complete makeover and WOW! New carpet, paint, design boards, canvas awnings with twinkling lights. . .I'll take some photos the night of the party. It really is AWESOME. I have to share, Carmen, the animal lover that she is, has chosen to donate all the raffle ticket monies to our local Butte Humane Society. She has the cutest little dogs (one looks like a miniature lion king) and a frog, which she's adopted, Phelps~a picture of him is posted to her blog.

This is the featured quilt which Carmen and staff designed. It's beautiful, photos honestly don't do it justice. The cream fabric is a cotton crinkle (from Robert Kaufman) and the border is a chocolate velvet. Kits for the quilt will be available through the webstore! I sound like a PSA, but I can't help it, the quilt is so pretty! Oh, Terri and Meagan, don't purchase copies, I have one for each of you!

As for me, I finished my ZZ quilt top for Round 2 of the Ol' Red Barn Quilt Along. I'm happy with the results, the colors remind me of popsicles!

I mentioned in an earlier post I used triangle paper for this project. And this is why. . .my points align perfectly. I use triangle paper for ALL my half-square triangle projects. There's never any blocks to trim, no wonkiness or stretched bias~all of the blocks are the EXACT same size. The secret, the fabric isn't cut until AFTER the blocks are sewn. With this particular project, I was able to add two additional blocks to each row with the same amount of fabric. . . pretty, cool!

I really love Nettie's Princess & The Pea Quilt and have decided to make a quilt using the same focal fabric, here's the beginnings of block #1; my idea is to stitch 4 Princess blocks alternating color ways for the logs. The green is a raw silk~I love it!

I've reinforced the Princess fabric and silks with a lightweight fusible stabilizer to keep the fabrics from stretching and completely unraveling (silk). The stabilizer I use works GREAT with fabrics, which shall we say, have a mind of their own. It is VERY lightweight and after being washed, is hardly noticeable.

I hope you all are well~I'm off to reaquaint myself with your blog and flickr posts. Enjoy your extra day this weekend! ~smiles and warm thoughts~D

Bee Blocks & Garden Goodness

2009-08-23T08:24:00.000-07:00

I've just finished my Quilter Bee blocks for Meagan. Though only required to make one, I made two~I think it's fun to be able to incorporate blocks into the quilt back~the two quilts in one theory. I added the ice blue and chartreuse solids from my stash. Some of the others are posting their blocks too, here's the link if you'd like to take a look. . .Do you remember when I posted about the garden I put in. . .6 weeks after what's considered normal planting time. . .well, hah! I only say that because I took a lot of good natured teasing from friends and family that I was slowing down in my old age. . .yea, right, whatever! So, yes, better late than never~fruits of our garden. Peppers, tomatoes, cucumber~the corn will be ready soon and the pumpkins are going to be perfect size come Halloween. This, while everyone else's gardens are starting to wind down. . .hmmm. . .tease me will you. All in good fun!

Happy Sunday everyone!

A String Quilt

2009-08-18T10:52:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! Geez, I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever finish this project. It was a labor of love, however~my daughter Hayley's graduation/18th birthday quilt. The quilt is made of 64 blocks finishing at 8" squares. There's really no rhyme or reason to the fabrics except they're all Amy Butler Daisy Chain and Midwest Modern prints (exceptions being the solid fabrics).

The back is a Kona solid with some leftover scraps added for interest.

Oh, happy day!

Friendship Bag & Quilter Bee Love

2009-08-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

My friend Terri, from Terri's Notebook sent to me this cute friendship bag. It is absolutely adorable and my big purse is now officially jealous. I carry it everywhere. It holds my keys, cell phone, ATM card and my never-leave-home-without-it Blistex lip gloss! This little cutie came full of goodies. Some sweet craft ribbon, a small sewing kit and a very pretty aqua rick rack. If you love this little bag as much as I, be sure to watch her blog for the launch of her Etsy store~coming late August '09! Little does she know I already have goodies to send to her. . .to help get her through those late night art classes.

I recently became a participant in a Quilting Bee. There are 12 of us who will make one block each month from fabric the "spotlight" quilter sends to us with instructions as to block construction. Meagan, is September's spotlight quilter. She has requested a 12.5" square using the above solids~she did add, that I could use solids from my stash as well

. . .hmmm. . .this should be fun!

Happy Monday All!

Back In Action

2009-08-16T06:42:00.000-07:00

Took a little break from blogging last week as well as from sewing. School began for the kids, well at least the younger 4~Hayley starts college next week, locally, but her job at a local flower shop has kept her busy. Me too, of course, with all of the start-of-school festivities~ shopping, meeting teachers, and driving all over town like a crazy taxi.

I have managed to play catch up with my 9-patch blocks. There's 30 now, quite a stack and approaching the half-way point.

I picked these fabrics up. I love pink and brown.

I thought these April Shower Girls would make cute centers for Maverick log cabin blocks.

My FQ bundle of Mezzanine arrived this past week too. It's so pretty!

Tomorrow I have a very fun post! My good friend Terri sent me something very cute that I just can't put down. . .it's adorable.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Because I'm feeling my Irish roots today, I'll leave you with this bit from an Irish Friendship Limerick. . .

May you always find blue skies

above your head,

Shamrocks beneath your feet,

Laughter and joy a plenty,

Kindness from all you meet,

Good friends and kin to miss you

If ever you choose to roam,

And a path that's been cleared by angels

Themselves bringing you safely home.

Shhhh. . .Don't Tell!

