A Fun, Fun Day! Playtime in the City!!!!!!

I had to take a friend to the airport this morning so I decided that this would present a day of playtime with me, myself and I. We reside approximately 40 – 45 miles away from the airport and with all our traffic it can be a trek. I figured if I was going to “trek into the city”, as my DH says, then I would take full advantage and visit a couple of quilt stores that I seldom get to. I was giddy with anticipation! LOL

I had a wonderful day! Two quilt stores and some fun treasures and treats. You’ll notice a new book called Feedsacks, a jelly roll pattern, a pin cushion pattern, a Sunshine Jellyroll with some border print (still need to purchase some fabric for inner borders), a cool ruler to cut circles, a desperately needed package of Triangles on a Roll and fat quarter with some pretty pink flowers. I skipped happily to my car when I left both quilt stores. LOL

Then I stopped by Barnes & Noble and picked up Jennifer Chiaverini’s newest novel, The Quilter’s Homecoming. I love her books and wait anxiously every Spring for a new one. I skipped happily to my car, again.

And, when I got home I had a package from Honeysuckle Cottage in AU with two Red Brolly (Bronwyn Hayes) patterns and A Quilter’s Journey package of patterns by Leanne Beasley.

The final topper to the day - my DH took me out to dinner!

Thank you!!!

I try very hard not to post about personal challenges however Monday was one of the worst days I’ve had in a very long time and I needed to vent. Thank you for allowing me to vent; for your kind words and all the “cyberhugs”. Blogging has really become a very important part of my day, as I’ve “met” so many wonderful friends. So, thank you!

I will go to bed tonight with a happy heart!!! :-)

Calgon Take Me Away!

Since the first of the year we've been experiencing some challenges in our little corner of the world. Can you say stress? Today was a really bad day and I was ready to run away! I thought about going to see Nadine in Belgium; May Britt in Norway; Tazzie, Cynthia and Leigh in Australia; Wendy in British Columbia; Gail in Ontario and I even considered just getting in my car and just driving!

Then I decided I'd just stay home and continue to deal with the "stuff". Ugh!!!!!!

Thanks for letting me vent!

Baskets of Leftovers

I couldn’t stand it – I had to do it! I had to work on my “tisket, tasket, cute little basket” quilt and finish it! YeeHaw!

This pattern is actually called Mojo and it’s by Carrie Nelson/Miss Rosie’s Quilt Co. However, in my home it’ll be called “Baskets of Leftovers”. Why? Well, I’m really proud of myself as I didn’t have to purchase one piece of fabric – this quilt is done with partial fat quarters and such from other projects. I had yardage for the borders and I might have enough yardage in pieces/parts to do some creative piecing for the backing. We’ll see!

Now, it’s time to think about the next project. I love to sew, don’t you?

Tagged Again & More!

Last night before bed I found that Wendy had “tagged” me again with the "Thinking Blogger Award. Thanks so much Wendy!

I’ve thought about the other wonderful blogs that provide me with so much inspiration. Blogs that I read on a very regular basis (without fail) and feel slight disappointment when there’s nothing new. LOL I’m going to list a group of talented women and their blogs – these are women that I’d love to know better. You know exactly what I mean – you leave a comment on occasion on their blog but you always read it and they leave a comment on your blog and you hope that they always read yours as well. You want to be friends with them; you admire their work (and tell them); you’d love to sit and sew with them. Anyway, you get the picture!

Judy – I’ve been visiting Judy’s blog since I started my blog. She is a woman of many talents. She does incredible hand appliqué (have you seen it?????), she can quilt on a regular domestic sewing machine (I can’t do that), she does beautiful handwork and her eye for color is incredible. You must stop by her blog and see it ALL.

Hanne – So much I could say about Hanne but her blog will speak for itself. Such talent in those hands!

Cynthia – I’d love to live near Cynthia and be a part of a sewing group with her. She’s multifaceted.

Paula – I’m in awe of her knitting talent. Oh my goodness! She does beautiful quilting, as well, but it’s her knitting that speaks volumes to me. I don't knit so I admire hers from afar.

Gail – A kind soul with so much talent. And, she's an awesome Mom to Captain Cool and Sweetie Pie.

Paula (Coffee Time Quilter) - Paula used to quilt in her "younger" days (sorry Paula) and stayed away from it for a long time but has found this passion yet again. Her work is wonderful.

I'll be back later with "the more" - I need to take a picture or two!

