Gene Black an Alabama Artist and Quilter

Bits and Pieces

2012-03-01T19:47:00.001-06:00

My back decided to act up Thursday morning, so I made a visit to the chiropractor and got it "whacked back into place." However, that left me limited in what I could do for the evening. I had been playing with digitizing a logo for my friend who carves Father Christmas figures. I had done one test stitchout that I wasn't overly happy with. So I sat gingerly in my chair and did some cleanup on the original image. Then I used one of the three trial programs I am testing for digitizing embroidery. (There is another way more expensive one that I want to try too!)
Anyway - here is the stitchout from the effort. I think I like this one.

I could not get the branches as "spidery" as I wanted them, but at least this one looks pretty good.

I also looked at some pictures from a past vacation. This one had been lost in the shuffle. Although it is a tile mosaic wall, when I saw it all I could think was "Crazy Quilt."

I am wondering if I can semi-follow the design and make a lap quilt. LOL, talk about making it up as you go!

To Quilt or not to Quilt..that is the question

2012-02-29T19:36:00.000-06:00

I had every intention of quilting the Eyellusion quilt tonight. But the weather is stormy and there is some scary thunder and lightning. I really don't want to plug in my machine and risk a nasty power surge...so here is a (not so good) picture of it basted and ready to be quilted. Oh yes..and you get a peek at the back!

It is "hairspray basted" and lightly pinned. This is just what works well for me.

EQ Play time

2012-02-27T22:02:00.001-06:00

Half Wind Mill Quilt, a photo by GeneBlack on Flickr.

Just playing in Electric Quilt 7 and I came up with this design.
EQ7 makes designing a quilt fun and easy. You can print out rotary cutting instructions, templates or even paper piecing foundations so that making the quilt is very possible.

Machine Embroidery - New Machine

2012-02-26T01:34:00.003-06:00

Last weekend I wandered into a fabric store on a whim. I noticed on the door "Authorized Brother Dealer."
I looked at one machine and the store owner started talking to me. (I have been wanting a larger embroidery machine for quite a while.) So I asked a price on it. Not too bad, I thought. Then she said "The real deal that I have right now is that Innov-ís 5000. The company had a different machine for sale and ran out of them in the warehouse. So they gave me some of this one to sell. I have two left." She told me the price. Yikes! that is half of the normal selling price. Oh, wait. I have a bid on an embroidery machine on eBay. If I win it, I can't afford this one. (well okay I really couldn't afford it anyway- but I wanted it!) So I told her I would call back if I didn't win. Confession: I have NEVER been SO HAPPY to see "you have been outbid." Of course it was night and she was closed. I called when she opened the next morning and said "Put my name on it!" Then I had to wait almost a week until I could travel back to buy it. Ha! I took off early Friday because I couldn't wait any more.
This machine is pretty interesting. It has a threader like I have never seen. You put the thread into the path, it has a cutter that trims it. You push a button and it threads it perfectly every time.
Well why am I typing this? Watch here.

Pretty amazing huh? But the work I can turn out with it is even more amazing to me. You saw some of it yesterday (I hope.) I absolutely love it. If I can ever take the embroidery arm off long enough, I want to try the sewing features. It has an automatic height adjuster (AHA) that senses the fabric thickness and adjusts the height of the foot. But back to the embroidery side. I can now do larger designs. The big frame is 7" by 12" and it has three smaller sizes. It will embroider up to 1000 stitches a minute. I am loving it. If you don't see me for a while, you will know why.
Oh yes.. Hilachas has a giveaway on her blog.

Embroidery - a new beginning

2012-02-24T21:16:00.001-06:00

What I worked on Friday:

A pretty t-shirt for Mom

Quilted a table topper - using an embroidery machine.

And I stitched out this design that took 84 minutes of sewing time....that doesn't include time spent changing the thread - 26 thread changes! Yeah, I should have added an extra layer of stabilizer under it too. Live and learn.

Part one - Done

2012-02-21T20:41:00.000-06:00

I always consider making the quilt top to be Part One. There is still the layering, quilting and binding to be done.
So Part One of the Eye-llusion quilt is done.

I had to piece the border, so I decided to add some little pops of color in the border. The green border fabric is not the same as the green pieces, but it matches so closely that it isn't obvious. The plan was to add another border of the purple fabric, but once this border was on the size was perfect. So I will piece the back and use the purple strips I had already cut for border in the backing.
I just love this quilt top.
For those of you who are trying to learn about putting colors together let me try to explain this one. Purple is made by mixing blue and red. Green is made by mixing blue and yellow. Thus blue is the common link in the green and purple.
Someone said "I would never think to put purple and green together!" I said "Take a look at nature! An iris is purple on a green stem and it is lovely."

Yes, if it goes together in nature it is a sure bet it will work in quilting or painting!

Book Review - Sonoma Rose

2012-02-20T06:45:00.003-06:00

First let me say that reading is a true passion with me. As a young child, I wanted to read. My mother read lots of things. My older sister started school and soon she was reading too. I felt left out. I saw the joy they got from books. I did have one book of my very own. I could "read" it too. You see, I had memorized every word. "Little boy blue, come blow your horn...." It was a book of nursery rhymes with wonderful illustrations.
Fast forward a few years. (okay, okay! more than a few!)
Two or three weeks ago, I got an email asking if I would like to review a book. Ha! Yes please!

I was sent a pre-release copy of Sonoma Rose by Jennifer Chiaverini.

The first night I started reading it, I had very little time to read. I only read the first sixteen pages before I had to do something else. It was tough to put the book down; you see, I was already hooked. This book is a great read. The characters quickly came to life and I was totally involved in the story of Rosa Diaz Barclay. Rosa is in a terrible marriage. Rosa has borne eight children. Two of her children are ill with a devastating illness that has already claimed the lives of four other children. The other two children are robust and healthy.
This story takes place in California during the days of Prohibition. As California is known for the wine country in Sonoma valley, prohibition meant the loss of livelihood for many families. Ms. Chiaverini manages to weave a story that will keep you spellbound as you learn about that history. For me, the aspect of the children's illness was another interesting part of the story.
Although Jennifer Chiaverini is known for stories that involve quilts, the quilts play only a small supporting role in this book.
This book has characters that are well developed and complex. The story is rich and satisfying like a good meal. You will close this book with a smile and a sigh.

I highly recommend this book. It was a delight.

Design Floor - Eye-llusion update (Plus!)

2012-02-19T01:05:00.020-06:00

Whew.... I have been working on the Eye-llusion quilt. I have enough fabric for nine of my desired 12 squares. I will probably just use the nine squares and add some borders to make it bigger.
I have six of the squares laid out on the design floor.

They are not laid perfectly but you can see that even with just six blocks, once it is joined, the optical illusion of the curves shows up. When it is sewn I am sure it will be "WOW!" I love this simple-to-make but complex-to-the-eye design. It is just fun.
The best part is that I designed it in Electric Quilt and I cut the pieces with the AccuQuilt Go! cutter. I wish you could see it in person, the colors are much better. Maybe we will have a nice sunny day to get a good picture once it is completed.

And then I designed this in Electric Quilt 7

The coloring adds extra dimension to this design. I see so many secondary patterns that I doubt I would ever get tired of this in a room.

Oooh..I am a guest artist today on Artfabrik by Laura Wasilowski

EQ7 -Just playing

2012-02-17T19:37:00.000-06:00

Electric Quilt 7 has some features I have not seen before. Of course, I am the type that opens a program with no fear and goes through the menus saying "what does this do?" And then of course I try it to see.
In the block drawing/editing section, I found something on the menu that says "Serendipity."
Well ladies and gents, that was something I had to try.
Here are two quilt layouts using block settings from this experiment.

I am not sure I could ever make these...but they are certainly fun to design an look at.
Now back to playing!
Tomorrow I have to go get my taxes done (ugh!) and do some errands. I hope to get back to sewing on the "Eye-llusion" quilt.
Y'all have a great weekend - and I hope you are getting a long weekend for President's day.

Pushing forward

2012-02-16T03:43:00.001-06:00

There is more progress on Eye-llusion. I have finished a third block and did some chain piecing to get this:

I need to cut more pieces -there are enough for three more blocks. Except, well see those three patches in the front left? I have to cut the teal/aqua color for the ends of those strips and sew them on.
Once that is done, it will be "off to the races" if I have time to sew. This is exciting. I love it when a project kicks into gear.
I am thinking that this will be 45" by 60" before the borders. That means it will be a total of 12 blocks. I am better than a fourth of the way there. I have one fear- I may run out of the yellow-green fabric. (or possibly one of the others) then what will I do?

Progress Yaay!

2012-02-15T03:40:00.000-06:00

Just a quick update on the Eye-llusion quilt. I have completed and joined two blocks.

Yes, two blocks and I am beginning to see that it will become very much like this that I designed in EQ5. (EQ-Electric Quilt) And I am starting to see the "curve that isn't a curve" in it. I love it.

I have great news also! I am getting EQ7. I can't wait to see the improvements that a two version upgrade will make. Now, I am planning to work a bit in EQ7, once it arrives. So, how many of you have EQ 7? Are you proficient in it? I am planning to do some tutorials.
Are you ready for some "homework" ????
What I would like is that those of you that have EQ7 tell me what aspects you struggle with OR else just wonder "How do I ____ in Electric Quilt?"

I want to help you while I am learning. I think it will be a win-win situation!

I also want to design some quilts and share 'pattern ideas' with you.

I am excited - I hope you are too!

Happy

2012-02-14T06:39:00.001-06:00

Eye-llusion - Take 2

2012-02-13T04:32:00.013-06:00

or -from concept to execution.
After playing in EQ, I had to get my hands on some real fabric and put my foot on the pedal of the sewing machine. I just had to!
I got out my GO! and cut enough 'triangle in a square' and 'half square triangles' to make three blocks. Ahh, then I started sewing. I got those sewn pretty fast. Then I had to cut all the other squares. That involved ironing some yardage of fabric. ***I love my Velocity iron that I got for Christmas***
I cut the squares with my rotary cutter on the new mat. WOW a new mat and a fresh blade work wonders for rotary cutting!

Laying out one of those whomping big 15" blocks sounded like a good idea just to get an idea -and make sure I put it together according to plan!

Oh my goodness! that is a total of 25 pieces to sew together. The center 9 patch doesn't freak me out at all...but then I have to sew the outer rows on. First a set of three on each end, then a set of five on each side. Arrgh..and try to make all those corners match neatly??? Now I have scared myself! And to top it off, it doesn't seem to have that magic optical illusion just yet.

Suggestions anyone?
P.S. I hate pinning, but that may be the only way to make it work out.

Eye-llusion - part of an EQ weekend

2012-02-12T09:21:00.000-06:00

I suppose that this is an Electric Quilt or EQ weekend for me. I have done a lot of sitting at the computer drafting blocks in EQ.
Over at Frog Quilter I have been watching as eye fooler blocks have been made. I love an optical illusion but I didn't love all the piecing that she has in one block. So, open EQ and see if we can simplify. (Thoreau said "Simplify, simplify" - and sometimes simple is better! or at least easier, heehee.)
I took out the flying geese, the four patches AND the corner half square triangles.

I made this a whomping big 15" finished block. Each section is 3" finished. (I did this because I have the "triangle in a square" die for my GO! cutter and the 3" half square triangle die)

Thus, the digital sample shown here would make a 60" by 75" top not counting the borders. With borders as shown (1" inner, 2" outer) it would come to 66" by 81". I am sure I won't be making one that big anytime soon unless it is a commission!

Eye-llusion

I call this quilt Eye-llusion. If you make one, I would love to see it.
If anyone from the Electric Quilt company sees this and feels generous, I would love a copy of EQ7 to replace my old EQ5.

Drawing Up Blocks

2012-02-11T10:17:00.000-06:00

Last week, I was in a class for work. The instructors throughly enjoyed hearing themselves speak. More than I did apparently. Ha ha. So during some of the lecture, I drafted a couple of blocks in my notebook. This morning I opened my trusty old EQ5 and digitized them.

The second one is simply a variation on the first one. I played a lot with colorations. I am not yet happy with my color layouts on the blocks. So for the quilt they are changed. (This quilt is just digital, I have not made it, and may never make it.)

I think it makes an interesting quilt. I am pretty sure it would be awesome if it were done all scrappy too.
If anyone wants the EQ5 project file, just let me know. I will be happy to share it with you. However, if you write up a pattern to sell, I want credit and perhaps a few dollars! Fair enough? Yeah, I think so.

Playing with Fiber

2012-02-06T21:39:00.000-06:00

I have been playing "Quilt Along with Melody" over at Fibermania.
I made this little "art quilt" piece for the first one.

I am not really all that happy with it, but it was a learning experience. Interestingly, it quilted up wonderfully. I wonder if the stabilization of the fusible on the back of the entire "top" made the difference. I am sure I will do some more art quilt play, as the quilt along is still going. Maybe I will try for a more organized, less "wild" piece next.
Oh and if you see an image (or images) in this abstract piece, I would love to know what you see.

