Pleasant Pond Studio

The Learning Curve

2012-01-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

As I have mentioned a time or two, I'm currently taking a class from Quilt University Http://www.quiltuniversity.com called "Design Your Perfect Purse" taught by Lily Kerns This is an online class, where the instructor presents the lessons in written format with a lot of photos, graphics and drawings. She also includes links that might interest us and sometimes a video too! There is also a discussion forum where we can interact with the other students. The students in this class are from all over the world, literally!!

I, as the student, am encouraged to print out all of the lessons for future reference. I have done that and more! Ever the organizer, I have a binder, with appropriate tabs and placed all of my "lessons" in protector sheets. Already my binder is quite full!! So, my first thought was to design a binder carryall and never mind the purse! I've got way too many purses already!

Then came Lesson Three. I gotta tell ya, that started my engines!! I have learned a new method for designing a pattern, along with the steps to take to test to see if it works. I have created a whole new looking purse! Now, I just have to make that purse! What fun I am having! This is only a four week class, therefore the LAST class is next Friday ~ oh, I wish it could go on forever! The important thing is that I have acquired some new skills~ not just a few ~ a lot!! If you get a chance, check out their website, link provided above, and see what classes are being offered. There is a class for everyone! I plan to take more!

Back to the binder carryall - I did design one and I'm working on getting it made up along with a patten to publish and sell. And, now, this new purse too! Oh, so many ideas, so little time!

Thrift Shop Finds

2012-01-17T21:23:00.021-05:00

I mentioned in my last post that I'm taking a class called "Designing Your Perfect Purse" from Quilt University, taught by Lily Kerns. http://www.quiltuniversity.com This past weekend I was in a local thrift shop so I decided to take a look at the purses and see if I could find any with some interesting hardware that wouldn't cost too much. I found these 2 pictured here for $1.99 each. I would not be able to purchase the hardware for that! After I photographed them I took them all apart to see how they were stitched together and to determine what types of stabilizers were used in the construction. WOW! Lots of stitching and lots of different stabilizers too! No wonder some of the purses you see in Boutiques are so expensive!! I salvaged all of the leather, the straps and the hardware. I really liked the tourquoise leather purse. It had some unique nickel hardware that I have not seen before and I was able to save some of the leather. I made a pattern out of the various pieces from the other one. The leather was in really good shape! The fabric was a silky brocade, very pretty but very soiled! So were the zippers! What I found fascinating about the brocade purse was an outside zippered pocket, with so many sections it could really be called an attached wallet! I kept it intact so the I can study it and learn the construction of it!. It even had a removable mirror! I kept that too! I noticed that the zippers had 2 pulls that met in the middle on the top of the bag. I've learned that these types of zippers are called "two-slider closed bottom" purse zippers and can be found at some fabric and craft stores in different colors and lengths. They can also be found online. I have a couple made by Coats & Clark ~ 22 inches long! I need some shorter ones!

So far, what I have learned in my class is that there are as many sizes and styles of purses as there are women (and men) that carry them! Me, I carry a rather small purse that holds everything I need in a given day! In the past I have found that the bigger the purse I carry, the more stuff I think I need in it and I end up with a backache!! I've learned that you can add an almost infinite number of pockets, zippers and inserts as you find you might need! So far, this has been an interesting journey, with more to come! My creative juices are flowing! Watch out! I'm fixin' to design another purse!!

I've done it again!

2012-01-07T10:04:00.000-05:00

Oh, how time does fly! I haven't posted since August! My only real excuse is I just didn't take the time! I do manage to keep quite busy with my sewing, quilting and designing and sometimes there are days when I don't do anything more on the computer than check my email. To be truthful, I delete most of that without even reading it! I swear I'm on every online quilt magazine, fabric shop,online catalog and embroidery design website ~ well, you get the picture! It just gets overwhelming sometimes!

I have managed to do some clearing out of stuff I've had in storage. The local Goodwill shops were the largest beneficiaries! I have condensed everything into just ONE storage unit. I have repacked all of my overflow of fabrics into plastic tubs, numbered them and done an inventory. I found things I forgot I had and some things I've been looking for! I found finished quilt tops, with backing stored neatly in bags waiting to be quilted! I also found a few (?) UFO's!! I found a whole bunch of finished quilts too!

My goal this year is to get my UFO's finished. I have them all bagged and tagged with what needs to be done to each. Some only need a border to be called RTQ - Ready to quilt!!

My good friend Sue gave me a class at Quilt University for a Christmas gift! WOW! That started last evening and I am so excited to get going! It is called "Design Your Perfect Purse" which is right up my alley! I love the idea designing and developing new ideas to create that unique purse.

As I sit here and type, I'm looking out the window to a slight blanket of snow that fell yesterday. This winter has been unique in that the temperatures have been all over the map! In the 40's one day and the 20's the next. Almost no snow so far! The pond is frozen over but the ice is still not thick enough for snowmobiles and wheelers! My honey is a fisherman and he is chomping at the bit to get his ice shack out so he can go fishing! He has a snowmobile but can't run it on the dirt in the driveway to get it down across the lawn to the pond - yes, I still see green grass peeking through the snow! I never thought I'd say this, but I'm hoping for a big, well not too big, snow storm soon! He has been in the house since November 1st! when he pulled his boat because we had a freak snowstorm on Halloween! Who knew that the temps in November would be in the 50's and 60's? Come to think of it, December was quite warm too! Soon the conditions will be right to get that shack out and him out of the house!
LOLOLOLOL!!!!

Time to get busy in the studio! I have a couple of commissioned purses to finish and deliver to the gals that ordered them! Today I shall complete them!

My Latest Patten

2011-08-25T07:17:00.000-04:00

I've have been really busy these past few months and I've not taken the time to post for ages and ages! This is my latest creation. It started as a mystery quilt for my local quilt chapter "Tacoma Lakes Quilters" ~ we did it as a group and displayed the results at Maine Quilts in July. It has become so popular that I decided to publish it as a whole pattern and here it is!

Corn Husk Dolls

2011-03-27T12:46:00.000-04:00

My cousin here in Arizona gave me a lesson on how to make these dolls! I was so excited to learn this craft! She wanted me to be sure that everyone understands she does not, as a rule, do crafty things.! Having said that, she and her fellow volunteers at the Sedona Heritage Museum conducted a workshop on how to make these adorable dolls and it was well received by the adults and children that participated.

The process is fun and the materials are readily available in any grocery store that sells "tamale" wraps. They would be found in the Mexican food isle. I can't wait to show all my friends how to make them!

The Handcrafter's Barn

2010-08-15T07:26:00.000-04:00

My Friend Koleen has rented a booth at the Handcrafter's Barn in N. Conway, NH. She invited my friend Sherry and me to put some of our handcrafted items in the booth as well. We took a ride up last Thursday to add more items. I was unable to get a complete photo of the booth ~ I needed to take several in order to get everything as space is tight! The booth is 6 feet wide; 2 feet deep and 8 feet tall! Koleen has put in quite a lot of her small quilts, wallhangings and table runners, plus several wool candle mats and table toppers. Sherry has contributed her famous "Wool" mittens and I put in several of my purses. You would be amazed at how much stuff you can fit in this space!

As I mentioned, I took several photos ~ the top one is of the left side of the booth ~ this one is the center.

This one is of the right showcasing my purses. Not everything at the Handcrafter's Barn is hand crafted ~ some are factory manufactured. So, Koleen decided to add some of her puzzles and signs that she had left over from when she used to be a vendor at local quilt shows.

This is the top right of the booth ~ you can see some of Sherry's mittens hanging up and more of Koleen's quilts on the top shelf.

This is the left top of the booth ~ there is quite a variety of items for sale! The Handcrafter's Barn is located on Route 16 in North Conway, NH. It is huge!! I'm not sure how many individual booths there are, but there are 3 floors with a wide variety of both handcrafted and factory manufactured items for sale!

It is a popular tourist stop. Koleen rented this booth in July and has already had some sales, including several pair of Sherry's mittens! Imagine that ~ people buying wool mittens in July!

Here a purse, there a purse..........

2010-08-12T06:59:00.000-04:00

I have been busy making purses to put in my friend Koleen's booth in a shop in NH. I just love using novelty prints for purses as it gives them a lot of personality! I have even given them each a name ~ not very original but it helps me keep track! These are(from L to R) Cattle Brands, Cappuccino and Basket Weave.

(From L to R) These are named Elvis, Koi and Patriotic Chickens. I have made some variations to each with decorative buttons and tab closures. My favorite is Cappuccino!! I used leather for the tab. I have more in the works! Guess I'd better get them done!
More to come. . . . . . . .

I'm making progress

2010-07-23T19:14:00.000-04:00

I am beginning to see some progress on my 6 challenge quilts for this year. This is the center block of "Irish Mist". There are 9 blocks of various sizes, plus 6 pieced border sections. One down, lots to go!

Here are some blocks from "Elm Creek" ~ 10 down and 5 to go - I believe I said in a previous post there are 12 blocks in this quilt ~ I was wrong ~ there are 15 !! Ooops!

These are (4) 12 1/2" center blocks for my Baltimore Tulips ~ 4 down and 21 to go! Better get on these!! I fused the tulips and hand stitched a blanket stitch ~ the stems and leaves are also fused and machine stitched. I am using 30's reproduction fabrics ( or facsimiles thereof) ) for this quilt.

"Patriotic Stars" ~ 6 down and 19 to go! At least I have all of the 4 patches for the chains completed!!

I am still cutting strips for my "Log Cabin Christmas" quilt and waiting for fabric to put into my "Ocean Waves" blocks. It has been a busy couple of weeks! Piece on!!

Boston in a day

2010-07-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday, my sister~cousin Shirley, (who is visiting from Arizona) , Barb,(my BFF from high school) , and I took a day trip to Boston from Portland via the Amtrak. Well left Portland at 8AM and arrived in Boston's North Station at 10:35AM. Our 1st stop was to the the subway station and buy a "one-day pass" that we would use all day to go from anywhere to anywhere!! Our goal was to see all that we could see - in a day!! We did this trip a couple of years ago but Shirley was recovering from breast cancer surgery and walking very far was out of the question. That time we bought tickets on the "City Tour" bus and viewed Boston from our seats. This time we walked ~ a lot!!

Our next stop was for lunch ~ we chose Durgin Park near Quincy Market. We feasted on Lobster Rolls, cole slaw and fries yummo!!

From Durgin Park, we began our walk of the "Freedom Trail". Here we stopped for a photo op with Samuel Adams. That's Barb on the left and Shirley on the right.

We walked the red brick line and found ourselves at the Paul Revere house ~ we took the tour ~ quite a lovely and spacious home for the period. Photos were not allowed inside the home.

On our way to the "Old North Church" we walked through a lovely park where there is a statue of ~ who else~ Paul Revere!! Pretty close to life size I would guess!

The famous tower where the lanterns were lit ~ "One if by land and Two if by sea" ~ to warn the colonists of the approach of the British army! We took a tour of the inside of the church ~ what a wonderful place that is! I'm just sorry I didn't take more photos!!

One notices upon entering this beautiful pipe organ and clock! It is reputed to be the oldest continuous working clock in America!! Usually the inside of a church building is row upon row of pews ~ not here. They had "cubicles" completely walled in - there was a small entry door to each and inside were wooden benches. The reason being that it was very difficult to heat the building, so the parishioners brought their own heat source along with lap robes to keep warm. The benches in each 'box' were installed in the early 1900's. The next photo is a replica for the way in which each family personally furnished their "pew" - some were apparently quite lavish ~ the richer your were the closer to the front you could get!

Families were identified by plaques engraved with their names on the entry door.

This was right in the front! Notice the damask wall coverings and all the velvet!!

Now, since the "pews" were all walled in, it is necessary for the minister to be above them so he could see his flock - the next photo is of the pulpit - notice the stairway!!

The name "Old North Church" is fictional ~ thank Longfellow for that ~ it's real name is Christ's Church and is of the Episcopalian faith and services are still held each week!! I enjoyed the visit and the narrative of the docent.

Time once more to hit the subway and go to Boston Commons.

We walked through the Boston Commons where there we lots of folks out and about enjoying the cool breezes and abundant shade trees throughout the park. We continued on to the "Swan Boats" and took a ride ~ did you know they are propelled by feet!! Yep, they are paddle boats ~ not a motor in sight!!

By this time it was getting on toward 4:30 and our return train was to leave at 6:40 and we were quite a walk away ~ even from the subway!! I just couldn't leave Boston without getting a glimpse of the State House ~ and believe me, that's all I got!!

This was taken from the park ~ we simply didn't have time to walk to it!

I also got a few pics of "Beacon Hill" ~ the oldest street in Boston!!

Gorgeous brownstones!! Magnificent architecture!!

Another view of "Beacon Hill"

What a great day we had ~ we found the subway and headed back to North Station where we dined on Quarter Pounders and fries while waiting for the train. On Friday morning when I got up, there was not a muscle in my body that didn't ache and more than I knew I had!! I'm convinced it was the stairs up and down into the subway stations that got me!! Would I do it again? You betcha!!

September Sun

2010-07-21T21:49:00.000-04:00

Last year I and three of my quilting buddies; Koleen, Sue and Sherry, challenged each other to make this quilt. It was named "September Sun" and it is a Jinny Beyer pattern from McCall's Quilting, Oct and Dec 2002 issues. I chose a pallet of various peaches, mauves, greens and ivory - it sort of puts me in mind of Victorian decor so I named mine Victorian Elegance. It will hang at Maine Quilts in a grouping with the other 3 quilts. The quilt consists of 8 Empire blocks, 16 keystone blocks and 8 dominion blocks, plus the center block called September Sun - I call it a Texas Star!! Believe me when I say I NEEDED a year to get this quilt finished!! It was indeed a challenge!!

