Peaceful Piecer

Who knew?

2012-01-29T08:51:00.000-08:00

Who knew making a simple strip quilt could be so hard? I wanted to make my youngest grandbaby a quilt for her 1st birthday. I should have just made a quilt and presented it at the party. Her mama got involved and it's become a power struggle, with harsh words and hurt feelings. :-( Her mama wants a simple strip quilt, fewer fabrics and contrast the better. I like more strips and contrast. What to do,what to do

Here's what I'm working with. The party is Feb 8 yikes!

Design Wall Monday

2011-10-10T04:47:00.000-07:00

I've been cleaning up my sewing room and found blocks from several block of the month programs at my quilt shop. Boy do I miss having that shop here in town.I think this series was called Thimbleberry Stars. Now where or where could that 12th block be?

I have another set of blocks identical to these. I think I will make two throw size quilts unless one of my children want a queen quilt out of them. I'm really not into these colors anymore, but will finish them up and hope someone else likes them.

I'm linking up with Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday

Just what I needed

2011-09-30T04:32:00.000-07:00

more scraps . I picked up a scrap bag of fabric at the thrift store for $1.99. I knew I didn't need it, but could see the Rothermel prints as hexagons. I was surprised when I opened it to find some Moda and other good quality scraps. I had been to JoAnns and Hancocks searching for a solid blue for a baby quilt with no luck,but found the perfect piece of blue in my bargain bag.
The next morning I went to the SPCA thrift store and found a cool sweater skirt and a like new pocketbook. I picked up a delft butter dish for someone that collects blue and white dishes. I don't know why I bought the Cronin bean pot.....it was just too good of a deal to leave there. That is why I should stay far away from thrifts!

Design Wall Monday

2011-09-26T06:04:00.000-07:00

I worked on the quilt for my bed this weekend. I don't know how other people whip quilts out so fast. I do not like the wine strip at all but it has to stay. Maybe I will put some applique on it or cover it with yoyos or learn to like it. :-) I still need to add 10 to 12 inches all the way around. Will try to do that with the leftover prints.

Check out more design wall Mondays at Patchwork Times

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T13:57:00.001-07:00

Design Wall Monday

2011-09-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

I'm back after a six week blogging break. I started this quilt as a challenge for quilt guild that would be due Dec. 2011. But alas I am a guild dropout! The challenge was to make a quilt that included 20 blocks with 11 pieces each. I pulled it out yesterday and decided to surround those blocks with snowballs. This will be queen size and is for my bed. I won all the Gervais fabric in two giveaways last fall. I've added Kona papaya and espresso. I love these colors and hope to finish soon.

I'm linking to Design Wall Monday at Patchwork Times

How Does Your Garden Grow

2011-07-31T15:18:00.000-07:00

I signed up on Pigtails & Quilts for the "how does your garden grow" quiltalong. It's been a crazy week for me so I haven't made a new flower,but will share the ones I've finished.

I carry these around with me for hand sewing. I often work on them while babysitting my granddaughters. Jesslyn thinks the flowers are playthings. I use plastic patis to make my hexagons.

batting review

2011-07-24T18:12:00.000-07:00

I used fusi boo batting for the first time in my zigzag quilt. I didn't have trouble with the ironing but didn't think it held too well. It didn't have any odor like the spray baste and that was nice. It seems too thin and flat to me. Hobbs heirloom is still my favorite batting. I usually end up buying warm and natural at my local Hancocks instead of ordering the Hobbs. What is your favorite bat?
I am hand quilting the zigzag with perle cotton and a big stitch. I love my Barnett's lap hoop!

Thread from Jane's Fabrics

the back is Kimono by M'liss bought with my 50% coupon at Hancocks

Barnetts lap hoop

still here

2011-07-23T05:19:00.000-07:00

Poor blog,so neglected in the summer but I'm still here. I decided to use some Kona solids for the zigzag border. I

like them okay. I'm using Fusiboo batting for the first time. I hope it works!

border or not?

2011-07-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

I took my 50% coupon to Hancock's Friday night and refused to leave without finding a backing for my zigzag quilt. I settled for a M'liss kimono fabric with black background. I wasn't in love with it in the store but that changed when I got it home. Now the question is do I add a border to the quilt to make it larger or will that ruin the zigzag look?

Beach Babies

2011-07-07T11:56:00.000-07:00

I do plan to get organized and back to quilting soon, but today just have time to post more pictures for my mama.

A Post For My Mother

2011-06-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Design Wall Monday

2011-06-13T06:41:00.000-07:00

I have too many projects in progress and I tend to flit from one to the other instead of finishing something. This zigzag has been on my design wall for weeks. It's not big enough and I just couldn't decide to how to make it bigger since I used two thrift store aloha shirts for the fabric. Last Friday I found another of the navy and white shirts in goodwill. Whoever would have thought that two identical size xxl shirts that were made in Hawaii would end up in my small town. I have some kona yellow that I think will work instead of the other print. I want to have this finished before I go back to the beach with my cousin. She hasn't been able to spend much time at her beach home since her brother had a brain bleed, but we all hope she will back there full time soon.