A LITTLE TIP:

(this is if your blog address is .blogspot.com)

So many new wonderfully talented bloggers have been leaving comments on my blog but I haven't been able to properly respond. Why? Well, they come to me in an e-mail as "no reply". If you'd like for me or others to reply to your comments, and we'd love to, please do the following:

Go to your profile and click on "edit your profile" then go down and put a check mark in the box "show my e-mail address".

If you do that so many of us would love it cuz it'll be easier to communicate with you!

Thanks bunches!!!!

Tagged – The Thinking Blogger Award

Wow, I’ve been tagged by Nicole and Caroline with The Thinking Blogger Award. I’m so touched and honored that it’s very difficult for me to express exactly how I feel. I’m just here blogging and sharing – sort of doing my own thing! To think that I’ve inspired some, when so many have inspired me, is difficult to fathom. These ladies are so talented in their own right! Since I’ve been “tagged” by two incredible women then I get to “tag” ten that have inspired to me. Picking only ten is going to be so difficult because there are so many inspirational blogs that I visit on a regular basis.

Vicky – Vicky’s blog was one of the first blogs I discovered a year ago and she immediately reached out and offered her hand in friendship. She’s inspired me in so many ways and she’s one of the biggest reasons I started doing hand appliqué and have found a new passion. What’s best of Vicky – her warped sense of humor is just like mine!

Patti – What to say about Patti; one of the most organized and talented quilters I know. She helped Vicky push (read shove) me over the fence to get into hand appliqué. She’s always there when I have a question and even provided a list of tips and techniques when I needed it most.

Libby – One of the kindest souls I know in cyberspace. She as a whole inspires me everyday in everything she does and stands for!

Nadine – My good friend in Belgium. Our friendship started over a simple e-mail and has flourished in so many ways. She is such a treasure to me.

May-Britt – An incredibly talented woman who never ceases to amaze me. She can do anything! It would be so much fun to just sit and sew with her – I’d come away with so much knowledge.

Connie Lu – I’ve just gotten to know Connie Lu but my goodness she’s something! Her work is awesome and a day does not go by that I don’t visit her blog several times a day hoping she’ll share something with the blogging world.

Carole - I'm just getting to know this talented quilter but her applique and piece work is awesome.

Dawn - Have you seen Dawn's work? Oh my goodness she does the greatest stuff. Everything is always perfect.

Linda - I'm not sure that I've ever seen Linda do anything for herself. She does so much for those in need - making sure that many have quilts to keep them warm

Mary - Another quilter who consistently thinks of others and donates her quilts on a very regular basis.

Kristie - My daughter who inspires me everyday with her dedication to her husband and children. I wish that I could have been half the mom to her that she is to her boys - Seth and Eli.

Yes, I've tagged 11 incredible women with The Thinking Blogger Award!

I'm honored to know each and every one of you!

SPOILED ROTTEN

It’s been almost a week since I’ve done much blogging. Oh, I’ve visited different blogs and left a comment or two but my little blog has been very neglected.

So, what have I been doing instead? Well, sewing, of course! I’ve been having so much fun! Every evening I’ve been working on my “tisket tasket, cute little basket” project. All 36 basket blocks are done (yes, four of each design) and are now assembled into larger blocks. It’s time to start assembling the rows with sashing and cornerstones. Still a lot more work to do with this project and I’m loving it. It’s been an interesting segue for me because I’m using partial fat quarters and pieces parts of fabric.

So, why is this entry titled “Spoiled Rotten”? Well, I am very spoiled rotten – my DH, Ron, spoils me rotten to the core. On a regular basis he will encourage me to “leave the dishes”, “cook something simple for dinner”, “let’s go get a quick bite”, etc just so I’ll have time to sew. He encourages me to shop for more fabric! He will come into my sewing room to assist with fabric decisions cuz he has “the” eye for color that I don’t. Recently when I was attempting to clean my “walk-in” closet in my sewing room, I jokingly told my daughter that it was “dad’s fault” that I have so much fabric. She started laughing and said “this ought to be good – why is it Dad’s fault” – well because he encourages me to buy, buy, buy. Of course, it’s his fault. LOL This man will come to my rescue when my computer "acts up", when I can't figure out my computer, etc.

I’ve been married to Ron for over 30 years now and while it’s been a roller coaster ride for both of us – I’d be lost without him! Trust me, he's no Saint but he's my Sweetie and I'd be lost without him.

Thank you, Sweetie for loving me and spoiling me rotten.

