My Life In Quilts

The first set of star blocks.

2012-02-26T17:30:00.004-08:00

The first set of star blocks., a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Please help me, I cannot seem to stop making these stars. The stack has grown larger all weekend.

Has this ever happened to you? Maybe it's just me. I started making flying geese with my Accuquilt Go and then I realized that I had all the die blocks to make these stars and I started cutting fabric and sewing. I would realize I needed more matching fabric and I would cut some more and sew some more, etc. It started last week and is finally ending today. I did not use all of the cut fabric. That was the problem, I kept trying to find fabric to match all of them to finish them up but it is impossible. I finally put most of them in a zip lock back and put them away saying, "Get away from me! Get behind me Satan!"

Here are all of the possible quilt combinations I have made. Are they too weird? I could make lap quilts, baby quilts, table runners or pillows. I haven't decided. I hope you have a better time with your fabrics this week than I have. :)

WIP Wednesday: The Underground Railroad Quilt is almost done!

2012-02-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

Last night at quilt class I made one of the last four blocks for this quilt. Today I finished them up and they look okay. I used a plain blue for the sea the second block, but a brighter red for the sails. The bright blue on the other two blocks might look better with the brighter red, but I don't feel like remaking them. I'm going to take a nap instead. :)

But I also almost finished the flying geese quilt top and since I've ordered more of the blue Lark to piece the back, I cannot finish this quilt top until they come in the mail. Oh well. I don't mind waiting!

Block number one

Block number two

Block number three

Not a great picture but as you can see I put a white border and then another row of geese going clockwise. Pretty, yes?

I am linking up to Freshly Pieced, WIP Wednesday today, a little late, but better late than never! Have a great day everyone!

Multiple Flying Geese

2012-02-17T04:48:00.001-08:00

Multiple Flying Geese, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Amy Butler's Lark combined with Kona solids and Hounds Tooth Rainbow pack.

Left over HST's that will most likely be used in the border.

This past Wednesday I joined the Monmouth Chapter of the Maine Pine Tree Quilters Guild! I had been invited to spend a day with them by Nancy Ludewig, my quilting guru and Geri, one the teachers of our Tuesday night quilt class. We were going to buy and learn to use the "Square Me Up" ruler by Elisa Wilson, and we were to bring two layer cakes. A dark and a light. I could not think of any light or dark fabrics that I wanted to sew. I decided to use my Amy Butler Lark fat quarter set that I have been saving for something wonderful, and combined it with this cool rainbow hounds tooth fat quarter set I bought recently.

Before we began Nancy (president of the chapter, not my Nancy) announced what next months meeting would be and I decided then and there that I really wanted to join this group, if they would have me. They have field trips! In March they are going to carpool to Lowe's to find paint chips that match with their initials. For example, my initials are MEY. I could use Maroon, Eggplant, and Yellow. (Which I might just do). Then, they will go to lunch, (at Pat's Pizza) and after lunch, shop for fabrics at Mardens. (Mardens is a local low cost warehouse that has wonderful fabrics at low prices). How fun is that? We are to make a quilt of our own design using the materials, and we can add one or two more fabrics. I am intrigued and think this would be interesting and creative for sure. But mostly I have wanted to join a guild because I want to be involved with the big quilt show in Maine which happens at the Civic Center in July every year. I will hopefully be volunteering this year!

The meeting took place in the basement at Cumstom Hall in Monmouth, Maine.

The class started when Amanda from the Mariner's Compass, a quilt store in Bath, Maine, arrived. She showed us all about the ruler and explained that it only worked with 5 inch or 10 inch blocks to make HST's. It really is fantastic and you can find out how to use it here at this site: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8iRvI3ECDY&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Amanda showed us how to make the HST's from two 10 inch squares and then made a very pretty quilt top with flying geese, and although I bought the pattern for the quilt that is on the table top, I decided to make the flying geese quilt.

Here Amanda was explaining that participation in the raffling of the guild quilt for the Maine quilt show is necessary for keeping the show going.

I do love sewing with other women. We help each other, admire fabrics, talk about family, and support each other. I end up making mistakes a lot because of my tendency to talk too much, and there is something that happens to me when I get in a group of women. I become a competitive crazy lady! When I used to do aerobics I had to be the fastest and best one there, even if I was red faced, sweating bullets, and ready to puke after class. On this day, after the demo is over, everyone started to pin their fabrics together and I started hyperventilating. It took me way longer to put my pieces together because they weren't just darks and lights, but multi-colored and required some introspection. I began to feel pressure when I heard the sewing machines start up and found that the ladies at my table were already sewing! I decided to just try doing a couple so I could get going already. I found out it takes longer to make these HST's than I thought! I ended up only sewing and cutting out 4 sets when suddenly it was time for lunch! Yay! These ladies know how to lunch! Soups, salads, chili, bread, chips, and chocolate chip cookies? Oh yes! Very nice. I ended up sewing for just a little longer after lunch because I started to get sleepy and achy, but that was okay. It was a really good morning and I am looking forward to next month a whole lot.

Helen shows Nancy a picture of the quilt that is going to be raffled off this year

I ended up finishing the quilt top last night and have decided that I want it to be bigger. I am not sure if I will put a border of white firstt, or a row of flying geese in the same fabrics. But I do want to go out another couple of borders. What do you think? Any suggestions?

And, last night Natalie went to a school dance for spirit week. Isn't she pretty? And, she painted that picture in the background. Talented and beautiful. I'm so blessed.

Since next week is my birthday, and Natalie's is the week after, I may not be posting as much. I will be back though, no worries!
I'm linking up to the Can I Get a Whoop Whoop linky party at Confession of a Fabric Addict's site.

Apple Core blocks

2012-02-13T11:29:00.001-08:00

I love this gray on black squiggly that looks just like sheep fur!

Apple Core blocks, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

I LUV SHEEP. I am a real softy for sheep for some reason. Little baby sheep and even old ugly sheep, they just crack me up! So I have collected a few pieces of fabric and they just happened to be in the same color scheme! They needed a block that showcased the fabric and I had this Apple Core die from my Accuquilt Go set. I matched fabric from some other fat quarter sets and left over black and white. Is this not adorable?
I cut these out last night and set about sewing this morning. After two hours I only have two rows to show for my effort! What? Who's idea was this? I have heard of a foot that sews curves and is especially just for this type of block. I did not think I would have need of it but I think I might just see if I can find one on the net and send for it because I am not used to having to work this hard!

I sometimes use pins but this is ridiculous!

This pitiful amount of work took forever!

The devil apple core block that started it all!

I also created and finished this quilt this weekend. It is made up of scraps I purchased off of Facebooks Yardsellar. That is a cool little tool! You join and get others to join and you collect points called Photons. When you go to buy something the photons translate into dollars off the price of your bill and I purchased 3 pounds of fabric for $10.00 only. This quilt is just a small sample of the fabric in the bag I bought. They are summer and fall colors which I adore. I am going to make some curtains for my bathroom and I might buy some new towels and sew some patches on them. Sounds like fun, huh? They kind of match the curtains I made last year, also in the bathroom. See here:

Anyway, this is what I did this weekend. What did you do?
I know I posted this on Monday, but I just linked up with Fabric Tuesday! Why don't you check it out and do that too!

North Star

2012-02-11T16:03:00.001-08:00

North Star, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.
This is the North Star Block which I made the same way three times. I finished this block Thursday, and then did the Flying Geese block, and the Bow Tie block on Friday. I'm moving right along!

Flying Geese

Bow Tie

WIP Wednesday: Birds In The Air and Log Cabins

2012-02-08T09:06:00.001-08:00

Birds In The Air, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

This is what I am working on this week! The latest block in my Underground Railroad Quilt.
And here are the other versions:

What do you think? Which one is your favorite? They look a little crooked on the corners and they are, but I went through all of them today with my 12 1/2 inch square ruler and they are not that bad, not that far off. The instructions for making this block is very difficult and I feel good having just been able to complete it without messing up too much! It called for a stitch length of 15 per inch, or a setting of 2 for some reason, and that is not something I like having to rip out, if you know what I mean!

And here are my Log Cabin Blocks.

The first block or quilt I ever made was a log cabin block so I know how to make this one, but I have never done it except in the strip quilting way, only cutting and measuring for width, and then cutting the length off each block as you sew. This was different, and either the book had a mistake or I screwed up, but I ended up short one leg of the block. I had to add one more brown row. But it came out okay anyway, and I think they look good.

I feel like I am on a roll now and will be able to finish this up without too much trouble. The next on my list is the North Star which is something I can handle. Then there are only 4 more to go!

I am going to link this up with Lee at Freshly Pieced! Go on over and let everyone know what you are up to! Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Garden Path Pillow

2012-02-06T13:17:00.001-08:00

Garden Path Pillow, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Instead of a quilt I ended up with a pillow. I have many more possible pillows to make. I like the pop of color against the background of my new blue chair. What do you think?

Here you can see my name tag.

And this is the back side.

All in all I would say I am please with the results.

Spring Fever!

2012-02-05T08:02:00.000-08:00

What can I say? I'm playing hooky from my Underground Railroad quilt. I guess I am just not into the colors and designs as much as I thought I was, or I really have spring fever with a vengeance! Anyway, I am two blocks behind in my class. I'm not too concerned really. Here are the latest in the series. The Bear Claw block. I am behind on Birds In The Air, and the Boat block.

Meh. I'm not so impressed. But you see I was looking at my new Go block dies. I have so wanted to play with them and I have a whole lot of new materials. Last week when I was at work one of the consignors brought in three BIG bags of fabric scraps. And, they were not all scraps, but yard folds of fabric! I was in heaven! I called Linda, the owner of the store, and told her about them. She said, "My mother was supposed to bring them to my house first!" Funny! Her mom loves to stop by the store. She makes beautiful knitted hats, scarves and mittens to sell, and she brings her friends to shop. Linda is always worried about her slipping in the parking lot or something and she scolds her for always being out and about. They are both delightfully funny.

Anyway, I immediately started loving these fabrics and told Linda I would like to use my credit with the store to buy them. We negotiated and I came back the next day to get one bag, and yesterday, Saturday, I stopped by again and bought the rest of them from my sister-in-law Carol. One of the bags had old orphan blocks and very small pieces which I went through, ironed up, and put in my scrap drawers.

In the meantime, Wednesday, I started cutting out HST's (half-square-triangles) of some floral fabrics. Then I added solids to go with them, and I kind of lost count of how many I made. The wonderful thing about making these triangles with the machine is that I don't have to square them up at all! They are already perfect! (As long as I sew them right). I did not use any kind of pattern, I just pared colors the way I wanted them. I wasn't sure what I was doing and yes, I probably should have planned a little, but that's just not how I do things. So it is growing organically and it is turning into a Spring garden. See for yourself. I made 9 patches out of them, but not really.

Sunflower stripes

Sunflower stripes light

Big flowers. (These are the ones that started it all)!

Robert Kaufman left overs.

Bumble bees!

These are fat quarters I found at AC Moore. Love these.

More big flower love!

So, I am working on how to make these into a quilt, or should I use them separately for other things? I haven't decided yet, but I could use some advise. Last night I was thinking that I could create something like a garden path by putting one color sash on two opposites sides, and then they would all connect with a different color. I saw this in a book once. Here are some examples. Let me know what you think. And have a great weekend, won't you?