Piano Keys or Coins- How to

2012-02-05T07:12:00.064-06:00

I was thinking of making some "piano key" strips to put in the piece I am working on. So I thought, how can I make this easier and faster.

I had a lightbulb moment. So I developed this little tutorial for you.

I used only two colors of fabric, but you could use any multiple of two.

Fat Quarters will work great for this.

First take two pieces of fabric that are the same size and put them right sides together. (If you are using fat quarters you may need to trim just a bit to make them the same size - all fat quarters are NOT created equally.)

Take these to the sewing machine and sew the longer edge together.

The above photo shows the first seam sewn and ready to cut. You cut through both layers of fabric and you will have a two color strip set.Put that strip set aside for a moment.
Keep that edge that is under the ruler together, because you take that one right back to the sewing machine and sew again. Back to the cutting board and cut off another strip set. You can cut your strip sets all the same width or vary the widths for variety.

I like different sizes. A little voice in my head says "Vary the sizes in your art work. You want to have repetition with variety. It makes the piece more interesting for the viewer" That voice was my first art teacher.

Okay, now you have a couple of strip sets cut off AND your larger pieces. Take them all to the machine. The big pieces go first. Sew that long edge again. **note: I am chain piecing here* I leave the very end under the presser foot. The I put those two strip sets together, opposite colors facing each other, and sew them into one piece of four strips...but I leave the end under the foot again.
I snip the thread holding the larger pieces on there and go to the cutting board. I cut off another strip set. Take the big pieces and the strip set back to the machine.
(Have you noticed that you are getting some exercise too- Ha I am trying to make you all healthy!)
Sew the big pieces (which are getting smaller) yes-leave the end under the foot again, then snip off the strip set at the back and sew it to the 2-strip unit you cut last.
Repeat until the "big pieces" have been used up.
Ahhh! Now - have you noticed that we never pressed any seams? Here is how my piece looks at this point.

Now it is time to press those seams all one direction. Since no seams crossed it is not necessary to press before this.
Are you back from pressing? Good. Now we are ready to cut the strip sets into 'piano keys' or 'chinese coins'

Cut them the width you desire. I am doing five inches on these. My strip set is slightly over twenty inches so I will get four sets - perfect for my project (no I am not showing it yet!) Do you see that masking tape on the ruler? Sometimes I find it difficult to see the lines on the ruler so I use the tape to mark it. (that is the tip of the day!)
If you are making a chinese coins quilt you can use this method. Use several pairs of fabric colors and sew all the first seams- then cut all the first strip sets.Sew all the big pieces again, but then sew all the first strip sets together.

I hope this wasn't too confusing. It is really easy to do. And it is fast (especially when you don't stop to take pictures.) I found it much easier and faster than cutting a lot of strips and joining them one at a time.

Blocks, Books and "Why"

2012-02-04T12:42:00.001-06:00

Saturday is usually a good day for me to get in some sewing. I made this block today. It is not perfect, I realized after a bit of sewing that this probably works better with wider stripes.

Still, I really think it came out pretty good. It suits my love of wonky-ness.
This is a big block as you can tell by the picture below that shows the book that taught me to do this.

Rotary Cutting Revolution

Now. before someone asks that I do a tutorial on this, I need to tell you some of my philosophy. Several people have asked that I show how I do my "quilt as you go" method. But that method is not mine. I learned it from a book and adapted it. The author has since written a new book "Finish Almost Any Quilt." I have written just one pattern and a LOT time and effort goes into this type of endeavor. The author of the book deserves the same consideration I would want for myself. They did the work, so if you want to see their method, they deserve the pay. When I develop an idea on my own, I will be happy to do a tutorial on it. (unless of course I am planning to write a book or pattern based on it!)

The truth is, I LOVE showing you how to do things. As I wander along in my quilting, I am sure I will come up with some new things to show you soon.

Quilting

2012-02-01T21:24:00.000-06:00

A UFO was sitting patiently awaiting my time. So, tonight was the night I pulled it out of the box, ironed out the wrinkles, and layered these pieces. I put on a movie and sat down to quilt. By the time the movie was over, I was done.

It isn't a whole quilt, but it is more than a third of the size of the planned finish. Now I need to piece the side panels and the back pieces. Then I will join them together into a nice reversible quilt. What you see in the picture is actually the "back" - but honestly, I like it better than the front.

More Fuse and Sew

2012-01-31T20:51:00.000-06:00

After my success with the fuse and sew birds a couple of days ago, I decided to do a bit more of it. I had already fused and cut the die shapes. I had another couple of birds and a some dogs. The dogs are the AccuQuilt Gingham Dog die for the GO! cutter.

My dogs are not Gingham though, they are batik just like the birds. The previous birds were blue birds. Today I used the red batik and have two red birds. I am thinking these will go with the other two birds (and probably more dogs and birds) in a fun quilt. I will have to fuse and cut some more shapes with other batiks - but I am good with that.

I had some difficulty sewing around the birds. I couldn't figure out what was wrong. I thought the tension was messed up. Then I happened to glance at the thread spool. The thread was wrapping around the rod that the spool goes on. My machine is designed with the thread spool rod horizontally. The thread wasn't coming off the spool properly. Hmmm..what to do? This thread is embroidery thread on a small cone. Hmm... (((Light Bulb!!)))) I place the spool on the bobbin winder post. It worked beautifully. My other option would have been to wind the thread on a spool or a bobbin OR use a thread stand, and well, I was being lazy and didn't want to get up. This was easier and it worked.

**Today's tip(s)
1. When you make something you like and have fun making - repeat your success; it feels good.
2. If the tension seems off, watch your thread to make sure it is coming off the spool neatly. If it catches on the rod, it will wreck your stitches and mimics a tension issue.

Have fun sewing!

Applique -Fuse & Sew

2012-01-30T01:00:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I don't normally do applique. However, I have a few AccuQuilt Go! applique dies. One of these is the GO! Bird die. It is just one simple little bird shape. Birds make me think of happy days, freedom and flying. I would love to be able to just fly up high in the sky and soar. Do you have "flying dreams" ? I know I do. My flying dreams are usually happy dreams when I am resting well.

GO! Bird

Item 55352

Oops, I got lost there. Ha ha. I decided to fuse some fabric - well, actually I was fusing some solids for a quilt along that I plan on doing. I used up all of my Wonder Under -so I ordered more! But I had some Misty Fuse so I grabbed a couple of batik fabrics and put Misty Fuse on the back of them.
I have to tell you that I have issues with Misty Fuse. For me it is hard to cut due to the lack of a paper backing. My poor old eyes have a hard time focusing on it. There are some things I love about it also. if I mis-cut the Misty Fuse then I can either just add a bit along the edge OR if it is just a little too wide, I can fold it back on itself and it hardly makes it any thicker. You can't do that with paper backed fusibles -at least not easily. So really, the good outweighs the bad. Yeah, that MistyFuse is a good product.

So, I cut some birds with my die. **Today's tip: if you are die cutting pre-fused fabrics, where the fused pieces touch you will need a layer of release paper between them. Otherwise they will be VERY difficult to separate (ask me how I know!) ** Then I cut a thin wavy piece of pre-fused fabric for a branch. I got a background piece and fused them down. Ahhh..that feels good.,
Next I layered some tearaway/washaway embroidery stabilizer behind it. At the machine, I set up for a blanket stitch and outlined it all. Here it is:

My blanket stitch accuracy needs a little work, but I like the overall outcome. This will end up somewhere in a quilt I am sure.

Something to Crow About

2012-01-28T19:23:00.002-06:00

For the past week I have been suffering with a cold/sinus ailment. Today, Saturday, I woke up feeling like I actually wanted to do something besides hibernate. So, I have something to crow about. I downloaded a design from Laura Wasilowski at Artfabrik and made this little art quilt.
I confess that I strayed away from her directions, but then this is MY quilt and I can do that. **Today's hint- give yourself permission to take a creative detour. ** I used some Floriani stabilizer called Stitch 'n' Shape to make it firm so it will hang straight easily. It is a fused design, but then I free motion machine stitched on it to add some extra texture. I forgot to put a layer of batting under the top fabric so that I could hand stitch some embellishments on it. The Stitch and Shape is easily machine stitched, but is a little too tough to hand stitch through (at least for me!)
Here is my creation that I am calling "Something to Crow About."

This is based on Laura Wasilowski's "Singing Chicken" design. I really just used her pattern to cut out the pieces of the chicken.

Winner - Finish Almost Any Quilt

2012-01-28T05:59:00.009-06:00

You may remember that we had a giveaway for a book titled "Finish Almost Any Quilt" by Marguerita McManus.

I also reviewed the book here. I gave it my "Golden Thimble" rating.

So I know you are all waiting to find out who the lucky winner is.

Yeah, remind me to not keep a giveaway running quite so long. (okay?)

Mr Random was so kind as to pick a winner in our giveaway.

He picked

Number 55.

By my count (and two re-counts to be as sure as possible) that is VickiT who said:

Well VickyT my dear, you are the winner. Congratulations. I will be in touch to get your mailing address.

Monkey Business

2012-01-24T21:41:00.001-06:00

If you are looking for the book giveaway, click here.

I have to confess that I have been lazy lately. I really haven't sewn anything except the embroidery stitch outs.
A few of you have asked about my little sock monkey. Several of you even tried to help me guess the name. Folks, we were all wrong and even on the wrong track.
The other morning I had an epiphany; the light bulb went on. I asked 'are you a girl monkey' - she answered with giggles. Ah HA! I suddenly KNEW her name. I am happy to introduce you to "Minnie Monkey"

Minnie says if she could have one wish it would be for World Peace. (I think that she thinks this is Miss America! LOL)

She really likes the shiny embroidery threads and she also likes my "fabric rose" pin cushion.

However, looking at her little apron, I think she needs some sewing lessons. That thing is a hot mess!
At least the mystery is solved. Don't be surprised if Minnie shows up again.

Disclaimer:
I confess ignorance at determining a monkey's gender. I must have missed that day in biology.

Oh yes, don't forget that my videos are available by clicking on the tab that says "Videos-Quilting " at the top of this page.

Mea Culpa -Sorry Floriani

2012-01-23T20:00:00.000-06:00

In case you don't know, Mea culpa is Latin for "my mistake." When I posted about the free embroidery designs from Floriani not being usable, I was simply wrong. I made a mistake in the installation of the CDs.

It seems that the files are compressed somehow and you don't see them. I looked using Windows explorer AND Mac Finder, but didn't see the files. When you install the software there is a little thing that asks about file type but defaults to cs2- which is a Floriani working file. When I tried it again, I saw the dialogue box that I obviously just didn't see before and was able to get the files in the format my machine uses.

I feel like a dunderhead (whatever that is!)

Meanwhile, I did a couple of stitch outs late Saturday that I put on Flickr, but didn't blog. These pics are slightly blurry (again - my fault)

The center and outer hearts came programmed in my machine, but the one between (the thicker gold) was digitized by Majorie at Marjorie's Quilting Bee.

Marjorie also digitized the interior heart and the word 'dream' on this one. The outer scalloped border came programmed in my machine.
I love combining the designs. Marjorie does a great job. The heart shapes match the size of the AccuQuilt GO! hearts small die cut. I will be doing some applique with this later.

ME - Machine Embroidery that is

2012-01-21T12:45:00.002-06:00

After my last post, I decided to alter one of the things we learned in the embroidery class. I don't have any nylon organza in my stash (not surprised are you?) but I will be getting some. Anyway, I substituted sparkly tulle for the organza and it worked. What I did was use a layer of water soluble stabilizer with a layer of tulle on top and bottom. I hooped it and stitched out a butterfly that was NOT designed as "free standing lace." Then I washed out the stabilizer, trimmed down the tulle and I got this:

I did two shots with different lighting so you could get a better idea. Now this can be used as an embellishment by just tacking down the center and leaving the wings loose. It can also be stitched around with invisible thread to fully sew it down. Or it could be pinned on a headband or.....well you get the idea. You are only limited by how far outside the box you can think. Cool huh?

Then I went to the computer to pull some of the designs off the discs that were in the packages I got at the show. I was surprised and highly disappointed to find that they will only work if you have (buy) Floriani's software. Not a good marketing strategy if you ask me. I now have 5 discs of designs that I can't use unless I find someone who has the software and will convert them for me. (These are .cs2 files and as far as I can tell no other software will read them.) That has really put me off on recommending ANY Floriani products. Sorry, but it is just a very bad way to treat customers.
Oops! The above was a mistake! I figured out MY mistake and the designs work fine. (see this post.)
But on to happier things! Today I decided to embroider a cute little teacup that I got free from Embroidery Library. They are a great place to get embroidery designs. This one happened to be free, but I have bought a number of designs from them and they have all stitched out beautifully (as long as I didn't mess it up.)
So here is the finished product, still in the hoop

I should have printed off the color change sheet before I started because my machine substitutes strange colors. As I was stitching out the first color (pink here) I went to the site to look. Oops, it was supposed to be a medium taupe. Still, l like how it came out.
Did you see that I now have a blog button that you can grab and add to your blog? Check the sidebar on the right, it is right under followers.

