Quilting4U

Kamryn's first quilt project EVER!

2012-01-22T17:23:00.000-06:00

Image my excitement!! Today, Kamryn made her first quilt project. She is 4 years old!! She was not allowed to cut pieces or to iron, but she did all the other work. She chose the fabrics, designed the placement and did the sewing. We set the foot on the table so she could press it with her hand and we set the speed so I could control the safety issues. She is very articulate and has picked up so quickly, I guess I need to teach her correctly, because she WILL remember what she is taught.

She made this small piece for her cousin, Hannah (8) to use when playing with her baby dolls. We only made a top, did not get around to quilting yet, but she was happy with it unquilted. That is why I called it a quilt PROJECT.All through the process, she would say, 'Hannah is going to love this'.

Oh, I am busting with excitement!!!!!!!!

Interesting skies from Oakland, TN.

2012-01-13T16:07:00.002-06:00

This video was taken yesterday after a brief flurry of snow. It came and left so quickly that I did not get my camera in time to catch it but I wanted to share this amazing video of the view after. Pretty amazing, nature gives us so much to appreciate.

I finished mom's Leftover quilt

2012-01-07T16:43:00.001-06:00

I had given mom these fabrics to do this quilt. Some of the blocks were already pieced and I lost interest. It is funny how I can lose interest and then she finishes it and it is amazing. I quilted it with free motion swirls, that I just love to do. I went ahead and did the binding for her, too. The backing fabric that I used was also fabric that I lost interest in, but made a perfect backing for this one. If you keep the fabric long enough, you find a use for it,ha!ha!

She is happy with it and that is all that matters to me! you can see a few more photos of this quilt in my public photo album with the same name.

Quilt made for my Daughter in law for Christmas

2011-12-27T14:49:00.000-06:00

I made this Sassy Sixteen quilt for my new daughter in law for Christmas. She was excited to say the least. If you look closely you will see all the fabrics with skulls and cross bones, which is something she loves. I think the fabrics worked great together and I know she was elated!

And the number is 26!

2011-12-20T09:12:00.000-06:00

Gari is the winner!!!!!!! Gari, I will be sending you an email to get your shipping info. Thanks so much for helping find this little quilt a good home!

Christmas giveaway!

2011-12-06T19:18:00.000-06:00

Hey, fellow quilters! I made this little quilt about 7 years ago. I have lost the desire to finish it, so I decided to do a giveaway! Here is how I will decide who gets it:
Comment on this post and give a 2 digit number that is your guess. Posting it will ensure that others don't guess the same number. Once the correct number is given, I will tell you who won. If the number is not guessed by December 20th, the closet to my number without exceeding it, will win. I will even pay shipping to get it to its new home! Only condition that I have is that I DO NOT want to quilt it, so you know what that means.

Good Luck!

My heart flutters with excitement!

2011-12-01T15:58:00.001-06:00

Oh my gosh! My heart is just fluttering with excitement, my new 'Zen Quilting Workbook'is here! It is by Pat Ferguson and inspired by Zentangle. I am so excited, that is all I can say!

Gift from a special friend

2011-11-17T12:06:00.000-06:00

This is the most darling thing I have ever seen! One of my newest quilting friends made this for me! How nice is that? I was just floored, it makes a great statement in my quilting room. The photo is pretty good, but in person you can just see every little detail and the colors are amazing! Thank you Shirley!!!

Art from a Child's perspective

2011-11-15T11:03:00.000-06:00

My grand daughter made this masterpiece for me yesterday. She loves to create. She is only 4, but if you notice all the frogs, birds, and swans sticky items, you would see how much she loves her 'Mimi'. That is what my grandkids call me. She was so proud, she even helped me carry it and place it 'just so' in my backseat. She is very particular on how things are done. At the bottom of the picture is the grass, flowers and frogs. I forgot to ask why the sky is black, perhaps it was a rainy day?

If I am lucky, she will continue to enjoy her creative side when she gets old enough to learn how to quilt??

Just for fun

2011-11-11T20:44:00.000-06:00

I haven't had the brain power to post anything quilt related, so I decided to share photos of my new puppy. I haven't named her yet, but she belonged to my grandmother's sister. She purchased it in New York, so many years ago we can't count. I found her at my sister's house when she moved. As you can see from her (sink) picture, she was forgotten and neglected. Much brown yuk was covering her face from the tobacco smoke she endured. She is now clean and in a smoke free home. Bella isn't real sure about her yet, but I think she will be fine.

Davie's Manor Quilt and Fiber Arts displays 2011

2011-10-24T13:30:00.001-05:00

Each November there is a local Fiber arts and Quilt show at Historical Hillwood Plantation in Bartlett TN. Here are some of the items I plan to share this year. Hope you attend to see them in person. Fri. Nov. 4th thru Sun. Nov. 6th. Visit Davie's Manor website to learn more.

Two table runners with NOTHING in common....

My 'Saturation Infatuation'. All free motion, non-regulated quilting.

My 'Color Bridge' Quilt,(pictured below), I did heavy custom quilting.

Thankful Thursday

2011-10-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

Colors in Change!

2011-10-19T10:23:00.001-05:00

My October Maple tree is changing colors! I needed to take and share these photos quickly since the wind is in the process of ripping the leaves off!! Enjoy! I am!

The thread arrives!!

2011-10-15T18:05:00.001-05:00

Oh my gosh! My thread just arrived for my Borealis quilt and it is PERFECT!!! You never know, I get actual thread charts so I can get the best guess at how the color would look, but this one really surprised me!! It is so much better than I could have expected! Every color that is in my quilt is represented in this thread.