A Tisket, A Tasket; Pretty Little Baskets

I’ve been playing with charm packs for weeks now and I’ve been ready to do something a little more substantial – more “meat”, so to speak. I’ve looked through patterns, books, etc and finally settled on this project. They are definitely a bit more time consuming than my four patch charms (LOL). You might notice there are four different versions of the baskets/cakestands and I need to make 9 of each. Yesterday I was having so much fun working on these beauties that I lost all track of time. A fabulous day in the sewing room.

Edit: I'm not using charm squares for this one - I have partial fat quarters and scraps from another project. I didn't want to mislead anyone!

Take me out to the ballgame!!! It’s that time WOOHOO – it’s baseball season. A needle and thread with a cute project and a baseball game on TV makes me a happy girl. teehee

A Touch of Spring

Spring table topper brightening my kitchen! I “scored” those three blue ball canning jars for $2 each at a Patio Sale yesterday.

My daughter and I are so excited about these monthly table toppers that we’ve been brain storming about themes to use each month and what to use for center pieces. Some months are obvious but we’re a bit stumped with others. Any ideas?

OK - you can LOOK now!

I finally took the time to pull some of the stuff out of the closet in my sewing room and I can actually “walk-in” now. LOL No, I didn’t do the “BIG SORT” – that project will have to wait for now cuz I don’t feel like doing it right now. I feel better that I can at least walk into the closet and pull those drawers open. How is it that a person can have a sewing room with 21 drawers (yes, 21) and still not have enough room to store it all??? Sigh!

It’s a proven fact that “Quilting puts a smile on my face; and a song in my heart” – it just makes me feel so good. I just want to sew!!!!! :-)

Stitchery! Redwork! Embroidery!

I love handwork and have been wanting to get more involved in "stitchery, redwork, embroidery". I've searched and searched for THE project and nothing speaks to me except Leanne's House designs. I love, love, love her designs - have you seen them? If you like embroidery you must take a peek at her patterns. Oh my goodness they are wonderful. I am a bit sad because I can't seem to find a place to purchase them here in the US. If the ladies in Australia can order goodies from the US then certainly I order from Australia. Soon; very soon! :-)

It’s a Spring Thing

I seem to be stuck in a “Spring” mode. These days I’m very drawn to those luscious brighter colors – almost like Easter eggs. Definitely a “Spring Thing” I found this pile of assorted fabric in a drawer and now I need to find “the” project.

Last week I joined the Moda University class at one of the local quilt stores and Spring Fling was this month’s project – it’s now finished and will hopefully be quilted one day soon. Fabric and pattern are designed by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda.

Wow, I see I’m in good company when it comes to “blog stalking” – LOL. Thank you for leaving a comment and admitting that you, too are a blog stalker. Teehee! And, if my blog is one that you stalk – thank you so much.

A huge thank you for taking the time to "stalk" my blog and to leave a comment now and then. I’ve “met” so many wonderful people via my blog – almost like my own private guild.

Happy Monday!

I was reading a few of my favorite blogs early this morning and I had a funny thought! I do believe I'm a "Blog Stalker". There are certain Blogs that I truly do "stalk" - I love to see what the owner of the blog is working on, what she or he has been up to, what's happening in their corner of the world, etc.

So, here's my question for you:

Are you a "Blog Stalker", as well?

I can't list the blogs I stalk - need to protect the innocent - ME! :-)

My Table Toppers
sorry I'm just getting here - I've been sewing!

Spring Table Topper: approx 31 ½ x 31 ½

13 5” charms
½ yard background fabric (yellow pin dot)
3/8 yard for inner border and binding (yellow)
½ yard for outer border
1 yard for backing

Cut 2 5” strips from background fabric
Subcut into 13 5” squares

Cut 2 1 ¾ “ strips for inner border

Cut 3 5” strips for outer border

Cut 4 2” strips for binding (I prefer 2” binding strips)

Pair a 5” charm with a 5” background square and make four patches in the manner I described on here. This will yield 26 four patches (you’ll only need 25)

Sew the four patches 5 across and 5 rows down
Add the inner border
Add the outer border

Democracy Table Topper: approx 33 1/2" x 33 1/2"

18 5” charms
½ yard for inner border and binding
½ yard for outer border
1 yard for backing

Cut 3 1 ¾” strips for inner border
Cut 3 4” strips for outer border

Pair 2 5” charms and make four patches in the manner I described on here. This will yield 36 four patches.

Sew the four patches 6 across and 6 rows down
Add the inner border
Add the outer border

Enjoy! If you have any questions please, please do not hesitate to ask and I'll try to answer. :-)

I'm really pleased that you like my simple table toppers. Stay tuned I have lots more planned.