Stash Auditions

2011-06-04T08:42:00.000-07:00

Auditioning stash for alternate blocks.

Two of these are a definite no. I could put the blocks on the diagonal on all but the first one. I have enough blocks for a large quilt for my bed. Will I regret not making something like this for alternates?

If you think one of the solid blocks would work let me know which one you'd choose.

design wall tuesday?

2011-05-31T04:44:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed a beautiful four day weekend with family at the beach. I took a quilt to work on but never took it out of the car. Look who we found on the beach......Santa!

I'm way behind on Judy's UFO challenge,but still trying to catch up.
I pulled out my double delight blocks and think I may finish it by the end of June.

I think I will cheat on the alternate blocks and use a solid block. Finished is better than perfection....right?

SMS Giveaway Winner

2011-05-26T18:15:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Comment # 139

Judy C right here in my home state. Ironic since I had comments from all over the world.

JCnNC said...

Wonderful book - quilting in North Carolina - awesome giveaway. Judy C

I wish I had books for everyone. I do plan to give away some more quilting books soon.

Thanks for all the comments and a special thanks to followers.

Giveaway Day!

2011-05-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

The big day is finally here Sew Mama Sew's giveaway day.

My giveaway is a copy of Miss Rosie's Spice of Life Quilts by Carrie Nelson. There are 13 great designs in this book. The giveaway is open to everyone ....so good luck. To enter just tell me what part of this big old world you live in. For a second chance to win follow my blog and leave me a comment letting me know you're a follower. Good luck!

Visit Sew Mama Sew to see all the great giveaways!

this n that

2011-05-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

First off a big thank you to QuilterChic and Quiltmaker for my 100 Block III win. I have loved looking at all the blocks in this neat book. Visit QuilterChic here to see her block.

If you are interested in winning some beautiful Katie Cupcake Sugar Blossom fat quarters, visit the Katie Cupcake blog

Thanks for stopping by. Wishing you a peaceful day,Anna

help.....fabric hunt

2011-05-15T16:09:00.000-07:00

My poor zigzag quilt is still not finished. I like the top but think it is too small. I got the idea to put a border on it and wanted a large floral with purple,green and gray as the dominant colors. Sounds easy enough doesn't it? I have searched high and low ....web shops,ebay,etsy........with no luck. Does anyone have any suggestions? I used almost all the fabric I had for the top and they were all older and not available anymore. I did see something in the new Lecien line Tudor Lane,but not sure I'm patient enough to wait for it to hit the shops. Any suggestions are welcome!

Thanks for stopping by, Anna peacefully piecing

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-05-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

It was hard to choose a favorite quilt for the Blogger's Quilt Festival, but I finally chose my jelly roll sampler quilt.

This was a quiltalong offered by Moose on the Porch. Most of the black and green fabrics were in my stash. I didn't use a jelly roll but cut strips from fat quarters and yardage. I used my leftovers for the quilt back.

My quilt model tested the quilt and gave it her seal of approval.

I machine quilted with straight lines and finished with a scrappy binding. The very best thing about this quilt is my son asked if he could have it and I gave it to him for his 23rd birthday.Check out all the beautiful quilts at Blogger's Quilt Festival

finally!

2011-05-11T08:09:00.000-07:00

Civil War Legacy quilt is finally finished! All the imperfections disappeared for me when I put that last stitch in the binding and spread it on the floor. My quilt model approved too!

This was my March UFO so I'm running behind,but better late than never. Hope to get my April UFO pin basted this afternoon and I've pulled the box with my May UFO off the shelf....so there may be hope that I will get caught up.

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

If you're a mama hope you have a wonderful day today! Being a mama 4 times is the best thing I've ever done!
I celebrated Mother's Day last night at the local Greek restaurant. If you don't want to share your food, order the spinach pita LOL.
I made this table runner for my mama. It's a Moda tinbox sampler from a few years ago. The Faded Memories by 3 Sisters fabric just goes with her kitchen. I needed another charm pack of this and had a time finding one online. I was happy to try some new handwork but will be going back to my hexagons! These are fiddly little things to make.

My mama with me many moons ago! I wish I had inherited her good looks.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!

long time no blog

2011-04-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time. The day after my last post my cousin had a brain aneurysm. We weren't sure he would make it but he's a fighter. He will be in the neuro ICU for awhile and then probably go to rehab. I spent a lot of time with his mama and sister at the hospital.

I have been sewing though....quilting my civil war legacy quilt,making a big tote bag from a mill house inn scrap bag,hand sewing some cute folded pinwheels. I found my April UFO today,but doubt I will have it ready by the end of the month. This is my favorite quilt top made by my great-grandma Julie Starling. I just love the wild vintage fabrics she used. It's all hand pieced and I know I'll never get it to lay flat for quilting. I think I will tie it and use some of her buttons on the ties. I've looked for this block pattern online with no luck,if anyone knows the name please let me know.

on the design wall

2011-04-11T04:51:00.000-07:00

I used two xxxl men's cotton luau shirts and some kona snow for this one. I'm working on all the little chopped off triangles for borders. It's great to have the zigzag quilt off the wall and something new to look at.

linking to Judy at Patchwork Times

Zig and zag and dumbing down

2011-04-08T14:13:00.000-07:00

It's finally off the design wall and ready for quilting. I used crazymom's zigzag tutorial and it was so easy. I'm trying to decide on borders. I would love for it to be a little larger but don't want to ruin the zigzag look.