What is it.
, you are asking? I purchased Superior threads color #814 - named Gypsy, from their "Rainbow' line. All I can say is 'W-O-W'!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE IT!!!!!!

I have been trying to decide if I will name my quilt. I thought of 2 names I like, one is 'GYPSY' and one is FREE SPIRIT'. I am leaning towards Free Spirit. By the time I get it quilted, I will figure that out and let you know.

Thanks for sharing in the excitement!!!!

My Borealis quilt top is done!

2011-10-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

9Pm, and I just got my top together!!! Just got home from Colten's football game and finished sewing all the rows together!!! I LOVE how it turned out!! Now I have to quilt it! I have my thread on order, so it should be here any moment. I need to wash the backing fabric then piece it. I had a scary thought, I don't think I pre-washed all my fabrics on the top. Well, a little late to worry about that!

Flower Power!

2011-10-13T14:52:00.001-05:00

No, this has nothing to do with Quilting. I found this GROOVY fleece yesterday and just fell in love with it! My intention of purchasing it is for a part of my Halloween costume. So, I will post those photos later in the month. That is, IF I can stand to cut it!! It is really FUN!

Backing & binding fabric for my Borealis quilt

2011-10-11T17:19:00.001-05:00

This is the fabric that inspired me to do this quilt. I will use it for the backing and the binding, NO BORDERS needed, yeah!! One less thing to have to do!!!

The fabric is from Robert Kaufman "Gallery Basics" Screen print #9955. It has all the colors, gold,orange,pink, and purplish! It is the most unique animal print I have ever seen. That is how I feel in love with it! Plus, I had a sudden passion for hot pink!

What's Up?

2011-10-11T10:49:00.003-05:00

I have Julie's Dumpster Diving quilt up to be quilted. I had to share the lovely lovely top and back shown together so you can see how special this quilt is. I am pondering on some free motion ideas and checking to see what color thread I want to use.

Make sure to visit Julie's blog at Quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com.

Or maybe this layout

2011-10-10T17:26:00.000-05:00

The more I arrange, the more confused I am!!! Off to a soccer game to clear my head!

Auditioning placement of blocks for My Borealis quilt

2011-10-10T13:28:00.000-05:00

I have spent a couple of hours this morning attempting to plan placement for my Borealis quilt top. It is RANDOM which is so hard for me. I think I have had enough, so I will start sewing the rows! My next decision will be the quilting. Do I use a panto and skip the idea of free motion? Do I use a variegated thread or a solid? If solid, which color? The only solid that I know would work is Mustard yellow, which looks more like a gold than a yellow. That would be a safe choice, do I want a safe choice? I do not know. So for now, I will let the ideas swim around in my head and hope that it becomes apparent what to do, SOON! I already have my next project in sight, so I am ready to get with it. So many projects, so little time!!!

Wish me luck, I will need it!

Progress on my Borealis quilt

2011-10-09T14:20:00.000-05:00

I got 5 more blocks done on my quilt! I had to take this photo quickly since the wind wanted my blocks....just wanted to show I am still trying to get this one done. Only 5 more blocks to make then I can piece the top.

Seems like this one is taking forever! When I have the energy, I don't have the time. When I have the time, I don't have the energy. Ha!Ha! It really seems to work that way??!!?

Lovely texture added to this quilt

2011-10-06T16:30:00.000-05:00

This quilt belongs to my friend Joyce. She loved the outcome using the Swirly Gig panto! See lots of photos of this quilt in my public album, named Joyce A-2011.

Enjoy! Love the feel of this quilt, so soft!

View of my Studio

2011-10-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

Last week we showed our home, so I thought I would take some photos of my studio cleaned up! I had to do it quickly, since it will not stay this way long! I would not want it to stay clean, I mean this IS what I do!!

I also took the photos of my Color Bridge quilt yesterday. I know you have seen it before, but the sun was coming in the window and putting such a unique light to shadow the quilting, that I just wanted to share again!

Be Back soon!

Just a little something

2011-09-26T17:29:00.003-05:00

I bought this sweet little hand embroidered table runner at a local Antique shop, several months ago. I finally got around to quilting it. The quilting is all free motion and made up as I went along, sometimes planning is over-rated. It was just for fun, so that is was! I washed it this morning so I could see how it would 'krinkle', and it did just lovely!

I got the idea of quilting this runner from my friend Julie, which let me quilt one of her family's vintage tablecloths.
You can visit Julie's blog at Quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com.

You can also see photos of Julie's family tablecloth in my Public albums called 'Linen Tablecloth transformed' dated Feb 2009.

New Free Motion quilting book

2011-09-13T14:25:00.001-05:00

I just got my new FreeMotion quilting book. I am extremely picky about what books I buy. I have to tell you that this one was more than worth the money. Every single page offers much inspiration! My only regret is that I waited so long. If you are a machine quilter, longarm, domestic or otherwise, you will LOVE this book!

I also posted this photo of Bella looking out the window, she is such entertainment! I wanted to open my window and get the fresh air. I had to use my fabric box to keep the window open, since my window mechanism broke. Where there is a will, there is a way!

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T06:00:00.001-05:00

Taking time today to remember all of those lost 10 years ago today. Remembering all the families that lost loved ones and all the heros from that day. GOD BLESS AMERICA!

My Borealis quilt update

2011-09-02T12:43:00.000-05:00

The picture of 2 blocks together are progress, the one alone is not going to make it, I will need to re-make that block. This one has way too much fullness and I already trimmed it, so I will not be able to use it. I had hoped to have the top completed by the end of August, but am not too far off. I will see how many I can get done this weekend, alot going on, so time will tell! I am getting so anxious to see this top completed, so I can quilt it!!!