2009-08-05T08:33:00.002-07:00

I've finally started my Zig Zag Quilt Along project. . .I cheated just a little though. The project calls for a 4" finished unit and I just wasn't feeling much like cutting and marking. . . then I thought about ALL of the triangle paper I have. . . maybe there's some 4" finished sheets and THERE WAS! I suddenly had renewed interest. So I have 9 of the 14 rows ready to sew together. There's no misshapen blocks, everything is square and I'm happy with the progress. There's even some scraps left over to use in this project. . .

It's Day 18 of the 9-Patch Quilt Along and I've made 20 blocks. . .all from scraps. I've decided to throw a bit of aqua in to the orange-pink-yellow mix.

I'm also nearly finished with this quilt and have a plan formulating for these. . .

I've also joined a Quilting Bee, so I'll post Meagan's block as soon as it's finished. Hopefully, we'll have a flickr group to post progress to, as well. I'm excited about this endeavor, I always love to see quilts made from a dozen different people, they are always so unique!

Aaah, Sweet Progress

2009-07-28T06:56:00.001-07:00

It's been such a busy week~and it's been hot with temps hitting near 110°~the heat has never bothered me and we don't usually have too much of the 100°+ weather, but it makes the kids cranky! So we've spent alot of time in the pool! I've been catching up and/or keeping up with my projects in the early mornings and late nights when it's cool, here are some more of these potholders I'm addicted to.

And another~I love this style. I bought some new feet for my sewing machine, and one was this pintuck foot~I love the shabby chic look it offers~I added strips of scraps to some of the rows for interest. And yes, they'll fray in the wash and eventually wear down to nothing, but for right now I love them. Speaking of sewing machine feet, I had no idea how many different feet were available for my machine!

It's now day 9 of round 2 of the nine-patch quilt along and I'm one block ahead~10 blocks are done! I'm using only scraps from previous projects, there's definitely enough.

And I've worked a little more on the Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt swap project~I've added the little pinwheel flower. I actually had planned to make yo-yo flowers and place them close together to form a hydrangea, but it wasn't as cute as I had envisioned.

I'll machine applique the pieces so they'll have a finished edge. The flower and centers are made of a pretty batik and hand dyed fabrics.

Enjoy your week~I hope it's cooler where you are!

Project Overload~Again!

2009-07-22T06:54:00.000-07:00

It's taken over~this weakness I have for fabric and sewing. Not 2 months ago, I was all caught up, my sewing area appeared neat and tidy, pretty quilts lay in a nice stack having been quilted and with binding and the majority of my fabric fit beautifully into storage baskets and drawers. How quickly things change. . .To date, I'm trying to finish up Hayley's graudation/birthday quilt (birthday was last Tuesday-ouch!), whipping up pot holders as quickly as possible (the latest disappeared before I had a change to photograph them), I'm participating in three Quilt Alongs and still trying to get the binding on this quilt~These fabrics are for the Zig-Zag Quilt Dana and Amy are hosting. Haven't even cut into them yet, I'm waiting for Terri to return from vacation, I need motivation~

AmandaJean at Crazy Mom Quilts is doing an encore 9-patch project. This Quilt Along is necessary~my scrap basket needs some serious down-sizing. So only scraps for this project! I'm on schedule too. . .Yea!

This is my Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt Swap project. I'll be adding some applique with a summery feel. The next photo is a clue. . .

A pic from my hydrangea bed as the sun peaks up over the mountains this morning. These serve as inspiration for the applique for my mini quilt.

I hope your day is well! Sew on my crafty friends, sew on!

A Bump In The Road, A Birthday & A New Quilt Along

2009-07-15T08:11:00.001-07:00

My blogland friend Nicole refers to a difficult situation in life as a bump in the road~I had one last week. When life rolls along smoothly and then all of a sudden something happens which stops us right in our path, it reminds us life is short and gives us a new perspective. Perspective received. Along with the bump came these from our new chickens~look at the tiny one~its diameter is about that of a quarter~how cute!

My little sewing studio may as well have been an empty room for as much time I've spent there over the past week, but this morning I pulled on my big girl boots and jumped back in. I'm participating in the Good Ol' Summertime Mini Quilt Swap and there's some pictures beginning to surface~check them out, it's amazing how creative everyone is! I'm thinking of using some of my Darla by Tanya Whelan for my project or maybe for this next bloggy project.

Dana of The Old Red Barn Co. along with Amy of ParkCityGirl are hosting another Quilt Along. As we all put the finishing touches on the last quilt, these two gals have put together another project which has elicited quite a bit of excitement and some cheeky humor as well. We're doing a zigzag quilt this time around using half-square triangles. These are the fabrics I've chosen to work with. The fun begins Monday~check out the flickr group and be sure to join us.

There's also been a BIG birthday at our house. Hayley turned 18! She wouldn't let me post a picture of her because we were all in bathing suits and out by the pool (a lovely 104°), but here's her cake. Chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate. . .I'll sneak in another photo later.

Enjoy your day, your families and your craft.

Simply Quilted

2009-07-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

Here's my nearly finished product for Old Red Barn Co.'s Sew-Along.
I think it reflects all things summer~crisp color, easy lines, uncomplicated.

Bev, from B&B did the beautiful machine quilting~I love the little loopy hearts!

Looking at it makes me want to lay it out on the lawn and have a picnic.

Since I've been on this orange kick lately and since there's an orange fabric or two in the top I thought this orange polka dot to be perfect for the back. You should have heard my girls go crazy once they saw the back. They liked the top, but when I flipped it to show them the back they went wild~then it was love! It still needs binding, something solid to frame all the color~maybe dark aqua. . .

Hey, what about this~speaking of summer and quilts. . . it should be fun, too!

Happy 4th of July~enjoy your weekend!