Spring Table Toppers

(you’ll need sunglasses – LOL)

Here they are – two ‘almost’ Spring table toppers. I’ll finish them later this week after the border fabric arrives (it’s been shipped).

I made these two with one charm pack of Peas and Carrots by American Jane/Moda and yardage of an off white with yellow pin dots. That yellow inner border is definitely bright put I’m hoping the outer border fabric will tone it down. If not then I’ll employ my trusty seam ripper and look for something different.

I’ve had several people ask me about the patterns for these table toppers – there is no actual pattern. It’s just my idea(s) with charm packs. I’ll be happy to write up the instructions if you’d like.

The patriotic "Democracy" table topper for my daughter is quilted. WooHoo - just need to sew down the binding and it's all hers. She'll be one happy girl. :-)

Quick Finish!!!!

My daughter, Kristie and her family were visiting on Sunday and she saw my “Seasons” tablecloth and she fell in love with it. She immediately expressed an interest in having one for her table, too. I had one charm pack of “Democracy” and she loved it. So, I told her she could have “Seasons” or I’d make “Democracy” for her. She said she wanted one that I’d made especially for her and asked for “Democracy”. So, yesterday afternoon,while I was killing time, I whipped up the four patches, sewed some of the rows and then while I was at a Moda University class at the quilt store I picked up border, binding and backing fabric. Then this morning I sewed the borders on and hopefully later this week I’ll quilt it, bind it and she can enjoy it on her table.

I’m hooked on these little tablecloths so I have big plans – yeah right! I’d love to make a different one for every month of the year – yes one for my daughter, as well. Now, will I really do it? That remains to be seen! LOL

HMMM - today is the first day of Spring so I must search for fabric to make two with a Spring theme.

BIG, HUGE, REALLY BIG, REALLY HUGE SURPRISE :-)

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!!!! I just had the biggest and nicest surprise! I am sooooooo excited! I answered my phone and Nadine, all the way from Belgium, was on the other end. I couldn't believe it when I answered the phone - I can't express how excited and pleased I was. WooHoo!

Nadine, my friend, it was so much fun to chat with you! You have become such a delight in my life - thank you, thank you for the wonderful surprise! ((HUGS))

I have HUGE smile in my heart!!!!!! :-)

Spring Snowballs (teehee)

(they're suppose to be plates)

Where’s Spring? I pulled this flimsy out from "the pile" yesterday and decided it needed to be quilted NOW. I need something that says Spring – actually I need lots of somethings that say Spring. Like so many of my flimsies I made this quilt a couple of years ago and it’s a pattern by Terry Christopherson and her book "Days to Remember". Please note that I found the binding and it’s ready to be sewed down. Still have not found the binding for Leap Frog (could it be that I didn’t make the binding when I finished the “top”???) HMMMM

It appears that I've been in a swirly mood lately - just noticed that I quilted this one with swirls as I did Leap Frog. :-)

We’ve been having temps in the high 80’s to low 90’s and this week end we’ll experience high 90’s. We turned on the central a/c yesterday – just couldn’t take it anymore. In the evenings it does cool off nicely but during the day it’s HOT. It's just way too soon. Please send "cool thoughts" my way.

DON'T LOOK!!!! (ok, don't say I didn't warn you!)

You're looking at a picture of my "walk-in" closet in my sewing room. OK, so I can't walk-in - LOL - but I can reach. LOL ;-)

The time has come for me to "gut" my sewing room, including the walk in closet. Yes, it's time to take a long serious look at everything and make some reality based decisions. i.e. am I ever going to use "that". I've made arrangements to borrow a couple of 6 foot folding banquet tables to set up in my living room and I'm going to start the big sort. Of course, it'll be very interesting to see if I can really get rid of some of the stuff but I must do it. I have boxes and boxes of fabric in a storage unit away from my home. I'm planning to bring one box home at a time and sort through all of those, as well.

So, stay tuned for updates of the BIG SORT. teehee

Cherries Jubilee Update!

Thank you so much for all your help - the links, etc to help me find Cherries Jubilee. I knew I could count on you! I have three charm packs coming from Over The Rainbow (they will be shipped today - woohoo) and late yesterday afternoon I found this tin box with one charm pack enclosed. I should be able to do something really, really cute with four charm packs (each has 45 charms). I'm still coveting some yardage but we'll see! :-)

Apple Pie, Cherries Jubilee & Peas and Carrots!