Christina's Peppermint twist

2011-09-01T10:45:00.000-05:00

Check out my newly added public album by this name. Mackie is Christina's dog and he loves her latest creation. She gave me the honor of naming it, which I am usually not to good at, but I like this one! We used the HO HO Holly panto from Golden threads. It looks great!

Make sure to go to my Public photo album to see more photos of this beauty!

3 more blocks done today, 12 to GO!

2011-08-28T20:12:00.000-05:00

I managed to squeeze out 3 more blocks today! Now, only 12 left to go!!

3 more blocks done for my Borealis quilt

2011-08-28T15:46:00.000-05:00

I now have 15 blocks done out of the 30! Half way there!

Small progress on my Borealis quilt

2011-08-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

I have set myself a goal of finishing the blocks for this quilt by the end of this month. Since time seems to pass so quickly when you are not watching the clock, I decided it necessary to complete this in a timely manner. I want to quilt it in September. I plan on showing it off in November, so I set my timeline to make sure it happens!

Time passes so quickly when you are not watching!

Vacation is over ........

2011-08-18T12:21:00.000-05:00

Wow! Vacation goes so fast! I think I needed a vacation to re-coop from my vacation! It was wonderful! We went to Pensacola Beach Florida. We stayed in a condo beachfront! We will go there again. It really was hard to come home and not be on the beachfront! I did miss Bella, I don't think she would have appreciated all the sand anyway. Mom spoiled her plenty while we were gone, so she was fine. She did JUMP into my arms when I got home! Instead of Tshirts I will never use, I bought a metal sunshine and a resin lizard as a token to remember the visit.

Anyway, I am home and Iris is back to work. I hope to make some progress on my Borealis quilt real soon.

R & R

2011-08-05T21:21:00.000-05:00

Bella is reflecting my current mood, LAZY! I am taking some much needed time for R & R! I am going to take a break from posting, but I will return in a few days.

Stay COOL!

Progress on My Borealis quilt

2011-08-01T10:17:00.000-05:00

This shows the 10 blocks I have completed so far. I only have 20 more blocks to go. It is HOT HOT HOT already outside, so I did not lay these out in any way like I would to piece the top. Just wanted you to see how it is developing! Since all the arches are done, the block process is quicker. I am not rushing the process, just enjoying it.

Thanks for watching the progress!

My tablerunner from leftovers

2011-07-31T15:02:00.002-05:00

I have a plan for this table runner. Originally, I had planned on piecing it into the backing of my 'Saturation Infatuation' quilt. Once I got the backing fabric, I decided not to use this piece, so I decided to quilt it just like I did on my quilt. I have a purpose for it, but I will have to post that a little later. There is much to do today, so just a small peek into what is going on here.

The quilting on this one makes me scream, in a good way! It makes me smile,too!

See ya later!

My Borealis quilt progress

2011-07-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

This is my first block that includes an arch. This one is slowly being done, but I love these colors!

Oh, did you notice my hot pink lamp? Sammie got it for me on clearance at Walmart. It has been very functional and pretty!

Julie's Scrappy Four patch quilt-2011

2011-07-26T06:00:00.006-05:00

Another lovely and colorful quilt made by Julie. We used the Woodgrain panto on this one. Love how it turned out! Check out my public photo album by the same name, and make sure to visit Julie's blog, too.

Julie's -Waiting for the Mail-quilt

2011-07-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

More photos of quilting on this lovely quilt in my public photo album by the same name. Also visit Julie's blog for photos of the finished quilt!

More Borealis arches done

2011-07-21T10:45:00.000-05:00

I got 3 more aches done for my quilt! I only have one more to do, then I am ready to piece my blocks. The blocks go much quicker than these arches. I have 5 blocks already done, so I only have 25 to piece and it will be a top! I don't plan on any borders. I will free motion quilt it and I have NO idea how! I do think I will use a variegated thread that has orange and hot pink in it, unless I find something better before I quilt it.

Oh, I had to share a photo of myself and Colten from last night. He is my first grandson, 10 years old and about to be taller than me! I adore him!

Progress report on my Borealis quilt

2011-07-19T18:45:00.002-05:00

I completed 3 more arches.

Thanks for watching!

Underground Railroad quilt photos

2011-07-19T07:00:00.006-05:00

This lovely Underground Railroad is such a classic. This one was made by Stephanie, and she was gracious enough to let me quilt it. We discussed our options, and she really wanted it 'custom' quilted, so that is what I did. If you check my public photo albums, you can see tons of photos of this lovely quilt. I think there is about 70 of them,

Enjoy and I would love to hear how you like it!

Julie's Good Morning Purple quilt

2011-07-18T12:28:00.001-05:00

Check out Julie's blog for her finish!

I have uploaded photos to my public album for you to see the quilting. Make sure to visit there too, you just click the link on the right side of my page and see the album listed as Julie's Good Morning Purple.

I used a panto called' Shiva' on this one, it has alot of cool movement and I think it looks great on her quilt.

Thanks!

One more arch for my Borealis quilt

2011-07-17T16:19:00.000-05:00

This one arch had 27 pieces, so it isn't real fast. It allows me to get a fix and make some progress without too much stress. I don't like stress, that word should not be in quilting, I am working to take it out of mine. Slowly, but surely.

Thanks for watching!

Only one more arch for my Borealis!

2011-07-16T20:16:00.001-05:00

Only got one more arch done today! It is pretty cool though. I am working on binding on my Color Bridge quilt and we spent the afternoon shopping for furniture, so I did not get much time to piece. Hopefully, that is all I will do on Sunday! Time will tell. Oh, no furniture purchased, just window shopping.

Have a great day!

Small progress on my Borealis quilt

2011-07-16T10:33:00.000-05:00

I finished 2 more arches. Several more to go.