A Match Set & A Little Progress

2009-07-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

I'm really hooked on this pot holder oven mitt project. Here's a match set. I'm making some as store samples for HRQ to put in the shop to inspire others to sew, sew, sew this summer! I did discover one of those grommet makers so I can punch a hole through the hotpad itself instead of a loop hanger if I want. . .a pretty cool option.

I posted last month about this project, I'm now up to 48 complete blocks with only 16 left to make. This is made completely of Daisy Chain scraps left over from several previous projects. I'm sewing the blocks together in rows as I go; otherwise, I'd make myself nuts trying to figure the best layout possible. I tend to over think these things. . .

It wouldn't be 4th of July weekend without these from our garden. We're picking about 1/2 gallon of these each day. We're having a get together this weekend, and the plan is to serve up some homemade blackberry ice cream. . . Yum!

Enjoy your 4th!

Pot Holder Heaven

2009-06-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the first one~all done. This was so easy to make and so cute, much more attractive than most you find in the store. Modeling with my oh-so-cherry pot holder are yummy homemade rolls which will be gracing our dinner table this evening.This particular version has a pocket so it can be used as an oven mitt. I used iron on stabilizer to help it keep it's shape, a single layer of cotton batting and a layer of Thermoflec (a silver heat resistant fabric) just to be safe. My plan is to make a matching trivet and a pair of oven mitts to go with. This was so fun. . . and I was even able to finish the hand-sewn binding in one sitting. Aaaah, happiness. . .

Leftovers & Pot Holders

2009-06-24T09:06:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week! Outside chores have kept me on my toes. My oldest son, John and I put in our summer garden. . .I know, I know, LATE, but sometimes our growing season runs into November. So, I'm going with the better late than never mahantra. With that, the kids and their play dates, sport camps and routine summer activities, I still managed to finish this quilt top. The coins are leftovers from Dana's quilt along. I plan to put a scrappy binding on each using the remaining focal fabric strips so they'll be a match set.

I picked this little book up at one of the local Q shops with the desire of tackling some smaller projects. This book is filled with REALLY cute ideas.

So, I think I'll begin with these. I love the apple-pear print from Alexander Henry.

And I love the polka dots with the Metro Market apples accented with this pretty green.

If I can bear to cut into it, I'd like to combo this Flea Market Fancy print with the Metro Market cherries and solid red.

I'm also fond of this girly girl pink and black combo with the rick rack~all left over from this quilt. These should be quick and easy and a great opportunity to perfect my binding skills!

Do you have small projects in mind this summer? I'd love to see them!

Farm Tour

2009-06-16T06:11:00.001-07:00

My entire life has been spent on a farm, I don't think my world would be quite right if I hadn't. As a child I helped my parents as most farm kids do, we had a huge garden, 15 acres of walnuts, a small fruit orchard and some livestock. In college my major was Liberal Studies (teaching), but I also received an Associates degree in Agriculture. Once an Ag

girl. . .always an Ag girl.

Before John and I were married we decided that a home with some acreage was what we both wanted. We bought 10 acres and began our journey, and I'm not just talking about the marriage, but the farm. Each year we make improvements, plant more trees, add animals to our stock, invest in irrigation~it's an ongoing process.

At times, the work seems overwhelming, but it's quiet and the view is magnificent. We're able to share what we grow with friends and family and the occasional passerby who stops in. In addition to the pictures you'll see below, we also grow a summer garden with tomatoes, squash peppers and melon.

Here's a micro tour of our farm. Let's begin with the vineyard.

Table grapes grow very well in this area. We grow 4 varieties, these are Thompson Seedless. This variety should be ripe and ready to eat in another 10 to 14 days. The stock is trained up wire which loops over to the next row to form a canopy. Delicious.

Raspberries. . .these are more challenging to grow; generally, raspberries prefer much cooler weather. This variety is said to tolerate warmer climates, however, the fruit has not been as plentiful as we'd hoped. When the fruit trees become taller they will provide a good amount of shade which will create a micro-climate and berry production should increase.

Blackberries, unlike the raspberries yield an incredible amount of fruit! So much so, we planted 42 new plants this past Fall. We make jam, pies and of course eat them right off the vine!

Apples will be ripe in about 6 weeks. The variety we've planted are good for eating, but not dense enough for pie.

The peaches are almost ready. Peach cobbler is a family favorite!

The apricots are ready to pick. These are really sweet and the kids love them. I'm going out to pick more in just a few minutes. The cherry trees are already through with production this year. Very mild weather has forced the fruit to be ripe early this year.

Flowers are very important. We rely on them for beauty and to attract the bees. We're wanting to build our own hive, we just bought this book.We also have a bat house which Bethy and John built two years ago~bats love bugs!

Honey bees love these! We also have 8 full hummingbird feeders, these quick like guys eat bugs and help with pollination. We also buy ladybugs every year to help with insects! We try not to use pesticides.

In addition to fruits and vegetables, we raise livestock. From left to right~Rocky, Blaze and Ruby. . .our beef cows. Blaze will be a year old in July. His daddy is a rodeo bull. Ruby is the boss. Their favorite sound is the lawn mower, they will stand at the gate and moo the entire time the lawn is being mowed. They love grass trimmings. They're free range fed, love grain and eat fruit from the orchard. They're spoiled!

These are our new layer hens. These little gals are about 4 1/2 months old and will begin laying eggs in about another week. We don't have a rooster, tried that once, they're mean and they attack. We rely on the ol' golf ball trick to encourage egg production. . .it works! They're grain fed and are the happy recipients of fruits and vegetables! Farm fresh eggs are the best.