This is a close-up of the quilting!! I chose Thermore batting, very lightweight poly and it quilts beautifully! It will not shrink!! My friend Koleen quilted it for me and she used a pantograph called " Frolicking Feathers" with a peachy thread. Didn't she do a superb job!! I absolutely love it!!

This is a close-up of the center - it is 24 inches square. The quilt finished at 86 inches square. Just as soon as it is taken down from the show, it is going on my bed!!

Most of the fabrics are from Willowberry Lane and Maywood Studios called Willowberry Winter. The really dark green is a Jinny Beyer fabric. I have enough of this fabric line to make curtains, pillowcases, throw pillows and a bed skirt!! Can't wait to redecorate my bedroom!!

More Eye Candy!!

2010-07-14T20:34:00.000-04:00

In my 2 previous posts I mentioned that I attended 2 quilt shows this past weekend ~ here are a few more photos of quilts ~ the first few are from the Orr's Island show followed by some from the Bridgton show. Enjoy !!!!!

I just loved this one - the color play along with the "weaved" effect was stunning!!

I believe the flowers were hand painted!

A tribute to our rugged coast and all the lighthouses!

This was hand appliqued and machine quilted!!

Another "nautical" quilt ~ the Mariner's Compass! Beautiful!!

Last, but not least from the Orr's Island show, I noticed this beautifully done potted Daffodil wallhanging.

Notice the 3-d butterfly!! I just love Daffodils!!

This one, at Bridgton, caught my eye! It's called "Cat's in the Cabin"

No self respecting quilt show in the Western Maine mountains would be complete without a Moose!!

I love the borders!!

Another "pictorial" wallhanging - the Great Blue Heron!

And that's a few more photos of the wonderful quilts on display this weekend at these 2 shows!

I am always inspired after attending a quilt show ~ aren't you?

Orr's Island Quilt Show

2010-07-12T09:56:00.000-04:00

It was still raining on Sunday and Honey found another quilt show so off to Orr's Island we went!!

It was held in an old church and the quilts were draped over the pews! Lots of variety but I gotta tell ya ~ the basket of Vegetables alone was worth the trip!!

Will you look at the detail! Why anyone would spend that much time ~ and it obviously took a lot of time~ making these just baffling! !! At first glance they look real!! The kernels on the corn are pony beads and the husks are netting. Look at the tomatoes ~ good enough to eat! Oh, and the cabbage and kale and onion!

There was even a pumpkin and a red pepper and some broccoli and carrots! Incredible!!

How about a bag of Maine potatoes? I just want to pop those in the oven! YUM YUM!!

Bridgton Quilt Show

2010-07-12T09:32:00.004-04:00

It was a rainy Saturday so Honey couldn't go fishing. He wanted to take a ride and wondered if there was anywhere special I'd like to go ~ the quilt show in Bridgton immediately came to mind!! So, off we went! The quilts were gorgeous ~ are they never? I even saw a few of my friends there ~ Koleen and Margo! There was a room full of vendors ~ Cindi from the Busy Thimble in Litchfield was there as well as Betsy from Quiltessentials in Auburn and Joanne and Meredith from Cottonweeds in Freeport and Pat of Patrician Designs to name a few. I took a few photos of some of my favorites. I don't have a clue who made these, but I thought they were interesting. There were quite a few traditionally pieced quilts of all sizes plus a few "arty" quilts and some "still lifes" ~ Here are but a few of the ones I liked. It goes without saying that I love loons and this one was very well done!!! Will you look at the detail on the two still lifes!! Lots of work and stitches went into these!! The blue, purple and white on is simple but elegant!! The center is hand appliqued and I just loved the pieced border!! The next one I liked because in each of the squares the quiltmaker did some "thread painting" of the trees. Enjoy!

The show featured a "Quilter's Walk" ~ similar to what they do a Maine Quilts. There were about 60 baskets of goodies to choose from! I bought 40 tickets for $5, then dropped them into the containers of stuff I really wanted to win!! Just now I got a phone call ~ I won a quilt kit from Busy Thimble!!

Making Progress

2010-06-29T21:44:00.001-04:00

Working on 6 quilts at a time is going to be a real challenge!! I am a chain piecer. The concept of cutting out and sewing up only 2 or 3 blocks a month is foreign to me. My approach will be to chain piece all of the individual sections so that each month I can pick up and piece together the various components of each block. When I accepted this challenge, I knew that I would probably go ahead somewhat. My thinking is that I will have to put all of this aside in a couple of months so I can get my Christmas sewing done. Then, after the holidays, I can pick it up again and I won't be too far behind. Makes perfect sense to me!!

Here is what I have done so far to get ready to piece:

I have chosen the quilts I want to make.
I have redrafted them in EQ if needed.
I have printed out the quilts, the fabrics requirements and all of the blocks for each.
I have written cutting instructions
I have pulled most of the fabrics I need from my stash (I will have to go shopping - drat!!) photo to the right with green fabrics is for my "Irish Mist" quilt.
I have washed and ironed those fabrics that I have already selected.
I have cut all of the strips to make strip sets for "Patriotic Stars" 4 patches
I have cut out all of the pieces needed for "Elm Creek".

On the left photos of fabrics for "Log Cabin Christmas"

My progress to date:

I've pieced all of the 4-patches for block #2 of Patriotic Stars - there are 13 blocks.
I've pieced all of the 9-patches for Ocean Waves and cut the square-in-a-square sections for each.
I've completed Block #2 of "Elm Creek": - there are 7 of those.
I've completed one block for Block #1 of "Elm Creek" - there are 7 to go.

I've done some piecing on 3 of my 6 quilts. I need quite a bit of background fabric for my Baltimore Tulips and I'm waiting for my order of background fabric for Ocean Waves. I was so hoping that these quilts would make a significant dent in my stash and I wouldn't have to buy any more! It is not to be!!

Stay tuned .....................

Updates on "The Challenge"

2010-06-25T19:03:00.005-04:00

I got together with one of my sewing groups the other day and I was asked what I had chosen as my "SIX" challenge quilts this year - The challenge is that we make 6 quilts in 12 months - in a previous post I shared photos of 2 blocks for this quilt ~ it is called "Elm Creek". This is Quilt #1. It is a free pattern from http://www.redroosterfabrics.com/ This one qualifies as a "one block per month" quilt as it has 12 blocks and I've already finished all 7 of the offset blocks for this quilt. Yeah ~ they complained!! They are already behind ~ LOL ~ it's usually me that brings up the rear! I'm just trying to start early to stay even!

I've always wanted to make a patriotic quilt for my bed. This is Quilt #2. The inspiration for this quilt came from one I saw in a magazine, but I cannot remember which one!! I'm thinking it was a Fons and Porter. I pulled blocks from my EQ6 program and designed it as I remembered it. This is obviously Red, White and Blue ~ I call it "Patriotic Stars" I need to wash my red and blue fabrics first as there is a lot of white in this quilt and I don't want it to bleed later! I plan to get this one cut out this weekend. There are 25 blocks so I'll need to make at least 2 per month! Yep, I can do it!

Quilt #3 is based on a Judy Laquidara design from her book " Nine Patch Extravaganza" called "Heat Wave" . I redrafted it in EQ6 ~ made some minor changes to suit me and saved it to EQ7. I'm calling mine "Ocean Waves" because I'm using blues and greens for this quilt. I don't usually work with batiks but this one just called for them! I purchased a kit from my LQS last year that contained all batiks in blues and greens ~ for another quilt! But, they are absolutely gorgeous and they SCREAM to be made into THIS quilt!! There are sixteen 12" blocks for the center of the quilt and forty-four 6" snails trail blocks in the border for a total of 60 blocks. I had to order the background fabric so I can't start this one just yet. But doing the math, I need to make 5 blocks per month! See, I'm already behind because I have to wait for fabric!!

For Quilt #4 is an appliqued quilt I call Baltimore Tulips. I will hand applique the blocks with a blanket stitch. There are 25 center blocks. The border has a swag and there are 9 of those plus 4 corner blocks for a total of 38 blocks so I'll need to do at least 3 of those per month.

Quilt #5 will be a bed sized quilt in Christmas fabrics I'll call "Log Cabin Christmas" - Another of those "I've always wanted to make" one. This one will consist of thirty six 12" log cabin blocks. That equals 3 blocks per month.

Quilt #6 is called Irish Mist from the book "Six Halves Make A Whole Lot More" by The Quilt Branch. I did not redraft this one in EQ because I have perfectly good directions and I don't need to play with fabrics as they are all different values of greens. There are nine 12" blocks, 6 pieced border sections, plus outside borders. I will make one block plus I pieced border block per month ~ sort of ~ whatever it needs to get it done!!

OK, now I have listed my 6 quilts and I'm getting my fabrics together. If I have done the math right, I'll need to make at least 16 blocks per month. I still have 11 more months to get them finished so I'm not behind yet!!!! And I'm also working on my "PS~I LOVE YOU" `yet another challenge from these same gals from several months ago!!

Let the piecing begin!!!

Some Smaller Projects

2010-06-22T09:44:00.000-04:00

I get a huge feeling of accomplishment when I finish something so lately I've been working on some smaller projects! At a recent workshop at my local quilt group we made this cute little Candle Mat ~ this kit came from Pickering Farms in Richmond, NH. The shop owner is a sister to my good friend Koleen.

I love working with wool and this inspired me to do some tea towels also. Here is one I have just finished. The spots on the lady bugs are tiny seed beads, as are the eyes!! This pattern is from "The Wooden Bear" called "Ladybugs" I have another in my basket by my chair called "Bumblebee" to finish up. It has purple cone flowers on it. I love these little patternlets, as she calls them!!

I made another tea towel using some half square triangles I had laying around ~ I wanted to try putting them into a towel, so I cut the towel and inserted the pieced strip. I ironed lightweight fusible to the back of the strip before I inserted it ~ my thinking is that is will ravel less if it is covered. I used my Ruffler foot to make the ruffle on the bottom. I have lots of HST units ~ I'll make lots more of these!

Here is a photo of yet another tea towel (do you detect a trend?) This is another one from "The Wooded Bear" ~ I love chickens!! This one is done in cottons instead of wool. I make many of my tea towels from homespun ~ I surge the edges then press a sew a hem. Then, sometimes I add a ruffle, as in the previous one I mentioned.

I showed a photo in my previous post of a "Bag Lady" ~ here is another one I made for my Mom for the birthday at the end of this month - she will be 81 !! I don't know if you see it, but notice the rolling-pin button on the waistband!!

I have discovered these cute patterns called "Little Scraps from This & That" ~ you can find them at www.thisandthatpatterns.com . I'vemade a couple of the "Nifty Notes". This finishes to 3 3/4" X 6" - these are great to stuff into your purse where you will always be able to find that pad of paper and a pen!!

As you can see, I've been busy! I love to sew and I enjoy making things that I can give as gifts ~ I'm always on the lookout for a new project!!

The Right Tool...................

2010-06-22T08:45:00.000-04:00

Having the right tool makes all the difference! I am not a pure quilter ~ I like making many different things for my home, to give as gifts and to wear. I thought I might share some of my "tools" that make life so much easier for me!! I'll start with the RUFFLER foot - this is specific to my machine. With is foot you can make yards and yards of gathered fabric for pillows and aprons and and tea towels or for skirts for T-Shirt dresses! It can be either single or double folded ~ makes no difference!! I used mine today to make the ruffle for the apron on the "Bag Ladies" (see photo at the end)

The next tool I find really useful is the BINDING BUDDY ~ Now, you could use a cardboard roll from TP or paper towel, and I have from time to time, but I find this really works! I also have the SIMPLICITY BIAS TAPE MAKER ~ if you make a lot of big quilts, this tool really comes in handy! You can make enough binding for a queen sized quilt in under 4 minutes!! It's True!!

The little yellow thingy is a plastic BODKIN ~ I use it to thread 1/4" elastic through the casings on my "Bag Ladies" I've made a couple of these - they are so cute!! You stuff your plastic bags into it to recycle them! I plan to make several for gifts!

Credit where credit is due: Pattern from Whistlepig Creek Productions.

Another Challenge Issued

2010-06-16T22:19:00.001-04:00

I have agreed to yet another challenge!! A group of us have challenged each other to make 6 quilts of our own choosing over the course of the next 12 months. Each quilt must consist of at least 12 blocks. The original idea was for all of us to make quilts based on the "nickle" theory ~ this is, each block needed to be composed of pieces that could be cut from a 5" charm square. Well, that doesn't work for me! Charm packs consist of anywhere from 20 to 40 squares, all different!! I am not a scrappy person!! Don't get me wrong ~ I love scrappy quilts ~ made by someone else!! I just can't get my head around it! Anyway, I've chosen 3 of the 6 quilts and have started gathering fabrics and piecing them. This first quilt is from Elm Creek Quilts by Jennifer Chiaverini. You can find this pattern free from http://www.redroosterfabrics.com/. It has fifteen 12" blocks. I had this piece of fabric with the roses and black background that I wanted for my focus - I chose all the other fabrics from that. I fussy cut the centers for block #1 - I will make 8 of those and 7 of the pinwheel block #2. The finished size of this quilt will be approximately 58" X 82" - a nice size for a lap robe. I have also started another but I need a tad bit more fabric for that one so I'll need to go shopping. I will reveal the next quilt in another post!

Sassy Snappy Purse

2010-05-30T09:25:00.000-04:00

In a previous post, I displayed some purses that I had made with hardware purchased in Arizona. Since that time, I have been in contact with the designer of that original pattern and told her that I had designed another purse using the same hardware, with different directions and including inside pockets. She gave me her blessings! Of course, she also sells the hardware so she was glad for my business!!

So, yesterday, I led a workshop with one of my quilt groups, and this is the result! They all enjoyed making the purse and I loved showing them how. Notice how each and every one of them is different - some very elegant and others are just fun! This is a great way to use up novelty fabrics!!