I've read all the blog posts about "dumbing down quilting" and I suppose this is one the quilts that drives those gals nuts. Do I care what they think??? NOT ONE BIT! Will I ever make the Civil War Sampler again.....probably not. Will I make a zigzag quilt again? I've already picked the fabrics for the next one.

I don't really understand the need to be ugly,if you don't like a blog move along.

Hope y'all have a happy quilty weekend :_)

Anna, peacefully piecing

March UFO

2011-04-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

I took the borders off and added the three missing blocks. I appliqued the little strips over the seams in the borders. Far from perfect but relieved that the top is finished after all these years.

The sun is finally out again in NC. I'm recovering from the sore throat ,coughing virus I caught from my granddaughter. It's a terrible bug that just seems to hang on forever. Hope you have a happy quilty weekend.

my own worst enemy

2011-03-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Notice anything wrong with this? Besides the fact that I should have mitered the border corners? I was cleaning up after taking this picture and found 3 more blocks!! Yep I left off the bottom row....so I've been doing some reverse sewing. I was so careful to cut those borders so there would be no seam...all for naught. I'm blaming it on ADHD .... several teacher friends have told me they are sure I have it.

March UFO progress

2011-03-26T18:07:00.000-07:00

First I want to say that the problem with my quilt has nothing to do with Kaye England's wonderful pattern.Ten years ago I decided I wanted to make a quilt and bought this quilt kit on ebay.I had sewn most of my life,but not quilts.It's obvious to me now that this is not a quilt for a beginner.I learned so much while making these blocks,but was frustrated when it was time to assemble the quilt.Today I put it together my way so everything would fit.I think I like it again!I'm going with one wide border.I'm leaning towards the brown on the right.Which do you like best?

March UFO ughhhh

2011-03-26T10:35:00.000-07:00

I have put off working on my March UFO until today.I've pulled it out several times this month only to stuff it back on the shelf.I started this years ago before I knew how important seam allowance is and I'm having a time putting it together.I'm thinking about substituting some big strips of toile for all those little pinwheel and square in a square fillers.My goal is to have the top finished this weekend.....one way or another.

I don't really love these colors anymore....hope I like it better when it's finished.

Twin Friendship Stars

2011-03-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

I finished the twin quilts.They are about 36" square and all from stash...hooray.

I'm keeping my grandbabies 4 days a week so time for sewing and blogging is limited.I wouldn't change it for the world though.

Design Wall Monday 3/14/11

2011-03-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

I have twin quilts in the works.I just need to add some borders and these will be ready to quilt.I was going to back them with Minkee but didn't have enough in the stash and don't want to buy anymore.My poor zigzag quilt it still untouched on the big design wall.I hope to get to it on Wednesday,my day off.

Design Wall Monday 3/7/11

2011-03-07T04:36:00.000-08:00

Is there any hope that this zigzag will come off of the design wall soon? It's been hanging there since the first of the year.I read a good tip this week about using address labels to number those blocks for easier sewing.I need to pick up some labels so I can get this sewn together Wednesday.Today I'm back to the best job ever,keeping my two youngest granddaughters.

Stash Report 3/6/11

2011-03-06T06:55:00.000-08:00

used this Week: 5 1/2 yards

Used year to Date: 26 1/4 yards

Added this Week: 0 yards

Added Year to Date: 12

Net Used for 2011: 13 1/4 yards

I made two small baby quilts yesterday from stash. I counted the binding for them and the larger rejected quilt. I finally used the last of the green minky I bought when my quilt shop went out of business several years ago. I am so happy to use it up! Minky is just too stretchy and slippery to make the quilting process enjoyable.

Be sure and check out all the stash reports at Patchwork Times by Judy

I'm a winner!!

2011-03-05T06:04:00.000-08:00

WOOOHOOOO I am so excited to win Pat Sloan's sherbet pips giveaway! I've been dying to get my hands on some of Aneela's Sherbet Pips! I know exactly what I'll make with it too,Aneela's Comic Strip Quilt.

Isn't that the cutest fabric ever?

Visit Pat's BLOG for lots of quilting news and be sure and listen to her radio show.I love meeting all the quilters and designers on Pat's show.
Visit Aneela's BLOG for more pips inspiration.

Thanks Pat and Aneela for a great giveaway!

I'm a finisher

2011-03-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

I am great at starting things and bad at finishing things......until last month. I finished four baby quilts in February. Three were already started and the lavender quilt was started and finished in two days. I'm a little bit proud of myself. Maybe I'll become a finisher after all.