Batik with green sash.

Shoo Fly Does Bother Me!

2012-01-30T17:35:00.000-08:00

It was so traumatic that I didn't want to talk about it right away. But I'm over it now, and I am ready. Last week at quilt class I spent an hour and a half putting together a Shoo Fly block. It takes that long at class because I talk too much and end up having to rip out seams. You've been there, right? Geri had just warned me that her iron was VERY hot and she kept it on a lower setting because thread had melted in the past. (Obviously not cotton thread). So, I thought, why not heat it up a little higher and really iron my block flatt. Only, you should not talk to people across the room when you do this because you get distracted and then start to smell something burning! AAHHH! It didn't really smolder but it did burn most of the block in one whole corner. We talked about undoing some of the good blocks and keeping them, or dying the whole block with tea. But, in the end, I trashed it. I am not into saving scraps that much. I redid the whole thing last night, and made two more besides. Not bad, heh? This is not my favorite block, but it was good in one way. I was able to use my Accuquilt Go to cut the fabric out because this called for 2.5 inch blocks (10 each) and 2.5 in half square triangles (16 each), and I happen to have that die. Love it!

This is the block I redid.

I changed the background on this one and like it better.

I really love the green fabric on this block because the red flowers pop!

I also cut out the fabrics for my next block, the Bear Claw block. I need to have this done by tomorrow night, and have cut out fabrics for my Birds In The Air block. That one is put together in a very tricky way, so I do need to get help and instruction.

Here is the book page for the block and cutting instructions.

Here are some of my fabric choices and me working on the block. I left this mess exactly as it is to watch Downton Abbey last night, and it is still there. I do like having a room in which I can do that and not have to clean up every time I stop.

It's a Girl Quilt!

2012-01-28T05:17:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday night I was alone in my bedroom without much to do. My daughter had friends over and I was trying to give them some privacy, and my husband was in his mancave. (A little bit of space in the basement with a desk). Nothing was on television, and I mean nothing. I was messing around on the internet when I came across some really fun and helpful tutorials from the Missouri Quilt Company on You Tube. Do you know I spent three hours watching those tutorials? And I was so inspired that on Sunday, instead of working on my barter quilt, or on my 30's Jane BOM (Block of the Month), or my UR (Underground Railroad) quilt, as I should have, I started another quilt using a jelly roll and charm pack I had picked up for a little girl. It was a cute little pattern with purses, little girls, candy, and what not, all done in pinks, greens, reds and browns. I decided to play with the Amazing Jelly Roll Quilt Pattern by 3 Dudes! for the jelly rolls and Fast and Easy Pinwheels!!! for the charm pack. I spent most of last Sunday creating those blocks and then yesterday, a school snow day in Maine, I put the whole quilt together. A quilt in two days! Which is fast, even for me. I finished sewing the binding last night around 9 o'clock. I am going to wash and put this quilt away and save it for one of the new babies being born in this family in the coming year.

So here she is in her imperfect glory. I have to say that it is kind of busy and scrappy, but there is a definite pattern with the few diamonds I was able to put together. I did not use all of the squares and have several orphan blocks left. I could make a bag to put the quilt in, that is always fun. Also, I used up some of my stash putting the backing and binding together. I delved into another jelly roll that had already had most of the good pieces stolen from it. All that was left were these pieces with little peace signs on them that I had not found a use for. I thought they went real well as an extra border and in the binding.

I had so many of the red that I was able to create this big diamond pattern. But you can still see the smaller diamonds in the corners, and the pinwheels on the sides.

Back of the new girl quilt. I love how the patterns show up so well here. I used some polyester batting I had left and it's really thick. This is the best quilting I have done yet. No tucks! It is a pink flannel pin stripe with turquoise and yellow flannel flowers on the border.

I stitched in the ditch and followed the pattern. The charm pack did not have enough solids so I added a few from my stash.

These are the orphan blocks.

I think I will call this "Diamond Girl"!

Diamond Girl, I Sure Do Love You! (From the song by Chicago? Anyone remember that? )

Not to change the subject, but I didn't even really start sewing yesterday until around 10 AM because I spent the morning rearranging and reorganizing my work space. I decided to separate my scraps by colors instead of by size. Also, I found the exact storage bin I had been wanting at a bargain store on Thursday, and I needed to create a space for it to be. It is the perfect little cabinet in which to store my unfinished blocks. It has three see-through drawers which are big enough to keep 12 to 13 inch blocks! And it only cost $9.99! I have priced these things in the quilting stores and I know they go for much more than that. What do you think?

My fabulous new storage for quilt blocks!

New organization of my stash. I still have a closet full of flat folds.

All of these boxes and bins have fabric in them. Except on the right. Those are for other projects.

My scraps separated by color, not size. I had to join up brown and black, orange and yellow, white and beige, and I need moire bins for pink and purple.


These are my Accuquilt Go Dies. If you look close you can see what shapes		they make.

Well, I have to go exercise on the bike since I did not do that yesterday. I am on a weight loss journey which you can follow on my other blog, My Health Journey.
Have a great weekend everyone!

I'll gladly pay you Wednesday for a hamburger on Tuesday.

2012-01-24T13:55:00.001-08:00

This is my Barter Quilt, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Or, in my case, I'll make you a quilt for a manicure! I offered this deal to my friend Heidi who does my nails and she was happy to accept. The good news is that she loves the quilt and gave me extra credit than the price we had decided upon. Good news all around!
This top originally looked like this:

I had to add some length to the quilt top because she wants to put it on the end of her daughter's bed. I decided that I did not like the yellow that I had on at first so I added a new yellow with pink polka dots, and put in some nine patch blocks as well. The turquoise border was put back on and some scrappy binding. I quilted with a stitch-in-the-ditch process, which always looked good with blocks surrounded by white window panes.

Plus, this must me my lucky week! I just found out that I won $50 from a fund raiser done for my daughter's basket ball team. Some would donate the money back to the team. Some would. Not me because I am kind of broke, as this blog can testify! Haha! So, good news again for me. Thank you God!

Have you ever gotten a wind fall when you really needed it? I can't tell you how often that has happened to me! I am truly blessed!

You all have a great week now, okay? Oh, and I started a new blog, called "My Health Journey." Check it out!

Perfect Girly Bag

2012-01-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

The mail woman struggled up my driveway today with items that would not fit in the box. How exiting! There were several possibilities arriving, but I was totally and nicely surprised by the biggest box. It was my prize from the QUTI give away blogged about here! And it is a perfectly girly bag for me to use when I go to quilting class because it is pastel pink and is big enough to hold my 12 1/2 inch blocks for the UR (underground railroad) quilt. I quickly took some pictures so I could blog about it. Isn't it cute? I want to thank Linda very much and would encourage everyone to continue following the blog at QUTI!

Lovely card from Linda.

The other side is adorable with the site logo.

My blocks fit here and won't have to be folded.

Snowy Cross Roads

2012-01-20T05:24:00.000-08:00

Once again Maine has decided to be who she is and we have Weather with a capital W! I woke this morning to find two feet of snow on top of my car and a text stating there would a two hour delay before school would start. Luckily for me my husband likes to get on top of snow removal and our plow man just drove up this minute, so we will be able to escape our snow house with no problems. In the meantime, here are some pretty pictures of snow in the early, early morning.

Nicely shoveled path. Thank you Dear Hubby!

Can you see the moon through the trees?

I spent yesterday sewing the next block our instructor wants us to make on the Underground Railroad quilt. It is called "Crossroads" and was quite tricky. I've never sewn anything sideways like this before and had to be very careful not to stretch the fabric since the block will not lie flat when it is done if you do!


I like this background, it looks good with the red here. See here on Flickr

My favorite red on this one with my usual background. See Flickr

I used a new background here which went a little wonky on the stripe. Oops! See on Flickr.

Next on my agenda is to make the "Boat" block, which has it's own problems that I won't worry about right now.

This was borrowed from Lammy's World of Quilting

I have other things to finish, such as quilting my barter quilt (seen here) and to work on my lovely hexies. I now have all three size paper pieces that go with my Accuquilt Go Dye cutter. The middle size is my favorite to sew-just the right size and takes hardly any time. The larger one is easy but feels awkward and the smallest one almost doesn't have enough fabric. I have been cruising the internet for other hexagon quilts and pinning them on Pinterest. I think I like the flower idea, but I am also interested in making a watercolor quilt. I have always thought they were beautiful and this would be a great opportunity to play with colors. The pile is getting bigger and bigger!

Hexies gone wild!

Waiting to be sewn.

And, last but not least, my oldest sister Denise, who is very artsy and talented, has designed her own fabric on Spoonflower! (At my encouragement, I might add). You can find her first piece called "Winter Crows" here, for sale as a fat quarter.

I know it's kind of on the expensive side right now, but that's how it is with beginning artists. I plan on buying some as soon as I can and making something very pretty and modern! I'm not sure if she is ready to release any other designs yet, so I won't blog about them, but I did put pictures on my Flickr page if you want to see them.

Listen, I have to get dressed now and get my daughter to school. You all have a great weekend, okay?

Disappearing Nine Patch

2012-01-15T15:51:00.000-08:00

It is going to be a lap quilt that will probably hang on the end of the bed.

This is a quilt I designed and made out of a charm pack and jelly roll purchased separately and, interestingly, without thought to match. I added some scraps from my stash and it turned out to be pretty and bright. I plan to back it with white muslin and bind it with something yet to be decided. I'm happy I made this quilt.

I've also been moving along with the UR quilt. I didn't like the brown and green of the Jacob's ladder block I made, even though it followed the book. Since I made the second one with red and green fabrics I decided to try one with some red and brown. I guess they are all still usable.

The brown and green

The brown and red

The new green and red

The Monkey Wrench blocks were fine, but now I felt the need to make another one, and so it goes. I guess I am making three Underground Railroad quilts! The next thing you know I'll be making the six inch blocks too as are many in my class.

Solid blue contrast color

Solid green contrast color

Dark blue contrast color

I finished the Basket block this morning after I cut out and sewed some of them yesterday. And I did it without having to rip anything out! Yay for me! Since I have also cut out the fabrics for block number seven that we will be sewing in class on Tuesday night, I am all set to go.

Pretty floral fabric

Floral base

Squares in different sizes

I still haven't touched the Dear Jane quilt in two months, and I have put aside the red and white quilt until I buy can some more fabric to finish the front and the back. Next payday I need to go to Marden's, the wonderful off price store in Maine that sells everything, including all kinds of good fabric very cheaply, and buy some more batting and backing material as well.

Until then, maybe I will start a new quilt with some of my new material I haven't had time to work with. I mean, it's only January. I have all year to finish my UFO's, right? ;)

Oh Yes, I'm a Winner! (And other happy news).

2012-01-12T05:49:00.000-08:00

On Christmas Eve, Linda from Quilting Under The Influence wrote: "I, Linda, vow not to buy any fabric in 2012," and then went on to offer a giveaway "based on the most wild, silly and most QUTI comment out there. Happy wild and righteous planning!" Well, I got my QUTI cap on and wrote back, "I so understand your resolution and I actually had plans to emulate your plan, I really did, but I am afraid I would only break my resolution within a day or two, because I absolutely need white and red fabric. You see, I received the best Christmas present in the world, an Accuquilt Go fabric cutter, (the big one!) and I started making a red and white quilt on Christmas Eve when I opened it, without realizing that I really don't have a lot of red and white fabric anymore! Duh! So, I kind of have to buy more fabric. So, my resolution now is to finish all of the quilts in my UFO stash, and to do a better job of keeping up with my 30's Jane BOM."