Julie's Sunny day quilt

2011-07-14T10:33:00.000-05:00

Checkout photos in my public photo albums on this lovely quilt.You can see Julie's finish at her blog quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com.

Have a Sunny Day!

From 'Heartbreak to Hope' Exhibit

2011-07-13T16:52:00.000-05:00

If you go to the AQS quilt show in Knoxville, TN, make sure to stop by and see the AAQI exhibit 'From Heartbreak to Hope'. Very touching display!

Visit AAQI.

Lynne's quilt!

2011-07-12T20:42:00.002-05:00

This lovely quilt belongs to my great friend Lynne. She allowed me to quilt this lovely piece and I think she loved the outcome. She uses the method of piecing from the book from Tonya Ricucci's book, Word Play Quilts. It is for sale on Amazon.com.

Read more about Lynne's quilt/s on her blog thepatcherymenagerie.com.

See more photos of this quilt in my public photos albums, named Lynne's Color Rules.

Progress on my Borealis quilt

2011-07-12T11:44:00.006-05:00

Do you see poor Bella? She sadly stands by in case I may stop and play with her. She loyally waits by me each moment of the day and waits for her turn for attention. Bless her heart. She really has a rough life!

I managed to complete a few more paper pieced archs. I wanted to keep working on getting the 15 that I need to go in my Borealis quilt, so I do not forget how to do them. Don't laugh, I really find this a difficult process, but I am too stubborn to give up!!!

The great yellow, hot pink,outstanding orange, and soft purple batiks were recently purchased from Delta Patchworks! You must check them out! They have a great online shop and are wonderful people!
Thanks for watching!

Who is this?

2011-07-10T10:58:00.003-05:00

Oh, it is me! I had my husband take a photo of me with my Color Bridge quilt. I never seem to make my way into the pictures, but I wanted you to know that I am a real person, ha!ha! I need him to take some photos sometime when I am working so you can see that I really exist and that I AM doing the work.

Yesterday I got the binding stitched on the front by machine, then I trimmed off the excess batting and backing. I was wearing my glasses and still managed to cut one of my mitered corners and had to remove and replace that section to repair the damage I caused. I always have some silly story to tell of what I did wrong! Anyway, all that is left to do is stitch the binding down by hand. This will be done in the evenings when I watch television at the end of the work day.

Binding underway

2011-07-08T11:34:00.000-05:00

When I bought this kit, it did not come with fabric for the binding. It was difficult for me to find the right fabric to use for the binding. Oddly enough, my friend Julie had given me some batik leftover fabric from her 'Impact Zone' quilt. Thanks Julie! It will make the perfect binding for my quilt!!! Who knew?

You can see lots of photos of Julie's Impact Zone quilt in my public photo gallery and you can visit Julie's blog at Quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com.

My Color Bridge quilt is DONE!

2011-07-07T09:50:00.003-05:00

I had to take these photos indoors and the lighting is poor. I hope you can see the movement this quilt has. I am so thrilled with it. It will get a hanging sleeve and only be admired, not used. I plan on taking much better photos once the sun decides to co-operate!

Binding also needs to be attached.

Thanks for watching! I would LOVE to hear what you think?

HEARTBREAKING

2011-07-06T11:55:00.003-05:00

I think 'HEARTBREAKING' says enough.

My color bridge progress

2011-07-05T12:25:00.003-05:00

Keep in mind, this quilt is a work in progress! There is much left to be done, so some areas are still neglected. I wanted to share with you this border feather design, I am so proud. I purchased the Radical Rulers by Dusty Farrell, which is sold at Quilter's Rule.These rulers that Dusty designed are very useful and they provide more than one function. If you are a quilter, you should really check out his products.

In the photo, I have marked just a little of a line and then used my ruler to achieve it. The feathers are free motion quilted to fill the space. It is NOT necessary to mark the line, that is just my personal insecurity that made me do that. The ruler has all you need to make the spine consistent.

Gotta go back and work some more, much to be done!

Julie's Summertime quilt

2011-07-04T12:00:00.003-05:00

Julie has finished her binding on her Summertime quilt. It is so lovely. Check out her post at quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com. Also, you can see quilting photos of this quilt in my Public Photos Gallery by the name 'Summertime'.

Enjoy!

QuackQuack says the little duck

2011-07-02T15:41:00.002-05:00

You must go to my Public photos and see more of this darling quilt. Barbara Groeschell is the one who made this quilt and I was lucky enough to quilt it. It really is a fun quilt. Some lucky child will benefit from this effort.

Another sneak peek of my Color Bridge

2011-07-01T15:39:00.001-05:00

Just another small piece of the puzzle. This element took some concentration, I need to repeat it 3 more times, wish me luck!

Yesterday's project

2011-07-01T09:19:00.004-05:00

I planned more quilting for my Color Bridge quilt yesterday. No more photos yet. Soon!

I normally would not be posting about a my clothing finds, BUT this one is special. I booked a mini vacation for my husband and I do take a much needed break from day to day life. I have not been to the beach in 10 years and my bathing suit does not fit! Soooooo.....the search began...there was no question that it would be a one piece. I was aware that I have picked up some extra pounds along the way, but until I tried on a few, I had no idea how many inches I had gained. To say that it was a stressful event is to say the least! Each trip to the fitting room with my hand full of suits in hand came with my head hanging down in shame.

The experience did have a happy ending. I found this darling suit right before I started to give up. I had seen it but not in my size. Someone must have put it back on the rack and I was so excited! I tried it on and it fit! It actually made me smile. It is the FABRIC that really made me happy! Wouldn't this fabric design be great in a quilt. In my opinion, it does not look like every other suit out there. When I was paying for it, the lady next to me said, 'that is cute, it is different'. YES, that is why it is now mine! Exactly what I was going for. Now, I just need the 200 sunblock, ha!ha! I think my body is whiter than the sand!ha!ha!