I was out and about on Friday running errands - the stop and go kind! In and out of the car; dash in and out, etc. I made a quick dash into one of our local quilt stores and purchased one charm pack of Peas and Carrots - it would make an adorable Spring tablecloth for my kitchen table. While I was there I caught a glimpse of a bolt or two of Cherries Jubilee - very, very pretty - how did I miss that???? Wait, wait, I thought to myself - I have made a quilt top with Cherries Jubilee - AH, I felt better. So, I pulled out said quilt top and OH NO!!! it's not Cherries Jubilee, it's Apple Pie. Mind you, I love my Grandma's Album and should press it and quilt it very, very soon as it would look lovely in my entry way. It would made a HUGE Spring statement!!!!! So, now I'm beating myself up for missing Cherries Jubilee - how did that happen - where was I? Sadly, I can't find a fat quarter bundle anywhere :-(

My friends in blogger land if you know where I can find a fat quarter bundle of Cherries Jubilee by Moda please, please let me know.

Baltimore Album Meets Country Cousins

It's definitely a small world. Suze and her friends are working on this together and Carole is working on it as a BOM from The Quilted Crow, just as I am. I set this aside last fall during my "slump" and need to get back to it. I'm hoping that Suze and Carole's progress will prod me along. LOL

Leap Frog (it says SPRING)

Another “flimsy” quilted! WooHoo!!!! I need to find the binding for this one – where is it?????

I made this quilt almost three years ago. It’s a pattern from Me and My Sister Designs and made with a line of fabric from Moda – the name escapes me now but it has a 30’s feel to it.

I must think about making a list of my “flimsies” (aka quilt tops waiting to be quilted). Lately I’ve been taking two steps forward and many back – piecing more than quilting.

PS: I have not been able to leave comments on “Typepad blogs” this morning but I have been reading! I’ll try again later.

Sweet Romance

I made two of these and sadly they are both still flimsies. My daughter fell in love with this line of fabric, Sweet Romance from Moda, so I made two quilts. Well, they are actually still flimsies but soon they will both be real quilts.

I’ve been doing a lot of piecing recently however I need to start thinking about doing some actual quilting. That flimsy pile is growing again – two steps forward and four back. ACK!!! LOL

EDIT: This quilt has been a flimsy for a couple of years. I didn't just finish this one!

"UNCLE"

That’s what my sewing machine has said this evening! LOL I’ve been working my little buddy really hard today. I managed to finish my project with the mini nine patches. I had to run to the quilt store late this afternoon to get the brown border fabric. I had blue in mind but I believe the brown worked much better!

I can’t take credit for this one; it’s called “Garden Patch” from Simple Traditions by Kim Diehl (That Patchwork Place). In the book the outer border has a beautiful appliqué design but I decided a plain border would do just fine!

Decision, decisions – what’s next. Pondering if I should continue with my quest to use up my 5” charm packs or dig deeper for a project. In the meantime my sewing machine is taking a much needed break. LOL

Tomorrow I'm off to sew with a friend at one of the local quilt stores. Need a new project - LOL!!!!!

Just a Quilty Ditty!

"Another one bites the dust; another one bites the dust"...

This is my completed Picket Fence 16 patch. By the way, this is my own design! :-)

A Snicker & A Giggle

My Sweetie saw this in my sewing room today and asked if it was on "overstuffed jelly roll". LOL (yes, he reads my blog!)

Back to my regularly scheduled sewing! Can you tell I'm having fun?

Feast or Famine

If you’re a regular reader of my blog then you might recall the “Great Quilting Slump of 2006”. LOL That slump is now completely gone (wasted so much time!!!!) and now I’m in full stitching mode and can’t sew fast enough. You all know that old cliché “so many projects, so little time” . Sigh!

We’ve had stressful days in our household since the first of the year but especially this past week and the only thing that’s keeping my heart happy is to sew. And, whoa have I been sewing!

The picture shows the beginning of my project with the 3” nine patches that I’ve been working on with Chocolat charm squares (prints and plaids). Oh, I’m loving this one! And, yesterday the little package arrived with my needed Picket Fence charm pack so I can finish my sixteen patch project – another one that I’m crazy about.

Now, I’m hanging my head in shame as well – BIG Sigh!

I have not made string blocks for Nancy as I promised – I will do it, Nancy, I’m sorry!

I signed up for the Siggie Swap with Cynthia and have not worked on those blocks and, of course, they are due this Saturday (obviously, I’m way too late to get them made and sent) I’m so ashamed as I’m usually very dependable but I’ve been self absorbed! How can I correct this HUGE faux pas!

I have two packages for winners of my 101st posting and those are still waiting to hit the post office. Gail and Cynthia you’ll have your surprise goodies very soon!