Remember these?

And what was in my inbox this morning?

From QUTI: "You win Michelle! I will send the package your way next week! Good luck on your resolution! :-) I have already struggled with mine but am standing strong!" :-)
Cheers, Linda Lewis Ezuka

My response was of course, "Yipee!"

So now I have some kind of great package coming from QUTI and I hope beyond hope that it includes some red and white fabric! (Hint)?

On the home side, I have been a busy beaver.

This past Monday I started working one day a week for my sister-in-law Carol and her friend Linda in their new consignment shop, "The Hour Glass II." (It's in Farmingdale, Maine and has beautiful things for the home).

I won't be paid a wage but I will be allowed some gifts from the shop periodically. (Holy IRS avoidence Batman!) My first day alone went just fine other than needing a nap and a place to lie down around noon. (That is why I do not work full time anymore. I start having muscle pain in my neck, shoulder's and arms and have to lie down, usually for an hour, mid-day. Most employers frown on that, and so I was allowed to retire on disability. But that is another story). I brought a rice sock, heated that little baby up and soldiered on and made it to the end of the day. I was even able to make dinner and do dishes before I collapsed and watched the new season of "Downton Abbey" (yay)! on TIVO that night.

This box is deep as you will see.

While waiting for customers I continued some sewing on the hexagons I started sewing awhile back. Before long I think I will have enough for a pretty big quilt. I haven't counted them or lined them up as some do, but I do have a lot. I am so happy to have the ability to cut my own fabrics now, and I also have the template for making 1 inch hexies out of card stock.

On Tuesday I went to my biweekly nail appointment with my good friend Heidi but was sadly short on cash. (Thus, the almost New Years resolution to quit buying fabric). Knowing this was true I tempted her by bringing in some of my hand made quilts and unfinished tops, and asked if she would barter services. She was totally on board with this idea and picked out a cute unfinished lap quilt made of turquoise, brown,yellow and white flowers for her daughter's room, and commissioned a quilt for the back of her couch for future credit. We decided that since she loved the colors in the "Underground Railroad" quilt I am making in my quilt class, I would make two of them and give one to her.

Disappearing Nine patch that needs finishing. Made from a 5 inch charm pack this past summer.

Strips cut from my happy new Accuquilt Go to finish the quilt. I was amazed how many matching fabrics I had in my stash.

Go free enterprise! I am lots of money in the black and now my nails will continue with their french manicure perfection. I started this in 2002 and have never looked back. It is fresh, clean looking, and always stylish, and I never have to worry about matching colors. My toes are another story.

Please pay no attention to the cuts and burns. Busy hands you know.

Here are the first two UR blocks, finished last night.

Jacob's Ladder on the left, Monkey Wrench on the right.

Yes, the class was Tuesday night, but as usual, I was talking and distracted and only finished the first block, Jacob's ladder, in class and had to work on the second one, "Monkey Wrench," at home. However, I learned a wonderful way to square up half-square triangles! I checked You Tube and no one has a tutorial out there which explains this so I might just do one myself! My daughter got a blogging camera for Christmas, so she can film me.

Our class leader is going to skip some of the more advanced blocks until later in the class to give new comers some confidence in their sewing abilities. Our next block is number 6, the basket. I've actually made a quilt using this block so I don't expect any problems.

This quilt was given to my grand niece, Ivana Young.

These are the colors of the basket block

Some new Civil War fabrics I purchased on line

My lovely new way to store projects. The box on the right holds all the hexies.

I should explain that the "Underground Railroad" Quilt Sampler is made from the book by Eleanor Burns and is a sampler of the types of blocks used to help runaway slaves get to freedom back in the day. There is a legend block you can sew into the quilt to explain what each block meant. It is really very interesting and the blocks are quite fun. Here is a link to the code: http://www.osblackhistory.com/quiltcodes.php

This is exactly the order in the book with the legend in the bottom right corner. Can you see why we are skipping blocks 3, 4, and 5 for now?

And now it is Thursday and we are expecting a huge snow storm. School was canceled, Natalie is still in bed, and I am happily in my jammies sitting on the couch, but, no, no snow yet. Oh, I believe it will come, really I do. Yea, that's right!

I hope you have a wonderful Thursday and a great weekend. Sew On Ladies! (And Gents too of course)!

Red & White

2012-01-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

Sunday afternoon I started sewing on my Red and White quilt top and did not stop until 11 PM! I am usually in bed before 9 on most nights, and I am napping today to catch up. I think it will be called the Christmas Present Quilt, or Red and White Sampler. Because if it were not for the Accuquilt Go Cutter I don't think I would have used these shapes. (And the good news is that I did not need to buy new fabric after all)! There were some extra blocks left and I have plans to add some corner blocks and borders to make it bigger. It might end up being a twin sized bed quilt.

I can't even name all of the different blocks I made

I love the tulle fabric in the star - I bought this at a yard sale and have been waiting for the right quilt.

Happy New Year Everyone!

2012-01-01T04:38:00.001-08:00

Accuquilt Go!

Accuquilt Go Carrier Bag on wheels

Quilt die cuts so far, plus a 2 1/2 inch die.

Santa was very good to me! Was he good to you too? I am so blessed. He brought me a new Accuquilt Go Machine, a bag to travel in, and a new sewing machine travel case! (Of course it helped that I had a very specific wish list that was emailed to my husband, Santa's Helper). This will help prevent my arm and wrist pain when I am cutting out a lot of fabric for a quilt.

Almost as soon as I opened the gift I started using it, and it was a breeze. I used the die on the left. Since I had some red fat quarters on hand I experimented with them, and then thought, "hm-mm, haven't I wanted to make a red and white quilt for like, forever?" So I cut up some white fabric, and soon I had the beginnings of a quilt! But now I need more red and white fabric, which totally ruined one of my New Years Res which was to slow down buying fabric for awhile because I have been kind of indulgent in that area this year. (The other resolution is to lose weight, but that is another obsession).

Red and White blocks made so far with new die cutter.

Bag of hexies I cut up last night

These are the "Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, Happy New Years,"etc. to me fabrics that I have bought for myself in the past few weeks. The were all purchased online, my favorite way to shop!

Marin line 5 inch charms

Fat quarter bundle from Fabric Worm with some Kona Solids.

Marin half yard bundle

Tufted Tweets Fat Quarter bundle! I love this fabric and was so psyched to find these!

I also received a gift card to JoAnn's fabrics from my nephew Brian and his wife Mary (thanks Mary, I know you picked it out!), and I found some really adorable Christmas fabric on sale.

I thought now might be a good time to show you some of the Christmas gifts I made for my family this year. I was so urgent in getting them mailed out that I forgot to take any photos, but my family was kind enough to take pictures of themselves holding the presents. I made pillows because they were fast, and they hid some of the poorly done hand quilting I had done on the snowman fabric. It was quite fun using my specialty stitches on Big Brother. I am definitely going to get an embroidery machine some day. My sewing room is getting more and more elaborate every day!

The small pillow with snowmen is one of the hand quilted ones. All else were machine stitched. This is my Tucson Family, counter clockwise from left, Ed Lees married to my sister Laureen Welborn, Alex her son, holding twin brother Brad's quilt as he is in the Navy, my sister Teresa Welborn and her husband Dean Christoffel, their sons Taylor and Chandler, and in back my brother Chris. His wife Nora must have been taking the picture. They are all at Teresa and Dean's on Christmas Eve.

From my Washington state family, this is my oldest sister Denise Erickson on the right and next youngest sister Lea Cox on the left. Lea is holding a wall hanging I finished for her this summer (she started it by hand many years ago) and Denise holds her quilted pillow. I also sent more hand made gifts to Denise's daughter Jennifer and granddaughter Elaine. Maybe I'll get pictures later??

I am getting kind of psyched about starting the Underground Railroad quilt and using my Civil War fabrics.

I broke down and decided to go authentic with this quilt. I wasn't sure I wanted to do that because I thought the fabrics were kind of dull and dowdy, but after shopping I found many that were really pretty, and here they are!

My colors are red, green, blue and beige. I got these on Etsy.

So, I will be very busy sewing and not using my rotary blade if I can help it. Yay! I hope everyone is having as much fun with the new year as I am and that they are keeping their New Years Resolutions! Sew On!

Happy Boxing Day!

2011-12-26T13:11:00.000-08:00

That is, to all my European friends. Here in the USA it is simply the day after Christmas. And of course, Jeff and Natalie are off to WalMart to pick up something I forgot to include in one of her gifts. I bought her the Glee Karaoke Wii game and forgot to get the microphone to go with it! And, Jeff has a few things he wants to pick up. I was going to go but was really nestled in nicely on the computer and he volunteered. What a sweety!

Anyway, I found that there is a contest going on over at Quokka Quilts, and it is really fabulous! Go check it out. You get to create your own Fat Quarter Bundle, and if you win, you get a very nice prize!

Since I have been gathering and buying fabrics for the next project that my quilt class is doing, "The Underground Railroad Quilt" from Eleanor Burns book, I went in search of Civil War fabrics, and here is my fabric bundle choice. They are kind of weird and quirky, but I like them and I hope you do too!

Now we just need some snow.

2011-12-20T06:07:00.000-08:00


Darling Coco with Angel/Devil eyes

Well I hope everyone is having a good December and having fun getting ready for Christmas! I have been a busy little beaver myself and can finally take a break this morning to update my blog. So, here goes!

Is my Christmas shopping done? Check!
Have I finished sewing presents for my family and are they all mailed out? Check!
Do I have my Christmas decorations up? Check! (Since the weekend after Thanksgiving!)
Have I done done Christmas baking? Check! (Pizza bread, an annual thing).
Are my presents wrapped? Oops. (I figure to get that done in the next few days).
Is There Snow? NO!

But inside my house it looks like we had snow because most of my decorations are snowmen. That way they can stay up until February, Valentines day! I usually take the wreaths and Santa paraphernalia down but most of it stays. It makes it worth my husband hauling everything down out of the attic.

I have a collection of cookie jars that my husband has given me over the years.

Winnie-the-Pooh and A Piggy Chef

Cookie jars, Candles with toppers, and Snowmen candles

My love of Teddy Bears went so far as to include a golden Teddy Angel for our tree topper.

Isn't she cute?

Then there are the hand made and hand picked Christmas ornaments that go on our tree every year.

Natalie age 4

My son Matt's snowboarding ornament

Harry Potter and adorable sunflower bear

One year I made ornaments for the churches Christmas sale. Cute, huh?

Last year I made three Christmas quilts and one this year. They are colorful and full of fun. I'm not much into serious decorations as you can probably see.

Alexander Henry Flannel

Lap Quilt, falling Santas, my most favorite fabric ever.

Another 5 inch charm quilt and handmade pillow shams.

When I was working I went to a few Home Decoration parties and bought some plates and what-nots.