Thanks for reading! Love this suit, it is by a company called ItFigures. Swimwear created by women for women. The ItFigures Ovarian Cancer Research Fund is proud to support advanced research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. I had planned on adding a link, but the info on the tag did not go to their site and I was having trouble finding it myself. I purchased the suit at Macy's.

A little more progress on my Color Bridge

2011-06-29T20:17:00.003-05:00

Just another small peek at progress. It is slow, I am making it up as I go along, since I never decided on my quilting plan.

The lighting is not good for quality pictures while the quilt is on the machine. I get the best shadow effect when I turn my ceiling light off and leave the light on the machine, but it doesn't do so great either. Once I get it all done and off the machine, I can get some really good pictures. Still much work to do!

Another little peek

2011-06-28T20:48:00.007-05:00

This is the center of the quilt. When you look closely, you will see extra needle wholes where I took out stitches. I quilted it the first time in a variegated thread that I did not like, so I frogged it. I loved the solid orange thread in that little area to add color and pull it together.Those extra wholes will close up once it is washed. Some of the area around it is not quilted yet, but I wanted to share what I could.

More to come in the next couple of days.

Just a peek

2011-06-28T10:40:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to share a peek of the quilting on my Color Bridge quilt. As you an see, Bella is disappointed that this quilt is getting so much of my attention!

Stay tuned! Thanks for watching!

Great finds!

2011-06-26T15:21:00.005-05:00

I got the email about Delta Patchworks warehouse sale for Saturday and just had to go. I have not been able to go out there for about a year. It was time! I got some additional fabrics for my Borealis quilt and also purchased some super black fabric from Maywood, called 'Black Magic'. It is blacker than the Michael Miller black I used in my Saturation Infatuation quilt. Ok, just to be clear, I LOVED my Michael Miller black, but I am always looking for even blacker black! This one is that! BOTH are wonderful, but I was excited to have even more options.

Make sure to visit Delta Patchwork's website!

My husband and I visited Hobby Lobby last night and I just could not resist this lovely cabinet. I have thought about buying it several trips ago and didn't. Last night, I did! The ceramic drawer front is what sold me!

I am loading up my Color Bridge quilt this week, wish me luck. I am still not 100% sure of what I will do, but I never will be. Time to do it!

2 new blocks done for my 'Borealis' quilt

2011-06-23T15:04:00.002-05:00

Here are the 2 new blocks I got done for my Borealis quilt. They are the same block, just created with different fabrics.

My 'Borealis' quilt

2011-06-21T20:22:00.002-05:00

I thought it was only fair to share my current project, since I called out for a SOS! I was going to keep it under wraps for awhile, but I am finding it hard to contain my excitement. This is kinda 'out of my box'. I have always loved curved piecing and have done a little, but I find myself pretty intimidated with it. I did complete my 3rd block tonight including one of the paper pieced archs! The project will consist of 30 blocks, so only 27 more to go. I like the fact that I can do a block in a short amount of time and do not have to power piece of plow through it! I don't know why I always think I have to hurry! I hope to include this quilt in a local quilt show in November, so I do want to get it done by then. This one is kinda random, which is something else that does not come easy to me, so it is good for me to get out of that box again! I tend to stay where I feel comfortable, but then, I miss too much fun!

I will not stagger my blocks like in the pattern photo, mine will just be square. I also took a photo (shown) of a kit that was being sold at Hancock's of Paducah when I was there in April. I liked the colors in the kit so much more and it was the inspiration for my color choices. Once I found the amazing Robert Kaufman, pink, and gold animal print, it was on!! It will be used as my backing and my binding! I made sure to purchase plenty so I did not miss the boat on that!!

Thanks for watching! I have a public album that you can see fabrics and progress of the quilt being updated as I go along in the coming weeks.

Thanks! Barb!

2011-06-20T20:35:00.002-05:00

No pictures here. When i spoke with Barbara G. today, she suggested the idea this may be a mirror image. Well, I went through and read ALL instructions. as was stated at the beginning of the pattern and realized, that is what happened. The blocks can be reversed or mirror imaged and I did not realize this was a mirror image of block A, and totally usable. IF only, I would read ALL the instructions!!! Thanks Barb!!! See ya tomorrow!

THANKSTHANKSTHANKS!

More to come soon on my Borealis project!

What have I done wrong?

2011-06-20T11:53:00.003-05:00

I have done paper piecing, but a very long time ago. I thought I read all instructions and even thought my first piece looks great. Only problem, it is facing the wrong way to make it into a block.I was finishing this piece at 10pm last night and was so excited until I noticed this fatal mistake.
The instructions said, cut a generous piece of fabric #1 and place it on back side of space #1(fabric should be wrong-side to non-numbered side of paper) Thought I did that. Place fabric #2 and place it over fabric one (right side to right side) and stitch along the stitching line from the numbered side. Thought I did that.

So, I am hoping that someone reading this can tell me what I did wrong? I have looked at it so much and re-read the instructions so many times, that I am just confused!

Oh well, thanks for listening!

My Color Bridge quilt-pondering

2011-06-15T11:19:00.002-05:00

I finished this lovely quilt over a year ago! I bought the kit over 5 years ago! I am trying to decide how I want to quilt it. I have some areas figured out but other areas leave me scratching my head. It is sure to be a great quilt no matter what, but I really would like for it to be special. Wish me luck that I can figure it out!

Thanks for watching!

My 'Saturation Infatuation' quilt finished!