I have a package for Nadine that I need to finish assembling and there it sits!

I have not taken time to leave comments on so many blogs I visit on a regular basis, nor have I responded to the comments left on mine. You know I like to respond!

Needless to say my selfishness has caught up with me! It’s definitely “Feast or Famine” – I feel good cuz I’m sewing and I feel really, really bad cuz I’ve let some “friends” down.

So, while I’m hanging my head in shame!

On a happier note, I must wish a Happy Birthday to my wonderful daughter – Kristie! (can she really be 32???? Oh my!) I’m so proud of her – she’s an incredible woman – a good wife and a wonderful mother to two super terrific boys, Seth and Eli. Happy Birthday, Sweetness!!!!

Shopping with Big Plans

I popped into two quilt stores yesterday and came away with stuff to finish a current project (remember those itty bitty nine patches) and the first phase of two more projects. You'll notice a Sanctuary Jelly Roll by Moda - it's my first "Jelly Roll" and it's fat free - WooHoo!!!!

Stopped by Barnes and Noble and found the latest issue of Quilts and More and Best of Quilt Sampler (Nadine, I bought one for you, too).

While I was out I met with my good friends, Barb and Mary of Me and My Sister Designs to grab some patterns to proof.

So, new fabric, new magazines, a little time with good friends – a very good day, indeed!

A LITTLE TEASER

I’ve spent the evening working with my Chocolat charm squares (prints and plaids). I’ve already made thirty (30) 3 ½” nine patches. Oh, they are so cute! I’m showing you a picture of some of the itty bitty nine patches – in my new project I will only be using the ones with the dark corners so I’m tossing the others in a basket. A project for those will come along someday! Tomorrow I have to go out to meet with some clients so I plan to stop by my LQS to purchase more plaid charm squares (I only had one pack).

By the way – I’ve been making my itty bitty nine patches out of the charm squares following the tutorial here. (be sure to scroll down the page)

More tomorrow!

Another one bites the dust!

If you've read my blog on regular basis you know that I love to sing "Another One Bites the Dust" when I've completed a project. :-) Do you suppose that Freddy Mercury smiles when I do that? LOL

The past week has been incredibly stressful in my household so when I get stressed I sew! It's such a terrific destresser - I just get lost in the hum of my sewing machine. AHHHHH Thirty five 25 patches pieced and assembled - WooHoo. I used a fat quarter bundle called Spring Spring by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda

I got e-mail notification that my Picket Fences charm pack has been shipped so hopefully I get that project finished at the end of the week.

Wait till you see what I have planned for the next stack of charm packs. Chocolat prints and plaids - YUM!

Having Fun

I sewed and sewed and then came to a screeching halt. I need more 5” charm squares to make more 16 patches. So I’ve quickly placed an order and now will wait for Mr. Postman to bring my little package.

Here’s a sneak peek at my 16 patches with framed 4 patches – next week I’ll show you the finished quilt.

edit: the blocks are set on-point

Charm Square 4 Patches

Several have asked about my charm square four patches. Here's a quick tutorial.

Sew two different 5" squares (right sides together) a 1/4" on opposite sides.

Cut them apart - in the middle - you now have two 2 1/2" units.




Press them open and sew two units together; again right sides together a 1/4" seam allowance on opposite sides.






Now cut those units apart in the middle and you have two four patches per pair of 5" charm squares.


4" finished

I know this is not a new technique but it's a refresher; as so many of us are trying to figure what to do with those 5" charm packs. :-)

If my explanations are not clear please let me know and I'll be happy to answer your questions.

5” Charm squares = 16 Patches

Allow me to introduce you to my quilting project that caused me so much frustration! I made four patches and attempted to lay them out in a pattern on one of the design walls and it was ICKY. So, I set it aside and decided that I would think about it later! Late Saturday night as I was preparing for bed I had a "light bulb moment" – make 16 patches. So, I used two packs of 5” charm squares and now have 25 sixteen patches. Setting? Oh, I’m working on some ideas and hoping for another “light bulb moment”. But, aren’t they cute – it’s Moda’s Picket Fences line!

Drumroll Please!

28 left comments on my 101st posting – thank you! LeahS, baynesK, LisaD, Computerpeach Kim, Sweet Pea, Carolyn, Melzie, Sabine, Nadine, Carol, DoodlebugGail, Vicky, Carole, Paula, Beth, Mary, Swoozie/Suzette, Joyce, May Britt, Anne, Lappemore, The Calico Cat, TJ, Cynthia, McIrish Annie, Nicole Libby and Meredith. It’s been lots of fun to read all the comments to my silly game – thanks for playing!