And finally, my personal favorite. . .Patch. . .my ever-faithful, never-let-me-down, best dog in the whole wide world~labrador! I love this guy. He walks with me all over the farm, I'm never alone. He's kind, fun, hilarious and truly everything you'd want in a best friend. . .he's a great listener! And as long as I keep a healthy supply of stuffed animals (purchased from the Salvation Army) he leaves my shoes, hoses and drip systems alone. He was 2 on Mother's Day. I love him!

Well, with all that we still have more plans. We're planning for a greenhouse to go up sometime this year or early next spring; and my husband wants to put in a pond~I think he just wants to rent a bulldozer so he can play Tonka for the weekend. We also want to plant three or four almond and walnut trees, and 40 more peach and cherry trees. We're also putting up natural barriers (trees, bushes, bulbs) to serve as fences. Our long term goal is to transform part of the property into a beautiful outdoor facility to book weddings, reunions and private parties.

It's definitely a family affair and it would be nearly impossible without the help of our children. Especially, John Jr., and Hayley they're hard workers and great farmers.

There's the tour! I need to pick those apricots. . .If you see one, hug a farmer today!

A Zig Zag Finish

2009-06-15T09:46:00.001-07:00

Here's the zig zag quilt all finished, quilted and with binding. This is one of my favorites so far this year. I'm already planning to make another, only larger and using more masculine colors. I used the amazing AmandaJean's tutorial, of which the instructions are well written and easy to follow.

Off to piece a back for my Sew Along project.

Project Checklist–I Really Need to Make One

2009-06-14T06:47:00.000-07:00

This week my focus while sewing has completely unraveled. It's been a case of "one thing leads to another. . ." I've managed to complete the rows of my Sew-Along quilt. My squares measure 12" finished and it's set in a 6 x 6 arrangement; I like the 72" square it's nice and big!

And I had these left over. I had so many, in fact (yes, I made extra strip sets), there seems to be enough for a good sized coin quilt.
Here's where I completely lost it. While pressing my strip sets, I took a good hard look at my ironing board cover, and EW! So, I threw it in the wash and this is what it looks like CLEAN. Yes, okay, I need a new cover.

Bethany had a birthday party to go to, so I went to JoAnn's to find a new cover for my BigBoard. . .no luck. I started thinking about how I love, love, love my denim couches, and made my way to the rack of denim. Do you see where this is going?

My Sew Along quilt has now turned to a coin quilt which turned to an ironing board cover with coins! AAAhhh! I need help.

I didn't want to staple the new cover to the board because I like being able to remove and wash it, so I made a casing and adding 1/4" elastic. It's perfect and I love it. I will never buy another cover again. I added another layer of batting to loft it up a bit. I folded and stored the old one to use as a pattern.

Something I have to stay focused on today is our farm, I have chores. Much of our fruit is ripe and needs to be picked. I am taking my camera out with me, so I can share a bit of my farm with you.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Playing Catch Up

2009-06-05T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last week I visited one of my favorite bloggers, Dana at Old Red Barn Co. and discovered a mystery Sew-Along she's hosting. I was a bit behind, the directions for week #2 had just been posted, so I've been playing catch up.

I started off a little frustrated, I couldn't decide which fabrics to use. I have 1/2 yard cuts of several of the prints from Tanya Whelan's Darla, Amy's Midwest Modern 2 and Heather Bailey's Pop Garden. I finally selected Farmer's Market by Sandi Henderson, I threw in a red polka dot to give it some spark and I included one Ginger Blossom print. Selection process done.

I went to work pressing and cutting. So, now I'm here! The 3rd week instructions are to group these strips into strip sets and sew, Sew, SEW! Once this is done, they'll need to be cut into subsets. With 84 of these to make strip sets with I'd better get going! I hope to be all caught up Monday; ready for the next set of instructions.

Join us~the link is on my sidebar. . .one can never have enough works in progress it keeps the creative side motivated. . . at least that's what I tell myself!

We Have A Winner!

2009-06-01T09:17:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a giveaway! Thanks to all of you for your kind comments and great ideas for graduation gifts. My daughter, is of course, receiving a quilt which will be finished sometime between now and July 14th, her 18th birthday! Now, thanks to you I have some other wonderful ideas for her and her special guy friend. . .They're both staying local for college, we have a great junior college and Chico State which is an awesome University (went there myself)!

Now for the news you've all been waiting for. . .drum roll please. . .the winner of the May Giveaway is. . .

CBear who wrote. . .Oh those buses bring back some great childhood memories! We had a red/white one - and if dad went around a corner too fast, sometimes the door would fly open! Fun times!

If you'd be so kind as to email me your mailing information, I'll get the pillowcase kit off in the mail to you this week. Again, thank you all for playing, and I hope you'll stop by again soon.

Daisy Chain Everlasting

2009-05-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

It all started with a fat quarter tower of Daisy Chain by Amy Butler. I used just a little at first to make this. And then I made these which I finally decided to make into this table runner. . .

I then moved onto this. . .

Well, there is still some left! And this is only about 1/4 of the stack. To be honest, there is a bit of Midwest Modern 2 thrown in, the remnants of a solid blue used as a binding, and the remaining yardage used for the setting triangles on the table runner, but honestly, I'm beginning to think it multiplies while I sleep!

Since I've been in a scrappy mood lately (wonky stars, wonky cabins etc.,) I thought, what the heck, let's make one more. . .so this is the beginnings of a quilt for my daughter who is graduating high school, it won't be done in time for graduation, but it will by the time her 18th roles around in July.

It's made completely of strips and left over squares. I precut 8 1/2" squares from a bolt of muslin I keep for string quilts and other foundation projects. The squares serve as a foundation for the strips to keep them from being distorted as they're sewn (and no paper to remove). I've trimmed the blocks down to a 7 1/2" square using a ruler of the same dimension. The center will measure a 56" square once completed, with 24 of these finished, I only have 40 left (yes, I'm a "my glass is half full" person); and the blocks go super fast because the strips are already cut! Maybe the Daisy Chain Scrap Stash will finally be depleted.