Machine Embroidery

2012-01-20T17:32:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone.
I had an adventure in education today. I attended a Floriani Embroidery perfection tour. I expected to be so ready to start some projects after the class that I could hardly wait. However, I got information overload and can't even decide on a project. Ha ha.
The class was excellent. I learned more about embroidery supplies than I ever imagined. I also learned that there is a LOT that I haven't even started to learn yet.
For attending the class, we got a great take home box of goodies. Just look!

There are samples of stabilizers, ten spools of embroidery thread (which can also be used for free motion quilting - just so you know), an educational DVD on stabilizer solutions, four discs of embroidery designs, a project DVD with several projects on it, thread color charts, and some reference sheets.

I also bought the show bundle for quilters. It has some great products in it. I will tell you about them as I start using them.
Now, what do I use first? Whew, my head is spinning with ideas - I am afraid I didn't take enough notes. LOL. I guess I just need some quiet time to let the ideas solidify and then I will be off and running.

Stay tuned.

New Blog Design

2012-01-19T06:06:00.001-06:00

Don't freak out, you are at the right blog. I decided to play with the MyMemories Suite software that I won at SewCalGal's blog. I created the new header for the blog with one of my quilts in the background. But I ran out of time and just used a stock Blogger image for the page background.

What do you think? Do you like the change? Any suggestions?

If you are looking for the Book Giveaway click here

Followers

2012-01-17T08:44:00.001-06:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I have read about Google Friend Connect going away for "non-blogger sites." Not being sure what that means to some of you who don't have blogs, I have added a Blog Lovin' button on the right for your convenience. If you use yet another following method, please let me know and I will try to add that option also.
My readers mean a lot to me.
And if you are looking for the book giveaway go here.

Five Strip Slash Block

2012-01-16T09:46:00.002-06:00

If you are looking for the book giveaway go here.
I had a few 2.5" strips left over and decided to play with them. As you may guess this will probably end up on the back of one of my quilts. Hey, it is the perfect place to use up experimental or orphan blocks. No need to waste them is there?

Here is my real result:

It is actually a half block. So I used some digital magic to make an entire block because I didn't have any more matching fabric.

No, the points are not perfect -live with it!

I am calling this a Five Strip Slash Block. Here is how to make it.

I took the strips (which were actually only partial strips) and sewed a set of five. I then cut the unit into squares. (using digital mockups since I was in the zone and didn't take pictures along the way)

Take two of the squares, rotate one of them 90 degrees, then layer them right sides together.

Two units -one rotated 90 degrees

Line them up as neatly as possible - pin if desired. On the back of the top block draw a diagonal line corner to corner. (you can use a pencil or ink pen, it will not show in the finished product!)

Sew a quarter inch seam on both sides of that line (you are sewing through both units) Once both seams are sewn, cut (slash) down the drawn line to make two 5-strip half square triangles.

Real picture this time!

Join these along the edges with the small triangles to make half of the finished square:

Join those to make the finished block

Not hard to do and it really pops.
Here are a couple of EQ samples I prepared to give you an idea of a full quilt made from these. I did layouts in both rotations for you.

Alternating blocks -joining non-matching colors.

Joining Similar Colors

If you make this quilt I would love to see a picture of it.
You could alternately make the units with an even number of strips and there would be no solid interior square.

I am considering new videos to make. What would you like to see demonstrated?

A little Sewing on Saturday

2012-01-14T12:31:00.000-06:00

I thought I would show you a little something I sewed today. If you are looking for the book giveaway go here.
While I was visiting the Nana after Christmas, she said that her "oatmeal mat" needed replacing It had gotten stained and wouldn't wash clean. I had made that one with some 'cheater' fabric that she just loved.
So today, I found some of that same fabric in my stash and made another. I would suppose the cheater fabric is the front, since that is her favorite.
Now don't be surprised if you might call this a mug rug rather than an 'oatmeal mat.' Fact is she uses it to hold her hot bowl of oatmeal while she sits in her recliner. (and at 80 years old she is entitled to that comfort!)
Here is the front made of the cheater fabric.

Don't you just love the cow mug?

For the back, of course, I took artistic control and used some scrap strips. I love the batiks in this. If I kept it, this would be the 'front' but for now it is the back.

Aren't the flowers inside this mug adorable?

I also spent part of the morning working on a quilt, but I discovered that I don't have batting on hand. That changed my plans a bit, so I just folded it up and put it back in the project box without even taking a picture. So I will save that for another day. But I will say that the pieced back portion that is done looks better than the front. I think it is because I am far more free artistically with the back. I don't over think the backs.
Do you piece your quilt backs?

Announcing

2012-01-12T18:51:00.002-06:00

Officially CLOSED - winner to be announced soon

Yes I am announcing a giveaway. (Can I get a Hooray?)
After doing the book review more than half of the comments said "Yes do a giveaway." So a copy of Finish Almost Any Quilt by Marguerita McManus is going to be up for grabs. Oh, not "just a book" no, it will be autographed by the author! (I love having autographed books!)

If you need to go back and read the review it is here.

So how do you enter? You can get several entries.
1. Comment on why you want or need this book.
2. Be a follower and tell me so in a separate comment.
3. Blog about this giveaway and come back tell me in a comment with a link to your post.
4. The lucky few who commented on the book review PRIOR to this post (and I know there were 17!) get an extra entry for commenting to tell me that they commented on that post.

This giveaway will run through January 27th. Mr Random will pick a winner. The winner will be contacted prior to being announced.
Please be sure that you are NOT a no-reply blogger. (not sure? Check by following this tutorial) If you are no-reply, you must leave your email in the comment to win.

Okay...let the comments begin!
I must inform you that I probably won't respond to all the comments on this. But I do promise that I will read them all!

Finish Almost Any Quilt - Book Review

2012-01-08T02:44:00.009-06:00

As promised, here is the review of Finish Almost Any Quilt by Marguerita McManus.

So many readers have asked "How do you join your quilt as you go projects?" Since the method I use was taken from a copyrighted work, I contacted the author to ask about sharing it. We both agreed that it wasn't a good idea to try to squeeze it in a blog post. However, after looking at some of my work and some of others who adapted her method, she realized that another book would be great.
Marguerite kindly sent a copy of this book as a gift to me. She said that I actually helped to inspire the book. (Wow, that made my day.)
I have throughly devoured this book. I looked at how the information is presented. I looked at the pictures (I love pictures!) I enjoyed it. And the best part - I learned even more and got ideas!
Before I get going, I have to say that this book is not for everyone. Here is some text (used with permission) from the Amazon description:

This book is meant for people who want to make and finish a LOT of quilts and who are not fussy about "perfection". If you want to spend a year making a perfect quilt, this book is NOT for you.
If you are a brand new quilt maker who has been intimidated by the idea of trying to quilt a huge quilt, I hope that you'll read this book with inspiration and then find a block that you like and make your own quilt, your way, and finish it with me.

You will be surprised at how quickly you will have a finished quilt on your bed! If you are an intermediate quilt maker who is tired of struggling to machine quilt your own quilts on your home sewing machine, I hope you'll find inspiration in my machine quilting techniques. You'll see how easy it is to put together a finished quilt using the methods in this book.

If you are an experienced quilt maker, let's turn "I need to finish these quilts" into "I can finish my quilts this way! I like this look and I'm sure I can do it!"

If you've vowed "No new projects until I finish something," let's finish your quilts together in a whole new way, quickly and easily.

You loved your quilt projects when you started them, now let's pull them out and fall in love with them again and finish them in lots of new ways!

If you are a perfectionist, this is not the book for you - I break a lot of "traditional" rules and you may not like it.

If you want to make award winning, blue ribbon quilts, this is definitely not the book for you because I don't follow traditional rules. If you want to finish lots of quilts easily, I wrote this book just for you!

If you:

love playing with blocks
want to finish your quilts yourself
like change and adaptations
are open to new ideas

------------then this is the book for you!

Now, on to my review.
In this book, many topics are covered.
Planning discusses options for finishing up completed tops (you may have to do some un-sewing!) But it also explains choosing patterns that work well for this method. She very honestly states that some patterns just won't work for this. But so many do work for it. Even if some require a little tweaking.

This Chinese Coins quilt (sorry about the lighting problem)

is one that I made using the method. It really didn't require any tweaking.

Other things are settings and there is even a section on tee shirt quilts. (I wish I had that when a friend was having difficulty making one - the tips are excellent!) Of course the actual construction method is in the book. There is a nice section on "how to quilt" that includes some basic free motion quilting.

Have you ever made a quilt and realized it was a little bit too short or maybe not wide enough? How about just adding some borders right before you bind it? Yes that is in this book too. I have done this and it works great! Don't believe me? That Chinese coins quilt has added borders.

Another nice section talks about binding. This method is "all machine binding" which I use a lot. But you can still finish the binding on these the traditional way if you wish. I did that on one quilt I made this way.

If you are looking for a way to quilt larger quilts yourself on a small domestic machine, This just may be the book for you. I am giving it my golden thimble rating. (And that is my best rating! Just so you know.) I wish that I had found this book when I first started quilting.

Should I have a giveaway for a copy of this book? What do you think? (comments will certainly influence me to do it; so speak up.)

Ooooh a new Book on Quilting

2012-01-07T09:28:00.002-06:00

In the next few days (hopefully this weekend) I will be reviewing a book that I got. The book was a gift from the author, Marguerita McManus. The book is Finish Almost Any Quilt.

This book shows the method I use for Quilt As You Go. It is very versatile. I was thrilled when I emailed a thank you to Ms. McManus and she told me that I was a part of the inspiration for the book. I have done a preliminary read through of the book. I will be going through the book again before I do my review.
If you want to know "how Gene does it" AND how to quilt your own quilts, this is The Book. (you can do a king size quilt or even BIGGER this way.)

I hope you are as excited about this as I am. I love that she covered every aspect I would have wanted to tell you. I do suggest going through the entire book before jumping into quilting your quilt. (patience my dear, you may find a tip that makes life easier, or an alternate way to do it.)
Review as soon as I can get to it. I promise!

Who Is This?

2012-01-04T06:29:00.002-06:00

I was getting ready to sew last night when I spied this fellow on my sewing machine.

Hey, wait a minute! He has my Aurifil thread sampler under his arm. Cheeky monkey! Whew! I rescued my thread. Now I wonder what this fellow's name is? Maybe he will tell me in time. I am sure you will see him again. You may want to suggest a name. I asked if it was Rumpelstiltskin but he just smiled and shook his head "no."

I solved the photo dilemma, although I still have the SD card stuck in my computer. (another SD card and a different transfer method)

So here is a picture of the fabric I got in the remnant bundle from fabric.com

I also made my first mug rug last night. It isn't perfect but it is great for me, I used my favorite color- blue. It was done as a challenge. I had five "rules/suggestions" which I could use all of /some of/ or even just one. I managed four out of five.

(1) I used only non-square rectangles. There are no "square" shapes in the piece. Try designing a quilt project without allowing any square shapes! I had to draw it out several times. Ha ha.
(2)I stuck with a monochrome color scheme.
(3)I used Pigma pens to add words and images to the finished product.
(4) NO borders were added.
All the measurements for cutting the fabrics are 1", 2" and 4" -that is raw cut. It is sewn with 1/4" seams. It is just right for my mug and a cookie or a couple of crackers.
I don't know if you can see all the words. It says "1, 2, 3 Coffee or Tea" "Have a cup" (drawing of cup and saucer) "Smile" (and a drawing of a smile) This was added AFTER it was finished with a BLUE pigma marker - in keeping with the monochrome theme.

Late Christmas Presents

2012-01-02T20:11:00.001-06:00

I went to visit my Nana over the long holiday weekend. She was doing well and we both enjoyed the visit. While I was there we exchanged gifts. She always asks me for a wish list -so I go to Amazon.com and make out a list for her. I try to put plenty on there so she has a choice. I guess I didn't put enough on the list this time- Why? because I got it all. Now these are gifts for a quilter! I am very very happy with them. I feel like I am on the "cutting edge" of quilting now.

Every single item is related to quilting and specifically rotary cutting. This does NOT mean I will not be using my AccuQuilt GO! cutter. But I am a diversified quilter. So I will be trying some new things.
The cutting mat was number ONE on my wish list. The mat I was using had already been used a lot in an art studio when I got it. It had a few grooves and was ready for retirement. This nice Olfa mat will be kinder to my eyes with the green and yellow than the old mat which was black with grey lines.
I already have several rotary cutters, but I love trying different styles - and after all, I needed one that I can leave a wavy edged blade in for cutting fusible fun pieces.
Extra rotary blades- yeah- who doesn't need those?
The book was one of those "that might be interesting" selections. I read through it a couple of times already. I can't wait to try some of the ideas in it.