I put all the names into a bowl and decided to draw two names.

The winners are:

Doodlebug Gail and Cynthia

Please send an e-mail to me with your full name and address and a surprise will make its way to you very soon!

Again, thanks for playing!

101

Yesterday’s posting was my 100th. I had a good laugh because later I was leaving a comment on someone’s blog and the verification letters were “iblab” – well obviously not because I’ve been blogging since June and I’ve just gotten to 100. LOL

I’ve seen numerous blogs where something special is done to celebrate the 100th post. So, after a little thought I decided it would be fun to do the same thing! I’ve had so much fun with my blog; lots of inspiration, lots of cyberfriends, etc. I appreciate that so many stop by to read about my "doings". So, if you leave a comment, for this posting, before I decide to post my 102nd post I’ll put your name in a drawing for a special little surprise! Are you game????

Friends, Fun and Frustration!

Three of us loaded up sewing machines, suitcases, project overflowing totebags, birthday gifts and “stuff” and headed to a week end of sewing and fun! We arrived late Thursday afternoon and met four more friends! We selected bedrooms and set up our sewing spots. WooHoo – let the sewing begin! One picture shows the right side of the room with four sewing spots!

Thursday evening sewing was very frustrating for me – why? My project looked terrific in my mind’s eye but when I started laying it out on the design wall it was TERRIBLE! OK, scrap one project (for now) and pulled out my snowball blocks and made the needed nine patched and worked on my pink and brown project – finished it on Friday afternoon! (one person told me it was “boring” but I love it!) Now what???? I pulled out what I believed would be a very quick and simple project -Flora- this one took me till Saturday afternoon (grrrr). Not my normal style but I really like it. And then I pulled out my Spring Fling fat quarter bundle – no plan – what to do, what to do??? I decided to make 25 patches and managed to get 12 blocks made Saturday before I headed to bed (had to be in bed by midnight since I was driving on Sunday). I am super happy with these blocks and plan to make 13 more blocks. Up early Sunday morning (needed to make the most of the remaining hours) as I had a new plan in mind for my Thursday evening frustrating project. So I wanted to pull that project out and “played” a little. Oh, my new plan is going to work wonderfully but I had to stop and pack up to head back down the mountains. Sigh!

Lots of fun, laughter, sewing, chocolate brownies and 2 birthday celebrations and now we’re home; back to “life”!

Struggled with blogger and the lay out of the pictures - sorry!

Retreat to the Mountains!

It’s that time again! Time to retreat to the mountains with my quilting bee. Naturally, here it is the night before we’re to leave and I still have not settled on a project or two. I have a tendency to pack too many projects but this time I’ve resolved to just pack two. But, but, what if I finish those two – then what? Well, maybe one more – those cute four patches must go with me! LOL ;-)

The stuff is piled everywhere as I attempt to decide which project to take. I don’t have projects ready however my cutting tools are or will be “labeled”.

I’ll be back Sunday afternoon – miss me!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope that you all enjoy flowers, chocolates, and special gifts!

Thank you!

Thank you for all the wonderful anniversary wishes. We still can't believe that it's been 30 years. Whoa!

Thank you for leaving so many terrific comments on my blog. I try so hard to respond to all your comments but lately it's been overwhelming. I'm not ignoring "you" but I can't seem to keep up. I hope I don't hurt any feelings when I don't respond. I'm at a loss because I believe it would be polite to respond and maybe rude if I don't but I simply can't keep up. I do visit all your blogs and read about everything you do and while I don't always leave a comment please know that I do visit.

I love the inspiration that blogging has provided. I've forged a ton of friends and learned alot along the way!

So, my blogging friends consider yourself hugged!

Peaceful Weekend!!!

I had a terrific week end. Went to sew with friends on Friday evening – haven’t seen them since before Christmas so it was great to visit and laugh. I didn’t do any machine piecing, instead I chose to work on binding. Makes it easier to chat. LOL I had to work on Saturday, then I went to dinner with my Sweetie and then spent the evening watching TV and working on binding on a quilt for a friend. And, today I was invited to sew with a different group of ladies and had a wonderful time. This time I did do some piecing – made more four patches but I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them, so I’ll post pictures when I’ve made some decisions.

February 12, 1977 – 30 years ago!!!

That was the day my sweetie, Ron and I got married. I can’t believe that we’ve been married for 30 years – wow where did all the years go???? I have to share that many did not think our marriage would last – one family member even stood up and announced that “the wedding was a complete waste of time because this marriage will never last”. I believe we fooled her. LOL

Happy Anniversary, Ron, I love you!!!! XXXXX

The Need to Piece!