This is the purse that is featured in my pattern. I carry it everywhere I go and I have had lots of great comments from total strangers!!
I do sell my pattern with the hardware included ~ for details, please contact me at pleasantpondstudio@gmail.com

Meet Maxine!!

2010-04-13T22:20:00.003-04:00

Maxine arrived in today's mail!! It is a gift from my cousin Shirley in Arizona. She showed it to me while I was there and we pondered about how I was to get it home in one piece! We decided the United States Postal Service was the best option.

Isn't she just a hoot? She is made of metal and brightly painted - Shirley told me that when she saw it she knew she had to get it for me because "It's YOU!!!" she said!! I just love it!! Don't you? I've been smiling all day!!!

Las Vegas!

2010-04-07T19:12:00.012-04:00

The last week of my trip to Arizona, my cousin Shirley and I drove to Las Vegas ~ it should have been a 6 hour drive but somewhere around Kingman, Arizona we made a wrong turn and ended up in Needles, California!! LOL I knew then we were lost but I had never been to Needles! Those of you who follow the Peanuts comic strip know that Snoopy's brother Spike lives in Needles, under a Saguaro Cactus! Anyway, we looked at the map and headed due north to Vegas. We got up on Tuesday morning, breakfasted at Denny's on the strip and headed over to Madame Tussuad's Wax Museum ~ what a hoot that was! I took over 50 photos in there but here are only a sampling. Of course, we had to pose on the bed with Hugh!!

After touring the wax museum, we hopped a bus for downtown Law Vegas and the Fremont Experience. We stopped into the "Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, the place that is featured on the history channel's "Pawn Stars" - now that is quite a place. Too bad that The Old Man, Rick, Corey and Chumley were off for the day!! Would love to have met them in person!
So, where else can you go and taste a bit of Italy, France, England and New York, all in one day? We took a ride up into the Eiffel Tower, a 1/3 sized replica of the original ~ what a view!! We also walked the "Miracle Mile" inside of Planet Hollywood, where we were treated to an authentic European village, with a beautiful sky ~ it felt as if we were strolling under the stars!! We also visited the New York, New York casino, where the streets of New York came alive!! Outside there was the "Brooklyn Bridge" and the "Statue of Liberty" ! We capped off our visit by taking in a performance of "Menopause, the Musical" - very very funny!! The music was from the 60's and 70's with the melodies, but the words were changed for the show! I have ordered the CD and the song book!!

We left Las Vegas on Thursday morning, going back to Arizona through Hoover Dam - there is a lot of construction going on there as they complete a new by-pass for the dam. We got back to Cottonwood around 5pm! It was a wonderful trip and I'm so glad I got to go ~ wouldn't have missed it for anything!!

Grand Canyon in the snow!

2010-04-07T18:54:00.005-04:00

While I was in Arizona my dear cousin and her husband took me to the Grand Canyon in their motor home - it was a 3 hour drive. The scenery was just beautiful along the way - lots of snow still in Flagstaff and north!! The first thing we did was go to the I-Max Theater ~ wow! It felt as though we were in a small plane flying through the canyon. They chronicled the history as experienced and written by John Wesley Powell, the famous explorer, as he navigated his way through the canyon in 2 small boats and a crew of 8 or 10 men, and all that they encountered with the several sets of rapids that are found along the Colorado River. Entertaining and educational too!!

These are the beautiful San Francisco Peaks - notice all the snow still on the ground!!

A breathtaking view of the canyon ~ the camera simply cannot see what the eye can! It is nature at it's most amazing!! I took a trip to the Grand Canyon in 1994 ~ in the summer of course! There are not enough adjectives in the English language to describe the beauty and awesome panoramas seen in this part of the world! I was blown away again!!

More Arizona Quilt Shops!

2010-03-27T22:03:00.010-04:00

On Monday, my Dear Cousin Shirley took me to Prescott to tour the quilt shops. We visited 3 very distinctly different shops, just 2 1/2 miles apart!!

The first one was called "A Quilter's Dream" a lovely little shop with lots of western novelty fabrics ~horses, cowboys etc.~ along with some Southwestern fabrics too. She does not have a website to link to. She had a Gammell in the backroom and told me that her husband is the "quilter" ~his work is exquisite! In addition, she had a large selection of batiks and I found the perfect piece for my "Twilight Transitions" pattern that I got in Casa Grande.

The second shop was called "Cloth Plus Fabrics" where there was some quilting fabrics and a lot of home decor fabrics too! I did find a few FQ's that I liked. They are not 'southwest' but they spoke to me!

The third shop was called "Quilt N' Sew Connection" ~ this is what I would classify as a full service quilt shop - they had everything!!! The staff was very friendly and absolutely loved what they were doing! This one lady showed me tote after tote after tote that she had made once she realized that I made them too! I bought a pattern and some purse hardware. Notice the hardware ~ there is a rod with screws at each end ~ that is so that you can make many purses and use the same handle over and over! - I can't wait to get this one made!

Casa Grande to Cottonwood in 6 Hours!

2010-03-27T21:05:00.009-04:00

My DB has quite a fruit orchard in his backyard. Here we are standing in front of his apricot tree. He also has an orange, grapefruit, peach and lemon tree. By the look of the many buds and small fruit that have already formed, he will have quite a harvest this year!!

We left Casa Grande last Thursday (3/18) around 9am and drove North to Phoenix, then NW through Wickenburg to RT/89 that goes through the Prescott National Forest all the way to Jerome - Elevation 5400 ft. What beautiful sights along the way! I could look out the side window and see where the road was going - hairpin turns everywhere!! I could also see where we had been! I took a few photos as we passed through - this is one of the Mingus Mountain Chain that flanks Cottonwood to the south. Notice the snow on the mountain top!! This is another photo looking NE towards Flagstaff. We stopped in a shop in Jerome that has the most fascinating kaleidoscopes!! I must get me one before I leave!! Cottonwood is 9 miles from Jerome and we arrived around 3pm ~ just in time for Ice Cream Cake!! They took the direct route home ~ down I-17 ~ takes about 2 1/2 hours!

Organ Stop Pizza

2010-03-16T22:45:00.002-04:00

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To continue from my previous post, we stopped here for dinner. This is actually a photo of a postcard that I purchased. It reads "The Organ Stop's mighty Wurlitzer is the largest and finest Theater Organ in the world today. Its nearly 6000 pipes, numerous percussions and countless traps are masterfully presented nightly by world class musicians. A Valley of the Sun tradition since 1972, and unique in the entire world, Organ Stop is truly "The Most Entertaining Pizza in Town" "

We all sat in the balcony ~ family style seating on picnic tables and benches ~ we watched 2 performances. When each performance ends, the organ dissapears into the pit!! The man who played the Wurlitzer entertained us with "The Star Spangles Banner", and "O Canada" with appropriate flags dropping from the ceiling above him! He also played some old timey tunes and there was a puppet show ~ see the curtains above the organ? All in all, it was fascinating to watch him as he played this massive instrument - he was truly a world class act!!

Kokopelli Quilt Shop

2010-03-16T22:33:00.003-04:00

Today I visited a wonderful quilt shop in Casa Grande, AZ called "Kokopelli Quilts" owned by a lovely lady by the name of Sandra May. She was most delightful and welcomed me to come back next year to teach a class for her! The shop was filled with beautiful samples and lots of fabrics! It was warm and inviting! The classroom is huge with lots of natural light - I definitely plan to stay in touch so I can go back there!! You KNOW I made a purchase! I bought this gradated fabric that runs from very light yellow to deepest purple, selvage to selvage. The pattern "Classic Southwest" spoke to me - it is a finished 36" X 45" wall hanging depicting a hacienda, pottery and the famous Saguaro cactus. The top 3rd is log cabin blocks, the middle and bottom is strip piecing with a log cabin in the lower right had corner. Very colorful!!

This is another pattern that caught my eye - I purchased this batik fabric specifically for this project! It is a wall hanging that finishes to 24" X 26" . There is some thread painting involved to give it some texture and dimension.

While I was there I saw a project that would make a fun workshop!! I will bring it home with me!

Stay tuned for more of my Arizona adventure!

Arizona

2010-03-16T14:35:00.008-04:00

I am in Casa Grande, Arizona at my DB Andy & SIL Kathy's home enjoying a few days of relaxation combined with sightseeing!! Yesterday, Rose and Charlie, friends of my DB&SIL, took us on a long ride up into the Tonto National Forest ~ these are the mountains on the east side of Phoenix! This chain is called "South Mountain" What beautiful vistas! My photos don't really do justice to the beauty that the eye can see. It was a lovely suuny day but the wind was a bit raw on the top of the mountain.
This is my DB Andy. This photo was taken from the North side of the mountain. Notice the small subdivision in the background!
This a view of the winding road that leads to the top.

This is the plaque identifying the scenic overlook from the "south" side

The cluster of tall buildings is downtown Phoenix. The communities in the foreground would be Mesa, Tempe and Gilbert, to name a few.

This is Sky Harbor Air Port. The formation behind it is called "Camelback Mountain"

On the way home we stopped to eat - stay tuned.......

T-Shirt Dress

2010-03-10T21:08:00.004-05:00

I recently bought this t-shirt for my 3 year old great-granddaughter with the idea of just decorating it with a crystal iron-on design that I purchased on sale! When I ironed the crystals on ~ and yes I followed the directions ~ I pulled the plastic off, the crystals came off too and left all the glue there - ugh!! What a mess!!
So, I decided to make it into a t-shirt dress and I added a little vest to cover up the mess under! The vest is just on the front and is secured at the sides and shoulder and stitched closed. If you look at the closeup to the right you will see that I added some pink rick-rack to make it more feminine. I also made some cuffs for the sleeves. Came out kind of cute, eh? I haven't made one of these since my GD was a toddler ~ she is now 13!! I will make more of these for the DGGD as she is ALL GIRL and loves to wear dresses. I sure hope this one fits! I'm thinking it just might be too big!

Texture Magic Tote & Accessories

2010-03-10T17:09:00.005-05:00

This is my latest project - samples for the shop in Bangor where I have a class scheduled for May 15th. There is the tote, a small zippered pouch and an eyeglass case. The pattern is called "Textured Tote and Accessories" from Patterns by Annie at www.byannie.com

This is called "Texture Magic" because it magically transforms your fabric - you quilt either in crosshatch or stipple, then hit it with a steam iron and right before your eyes it shrinks and puckers and you are then ready to cut it up and make something with it! I had this luscious piece of batik fabric that was just shouting "choose me, chose me!" This was indeed a fun project!!

Casey's Sewing and Knitting Circle

2010-03-07T14:22:00.002-05:00

Our little group of 11 women met this past Friday for a day of sewing, knitting, talking, laughing and eating!! Sherry was our hostess this week. She keeps the coffee pot full!! Thanks Sherry!!

As I sat there in my space, I looked around and everyone that was "sewing" was using a Janome 720/760 machine - they weigh about 12 lbs are are virtual workhorses!! SueRap was sewing itty~bitty HST together to make her "Starstruck" blocks, SueBee and Pam were making pillowcases for charity ~ oh what fun fabrics they were using!! Laura was sewing blocks for a charity quilt and Chris was knitting. Janice and Sherry were doing hand embroidery and Kay was stitching on a binding. Helen was working on her blocks for a "Day & Night" quilt in green batik fabrics - stunningly beautiful!! Margo was hand piecing. I didn't get a whole lot accomplished myself but I did get a "granny" apron cut out and some of the rick-rack attached.

When we all get together, there are usually no less than 6 separate conversations going at once, and of course, we being women, we could keep up with all of them, including the one we were engaged in!! Never a dull moment with this group!!

We all bring our own lunch and then eat dinner together as a group!! Helen made a delicious cheese casserole, SubRap brought a green salad, Laura made her famous fruit salad and Pam made a scrumptious blueberry cobbler ~ we always have more than enough to eat!!

This is a group of women who truly love to quilt and knit and on top of that, we are very very good friends ~ I am so blessed to count these ladies in my small circle of friends!!

60 Degrees of Fun

2010-03-06T23:24:00.007-05:00

I was asked by a local quilt shop owner to come up with a project that would utilize the new 2 1/2 inch 60 Degree ruler from Creative Grids and offer as a class. First, I cut out some 60-degree triangles with the ruler and played around with them for a bit and just shrugged - I'll never figure this out! Oh dear, what will I make?? I went to the Creative Grids website to see if there were any patterns - nope, nada, nil, zero, zilch, nothing!! However, there was a picture of a hexagon block. Ah, ha!!
I put my thinking cap on, opened my EQ6 program and started drafting some hexagon blocks - then inspiration hit me ~ I could make a wallhanging ~ sort of a fabric canvas. ***note~the hexagon block on the left is located on the 3rd row down, far right in the photo to the right)

So, I drafted the blocks and set them into the quilt and started playing around with color. This is what I designed ~ I took it to the shop and she loved it!! I have left this "canvas" intentionally blank so that I can demonstrate some other tools and finishing techniques. I will be teaching the class at Stitches in Newport on April 17th. Now, I just hope to have enough students to make it worth all the time and effort I have put into this project! Wish me luck!!

SNW - Fun and Done!

2010-03-02T20:40:00.004-05:00

Well, I finished my last few SNW blocks and mailed them off to the coordinator a few days ago! The top photo is my fabric.

This is a sampling of my blocks. This was a fun swap and at times I questioned my sanity for even signing up!! Now, they're done - YAY!!

Here's how this swap works ~ there are 20 of us and we are each making 50 Stack and Whack 4-Patch blocks and mailing them to Linda, our coordinator. She will sort them out and mail each of us 50 DIFFERENT blocks!! I can't wait to get mine!!

More SNW

2010-02-09T11:06:00.005-05:00

This is my 2nd choice of fabrics for the SNW exchange - it is called "Wild Rose Farm" from Robyn Pandolph. I should get 20 blocks from this fabric.