2011-06-10T20:14:00.003-05:00

Finally! I got all the hand stitching done so it IS a Quilt! Check out my public album by the same name and see tons more photos of this quilt in progress.

Iris at work!

2011-06-03T20:28:00.004-05:00

Iris just wanted to say 'Hi'! Did you notice her new tattoos? yes, tattoos! I got them from Dusty.

Family times

2011-06-02T19:48:00.002-05:00

On May 21st, my stepson Brandon got married. I had the privilege of taking home all 3 of my grand-children. One photo is when we got in the car where they are goofing off, the next is about 5 minutes later, when they passed out. What a full backseat! They were so much fun!

I also included a couple of cute photos of Bella. These were taken today while she suffered through the loneliness while I worked! Poor puppy!

Better photo of quilting

2011-05-26T20:03:00.004-05:00

I love how the variegated thread looks on the stark black! No sunshine, so no better photos to show off....maybe tomorrow will bring sunshine. The best photos I take are done around dusk, my back porch gets the best lighting then.

Do you think there is enough to look at here? I am really pleased with the outcome, I can't believe I actually did it! Dusty said, if you give the eye enough to look at, that you will not see mistakes. imperfect perfect. I like that philosophy! It works for me!Thanks Dusty!

Quilting on my quilt

2011-05-25T10:14:00.005-05:00

I have started quilting on my Saturation Infatuation quilt. I am using a lovely variegated thread and the design is all free motion, with no stitch regulation. I am not sure if the quilting design is too much over the top, but it is there now, so I guess I will see how I like it once it is completed. I am trying to quilt as much as I can before the weather hits. We are expected to have some bad weather this afternoon, once the first roll of thunder comes, Iris will be unplugged!

I am having a fit to start my project with all the pinks, oranges and purples. I have promised myself NOT to cut one piece for that project until I quilt this one and get the binding attached! So far, so good!

Happy Wednesday!

Chairs recovered-AGAIN

2011-05-24T10:17:00.003-05:00

If you have followed my blog for long, you have seen these chairs before. There are 2 chairs and a small table that belonged to my grandmother. Since I changed the paint color in my small studio, the chairs looked great but had no luster. Sooooooo......I found this very happy colorful fabric to add some life to this area. I am happy with the result!

The current fabric is the one that is Red and has the lovely flowers!

Thanks for looking!

Just for Fun!

2011-05-19T11:16:00.004-05:00

I recently took 2 classes at AQS Paducah from Dusty Farrell with Country Stitchin out of PA. If you don't know who Dusty is, well, I have to say he is the single most talented and innovative male quilter to date. He took away 4 ribbons at MQX2011, which was historical! No one has done that til now! He is a young guy that is an artist that decided to simply trade in his brushes for needles, a LongArm needle. I first was just excited about the fact that he drives a Nolting like me.

Anyway, he does a quilting show in the dark using a black light and special thread that reacts to the black light. It is really neat! I had to get in on the fun! I had a black light for years, so I got some of the special thread and played with it when I got home. It is Fun!!! The swirly feather design shown was something I learned from Dusty, not as good as his, but considering that this was my first attempt, I was pleased with it! The top photo shows the thread under the black light, the photo on the bottom is under regular lighting.

Dusty and his wife, Stephanie own a quilt shop in PA. They are a delightful couple.

You can see some of Dusty's black light quilting show on YouTube. I usually just type in his name and it pulls up several videos, the black fabric and special thread is very easy to spot. Check it out!

New public photo album

2011-05-15T19:50:00.008-05:00

Check out some photos of Lynne's new quilt. She is in the process of naming it. Check out her post at The Patchery Menagerie . You will find the quilting photos I took of this quilt in the album named Lynne's Rules quilt.

The panto I chose to use for this quilt is called 'Fossil' by Urban Elementz, I think it was made just for this quilt! It was perfect!

What a mess!

2011-05-15T14:21:00.003-05:00

We made the decision to rip up our carpet in our Living room, Diningroom, Entry way and hallway! What a mess! So 3 weeks later, we have it ready to put down the hardwood. Every inch of everything has a layer of dust and dirt on it! We ARE very happy with the new flooring, with the exception of the transitions, the manufacturer did not check the product before shipping it and the transitions were way too light. So, now, we wait for that to be resolved, then we can put our house back on the market. We have moved and re-arranged til we are blue in the face! Some items must be removed from the house to show better, so we are working that out. All the mess and dis-array has been a pain, but the result was worth it. We don't know what the future holds for the selling of the house, but if, and, or, when it happens, we know where we are going. I will share photos soon of the improvements!

Oh, notice my sewing machine was still on!!??! I am expecting the backing fabric tomorrow and then I can share what it will look like!

Thanks for watching!

Mother's Day

2011-05-11T12:40:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to share a photo from Mother's Day with my mom and little sister. We took Mom to McAllister's for lunch after church. I rarely see my little sister, so it was a treat to be with both of them.

'Saturation Infatuation'

2011-05-10T12:33:00.002-05:00

I named this quilt 'Saturation Infatuation'. I am pretty sure you can see why! I am so excited to say that I found my backing fabric today and have it on order! I wanted to use the same tropical print that I am using for the binding, BUT I dropped the ball! I bought enough to use within the quilt and now that I am ready to quilt it, I can not get my hands on any more of that print! I even called JoAnn's customer service to beg for just a little more, they have sold all their inventory and is no longer available. Ok, after HOURS of internet searching, I found a great backing at EQuilter.com. I also order some black batting for it.

Stayed tuned for a few days until I get the backing in and see what comes next!

I shared a photo of my idea for the freemotion quilting I think I will do. I can quilt much better than I can draw and this was just a scribble of ideas.