I started this quilt several years ago for a coworker's granddaughter that was born with vision problems. I put in my notice and told the grandma I would bring the quilt in when I finished it. She refused the quilt. She was mad because I was quitting. Just ridiculous,but one of the reasons I was glad to get out of that workplace! I had paper pieced the child's name so thought the quilt was a loss. I drug it out last month and covered the name with the doxie fabric and my granddaughter JoAnna volunteered to take the quilt. She's happy,I'm happy,but I hear that the grandma is still as crazy as ever. I pray that the child is having a happy life.

Feb. UFO

2011-03-01T05:57:00.000-08:00

finished in the nick of time ... my February UFO

1) Civil War Legacy ... my oldest ufo
2) Mama's pink quilt ... top hand pieced by my mama in 1980 that I will quilt
3) Grandma's scrap quilt ... just need to bind this one
4) Grandma's quilt top ... need to quilt or tie
5) Ba~~by quilt ... made top in workshop several years ag~~o
6) ~~Black and green jelly roll quilt~~
7) Star block of the month ... need to put top together and quilt
8) Thimbleberries block of the month....need to put top together and quilt
9) Double Delight ... need to do something with the blocks I made
10) ~~pink and cream pinwheel quilt .... make more blocks and finish~~
11) string quilt .... about 1/4th finished
12) moda bright jelly roll and black quilt .... barely started

I also finished my number 5 ufo so need to come up with something else for that number.

It feel great to have finished 3 quilts on my UFO list. Thanks Judy for the inspiration. Visit Patchwork Times to see all the ufo projects.

Win Bonnie's book

2011-02-25T06:28:00.000-08:00

Visit Bed of Roses blog for a chance to win Bonnie Hunter's new book Scraps and Shirttails II.
They ask "when did you start quilting" ? I remember my great-grandma letting me sew scraps together when I was a child. I have always enjoyed some form of sewing. About 10 years ago I got the quilting bug and I've stuck with it.

These guys are going on the puppy transport tomorrow. They will ride from NC to Westchester NY. I will take any stray, starving dogs I find from now on straight to the local shelter LOL. Mama Molly will be staying with me until my son takes here. She really is a great dog. Aren't her ears funny?

Should Quilt Guild be fun?

2011-02-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

Are you a member of a guild? Is it fun? I feel like my guild is run by the quilt police. I am wondering why I attend meetings. I did enjoy the show and tell at the end of each meeting, but found out this morning they have limited that to two days a month. I did not expect to fit in when I joined but thought I might have some fun and learn new things. I really miss my old guild. It was small, but loud and fun. I think next Wednesday morning I will
just stay home and sew.

Design Wall Monday 2/21/11

2011-02-21T06:27:00.000-08:00

Working on my quilt guild challenge. Thanks Julie for the block suggestion. I'm loving these colors.

Linking to Judy for Design Wall Mondays at Patchwork Times

The Winner is

2011-02-20T19:20:00.000-08:00

I used random generator and it chose #21. I wish I knew how to put the generator picture here.

The winner is Annmarie who said "Hope you had a wonderful birthday & hope you have many, many, many more! I forgot all about lace up cards. Need to get some for my nieces. Thanks!"

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. Welcome to all the new followers. This was so much fun I've decided to have a March giveaway too.

Annmarie I'll be mailing these goodies as soon as I get your address. Thanks for entering and congratulations.

sewday

2011-02-19T13:11:00.000-08:00

I decided to go with this block for my quilt challenge....20 blocks with 11 pieces. I think I'll sash these with some

narrow...teetiny.....sashes from a solid. Can't decide on that color yet. These blocks will be the center of a queen size quilt. I plan on making lots of crazy borders. I got frustrated making these this morning but then decided to heck with it....who cared about matching seams...thus the sashing. I had fun when I stopped stressing about perfection.

Don't forget to sign up for my birthday giveaway below. I'll be pulling a winner tomorrow night.

Thanks for stopping by :_)

February Finishes

2011-02-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

I started this quilt for Jesslyn before she was born 10/08/09. I finished it the day before her sister was born 2/08/11. In my defense I had made Jesslyn two other quilts. When I realized her mama was claiming this quilt for the new baby, I found a pack of sleepytime charms in the stash and quickly whipped up this lavender quilt for baby Anaston.

My oldest daughter informed me that JoAnna now 13 never got a baby quilt from me. Yikes what's a Mimi to do? I am finishing up her baby quilt today. I told Jo she could save it for her babies and pretend she got it when she was born :_)

My beautiful Jo,modeling quilts for Mimi.

If you've made it this far don't forget to enter my birthday
giveaway

Birthday Giveaway

2011-02-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

Today is my birthday. Here I am with my mama a longlonglonglong time ago. I've had a great day ending with a family dinner and I'm just not thinking about my advanced age LOL.

I thought my birthday would be the perfect time to try my first giveaway. It includes a Bernatex fat eighth set in violets,the new issue of Love of Quilting magazine and a set of Moda Learn to Sew Lace Up cards. I loved sewing cards when I was a kid.

To enter just leave a comment on this post. To get a second chance follow my blog and tell me in a comment. I will draw a winner Sunday the 20th at 9pm eastern time. This giveaway is open to anyone. Be sure I can contact you by email if you win. Good Luck!

which one?