Also Fiesta Wear Jug Christmas present from years past

Anyway, as soon as we have snow it will definitely feel more like Christmas, but I know it might not happen. Having grown up in Tucson, Arizona, I am used to having a "green" Christmas, but one of the reasons I like living in Maine is for the snow, so, ahem, let's hurry up with that, okay?

I am still doing some sewing - What do you think these will be?

It's Katherine Victoria!

2011-11-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

My sister Denise & spouse Gene Erickson

So, once upon a time I lived with my oldest sister Denise Joganic and her two children, John and Jennifer. We lived in San Antonio, Texas at Lackland Air Force base because Denise's ex Ed used to be an officer in the Air Force.

John and Jenny ages 5 and 6? Not sure

I loved being part of their family as a teenager, and I felt the kids were my own baby brother and sister. They grew up to be wonderful adults who also had really beautiful children. Jennifer had Elaine way before I ever started quilting so she never got a baby quilt from me, but did get a full box of my own Natalie's baby clothes from a year before.

Elaine and Jenn, August 2011.

John has been a little late in the game and he and his sweet wife Jessica only recently started having babies. They have two gorgeous girls. The first, Sophia, is a little over 2, and as of yesterday, has a new baby sister Katherine!

John (right) Jessica, (middle) Sophia, baby, and Dean, my sister Teresa's husband.

Katherine Victoria Joganic

Katherine. She is so cute, and since she is finally born I can show you all the quilt I made for her in my Tuesday night class! I'll be mailing this out tomorrow as they live in Chicago. SPOILER ALERT. Please stop reading this post if you are John or Jessica Alexandra Joganic!

The fabrics were some I bought this summer called Sherbet Pips from Aneela Hoey's line, and I simply fell in love with them when I found them. It took me awhile to find the perfect quilt, but I think it came out well. The lattice is a cute little aqua, black, white and red floral that ends up looking almost gray from afar. The backing came from JoAnn's fabrics and is a nice soft flannel. I machine quilt this myself in the ditch but I used a wavy line to make it more fun.

Sherbet Pips scarves

Sherbet Pips Scooters

Red scooters


The sashing

The quilt pattern is called "Wipe Your Feet" but we changed it to the "Four Trees."

Flannel Backing

Full view of baby quilt

On my couch

Close up

I hope Katherine likes her new present, and that mama and papa and sissy are happy as well.

Congratulations!

I Am Thankful

2011-11-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

I don't have any WIP's to report because I can't show anything I've been working on! Everything I have worked on recently is a gift of some kind. But I did want to say "Hi!" to my followers and apologize for the lack of posts recently. I have not even worked on October's Dear Jane BOM, which might take a back seat until after Christmas.

And, to kick off November, I want to start my "Thankful" list. I like to think of things to be thankful for all month long. It keeps life in perspective and helps me feel blessed.

I am thankful for my family who I love completely. While I always enjoyed having a job, or doing other activities, I am first and foremost a mother and wife. They are my priority.

Thanksgiving Day 2010

I am thankful for my darling daughter Natalie who just earned her driver's permit and will be eligible to get her license after she turns 16 this coming February. This is great news to me because driving aggravates my neck quite a bit and I know she will love to practice driving and give me a break! Also, I now have something very tangible to hold over her head if her room is a mess. Muahahaha.

Natalie and Friend getting pic with singer while at a concert last weekend.

I am thankful for my son Matthew, who, since his graduation from West Point this past May. has completed leadership training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, and will be attending Ranger School this coming January. This is something he has wanted for a long, long time, and we are, of course, very proud of him and wish him the best. He will eventually be stationed in Oahu, Hawaii. You can be sure we will be visiting him when he gets settled there, and I cannot wait to visit all of the quilt shops I have heard and read about there.

Matthew on the right!

I am thankful for my husband Jeff who goes to work everyday and comes home every night. He never wants to be anywhere but with us. He takes very good care of us and is always in a good mood. He helps me so much and laughs all the time. I am so blessed to have married him. Plus, he likes me, just the way I am. (Get the "Miss Jones Diary" quote?)

Church photo from 2007

And I give thanks for my little puppy Coco, who after her beauty parlor appointment today looks quite lovely, don't you think? And, I give thanks for our kitty Dusty, because he keeps me company when I take a nap.

She always ends up with diamond eyes!

Do you give thanks in November? I hope everyone is already having a super fall and that you too are counting your blessings.

Happy Hauntings!

2011-10-28T03:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Hauntings!, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Please vote for my quilt! Click on the link below and scroll down to the voting, and click the button beside my quilt called Happy Hauntings! Thanks everyone!

http://quiltinggallery.com/2011/10/28/vote-now-halloween-quilts/

Hexagons!

2011-10-27T06:04:00.001-07:00

Hexagons!, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

I started making these last week after I bought some of the little card hexagons. I love how easy it is to create them and that it is something that I can take anywhere with me to do. Almost as fun as knitting. I am using a charm pack of 1930's fabrics (yes, those again!) because I love the flowers and other cute designs so much. I hope to make many, many little hexagons and someday create a big quilt out of it. It could be a project of a lifetime, or maybe only years. But I am enjoying the process, once again.


Hexagon Kit

View of the different hexagons already made.

I found a link that gives a good tutorial on how to English paper piece these little hexagons. Apparently, my little hexagons could make a quilt called "Grandmother's Flower Garden." (Who knew? Not me). The only difference is that I don't actually sew on the paper cutouts, but instead use them as the guide, and just baste my material around the paper. Make sense? I hope so.

So go here to learn how to make hexagons. And, if you are interested in a history of paper piecing, here is a cool link I found as well called Patchwork Quilting.

Wow, this blog is full of links. Thanks to those people who have the knowledge and technique to help out an new paper piecer.

WIP Wednesday #10

2011-10-18T17:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the current wall, two months of just the blocks, not the triangles, on my 30's Jane Block of the Month.

This weekend I had every intention of finishing September's 30's Jane BOM. Intentions are funny things, aren't they? Saturday I lounged around on my lap top for awhile, even did a blog post. Then I rode the stationary bike, cleaned house, walked the dog, showered, ate lunch, and went to a movie with my family. That night I ended up hanging out in the back bedroom with Jeff while Natalie entertained. Sunday, after a long morning, I finally got started on my last two blocks. Let me say right now. The block I chose to do looked EASIER than the one I skipped! It is to laugh! After having to ditch and throw away 2 full out efforts, like almost done, I finally made the last stitch at around 10:00 at night. In between doing other stuff, like cleaning, cooking, eating, napping, and watching television, I could have made 3 normal blocks! Wow. I think I will call this block "Patience," or "That GD block."

It's real name is C-5 Eye of the Cyclone. Maybe they were right after all.

Then, on Monday, I worked on the last and final block. The one that looked too hard. I only did this one once, but I might redo as it is kind of wonky. But not anytime in the near future.

C-4 Tic Tac Toe

On the plus side, I do think I can finish one of my gift quilts this week, and after I give it away I will show pictures. (I used my Sherbet Pips)! This one is really cute and I hope they will love it.

I am rethinking the other gift quilt so I might show progress on that one next week if there is some. I am so totally over this quilt. I don't know if I like it anymore, so the sooner I finish it the better. Then I might use it to open my Etsy account.

That leaves me time to work on my Christmas gifts, craft exchange gifts, and something new and fun. I have ordered some pretty cool fabrics and I can't wait for them to come. (Think anika and monico by Monaluna. So excited)!

So, the final WIP tally is: No finishes, but much progress. That's okay I think. It's all about the process!

1. (Gift) bed quilt - no progress.

2. Christmas gifts and Craft exchange all in one - some progress.

3. Tuesday night class (gift) quilt - almost done!

4. Dear Jane quilt - all blocks done for month two.

5. Rag quilt - UFO status at this point and no change

6. Other UFO quilts -no change

Don't forget to link your WIP up to Lee's blog at Freshly Pieced and have a great week!

Well, I've been doing it all wrong!

2011-10-15T06:36:00.000-07:00

The sun is finally out and I feel so much better. How about a little work on the blog then?
October's Dear Jane block instructions and materials have arrived at last.

Look how easy is the first block, and then how difficult is the last block. It's always like that!


You can see the names of the designers, so many different ones. There has been surprisingly little repeat of material.

I am almost done with September, (minus the triangles) so I am looking forward to doing this month's. The two I am now working on are the hardest I have ever done though so I don't know how long it will take.
It was over at "That Quilt"s blog that I found the Dear Jane quilt and became fascinated with the whole genre. I had never used paper piecing or had a class in it but I just plunged right in without a lot of thought. (Which is typical of me when I like something. Impulsive anyone)? Anyway, I tried to find paper piecing tutorials on-line on how to do the quilt.

I found this video by Brenda Papadakis that showed one cutting all of the little pieces of freezer paper up and ironing on the fabric, and then sewing each little piece together. You can see it on the video if you wish. So that is how I have been doing all of my blocks.
But the Twiddletales Block of the Month instructions show pictures like this-where whole lines of little pieces stay together. I didn't understand why so I just kept doing it the way I thought was right.

Then, yesterday, I saw this blog post and did some more investigating. She's got all of the blocks in a tutorial on her site!!! Duh!

Plus, a little tutorial on paper piecing! Seen here. And in that tutorial I realized that I'm supposed to keep the freezer paper together, iron it on, and sew using the lines of the paper. I'm still a little confused and I think I really need a class on this. But I am going to try to do it this way on my next block. Wish me luck!

I have been waiting for a lot of things in my mailbox and one of them finally showed up yesterday as well. I ordered some name tags for my creations like 4 weeks ago! But I was informed that they were made by an outside source and they could not guarantee how long it would take so I couldn't fault the retailer. At least they finally came!

I don't really know much about "That Quilt" because she doesn't have an "about me" button, but I want to thank the creator of "That Quilt" for all of her good advice and tutorials regarding Dear Jane. I don't really know how to use the sidebar status update for how far I have come in my journey, but I will let her know that I am referencing her in my post today.

Vote For Me!

2011-10-14T02:55:00.000-07:00

I've entered another contest! Please go and vote for me at the Quilting Gallery. My quilt is the Kaleidoscope Scrappy Quilt! I've only got 3 votes so far, and that includes me!
Thanks!

Here is a picture of the quilt.

I could never take a picture of it being held up because it is too big!

Have a great weekend!

C-3 Rayelle's Fence

2011-10-12T12:27:00.001-07:00

C-3 Rayelle's Fence, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Still working on September's blocks. Two more to go!

B-5 Hot Cross Buns

2011-10-11T17:12:00.001-07:00

B-5 Hot Cross Buns, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Since I've been working on quilts that are gifts I can't show their progress, but I did finish another Dear Jane block this week. I started another one today, and I just received all of the new ones for this month. So, I'm just a little bit behind. I'm hoping to finish both up in the next week or two, and then I can go onto to things I can blog about.

A Give Away and Tutorial

2011-09-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

Maple Leaf Centerpiece Tutorial + Giveaway - Follow this link to check out the fun!

WIP Wednesday #9: Hand Crafty

2011-09-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

Both of my sewing machines are still out of kilter, and I am still trying to make some progress in my sewing. You never know how much you appreciate your sewing machine until it is broken. My right hand and arm are very sore from the repetitive motions that are used in cutting, ironing, and sewing fabric. But I do soldier on.