I was going to show you some fabric I bought, but I made a HUGE mistake. That means I may not have pictures for days! You see, my delightful new iMac has a nice little SD slot on the side right below the DVD drive. So, I reached up to insert the SD card from my camera and slipped it right into the DVD drive. YIKES! The card is in there and (good news) it didn't make any noise -the Apple support guy said that is a good thing- I also can't use the DVD/CD drive until we go to the Apple store and get it fixed. Apple support was very nice and didn't say "you dummy!" unlike what I said to myself. For now I have covered the DVD/CD slot with blue painters tape to reduce the chance of me trying to pop a disc in there. Bad new- the Apple store is over an hour away and I won't be able to get there until at least next weekend.
The fabric that I was going to show you came from Fabric.com. They have a selection called "Three Pound Cotton Remnant Assortment" It says approximately 9 yards of fabric packaged from random end of bolt remnants. This has tempted me since I first saw it. I got some great pieces including, Phillip Jacobs, Jinny Beyer, Moda Hullabaloo, a couple of Free Spirit fabrics, Michael Miller, and others. All of it is good quilt shop quality fabric and I suspect it is more than nine yards. Some of it is fabric I would never have bought, but that is good; it will challenge me find a way to use it. Oh yes, this was a present of sorts also. I was given money for Christmas and told buy something you want! LOL, I always want fabric.

2012-01-01T08:46:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year, y'all!

Guest Post - Talking to Angels

2011-12-27T03:06:00.022-06:00

Today I have a guest post from the person who really started the Quilt Angels project. I was lucky enough to be available and have the knowledge that y'all are some really great people. The team effort really succeeded. Not everyone who worked on this contributed a quilt. Some of you contacted friends knowing they could help. One kind soul donated a prize to use as an incentive. (actually two kind souls did this, the letter writer contributed one of the prizes.
Here is the letter from our "Chief Angel" including a prayer at the end.

Dear Quilt Angels

Sitting here this morning sipping coffee, contemplating the events of this wonderful Christmas, I realize just how Blessed and fulfilling this Christmas has been. Not the least of these Blessings has been the outpouring of total strangers for a purpose that I happened to learn about by happenstance.

Sunday before Thanksgiving, I was sitting at a table in the dining room of our Church talking with Shelia, a close friend and the cook for Sunday morning breakfast at church. We were talking about what we were doing for the holidays, our family and friends gatherings when a couple of other lady friends joined us and we laughed and chatted for a bit. Two of the ladies got up and went on to choir, leaving myself, Shelia and Ms. Maggie. The conversation lagged as we drank our coffee. Ms. Maggie asked Shelia what was needed at the shelter. Shelia said as always they needed funds. She thought for a moment then said that they could use new afghans as the ones they had were getting awfully worn out as the kids liked to wrap up in them during cold weather. As Shelia finished speaking, the call for Sunday School came, so I collected by stuff and went to class.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, I kept thinking about the need for wraps at the shelter. I am only an amateur photographer in my off time, and a paper slinger the rest of the time! I was not sure how to go about this thing. So the weekend after Thanksgiving, my friend Gene and I were having coffee and knowing that he quilts, I asked him about making several lap quilts for the kids in the shelter. He asked how many were there. I told him I had found out they had eight kids. He said he wanted to help, but did not have the time to make eight quilts and make his other obligations too. But he would make two! After a couple minutes of silence, he said he would ask his online quilting friends if any wanted to contribute. I said I would pay him for the quilts and to see what his friends wanted for a few more. He called me a short while later and told me that several of his friends wanted to donate quilts, and instead of paying him for them simply to put up a prize for those who wanted to participate. I agreed. So he posted on his blog the need for a few Angels.

Then the most wonderful thing happened... he called me later in the weekend and said that several quilts had already been promised. I was totally surprised and elated that total strangers were willing to donate their hard work and time for someplace and someone they didn't even know. As I sat back and regained my composure, I reflected on this and came to the realization that in our fast pace life, we tend to loose site of the fact that there are still people around us who have soft and caring hearts and are more that willing to help when the need arises.

The final total for quilts was 16! The Ogden House was very appreciative for the donations. I have been totally blown away by the response, the caring, encouraging comments, thoughts and prayers from each of you and wanted to express my Thanks to you for being the major players in making a bunch of kids really excited this Christmas. And a special thanks to each for lifting this old heart of mine by showing the true Spirit of Christmas has not been lost.

God Bless you, each and everyone for your bountiful gift.

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a
wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals:
Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and
worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may
help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our
Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one
God, for ever and ever. Amen

And may I add an Amen. Blessings to you all.

Angel Quilts Delivery

2011-12-26T10:34:00.000-06:00

Here is the rest of the story as promised. On Christmas eve, we went to the shelter to deliver the quilts. Most of the resident youth had gone home for a Christmas visit. However, there were a couple of youth there. Sorry, but there are no pictures of them due to privacy issues. There are some pictures of me with Ms. Jackie, who was working that day. I have to say that meeting Ms. Jackie was a true delight. Her face seemed to light up and glow from within.

So here are a few pictures:

Looking at the quilts

All the quilts on one of the sofas

Merry Christmas!

We sat in the floor and smiled for the photographer

And we did the drawing for the prizes. The winners have been notified. Thanks to all of the people who supported this effort.
The audio is low in this video, but I hope you can hear what Ms. Jackie says.

Don't you love the joy Ms. Jackie shows in receiving these for the shelter? As you might have noticed, her smile is contagious. I watched this and realized that I grinned the entire time.
While you didn't see the residents, let me tell you. They were thrilled too. Each one that was there got to pick the quilt for their room. I loved it when one of them wrapped the quilt around herself. One read the label and was amazed that the quilt came "all the way from Virginia."
As Charlie said in that old television show "Thanks Angels!"

2011-12-25T08:01:00.000-06:00

We delivered the "Angel Quilts" on Christmas Eve (yesterday.) Before we left, I had a picture taken of me holding them. (that is a heavy load, I was ready to put them down.) I edited the picture to add a special message for you today.

There were sixteen quilts total. All of them are not visible in this picture, although I have every one of them in my arms.
These brought great joy. I will tell you the rest of the story in the coming days.

No Video, just MP3

2011-12-24T09:14:00.003-06:00

The video didn't work out. (earlier post.) So here is a link to the audio file.
Little Gray Donkey. I may have slightly overdone the reverb when I was editing, sorry. If you want to keep the file, right click and then click "save as" or "save link as" and you can download the file.

Merry Christmas; God Bless us every one!

2011-12-24T08:44:00.000-06:00

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas (or happy whatever you are celebrating.)
One of our traditions is to give gifts on Christmas Eve as we tend to be pretty busy visiting all the loved ones on Christmas day. This happens right on the heels of a midnight Christmas service where I am quite busy in the choir. Which means that not only was I awake, but I had to stay alert too.

So here is a picture of me with two of my Christmas presents. Actually they both are quilting related. Yes I will explain.

That lovely orange iron is the Velocity V50 which you can get at IHAN. The shirt I am wearing in the photo was actually ironed with it. (I almost never iron clothes! cloth yes, clothes not unless I have to iron them.) This iron could change that...but don't hold your breath. This iron steams wonderfully. We are talking super steam. On the two highest settings the steam is so fine you don't see it, but you can feel it. mmmm wrinkles can't resist the force of it. Okay, I don't have to explain that one for quilting, do I? fabric has to be ironed to cut neatly.

The other is Parallels desktop for my new iMac. It will allow me to run Windows from inside the Mac OS -thus I can run Electric Quilt - Ahhh....I see that lightbulb went off! I can hardly wait to install it and try it.

I am truly blessed. I hope you are blessed and happy during this holiday season, which will pass too quickly. If I post again, it will be to put up a video that could be a blessing or a curse. Ha ha...why? Because I plan to sing a Christmas song for you. We will see how that goes...if you see it, I did it and it worked....if not, know I spared your ears some agony..

Old machines and Bargain Fabric

2011-12-23T16:23:00.001-06:00

Let me begin by showing you a couple of fun pictures. These are some really old, but still working, sewing machines that I saw the last time I went to Mexico. I just now ran across the pictures so I decided to share them with you.

Both of these machines were still being used in a shoe repair shop. I was just fascinated to see them. I asked the shop keeper if I could take photographs. He smiled at me, waved broadly and went back to his customer. I think these were the best pictures I got on that trip.

Today, I was headed to a friend's house for some Christmas visiting when I almost passed by a fabric store. I swear my car changed lanes all by itself and pulled into the parking lot. What else could I do but go in and look?
Being a thrifty soul, I headed to the clearance fabrics. I limited myself to one yard of each, but I got these:

There are seven yards of fabric, one is a Martha Negley by Westminister fabrics, there are a couple that are Free Spirit fabric, some Timeless Treasures....all GOOD quilting quality fabric.
My total bill was ----are you sitting down??? - - - good....My total bill, including sales tax, was a whopping $11.82 -after I got home, I discovered that one of them was only ninety-nine cents a yard.
I should have bought more!
Merry Christmas to you all!

New computer- new project

2011-12-16T06:14:00.001-06:00

I finally got a new computer, an iMac, so there is a learning curve. I think I will like it once I get used to it.

Now how about a little look at a Christmas project. I know it is probably too late for this year, but I am putting it out here anyway. I made this for my supervisor at work. (okay small frustration, can't find the pics to upload)

The wallhanging

Some detail shots:

This is how i felt to get it made and delivered. Yes that is me in the cube farm (work.)

I used two AccuQuilt Go! dies to cut the trees: GO! Equilateral Triangles and GO! Isosceles Triangles Everything else was cut by hand and embellished with a wavy blade on my rotary cutter. Isn't this a fun project? My supervisor loved it.

Quilters Are the Greatest!

2011-12-12T19:01:00.002-06:00

I have to say that quilting folks are amazing. The call for angels has been a success. I am still expecting a few more quilts, but I had to share today's joy. I will not post pictures simply because I can't right now. (sigh) However, you can see two of the quilts on a post at Patchwork Times. I will tell you that the pictures do not do these quilts justice. The one that I am calling Scrappy Stars (at the bottom of Judy's post) is much more glorious in person. I liked it in the picture, but in person WOW it pops. I can't wait to see someone smile when they get this one.

I also got quilts from Barb at Bejeweled Quilts, Linda at Stray Stitches, and there is another quilt Barb Sherwood in Virginia. Thanks my angels!

These quilts are just amazing. I am taking great joy in admiring them in the brief time I will have them. I knew it already, but I have to say it again: Quilters have heart!

Updates - Angels, Computer

2011-12-10T12:10:00.001-06:00

Okay, so let's get the bad news out of the way first. My computer is still messed up. I will spend Sunday night trying (one more time) to repair it.

Now the good news, the fun stuff!
The Searching for Angels quilts have started to come in. One of the two that showed up came from Alamosa Quilter. You can read about it on her post here. Thanks Lynn. It is gorgeous and I will try to take and send you a good picture of the finished quilt for your archives.
I also got a quilt from KwiltNoob - she said it was one of her early quilts. Hmmmm.. Maybe I should just quit! It is lovely.

I will not post pictures of all the quilts that are sent, mainly because I won't have time and still get everything done before Christmas.

I did promise to make two quilts for this project. I have finished the first one and here are pictures of the front and back. I am calling the scrappy, wonky side the back. I do like to do a scrappy back. The actual blocks on the back are some I just tried with no plan to use them. Then there is a strip of small squares that were left over from a trip around the world piece I did. If I can avoid it, I don't waste anything.

I am calling the organized symmetrical side the front.

I confess that it is less than perfect, but it is full of love, prayer and hope for whoever snuggles up under it. I don't know if you can see in this picture but I did a scrappy binding using two leftover bindings I had lying around I think that adds to the fun of this quilt.

Have a great day and remember to tell someone that you love them.
Peace be with you,

Computer Problems

2011-12-07T06:20:00.000-06:00

This is a short and sad post. I turned on my computer yesterday morning to get a strange message that "Windows can't start because...." It wasn't one I was familiar with. So I improvised using my iPad and managed to do a few things.
Last evening (when I was supposed to be working on a charity quilt) I sat most of the evening trying to fix the problem. I used my iPad to do the research. Luckily I have a small partition on my computer with a Linux operating system. That allowed me to replace some files. I can now get to the desktop...but the mouse and keyboard don't work.
Tonight...more attempts to fix it.

So if I don't comment on your blog or if I seem hopelessly missing...I am just still trying to fix this @#$#^*! computer.

Angels -Update and Another Prize

2011-12-04T12:06:00.000-06:00

If you saw my earlier post "Searching for Angels" then you know that I am working on a service project. I have never really known how much JOY could come from something like this.
I saw a post on FaceBook that led me to a post by Lyric Kinard. So I have added a button on my sidebar that links to the Angels project.
Here is a picture of the button

I have truly found the beauty and joy in my quilting friends.

One of those friends, Cyndi, said she was unable to make a quilt and get it here in time. However, she is offering a SECOND prize of a $100 gift certificate. So that winner's name and email will be shared with Cyndi so that she can set up the gift certificate for you. ( but you will get to hear from me first! )

I never knew I had so many amazing readers and friends. You have all done me very proud so far. This project has expanded a bit so that the shelter can have a stash of quilts in the closet.