2011-02-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

My quilt guild challenge this year is to make a quilt with 20 blocks that have 11 pieces each. It is really difficult to find a block with 11 pieces. These are two I've tried. Which do you like best? I want a queen size quilt out of this fabric so I'm thinking the middle will be made of the 11 piece blocks and then I'll add some other blocks or big scrappy borders to get the size I want. If you can think of another style block with 11 pieces let me know please.

Or....I could use my Awesome fabric and make a split nine patch and forget about the challenge. I really love this fabric and don't want to ruin it.

giveaway alert

2011-02-14T07:03:00.000-08:00

Pigtales & Quilts is having a great giveaway for a bag kit and other goodies from Quilter's Depot! Check it out here Pigtales & Quilts

Design Wall Monday 2/14/11

2011-02-14T06:14:00.000-08:00

After finishing the jellyroll quilt and three baby quilts, I am finally back to my zigzag quilt. It's been hanging out on the design wall for weeks. I'm off work for several weeks so should finish this up quickly. I like it as much today as I did the day I slapped it up on the wall. A very good thing!

Check out everyone's design walls at Patchwork Times

stash report 2/13/11

2011-02-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

used this Week: 10 yards out

Used year to Date: 20 3/4 yards

Added this Week: 2 1/2 yards

Added Year to Date: 12

Net Used for 2011: 7 3/4 yards

I made three baby quilts. One is finished,one needs binding sewn down and one is being quilted today and binding sewn on. Pictures coming soon.

Visit Patchwork Times to see all the stash reports.

non quilty

2011-02-10T07:57:00.000-08:00

new addition

2011-02-08T14:52:00.000-08:00

Introducing Jesslyn's baby sister Anaston

1st Finish of 2011

2011-02-03T10:06:00.000-08:00

Jesslyn can't resist a quilt on the floor.

I used up most of the leftover fabric on the back. I hope to finish at least one project a month this year.

February UFO

2011-02-02T09:03:00.000-08:00

Judy at Patchwork Times chose number chose #10 and that is my pinwheel quilt. This is so old I don't even remember what I planned for it. I do know I don't want to make anymore pinwheels,so I've pulled out some fabric and will strip this quickly. It should make a nice charity quilt for the pregnancy center.

January UFO

2011-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

My jellyroll quilt is finished! Thanks Judy for the push to finish some quilts.

Check out all the January UFO finishes at Patchwork Times

Design Wall Monday

2011-01-31T04:35:00.000-08:00

Not a final layout,just all of my 15 minute play blocks. Who knew you could have too much orange :_)

Stash Report 1/30/11

2011-01-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Used this Week: 3/4 yd

Used year to Date: 10 3/4 yards

Added this Week: 0

Added Year to Date: 10.5

Net Used for 2011: 1/4 yard

I finished quilting the jelly roll quilt and have the binding on. Yippeee!

Go to Patchwork Times for stash reports.

Word Up progress report

2011-01-29T10:33:00.000-08:00

I had fun with these letters. Thinking my word up and intuition projects will be combined. Sadly my only snack so far has been tylen0l and r0bitussin.

Word Up Sewing Party

2011-01-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

I'm joining in the fun at Charming Chatter for a Word Up Sewing Party.

My word is TRUE as in Be true to yourself. I have an idea and will be back with progress reports and some sweet treats.

Stash Report 1/23/11

2011-01-23T16:52:00.000-08:00

I bought 8 fat quarters and 2 yards of Kona papaya this week and don't have a thing going out. I did finish some blocks for 15 minute play today.

Used this Week: 0

Used year to Date: 10 yards

Added this Week: 4

Added Year to Date: 10.5

Net Used for 2011: .5 yards

Check all the stash reports at Patchwork Times

Blind as a bat....help please

2011-01-20T05:16:00.000-08:00

Blind as a bat without my eyeglasses.....been wearing them for 50+ years.....almost my whole life. I've had progressive lenses for about 10 years .... I can read and work on the computer and do almost everything fine....except....hand sewing! My eye doctor assured me my new glasses would cure that problem....he was wrong! I'm trying to work on a sampler for grandbaby and there is no position where I can see clearly and sew. I have eyestrain this morning from looking under my glasses to stitch last night. I know there has to be a remedy for this ..... please share.

Stash Report

2011-01-16T17:06:00.000-08:00

Used this Week: 12 yards

Added this Week: 0

Added Year to Date: 6 1/2 yards

Net Used for 2011: 5 1/2 yards

I am counting the front and back of the jelly roll quilt .
Hopefully add the binding next week .

Linking to Judy at Patchwork Times

puppymania

2011-01-15T13:07:00.000-08:00

We rescued a skinny,pitiful dog that was dumped in my daughter's neighborhood. We got a surprise! Nine puppies! My son is keeping the mama and having her spayed, but we need to find loving homes for the pups. I think the Carolina Bully Rescue will help, but thought I would get a headstart looking for homes. They really are beautiful puppies.

mystery solved

2011-01-15T04:47:00.001-08:00

Vintage Toadstools

2011-01-14T16:52:00.000-08:00

I was digging through a bin of fabric and found these darling pink toadstools. The fabric is 36" wide and has no manufacturer info. I thought gnomes as soon as I saw it and went searching online. Oh my goodness I missed that boat....a fat quarter of Heather Ross pink gnomes was $12!!! Now I'm thinking some $4 a yard kona will do nicely. Pink and green? Pink and orange?