I've stacked, cut and sewed 10 so far today - this is a sampling.

Back to the cutting table!!

Stack and Whack Exchange

2010-02-09T08:42:00.006-05:00

I am a member Connecting Threads' quilting community called QWU - Quilt With Us. I belong to several of the groups on the site and one has issued a challenge called "Stack and Whack Exchange Blocks" - there are 20 of us participating and each of us will make 50 blocks to send to the coordinator who will then package them up and send them back!! The theme of this exchange is "Flower Garden" so I will get 50 flowery blocks to put into a quilt!! The top photo is my 1st fabric choice called "From the Past" by Hoffman. I got 21 blocks from this fabric. This is the 4 patch SNW pattern ~ so very easy to cut out and sew together!! I am using 3 different fabrics for this exchange, so stay tuned.

This is a sampling of my blocks.

Guess I'd better get busy on the rest of them!!

Gadget Queen Goes On The Road!

2010-02-05T12:55:00.005-05:00

Last Tuesday, Feb 2nd, I was a guest speaker for the Canoe City Quilters in Old Town. They presented me with a crown and septor - what a hoot eh? They asked me to bring and demonstrate some of my gadgets. I took a couple of friends with me because I saw this as an opportunity for a "road trip" with some shopping involed!! We had a wonderful time! I really enjoyed talking to the group and I think they liked it too! So, Sherry and I stopped for breakfast at Governor's in Waterville, then stopped at "Stitches" in Newport, then on to Bangor, where we picked up Nancy and went to the "Cotton Cupboard", then on to Marden's in Brewer for a bit more shopping - then to Old Town for supper at the original Governer's and then the meeting! I got home by 10:30pm but was so wound up I couldn't sleep, so I didn't get to bed until midnight, then up early the next morning for Tacoma Lakes quilt group meeting - I was a bit dingy to say the least!!

Speaking of the Tacoma Lakes group - what a prolific group we are!! You can see some photos from our last meeting on Margo's blog - she always takes a lot of photos and then posts to her blog - kind of like a wrap up to meeting - we love it!! Thank you Margo!!

Getting Organized - Again!

2010-01-11T22:14:00.006-05:00

Now that the holidays are over it is once again time to reorganize my sewing space. Everything is helter skelter - Christmas fabric everywhere!! I believe I will pack that up and put away until at least July or August when I will once again start thinking about making Christmas gifts and bags. I found a really neat pattern online for making gift bags ~ ~ I've made only the one bag and it was so easy I will definitely make more! This one measures approximately 4"x8"x2" and is fully lined. They can be made smaller or larger!

This will be another busy week! Wednesday I will be sewing with my QA group - we will meet at Koleen's this time and work on our challenges ~ September Sun ~ Koleen and Sherry have finished theirs and Sue and I are slackers!! I may just work on a WIP instead. I really enjoy getting together in small groups with my quilting buddies!!

On Friday, another of my sewing groups will be meeting at Kay's ~ she just recently went back to work after a 15 month sabbatical (translation:laid off) and as this is a "shut down" day, she has the day off! Last Friday we met at another member's home - another great sewing day! This was our first meeting since before the holidays so it was so nice seeing everyone!! As always, lots of food and lots of conversation and lots of fun!! I just love this group!!

I have already chosen the fabrics for my next "Cut That Out" bag - now that I understand the directions, I will make several for gifts and a few more for me!! I also like to make "accessories" for my purses ~ here is a photo of those that I made to match my first bag! I made a checkbook cover, zippered pouch and cosmetic bag.

Time to get this posted and get on with my day! Happy Sewing!

New Year, New Look!

2010-01-06T18:34:00.006-05:00

Here it is 2010 already! To think that 10 years ago everyone was all stressed out about Y2K - was the world coming to and end - would our computers ever work again? We sure have come a long way since then.

I have made a New Year's resolution to do a better job of keeping up with my blog! I get so busy sometimes I just run out of steam and my blog has suffered for it!

Tacoma Lake Quilters gathered yesterday for our 1st meeting after the holidays! We sure do like to have fun! Member Kayleen demonstrated the "Cut That Out" Sister's bag - it's a good thing she did! The directions were very skimpy to say the most!
This is the braided band before I did the decorative stitching.
This is my finished bag. I added piping to the braid to give it some pizazz! I think it needs something in the middle of the braid - I think I'll add some crystals!! Those curtain grommets were very easy to install. I will use those again! You can see more photos on Margo's blog!

Margo won all the BOM's - winter theme - no Christmas fabrics! Be sure to check out her photos on her blog.

This is the block I submitted for the drawing - it is all done in the hoop on my embroidery machine - combination of applique' and design elements. The laces were done with a pink verigated thread! Only thing missing is the pompoms!
This is my friend Koleen with her "DWR" - the story on this is that my cousin Susie, the yard sale queen, found this at a yard sale - they were going to throw it out! She said she take it then she gave it to me! It was in pieces in a bag, a few of the arches were stitched and all the extra fabric was there too! I knew I'd never finish it so I gave to Koleen - she hand pieced every block, it took her 2 years! She machine quilted it on her Gammell - it is stunning!!
This is a closeup of her fabulous quilting!!

Great Start to a new year! Happy quilting everyone!!

BUSY~BUSY~BUSY

2009-11-24T18:30:00.005-05:00

I have busy busy busy making Christmas gifts for my family!! I made these pillowcases, using the Hot-Digitty-Dog method, but first I embroidered my great nephew's names on the cuffs!! These two little boys are 2 years apart and if I don't identify them, they will say "that one's mine!" especially if one of the pillowcases gets damaged in any way! Sound familiar?

I made this tiny purse for my great grand daughter - she is nearly 3 yrs old and she loves to carry a purse! I also made her a little coin purse to match!!

I was so busy that I forgot to publish this post! Well, better late than never,eh?

It's been awhile...........

2009-09-21T00:05:00.003-04:00

I captured this photo of this season's eaglet - he (or she) is now flying around quite a bit and I saw an opportunity and took it! It is not often that I get to see them this close!! I figure he was watching for my sweetie, who was still out fishing - the eagles follow his boat because he feeds them!

It's been awhile since I posted to my blog - oh, where did the summer go? All 3 days of it, that is! I stayed busy and got quite a lot accomplished on my Christmas gift list. Still a long way to go, but I've got a few more months!! The temperatures are getting cooler, a real precursor to winter - I'm not going to utter the "S" word!! Suffice to say that with cooler temps I tend to stay at home more!

All of my groups are getting started again after a couple of months off and everything is in a whirlwind!! I am participating in not 1, but 2 challenges! NO, make that 3!! The 3rd one is a small one, thank goodness!

I'm all packed for a retreat at my friend Koleen's Quilting Oasis - several members of the Maine Machine Quilters are getting together to work on the "Maine" quilt that we agreed to do for 2011 - it needs to be completed by Spring 2010 so we are getting a head start on it this weekend. Hopefully our own challenge will be revealed this weekend, as well. That's the small one I mentioned above!

Another group of gals I sew with are meeting on Wednesday to work on "our" challenges - it's called "September Sun" from Jinny Beyer from back in 2002 - we are all making the same pattern, with completely different fabrics! Mine is in greens and peaches - I love it so far!

Our Tacoma Lake Quilters has had it's first couple of meetings and we have chosen a challenge too! Ours is called "Morningstar" - a free pattern from P&B Textiles - I made one block from oranges and golds but I have since changed my mind and today I cut out all 9 blocks using totally different fabrics! I'm keeping it a secret until we meet again on October 7th. That is out "audition" day for the fabrics we will be using - the challenge is to use only fabrics from our stash. Of course, if we absolutely NEED more fabric, we can go shopping!! LOL And, we have planned a great FART - Fabric Acquisition Road Trip - in the very near future!! What a lot of fun this group and I feel privileged to lead it for one more year!!

I can't leave out another one of my favorite groups - "Casey's Sewing and Knitting Circle" - there are 12 of us who meet twice a month to sit & sew & talk & eat & laugh!, usually at Kay's. Good for the soul! We don't always get anything accomplished but we do have a lot of fun!! We are planning a mini retreat at one of the other member's homes in early October - 2 days, in fact!! Helen is a gracious hostess and she has agreed to do the cooking! What more could you ask for! We have a project all lined up so I need to select and cut my fabrics for that too!

Oh, sometime, I will sleep!

What a bunch of WIP's I have !!

2009-06-09T11:00:00.005-04:00

I was looking at my ufo basket yesterday - boy, I sure have a lot of them! I like to call them "Works in Progress" but they are quickly becoming "Works in SLOW Progress!! I like starting new projects - I can't wait to get my fabrics cut and begin to sew. More often than not, LIFE gets in the way and everything gets put aside for the time being - next thing I know, I'm starting something else that I just can't wait to do! And the beat goes on, and on and on!!

Cindi Black at "The Busy Thimble" said it best when she quoted Pat in Bedford, Texas -"The Power of 10" and I quote - "The "Power of 10" in quilting is not some higher mathematical formula that all need to learn to make a quilt. It is a simple way to complete those projects we want to finish before we buy anymore fabric."

1. Simply find the projects that you are no longer interested in completing and pass them on to someone who would love it as much as you once did.
2. List "10" projects that you would like to complete. Remember, only 10 projects on the list.
3. Begin working on the projects on the list and spend 3 hours toward completing it.
4. Keep a list of projects and the hours worked.
5. Once 3 hours are spent on a project, move to the next. A quilter's interest wanes and is usually spent after 3 hours. Now, if a project requires 2 to 4 hours to complete, simply finish the project. Feel good about that!
6. Find another project and add it to the list. Remember, only 10 projects are your focus.
7. Continue to rotate the projects you are working on.
8. Make a list of the supplies needed to complete your projects.
9. Plan a a stop at your favorite LQS for those items.
10. The "power of 10" becomes a reality when your are able to share your completed projects!

It's not that I don't complete projects! I just don't seem to get the larger quilts finished! I'm going to give this a try!! I'll start with my most favorite ufo's and work on that, then on to the next - maybe I can actually get something completed!! Worth a try!

I just started a "Mystery Quilt" project with the Hoopsisters - 12 blocks, 2 each week. I've already done my first two blocks and I got the next 2 blocks in my email today! It is so much fun making these blocks - all done "in the hoop". I bought two of their design CD's at MQX and stitched those with no trouble - this is fun new way to "quilt as you go" - check them out!!

Back to my cutting table - yes, I'm cutting out a new project!! I'm hopeless - no, I'm a quilter - that about says it all!!

I've been neglectful lately

2009-06-08T21:51:00.005-04:00

I haven't been posting on here that much lately. I've been so busy on the other site (www.quiltwithus.com) that I just can't seem to get to this one that often. I plan to remedy that!!

May was a very long month - my mom went to the hospital on the 3rd, stayed for 3 days, came home for 5 days and went back!! Then she got a staph infection and had to be isolated. She was moved to a rehab facility nearly 2 weeks ago - hopefully she will be released within the next few days. I have been back and forth to the hospital and the rehab facility several times to visit and to also get her laundry. In the meantime, her older brother, who lives in Hawaii, came for a visit. It was so nice seeing him again as this will probably be his last trip to the "mainland" - he is 83!

In between visits, I've had my regular quilting groups to attend to and I've even got some quilting done!!
I recently developed an interest in miniature quilts - they are so darned cute!! You would think that with the fabric stash I have, I would be making king sized quilts - but no, I'm making those itty bitty ones - This one is called "Stars & Stripes Forever" - a pattern I've had for years and never made up!!

The girls at Casey's Sewing Circle were making those thread catchers, the BIG ones,the other day - I didn't have a pattern but I looked at them and figured I could make one too - so I did. I machine embroidered the top of the pincushion and added may name to the cuff - there will be no mistaking who that belongs too!! I put that iron on vinyl on my lining - the threads and scraps just empty out so easy!! Nothing sticks!! I need to make a few more of those to scatter around my sewing space.

I've given up on the "stash" report - I've added way more than I've used, that's for sure! Those trips to Marden's do me in!! They have a saying "Shoulda bought when I saw it - at Marden's" that is so true - they get in new fabric and if you see it and you like it, you'd better get it, or it will be gone!! That is truly my downfall!!!

Next Thursday I'm off to the Vermont Quilt Festival with my friend Koleen. I've never been before and I'm really looking forward to it! I will report when I return!

Orioles are back!

2009-05-12T08:28:00.003-04:00

My sweetie put an orange on the suet feeder 2 weeks ago - I told him it was a tad early -that the orioles would not appear until around Mother's Day - Well, I took this photo on Mother's Day - it was our 1st sighting of the year!! He was forced to admit that I was right!! Victory is sweet!!

Daffodils (and other blooms) on Daffodil Lane

2009-04-25T18:31:00.006-04:00

I live on Daffodil Lane

Yesterday was such a beautiful day!! I know it is a preview to summer and I am ready!! I walked about the yard to take pictures of the first blooms of Spring!

This lone Iris was really pretty!! I think it is an Iris - I am NOT a gardener at all! I leave that to my sweetie! I take the photos!

The tulips are really pretty too!

I went to my friend Koleen's studio yesterday for a "sitnsew" - Kay and Sue were there too! We had a great time sewing and chatting and laughing - truly good for the soul!! I finished 2 tops by adding the final borders - these are now ready for the LA - once they are quilted I will post photos! No more photos of UFO's for me!

MQX - The Experience!!

2009-04-21T21:20:00.005-04:00

I just got back from MQX and I am on a high! The show was wonderful, the quilts inspirational and the classes superb!!

Anne and Nancy, my roommates - we stayed up too late, laughed too much and had way too much fun!!

Pam Clarke was gracious enough to let me photograph her in her booth - I took a class from her - spectacular!