Last night at my quilt class I continued working on a project I am making for my nephew's new baby daughter due in November. I don't want to give away too much, but I think I can show you the pattern. The fabrics are not going to be anything like this picture, don't worry. In fact, as you will see, the "tree trunks" that I am using are a very delicate pattern of turquoise, red and black leaves and flowers on a white background.

It's call "Wipe You Feet" but we changed it to "Four Trees."

Since the trunks have to be appliques crosswise onto a white 5 inch charm block anyway, I figured I could hand sew them as well as machine sew them, right? During class I ironed all of the trunks but the weather has been so humid that they are going flat as we speak. That took more than an hour what with multiple interruptions. But I ended up sewing on one trunk at class and one more at home while watching television.

These will be cut across to make 4 tree trunks.

Monday I managed to complete one more Dear Jane block for my BOM. This was once again pretty straight forward, paper piecing. I will do a tutorial on that before I'm done with this quilt.

And this past Saturday I went back to the Vestry, our local thrift store, and purchased the other two bolts of fabric that were for sale at $2.50 each. I don't know if I will use all of the fabric, or if I will get sick of it and send it right back to the thrift store for some other dupe to buy, but right now I have visions of many cute projects made from these panels.

So, to wrap up, this week:

No finishes.

Still to do:

1. New bed quilt - no progress.

2. Christmas gifts and Craft exchange all in one - some progress.

3. Tuesday night class quilt - some progress.

4. Dear Jane quilt - 4 blocks done for month 2

5. Rag quilt - UFO status at this point-no change

6. Many, many unquilted tops in a stack - UFO status as well-no change

Okay, now don't forget to link your WIP up to Lee's blog at Freshly Pieced. I will!

I am taking the "Process Pledge."

2011-09-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

I have been blogging for 3 months now and without realizing it, I have followed the example of bloggers who have "taken the process pledge." This was something that was started last year by Rossie (rhymes with Bossie). It means that you don't just show pictures of a completed quilt, but you also explain along the way how you did what you did. I had noticed this button before but did not really understand it's meaning until now. You can follow the button by clicking on the one I have to the right.

People are supposed to sign this pledge and then add their links to the page.

I, ________________, pledge to talk more about my processes, even when I can’t quite put them in the in words or be sure I’m being totally clear. I’m going to put my thinking and my gut feelings out there.

I don't really need to take this pledge because I already do that! And this week, I have a really good example.

My Big Brother (as opposed to my sister's little Brother) sewing machine broke down this week and I left it at the machine doctor yesterday. I then decided to do some hand sewing and I turned to my Block of the Month, the 30's Jane blocks. I was able to sew two of them, one day at a time, by hand. This was before I thought of taking pictures along the way.

A-4 and A-5 were straight out paper piecing with freezer paper ironed on and cut out, and then sewing together of tiny little triangles. They turned out pretty straight, which for me is amazing.

A-4 Courtney's Stethoscope:

A-5 Courthouse Steps

B-3 Mirror Image

B-3 involves cutting and appliqueing from behind. First I cut 4 squares of each fabric 3.5" X 3.5", and made two four-patch blocks.

I copied the diagram of B-3 out of the book and traced it onto the dull side of the freezer paper, then cut out the center circle. Then I ironed the outer tracing onto one of the blocks. I cut the circle out 1/4 inch inside of the outer circle, and clipped the seam every 1/4 inch for turning.

On the second block I traced around the cut out circle of the freezer paper leaving 1/4 inch seam allowance all around, and cut it out of the block.

I then placed the circle on the back of the first block so the blocks are opposite as shown, and basted leaving 1/4 inch allowance to allow for turning under the front. I hope this is clear. If not, and you want to try this, you could email me and I will photocopy the exact instructions and send them to you.

Can you see the little clips?

Now the back is sewn to the front and will look perfect, just like the picture. Wish me luck, won't you?

These are the finished blocks so far, and when I finish B-3, I will blog about it. I am actually loving the process!

And, by the way, today I cleaned my old White machine and I think I have the tension right. Wish me luck!

Addendum

Hmmm. Which of these is not like the other? I had almost sewed the whole circle before I noticed that I had done it wrong. But, of course, that is part of the process, right? Ha! No worries, I still enjoyed making this block.

And here is the final update of the blocks.

Fall Table Runner

2011-09-23T06:24:00.001-07:00

Fall Table Runner, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Please vote for me at http://quiltinggallery.com/2011/09/23/vote-now-table-runners/

It's called "Striped Table Runner."

WIP Wednesday #8: The Pips are In

2011-09-21T03:11:00.000-07:00

The Sherbet Pips have a destination and assignment at last. They will become a baby quilt for my nephew John and his wife's new baby girl due in November. Baby Sophia will have a new sister!
The pattern is new and unique and I am pumped about starting this right away. It is going to be my project for my Tuesday night quilt class.

Sophia climbed onto the chair by herself. Looks like that baby gate is no long necessary!

Last night I showed the class the tutorial on the Kaleidoscope Quilt Along from Don't Call Me Betsy's blog. I think they liked it as most wanted me to email them the link. We are a pretty adventurous group. The class was lively with much show and tell, and some needed help with figuring out a tough pattern. I am making the quilt called "Four trees," and I spent most of the time cutting out the fabrics. Everyone loved the Pips! Who wouldn't? We are only into week two of this class and anyone who wants can still join. Contact Nancy Ludwig or Cumstom Library. The cost is $30 which is donated to the library.

I usually have snowmen Christmas decorations so they can stay up all winter!

Last Wednesday I found an incredible bargain, even for a thrift store. A whole bolt of fabric for only $2.50! There were two others that I might just go back and get just because of the price. They had panels for making vests. One was Halloween and two were Christmas themes. The one I bought has cute snowmen printed on it. I don't want to make a vest so on Saturday I cut one of them up and proceeded to make some wall hangings and a couple of mug rugs. I have been looking for some fast Christmas projects to do and this is it!

Aren't they fun?

Progress is continuing on the bed quilt I am making. There are 172 blocks with sashing, and 158 corner stones. Yikes! Once again I cut too many strips for a queen but it is hard to keep track when you are mixing fat quarters with your stash. But I think bigger is better when it comes to a bed quilt, don't you? I spent more than an hour lying out the blocks on the floor this morning figuring out how to sew them up. Isn't it amazing how tiring that can be? I felt as if I had done a full workout tape when I was finished.


A stack-o-blocks with one piece of sash sewn on.

I did visit the new shop called The Hour Glass II this weekend. Doesn't it look nice and inviting? There is road work going on in front of it right now so business might be slow at first. The actual Grand Opening is not going to be until next month.

This week I joined the Quilting Gallery site and submitted a table runner I made last year for a contest. I could win a gift certificate to this site-http://www.finishedsizequilting.com/. The vote is on Friday and they are still taking entries if you want to submit one yourself. Anyway, please support me and go here to vote for my quilt this Friday. That is, if you like it! Here is a picture.

It's one of those stripy quilts. Hard to do with such small stripes. I recommend bigger ones.

So, to wrap up, this week:

1. New bed quilt - progress!

2. Christmas gifts and Craft exchange all in one - progress!

3. Tuesday night class quilt begun - progress!

Wow, 4 positive progress reports!

Still to do:

1. Dear Jane quilt - Fabrics received, but still haven't started.

2. Rag quilt - UFO status at this point.

3. Many, many unquilted tops in a stack - UFO status as well.

I would normally tell you here to not forget to link up your WIP Wednesday at freshly pieced, but this week she is on a blogging hiatus in order to finish some projects. She promises to be back next week. And who knows, I might be back sooner than that. Do you have WIP's to report this week?

Fabulous Friday!

2011-09-16T12:18:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and a Fabulous day because my Month Two Dear Jane BOM fabrics finally came in the mail! Maybe I like 30's fabrics the most because they are so cute and happy. I need that when I'm working on what is known in some circles as "Dear Jane the Pain" quilt. (Well, maybe only in my house). I've created a notebook of the patterns and have separated them this way: Month 1 Blocks, Month 2 Blocks, etc. and then Triangles. I am ignoring the triangles for now. Enough said.


Sorry for the big shadow.

Delightful colors, don't you think?

Today I put labels on the quilts that I am taking to Hour Glass II, the shop my sister-in-law has opened. I have some specialized labels on order from Clotilde but in the meantime I made some. I also hand embroidered one of them when I first made it. (My Brother sewing machine has some wonderful special features. Maybe I just continue making my own)? I even found something to put them in for better packaging. Now I need to make some kind of business card. Desktop Publishing coming up!

These are the quilts for sale:

60 by 60" Log Cabin made of a floral jelly roll by Robert Kaufman, Starlight pattern

50 x 50" Keepsake 1930's Baby Quilt Pinwheel

50 by 50" Keepsake 1930's Baby Quilt "Twin Sister's" design.

Reduce and Reuse! An old blanket package I saved.

Sewn By Michelle Young

Old sheet packages as well. I always save these, don't you?

Embroidered Made By Michelle Young

I'm not sure if these will sell well or not, but I am just hoping to make some money to support my habit! (I'm addicted to fabrics). Well, I hope you all have a good weekend! Go on and get a good head start by visiting the new shop!

HourGlass II

498 Maine Ave., Farmingdale, Maine across from Kennebec Jeweler former home of Mathieu's Bike Shop and Charlie's Pizza. 588-0062. Hours, Tues-Sat, 9-5.

Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife

2011-09-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

I remember when Glenn Campbell sang that song. I did not understand it that much, but I just like how he sang. (I happen to love Glenn Campbell). Not only was he the cute guy that died in the movie "True Gritt," but he sang and wrote some wonderful songs. "By The Time I Get To Pheonix" is another favorite, but I digress.

Having been an a "Stay At Home" mom for awhile when my son was a baby, and for around 2 years now, I am beginning to understand the whole lonely theme of that song. And just how nice it is for a woman to sometimes get "the look" from a guy. Any guy who isn't your husband. Not that you don't love your husband. You know what I mean. Just the friendly look that says "You are nice looking and in another place and time we might have been more than friends" look. I hate to say but it's been awhile since I have seen that look. In fact it's probably been 5 years or more since I last got "hit on." (I guess I should feel good, cause I was 45 then). Boy, what does that do for your self-esteem? So, I just want to say "Thank You!" in a desperate housewife way to the nice guy who made my day. I know this isn't about fabric or quilts, but it's got "my life" in it, doesn't it?
To Da Loo, now. You all have a great week!

Dreams Of The Everyday Housewife

WIP Wednesday #7: Presents and New Projects!

2011-09-14T03:28:00.000-07:00

This week it has been fun and exciting to go the mail box because I received two free gifts from giveaways! The patterns are just the funky style I love and I can't wait to use them soon.

From Monica at Button Counter

From QUTI (Quilting Under The Influence)

I am also expecting more fabric to come in for my Dear Jane BOM as well. I have received the downloads of the patterns for this month already.

I started a new quilt this weekend but as it is a present for someone I won't give too many hints about it. Let's just say I am using the colors red, turquoise, brown, white, and beige. It's a scrappy quilt though so there will be many, many material patterns and I hope it all goes well together.