One of these things is not like the other...one of these things just doesn't belong.....notice anything unusual in this tote bag full of scraps?

borders on

2011-01-12T13:55:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to baste this baby finally! My son came by today and wants it. I was surprised, it's hard to impress a 22 year old.

Too Lazy

2011-01-11T06:23:00.000-08:00

I think I'm too lazy to make a piano key border for this quilt. I just want it to be finished! I have enough of this black/white print for borders and just need to figure out how wide I can make them the green border will finish 4 1/2" ,so the next border needs to be wider. I always just guess on borders and end up with some odd size quilts.

Design Wall Monday

2011-01-10T07:59:00.000-08:00

The black/white/green jelly roll sampler is back on the design wall today. I think I have to add a black and white border to the jelly roll quilt. I just need to decide if I'll take the easy way out with random length strips or do something more like a piano key border. What looks best....the bottom layout or the side? I'm linking to Judy at Patchwork Times for design wall Monday.

January UFO

2011-01-09T16:16:00.000-08:00

I put a border on the jelly roll quilt today and worked on piecing the back. I sliced my thumb with the rotary cutter and decided to quit for today. It's the first time I've cut myself and hope it's the last! Just a minor cut but annoying. It's 50" x 66" and I haven't decided if I'll add another border or leave it be.

Stash Report

2011-01-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

I was bad! What can I say, Kona was on sale at my local Hancocks. I have been working on my January UFO project today but not finished so nothing goes out of the stash.

Used year to Date: 0

Used this Week: 0

Added this Week: 6 1/2 yards
Added Year to Date: 6 1/2 yards
Net Used for 2011: 0 yards

Uh-Oh

2011-01-08T08:29:00.000-08:00

The shirt bug hit me again. Size xxxl and made in Hawaii,how could I leave it at Goodwill. I just threw that kona buttercup up there and really like the navy and yellow together.

In other news my blog is featured on We All Sew this week! Wow I don't know how they picked my little blog but I'm thrilled!

I've been tagged

2011-01-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

I've been tagged by Lisa of The Red Headed Mermaid. I enjoy Lisa's blog and her encouraging comments. Be sure and visit her.

I am to tag three blogs I know you'll enjoy visiting. They are

Taniwa I love reading about Tanya's quilting in Japan.
Tamera Quilts Tamera makes lovely quilts and has very good quilting tips.
Sew Jewely Visit Jewel's blog and read all about the round robin she's starting.

I hope I did this right! The goal is to promote good blogs that don't have hundreds of followers.

Finally

2011-01-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

This giant is finally finished and on my daughter's bed! Will I ever make anything king size again? Nope! Will I ever try to make something to order for someone again? No Way! This started out as a split nine patch,she didn't like it! I whacked it all up and added the white border she wanted and I think she loves it. We sent it to my friends Kris and Roy Maitland for quilting. They did a great job with my mess! The bonus for me is I end up with some cool fabric for my scrap bag.

Little Quilting Helper

2011-01-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

If I'm not sewing on a binding or hand quilting I pull out my hexagons to work on. Jesslyn loves them! She likes to arrange them on some fabric or push them in her shopping cart or hide them from me in her kitchen. I use plastic patis instead of paper so Little J can't hurt the hexies. I think I'm going to applique them on this green and white fabric and make us a picnic quilt for spring.

Play Time

2011-01-05T10:38:00.000-08:00

I joined Bumble Beans 15 minutes play and made this house block today. Not really thrilled with this block but it's fine for a first attempt I guess and I had fun. As usual my camera just does not capture the true colors.

January UFO Quilt

2011-01-05T07:53:00.000-08:00

I signed on with Judy at Patchwork Times for the 2011 UFO challenge. She chose #6 for January and that is my black/white/green jelly roll sampler. I should have finished this months ago. I would rather work on the zigzag today but think I'll try to finish the jrs instead. At least I don't dread doing this quilt the way I do some of the ones on my list.

Shirts in Quilts

2011-01-04T04:40:00.000-08:00

I love the idea of repurposing men's cotton shirts for quilts but, my Goodwill charges $3.39 and never has a sale. Yesterday little J and I were killing time at Goodwill and I decided to browse thru the men's shirts. I couldn't believe this wonderful J Crew shirt and I would love to meet the fella that wore it. I think the colors justify the $3.39. I picked up a xxxL purple and green stripe shirt I think I can add to the back of the zigzag quilt too. Have a happy Tuesday, hope you make time for sewing or thrifting or both! :_)

Design Wall Monday

2011-01-03T07:08:00.000-08:00

I squeezed that last row of green onto the design wall(tablecloth) yesterday. It is supposed to have one more row, but I ran out of gray. I thought about making it as is so I wouldn't start out the new year buying more fabric. This morning I decided adding solids to the stash is okay LOL. Jesslyn and I will be heading out to Hancocks shortly for some more Kona medium gray. We might walk next door to Km*rt and find another flannel backed tablecloth to enlarge the design wall too. Check out Design Wall Monday Patchwork Times

Change of direction

2011-01-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

I saw a Civil War sewalong this morning and thought I should do that. I have lots of civil war fabrics in the stash. Isn't this block pitiful? All those triangles made me very unhappy and I thought I was being so careful.