OK, so I have become a groupie!! I could not miss this opportunity to have a photo-op with Mark Lipinski - he is a hoot! I told him I was posting this on my blog but he stuck his tongue out anyway!

Maple Sugar Sunday in Maine

2009-03-22T17:37:00.013-04:00

Maple Sugar Sunday is a tradition here in Maine. In the Spring, if the weather cooperates, we have warm days and cold nights - that makes the sap run. We planned and plotted and chose 4 sugar houses to visit, making a large loop from here and back.

Our first stop in West Minot was a bust!! They were offering a free pancake breakfast - I believe everyone in town was standing in line - we passed. From there we went to Hebron, to a place called "Cabane a Sucre Bergeron" -loosly translated I believe that says "Bergeron's Sugar House" - my French is a bit rusty but you get the meaning. This was the Maine Maple Producer's Association Class Award Winner in 2008 for maple syrup quality and taste - I tried this year's batch - can't help but think they'll do it again!! We were treated to crepes and coffee there. BUT, we were still hungry, so we drove to Mechanic Falls for breakfast!! From there we went to "A Wrinkle in Thyme Farm" in Sumner. We were also treated to a snow squall - very pretty and very wet but oh so picturesque!! This farm uses only wood fired evaporators. The photos from top, firing the evaperator, straining the "product" and the proverbial "Hole in the Barn Door" in the shape of a Maple Leaf!!

From there we headed toward home and our last stop at Jillison's in Sabatus - another bust. TOO MANY PEOPLE!!

We had a truly wonderful day and it brought back fond memories as a child when we kids would tromp into the woods with our dad to tap the maples, hang the buckets, and then gather the sap, fire up the wood stove and boil it down in the kitchen. It takes literally "gallons" of sap to make a quart of syrup but it is oh so worth it!!

Oh, did I mention I bought a quart for that award winning syrup? I Can't wait to make me some pancakes!!

The Eagle's Nest

2009-03-10T21:19:00.007-04:00

When I snapped this photo, it was still winter but I began to realize that

Spring was on it's way!! I am so fortunate that with high powered binoculars

I can spy on an eagle's nest across the pond, through my picture window.

In the Spring, they begin to rebuild their nest, carrying twigs picked up from

blow down or bare spots in the yard.

Their nest is almost all the way up in a tall pine tree

and it is huge!!

My fisherman feeds them throughout the winter months with fish he has

caught - he leaves them in the same spot everyday and we can watch

them swoop down onto the ice, retrieve them and carry off to share and eat.

We cannot tell which eagle is which, as adult eagles look the same,

with the female usually being the larger of the two, however

we rarely see them both at the same time up close.

There he (or she) goes, after a meal of fresh fish!

I find it so fascinating to watch these once nearly extinct birds.

They are so graceful and predictable!

Eagles mate for life

Once Mama has laid her eggs, they take turns incubating

and will not leave the nest until the eggs hatch.

This takes approximately 30-36 days.

Both eagles gather food!

A couple of years in a row we've had severe snow storms

in April and the nest was never abandoned!

I watch that nest until I can see their little heads peeking up

and continue to watch as they learn to fly!!

After the fledgelings hatch, it takes about 10-12 weeks

before they leave the nest for the first time.

I've been watching this same pair of eagles for 6 years.

They have raised twins for the past 3 years.

Free Pattern !

2009-02-22T09:24:00.003-05:00

Good Morning all!
My friend Barb from the Cape is giving this pattern
away to anyone who emails her and requests it!!
This is her original pattern and it is
hand embroidered!

This took me all day!!

2009-02-20T16:55:00.004-05:00

Today was a scheduled Casey's Sewing Circle but when I got up this morning, I saw the snow - it was still coming down - and I made a decision to stay right at home and do my thing!! Good thing too, as it snowed off and on all day!! I found this design at Embroidery Library and I knew it would be perfect to put on my binder cover. Then I decided to make the my front binder cover sort of off kilter, like me from time to time!! LOL

This is my finished cover - I will admit that I did not follow the pattern that was supplied. I made my own up as I went along - no wonder it took me all day!!

Well, in between I made a nice soup, fixed a meatloaf ready to cook tomorrow and made up some hamburger patties for supper tonight. When my honey buys hamburger meat, he always buys a BIG package!!

I will note here that I did not post a stash report this week - to tell you the truth, I'm not much into it! I can't keep track of what I buy much less what I use - so that didn't last long!! I placed another order to Connecting Threads so that will certainly add to my stash - and I'm going to The Fabric Garden in Madison tomorrow to meet my friend Lois from Houlton - you know I won't leave there empty handed!!

And THEY say WE have an addiction!!

2009-02-07T21:04:00.006-05:00

This is a photo of my sweetie sitting in a lawn chair

fishing through a hole in the ice!

Did I mention that he is an AVID fisherman?

Now you know I wasn't kidding!

This man fishes year round!

This photo was taken early in the season

by a friend - not me - I don't go there!

He now drives his wheeler out to his shanty

in the middle of the pond

EVERYDAY!!

unless there is a storm brewing!

In that case, he goes shopping!

He has every kind, shape size of poles, lures, etc.!

Get my drift?

He does NOT comment on my stash!

or my quilting addiction!

EVER ! PERIOD!

HE IS A GOOD MAN!

Samantha turns 2 !!

2009-02-07T20:52:00.003-05:00

I don't know where the time goes !

My Greatgranddaughter is 2 years old!

I got her the cutest child sized folding table and chairs

She absolutely loved them!

Her eyes got sooooooooooo big when I opened that box!

The table is blue (about 2 feet square) and each chair

is a different color. She grabbed a chair and sat in it at the table

but the table was too far away so she grabbed it and pulled it to herself!

She is such a joy!

Here she is enjoying her cake and ice cream!!

My "Vera Bradley" Knockoff

2009-01-30T20:46:00.003-05:00

Last Summer my cousin , Susie Q, found a

"Vera Bradley" designer handbag at a yard sale for 25 cents!

She promptly gave it to me! This is not a $9.99 handbag from

Walmart! It is carried in upscale shops for upwards of $75 !!

I carried it for the remainder of the Summer but I wasn't crazy about

the fabric. It is red and white flowers - ugly!!

I kept thinking I could make one, only I'd make it bigger !!

I designed this bag, with a larger double pocket on the front.

I used faux leather for the straps.

I used prequilted fabric and the bag is not lined.

I made french seams on the inside

to give it that "finished" look.

I inserted a zipper on the top for security.

It has 6 pockets inside, 3 on each side and the outside stitching on the straps

created gaps just large enough to hold pens on the inside!!

A bonus I wasn't expecting!!

I am very pleased with the overall look.

This is the "inside" pocket of the outside double pocket

The pocket is 7" deep,

as opposed to 4" on the"designer" bag.

This is the back of the double pocket

So, there are 2 pockets on the outside front

none on the back. I also made the straps

longer as I like a true shoulder bag.

I LOVE THIS HANDBAG !!

Weekly Stash Report

2009-01-29T20:53:00.004-05:00

I haven't been anywhere to purchase fabric so I'm good on that score! I did a bit of sewing this week so I used some - here is my report

Fabric added this week -0-

Fabric added year to date + 28 3/4 yds

Fabric used this week - 6 yds

Fabric used year to date - 8 yds

Net year to date - +20 3/4 yds

Casey's Sewing Circle

2009-01-20T09:00:00.002-05:00

Last Friday, members of Casey's Sewing Circle gathered together to make these tissue box covers - mine are the machine embroidered ones - we had a heck of a time with these because each tissue box was a different size - in height mostly!! I have to echo Sue R - why can't there be some consistency in sizes? Jeez! The basic pattern is from Connecting Threads, under Free Patterns. Most of the gals made "Valentine" related covers but really, anything goes!! I have cut out several for gifts - some seasonal, some just fun! I plan to make a few for myself as well!!

Stash Report

2009-01-19T08:39:00.007-05:00

Well, I started out good!! All zeros for the first report, gone downhill ever since. I had placed an order with Connecting Threads and that arrived on Thursday, Jan 8th which added 15 1/2 yards to my stash. On Thursday the 15th I was in Augusta so I went to Walmart and got 1 yard of prequilted fabric for a project I have in mind. Then yesterday I went to Marden's, in the snowstorm, and added an additional 10 1/4 yards. I have found this new site - http://quiltwithus.connectingthreads.com -so needless to say I haven't been doing much sewing. I did start a new tote that used about a yard of fabric and I've made some cute tissue box covers so that used about a yard as well.

Here is my Week # 2 Stash Report:

Fabric added this week - 16 1/2 yds

Fabric added year to date - 16 1/2 yds

Fabric used this week - 1 yd

Fabric used year to date - 1 yd

Net year to date - minus 15 1/2 yds

AND - week #3 Stash Report:

Fabric added this week - 12 1/4 yds

Fabric added year to date - 28 3/4 yds

Fabric used this week - 1 yd

Fabric used year to date - 2 yds

Net year to date - minus 26 3/4 yds

OK, so I'm in the hole - I really do need to get some sewing done!!

New Year, New Look

2009-01-08T22:12:00.004-05:00

I decided I needed a new look for 2009 (my blog, not me!! LOL). I am a fan of fabric from Connecting Threads - www.connectingthreads.com and I recently stumbled upon a new forum called Quilt With Us! I took a look and was hooked!! So I have joined - how about you?
I have added a link on the sidebar of my blog - oh! and I also finally figured out (with the help of a new friend) how to add a slide show. I have not sewed a stitch this week. I have been to busy navigating this new site. I do plan to go to my friend Koleen's studio tomorrow for a sit and sew. Maybe if I am away from my computer I can actually get something done!!

Happy Quilting Everyone!

A New Year

2009-01-04T21:11:00.005-05:00

Here it is the 4th of January and I'm just getting this out. I intended to post on January 1st but got waylaid somehow. I was so incredible busy from Thanksgiving until Christmas that I didn't have the time to post but I tried to keep up with my blogging friends. It was crunch time with the Christmas gifts, so much so that I didn't get my 2 grandson's quilts quite finished. I am working on them now and hope to get then done ASAP.

When I think over the past year and look at my 2008 completions, it doesn't look like much. But then, I realize that I am not a pure quilter. I also make purses, bags and totes. I do a bit of cross stitch (very little this year actually) and needle punch. I have an embroidery machine and I do a fair amount of that as well. I also make garments. In addition, I have beta tested 3 patterns for my friend Koleen since March. I am also doing a "Block of the Month" with Judy Laquidara - I have all of the instructions but I am pitifully behind - hope to remedy that soon! I belong to several quilt groups ( 5 to be exact) that I am very active in. So, I have had a very busy year. The coming year looks to be the same.

One of my goals for this coming year is to complete all of my "pieced but not quilted" projects and other UFO's in my basket. Another is to keep track of my "stash" by reporting weekly. I have no plans to join the "Stash Busters'" with Judy Laquidara because I can't figure out that "Mr. Linky" thing - it just baffles me!! I'm just going to report it here on my blog for my own satisfaction and amusement. Having said that, here is my first "stash" report:

Fabric used this week - 0

Fabric used year to date - 0

Fabric added this week - 0

Fabric added year to date - 0

Net year to date - 0

It gives me such a thrill to start with all zeros!! I will confess here that I placed an order with Connecting Threads but I can't count that because I don't have it yet!

Another of my goals for this year is to start earlier on Christmas gifts - in fact I've already started. I did a bit of 50% off shopping the day after Christmas and picked up a few things that I have already wrapped and put away. I have started a "list" with everyone's name in an excel worksheet. I have listed the gifts I've already purchased and made some notes about what I'd like to make. I downloaded some free patterns from Connecting Threads that I want to make up. So, I've got a start anyway. Today I tested one of the patterns using scraps and have decided it needs a bit of tweaking - that's my way of saying that I ALMOST NEVER follow a pattern exactly as it is written - I always change something just a tad. Once I have the kinks out of this one, I will make more as Christmas gifts. I may sound vague to you all, but my family follows my blog so I can't get specific - I'll just take photos and post them AFTER Christmas 2009.

So, that about wraps up my year in the past and my plans for the current one.

Family Photos

2008-12-27T10:12:00.009-05:00

As I said in my previous post, when Samantha was born we became a 5 generation family. When we all get together we always get a picture. So here we are, from top left; my grandson Ernest, the daddy, me, the great grandmother, my daughter Deb, the grandmother, Samantha, and my Mom, the Great Great Grandmother. It is extremely difficult to get that little imp to sit still for a picture - this is the 3rd try!!

Here is my daughter with her kids

This is Samantha with her parents

I took 5 pictures before I got this one!

She is perpetual motion!!

My Mom and her Betty Boop salt and pepper shakers. I found these online and just had to get them for her. Her dad always called her "Betty Boop" and she loves anything that depicts her!! She has PJ's, sheets, towels, dolls, etc. of her. A few years ago I found some Betty Boop fabric and made her a shirt - unfortunately she had outgrown it, but she still has it!

Last, but not least, this is my grandson Paul, jammin'. Both of my grandsons play the guitar but I didn't get a good picture of his brother playing his.
I also failed to get a good picture of my sweetie - another time perhaps.

You know how it is on Christmas day - everyone is all excited and the kids are hyper - very difficult to get good pictures, but I guess I did OK.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!

"Tis the day after Christmas . . . .

2008-12-26T08:04:00.011-05:00

'Tis the day after Christmas and I can finally post pictures of the gifts I made for my family this year. This is my Great Granddaughter with her "Winnie the Pooh" quilt. Isn't she precious? She will be 2 at the end of January - my how time flies!! With her birth we became a 5 generation family.
This is my Granddaughter with her new quilt! I also made her matching pillowcases but I failed to get a photo before I wrapped them up!!