May Giveaway Day Is Here!

2009-05-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with the December Sew Mama Sew! Giveaway I knew I had to sign up for the May Giveaway! This giveaway doesn't come without guilt, however. School ends next week for the Fab 5 and it is CRAZY here to say the least, Hayley's graduating high school (sniff, sob), there are the end of the year parties, teacher gifts, my youngest son's class is doing a play tonight, we have an awards banquet the 28th. . .I could go on. . .but I think you've got the picture. So instead of a handmade gift, my giveaway is my very own pillowcase pattern with some very special fabric. . .

Heather Ross is one of my favorite designers so included with the pattern you'll receive the Happy Campers, dots, and stripes all from her Lightning Bugs & Other Mysteries fabric line. The fabric has been precut to the pattern specifications so once you receive it all you have to do is sew it up!

I'll let the randomizer choose a lucky winner. I am asking that each of you include in your comment what your ideas are for a nice high school graduation gift for both a boy and a girl.

Happy blogging all. . .and thank goodness it's summer~I'm ready to have my kids back. Oh, and the game closes 12 midnight PDT on May 31, 2009. Thanks for stopping by. . . .

Sham Wow!

2009-05-13T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here it is all finished and on the bed and the girls love it! You may remember in December I shared the quilt top with you. This morning, I finished the pillow shams to go with. The raw edged fishy pillow you see is a project from a class I taught at HRQ–it's from the same Seaside Rose fabrics so I threw it on there. . .

The shams are made from a Lecien fabric which coordinate perfectly and adds to the whole shabby chic look I was striving for.

I love sewing. . .aaaahhhhh. . .

Sunday. .ah. .er Monday Stash

2009-05-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

I know, a day late. . .but I do enjoy Sunday Stash. I love looking at all the collections of my fellow fabric-a-holics, I mean sewists across the globe.

Today, I'm sharing a few pieces of Heather Ross' latest. . .Far, Far Away. I was so excited when I heard of the release of something new from her. She is one of my favorite designers and her work reflects such a sense of happiness and whimsy. I was ever-so briefly disappointed when I discovered the Far, Far Away designs would be printed on cotton gauze–not the best for a quilting, but then again that's what lightweight fusible stabilizer is for!

My daughters especially love the little snail print. . .so maybe some shorts or a nice tiered skirt. Another idea I'd like to try with these involves new towels I just purchased. Cutting strips of one of the prints, running them through my 2" bias tape maker and sewing them down to add a touch of handmade to the upstairs bath.

Since, however, Heather Ross may not release another fabric line soon I may just put it up on the shelf to admire. FreeSpirit and Heather Ross have tabled the release of "Craft Bazaar" which was supposed to release at Quilt Market this week. This due to some moronic non-compete clause with her former company Munki Munki. Evidently, too many of us enjoy her fabric and designs, create with it and heaven forbid sell an item or two on Etsy. Thus, stifling Heather's ability to design fabrics, one of the major reasons for selling Munki, initially. Ggrrrr! Sorry, climbing down off my soap box. . .

I hope you all find time this week to design something pretty or even utilitarian. . .maybe both! and don't forget to check out the great photos over at the Sunday Stash Flicker Group!

Finished Quilt Tops & A Prom

2009-05-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I've connected. Lots of sewing projects and kids activities have kept me busy and beyond.

I finished this quilt top. It's the zig zag pattern I blogged of earlier. I plan on making this again, only bigger and using set in triangles to alleviate cutting the edges square as instructed in the tutorial. I wasn't happy with any of the pictures I shot of the entire quilt, I'll try again once it's quilted! The tutorial was very easy to follow, and the project went together quickly.

This one is back from my long-arm buddy, Patty. I think I've talked about her computerized long arm. It's the coolest thing ever. She loves this quilt and named it aqua marine. Appropriate considering it's all cool blues and greens.

I've also finished my wonky stars quilt top. Though you can't tell from the picture, I've ironed and starched it beyond all limits of reasonability. But then I folded it, and, well there you have it. The next two photos are a little better.It's all done in aqua, greens and blues. My pink, yellow and oranges are probably feeling ignored. . .

I added a scrappy sashing, because it definitely needed something.

And now something from my brag book. As I've blogged before my oldest is graduating high school in June. Here she is with her date for their Senior Prom. A little history, their grandfathers were friends, long time Chico families.

And here with Katie and Julia. They're such the glamour girls.

And here's one of the whole group. It's hard to believe these kids are less than 20 school days away from grad night. Hayley and group are graduating from Chico High School class of 2009.

Myself, my mom and her mother, my grandmother all graduated from Chico High. It's nostalgic to say the very least and evidently a family tradition. . .I'm so proud of her. She's on her way into the world to give it her all.

Happy Mother's Day to you all. And that includes you too aunts, big sisters and favorite family friends! Mother's Day is a day to celebrate important women in our lives, not just those related maternally. Enjoy your day and know you have touched lives in ways you may never know.

Sunday Stash–Lightning Bugs & Other Mysteries

2009-04-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

Well, it's Sunday again and I wanted to share one of my favorite stash groupings. It's Lightning Bugs & Other Mysteries by Heather Ross. It's rare in a fabric collection that I love every single piece, but this is definitely one of those. My stash had dwindled down to just a few small pieces, until about a month ago.

