Its been quiet here

I have been soo distracted by other things these days, blogging obviously hasn't been top priority.  Its fun to look at the blogs, however its been kind of quiet these last few months.
Life has been quite busy these days, so many things to do, so many people to visit with and places to see.  I have made great progress with my Spring Birds of a Feather project, no picture to share, its a wrinkled mess and I would be most embarrassed to show her in the state that she is in :(  So, maybe next time.  I am almost finished with it, maybe in the next few days??

I have been obsessed these days with quilting though, sewing, sewing, sewing and collecting beautiful cottons for quilts, I have visions of these quilts piled high!  Someday I know I will accomplish this!!  Everyone has to start from the beginning right??  For now, each beautiful chosen fabric is collected-- a stash of cottons like we have oodles and oodles of cross stitch stash (well not even close to that high pile!!  LOL). 

My MIL several months back told me of this great quilting place that was recently featured on the nightly news.  Said that this woman had saved a small town from ruins with her quilting.  What?  So out came the ipad to find out about this fantastic place called the Missouri Quilt Company in Hamilton, MO.  This woman has made her business grow with several dozen folks helping her spread quilting everywhere-- quilting is not hard!!!  I was fortunate to learn the basics from a fantastic quilter about 2 years ago, and wow, what a blessing (and a curse in the pocket book!!) it was to spend time with her.  She is a spitfire of a woman and I have her on my shoulder each and every time I am quilting :) 

I was fortunate enough to be able to visit the Missouri Quilt Company a few weeks back and wow, what a stop this should be on every quilters list!! As of right now, there are 5 shops--each dedicated to specific fabrics.  Ie, the main shop, reproductions, batiks, seasonal and solids.  You walk from one end of the street to the other, looking at all these beautiful fabrics, with ladies and gentleman going out of their way to help you with every thing you might need.  There are restaurants and a bakery, places to stay.  Even the birth place of JC Penny!!  One of the shops-- the solids shop is in the location of his first JC Penny Store!!  (There is a JC Penny museum and you can see where he went to school!)

This gal in MO, has made many tutorials to teach quilting to everyone.   No, you don't need a sewing degree to make quilts!!  I did sign up for her bi-monthly magazine called Block, each magazine is filled with 10 beautiful designs all with easy to use instructions and if I am not mistaken, all have tutorials online?  The year subscription I believe is 36 bucks.

Sign up for her daily door buster email!! 
In the burgundy issue of Block, I am making the Lattice Quilt.  I fell in love with the pattern and knew I had to sew it :)

So here goes nothing!!  I bought the fabric and knew that I wanted to make it bigger then it called for, so away I went.  The mailman has had a hay-day with the deliveries for this quilt, and who doesnt love packages of fabric??  The fabric is from Jan Patek called Front Porch.  The line is older, so piecing it together was a fun task.   I love a good hunt :)

I started out with a layer cake and a charm pack to make it 1 1/2 times bigger then called for and I now have 252 of these blocks sewn together, pressed and ready to go.

Trimming up the corners

There are far more then shown in the above pic, but I had all of them on the floor, chosen to the best they would be without going crazy!!  I have 18 rows of 14.  So today I had some time to spare so I fired up my featherweight and completed 3 of the 18 rows.  Not to bad, 15 to go.  I am hoping to have the top done this month, I am adding a couple of borders to it and ta-da!  It will be ready to be dropped off at the quilt shop for quilting!!

Hopefully next time I will have a finish of 2 kinds, Spring girl and the Lattice quilt!  I hope each and everyone of you is enjoying your summers, doing everything you want and more!!!

Fun was had by all!

A great time was had last week while visiting my good friend.  We accomplished alot of fun little projects, stitched, laughed, watched old movies, and even finished her quilt!  The men were having a great time doing all kinds of manly things, fishing, gardening, going to the home improvement store, and lots of other fun things.

We made this quilt top last fall, had it quilted over the Holidays, and this week, the binding was complete.  Do you love it?!!! She did a fabulous job and I am so excited to see this beauty in her house!!

Even this fellow loves it!!!!!!!! 