This week has been interesting. My daughter's school soccer team has a 3-1 record right now, and the losing game was close, 3-2. Her picture was in the paper yesterday and was so intense looking I don't like to see it. She's the keeper and has to throw herself in front of the ball to block it. Let's just say she was on the ground sideways with the ball but looks like she is being crushed by a girl behind her, which was not the case. I shudder.

This weekend we went to help celebrate my grand niece Louisa's (Lulu) first birthday! She was so cute and I enjoyed it vicariously for my sister Laureen, who lives far away and is her grandmother. I took photos and some digital video which I posted on Facebook for them. A fun time was had by all!

The most adorable face I've seen in awhile.

It is really starting to be fall here, with the weather staying in the 70's during the day and going down as low as 45 at night. I love this season, even though my allergies totally act up. But on my morning walk with my dog Coco I found this seasonal change, and a gorgeous spider web.

A bit of color

Isn't it pretty?

Last night I totally zoned out on what day it was and forgot to go to my quilt class! I was sewing my newest quilt, and as a family we ate dinner while listening to an audio book, and it just totally went out of my head. I was going to show everyone the tutorial on the Kaleidoscope Quilt too! I emailed my apologies to Nancy before I went to bed. Next week for sure!

I also found out that my sister-in-law Carol Albert and her friend Linda Houdlette Hanley have opened their own shop selling vintage and contemporary items, and I am going to bring my quilts by to see if they can sell! I'm pretty excited about this and only have to put my label on my quilts first. The shop is in Farmington and is called The Hour Glass II, open from 9-5.

So, to wrap up, this week:

1. I started a new quilt that I can't talk about too much!

Still to do:

1. Start new quilt for my Tuesday night class - Not done

2. Christmas gifts - No Change

3. Craft exchange- No Change

4. Queen sized quilt for my niece - Maybe
5. Dear Jane quilt - Totally waiting for this months fabrics to get here!

As usual I almost forgot to say don't forget to add your WIP's to the freshly pieced website here:
http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/2011/09/wip-wednesday-44.html

9/11

2011-09-11T15:45:00.000-07:00

God Bless America.

WiP Wednesday #6: A Finish!

2011-09-06T18:23:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a great Labor Day weekend. Ours was kind of rainy and cool so we spent Sunday shopping in Nashua, New Hampshire at the outlet mall, and Monday at the movies. Good times.

Okay, it is WIP Wednesday and I want to show my progress this week, so here goes, and I have two finishes!

The Happy Haunters Halloween Quilt is done at last! I was able to finish the binding while in the car Sunday, and then put the tabs and final buttons on Monday morning.


Here it is pinned to my lovely design wall. It hangs very long and will probably go on the back of a door.

The other finish this week is the fanny pouch/purse that I made for my friend's daughter. Remember this?

Now it is this! It was quite simple after I did it the wrong way two or three times first. There is nothing like ripping your seams out over and over and over again.


The strap goes around the back. You cannot see it well here but there is also a zipper pocket on the front harness.

I had to adapt the pattern to add a zipper instead of just a magnetic enclosure, and for some reason this was almost beyond my abilities. But with perseverance and patience it was completed.

By the way, the other day I found out that I was the winner of a give away at Button Counter! My first win and I'm very happy and excited. I love getting presents and packages in the mail! Don't you?

What else I did this week:

I started quilting about 13 years ago by taking a class on Tuesday nights from a lovely lady named Nancy Ludewig. She was still teaching grade school children at that time but is now retired. She decided to do the class to help raise money for our local library, and she has been giving quilting classes ever since. I haven't always participated, but lately I've been a regular and it is nice to see familiar faces. Last night we got together to "show and tell" what we have done since we stopped classes this past Spring, and to kick off out Fall class. I can't wait to start my new project next week. Nancy is very adept at finding quilts we can do to use up our scraps, are not too hard, but are at least a little challenging. I should add that she has a helper named Jeri Kahl who is a wonder with tips and suggestions.

We have a beautiful library room to sew in at Cumston Hall, which is also a theater

There is a lot of talking and help going on.

Nancy is in red and Jeri is in green, helping me to lay out my quilt.

I also bought some fabrics on sale at fabric worm. I wanted to get more of the Sherbet Pips by Aneela Hoey to go with the charm package I bought at the Maine Quilt Show.

I bought 1/2 yard pieces of these in all of the colors. I just love these fabrics, but I'm not sure what I will make with them. I guess I am building my stash!

And thus, here is my final status update:

1. Halloween wall hanging - Done!

2. Fanny pack - Done!

Still To Do:

1. Start new quilt for my Tuesday night class
2. Christmas gifts - No Change

3. Craft exchange- No Change

4. Queen sized quilt for my niece - No Change
5. Dear Jane quilt - Nothing new here either. Sigh.

Don't forget to link up with freshly pieced for WiP Wednesday!

I will leave you with this nice image. My daughter Natalie and her kitty Minuit, (which is "Midnight" in French), watching television.

Just two chicks hanging out.

Turkeys, Peanuts, And WIP Wednesday.

2011-08-31T06:04:00.000-07:00

This week started out beautifully due to the post storm cool weather and I dove right in again on my 30's Jane blocks. I completed one which I shared on Monday, (the one with the kitty cat fabric) and added it to my block wall. I stalled a little bit after I tried making the last non-triangle block for the month and was not very successful. It involves cutting out a shape and then sewing another piece in from the back. Mine came out very crooked and I will most likely be ripping it out and just appliqueing from the top. I was successful with the Bachelor's Buttons (the yellow with 4 white circles), but this one is too wonky. Still, I feel good about my overall progress.

C-2 Streak of Lightening.

Dear Jane blocks to date.

This is what it is supposed to look like.

I have also made progress on my Happy Halloween quilt. In fact, I am done with the quilting and adding beads. It looks so cute! All it needs now is a border and binding, and hanging tabs.

It is at least 4 feet tall.

See the beading detail?

Lovely, sparkly spider web.

Buttons on Vampire's shirt.

And I feel like Halloween is just around the corner! After all, school was supposed to start this week. It turns out, however, that Natalie's school will not start yet because of broken trees and electrical lines down on the road, and iffy power. No problem, I'm sure she doesn't mind!

As I walked yesterday I saw a lone leaf fall from the sky, and then I saw these lovelies! Wild Turkeys are all over my neighborhood! We have been "blessed" with them for the past few years, and it is a hoot every time I see them. Did you know they can fly? Enough to get high in the trees when needed. They are pretty fun.

These are full grown turkeys. Their friends were around the corn

Seeing the leaf fall reminded me of my favorite season, Autumn. As a child it meant that The Great Pumpkin would be coming and that I could rake up the few leaves in my front yard and jump in them like Charlie Brown. I think growing up in Tucson, Arizona and not having a full seasonal change made me fall in love with Maine. Fall is still my favorite season, and here it can last two full months! Anyway, here is my tribute to Peanuts, a pillow case made especially for fall.

Today I am finally going to mail out the Summer Breeze Log Cabin quilt to my sister. I have made some additions since I last showed it here on the blog. Lea wants to hang it up so I added a sleeve on the back, and I added a name tag. I thought it was fun to create this from my sewing machine, but I hope to find a more elegant way to tag my quilts in the future.

Name tag with date

Hanging Sleeve (covering Minuit)

Here she is, hasn't moved a muscle

I am also going to be mailing out a care package to my nephew Brian, who is on his second tour in the Middle East. Last time he was in a place that was so modern it had a Taco Bell. This time he is off in the wilderness with no news or internet. So, better late than never, we have finally put together a little something for him.

Goody box going to my nephew Brian in Afghanistan

I hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!

Bad Dreams!

2011-08-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I wake up every night at about 11:30 or 12:00 and sometimes I can go back to sleep, and sometimes, like tonight, I don't want to go back to sleep. I had a kind of a bad dream. I headed right for the rememdy I love most, distraction. A little piece of dark chocolate, some computer time, and I might be ready to go back to bed. Does anyone else my age still have this problem? I hope not. It's weird because I don't usually remember my dreams that well, only the bad ones. Thanks Super Ego, thanks a lot. You've woken up Id, the baby, and now she can't go back to sleep! Now Ego has to clean up the mess! (Psychology Major). Anyway, I hope everyone is sleeping well while I wrote this blog. Happy LaLa land, and here's hoping for me too!

What I did this weekend?

2011-08-29T07:12:00.000-07:00

We were inundated with storm warnings and alerts all day Friday and Saturday, and then, finally, on Sunday it hit. However, Irene had fizzled out from a hurricane to a tropical storm by the time it got to Maine, Thank God! The rain started Saturday night and was brutal at times, but the wind did not start until Sunday afternoon, and at 3 PM, predictably, we lost power. It's funny how we deal with this. I was in the middle of sewing and just switched off all of the power switches and went to grab a book. Jeff and Natalie did the same. We are old hats at dealing with no power. In the past when there have been big storms we have lost power for days at a time and it was, let's say, challenging. But, luckily, this time it only lasted about an hour. Yay!

Happily, I was able to complete more of my Dear Jane blocks. I am starting to get the hang of the small blocks but have yet to tackle any of the border triangles. I figured since the month was almost over I had better do something. On whole I have completed 6 blocks, with only 4 more to go for the month. Three of the unfinished ones are triangles. I might save these until later when I am more adept. The size of the blocks continue to go up and down, and I realize I will have to do something about that eventually. One of the blocks defeated me completely. I ended up cheating and just bonding pieces onto the background and sewing them on the machine. You might be able to figure out which one this is, but if not, good for me! When I finish the full month I will show them to you individually.

Anyway, school starts on Thursday, September 1st, for Natalie this week, kind of a weird day to start. She is not read for the morning routine yet, believe me. Six AM comes awfully early.

I hope everyone has a great day today, and I pray for anyone who has really suffered from this storm.

WIP Wednesday - A finish!

2011-08-24T03:38:00.000-07:00

Today I have another finish to report-the flying geese baby quilt made with baby Noah's ark fabrics. My husband is kindly holding it up for me here:

Flying Up and Down Geese

Don't you love the yellows, pinks and whites in these fabrics? The colors were mirrored in the stitching. (It shows up better on the back than the front). At one end of the quilt is a squiggly "S" done in yellow. This was not so great. :( Then, inspiration struck, and, I used the Noah's ark interior border as a real boarder and changed the quilting colors and styles for each section.
The other stitches used were a heart, star, loop to loop, and meandering. The binding was made with a yellow and pink dot fabric that I has proven to be versatile and lovely. I used it on two other quilts as well.

The yellow stripe on the back of another quilt is the binding on the baby quilt.

Hearts with binding showing

Stars

Squiggly S

Loopy

Meandering


Back of Quilt

You might say that my free style quilting is a little too free, but I am still learning. The quilt is nice and soft after washing though and should hold up well in a crib setting.

There is no status change on any other quilt or project since last week-sigh-but you know, lately, I'm kind of like a turtle. I walk slowly, sew slowly, and sometimes, finish first!

My Daughter is Awesome!

2011-08-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

Natalie is the one in the screaming green top.

Today I watched my 15 year old daughter do a truly epic job as a keeper for her high school soccer team. School hasn't even started yet but she has been in "preseason" training for over a week and today was a scrimmage. Because of my pain condition I don't get to see a lot of her sports events anymore, as traveling far and then often sitting in the cold and rain, or on a very hard bench, is baaad for arthritis. I am so glad that I did today. As Natalie threw herself in the way of the soccer ball over and over and blocked the goals, I was somewhat frightened. Her face was dangerously close to many a cleated foot. But other parents were making comments on how good she was and I could not have been more proud.