When I finished I thought "that's it....no more....I'm changing direction" So I'm re-reading this

and lurking here Bumble Beans 15 minute play

and I'll be going about things in a new way in 2011. I already started with the zigzag quilt,most of the prints are from the civil war stash,but I think it looks rather modern.

New Year's UFO

2010-12-31T07:06:00.000-08:00

Making progress on the zigzag and using up fabrics from the stash. I signed on with Pat Sloan's New Year's weekend ufo party. Hope to have this ready to quilt by Sunday night. I have to take a short break for a New Year's Eve celebration at the beach, but I'll be back at it tomorrow. Hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

Design Wall Monday

2010-12-27T15:59:00.000-08:00

I almost forgot to post today. I was too busy getting started on this zigzag quilt with no triangles by crazymom. The free tutorial is here at Bee Square Mom. I'm linking to Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday. Check it out here.

UFO challenge 2011

2010-12-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

I am joining Judy's UFO challenge for 2011. I wasn't sure I could come up with twelve unfinished quilt projects, but I did.
1) Civil War Legacy ... my oldest ufo
2) Mama's pink quilt ... top hand pieced by my mama in 1980 that I will quilt
3) Grandma's scrap quilt ... just need to bind this one
4) Grandma's quilt top ... need to quilt or tie
5) Baby quilt ... made top in workshop several years ago
6) Black and green jelly roll quilt
7) Star block of the month ... need to put top together and quilt
8) Thimbleberries block of the month....need to put top together and quilt
9) Double Delight ... need to do something with the blocks I made
10) pink and cream pinwheel quilt .... make more blocks and finish
11) string quilt .... about 1/4th finished
12) moda bright jelly roll and black quilt .... barely started

Snow!

2010-12-26T06:20:00.000-08:00

Snow in eastern North Carolina! Pretty but glad it doesn't happen often. Yankees would get a good laugh, our news is on non-stop talking about 6 inches of snow. They are predicting power outages so I will probably be catching up on my reading and hand sewing.

waiting for the blizzard

2010-12-25T16:50:00.000-08:00

We are supposed to get 6 inches of snow tonight! That is very rare for us and I am hoping all the weathermen are wrong. The girls all loved their quilts, even the not quite finished ones.

Merry Christmas to all

2010-12-25T05:20:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! Eastern NC is under a snow warning. I'm praying I can get my youngest daughter back to her group home safely and without her flipping out at going back a day early. The 6 inches of snow predicted should pretty well shut us down. We are not equipped for snow. I am only gifting one quilt that doesn't have all the binding sewn. Everything else is finished. HoHoHo

Santa is coming

2010-12-21T04:50:00.000-08:00

Santa is coming but will I be ready? I got the binding on the king size batik quilt last night but not sure I will have it sewn down by Christmas. I have to finish my snowman quilt too. I want to make a lovey quilt for the new granddaughter that should arrive in a bit over a month. I need to make one more tabletopper. Yikes I may have to pull an all nighter one night. Are you ready for Christmas? It's coming .... ready or not!

My youngest,all sweet and innocent 20 years ago.

Results Friday night sew in

2010-12-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

I have the Cold Winter Noses ready to quilt today and worked on the bento box binding. I have a very sore finger from a needle stick, so not enjoying the hand sewing part of binding. I had a very productive Friday sew in.

Friday Night Sew In

2010-12-17T15:09:00.000-08:00

I signed up for Friday night sew in and hope to finish the Cold Water Noses quilt and start some pillow shams for the bento box. Sign up for Friday night sew in here.

Lucky day!

2010-12-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

I won the Gobble Gobble giveaway by Jewel's Arm Candy and the box came today packed full of gorgeous fabric! Look at all that lovely orange! I think if I add the Awesome charm packs I won from Tamera a couple of months ago I can make my 2011 guild challenge quilt with all this Sandy Gervais goodness. Julie suggested a block with 11 pieces that I can use too. Check out her blog Jewel's Arm Candy you'll be glad you did!

Simply Teacakes

2010-12-12T16:36:00.000-08:00

There are lots of fancy holiday cookies out there but my favorite is a simple little teacake. Now if I can just control my sweet tooth and not eat them all.

recipe

1 cup butter soft

1 1/2 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 Tblsp. Vanilla

3 cups flour all purpose

1 Tblsp. baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

Cream butter and sugar,add eggs and vanilla and mix well. I use a wooden spoon but a mixer is easier. Add baking powder and salt to flour. Stir in flour. Drop by teaspoon and bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until bottom edge of cookie is brown. I line my pan with foil or parchment.

Help!