This is my Mom with her "Chocolate Covered Cherries" quilt. As long as I can remember we always got Mom a box of chocolate covered cherries for Christmas - it became a tradition. She is now diabetic and really should not be eating them, however, she still does in moderation and we still get her a small box each year. I saw this pattern in a quilt shop and just knew I needed to make it for her - she can now enjoy her "chocolates" all year round without the sugar or the guilt! She loved this quilt. I usually make pillowcases with all my quilts but I did not have enough fabric left to make one with this one so I made her a purse out of the remaining backing fabric.

So, this is the purse I made for her - she loved that too!!

Note the "chocolate" button!!

This is a small candle mat I made for my daughter.

This is a tote bag I made for my daughter. I also made a matching insulated lunch sack and a shoe bag.

Well, I did manage to get a picture of 3 of the pillowcases I made for my 2 grandsons - they are both guitar players. The oldest is single and out on his own so only 1 pillowcase for him - with the blue stripe. The other grandson lives at home still so I made him 2. I also made pillowcases to match their quilts. I simply ran out of time this year so I didn't get their quilts completely finished so I wrapped them up anyway and included a "Promise to Finish ASAP" card so they could at least know that "NANA" made them each a quilt. I made many more gifts but I wrapped them almost as soon as they were finished. I was so busy I forgot to take pictures!!

I had a wonderful day with my family and I hope you did too!

'Tis the Holiday Season

2008-12-17T20:42:00.005-05:00

While I was catching up with my blogger friends today I noticed that I myself had not posted since Thanksgiving! I guess I've been really really busy!!

December started out with a bang! 4 outings in a row! WOW! The 1st party was with Casey's Quilters on Dec 5th - we had a sit and sew where everyone worked on their individual projects, an ornament swap. (I got Sherry's (pic #1) these cute logcabin ornaments - they measure 3"square!!), and a lovely meal. It was a wonderful day!! The next outing was at Koleen's on the 6th - a sit and sew and a cookie swap! Too bad I didn't take a picture of all the cookies before I ate them! LOL Another great day. Then on Sunday, the 7th it was back to Koleens for Maine Machine Quilter's 1st Annual Christmas party - more food, more fun!! And to top it all off, The Backroad Quilter's Christmas party was Monday night, Dec 8th - more fun, more food and another ornament exchange - this time I took a picture of the ornament I made for the swap. (pic#2) I made this with my embroidery machine - it is called "Victorian Angel" tree topper and it is free standing lace - there are 5 sections to this project and each section takes nearly 2 hours to stitch out. Then it had to be assembled, starched and dried - it stands about 10 inches tall - Gloria Thompson took it home with her!!

I finished quilting the "Chocolate Covered Cherries" at Koleen's during the day on Monday BEFORE the Christmas Party!! Needless to say, I stayed home the next few days - THEN I came down with the crud!!! I have been really really sick this past week - I even had to cancel out of a planned breakfast with Beth this past Saturday - I was so disappointed!! But, I am on the mend. I have drugs and I've been staying in - I must say, I've been able to get a lot of my Christmas sewing done this week - no, I'm not too sick to sew!! Stay tuned........

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T20:12:00.003-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

This is my youngest grandson, THE CHEF!!
This is a fruit platter he created - it was delicious!!
Fresh Pineapple, Apples and Kiwi

This is what is left of his "from scratch" Apple Pie
That too was delicious as was the turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes,
mashed potatoes, butternut squash, mixed vegetables,
cranberry sauce and yeast rolls.
His Mom made blueberry, pumpkin and chocolate cream pies as well.
No one left the table hungry!!

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T17:29:00.004-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

My youngest grandson is pursuing a career Culinary Arts. He is a junior in high school and this year he is taking courses at the local vocational institute.

He absolutely LOVES to cook!!

I believe he told us all, at the ripe old age of 6, that he was going to become

a chef when he grew up! He still has that goal.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving - he is cooking the entire dinner!

In honor of that, I made him a "Chef's Hat" and matching "Neckerchief"

He loves them! I will take photos tomorrow and post to this blog!

Stay Tuned!

Quilting Retreat Weekend

2008-11-17T12:33:00.018-05:00

There were 23 quilter's at the retreat this past weekend at Camp Kieve in Nobleboro - what a great time we all had!! If these pictures stay the same way I uploaded them, the identities are as follows: pictures #1 and #2 are our co- presidents (and organizers) Ann and Nena. GREAT JOB!!

Picture #3 is my good friend Sherry, (also my chauffeur and roommate.) We got there about 8:00 am on Saturday morning, got our room assignment, picked a place to sit and sew, poured a cup of coffee, visited a bit and started sewing around 9ish!. Did I mention that food is included? We had waiting for us, hot raspberry scones! Had to have a couple of those! Fuel for the marathon sewing I was about to do ! We all worked on UFO's - we had no particular project scheduled as sometimes we do, but it being so close to Christmas, everyone just wanted to get things done while someone else did the cooking! And what cooking it was!! It was one great meal after another! Plus snacks! And lots of coffee! Sherry and I and many others stayed up until midnight; Ann stayed up all night!! Sherry got up a 6AM and started sewing; I rolled out about 7:30 - did I mention I am not a morning person? Many of my friends know this about me and they leave me alone until I've had at least 1 cup of coffee! Then I'm good to go! On Saturday afternoon we took a little shopping trip to Maine-ly Sewing in Nobleboro - Marge gave us a great discount!! On Sunday afternoon when we left for home we detoured to Damrascotta to Alewives - again, great discounts!

My friend Margo posted some great pictures of quilts so check her out! I started this post last week but got interrupted so here it is , better late than never!!

Casey's Quilters

2008-11-08T03:26:00.002-05:00

Today was a scheduled meeting of Casey's Quilters - I haven''t attended since early September because with one thing and another I have been just incredibly busy!! We started at 11AM this morning and I got home around 8PM. I gotta tell ya - I have eaten so much food today that I am about to burst! As a group we are really good cooks, plus we all just love to snack! My sweetie calls this my "eating group" instead of my "quilting group" - he is so right! Aside from all the "sweets" such as blueberry muffins (me), pecan squares (Jan), glazed doughnut holes (no calories there!)(Kay) whoopee pies (Sue B), assorted sweets (Chris) and cheese doodles (betcha can't eat just one!) we also had pulled pork sandwiches, courtesy of Sue R, cole slaw from Sherry, cranberry relish from Helen, and bacon & cheese quiche from Pam - what a spread! Which is exactly what I will have if I keep eating like this! LOL

It was a most enjoyable day! I actually got something accomplished - I finished a lap top I have been working on for awhile - it is to be a Christmas gift. My companions worked on various projects as well - Sue R on "Strippy" quilts that will be donated to a local nursing home and the Linus Project; Sherry worked on tablerunners and also made a tablecloth; Sue B hand stitched the binding on her "Turning Twenty" quilt, Pam was putting the finishing touches on a quilt for her hubby; Kay finished her "Theresa's Stars" quilt that she started at the recent retreat; Helen made a tote bag; Chris was knitting chemo hats and Jan was way over the corner and I have no idea what she was doing! LOL I wish I had taken the camera as the show and tell was spectacular, as usual! Maybe I would have gotten a picture of Jan too and I would remember what it was she was doing!! Our next meeting is November 21st where we will make Christmas ornaments - It is 4AM and I'm going back to bed!

9/6/2008 (old post)

2008-11-08T03:19:00.002-05:00

It is 3:19 AM I am wide awake!! So, I thought, I'll catch up on my blog! I was looking at some older posts and I noticed that I started one back in September that I never published! So, I finished it and sent it to my blog - WELL! I figured if I finished it and posted it today it would take on today's date! WRONG!! So, if you want to read it you have to go BACK to that date. SO, I learned something - if I start a blog post I need to finish and publish the same day - no procrastination whatsoever!

Lois's Lone Star

2008-11-08T02:28:00.003-05:00

My friend Lois machine quilted this beautiful Lone Star!! She has a TinLizzie18 longarm, same as I do, and up until now she has only done pantographs. I've been telling her that she can do free motion quilting!! Well, she tried it and this is the result! It is absolutely stunning! I forgot to ask her if this was a customer quilt or one of her own - I guess I need to do that!

This is a closeup of the design - some feathers and curly-q's and hearts - beautiful!

You go girlfriend!

One more quilt !

2008-11-01T21:53:00.002-04:00

This is yet another of Koleen's designs called

"Twelve Stars 'Til Christmas"

that Sue R tested. It is just exquisite with the bright reds, greens and golds.

That center block, which represents a wreath has about 93 pieces in it!

According to Sue, there are also 560 half-square triangles in the border!

I'd say it was worth the work! Good job Sue!!

Making New Friends

2008-11-01T21:40:00.003-04:00

This is a picture of the quilt that Sherry tested for Koleen called

"Making New Friends"

This quilt is stunning as the log cabin blocks that represent the stars are done in various blue prints and the chain is green, with a splash of red and gold in the nine patches. The first border is red, the middle is green and the outside border is done in blue, which ties it all together.

Friday Sit and Sew at Koleen's

2008-11-01T21:12:00.005-04:00

This past Friday my good friend Koleen hosted a "sit and sew" at her studio. She, Sherry, Sue R and I all worked on various projects, mostly Christmas gifts, the details of which I will not reveal on the outside chance that the recipients of said gifts just might read this blog!! LOL We had a great time, as we always do. Koleen is an excellent cook - she made a delicious beef soup with pumpkin corn bread. For dessert we were treated to a pumpkin/chocolate chip cheese cake - to die for!!

The log cabin quilts pictured represent 2 of the 9 she will make for the twin beds in the retreat loft. She and her husband have been working on the retreat space for the past couple of years and hope to have it opened in the Spring - What a great place for a weekend get-away! You will be greeted into a large sunlit studio for sewing and a large loft area complete with kitchen and bath and individual beds for resting. (who really sleeps at a retreat?) Stay tuned for future updates as the space nears it's completion!!

Cardinals in the Courtyard

2008-11-01T20:53:00.006-04:00

Sometime ago I mentioned that I was testing another pattern from my friend Koleen - well, here it is!! It is called "Cardinals in the Courtyard" and it measures 86 inches square. This will be the last one until next year.

I made 4 of the blocks with a machine embroidery design (shown left) I will add beaded eyes once it is quilted. I fussy cut cardinal fabric for the center block and the other 4 blocks. I added an extra 2 borders with corner stones to set them off. I am very pleased with the result and Koleen likes it too!!

I WON ! ! ! ! !

2008-10-25T20:17:00.003-04:00

Remember my post a few days ago about my friend Barb in Mass

having a giveaway to celebrate her one year of blogging?

Well, looky here !!! I won !!!

Kona Solids

2008-10-23T21:46:00.002-04:00

I absolutely LOVE Kona Solids! They are so PURE!

I was introduced to the BLACK at a shop in Florida a few years ago - as you well know, it is the truest black you can get anywhere!
I also like the CREAM, SNOW WHITE, BONE, etc, all fairly neutral colors that my local quilt shop has readily available.
There is a shop in Oxford, Maine, called, appropriately enough,
Oxford Mill End Store.
Whenever I was in the area I would always check in for their wool - the Oxford Mill was in operation until a couple of years ago when the economy forced it to close. Up until then, besides the wool, they sold flatfolds of cottons, some fleece and flannels. After the mill closed, they began ordering bolts of fabrics and now they sell just about anything a quilter would want! I was in there the other day and I noticed a whole shelf of solids - upon investigation, I discovered they were KONA SOLIDS in every color you can imagine!! I went nuts!!
The picture above is but a sampling - there are fifteen 1 yard cuts @ $4.60 /yd!
and yes, they still sell a large selection of colors of wool by the yard and very reasonable prices.!

Ocean Waves Quilts

2008-10-19T19:33:00.010-04:00

My friend Barb from the Cape is celebrating one year of blogging on October 22nd by giving away a sand bucket full of fabric (nice stuff!)

and her original pattern called "Beachcomber" (2008).

It includes all the fabric needed, except for the backing and batting for this cute wall quilt or table runner.

Click on her name to navigate to her weblog and scroll down to "talk about time flying..." and leave a comment and you will automatically be entered in the drawing.

Last gasp of leaf peeping!

2008-10-19T18:19:00.012-04:00

When I got up Saturday morning, my sweetie was sitting in his recliner watching the news. Now, what's so unusual about that you might ask? Well, usually by the time I roll out of the sack, he is out on the lake, pursuing his favorite pastime - FISHING!!! So, I say, what's up? It's too cold and the wind is blowing so he doesn't want to go fishing. OK - so he says, this might be the last weekend to see any foliage as it is peaked over nearly all of the state. He suggested that we take a half a day and go down to the Washington area. Then in the afternoon he could go fishing and I could sew. So we took off around 8:am and headed toward Augusta for $$$, then down RT 105 to Washington, on to Burketville and the Sennebec Lake area. I took a photo of the lake with the mountains in the background - not a lot of color but pretty nonetheless. We then sidetracked to Union for a bite to eat. We stopped at this little place called "Come Spring Cafe" for a late breakfast. The orange/pineapple muffins are to die for! They were huge! I also had some scrambled eggs and bacon. My honey had a broccoli and cheddar omelet. We left there and backtracked to the Appleton Ridge Road. There we saw the vast blueberry fields, as far as the eye could see. The low bush plants are bright red this time of year. The picture I've included here also shows a weathered New England farmhouse - it looks like it just belongs in this setting!