Now, Natalie is not what one would call a jock, not in the least, because she is really more focused on academics, art, music, and drama, but she has a natural athleticism that she must have inherited from her father. And today she really focused on the game and cinched her place as the starting keeper for the varsity team. We didn't win the game, but not because she wasn't on the job.

I can't believe she is going to be a Sophomore this year, and will soon be taking driver's education, and is just basically growing up! =o Part of me wants to stop time and keep her here, now and forever. Sigh. The sad truth is that to be a good parent you basically have to put yourself out of a job! And today I realized that Natalie is going to be an awesome woman too!

Dear Jane has begun!

2011-08-20T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today I started the Dear Jane blocks! It was pretty easy even though one of them came out kind of bad. I may redo it later. It took me from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM. At that rate, 2:25 per block this will take many, many days. I didn't do the math, but if someone wants to, there are around 240 blocks.

The first one was block B2, and the second one was block A1. I did the ones I thought I had a handle on first so I would not feel discouraged. The triangles are very intimidating because of the many little pieces. The B block came out as 5 1/2 in square and the A block was 5. I suppose I will have to square them all up to the smallest block in the end so I won't do anything right now.
But, I'm just happy that I know I can do this for real. :) Happy face!

As you can see, the B block circle is wonky. But they look like the book mostly. Pretty neat, huh?

It was time for a change...

2011-08-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Today I felt like making a change in my life. Since I didn't really have the ability to make a big change, like knocking down a wall or painting the interior walls of my house, changing my blog seemed doable.

The picture shown here is of my house from a couple of summers ago when we had planted sunflowers in the garden walk. I was rather amazed at how big and tall they can grow! I love sunflowers! And, I even toasted the seeds after.

This is one of my favorite picture of our house and I wanted to share a beautiful, sunny day in Maine. Have a great one!

WIP Wednesday # 4

2011-08-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

This week has been fairly productive, but not as much as I would wish. The weather has gotten rainy and cooler, but my upper arms and elbows were aching more than usual. Given that I should say that I have had FANTASTIC progress. Yeah, that's right.

As you may know, I received my KAL quilt back from the quilter's last week and put on the border. I showed pictures of the front and back on Flickr because it was part of the quilt along.

The Summer Breeze Log Cabin Quilt is finished! I hand sewed the border because I know it's going to be a wall hanging and doesn't need the extra strength a machine sewn border would give. And, I like doing this while watching television.

Fields and Furrows Pattern

Back of quilt made with light blue floral on white.

Border, front and back

I had considered adding something to this quilt but decided that it would not suit. The pattern disappears. I used the edge of a table cloth I bought at a garage sale to make the binding on this quilt. On one of the napkins I ironed on some heat and bond paper, and cut out the flowers. I love the floral. See here.

I may use this on another quilt.

Now I just have to sew a hanging sleeve on the quilt and it will really and truly be done! My second commissioned quilt! (You can see my first commissioned quilt here on Flickr).

Last year I made this quilt for my grand niece. I had searched high and low for Noah's Ark baby fabrics and found this sweet print.

I tagged this quilt instead of quilting.

When I knew I was going to make a baby girl quilt I looked in my LOB stash (Left Over Blocks). God, I love an acronym!

I didn't have enough to make a whole quilt so I added another brick of these 30's calico prints I love so much, and voila! A new quilt was born! (Wow, the lighting on the first picture was much better). Oh well, a photographer I am not.

New baby quilt with more filler fabric.

Baby Noah's Ark


The back of the quilt

I know this is getting really long, but bare with me. I started tracing out my Dear Jane blocks this weekend while Natalie, Jeff and I hung out in the bedroom (air conditioning) and listened to the new book, "Michael Vey, Prisoner of Cell Block 25," which, by the way, is really good. The blocks are so very, very small! These are two of the blocks.

And, the best thing that happened this week was that I got my Dear Jane fabric in the mail! I love them! It makes trying to sew these pieces worth it, plus, I watched a video about how to do it so I feel better. You will notice though, that I have not yet started.

30's Dear Jane fabric Month 1

And thus, here is my final status update:
1. Halloween wall hanging almost done - (No change).
2. Summer Breeze log cabin - (Done)!
3. KAL quilt - (Done)!
4. Waiting for fabric on my Dear Jane quilt (Done) and now ready to sew!

Still To Do:
1. Fanny Pack - No progress
2. Baby Girl quilt-Basted and ready to quilt.
3. Plan and buy fabric bed quilt for my niece-No progress
4. Christmas gifts - No progress
5. Craft exchange - No progress

I don't know if I will stick to my "To Do" list. As I've said, I'm very ADD about my crafts. But having a list does help me to remember and for these things not to fall into UFO status. Here's hoping!
Have a great week, and don't forget to add your WIP Wednesday bogs to freshly pieced.

Top of KAL quilt back.

2011-08-15T16:41:00.001-07:00

Top of KAL quilt back., a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

I thought you might like to see the back of the KAL quilt since it was so scrappy and different.

I have been working studiously on the Summer Breeze Quilt as well and have almost completed it-I have a couple of errors to correct.

It is supposed to be a wall hanging

Some special stitching

One quilt block

Back of quilt is a very light blue floral on white

I want it to be very special since it is for my big sis but I worry it is not visually stimulating enough. I was thinking of doing some applique but Jeff says that would not look good. As you an probably tell I like big, bold color, so that might be why I feel it is incomplete. What do you think?

The new KAL quilt made up as my new bed quilt!

2011-08-11T07:39:00.001-07:00

The KAL quilt made up as my new bed quilt!, a photo by My Life In Quilts on Flickr.

Well, I did finish this today, at last! I really like it! The black thread doesn't bother me as much when I look at it from afar. I just don't think I will do that next time I work with black and colors.

WIP Wednesday

2011-08-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

It's W.i.P. Wednesday number 3 for me, but number 39 for those at "freshly pieced." I really like her website, so pretty and, well, fresh!

Lately my husband Jeff and daughter Natalie have been catching upon old episodes of "Lost." I never really liked this show, so off to my bedroom (with the air conditioning) I go, to watch TV in there. No problem! With Coco as my companion I have been working on my Happy Haunting wall hanging. I have not yet sewn a button on this quilt as I am still outlining the pictures, but I think it is coming out nicely.

Happy Haunting!

Yesterday I finished machine quilting the Summer Breeze log cabin quilt and now I am hand sewing the border. I'm still not satisfied with this quilt as I feel like it needs more specialness. Any hints/ideas?

And, ding, ding, ding! Yesterday I went to get my kaleidoscope quilt (KAL with "Don't Call Me Betsy") from the quilters! I still have to sew the border on it and as soon as I do will post pictures here and on Flickr. I love the quilting but am still mulling over the thread color choice. What do you think?

Blustery Breeze Pattern done in black thread. Like? Not sure.

And, finally, I still haven't received the fabric to go with the pattern download on my Dear Jane quilt, but I will be ready when I do because I bought freezer paper yesterday. It actually says on the box that it is also good for quilters to use for applique!

My first months work with Dear Jane.

To recap on my progress:
1. Halloween wall hanging almost done.
2. Summer Breeze log cabin coming along nicely but needs something!
3. KAL quilt almost done too!
4. Waiting for fabric on my Dear Jane quilt.

Still To Do:
1. Fanny Pack - No work done this week. Oops! It is on the list, really.
2. Baby Girl quilt - The baby was born this week! Weighing 9 lbs! YAY! (So proud of mom. Way to go)! Of course I haven't even come close to working on this but I think I can whip something up. I think. :)

3. Plan and buy fabric for my newly unioned niece and spouse! This may have to wait until next month, but it's on the list!
4. Christmas gifts. Still on the planning block and not done! (Help?)
5. And...I almost forgot that I agreed to do this crafty thing with a couple of my sisters in which we each promised to send the other a handmade item of some kind before Dec 2011. I have the tops made but must still add the batting, backing and binding.

One thing that WIP Wednesday does for me is to remind me how much I have on my table. Yikes! It makes me say to myself-I promise I will not start anything new, I promise I will not start anything new, I promise I will not start anything new.
(Uncrosses fingers) Well, ahem, at least until I get the urge and have an ADD moment anyway! I'm dying to play with my new fabric from the quilt show! (whine, sniff, stamping feet)

That is all I have to report, and I hope you all have a great week!

Dear Jane-What have I gotten myself into

2011-08-08T05:55:00.000-07:00

Well, today I received the first download of instructions from the "Dear Jane" block of the month club found at "the twiddletailss store." and printed them out right away! Remember me blogging about it here? At first I was really excited and could not wait to get the fabrics in the mail. But, after looking at the instructions, I am freaking out! What was I thinking? I have never once done paper piecing and it is so not my style! This is an incredible investment in time and money! AHHHH! (Pause for hair pulling and gnashing of teeth).
I mean, how long this will take? When I first signed up I was like, "Only TEN blocks a month? Is that all?" Now, I am like, "This is going to take me TEN years, and I predict some serious UFO's in my future!" Oh, I am sure I am capable of doing this but I am not sure I have the patience! The efficient and organized person inside of me wants to find shortcuts and not have to cut out all of the teeny, tiny pieces of paper and fabric and hand sew them together. Then, artist and crafter in me says "Come on Michelle, let's enjoy the process." So, (after a calming breath and a few recitations of "Ohm"), I have decided that I WILL DO THIS! As soon as I find some tutorials on how to do paper piecing and buy some freezer paper, I will be good to go! Right? Right!

30's Jane, a set by twiddletails on Flickr.

I will let you know how it goes soon. I am also still in the middle of completing my sister's quilt (almost done!) and the fanny pack for my friend's daughter. I am hoping to finish both of these projects today and tomorrow so I can start playing with Dear Jane. Wish me luck! :)

I have lots of 30's fabric in case I mess up a lot!

WIP Wednesday, Mind Change!

2011-08-03T05:00:00.000-07:00

I guess I may have been a little premature in deciding that I HAD to change the name of my blog. I've been getting some really great ideas for a new name, like, "Life In My Quilts," "Quilts In My Life," and "My Quilting Life," etc. But, I have decided that sharing is okay. I mean, do you know how many people in this world have my name? Far too many! And one of them lives in Southern Portland and went to the same doctor I did. It was a little scary for awhile but not a total disaster. So, anyway, I think I will keep my name. Sorry for the drama!

This is WIP Wednesday but I don't have a lot to report. My husband has been on vacation for the past 2 weeks and I don't think I've touched my sewing machine more than 3 times.

The purse I was working on is coming along okay but I was stalled by needing notions for it and had to stop.

Purse front and notions

I have basted the Summer Breeze Log Cabin quilt (something I could do while watching television),
and it is patiently waiting for me to get off my duff and quilt.

Like my new quilting gloves?

Bobbins and Thread ready and waiting!

I have many, many projects awaiting me which I will list here:

A new baby girl quilt for my friend who is due in 2 weeks! Yikes! I may have to get into my already done stack-o-quilts.
A queen sized quilt for my niece and her husband now that they have a civil union. I have to buy the material still, so this is way, way in the wings.
Christmas gifts galore. It's a secret so I can't explain what I am making, but it will be Christmasy. Stay tuned!
And, I have to do something with the FABULOUS fabric I bought at the Maine Quilt show. Which I promised last week to show you when I had some pictures.