Heather Ross had just released her new book Weekend Sewing (fab-u-loso) and her new fabric line Far, Far Away was just about to hit the shelves. I had a fabric attack. I was still in love with Lightning Bugs & Other Mysteries. . .not to mention Mendocino and certain pieces of West Hill (I'll save those for another post). Actually, now that I revisit this photo, I see a piece from West Hill in there (oops!)

As I'm sure many of you have done, I went searching for some of my favorite pieces. I was shocked (to say the very least) to find some of the pieces were selling for as much as $40 a yard (um, I don't think so). I then went about it the old-fashioned way, visiting quilt shops. First, I checked HRQ and there wasn't any-or was there-in the basement tucked away in a dark corner. Who would put that in the basement! Teresa brought it out for all to buy, including me for $9.00 yard (okay then).

Next, I phoned Bonnie at Sugar Pine, and she had the happy camper vans on pink and and a fat quarter left in blue! Also, the bicycles on white and pink and the frogs and lily pads on olive. Score! My fabric karma was once again in balance. Aaah!

Thus, my Sunday Stash for this week. Don't forget to stop over at the flicker group to see what everyone is sharing. Hope all of you have a pleasant week and find a little time to sew something pretty. I'll be busy trying to finish store samples for the summer schedule.

Sailboats In Red & Blue and Pretty Zig Zags Too

2009-04-16T18:23:00.000-07:00

This project is from my sketchbook. . .remember all of those half-square triangles done up in red and blue? Initially, I had intended for this to be a baby quilt, but to incorporate all the elements I wanted, it turned into something a bit larger. . .let's call it toddler size. Perfect for that first big boy bed! For a little girl, I might substitute the boats for paper-pieced or appliqued flowers, all in pink and green, of course!

I'm thinking variegated thread for the quilting and a snappish red stripe for the binding.

I must have zig zags on my mind, here is a new project I've started using some of my favorite Heather Bailey and Sandi Henderson fabrics. The tutorial I used is found here. It's pieced on the diagonal and trimmed up to a 46" x 61" rectangle. . .no setting triangles. I hope to have this pieced by the weekend.

There's another sew night at HRQ this Friday-translated this means lots of sewing, food and fun!

Happy sewing friends~

April is Autism Awareness Month

2009-04-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with Autism. To increase awareness I'm sharing my family's story. In March of 1999, I gave birth to twins–happy, healthy and 6 lbs. each (my OB was pleased–a month early and still weighed in at 6 lbs.). Apgar scores were good, no jaundice, no nursing issues–a perfect pair. As with our older three, we began vaccinations–we didn't realize the damage of the high fevers and rash the vaccines ( the drug contraindications) had prompted until it was too late.

This is the face of autism.

and this. . .

We, as a family, are very lucky. There is no mental retardation. However, the emotional, social and verbal stigma's associated with children who fall on the spectrum do exist. What does this mean, exactly. Speech delay, I didn't hear "I love you mom!" until Colby was four; some parents with autistic children never hear those words. Socially, Colby prefers to play alone or with one other person (except at home), usually with a family member or adult and doesn't have good eye contact. Emotionally, there are tears (fewer each day) over matters such as picking up toys, taking a shower and sharing chores.

Instead of reading for pleasure, many times this is my reading material.

What does it mean for Colby. . .years of speech therapy, social awareness therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, adaptive PE and until one month ago, a special classroom at a special school separated from his twin sister.

Now for the good news. . .and there is quite a bit. Colby has a high level of intelligence and math and science seem to be his areas of greatest academic success. He has returned to a mainstream classroom with a permanent one-to-one aide. The physical therapy and adaptive PE are working, his gait is almost perfect and he's beginning to run as other 10-year-old boys do. The speech therapy has taught him to look at others when spoken to and when speaking to others. Social groups he participates in also encourages appropriate social interaction and reciprocity.

Colby has made unbelievable progress since his diagnosis, he has an awesome physical therapist, a speech therapist who never gives up, a SDC (special day class) teacher who knows when to push and how hard, and Lisa, his aide, whom without, Colby would not be where he is today. We're very thankful and Colby, from all professional opinion, will lead a productive, independent life.

There are many things you can do to help Autism Awareness, if you're a mom-to-be educate yourself on the effects of vaccines given before age 4. Support through your local quilt guilds donating projects to families in your local area. And purchase the puzzle ribbon magnet for your car to spread the word–Every 20 minutes a child is diagnosed with Autism.

Treasure Trove–Flea Market Fancy

2009-04-03T21:52:00.000-07:00

It's amazing what you'll find in the discounted fabric section of a quilt shop. Can you BELIEVE it! Yes my friends, Flea Market Fancy.

Actually, this little bit of heaven is from two quilt shops. The pink and orange prints as well as the aqua stripe were found at Morning Star Quilts (which, by the way is being featured in AP&Q's Quilt Sampler–May '09). The pink sprout was marked so low, I bought the rest of the bolt (4 yards). The brown, red, lime and dark aqua prints were found at Sugar Pine Quilt Shop in Grass Valley, CA and yes, they take phone orders–(530) 272-5308! The only piece I'm still diligently looking for is the leaf print in blue.

I still can't believe it! Sometimes a road trip is well worth the effort. . .

Feeling A Little Wonky

2009-03-31T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Wonky Stars I made for the Bushfire Quilt Project really got me hooked. I've managed to make wonky star points for 25 additional blocks–those Friday sew nights at Honey Run really give a sense of accomplishment! I've made three complete blocks and my goal is to sew one each night right before bed. So hopefully in three weeks I'll have them all completed and ready to sew into a quilt top. This, of course, is in addition to the other three or four projects I have going (I think my hobby has a hobby).

My left sidebar has the tutorial I used to make these little twinklers. Happy sewing to you all.

Sew News and a Birthday Too!