You know how when you're just out riding around and you notice really nice homes and barns and entrances, etc, but by the same token you also notice the "unusual" as well? . Take a look at this driveway entry!! Those tires were easily over 6 feet tall - and as wide! OK, back to the ride - at the end of the Appleton Ridge Road there was a brilliant maple tree - just had to get a photo - I mean, I am on a foliage tour right? So, we took a look at the map to see where we were in relation to RT 3 back to Augusta, when I saw a road sign that said "Patchwork Plus" take 2nd left - I got so excited!! I said please! please!, can we stop there? I only discovered this shop a few weeks ago on another outing with my friend Lois - it is a delightful shop, just chock full of stuff!! It is a unique country craft and gift shop, and most of the merchandise is made by Mainers, including quilts, table runners, pot holders, place mats, unfinished wood furniture, ceramic dinnerware, wildlife items, primitives, baskets, dolls, doll clothes, jams and maple syrup. You name it, it is probably there!! She is located in North Searsmont and is open 7 days a week from May to December. Her website is http://www.patchworkplus-me.com/
I spotted this replica of a wash stand and wash tubs that took me back to my childhood! I just had to have it! So, yes, it came home with me!! We got home around 3pm - needless to say, honey did not go fishing today!! And I didn't get any sewing done!

Mystery Bus Ride, October 13th

2008-10-18T17:42:00.005-04:00

49 quilters boarded a bus at 8 AM last Monday morning, in the rain, having absolutely no idea where it was headed!! Our quilt chapter (Backroad Quilters) co-presidents, Ann and Nena,

organized this outing and what a day we had! The windows were all fogged up so we couldn't tell exactly where we were headed until the bus turned off the turnpike and headed West.

They kept us busy playing games along the way so we would be so totally occupied that we wouldn't be aware of where we were!!

BUT, WE KNEW!!

That's right!

KEEPSAKE QUILTING

in Centre Harbor, New Hampshire!!!

For many of the gals, it was their very first visit!

What a treat, eh?

Many of us 'loaded up the plastic" but saved some back as we knew we had 2 more shop stops and lunch to buy as well.

From there we reboarded the bus and stopped at

CALICO BASKET in North Windham

Now that is a lovely little shop, with lots of fabric!!

It was just a tad crowded with all of us in there trying to shop - but a good time was had by all. The staff was very friendly and efficient.

We left there and stopped at Cole Farms for a late lunch/early super.

From there, we headed to Auburn and where else?

QUILT ESSENTIALS !

Another small shop with lots to offer!

We got back to Gardiner around 7PM

What a grand day it was and a unanamous vote was taken for another

"mystery" tour next yeat!

I've got some catching up to do!

2008-10-18T17:08:00.005-04:00

When I was a teenager I kept a diary. I was never disciplined enough to write in it on a daily basis. I find the same is true of this blog. I have good intentions but time just gets away from me, it's as simple as that! I have been so very busy lately that I really haven't done a lot of sewing, or quilting but I have burned up a bit of gas!! Did you figure that out? Yes, I've been on the road a lot! SO, I'm going to try to get caught up, not only here, but in my sewing room as well.

Let's start with last weekend, October 11th. My friend Lois from Houlton was down in Brunswick for the weekend with her husband, the CHESS CHAMPION! While he was busy with his tournament, Lois and I made the rounds of the quilt shops and did a little bit of sightseeing along the way.

We started at Mariner's Compass in Bath but we got there too early so we shopped at the Made in Maine Store next door, plus they were having an outdoor sale in the parking lot across the street. Quite a few vendors, all different merchandise, very reasonably priced. When the quilt shop opened, we shopped there for a bit, then headed to Freeport to Cotton Weeds - another great shop! From there we drove to Topsham for lunch and Jo-Anne's. After that we drove back to Brunswick and headed for Bailey Island - now if you've never been there, it is a delight to behold!! I took a few pictures of the famous "Cribstone" bridge. I was dismayed to see that another bridge is being constructed along side - it would appear that the old bridge will be discontinued for vehicular traffic once that is finished. We ended up at "Lands End". It was an absolutely perfect day! Lots of sunshine and no wind! The tide was out so the beach was open. Here is a picture of the statue honoring all Maine Fishermen - it is sourrounded by Rugosa Rose bushes, with one lonely rose stubbornly attached! I dropped Lois off at her hotel room around 4:30 and headed home. It was a long, but enjoyable day spent with a good friend!

Alex Anderson in Maine!

2008-10-08T17:32:00.002-04:00

What an absolutely wonderful day was spent with Alex Anderson!!! She is cute as a button and no bigger than a minute! Cote Bros. in Auburn sponsored this event, which I signed up for last March!! She is an engaging speaker, and just as down to earth as they come! And funny too!!

She also very graciously autographed books and patterns - here is my friend Koleen getting her pattern signed and having a conversation with Alex. This lady is a class act - if you ever get a chance to hear her speak or take a class from her, it is well worth the $$$

She also talked a bit about the Internet venture she is co-hosting with Ricky Tims - www.thequiltshow.com - for a small fee you get connected - there is even a free tour!!

I think I'll give that a try!

Nature's Eye Candy

2008-10-06T08:51:00.005-04:00

Fall is most favorite time of year in Maine!

I know! I know! That means Winter is right behind us!

But I like to think that it's God's way of preparing us for Winter

by giving us such a beautiful season prior to it!

My sweetie and I took a ride out toward the Western Mountains on Friday. It started out to be a nice sunny day but soon turned to rain so we altered our route somewhat. We came upon a sign for a covered bridge so we followed it. Neither of us had ever seen this bridge - it is in Newry, Maine. It was raining but I took a few pictures anyway. There really isn't any more color in the mountains than right here in my own front yard!

This is a view across the pond from my yard! It was a beautiful day, the water like glass. I love the reflections - don't you?

Now, I don't have a fancy smancy camera - just a Cannon Power Shot A630. But, I was sitting in my living room Saturday evening and I looked out the picture window and this is what I saw! The moon is in crescent phase and was so pretty peeking between the branches I just had to get a shot of that!! So, I grabbed the camera and went outside and snapped this photo - you can even see the reflections in the water! WOW!

Mini Charmer

2008-10-01T21:19:00.004-04:00

My "sewing group" made these totes at the last meeting

and I was unable to attend. When my friend Sue R posted

photos of the one she made, I knew I had that pattern!

Sure enough, I looked and there it was!!

There is a larger version as well.

This one is called "Mini Charmer" designed by Penny Sturges

under her company name of Quiltsillustrated.

These are so cute and so very easy to make!

They are made using the ever popular 5" "charm packs"

that you see in all the quiltshops.

I have plans to make several for Christmas gifts!!

So Many Quilts - So Little Time!

2008-10-01T18:29:00.004-04:00

I just love Judy Laquidara's patterns!

This book is stuffed with nine-patch variations!

Besides the book, which she autographed by the way, I also purchased

4 of her individual patterns.

I really appreciate the fact that the individual patterns are not repeated

in the book like so many of the quilt authors do.

Now, just to find time to get these quilts made!!

I am also participating in her "Star Block of the Month" online

and I have plans to join in on the "Quilt for an Hour" project.

I just need to choose my fabrics.

Quilt Show Pictures

2008-09-21T16:32:00.010-04:00

This one just spoke to me!! Both of my grandsons play

the guitar and I thought they would enjoy the photo

of this quilt!

The above quilt is what I call "picture piecing"

I believe it is achieved using freezer paper.

Cynthia England is the inovator and an expert

in this method. This is not one of her patterns

but it is very well done.

A beautiful quilt - looks to be foundation paper

pieced with appliqued leaves and vine

Striking!!

I just loved this one - I don't do hand applique but I

do admire those who do!

When I saw this quilt I thought it was a photograph!

The above quilt is about a queen size and is done

in the "stained glass" method. It is hard to see in

the picture but everything is outlined in black bias.

Very labor intensive and absolutely beautiful!!

This is but a sampling of the diverse talent of

those who chose to display their quilts

at this show!

World Quilt Show - Manchester, NH

2008-09-19T06:54:00.003-04:00

Six of us got up early and were on the road by 7am from Gardiner, Maine to travel to Manchester, NH to spend the day at the quilt show! Pictured (l to r) is Koleen, Helen, Sherry, me (I was the driver) Lois and Margo. Our first stop was, of course, Dunkin Donuts - JAVA!! Then onto the turnpike south! It is about a 2 1/2 hour drive.

It was a wonderful show. Many, many beautiful quilts!! I will add some pictures of some of my favorites in the the next post.

Stay tuned.

Hurricane Ike update

2008-09-15T13:47:00.003-04:00

I spent many many agonizing hours watching the news coverage of the devastation that occurred in my old home town - there is a great deal of destruction - the Island will never be the same but it will recover. Many landmarks are gone, probably forever. Whole neighborhoods were destroyed. I have heard from some of my friends and thankfully they are safe and off of the Island. But many stayed and I await to hear from them.

And, yes I am glad I no longer live there. I am equally thankful that my brother moved his family to Arizona in 2005. My Mom likes to spend some time each year with him and I just took her to the airport to visit ARIZONA , NOT TEXAS!! He was Director of Facilities at Galveston Independent School District. Now, there is headache he doesn't need!!

I am reminded of the time I evacuated for Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 - we took two vehicles, he had the cat and I had my daughter and her young son. We drove forever North and couldn't find rooms until we reached Ardmore, OK!! We stayed there 5 days waiting for Gilbert to decide where he was going to land - as it turned out, it was Brownsville. See, that's the problem. People will evacuate and nothing happens, so they won't go the next time and WHAM!! They get hammered!

Another time, here was Tropical Storm Frances in 1997 heading for the Upper Gulf Coast. Well, the airports closed and I was supposed to fly out of Hobby to San Antonio and on to San Diego the next day. Well, I took my packed bags and drove to San Antonio ahead of the storm, hoped a flight to California. When I got home, I found that the storm had produced enormous flooding in the Houston /Clear Lake area and some my friends had water in their homes up to the ceilings!! Needless to say, I spent the next few days shoveling mud!!

These are but a few of my memories of living on the Gulf Coast of Texas - for the most part they were happy years filled with good friends and good times. I 'm just so glad to be back home here in Maine where the worst that can happen is 20 feet of snow, or an ice storm or two!! Ill take that any day over 110 MPH winds and 20 foot waves!!

Hurricane Ike - yikes!!

2008-09-12T09:59:00.002-04:00

I have been glued to the weather channel watching Ike roar toward Galveston, TX. I lived in Galveston for 20 years and yes, I was there for Hurricane Alicia in 1983. That was very scary for me as I had lived there for less than a year at the time! I lived in an apartment in a house that had survived the 1900 storm, on the second floor - I spent the night alone under my dining room table with blankets, pillows, radio, flashlight, etc. My husband was employed by a local tug boat company and he was in the ship channel on his boat. I was never so frightened in all my life!

Now, I'm watching the aerials over the island along the seawall and watching the waves break over it - that seawall is 18 feet off the gulf floor! I sure hope all my friends are out of there!! I've tried to call but am getting answering machines. Jim Cantori with the weather channel is in Galveston and as he reports I know exactly where he is - I am so glad I don't live there now, however, my heart is beating rapidly as I am so very concerned for the safety of all my friends - that island is not an easy place to evacuate from - the size of this storm makes it difficult to know which way to go!

Ordinarily, here are only 3 ways off that island - north on I-45 toward Houston, or west on FM-3005 that is not behind the seawall, very low lying, over a bridge to Freeport (still on the coast) or east to the ferry over to Bolivar - also still on the coast -up through High Island to I-10 - you can bet the ferry system has shut down and FM-3005 is already under water!!

I don't think I'll get much done today -

Sue's Tote Bag

2008-09-10T08:05:00.002-04:00

I have been so anxious to be able to show off this tote bag but I had to wait until the meeting was over so as not to spoil the surprise!! Here is a bit of the history surrounding the gift.

My good friend Sue has served as Treasurer of Backroad Quilters for the past 3 years - at the end of the meeting year, she decided to step down and allow someone else the pleasure!! In June, at our last meeting, for the past couple of years, we have held an auction to raise funds for our "fun stuff" for the coming year. At last year's auction, I donated a "gift certificate" for "1 Tote Bag" to be chosen from materials I had on hand. Ann, our Co-Pres, made the winning bid on that item. So, a few weeks ago, she contacted me and said she wanted to use her certificate to have me make a bag for Sue. We collaborated on fabrics and embroidery design and this is what we came up with!! In addition, we decided that we needed to fill the bag with scraps, Sue's most favorite thing in the world!! We solicited scraps from the members and they came through, as always!! Sue was soooooooo surprised and pleased - I wish I had taken my camera to capture her face when we presented the bag to her!! She told me she was probably going to have to hug me every time she sees me for the foreseeable future - that's OK by me!!

I didn't know I could do that!!

2008-09-08T23:09:00.004-04:00

My friend Margo took pictures at our meeting of Tacoma Lakes Quilters last Wednesday. I saw her tonight at our Backroad Quilters meeting and she told me that I could "right click" on her pictures and save them to my photos and post on my blog ! Unfortunately, I'm in them too!! LOL

Litchfield Fair = 4 Blue Ribbons !!!!

2008-09-07T20:28:00.006-04:00

I am so excited I can barely sit still!! Every entry I submitted to the Litchfield Fair this year won a BLUE RIBBON.

Most of these quilts have been featured on my blog previously, with the exception of the "Pumpkin Seed" Tablerunner. I machine quilted this on my Janome 6500 with gold thread.

Some of you will recognize the one called "Gingerbread Jingle" - that was one of the patterns I tested for my friend Koleen and she did the quilting on it. It measures 60 " square.

My "Winnie the Pooh" quilt is for my Great Granddaughter Samantha and I quilted that on my Lizzie long arm. It is a little bit bigger than a crib so she can use it when she goes to a youth bed - she will be 2 in January and will soon be ready for that!!

The black/white/red/gray quilt is called "Split Personality" and is another pattern I tested for Koleen - she quilted that one too! It is huge - 88 inches square.

Check out my Friend Margo's blog - she has posted full pictures of "Split Personalty" and "Gingerbread Jingle" Thank you Margo!!

So, all in all, I had 4 quilts in 4 different size categories - the total premium paid will buy me either 3 yards of fabric at a quilt shop or 9 yards at Marden's - where do you think I will go shopping? LOL

What the ???????????????