If you have questions, first read the previous post, then email me if that doesn't answer them. And if you can't help, it is okay. But if you can, I truly appreciate it. This project is OUR project now, it is definitely bigger than I am. I will be posting pictures of the quilts I make as I get to the point where I have them "photo ready."

Peace be with you all. I am blessed to have you.

Searching for Angels

2011-12-03T20:28:00.001-06:00

Angel on High - Photo by Dave Burks

I have a Christmas/Holiday project that was asked of me too late. There is no way that I can accomplish what is needed AND do everything I have to do before Christmas.

Here is the deal: I need 8 lap quilts for a shelter. This shelter is a safe place for children ages 12-17 that are temporarily displaced from their families or are deemed a child in need of services, not "juvenile delinquents.” Youth participate in activities that will increase their knowledge of life skills. Some examples of life skills training they receive will include chores, cooking, budgeting, and other independent living skills. The children also volunteer and perform community services work while in the program and attend public schools to continue their educations. I know some of the people who work for this shelter and it is a wonderfully run facility.

I am looking for some ANGELS - yes it could be you -who can make (or one you already have made!) and send one lap quilt (or more if you can) and get it to me by December 21st (in time for Christmas.). I have a non-quilting ANGEL who is offering a prize -to be drawn from those who send a quilt. This prize will be a $100 gift certificate to an online vendor. (I am thinking Connecting Threads, Fabric.com someplace like that - maybe I can even let the winner choose!) I will have to have six quilts sent in order to be able to offer this prize. The drawing will be held as soon as possible after the quilts are delivered - I am thinking December 26th.

I would like the lap quilts to be at least 45 by 60, but a little bigger would be better. Fabric should be gender neutral as the shelter houses both boys and girls and the ratio changes. As these are teens, bright colors will probably be best, but I will leave it to your discretion and wisdom. As for pattern, your choice, I don't mind if it is simple, we do have a short deadline. Please insure that these are sturdy as I am sure they will get lots of use and washing. Binding by machine is fine -and faster! I am hoping that I can make a couple of the needed quilts, however, the shelter can always use extras for new children coming in. I will take as many quilts for this project as are offered. Those that arrive by December 21st will be entered in the drawing.

Okay ANGELS, I know you are out there. Can you help? Comment to let me know if you can help and be sure I can contact you by email.

I thank you for considering this.

Dad

2011-12-03T07:23:00.001-06:00

This is a painting that I did of my Dad several years ago. I did the initial sketch in a hospital waiting room. Mom was extremely ill and we really thought we were going to lose her. It was a rough time emotionally. Sketching helped to occupy my mind so I could stay sane. Dad had dozed off so he was nice and still for the sketch. When I did the painting, I wanted to retain the sketchy loose quality. So I mixed a blue gray color.

After the painting was finished, I had it matted and framed. I presented it to Mom and Dad. It was immediately hung in the living room where it is to this day.

I am truly proud that I captured Dad's likeness. In case you are wondering, he wore a cap more than he went without one. He had a large number of caps. I am also glad that he was wearing a cap in this sketch/painting.

I have to say that I have been missing him and thinking a lot about him lately. I love you Dad! Rest in peace.

Finally - I got something done.

2011-11-26T18:10:00.001-06:00

Some of you will remember the pattern I developed called "Japanese Lanterns." I made the top and sold some patterns (still available on request!) However, the top got packed away along with the backing I bought for it and it was almost forgotten.
Then something happened. Joanne Lendaro at Splitting Stitches had a Quilting Stimulus giveaway. I won half price quilting. Joanne's other blog is called Insanely Cheap Quilting. Her prices are good already(we are talking $65 for queen size!), so half price was an excellent price!

I sent in the top and backing. I chose to buy the batting from Joanne and save on shipping. I also chose the Hobbs 80/20 batting. I have to say it worked out well!
Here are a couple of (badly taken) pictures of the quilt and one close up of the quilting.

Quilting Close-up

Oh, what did I get done? I squared and trimmed the quilt so that it is ready for binding. Now, I just have to decide on the binding fabric. Ha ha.

I did the trimming at a friend's house. I was planning to use the big open floor, but I watched a video that showed trimming/squaring on a table top...so I tried it. It worked great and my back and knees thank me.
My friend looked at the table after I was finished trimming and said "Sure looks like a lot of waste!"

I said, "That isn't waste a lot of it will be used in other projects." And it will. This picture also shows the rulers I used for trimming. I have to say that I love this 16 1/2" square ruler for squaring. It really assisted nicely in getting it squared. I also used my 6 by 24" ruler ( you can see a bit of it in the lower left corner) After getting the corner squared, I used the longer ruler to trim up to the next corner.
I want to try some free motion quilting with the extra Hobbs 80/20 batting and compare it to my usual Warm and Natural/ Warm and White. From the feel of it, I think it will work just as well.

Happy

2011-11-22T21:35:00.001-06:00

I am sure some of you have wondered where I have been. I have been pretty quiet. I had a little respiratory infection and still have a lovely hacking cough at times. The cough was deep enough to whack my lower back out of place too. Hopefully that is all sorted out now. And just in time too. Thursday in Thanksgiving in the USA. I was at Mom's this evening and helped her get the ham out of the oven. We had a little taste just to be sure it was okay.
(It was excellent!) Tomorrow she is planning to cook a turkey too. I sure hope someone shows up to help eat it all. LOL.

As you know, I had the sale this past Saturday. I had an excellent day and made a few dollars that I can use to resupply my quilting stuff. (but I need to use some more of what I have first!) I was very happy that my first sale was early in the day. Another vendor - a weaver who makes lovely things - came over and saw the Chinese Coins quilt and loved it. I honestly think that showing the back of it was the clincher. She also bought a quilted journal for a class she is taking. I have to find my receipt book to be sure but I think I sold three quilts total.
For the next few days, I will be busy with family and friends enjoying the holiday. (I just have to work Wednesday of course.)
So, for all the readers in the USA:

And for anyone who wished to make the above block (one of my designs!) the instructions are here. (no, it doesn't have the words on it.)

Almost Show Time - &- another QST layout

2011-11-18T09:52:00.001-06:00

Many of you saw my blogger spotlight in the AccuQuilt newsletter. I have another layout using some applique that I wanted to share for those who come to my blog. The layout is my "Pink Diamonds" quilt but with snowflakes and stars added in the open areas. You could of course add any shape you desire. You could also add applique inside the larger pink diamonds. This is a great place to let your creativity out to play.

Tomorrow is my show and sale. Today I will be going to set up the booth and get it ready for show time. I am hoping for a good turn out and lots of sales.
For now, I have quilts piled on the bed and have started rolling them up. I like to roll them so there aren't any creases in them when they are displayed.

Oh, there are also some table runners in that stack.
I have boxes packed with jewelry, display items, note cards, etc.

If you are wondering about the "E Black" on the box, my actual name is Eugene - Gene for short.
I sign my paintings "E Black" -it confuses people. LOL

There is one painting on top of that box too and a bag of quilted purses.
There are more boxes AND more paintings.

And one more box with quilted notebooks, journals and photo albums

Whew! Now what am I forgetting? I suppose I will find out when I start setting it up. ha ha. Oh my, I just remembered, there is one more box in that closet! I best not forget that one.

Spotlight!

2011-11-16T14:56:00.001-06:00

I hope that you are signed up for the AccuQuilt emails. If you are then you most likely got today's Blogger Spotlight Isssue featuring ME!
If not - then click this little gadget and sign up. If you sign up and don't get today's email, leave a comment here and I will try to fix that for you.
My spotlight is on the quarter square triangle.
Did I mention that you also get 22 patterns just for signing up? Great deal, huh?

Batting Giveaway

2011-11-15T17:50:00.000-06:00

at Our Busy Little Bunch.

Musings on Quilts

2011-11-11T17:04:00.001-06:00

One of the comments I received on a previous post prompted me to remember a passage from a book. The character was talking about how quilts reflect the personality of the maker. The comment was on my Chinese Coins quilt. She mentioned the vivid blue sashing and border setting it off.
I have too agree. Here is how I replied to her comment.

The jelly roll that I used for the majority of the "coins" was just a little too muted for me. The vivid blue was my answer to making the quilt bold and exciting (to me at least.)I read in a book that you can tell a lot about a person by their quilts. Looking back at this one, the front is all planned and organized, but the back is not at all that way. Both have bright as well as muted parts.
I guess that pretty well defines me.
Do you think that
Your quilts show who you are? If so, what do you think they say about you?

Today I am Thankful

2011-11-11T08:34:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for the freedoms we enjoy in the USA.
To all in the USA Happy Veteran's Day.

Another painting

2011-11-09T10:59:00.003-06:00

This painting is the first non-objective abstract I painted in a class. The class increased my painting skills immensely.
While this was meant to be non-objective, I do see a "real" picture in it.
The title is "Community"

Can you tell that I have always loved vivid color?

What's Up with me.

2011-11-04T07:31:00.000-05:00

I know some of you are wondering if I have stopped blogging. It has been a few days.
The truth is that I have just been too busy and too tired from being too busy. We have had several intense projects at work. Add to that my usual chores, caregiving for mom, (she is doing pretty well though, just needs to gain some weight back - not a problem most of us have!) AND getting ready for the sale November 19th -and well you can see how it is wearing me out. LOL.
So, I may take a blogging break -or at least be more infrequent until after the sale. I will be back in full force after the sale I think.
Meanwhile, I suggest checking my sidebar "Blogs I read" -there is some good inspiration in some of them.

I will have some paintings I have done at the sale this year.
Here are a couple of examples of my painting style(s.)

Egret in Motion (unfinished)

Forbidden Crossing

Parrots in Paradise

Foggy Farm - Uncle Joe's (Foggy Farm Series)

Chinese Coins -Finito

2011-10-31T08:00:00.002-05:00

Sorry, I am the "shadow" in the pictures. While it is very cold here this morning, the sun is shining.

Chinese Coins - Front

Chinese Coins Quilt- Wonky Pieced Back

Finished is always a good feeling.

Back of the Seeds -and Winnings

2011-10-25T22:15:00.000-05:00

The Chinese Coins quilt is proceeding nicely. I have been using leftovers, scraps if you will, to piece the back. I have a picture of the back, but I promise it looks better in person. The wonkiness of it is totally part of the plan!

There are leftovers from the front of the Chinese coins. There are pieces from the fronts of several quilts. I think it will be a fun scrappy back on the quilt. If no one loves it enough to buy it, I will be happy to keep it.
I have been very fortunate lately to win some delightful prizes.(picture later in this post!)
I won the book "Spotlight on Neutrals" by Pat Wys, from Pat's Silver Thimble Talk Blog. Pat kindly included a spool of Aurifil Thread that is already in my machine. It sews wonderfully smooth!

I also won a Sullivan's The Cutting Edge Ruler from a Pat Sloan Blog Hop. The postal service was a bit rough on the package, so the ruler arrived with a crack in one side. (ouch!) I did a redneck repair with clear packing tape and was still quite happy with the ruler. The edge really does sharpen while you cut. When Pat Sloan emailed and asked if I received the ruler, I told her the what had happened and that I had repaired it and was happy. She insisted that I needed a perfect ruler. So I am expecting a replacement any day. Wow, that is really how to care for a customer- even when the customer didn't even purchase, but just won. Thanks Pat!
I also won a spool of quilting thread, Rainbows by Superior Threads, from Domestic Anarchy. I am using it to quilt the Chinese Coins quilt. I really like this thread.
Oh yes, here is the picture of the winnings -except the Aurifil that was already in the machine when I took the picture.

I put an oval around the crack in the ruler so you can see where it is. It is not on the sharpening edge thank goodness.
There is also a Domestic Anarchy magnet that came with the quilting thread. It is on my fridge now!
Thanks to all the lovely bloggers who gave these delightful prizes. I am enjoying every one of them thoroughly.

The seed are growing

2011-10-22T17:54:00.000-05:00

Those seeds of a quilt I showed you in the last post have grown. They have really started looking like they could grow into a quilt.

They have grown into three long pieces that look like they are related. I wonder? What if I pushed them together?

Yes, they do look like a happy family. This is my version of what is commonly called a "Chinese Coins" quilt. I did columns of strips in various widths. The widths of the coin strips are 3", 4", 5", 6" and 7". I put the 5" in the middle and used the others as pairs that add up to 10 (7 and 3--4 and 6) with the widest on the outside. This gives it a balance even though it doesn't "match." It is a bit quirky- like I am. Ha ha.
I will back and quilt each of the three sections and then join the with thin strips. These long skinny pieces will be great for using up odd strips of batting. The great part is that they will be joined when I join the quilt - I don't have to do it beforehand. Plus I won't have to wrestle the entire quilt through the machine. This allows me to play with some more intricate free motion quilting on a larger quilt.

I hope you are having a great weekend. I hope your creativity is flowing and that peace is abundant in your life.

Finished Quilt -and Seeds

2011-10-19T21:32:00.003-05:00

The Stair Steps quilt is completed. The binding is on and the quilt has been washed. My two workmates held it up for me after I promised that they wouldn't be in the picture. But, you may see hands. First the front:

Then the reveal of the pieced back:

I love pieced backs, they are like a free second quilt.