2009-03-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

I'm starting today with my Sunday Stash. This is my fat quarter bundle of Katie Jump Rope by Denyse Schmidt. The mail fairy brought it to me this week. Also, my latest acquisition from Amazon–Material Obsession. What a great book, the photos alone are worth the price, not to mention the projects. . .

I also finished my Coin Quilt for the 2009 Piece-A-Long. The piece off to the right will be the back and I plan to dig through my stash for a pink plaid for the binding.

I'm quite happy with the end result, pink and brown are so scrumptious together.

I've also continued auditioning options for these four wonky log cabin blocks I made some time ago. I just can't seem to find a setting I like. I am fond of the background fabric show here. I may have to make a few more blocks then try again.

On the home front, these two celebrated their 10th birthday on the 23rd. I cried a little as I frosted their cakes. There's something about double-digits that always makes me feel a little blue. I love them more than words can express. Their day to day relationship with one another never ceases to amaze me, multiples really do have a special bond.

They had a great day! The grandparents came, we enjoyed the requested spaghetti dinner with Dad's famous cheese bread, cake, ice cream, and gifts including Littlest Petshop and Legos.

Sew Many Projects

2009-03-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

I'm one of those sewists that have 5 or 6 projects all going at once. I've been working on my coins for the Coin Quilt 2009 Piece-a-Long.

I started this project from my sketchbook. I'm hoping to finish it in time to teach it at HRQ this summer. Yes, it involves LOTS of half square triangles. You may notice the triangle paper–one of my favorite notions! I like to use it because it guarantees perfect, accurate half-square triangles. . .no wonkiness here! These will be used in zig-zags on a coordinating background of planes, trains and boats. Along the bottom, I'll paper piece sailboats against a blue cloud fabric, the perfect little boy quilt!

Also, this week, I've been trying to tie up a lot of loose ends–get it. . . thread. . . loose ends. . . okay, okay. . .my kids didn't laugh either; however, when I began to sing "I'm Bringin' Stitchin' Back" to the music (I use that term loosely) of Justin Timberlake's I'm Bringin' Sexy Back. . . that did make them laugh, but I digress. . .

Back to sewing. I finished the quilt backs for this project as well as for this one. And made this back for a quilt I just finished. This is my first scrappy back. I like the idea of a pieced back to coordinate the top.

Happy sewing all!

Sunday Stash–Seeing Spots

2009-03-08T09:35:00.000-07:00

I've always had this fascination with polka dots. I love them. The rest of the world must love them, or at least like them as well. The fashion and home dec industries call a polka dot revival in their designs at least once each decade. I'm sure we can each recall something spotted from our past. From browsing through local shops and online, spots, dots and polka dots are here again!

Here is my polka dot party–a definite must have for my stash.

Happy Sunday all, we are enjoying fresh sunshine after several huge rain storms.

Bushfire Quilt Project

2009-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just finished four blocks to send off to the land down under for the Bushfire Quilt Project. One very thoughtful gal along with her mom and friends are putting together quilts made from wonky star blocks made and donated from people all over the world. I'm sure her house looks like a supernova! From her blog posts, her husband has been very helpful in her endeavor! What a great guy! A big shout out to him also, for his service in the US Army.

It's not too late to join in the fun, these blocks are super fun to make (almost addicting) and what a great opportunity to help others in need. Touch on the Bushfire Quilt Project link in my side bar to see what others are working on or have completed.

Sunday Stash–Amy Butler Solids

2009-03-01T14:34:00.000-08:00

Solids make such a statement in quilts and other textile projects! Using something opposite on the color wheel from your focal fabric in a solid really makes your project POP! I love Amy's solids, they have a silky feel to them. . .very soft and rich. I've used strips from these in various projects, and I'm thinking maybe an all solids quilt using a modern pattern to finish off the stash.

What's in your solid stash? Happy Sunday!

Piece-A-Long

2009-02-25T14:19:00.000-08:00

Now doesn't this look fun. . .I think I want to play. The icon above takes you to the yahoo group where everyone is posting pictures of fabric, projects and progress. This quilt is a great way to use up scraps. . .or these pink strips I just cut!

I will use the brown in between each "coin" and perhaps as sashing between the rows, but there is a lovely piece of Sultry that may work for sashing as well.

I love coin quilts, they're classic, yet stylish and definitely a doable project for even the busiest of schedules.

Sunday Stash–Black and Whites

2009-02-25T14:03:00.000-08:00

I know, I know I'm late. . .yes, it's Wednesday not Sunday. . . but, better late than never!

This is my stash of black and white fabrics. These are so cute! They sit on the shelving above my sewing table, right now they're more for decor than a project–I really like to just look up at them.

I like this project from Film In The Fridge; but I'm thinking something with pink or maybe purple. . .orange!

Orange-A-Licious

2009-02-22T12:46:00.000-08:00

I'm done with my quilt top for the OP Challenge 2009–well almost, the orange rick rack is a must, but I need to return to HRQ to buy more. . .must. . .have. . .more. . .rick rack! The blocks originally finished at 12", I cut mine down to 10", so I'd have a 42" square finished product—I didn't want to have to piece the striped border... I used four Kaffe Fassett fabrics for the main part of the quilt, the inner border is a Moda solid and the snappish stripe is from the Farmer's Market collection by Sandi Henderson.

This was oodles of fun, many of the participants made quilts with 20+ blocks, some used the block in a "wonky" fashion (gotta love that) and someone even made a bag! You can check out the photos here. Recipes and anecdotal stories were exchanged. I also visited blogs which were new to me! Thanks Pat, can't wait 'till the next one–woot!

Happy Sunday!

Wow. . .What A Day!