Thanks for watching!

Where is the pattern?

2011-05-07T09:08:00.004-05:00

So many lovely comments have been made about this quilt. I wanted to share with your where the pattern came from in case you would like to make one for yourself. The name of the pattern is Belize. I made my borders different.

My friend Julie made this quilt first and sent it to me for quilting. I had a fit over hers and had to do one for myself. So. she inspired me by hers! She named her 'Jester' and her borders are different than the book's also. She did some really need borders on hers! You can see photos of her quilt in my public photo albums called 'Jester' and you could visit her blog to see her posts about it. Her blog is Quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com.

Enjoy! thanks for the inspiration Julie!

Borders are on!

2011-05-06T09:23:00.002-05:00

New Project!

2011-05-05T12:19:00.003-05:00

Ok, I am putting the last black border on my Quilt with the flying geese, then I will piece the back, pics to come. In the meantime, this is the fabric for my newest project. Gotta LOVE these colors! I DO!

AQS Paducah 2011

2011-05-03T08:47:00.003-05:00

WOW! My head is so full of new ideas and thoughts! The trip to Paducah was great! So much to tell, but for now, I wanted to post photos of the Ohio River as of Friday April 29th. Paducah has gotten almost 6 inches more rain since then. The photo taken from my car was on the trip up. I was going through Milan Tn and the water was really high, really freaky!

More later!

BREAKING NEWS PADUCAH SHOW 2011-FYI

2011-04-27T14:06:00.001-05:00

BREAKING NEWS 2011 PADUCAH QUILT SHOW
Show Continues Despite Flooding

by Bonnie Browning, Executive Show Chair, 270-898-7903

April 25, 2011, Paducah, Ky., - Due to high water along the lower Ohio River at Paducah, the floodgates that protect the city are being installed. To protect the safety of visitors to the American Quilter's Society annual Quilt Show & Contest, events usually held at the Paducah-McCracken County Expo and Julian C. Carroll Convention Center have been moved.

Best of Show, category winners, and bed quilts will be on display at the Pavilion at the corner of 4th Street and Executive Boulevard. Vendors that were in the Expo Center will be there, too.

At Kentucky Oaks Mall, 3470 James Sanders Boulevard, The Alliance for American Quilts display will be at Circuit City. The Pilgrim/Roy 2012 Challenge display and AQS Lancaster 2011 winners will be at Office Max, also at the mall. Vendors that were in the convention center will be located at Circuit City. Vendors that were in the Pavilion will be at Office Max.

All classes and lectures and All Star Review will be held at First Baptist Church, 2890 Broadway, where the Wall Quilt contest and winners will be displayed.

The Food Tent will relocate just two blocks to the Farmers Market located behind the museum at the T-intersection of 2nd Street and Monroe.

As always, there will be Vendors on Kentucky at 200 Kentucky Avenue, also known as the Finkel Building, and the Hurt Book Sale.

Events planned for Carson Four Rivers Center and The National Quilt Museum will continue in place. The Yo Yo ladies, Live Auction, and Silent Auction will be at The National Quilt Museum.

Shuttles will run between all venues so visiting quilters may travel safely.

A little water can't stop the 2011 AQS Quilt Show in Paducah. Come see us!

Exuberance quilt!

2011-04-25T09:53:00.003-05:00

I was lucky enough to be asked to quilt spectacular quilt, and it was such joy! Check out the story about how this quilt from its owner Julie on her blog. Just go to QuiltdivaJulie.blogspot.com and see the story and photos of the quilt finished and hanging in it's home.

See more photos of the quilting in my public web album titled 'Exuberance'.

4th Border ON!!

2011-04-24T19:09:00.004-05:00

I love the color contrasts!!! All I need to do now is straighten up the outer edges then attach the last black border!!! Bella and I are off for our walk now!

Thanks for watching!

3 Down 1 to GO

2011-04-24T13:21:00.004-05:00

I have 1 more borer of flying geese that I am working on, then I can attach it. After all the geese borders are on I am putting another solid black border around to frame it. I have really enjoyed this one, I look forward to quilting it and USING it!

I also plan on having a pieced back, nothing real complicated, but interesting. This will be the first time I have ever done that!

Just a small update

2011-04-22T11:22:00.003-05:00

Flying geese borders being attached, slow process with all that is going on around here. Enjoy your Easter!

Stormy night

2011-04-20T09:15:00.003-05:00

Trust me, I am thankful this is the only damage out of the storms last night. I stayed up watching the weather travel into our area. So many people across the country have suffered such loss, so a small part of my fence, is really no big deal! Bella and I got in our hiding spot and just listened to it rage through. Once the threat dropped to Severe Thunderstorms, we went to bed.

What a night!

Just One Star Project

2011-04-14T12:29:00.002-05:00

In the last month, I lost a very dear member of my family to a tragic motorcycle accident. In my grief, I looked for ways to channel my energy into something positive. My friend Julie suggested this project to honor Sonny Pike, since he was a Marine and fought for our country in Vietnam. I only had the mental ability to do one, but I did achieve this small goal. The fabric I chose was blue, since I am feeling very blue. The sparkle in this lovely fabric represents my personality and I know Sonny would have been proud of my small contribution. It so very hard to deal with the void this loss has created, but I choose to do my best to honor him by continuing to do what he always encouraged me to do. I keep him close in my heart each and every day! I love you Sonny!

Eye candy

2011-04-13T12:17:00.003-05:00

This is upholstery fabric I purchased for my quilting studio. I had planned on using it on the 2 chairs but I really do not want to cut it up into smaller pieces. I will hang it down so it will cover the messy bookcase, currently, my Koi pond wall hanging is there, I will move it back to its original spot at the top of my staircase, UNLESS I change my mind again, lots of that goes on, too many lovely designs, too little time!