Now I have started planting the seeds of my next project.

See this "mess" ?????

That isn't a mess, really. It is the seeds - the beginning, the what ifs, of a new project. I am thinking it will be a Chinese Coins type quilt. But who knows where my muse will take me as the seeds start to grow. I only know that I need to finish this one - quilted and bound - in a couple of weeks.
So much to do, so little time. How do you fit in extra time for quilting?

And the Winner is:

2011-10-19T05:45:00.002-05:00

The winner of my giveaway of book #4 in the Someday Quilts series - The Devil's Puzzle by Clare O'Donohue - is

Drumroll please.............................

Stray Stitches who said: I have enjoyed all of the Earleen Fowler books - not so much a mystery as a 'who done it'. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your great giveaway

I have to say that I have followed Linda's Stray Stitches blog for a while. So it was a delight when her number came up as the winner. It you haven't checked out her blog, you should.

Congrats Linda -email me your shipping address and I will get it out to you as soon as possible.

Reminder.

2011-10-17T21:05:00.000-05:00

I got the binding on a quilt this evening, but I don't have a picture to show you just yet.

Remember that my giveaway ends at midnight tomorrow. If you haven't entered there is still time!

A Treat for Myself

2011-10-15T16:58:00.000-05:00

(note: If you are looking for my giveaway click here. )

Mail came today and it was a delight. I have spent some time sorting it out, but just look what I got:

Singer Featherweight 221 - circa 1949

A week or so ago on eBay, I saw this baby with only one bid and a few hours left to go. The price was LOW, I decided to bid and hope. Honestly I didn't think I had a chance. Apparently the stars were aligned just right. There were no more bids that night -and I completely forgot about even bidding. Early the next morning as I was checking email, I saw "you won" from eBay. Surely not! So I checked and I had really won. I paid quickly. I have never paid so much for shipping on anything, but this time I felt it was worth it.
After getting the machine set up, I tried stitching. There was a learning curve to threading the machine. I did it wrong a few times. Ha ha. Then I read that you thread the needle right to left. Bingo. I got the tension adjusted easily and just look at those perfect stitches:

I used a purple top thread and a cream thread in the bobbin so I could see if the tension was just right. It is! I have read that this little antique machine is perfect for piecing. I am sure I will be trying it soon. But for now, I have to cook supper and I do have a quilt to finish quilting on my modern sewing machine..

Have you ever sewn on an antique machine?

Guest Post with Clare O'Donohue -and Book Giveaway

2011-10-13T17:00:00.004-05:00

I have recently read and reviewed "The Devil's Puzzle" by Clare O'Donohue. It was a great murder mystery set around quilters and a quilt shop. As an avid reader, I love finding out about the author. So when I was given the opportunity to have a guest post by the author, I was thrilled. Rather than do an interview, I asked that she write about herself and why she writes. Being of Irish descent also, I asked that perhaps she include a bit about her Irish heritage.
Okay, I will quit rambling (I can't help it, this is so exciting to me!) Here is the post from the lovely and talented Clare O'Donohue.
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I grew up in a house filled with words. My mother, an English teacher, used to recite poetry to us at the breakfast table. My dad told funny stories that he made up on the spot. At the holidays, we were all required to entertain with stories, jokes and songs. My sister Mary and I still do a rendition of “Sisters, Sisters” from the movie, White Christmas, at our holiday celebration. And it rocks.
My parents are Irish, raised on farms on the west coast of that beautiful country. Music is a mainstay of the place, but so also is the craic, an Irish term that translates loosely as fun and good conversation. The ability to tell a good story is a cultural imperative.

I suppose that may be why I was so drawn to words and stories. It’s part of my DNA. We grew up with lots of books in our house, though few were aimed at children. We had Steinbeck, Hemingway, Twain and Dickens as our reading material. We were encouraged (aka forced) to learn the works of poets like Keats, Yeats, and of course, Shakespeare. My brothers, sister and I can quote our favorite speeches from Shakespeare plays, and occasionally still recite them at family dinners to entertain Mom. Mine, by the way, is Henry V’s, “Upon the King,” speech in Act 4, Scene 1. It’s a great piece of writing.

Words have power. They entertain, they incite, they inspire. I realized early on that, even though I was the youngest member of the household, if I could tell a good story, I could command attention. So, from five years old, I did. I changed the endings of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty (ugly stepsisters and mean witches repented in my stories). I told my sister about the lives of the kind monsters who lived under our beds, who protected us from the mean monsters who lived in the closet. I entertained myself on car trips by making up tales about the people we saw when we stopped at red lights. Later, I wrote my stories down, writing my first short novel when I was 15. Stories became my way to explain myself, and the world around me.

When I hang out with family, both in the U.S. and in Ireland, a good craic is always the evening’s entertainment. We tell stories and jokes. My brother, Jack, usually spins an elaborate yarn that has us all believing a nearly unbelievable story, until he bursts out laughing, and we know we’ve been had.

For my parents, there was magic in a well told tale and a beautifully written story. And, clearly, all four of their children took that lesson to heart. Both my brothers, Dennis and Jack, have published essays and articles. My sister, Mary, has an award winning parenting book out. I’ve got my novels. And my mom still recites poetry at the breakfast table, usually breaking into tears at the sadness it, reminding us all about the power and beauty of words.
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I hope you enjoyed this bit of insight into the author.
If you would like to win a copy of the book "The Devil's Puzzle" please be a follower of my blog (not required, but highly suggested) and leave a comment on your favorite mystery series. (I would love it if you mention the author's name also.)
And for a second chance, blog about this giveaway on your blog and leave another comment with a link to the blog post. I will be checking.

*** Edit***

The eligibility period for this will run until midnight central time on Tuesday October 18. All comments must be made prior to that time to be entered. The drawing will happen on Wednesday (as time permits) and the winner will be notified. After hearing back from the winner, I will announce the winner.******

I will probably not reply to comments as giveaways usually draw a large number of comments. However, know that I read every comment that is posted.
And if you can't wait to win, or if you want to read the first three books in this series; check your local bookseller or Amazon.com
Happy reading,

Stairsteps Quilt-The Tutorial

2011-10-12T17:24:00.000-05:00

Based on reader comments, I have decided to add a tutorial for this quilt. (This does not include instructions for the borders; I used scraps for the border and "made it work.")

The original idea came to me as I was awakening from an afternoon nap (a rarity for me.)

The idea was this: What if I did a "disappearing 9 patch" but instead of using all patches, I replaced the center row with a solid piece of fabric? First I did a small paper quilt block to test it. I liked how it came out. So I drafted it in Electric Quilt - with a small error. I didn't discover the error until I started sewing the blocks. Lucky for me it didn't make the quilt any less successful.

Let's start:

First take some 5" squares of fabric (I used packaged pre-cuts - you can certainly cut your own if desired.)

Choose a fabric for the stair steps. (I am calling the yellow zigzags "stair steps") Cut strips that are 5" wide by 14" long. (you save an inch in length because it doesn't have seams!)

Sew three of the five inch squares in a together in a row, Then sew three more of the five inch squares in a together in a row. Take these to the ironing board and press the seams all one direction.

Sew one set of three to the length of the 14" strip, sew the other set to the other side.

It should look like this:

Press the long seams all one direction.
Now you are ready to cut this block up.

First, using the center squares, cut up the middle. I measure 2 1/4" from the seam. (Remember after sewing the three squares together that middle one is now 4 1/2" wide- half of that is 2 1/4")

Now cut up the center of the solid strip -again measuring 2 1/4" from that seam line.

Now rotate the pieces into this configuration. (Make your background strips go the same way as my yellow strips!)

Now you will sew it together this way. Cool huh? I am enjoying my "stair step" quilt block. I need to get this quilt finished so I can start on something else!

If you make one of these I would love to see it. AND if you play with the blocks and make a different design, I would love it if you shared it with me.

Grandmothers

2011-10-10T10:59:00.001-05:00

I posted this as a comment on Pat Wys' blog, Silver Thimble Talk. She asked readers to "tell me about your grandmother or grandfather or someone who had a profound influence on your life."
This is what I said:

Both of my grandmothers influenced me greatly.
My paternal grandmother, Granny Black, had a stroke when I was young (I am thinking I was around 10 years old.) The stroke left her paralyzed on her right side. She taught me to bake so that I could help her with Christmas baking. Once you can follow a recipe to make a cake, you can learn to cook anything! Before she had the stroke, she was a quilter. I do remember playing under the quilt frame on the front porch.

My maternal grandmother was also a quilter. She continued to make quilts until she was no longer able. She influenced me by showing me that perfection in a quilt is not necessary for it to be loved and used.

I wish I could talk to each of them again and tell them how they made my life better by their lessons.

---------------------------

Let me add to that. My maternal grandmother's quilts were not fancy. Sometimes they were planned, but if she ran out of a fabric, she would use whatever else she had to finish it. Thus I have a sky blue and orange running brick quilt with one piece of a printed cream on one edge. She also quilted by hand with embroidery floss in a large, sometimes crooked, running stitch. I cherish these imperfect beauties.

Here is one that "lives" on the back of my sofa.

There are memories sewn into this lap quilt. Most of the fabric came from old clothes and such that she cut up to use "just to keep my hands busy." (and don't I know that feeling!)
Check out the green curtains from Mom's kitchen that ended up in the mix. I don't know what the white lace came from, but I am sure it was another garment , it was not part of those curtains.

Sadly no quilts from my paternal grandmother lasted past my childhood.

Stair Steps

2011-10-08T11:03:00.000-05:00

I have made some progress on the little quilt I am working on. I am hoping to drum up some interest in a tutorial. Someone said "If you write it, they will come!" The writing of the tutorial is in progress.
Meanwhile, I will entertain you (I hope) with some pictures of the quilt top.
First here is the top without the borders:

Next is the top with the borders I have added to it:

And there is nothing quite like finding your "humility block" while you are writing the blog post. It is a minor "oops" so I am leaving it. Just looking at the actual top, no one has noticed it. I see it in the picture, but most people (non-quilters anyway) won't see it.

Book Review- The Devil's Puzzle

2011-10-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

A few posts back, I asked if you read mysteries. Today I am going to review the latest mystery I have finished. (True confession: I have already started another one. I love to read.)
I must tell you that this book was given to me by the publicist. I had however, already read two books in this series. One was a gift, the other I bought. I will say that getting the book free did not influence my review.

The book is The Devil's Puzzle (A Someday Quilts Mystery) by Clare O'Donohue. --Later in the month, I hope to have a guest post by Ms. Clare O'Donohue. (I love that Irish name!)

This book is part of a series that features a twenty-something woman (Nell Fitzgerald) as the main character. I like Nell because she reminds me of myself. She is always curious about things. Sometimes curiosity can put you in harm's way. Even though the victim in this book is already a skeleton, there are plenty of living suspects. And since the skeleton was found in Nell's grandmother's back garden, how could Nell help but become involved in the investigation.
There are several twists and turns in this delightful plot. Every time I was convinced that _____ did it, another possible clue would make me wonder if I was right or wrong.
I found this to be a very entertaining read. As I had already read the first two books in the series, so the characters were like old friends. Later in the month, along with the guest post by the author, I will be giving away a copy of this book. The winner will get a NEW copy, not the one I read.

I am still debating posting the tutorial on my quilt. Only five people mentioned wanting a tutorial. You can see that post here - more comments requesting the tutorial could convince me to write it up.

I won two ways

2011-10-04T19:09:00.000-05:00

First of all, I won a Sullivans Cutting Edge ruler from Pat Sloan. This was part of a blog hop. The nice thing (besides winning) is that I got to choose the ruler I wanted. Thanks to Pat Sloan AND to Victoria at BumbleBeans blog where I happened to win.

The second way I "won" was that I had a winning idea. I was waking up from a nice nap when I had this idea. What if I took a simple quilt block/pattern and made a minor change. First I did it by drawing and coloring on paper. It looked good. So I grabbed some fabric and some 5" squares to do with it and started. This is four blocks joined together. It measures approximately 26" square and was pretty easy. What do you think?

Would you like to know how to make this yourself? If I get enough comments on this post, I will do a quick quilty tutorial on making this block. It is really easy. My change made it faster to piece and there are LESS points to be matched up - that is always a plus in my book!

Men Quilt Too!

2011-10-01T05:31:00.012-05:00

This post is especially for the "Men Quilt Too!" Quilt show. There is also a link to the show in my sidebar.

I grew up thinking of quilting as "something my grandmothers did." But then a co-worker gently coerced me into taking a piecing class. I got hooked hard and fast.
I started the quilting journey in March of 2008. The class was on foundation paper piecing. When I went to the class, I didn't have a clue. She told me that I would need an acrylic ruler with a quarter inch mark. So I took a clear school ruler that -yep sure enough had a quarter inch mark on it. Ha ha. Fortunately she loaned me a ruler for the class. We made one simple block in that class- a square in a square.