PIPS!

Fairy Frost

Hand Dyed

Lavender Blue

As you can see, I was Charmed! Ooo, bad pun, sorry. When I saw the Sherbert Pips in pinks and grays I was very excited! The fairy frost charms are so shiny and pretty I had to get them, and, the hand dyed charms are so gorgeous! I guess I am in a purple haze because I kept going with that theme too!

I bought some striped fabric to make one of those stripy table runners. I tried it with a really small pattern and it does not work as well, believe me. I would have bought one for every season but I was getting a little low in the pocket by this time.

I love Sun Flowers!

Possible backing but maybe too dark

And, here are some of my favorite quilts from the show. I'm afraid I don't have names of the few quilts I snapped, sorry. I just was so into the pretty, pretty quilts (Oh, Butterfly)! that I forgot to look at their makers. Mea Culpa.

I believe this is the longest post I've ever made so I should probably stop. Hopefully next will I will have more "progress" to report on WIP Wednesday! See you next week!

Name Change

2011-07-30T02:31:00.000-07:00

I have to change my blog name. There is another blog called "My Life In Quilts!" and Google didn't, like, tell me that when I chose the name! Why wouldn't they would do that? When you choose a password for a certain site and someone has already taken that one you have to choose another one, right?. Anyway, her name is Denise but she does not give out any biographical info. She was first, and I don't want anyone to get us mixed up. So my new name now is - ? I've got to research all of my ideas because I don't want it to happen again. So, stay tuned! New name coming soon.

I did go to the Maine quilt show yesterday and will return today. I bought lots of fun fabric and looked at a few of the quilts. Today I will do more looking and less buying. I was so tired I didn't even get any pictures! So again, stay tuned. This blog is going to be a pictureless one, unless...

Okay. I have found something no one on this site has seen before. I started this quilt sometime in 2006 when I heard that my oldest sister Denise was getting remarried and I wanted to give them a present. It was just something I conjured out of scraps that organically sprung from my head. I wanted to finish it before the wedding which I had hoped to attend in Port Angeles, Washington. I had the top done and was just procrastinating in October. Well, it did not get finished and I didn't get to go to the wedding in early November 2006 because I had appendicitis only days before the wedding! This wall hanging hung around as a UFO for 2 years before I looked at it again! In February 2008 my mother died and my daughter, husband and I flew to Arizona for the memorial service. The day before we left I quickly basted it together and planned on maybe hand quilting and binding it on the trip, thinking to give it to Denise in Tucson, but totally forgot it at home. Another year passed and in June 2009 I retired from my job of almost 25 years due to disability. I did not start quilting again until another year had passed. I finally one day just took it out and sewed it up! When I mailed it to my sister with an apologetic note about it being better late than never, I felt that I had gotten through a storm of some kind. I started sewing again and have not looked back since.

Not to end this on a weird note, but guess whose two kitties have had an encounter with a skunk? Mine. I heard a commotion a little while ago and looked out but no one came running. I just let them in and shewed them into the basement. They stink! Looks like Natalie has some work to do today!!! (They are both really her cats, today especially!) LOL!

Well, I got up a 3:30 AM because I had a bad dream and my arm hurt really bad. Now it's 5:16 AM and I might just go back to bed. Have a great day everyone!!!

Work In Progress Wednesday-A new project!

2011-07-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. It's Wednesday already! And amazingly I do have something to report. I finished the KAL quilt back and it will be going to the quilter on Monday. She says she has a new computer program for her machine and we can have fun designing something together! I'm pretty sure this quilt won't be finished on time to enter the giveaway, but that's okay with me. I'm just very happy to finally have a new bed quilt!

Yesterday a friend of mine asked if I would be willing to make a fanny pack for her daughter, who has a tendency to lose things. (Cell phones and apartment keys get expensive). I agreed to look at patterns and came up with something I think she might like. It sits closer to the body than most fanny packs and will still hold a lot of stuff.

Simplicity 2275

I won't be putting any pockets on the front and I will have to adapt it to add a zipper to the pouch (too easy for stuff to fall out otherwise)! Here is a peak at the progress so far:

Pretty batik fabric.

Yeah, really, not much. But I'm not used to working from a pattern much anymore. It takes me awhile to understand the instructions. Oh well. In the Good News section, I also found out yesterday that this friend's twin sister is going to have a baby girl! Yay! Can you say fun, cute, baby girl quilt? Another thing to add to my "To Do" list.

I also finished the front and the back of my sister's quilt. There are 15 blocks, 14 inches square, which is a lap quilt or wall hanging size, done in the Fields and Furrows pattern. I really like the border, it adds a little pop.

Log Cabin Fields and Furrows

Isn't it lovely?

I found some fabric that looks like vintage bed sheets for the backing.

I don't know if it's just me, but at one point I felt like this quilt top needed something more. I experimented a little bit with some applique, but they do not feel right for this quilt. A little too junior and cute.

I think I will just try some really excellent and fancy needle work when I machine quilt it myself. Yes, myself. It's the perfect size, and I am getting bolder and better with my stitching. :)

Last week I only worked in the morning, because, as you know, Maine was having a heat wave.

But since Sunday the temperature has been much more normal, only going up to 78 or 79 during the day and getting down into the high 50's at night. Much more like it! I think this change in weather is playing roughly with my arthritis though, because I have felt more lame this week than last. Weirdness.

This weekend is Maine's annual quilt show at the Civic Center-Maine Quilts 201, 34 Annual Show. Although I'm not a member of a guild or anything, I do like to wander around, look at beautiful quilts, and buy pretty fabric. (In fact, that's one of the reasons why I got my walking contraption)! I knew I would need it to have a good time at the show. I hope to be joined by my sister-in-law on Saturday, and who knows, maybe my daughter too!

So, have a great weekend everyone!

Heatwave Thursday?

2011-07-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here is my rework of the Sunny Breeze Log Cabin block. Can you see that there is a better distinction between light and dark? I have many layout options to play with this way.

Blue and white vs Yellow, Blue and White

Today I sewed from around 7:30 to 11:30 AM today because I finished the blocks and I usually stop for lunch around that time. Normally I can go back to the sewing room a little later in the day if I want. Not Today!!! Natalie decided to make muffins at lunch time which heated things up a bit. Then, aound 2:30 PM the wind started blowing outside and I opened all of the windows. We started watching reruns of Project Runway (because that awesome show is starting up again next week, yipee) but the house just kept getting hotter, and hotter, until finally it was like an oven! Usually when the wind blows in Maine a cool front is coming in, but today it just blew the hot are all around. Convection oven house! It rarely gets this hot so we only have air conditioning in our bedrooms. Oi!

The temperature in my hallway.

The temp on my front porch.

My lovely bedroom AC.

I made a quick packaged chili with rice, and retreated to my room to watch television, where things were much better. The weather is supposed to be like this until Sunday. Hey, I'm not complaining, really. I am blessed to live in one of the coolest states. It's just a really unusual day.

Then, last night my poor puppy had to be put into the Cone of Shame! (Pixar "Up" reference. Squirrel)! She had chewed a bad sore on her tail due to itchiness. The poor thing was sooooo pathetic. She became so depressed I had to let her out of it. She would just sit and stare and I could not stand it anymore. Pray that she gets over this without an infection!

I hope everyone has a good, sunny week.


Coco, my little Shi Tzu.

Work In Progress Wednesday

2011-07-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

I am joining this link on the "Freshly Pieced" site by Lee wherein we link our blogs to hers to show our works in progress. (WIP for those in the know). This way I will be forced to blog at least one more time a week as I tend to wait until Friday to update. I usually think I don't have much to talk about until then but I realize that today I really do!

I have been working on the back of my kaleidoscope quilt along (KAL) because I would like to have it finished by the deadline. (The size of this quilt makes me think this might be impossible, but does that stop me? Absolutely Not)! After that little pep talk, I will continue. I had purchased more solid black to complete the side of the top which looks good, and I had about 1 yard left over. I also had a bunch of 9 patch blocks left, and left over fabric from the quilt top, and I went to town just playing with the placement of the blocks. Very scrappy, and no design whatsoever. I am now at a stopping point again because I need more solid black, and something else fabulous for the binding, to finish. Then I will be calling my local long arm quilter extraordinaire, Marge Morrison, and begging her to quilt this before the deadline. :) I'm sure she will, she's super accommodating.

One side of quilt.

The top of the quilt.

Bottom

Other side of quilt.

More details

In the meantime, I needed to start working on another project. My big sis Lea has commissioned a large wall hanging or lap quilt, depending on her mood. It's a log cabin design and I bought a jelly roll of yellows, blues, greens and whites. When I lay out the strips I had a hard time coming up with a dark/light scenario usually seen on a log cabin quilt. This is what I came up with, but I am not happy and I have decided to start over. I think I will go with blue and white on one side, and all of the other flowery colors on the other side. The tone on tone strips might be out.

The beginning of the log cabins. I'm not sure I like it.

Summer Breeze Jelly Roll by Sew Happy Quilt Shop.

This week also marked a change in my life. I may have mentioned that I am disabled by some back and neck issues, specifically, radiculopathy (shooting pain) which affect my arms and legs. For quite awhile I have been using a cane when I know I will be walking or standing for long periods. The cane makes me walk funny, causes pain up my arm, and is generally not good for me. I needed something that would aid my walking and not make things worse! Shopping has not been fun. :{ (The thing that sent me to my doctor in 2002 was that I was having trouble with walking, standing, and shopping, a real and genuine past time I enjoy)! I finally bit the bullet and got this little contraption that helps enormously!

A Rolling Walker with a Seat! We were at Kohl's when I took this picture.

I picked it up yesterday and used it to go clothes shopping with my daughter. It was so, so nice to not be searching and searching for a place to sit while we browsed. It also has a place to put my purse and water! When things are really bad I sometimes squat in place because it opens up the spine and takes the pressure off of the nerves. But having my own little walking, rolling, seat is very cool! All in all, I am happy to be more mobile, but sad that my impairment has progressed.

Lovely Natalie.

"Mom, you have needed this for a long time," Natalie said to me, and she was right. I was just too stubborn to admit it.

Kaleisdescope Quilt

2011-07-15T04:17:00.000-07:00

Sorry for being gone so long. I have been busy sewing. Last week I finished my KAL quilt top and wanted to make it bigger so it could be a bed quilt. I decided to add a large border and was going to make pinwheel blocks. Instead I ended up making 9 patch blocks that were 6 1/2 inches. They looked good, but were not big enough. So I set them on point and they ended up being 8 1/2 inches. I love the way the colors come out looking Amish, even though not all of the colors are solid. I added the borders and the quilt measures 108" by 72"! Kind of lopsided! I added another 3 inch border from leftover fabric and I think it sealed the quilt top nicely. After much debate with my husband Jeff, we have decided that the eye needs a break from all of the color, and I will fill out the sides with plain black panels. I think this quilt is going to be mine, mine, mine!!! Well, ours, anyway. ")

As you can see, my room can use some color

This bed was lovingly made by my husband Jeff

Pretty long, isn't it?


Doesn't it look terrific?