Love it! How could you not!

Just a little project completed

2011-04-10T16:18:00.009-05:00

I purchased this 6 inch planter the other day at Walmart for $10. I have been looking for a planter to use under my grandmother's table. It has a ring at the bottom where she always had a plant, I will have fake greenery in mine, since I do not have a green thumb. I will have to take photos of the pot under the table once I re-cover the seats at the table! Yes, again! I repainted my room, so the perfect upholstery fabric I used, is no longer perfect! Great for me that I like change! The 2 chair covers are small and easy to recreate!

! I love the scroll design around the pot, it reminds me of the scroll work done in alot of my family's hand engraving and design works. So, I first painted it brick red, same as my kitchen then finished it out by painting the scroll detail in black. I am proud of it and I think my family would too. Thanks for looking.

Just a few flying geese made

2011-04-05T10:04:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was full of stormy weather and I unplugged my precious machines and my computer. I do not trust ANY surge protecter since Iris was damaged from lightning last year, even though she was on a surge protecter. Later in the day, I was able to do some quilting and then I pieced a few flying geese to get my sewing fix. I was surprised how long it took just to cut the pieces for the geese!

More to come later!

Flying geese pieces cut out today!

2011-04-03T21:15:00.004-05:00

I have taken a photo to show my progress on my flying geese. I cut out the fabric today to start getting them pieced. That will be done after my work hours this week.

The other photo shows some samples I started working on at the beginning of the year. I need to stitch around the outside of each sample to make them presentable, I will NOT bother to bind them. I have used them a couple of times already and it has been very helpful in making quilt decisions with my customers. This works great when a customer shows me her quilt then I can suggest the design I think is best suited and it also allows them to look at the others and give their input on what appeals to them. Then sometimes we move on to the thread color selection process. Some don't care to give input, but it does help me to know what does NOT appeal to them, which is also very important. These samples really have been worth the effort. I have no idea why I did not think of it sooner. Oh well, a time for everything!

Inner border added

2011-04-01T10:45:00.002-05:00

This border of solid black really frames the center of this quilt and makes the colors POP. I can't wait to see how it looks with the flying geese units in the outer border! Stay tuned!

Idea for outer border

2011-03-31T12:04:00.003-05:00

Ok, I understand that Flying geese are very popular in traditional quilt, and my quilt isn't all that traditional, but I think that is why I like the idea. I am adding a border of black to frame the center of the quilt, then I plan on second adding a border of Flying geese around that are made out of all the cool colors in the quilt. After that, I believe I will add a 3rd border of the solid black again. I think the binding will be out of my focal fabric which has all the colors on it.

I have NEVER used flying geese in one of my quilts, I have always been intimidated by them, I don't know WHY, there are very easy to do! Silly me!

I am on a roll on this quilt, but I must stop to do quilting and family duties. It is so hard to focus on anything but getting this one finished, since it is so colorful and happy to look at!!! Excitement!!!!!

Thanks for watching the progress!

Center part of top completed

2011-03-30T09:38:00.002-05:00

I completed the center of the top for my new quilt. I know I will be adding a jet black border, then and other border, TBD. I am considering a flying geese border with the black and all the colors, but still in the planning stage. Gotta do some work today, then the kids tonight, so I will not be making any further progress on this one today.

Blocks made and pressed

2011-03-27T20:14:00.003-05:00

Not much sewing today, had to finish painting the stairwell leading to my studio. THAT was a task! High ladders, but I got it done!!!

This photo is of the 16 blocks laying in a bunch after being pressed. Don't want to give away the whole design yet. Once the blocks are all together, I will determine what type of borders I want to add.

I will share photos when the blocks are all together. Got to do some form of work this week, so I am not sure how much sewing I will do, just depends on the energy levels I have. It has been much cooler than is normal for this time of year and it has been raining, this along with the wavs of grief I am experiencing all adds up to a slower pace. Not to worry, I think there will be lots of sunshine before long to get things moving in a more positive direction! Thank goodness for SPRING!

Moving right along

2011-03-26T20:29:00.003-05:00

One block completed, 15 to go. Halves are ready to sew into blocks, no more tonight.

Piecing update

2011-03-26T12:48:00.003-05:00

PEACE BY PIECE

2011-03-22T13:00:00.002-05:00

I used this play on words to express how I am felling today. I am finding Peace in Piecing this quilt for myself to help me cope with a recent loss. 4 yrs ago on Feb 21,2007 my family lost my only nephew 'Chris Pike' to a tragic motorcycle accident. On Sat. March 12, 2011, we lost Chris' dad, Sonny Pike, to a tragic motorcycle accident. I did not post about it til now because I wasn't sure I would. Sonny was like a bother to me and was part of my everyday life....I miss dearly and each day without him is a painful reminder of just how precious life is. Sonny grieved terribly over the loss of Chris and I take comfort in knowing that they are reunited now and I can imagine how much they are both smiling. They would not want us to cry for them....they would want us to enjoy every moment we have. I am doing my best to do just that! The sewing I have done has been slow, but has been peaceful work.

Sonny was a Marine and served in Vietnam, a terrible experience for him as a young guy. But he served his country so we could have the freedoms we all enjoy.

Thanks for reading this post and I would say to you, love those you love with all you have. If you had a disagreement with someone and fell bad about it, tell them. We are all just a heartbeat away from this life and don't wait for the other person to come to you. It all is so petty in the grand scheme of things. We are all just human and we think we will do it tomorrow or next year....why wait. Love is a terrible thing to waste.

Prayers for our family's healing would be greatly appreciated.