In the next class we made a table runner. I knew that in May my niece would be graduating and going off to college. So, she needed a quilt. I made her a quilt, but was unable to actually quilt it - it was too large to drag through my tiny sewing machine, So I tied it.
Here is a picture of my first finished quilt.

Since then I have made many quilts.

I have also made purses, more table runners, pillowcases, eyeglass holders and even a cover/pouch for my Kindle.

One of my paintings with the pillowcases I made to "go with" it.

Kindle pouch

Table runner

Purse - check out that free motion quilting!

Purse with fabric birds

Table Runner

Purse and eyeglass holders.

Other quilty/sewing endeavors include designing quilts, designing fabric and I have even written one quilt pattern.

Of course, as you may have guessed from the blog title, I am from Alabama and still live in my home state. I have gone to college in Ohio. I have traveled as a repertory actor and actually got paid to be on stage. Interestingly, I have worked many jobs from cook to janitor to asssembly to acting to secretary, but I have never waited tables. (What an actor who doesn't wait tables? ha ha - yes true!)

I have visited England and Mexico. I like a lot of diversity in my life. I love music. I enjoy singing in a choir and I play penny whistle, piano and guitar (with varying levels of success.)

I also love comments and new followers. So if you are visiting from Pigtales and Quilts, or if you just wandered in, I hope you have enjoyed the visit and will follow me.

A Few Quick Questions and a Tease

2011-09-29T20:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, I am asking for help again. I would like you to answer some questions for me.

1. Do you enjoy reading mysteries?
2. Do you like themed books? (example -mysteries with food based titles)
3. What do you call a quilt block that looks like this?

I am looking for the block name or names - I want more than one.

4. Do you like giveaways?

And you are wondering (aren't you?); why am I asking these questions?
Here it is the teaser!!!!
I am working on two things - one of them will be a giveaway. The other is a project that I can't tell you about yet.

Two More

2011-09-28T21:07:00.001-05:00

I finally got back to working on the scarves just a bit. These take a bit more time than I had realized. The first two were total play time so I didn't pay much attention. The good part is that I need to be mildly distracted when I do it, so I put a comedy show on the television because laughter is good for the soul and in my case, the muse too. Thus the time is not all "work" and I don't feel bad about spending extra time on them.

What I found is that if I am not distracted, I obsess on details/perfection and it just doesn't work for me. These are supposed to be loose casual designs. They should be soft and playful designs on the elegant silk. Or at least that is what *I* want to make out of them. So, without further ado---here are the latest two scarves.

The previous two that I did are in this post. All of the scarves are 8" by 54".

I tried to do one in just purple and green but it didn't work. The purple and green I have ended up blending into a tragic mess. Adding some teal and a touch of yellow solved the problem.

Oh yes, since I photographed these on a black background, I had to overlap the one on the right to show that the ends of the scarf are black also.
Which one do you like best and why? Your thoughts may help to inspire me on the next ones I do.

TATW Quilted

2011-09-24T16:25:00.002-05:00

The TRIP AROUND THE WORLD quilt is quilted. It just needs binding. But today I have worked enough. It is time to play and relax. A cup of tea sounds good.

A Finish and a Flimsy Finish

2011-09-22T08:15:00.000-05:00

You may have noticed I am not blogging quite as often. I have lots going on. Nothing bad, just busy. I did manage to finish binding layer cake quilt.

All finished and ready to sell.

I also added a POP of bright to the 'Round the World quilt.

I had not considered (auditioned) this yellow, but I was determined to finish without buying more. Yaay, I did it.

This made it a nice size for a lap quilt, however, I put the flimsy on a cubicle wall to take another look at it. It will make an excellent wall quilt too.
Whoever buys it when it is finished gets to decide.
I love it!

Pop Around the World

2011-09-20T22:05:00.001-05:00

Whew, I have worked this evening. I had started this "trip around the world" top using a Bali Pop. (batik 2.5" strips)
I found it in the UFO pile and decided it needed to be finished. So I used all the rest of the strips and surrounded it.

ignore the exercise equipment to the right of the quilt. I do!

It isn't as large as I would like, but I don't have anything that looks good with it. (and I did a lot of auditioning - that is half the work!) I just can't purchase for any more fabric at this time. So, I will back it, quilt it, bind it and hope someone loves it enough to buy it. It would look great on a wall.

These Tools

2011-09-18T07:14:00.000-05:00

What do these tools mean?

They mean that I am actually sewing the binding to the back of a quilt by hand.

I learned the value of a thimble in the process. You will notice there are two in the first photo. The metal one fits my finger best and works best for me. My reading indicates that thimbles are a very personal choice.
Do you use a thimble? What kind is it?

Quiet Time and a Surprise

2011-09-15T18:18:00.001-05:00

Some of you have noticed that I have been a bit quiet. That means that I am either really busy OR working on something that doesn't show a lot of progress. Or in this case, not having time to make any progress. I have been very busy with work and with caregiving for Mom. I also wrote some copy for a friend who is working on a brochure to promote her work.

One evening this past week while I was chilling out in front of the computer, I looked at my blog referrals and saw a link from Riley Blake Designs. My curiousity was piqued, so I clicked the link back to see how that happened. I saw where I had posted a comment. I also had posted on my blog about the contest (which I did not win-I forgot to check on that too.)

Imagine my surprise when I saw that below my comment was a comment from Cindy at Riley Blake asking all the above (first 20) commenters to send in a mailing address for a prize. Thinking, well it may be too late, but no harm trying, I emailed them. Good thing too, look at this lovely rolie polie (2.5" strips of fabric) that came in a lovely squishy envelope.

The fabric is Fox Trails by Doohickey Designs I love the little animals on it. What really surprised me was the post on Doohickey Designs dated September 9th. She had just gotten her first rolie polie of Fox Trails. I got it less than a week after the designer!!! I think this is a first for me. I don't usually get fabric that has just been released. Now to decide what to make with this sweet little roll of goodness.
I just had to open it up a bit to show you the cute animals.

Isn't the little fox adorable?

A different kind of dyeing

2011-09-12T20:15:00.002-05:00

Since I needed some extra items for the sale in November, I ordered some silk scarves. These come in a cream or an off-white color. But of course when I get through with them they are bright and colorful.
Check out these - they are my first try with this technique.

Mmmmm... I like it. What do you think about them? Oh yes, what would be a reasonable price for them?

Adventures in Dyeing

2011-09-10T16:35:00.001-05:00

Today I did some more fabric dyeing. But I had bought a few polos on clearance (aka really cheap!) and one of them was white. It isn't white anymore.

Funny thing though, the thread it was sewn with is still stark white. It didn't take the dye at all.

The next pieces looked very interesting before they were washed.

But afterward, they lost a lot of intensity.

You are seeing the back of the blue fabric that was overdyed because the front just looks "dirty." However, the back will make a nice neutral to put against a bright color to really make it pop.

The one below was also wonderful and vivid before it was washed...but now is kind of pastel. I am sure I will find a use for it.

The this one is another piece of the blue fabric that was overdyed. Again, this is the back. I think the front was printed with something that resisted retaining the dye. The back is lovely, I think.

Finally, this one looks almost as good after washing as it did wet.

The shibori lines show nicely and the color is good.

I can tell that I need to invest in some fiber reactive/procion dyes if I want to get intense colors. Or better yet, I have a birthday at the end of this month if anyone wants to send me some procion dyes. (ha ha) I already have the soda ash that is used as a fixative; I use it for making laundry detergent.

Shirt Re-do and Star Digitizing

2011-09-04T20:55:00.004-05:00

Several ~~weeks~~ months ago I attempted to embroider a polo shirt that I had bought just for that purpose. I had not yet learned to place the embroidery exactly where I want it (okay so I still haven't- sigh!)

I pretty much wrecked the shirt. I kept trying to ~~find~~ think of a way to salvage it. Sunday morning really early, before getting out of bed, I just got it in my head. So it was on my agenda for play time. I made a pattern out of rice paper (it was handy, the tracing paper wasn't.) I cut out a piece of fabric (batik - are you surprised?) and went to work on it.

Now I know that bottom edge looks wonky in the photo, but it isn't. It is just that it didn't hang straight.

I also had another pre-dawn idea to work on a digitizing project that I have been playing with. That didn't work out -yet. But I discovered another thing in my free digitizing program. So I designed this star. First I sewed it out on just plain stabilizer.

Then I made some edits and sewed it out on some fabric, using a better grade of embroidery thread.

My stitches are a bit too dense so I got some wrinkling on the right and lower parts. However, I think will still be able to use it.

And for those that are in the USA and Canada - Happy Labor/Labour Day!

Dyeing For Fun

2011-09-03T20:34:00.000-05:00

Today I had a friend do some prep for a form of shibori fabric dyeing for me. This particular method can be extremely planned or you could have your helper do it randomly. Or you could do it yourself if you have to.

Marbles were individually placed under the fabric and then secured with rubber bands over the top. The rubber bands need to be pretty tight.

After all the marbles are rubber banded it is time to dye the fabric. I use Rit dye and a low water immersion method. I used two colors of dye in separate containers that were side by side. I did drizzle some from the burgundy side into the purple side. After the fabric was rinsed (several times) the marbles and rubber bands were removed.

Then, I took it outside and hung it on my chain link fence. Some textile medium, acrylic paint (golden liquid artist acrylics) and water were blended together and flung/spattered on the still wet fabric. Then I left it to dry.

After drying, I brought it in and ironed it to heat set the paints.
Here it is:

This shows both sides so that you can see the difference in the areas where the marbles were. On the side touching the marbles, it resisted the dye. On the side away from the marbles it died the centers. The random edges of those shapes are caused by the bunched fabric held tightly by the rubber bands.

I am still surprised that I haven't made a mess with the dye. I think I will buy a few more colors to play with since I have been so careful with it.

September is National _(Two things go here)__ Month

2011-09-01T21:02:00.000-05:00

Read all of this please! The second thing is on down the page.
Today I found out that September is National Preparedness month. Since I work in emergency preparedness, I had to share that with you. Are you ready for an emergency or a disaster? No? I consider you my friends so I am offering these links to places that tell you some things to do to prepare.
http://www.ready.gov/ -tells you how to make a kit, plan and be informed.
http://www.redcross.org has similar information and maybe a bit more of it. I love the videos with Jamie Lee Curtis

Another thing I found out is that this is National Sewing Month. (Thanks Kelly at IHAN)
She challenged us to write a letter or card to the ones who gave us a love of sewing/quilting. For me that would be my Grandmothers who are both gone. However, my blog readers and other bloggers continue to inspire me and feed my love of quilting and sewing. So I am writing this "card" to say Thank YOU! You are an inspiration to me. Those of you who comment frequently help me to find clarity or else inspire me to try something different.
So I say "Thanks to you all, I really do appreciate you."

UFO - working toward a finish

2011-08-31T20:21:00.001-05:00

Do you have UFOs at your house? I have several. I remember that I had this one and it definitely needs to be finished for my big sale in November. This quilt was a quilt-along top in a Layer Cake quilt along. I worked as a designer and designed one of the blocks.

Tonight (after my day job!) I pulled out this top, some quilt back muslin and some Warm and White batting and got started. I pressed the muslin and the top first. Then I started layering. I used my infamous hair spray basting spray. But since this is a larger lap quilt, I also added some pin basting.
Here it is all layered and basted.

Don't you love that ziggy-zaggedy border? I used my Accuquilt GO and the parallelogram die and a matching sized triangle die to make it. Which block did I design? Look at the second row down -middle block. I think I have the pdf I wrote for that block if you want it.
Might take me a couple of days to find it though.
For the pin basting, I just used my sewing pins and some of those soft earplugs to anchor them so I don't stick myself.
Here is a closeup.

I don't know if you can see them - there are four in this picture but I can only see three. I got the purple ones because they were on sale - and they show up pretty well on most things. I put the pins in about every 12 inches. With the spray basting, I think that will be plenty.

For now it is rolled up and ready to be quilted.

Oh yes, that little art quilt I made - well I sold it the first day. I took it to show some co-workers and one of them bought it for her bedroom. She was all excited about it. I know it will have a great home.

So how many UFOs do you have? Or are you like me and totally uncertain, but know there are some?

660 - Quilting, Binding and Dyeing

2011-08-28T01:30:00.044-05:00

Let me start off by saying that this is my 660th post. I truly cannot believe that I have written that many blog posts. But that is what Blogger tells me.
I have had hits from all over the USA, Canada, Italy, Poland, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom (England , Ireland and Wales that I know of), American Samoa, South Africa, India, the Netherlands, France and Spain. If your country wasn't listed PLEASE leave a comment and let me know. **edit** Thanks to Maree for reminding me that I get visitors (like Maree) from New Zealand.

I finally got my little art quilt quilted and bound.

This is shown draped over a chair back so it looks wonkier than it really is. I still need to add a hanging sleeve. (P.S. I love it! but it will go up for sale.)