I was reading blogs and e-mail very early this morning (4:30am). I love the quiet of the early morning hours. So peaceful; very little noise and then POOF the day begins and the quiet is gone! (and my solitude is gone, too)

Patti posted a picture of Hot Apple Pie by Kim of Water Pail Designs and I thought “HMMMMM”. I had one charm pack of Four Seasons by Moda – made quick four patches (you know, sew the sides, etc, etc). Sewed 8 blocks by 8 rows, an inner border and outer border. I might have to quilt this one soon as I think it would be a darling table cover in my kitchen. I got caught up in the Charm Pack frenzy so I have a drawer full – this project was quick and easy so I might have to make something much larger with other charm packs.

Now, I’m going to get back to my pink and brown project that sits waiting for me!

Bunnies!!!

Saturday afternoon, the Hallmark Channel (great chick flicks), my needle and thread and my favorite spot in the living room = Finished chocolate bunnies.

I have completed the appliqué; need to finish some tiny finishing touches and then I can start assembling the blocks. Yahoo! Soon I will start the appliquéd scallop border so hopefully this project will be done by the end of February! By the way, this project is “Rabbits Prefer Chocolate” by Anne Sutton of www.bunnyhilldesigns.com.

Thank you all so much for wonderful comments regarding my stack of flimsies. That stack does provide a lot to think about. Several suggested that I buy a cabinet to put my finished quilts in – well, I do have a very tall red cabinet with glass doors that currently houses 50 finished quilts. There’s a picture in my June ‘06 archives (sorry I don’t know how to link it). My daughter and I discussed that I need two more cabinets like the red one; one cabinet full of quilts for her, one for her oldest son, Seth and one for her youngest son, Eli. This way they will all inherit my quilts. LOL (actually, it’s not a bad idea)

Another Bunny

One more chocolate bunny done!

Ponderings

I’ve been thinking a lot about my piles of “flimsies”. Yesterday Patti and I had a discussion, via e-mail, about whether or not I should quilt all of those “flimsies”. We pondered whether or not I still like them all; should I consider weeding through them and donating some? This discussion has caused me to do some thinking about this dilemma. I believe that I do like all of my quilts and quilt tops – I only make something if I truly love the pattern or fabric. I have a tendency to bond with my quilts when I’m sewing. All of my quilts and quilt tops have some sort of memory – maybe it was a trip I took and bought the little bundle of fabrics; maybe it was sewing with friends; maybe it was a special pattern; maybe it was a purchase I made at a quilt store that I may or may not get to visit again; maybe it was that I saw a sample in a quilt store, on the web, in a book, in a magazine, etc; maybe it was a class; lots and lots of maybes. I know that all of my quilts are not superstars but like the fabrics they all can’t be superstars – I do need a few to be supporting cast members. Some don’t look pretty when they are spread out however they will look wonderful folded in a cabinet or piled on a table or draped on the back of a chair.

So, will I quilt and keep them all? I truly don’t know at this point as there are still a lot to be quilted – I’ll make that decision as I go through them but I don’t believe I can part with any them.

Final thought!!! I don't believe I've ever met a quilt I didn't like! :-)

Flimsies, Quilting and Bindings, OH MY!

I’m sharing the pictures of my “flimsies” that need to be quilted – one picture is those with backings and the other is those without backings. Sigh! When I took the pictures there was a total of 94 to be quilted and then I added three more – grand total 97. Bigger Sigh! LOL (yes, I’m a processor). Now, one of my goals for 2007 is to get busy quilting most of those and hopefully others that I make through the year.

I quilted one before I left on my trip to Texas and this week I’ve quilted two more. One is Lucky Stars by Atkinson Designs with Kaffe Fasset fabrics (not my usual taste but had to make at least one quilt with his fabrics) and the other is a very simple Yellow Brick Road, also, by Atkinson Designs. Once again I don’t remember when I made these but it has to be at least three years ago.

When I finish a “flimsy”, I will make my binding and piece my backing fabric. Sometimes I don’t have the backing but might have the binding, etc. So, the last picture is one box of bindings ready to go on all those “flimsies” when they grow up and become actual quilts.

By the way, “flimsy” is a word that Norma uses for quilt tops and I’ve adopted it, too. I like it better than UFO. Norma, I hope you don’t mind!?!?!?!?!?

I’m almost finished with another chocolate bunny – will post that picture tomorrow!