2009-02-20T14:12:00.000-08:00

I have too many irons in the fire today. . .bright side. . .they all have to do with sewing! First, I packed up all my FQ's for my buddies in the Sew Mama, Sew! fat quarter swap. They'll be in the mail tonight ladies. . .I hope you'll enjoy them and the other little surprises I included!

Next, I'm participating in the OP Challenge over at Pat Sloan's place—two blocks done!

Also, I'm attending the Friday Nite Live at my local quilt shop. . .isn't it the most quaint little store? These sew nights happen once a month, always a potluck and we sew 'till midnight. Hayley (daughter #1 is coming with). This renovated house depicts old Chico. . .I love these old homes with their big steps and sunny front porches. . .and don't forget the basements! Lots of people from the midwest moved here during the late 1800's and coming from tornado country I guess they just assumed they needed a basement. No tornado's here. . .and basements are not the most secure place during an earthquake! But they are fun to play in (did my share of that in great grandma's house when I was small; the house actually isn't too far from the quilt shop. . . she would have loved that).

Tonight, I plan on working on the back of two quilts, one just a simple pieced back, the other has a design–and on paper looks very geometric, the back may turn into the front! I also should put together more OP blocks. . .geez, it's starting to sound like a chore list. . .guess I'll have to suffer through.

Enjoy your Friday night!

It's A Twin Thing

2009-02-18T21:09:00.000-08:00

As a general rule, I've never been much for playing up the whole "twin" thing with these two cuties! I've always thought it important for them to each have their own identity outside of twinhood. But there are certain pictures which just scream "TWINS" at me. . . and this is one of them. They're my youngest and they're turning 10 next month. The look on their faces tell it all. They are a mischievous duo. . .and have been since birth. . .remind me to share the toothpaste, squirt bottle, mascara story. Being the youngest just feeds the flame–they know they're cute and use that knowledge effectively. When they go into attack mode (good natured physical and emotional warfare) we fondly refer to it as "twinning". . .stop twinning me. . . stop twinning your sisters or brother!

To all of you mothers of multiples and twins, triplets and beyond. . . smile you are truly special and have been given a most precious gift.

OP Challenge Selections

2009-02-16T10:14:00.001-08:00

As mentioned previously, I'm participating in Pat Sloan's OP Challenge. From the hints she's given, I've narrowed my fabric selections down to two possible combinations.

I can't wait 'till the virtual retreat begins. . .join us!

Sunday Stash–Kaffe Fassett

2009-02-15T11:41:00.000-08:00

Here's my collection of Kaffe Fassett–some old some new! I really love the pure color in his fabrics as well as his representation of nature. With my new found love of wonky log cabin blocks maybe I'll begin there; or maybe with some uniform 9-patches using the fuschia print as sashing. Such indecision. . .

This week I'll be sending off two blocks for the Bushfire Quilt Project. These blocks will go toward quilts for the victims of the recent fires in Australia. The blocks are to be stars on a white background. The Kaffe Fassett prints looks stunning against white and since they're

out. . . I love it when a plan comes together.

Sewful Saturday

2009-02-14T15:57:00.000-08:00

Today I am lucky enough to be finishing up several projects. The quilt has been in progress for several months; mainly because each of the nine patches were sewn individually rather than strip sewn. Definitely worth the effort though.

It's very shabby chic and it coordinates perfectly with the girls' room. I now just need to cut and piece the back, quilt and bind! The fabric is Seaside Rose (3 Sisters–Moda); it had sat all bundled up in it's nice little fat quarter stack for 3+ years before I could bring myself to open it and cut it up. The pattern is Carrie Nelson's Tag Sale. It's a good thing!

This pin is one I started last summer to match a bag and the pillowcase dress I made for Bethany–finished this by adding the button and pin closure to the back–all of a five minutes.

More progress made on these blocks which are not turning out to be as wonky as I would have liked. But, I still like them. I'm thinking this will be a table topper or wall hanging. . .one more log cabin block and then maybe four star blocks to make an almost-wonky 9-patch.

Oh! I better not forget to mention the beautiful roses my oh-so-special husband gave me for Valentine's Day. They're pretty and wonderfully fragrant. We generally don't go out for Valentine's Day, neither of us are big on crowds, and John definitely does not like to wait in line to eat. We opted for homemade split pea soup and homemade bread.

I feel so productive. . .well, I guess it's on to dinner (yum!), changing the laundry, baths, and other matters of domesticity. Happy Valentine's Day!

Orange You Goin' Join Us?

2009-02-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

Pat Sloan is sponsoring a virtual retreat February 20th-22nd. The theme. . .ORANGE! I love orange fabrics. The new designs are hip and snappish!

My youngest daughter is actually credited with my love of orange. It's been her favorite color since she was 2. . .she'll be 10 next month. Thankfully, blue and pink coordinate nicely with orange.

My stash of orange is well represented: Kaffe Fasset, Sandi Henderson, Heather Ross and Denyse Schmidt.

Jump on over to Pat Sloan's blog with your citrus-ee stash. . .orange you ready for some fun? Sorry couldn't resist.

Sunday Stash–Fabulous Fresh Cut

2009-02-08T19:14:00.000-08:00

Everyone has them. . .fabrics they just can't cut into. . .well Fresh Cut is my "them". It's my very favorite fabric line yet. Heather Bailey is the designer and her fabrics (and paper, and patterns) are wonderful. This is about half of my fresh cut stash; in all I have a 1/2 yard of each fabric in the line. Addiction. . . I do believe.

Happy Sunday everyone! I'm supposed to be in bed–I have a horrible cold and hubby has taken the fab five out for dinner. Thank you husband! However, if they come home and I'm at the computer...yikes!