I have resisted attempting to dye fabric because I thought it would be too messy and I just don't have a place to do it. But I had bought some "super muslin" which is thicker than regular muslin. I washed it with a small amount of detergent to remove any sizing. I was planning to use acrylic inks to dye it and thinned paint to stamp designs on it.
Enter the muse!
I saw some liquid Rit dye on the shelf when I was shopping. So I picked two bottles- purple and wine colors. I knew they would blend well and not make "muddy brown/gray."
I also got some cheap plastic containers to put the dye in when I immerse the fabric.
I did some wrapping and tying of the fabrics and these are my resulting fabrics.

I will be doing this some more. I will be buying more colors of dye also. Just what I needed (sigh) another hobby.
I also kept the Color Catcher sheets as I saw on someone's blog that she uses them in art quilts. The two I used in this are a lovely dark lavender I should have taken a picture!

Office and Factory Fun

2011-08-27T01:20:00.001-05:00

As I mentioned in my last post, I got an opportunity to fly out to Nebraska and visit AccuQuilt headquarters. I am sure some of you remember the Barn Quilt contest and unveiling. They still have the Winner and runner up displayed on the building.

The "bike" in the lower right belongs to Tim the Harley Quilter - CFO of AccuQuilt.

There are lots of quilts inside the office area. Just look:

There were more, but I didnt' get to take pictures of them all.

I met some nice people too. Carolyn and Tim were in the hallway.

Steve Nabity was smiling as he showed me the quilt he made. (look on the floor behind him - I do believe I see a GO! cutter. )

And outside I saw Lee Nakamoto and Tim - the Harley Quilter - someone (not me!) had left Tim a surprise on his bike. Lee apparently thought it was pretty funny!

It was....some lady left a lipstick kiss on his mirror. So he puckered up for an "onscreen kiss"

I don't know if you can see the lipstick in the mirror...but trust me it is there.

I had fun! I also saw inside the factory but I was too busy looking to take any pictures. Silly me!

Nebraska, Birds and Flowers?

2011-08-25T19:57:00.003-05:00

What a week this has been! I had an opportunity to fly to Nebraska on Monday. What is in Nebraska? you say. Well it happens to be home to a product I use a lot. The AccuQuilt company is based in Fremont, NE. So I got to take a tour of the company and met some wonderful people there. I met everyone from the secretaries, to customer service, to IT (information technology -aka computer) folks, to the CEO and CFO of the company and others. Today's post will not have pictures from that tour or even from the Nebraska trip. (Yes this part is a teaser for a future post.)

While I was gone I did get a new die for my Go! cutter. I got the cute little GO! bird. I told a dear friend about it and she asked if I would put fusible on some scraps and cut some birds for her. You bet I would!

I told you that they are cute! If you fold the fabric so that part is face up and part is face down, you get birds that face both directions.
So after I cut these I said, now what to do with the scraps. Good fabric, good fusible - I am NOT throwing it away.
Here are what the pieces looked like.

There are some nice pieces left. So I said "What die has smaller pieces that I can layer these over and get extra play pieces from?"
Oooh...the Daisy die is a sure winner for that.

Kinda ignore my sloppy outlining of the shapes on the daisy die.

I also had some purple batik scraps with fusible. So I cut these pieces.

Circles and petals - which may become something else altogether once I start playing fabric artist. Some of the petals are not perfect as the pieces didn't quite cover the shapes. Guess what- all leaves and petals in nature aren't perfect either!

There was one larger piece of blue left. But I saw possibilities if I didn't cut it with the die -so for now it looks like this. I drew some wobbly lines on it with the photo editor.

The black outline could be a head and torso. The aqua outline could be an urn or vase. So I will see if that plays into my plans when I start putting the "puzzles" together. I am leaving the option open.

There were some other small scraps too. I suppose most people would throw them in the trash. But I used some very small pieces on the last fused piece I did. So I am saving these:

I already see some little blue tree branches....

Reminder - stay open to creativity. Look for unexpected shapes that delight your eyes. Play! Create! Love life!

Oh yes...don't forget to sign up for AccuQuilt emails and get 22 free patterns. Click the picture below

Start Me Up

2011-08-21T18:48:00.001-05:00

The play with the fusible applique cat has sparked an idea. A while back, I read a book Simply Stunning Woven Quilts by Anna Faustino. I kept thinking that I would try the techniques in the book -but I never did.
Since the play sparked my "why not just try it" mode, I took some batik fabric and tried it my way. I did not reference the book at all since, although I own it, it wasn't close at hand.
I put fusible on two pieces of fabric, then did the cutting and weaving. Then I fused it all to a piece of cotton batting.
Wanna see? Of course you do.

Woven Batik Background

This will be the start of a fun applique piece. I plan to redo the Silly Play Saturday cat design. However, I will make it a bit more fun and whimsical. Several people thought the yellow cloud was blonde hair - those comments inspired me. Thank you! Your comments mean more than you know at times. And you never know, I might do a giveaway based on comments made in the past!
Did you do anything fun this weekend? Oh, and what do you think of the woven background?

If you don't hear from me for a couple of days - fear not - something fun is going to be going on. (((grin))) I will tell you later!

Silly Play Saturday - Lessons Learned

2011-08-20T15:45:00.005-05:00

Sometimes it is great to just play. So for fun - to let my inner child play - I took some fusible web and a few pieces of scrap that I thought would probably never be used and played.

I fused the scraps to a piece of Wonder Under (double sided fusible) and let it cool. *Lesson1: it is easier to fuse a full piece of fabric than it is loose pieces.

Then I sat down with my scissors and started cutting. I tried to do a circle - not exactly round *Lesson 2: for perfect circles use the AccuQuilt GO! cutter and the circle die.

Hmm... this not so round circle reminds me of a cat - a particular storybook cat.

I cut more pieces and made more mistakes *Lesson 3: making mistakes is a part of learning.

I put together a silly storybook picture and took it (carefully) back to the ironing board. I fused it. See how silly:

The yellow cloud behind his head is just there to add contrast.

Laura Wasilowski suggests always using hand dyed fabric. I didn't have any in the scraps I was using. Had I had some for the background, here is what it may have looked like:

It would definitely have made an improvement. (and the yellow cloud would have been totally unnecessary!) Maybe I will keep this piece and try using paint and textile medium to "dye" the background.

Do you ever just play? If you do, good for you. If you don't, you should try it. It opens doors in your creative mind.

Fabric designs

2011-08-20T11:36:00.002-05:00

Fabric designs, a photo by GeneBlack on Flickr.

I still need a LOT of votes to even be in the running. If you haven't voted, please go vote for me.
Also please ask all your friends to vote.
Thanks

Summer Camp and Quilting

2011-08-19T12:41:00.002-05:00

Have you ever been to summer camp? I remember going to a church summer camp as a child. We had lots of fun and met interesting people. So, for me, camp is a good memory.

If I said "Accuquilt, Fons & Porter and Fabric.com" what would you think of? Summer camp? Okay maybe not.

However, there is something fun ~~coming~~ happening starting today.

Those three companies are hosting Camp Quiltalong. Now that sounds like a camp I would like! And there are prizes available in the Camp Quiltalong Prize Giveaway.

So join in some campfire fun for a chance to win great prizes totaling over $1500! Fons & Porter, Fabric.com, and AccuQuilt have teamed up to provide us all with a huge giveaway on Facebook.

Simply “Like” these Facebook pages and gain access to all three sections of a secret code that unlock your chance to win! Follow the camp trail on the bottom of each sponsor’s page and it will take you to the next campground to retrieve the next section of code. Once you’ve captured all three pieces of the secret code, go to www.accuquilt.com/indianblocks and enter the full code to register to win! Your summer camping trip begins at AccuQuilt, so get GO!-ing at http://www.facebook.com/accuquilt?sk=wall#!/accuquilt?sk=app_10467688569

I have to tell you that I already "like" two of those three companies on FaceBook. Now I am off to "like" Fons and Porter (I didn't know they were on FaceBook) so I can get entered. I love prizes!

Let's go Camping!

Faster and Easier

2011-08-18T21:14:00.001-05:00

I cut all of these while watching part of a movie.

Don't think it looks like much?
Look again with the stack I cut the slow way.

The "little" stack in the front took over 30 minutes to cut with the rotary cutter- and I had to pay close attention. See how many more I cut with the AccuQuilt 2" square die. It cuts six at a time and up to six layers at a time.
Yes, there are almost 200 squares in the back stack. - I confess that I haven't counted the small stack. I need to add a few more color values, but I am well on my way to another watercolor project.
Now that is the way to GO!

Help! I need somebody, HELP!

2011-08-15T21:06:00.002-05:00

Yes, that is a Beatle's song from my, ahem, childhood.

I need two kinds of help. For one of them, I am calling in the professional.
I started cutting some more 2" squares for doing more watercolor quilts like my "Monet Garden" that you have seen in stages. Fortunately, I won those 2" squares. But now that I am hooked on the technique, I have to cut them myself. I cut from scraps for about 20-30 minutes. (I wish I had timed it!) This is what I got from my work:

Yes that is all I got cut in that time. I do like precision cuts. So I decided to stop cutting the hard way. I sat at my computer and ordered the AccuQuilt GO! 2" square die. It will cut six squares at a time and up to six layers. That is 36 squares cut in a couple of minutes. Hmmm... Yes it is worth it to call in the professional. I will get the die in a few days and I can cut the squares quickly.

Now for the help I need from you, my wonderful readers. A while back one of my dear friends sent me a link to Connecting Threads. They had an open call for fabric designers. I have been wanting to design a line of fabric for quite some time now. I submitted several designs. Today (Monday the 15th) I got the email saying that voting is open. I checked and found three of my designs in the running. You can help me to win by going to vote for my designs at the website.
Here are my three designs:

Click here to vote

I had two other designs that I submitted, which were not put in the running. My opinion is that those were better than these three.

The good news is that you can vote for all three of them if you wish. (I would love it if you did.)

The "bad" news is that there is some really good competition out there.

So as the Beatles sang, "won't you ple-e-ease - Help Me!" and vote for my designs.

Flutter by my Butterflies

2011-08-15T01:43:00.006-05:00

The most comments on the previous post said to add the butterflies. So I did some more fusible applique to make the butterflies. They seemed to get lost in the design more than I liked, so I went multimedia on this piece.
I took the piece to my painting area and got paint and fabric medium. I used the paint to change the color and tones of the butterflies. What you can't see in the picture is that I added some paint that shimmers and sparkles in with the colored paint. This will be a fun wall hanging.

Monet's Garden with flowers and butterflies.

Now, all I need to do is back it, quilt it and add a hanging sleeve.

Adding Flowers to a Quilty Garden

2011-08-13T21:57:00.000-05:00

On a previous post, I asked if I should add applique to the Monet's Quilt Garden project. Since the answers were not decisive, and I had this new GO! Daisy die, and since I had seen where Laura "Artfabrik" Wasilowski used the die creatively - well what else could I do? I couldn't resist the challenge. So I took the die and cut pieces.

I cut pieces from green for leaves and from a yellow to orange hand-dye fabric for petals. I also cut some small bias strips for stems freehand. Here is my creation:

(yes I did fusible applique!)

Aren't those little flowers adorable. You knew I wouldn't make daisies with the daisy die, didn't you?

New Question - do you think some butterflies or birds in the sky would add to it?

Another Jam

2011-08-09T21:17:00.001-05:00

The figs are still producing so I haven't had time to do anything but make jam to use them up.
Yesterday evening I made some "orange marmalade" fig jam. For that I used orange jello and some added real orange flavoring. Oddly I only got four jars out of that batch.
Tonight I got more daring. I used lemon jello, the juice of two limes, some lemon flavoring and some powered ginger. So these will be lemon ginger fig jam. This made six jars and there was some left over that I put in a container to use right away.
Pictures:

Cooking it down

Boiling water bath

And finally:

All sealed up- Lemon Ginger Fig Jam

(and yes it is tasty! I had to "clean" the pan!)

Make a Wash with a Grid

2011-08-06T17:45:00.003-05:00

Say what? Yes, you make a wash with a grid. More precisely you make a watercolor wash quilt using a wonderful product called 'quilter's grid fusible interfacing' by Pellon.

Today I played around with some pieces I won from Judy at Sew Fun Quilts. When Judy had the giveaway she said that you would need to get some Quilter's Grid to do this. I found some at the local Hobby Lobby - with the other interfacing products.

Sew, today I laid out pieces and fuse tacked (no steam) them in place until I had the entire piece laid out. Then I followed the directions that said to steam it. Then you fold on the lines between rows and sew a quarter inch seam at each fold. EASY! Then the "hard" part is snipping between where you will sew the next time.
Hey this post at Stash Manicure explains it all.
Here is my "watercolor wash" quilt top.

Monet's Quilt Garden

All the points match up. There are 196 squares of fabric in this piece. Yeah! Really!!! That Quilter's Grid stuff is awesome for fast piecing and perfect points. I will say that the finished piece is rather stiff. That is my only complaint.

Now I know in this picture the rows 'sag' but that is due to my lack of photo skills, they are really straight.
I think my values could have been better, but I was playing so I am not going to be hard on myself. I like it; and that is what matters!

It will get borders and become either a lap quilt or maybe I should do some (((gasp!!!))) applique on it and make a wall hanging. Which do you think would be best?