2008-09-07T19:58:00.004-04:00

I was quietly sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee this morning, celebrating the fact that I was all packed with my supplies and samples for my 12 to 1:30 demonstration slot at the Litchfield Fair this afternoon. I heard this tremendous "CRASH" - it sounded like a rifle shot with an echo!! Now, I am used to hearing the acorns hit the tin roof, but this was MUCH BIGGER!! I jumped up and went outside and this is what I saw!! We have had so much rain the past few days that this tree, which was rotting from the inside, just fell over!! It did not hit anything! It missed the boat trailer, the pickup truck and the power lines!!!!

We were very lucky - however - I COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY!! Wouldn't you know, my sweetie was not at home, his truck was already out of the driveway!! So, I called him. There was no way he could get home before noon, so I called the Fairgrounds and cancelled my demo. We then called our neighbors, whose property abuts ours - it was probably their TREE! They came down in the afternoon with chainsaws and made quick work of it, enough so that at least we can use the driveway. The trunk of the tree is at least 18 inches across, so a bigger chainsaw is needed. They will get to it as soon as possible and haul it up to their place to let dry out for next winter's fuel.

So, now I'm off to the Fairgrounds to pick up the items I exhibited. More on that in the next post.

Making Flying Geese Units

2008-09-06T21:55:00.005-04:00

As I was sitting here thinking about different ways to approach piecing I'm reminded of a Kaye England lecture I attended a few months ago. She talked about how to cut out sections, based on the height of the unit. So, using the Sawtooth Star block as an example, assuming that the block will finish at 12", then the height of the star points, or flying geese units should measure 3" finished, so you would cut a strip of fabric that measures 3.5" (height plus 1/2 inch) , then using a half square triangle ruler, lay the ruler on the strip, lining up with the 3.5" mark and make your first cut, flip the ruler and make the second cut, etc. If your fabric is directional, then you would make sure that your strips are either doubled with right sides (or wrong sides) together - by doing that, your triangle pieces will be facing in the right (correct) direction on your block. Now, for making the second part of the flying geese (or star point) units, you again cut a 3.5" strip of your background fabric, and using a quarter square ruler - lay the ruler on the strip with the top of the ruler flush with the strip and cut on both sides, flip the ruler and continue to cut until you have all the pieces needed for your blocks - there is very little waste with this method - and assembly is easy! easy! easy!! Finger press as you go and you will have perfect star points!! Give it a try! The rulers I use and am referring to in this post are Nifty Notions "cut for the cure" rulers" If your quilt shop does not carry them or will not order them, click on the Kaye England link above and order directly from her! Cutting instructions for the remainder of the block are (1) center piece measuring 6.5" square and (4) corner pieces measuring 3.5" square.

My Way

2008-09-05T07:23:00.004-04:00

There has been some discussion recently about how each of us approach beginning a new quilt - to cut out all the pieces first versus a section at a time. What I usually do is cut enough fabric to make one each of the blocks, to be certain that the instructions are correct! I have had an occasion where a pattern has misprints in the instructions - if I would have cut out everything first, I would have wasted a lot of fabric. Really, the only time I cut out everything first is if I designed the pattern on my quilt design software - then I know the instructions are correct!! And, I do put the pieces in baggies and label each one - I also put a color printout of the block with instructions in the baggie - then I can lay that beside my machine when I'm piecing so I don't make a mistake in assembly.

Another thing I do, especially when testing for my good friend Koleen, is I redraw each of the different blocks in my quilting design software - then I check the cutting instructions to make sure that they agree with her pattern instructions. Most of the time they do, but I have found errors - that is why she likes to have her patterns tested "before" she publishes them.

For those that are participating in Judy L's BOM, the latest block (#3) has a pinwheel in the center of the star. That really blew me away because I recently designed a quilt using the pinwheel block! As some of you know, I'm making quilts for each of my grandkids for Christmas - well, I made one for Paul, my middle grandkid, using his favorite color of green, the background fabric had red and gold, so I used those as companion fabrics. I got the top all pieced and all of the people to who saw it said "Oh, a Christmas quilt!" That was not my intention!! SO, yes, that will be a Christmas quilt for ME !!- so, back to the drawing board. I found a really lively fabric with Mexican motifs(my grandsons are of Tex-Mex descent) that I know he will like, so I designed a quilt around that, using the pinwheel block. There are 25 blocks using 5 different bright colors with a black background. I'll use the focus fabric for the border and backing. I call this quilt "Fiesta 'Ole" . I will most likely get this cut out next week and start assembling the blocks.

Today is a "Casey's Quilters" day - a few of us meet at Kay's home to sew, eat and laugh!! It is surely good for the soul. My goal today is to work on my stained glass wall hanging as I am doing a demonstration at the Litchfield Fair this weekend. I have samples, but I need something to show how it is done. I will post pictures when I get it finished.

Star BOM with Judy L - Block #3

2008-09-01T21:58:00.003-04:00

Here it is - Block #3 - This one was a breeze to cut out and assemble!! I am really liking this BOM project - I plan to make a few more of each block as I go so that when the time comes, I'll have several tops completed and ready to quilt!

I didn't think I was going to get this posted today because my wireless router is not working 100% ! Tomorrow I'm off to the computer store to get a new one - I just cannot be without my computer!!

30 Minute Project!!

2008-08-26T09:03:00.003-04:00

Isn't this just the cutest thing? I made this in less than 30 minutes!! It is a cell phone holder! It even has a pocket and you can hang it around your neck for hands-free anything! I am getting prepared for my demos at the Litchfield Fair next week, and one of my demos will be using "Quiltsmart" products. It is lightweight fusible interfacing, already marked with cutting and sewing lines - directions too! They have many products (I am not affiliated, but I am a regular customer!!) You can buy a panel or a whole kit - whatever you like! I have done quite a few projects with their products - from wall hangings and table runners to quilts and tote bags. Give them a try!!

Gadget Queen Strikes Again!!

2008-08-26T08:55:00.003-04:00

Will you just look at this? What will they think of next! I was at a Maine Machine Quilter's meeting the other day and this gal had this gadget - it is a mini vacuum with it's own little charging base! It will suck the dust off of and out of just about anything!! It will really come in handy to keep the lint out of my TinLizzie - for those who are uninitiated, that is my longarm machine! It also gets all of the threads, and shaved fabric out of my serger!! I can see where I'll be using this a lot!! I got it at Bed,Bath & Beyond for less than $25.

Hello Fall?

2008-08-25T21:08:00.003-04:00

Well, here it is the first weekday of the last week of August. Where has the summer gone? I noticed when I was driving back from town the other day, the leaves have already started changing!! What's up with that? It's way too early.

When I look back over this blog, which I didn't start until late May, I have really accomplished quite a lot these past few months. This one sewing/quilting group that I belong to meets all during the summer and I've been in attendance more often than not. Plus, I don't mind staying at home and sewing all by myself. I especially need the peace and quiet when I'm working on a deadline.

I am currently on my 3rd test pattern for my good friend Koleen. This one has 25 blocks, 8 each of 3 different patterns - I have all of the pieced blocks completed (16) and the center block is completed as well. I am going to incorporate machine embroidery in this quilt so I still need to stitch out the designs on my embroidery machine. As usual, lately it seems, everytime I want to stitch out a design, I don't have the thread colors that are called for so I have to substitute - I hate doing that because it does make subtle changes to the design. - So, I got online and ordered some additional thread for my collection. Those came today! I should be able to finish the blocks tomorrow and assemble the quilt.

It is Summer Fair season here in Maine and we are fortunate that our little town of Litchfield has such a fair - it is small, it is country and it is fun. I plan to enter some of my quilts this year. I was also asked if I'd be willing to do a demonstration - of course, I said yes. But, did I agree to do just one!! OH NO! I said I'd do THREE!! So, this week I will gather my supplies and samples for each demonstration. The 1st one will be "Stained Glass" on fabric , #2 will be using Quiltsmart products and #3 will be making clothesline rope bowls and purses. So, there will be some variety. My friend Sherry will demonstrate her "Red Work" - she has a beautiful stitch and her work is stunning!! If you're in the area on September 5th-7th - stop by to see us.

Our local chapters will begin a new year soon - starting with "Tacoma Lakes" on Sept 3rd, "Backroad Quilters" on September 8th and "Capital Quilters" later on in the month. I also belong to "Maine Machine Quilters" - we meet about 5-6 times a year and we had a meeting last Saturday. Our next meeting is October 19th - it is a "hands on workshop" - everyone will have an opportunity to "drive" a machine and try out new techniques and tools.

I did not stitch a lick this past weekend - I spent Friday at Koleens at a "sit and sew" and Saturday I was at the MMQ meeting, so Sunday I just flat took the day off! I didn't do a whole lot today either - I made binding for my DGD's quilt and played with EQ6 for a bit. It is now 10pm and I'm ready to hit the sack.

Star BOM with Judy L - Block #2

2008-08-17T12:01:00.004-04:00

Here is block #2 - I am really liking this block! I changed out fabric # 5 (not yet used) with a darker brown - but the rest of the fabrics stay!

I am looking forward to the next block, and the one after that . . . . . This quilt will eventually be added to my stack of monthly rotation quilts for my bed - this one for one of the fall months!

Thank you Judy!!

Casey's Quilters

2008-08-15T21:03:00.005-04:00

Casey's Quilters is a small group of gals who meet twice a month on Friday afternoon at Kay's for an afternoon/evening of eating, quilting, eating, visiting, eating, sharing patterns and ideas, eating ........well you get my drift! My sweetie calls it my "Eating" group!! LOL So this week, Kay has been on vacation, so some of us started at 11am - yep, we caught her in her nightie!! WELL, she did say we could come anytime after 11!! It was all good - she got dressed and we set up our machines. She put the coffee on, we set up the cutting table and turned on the iron. It was a really good and productive day for all of us. I got my pick of the ugly fat quarters - I took 3 - Sherry worked on her "Thimbleberries" block of the month projects from 3 or 4 years ago - you go girl! Jan showed us a cute cell phone holder made with "Quiltsmart" fusible foundations -I gotta get some of those - they are so easy to make and so adorable!! Chris and Sue B. were both doing hand embroidery on table cloths. Kay was working on one of her punch needle projects (ooops! She did it backwards and had to rip it out and start over! Oh Pooh! ) and I worked on my #2DGS's quilt blocks. Sue R came in mid afternoon and finished stitching the binding on her latest creation. Christa stopped in after work and did some cross stitching. Of course, we all had "show and tell" !! Then at 5:30 some of us motored downtown to the Art Walk - our friend Laura's husband had his watercolors on display. Then, back to Kay's for supper - yep - we ate again!! Funny, how when we quilters have a pot luck, everyone brings something different - and as a group we are quite good cooks! Missing today was Margo - on a trip to the coast with her hubby, Helen, our newest member, busy planning a shower and Pam, who officiates at the county fairs. And of course, Laura, who was busy with her husband's art show. I left around 8pm and it is now 9:30 - time for my ice cream fix!! Yes, I am still eating!

Another Quilt in the Finished Column !!

2008-08-13T21:47:00.007-04:00

I haven't posted for nearly a week, what with family obligations, social obligations, with a summer picnic thrown in too! I did get some quilting done - on the frame is my DGD's quilt that I finished today. I did an all over loops, tendrils and leaves with yellow thread. I am very pleased with the results!! I know she will enjoy it! Now, I just need to get the pillowcases made and I'll have 2 of her Christmas gifts finished. I'm still working on the quilts for her 2 brothers. Koleen gave me the pattern for my next project for her and I've assembled the fabrics and made sample blocks with my choices. This is a test pattern so, unfortunately, I can't share any of the details until the pattern has been published. Stay tuned!

Star BOM with Judy L - Block #1

2008-08-07T19:50:00.006-04:00

This is my first block - it was indeed a challenge! I've never, and I repeat, NEVER used "16ths" in measuring units for blocks - EVER! But, all in all, it went together ok! I am questioning my choice of fabric #4 - it seems too busy somehow! I'll stick with the pallet and if I don't like it after a block or two, I'll change it.

More "Sweet Treats"

2008-08-04T11:06:00.005-04:00

Will you just look at these? These packets total 8 yards of fabric. They are, of course, from the "Pincushion Boutique" . I believe I will make a jacket from them but haven't decided on the pattern. I have quite a few patterns that might work, but I really want to use all of the fabrics shown here, so it will more or less be a "scrappy" look - I just may have to design my own pattern. We'll see. The fun is in the planning!

I just don't get it!

2008-07-30T21:23:00.003-04:00

No matter what I try I can't seem to get my words to wrap around my pictures! I've tried many different "templates" - they all do the same thing! I can tap out a post, preview it - it looks good so I publish it and WHAM! It's all wrong - either the words are spread out all over the place or they are crowded all onto one side - it looks terrible! What am I doing wrong or, better yet, what am I missing? Anyone?

Just a tad cranky!

2008-07-30T09:27:00.004-04:00

I don't know about you, but I get just a tad cranky when I'm away from my sewing machine for any length of time! I spent several days at the Maine Quilts 2008, and by the time I got home each evening I was just too pooped to pop! So Sunday, I decided to cut out the pieces needed for my #1DGS's Christmas quilt - very geometric - very large pieces - very easy to assemble. I have finished the top, just need to add the borders. The quilting, on the other hand will take some thought - no swirls or flowers or leaves for this kid - he's all man (just turned 21 don't you know! ) I also designed and chose the fabrics for his brother's quilt (#2DGS) and hope to get started on his today. As you know from previous posts, my DGD's quilt top is finished, just needs quilting. My longarm ( I call her Lizzie) is set up at my friend Koleen's studio - 20 minutes away - so I try to get a few tops pieced before I go there to load and quilt. This is short and sweet today - I need to get to that sewing machine!!!