2010-12-12T07:23:00.000-08:00

I need to find a quilt block with 11 pieces! It's for a guild challenge for 2011. Last night I looked at tons of blocks on quilters cache and in books and magazines with no luck. The only thing I can come up with is a nine patch with half-square triangles in two corners, surely there is something more exciting! I have to make twenty blocks so would like to at least like the block.

In other news I won the giveaway at The Silver Thimble!! I am so excited and can't wait to start on Comfort and Joy!

my helper

2010-12-07T10:11:00.000-08:00

I wanted to spray and pin baste the bento box quilt while Jesslyn napped. I wasn't fast enough and didn't get as many pins in as I like. Little Jess chose today to climb out of the crib for the first time. She finds a quilt on the floor just irresistable. I backed the quilt with a vintage sheet and hope to get it quilted on my day off tomorrow. Guild Christmas party in the morning so not sure I'll finish tomorrow but should get a good start on it.

Oh Christmas Tree

2010-12-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

I had a time with the machine applique, but think this shirt for Jesslyn turned out cute. I got the idea from a wallhanging in 365 Magazine. I love that magazine and want to actually make the wallhanging when I get my Christmas gifts finished.

introducing Violet Kenmore

2010-12-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Rescued from the thrift store for less than $20, I almost left her there since I had just bought a pricey bernina 930. I am so glad I brought her home! The 930 is still giving me fits but Violet never lets me down. I just finished quilting the jelly roll quilt on her and she never hesitated or skipped a stitch! No puckers either! Violet is a Kenmore model 52 and came with all her accessories. After the holidays I will be trying to get my money back out of the Bernina. I will piece on my featherweight or 301 and keep Violet set up for quilting. Now I need to get busy sewing some binding. I'm making good progress finishing up all my Christmas gifts.

design wall Monday

2010-11-29T06:27:00.000-08:00

Yep the boy and his dog are still here. Molly is hyper and wants in on all the action! The boy is messy and a bottomless pit! I am getting a bit more used to sharing the house. I'll be pin basting this jelly roll quilt today.

I want to get another Christmas quilt made this week. I have several panels but not much variety left in the other fabrics. I'm thinking of just randomly bordering the panel in 2 1/2" strips this time.

First border added to the bento box. I used the side of my refrigerator to hang it. Resourceful huh????

I'm linking to Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday

Patchwork Times

ready to quilt

2010-11-28T14:06:00.000-08:00

Most of these blocks were from the jelly roll quilt along. A real oddball mix of fabrics...leftovers from a moda jelly roll,some jinny beyer,thimbleberries and a piece of v.i.p from walmart's fabric dept shutdown. I didn't think I would like this but find I like it just fine. It was cloudy here this afternoon so hard to get a good picture. Now I'm off to put the final border on the bento box. Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Design Wall Monday

2010-11-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

I'm still shuffling these blocks around this morning. I need to make a final decision and get them up off the "design floor" before the grandbaby wakes up from her nap. Visit Judy at Patchwork Times for Design Wall Monday

bento progress

2010-11-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

Help I think this needs more pop! Any suggestions? I think I liked them better before I cut them up! Too late now though.

I've made some progress on my bento box blocks. I was going to make the quilt 4 blocks x 4 but it has to be 3x4. I made the first blocks on my bernina until it started giving me fits. I finished on my featherweight. When I started slicing blocks I found that my seam allowance was off on the ones made on the bernina....argghhhh.....I just can't get used to that machine. I will use the blocks that are too small for the back or maybe a pillow sham. I think with a couple of borders this will make a nice throw size quilt.

Friday night bentos

2010-11-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

I got lots of bento boxes made last night and this morning. Now they are all ready to slice up. It sure would be easier to just sew them together as is. Most of the fabric is Amy Butler from a few years ago. I hope to get the top together this weekend. It's a beautiful autumn day in North Carolina but I'm happy to enjoy it through my sewing room window.

playing catch up

2010-11-14T16:51:00.000-08:00

I finally started on my Designer Mystery Block of the Month from the Fat Quarter Shop. First four blocks finished this weekend. Love this fabric! Hope to finish two more blocks this week so I will be on schedule for a change. Each block kit has lots of extra fabric so I hope to make a scrappy quilt with the leftovers.

another finish

2010-11-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

I finished up another Christmas quilt using Sandy Gervais' line Cold Winter Noses. JoAnna asked for this quilt for her 13th birthday. I wish I had stashed away more of this fabric. It's my favorite Christmas fabric ever!

Gobble gobble

2010-11-10T18:58:00.000-08:00

I used the easy tutorial on The Cottage Home and whipped up this turkey shirt for baby Jesslyn tonight. The stitches on my bernina are giving me fits but I got it done. I think the Bernina will have to go to the service center. Visit The Cottage Home blog for instructions.
The Cottage Home

I was a winner

2010-11-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

I won a giveaway last month from Tamera Quilts, a subscription to McCall's Quilting. The first one came today and I love several of the quilts. McCall's has lots of visual instructions and I like that. This was a neat idea for a giveaway. Thanks Tamera!Tamera Quilts