I had this furry friend sitting next to me all week on the couch while stitching and sewing.  Just likes lounging next to you, keeps you warm :)
I purchased a piece of 52/60 Lakeside linen in Vintage Sand Dune over at the Attic a few weeks back and started the new Traveling Stitcher Ane Kirstine Larsen-- you know the one with the fabulous rooster???  Boy, I have never used the tudor silks or this count linen, but I tell you what, it is fabulous!!!  I am hooked!!!!  LOL

Not much to show, but its something, the border color is almost tone on tone, but in certain lights, it really pops.  The letter M is so tiny!!   I think the entire sampler is going to be something like 6 x 8".  Can you just imagine?!!!!!  It is sooo stinkin cute!!  The Attic had a few models hanging on the wall in this 52/60 and I am so crazy (you can take that statement either way!!  LOL)  about how small they really are!!!  I know for the few of you that have been working on this linen, you know exactly what I mean!!!
Now stitching on 45ct, its almost burlap!!!!  LOL.  Not quite like the 40ct, but its a really big difference.  Even the feel of the linen is different.  I really want to get SDW complete, which is a good thing, it has been long enough!

So the bottom pic is where I left off last night, and I can feel the final stretch of the church approaching this week.  I want to get to those trees!!! LOL.  Its something how this project is now all I want to focus on, its about time.
Thanks for stopping by, have a wonderful week :)

Another Job Done!

I finished the binding on my niece's quilt this week and I am exited to share it with you.  She did such a great job choosing the 6 colors, selecting the borders and of course the backing and the binding.  I dont think the shop could have done a better job with the color selections!

What do you think?  Isnt it fabulous?!!!!  Now I am trying to work on slowly filling in the grass on Jane Tindall and wowza, it is an eternal project.  But, slow and steady wins the race!

Hope everyone is staying warm with all of this great white stuff!!!!  I think its great :))))))  The more the better!!

Enjoying life

It has sure been a while since my last post, but believe me, fun all around is being had.  Not too much in the craft department, I wanted to make 5 quilts this January...... I made only 3 plus helped my niece make one.  I still have time to start one, but dont think I am going to get around to 2 more :)  No worries though, I did get back the 2 quilts I had quilted.
The Christmas one, the binding is finished and I am very pleased.  My first standard size quilt complete.

I am now working on the binding of the flannel one.  I now know why there are a bunch of quilters with a boatload of quilt-tops waiting.  The quilting was very in-expensive for this quilt just a basic vine/swirl etc., and it is like a bargain compared to getting a cross stitch framed.  Now, I know the quilting can get quite expensive, but I find its worth it, just like a purchase of a frame for my stitching. 
I digress though, the binding is an easy task, just an eternal one.  I am looking forward to finishing it and getting my stitching back out.
My niece's quilt turned out great, and she did most of the sewing, I helped her with the pinning, just to move it along, and the cutting.  She doesnt have the strength just yet to hold it all still and get a straight line with the rotary cutter.   She did an excellent job and I know she is pleased.  She was excited sewing with my featherweight, she couldnt wait to tell her sewing teacher at school she made a quilt, on a machine older then her teacher :)  LOL.

Her quilt too is now back from the quilter and I will help her with the binding in a few weeks.  As she goes into high school next year, she is excited to transform her room into a new place.  Going with her to the quilt shop was such fun!  I talked with her about colors on the way over, and turns out, she likes the vintage feel too.  Seeing the expression on her face the minute we walked in the place, I knew she was going to have a great time choosing all the colors for her very first quilt.  She went to town, pulling bolts onto the bed and making selections.  I am very proud of her :))))

This next quilt, is my 3rd one I mentioned and this I have dubbed the camo quilt.  Why you ask?  It all started out with my choosing 2 digital camo patterns- one in green and the other in tan.  This is what happened :)  Sooooooo many little cuts and pieces, this by far is the most involved quilt I have made.  (Easy pattern for you experts!)  I am looking for the perfect backing, so I am not sure when I will have this one quilted, and I am thinking about something a little more involved on this top, so stay tuned!
On the stitching front, I have continued to work on Jane Tindall, and she is coming along wonderfully.

Slow and steady wins the race right?  In between the solid stitching on the bottom, and the binding on the quilt, I dont know what is slower...... But I am enjoying each and every bit of it so it doenst matter.
Last year you remember I had the biggest case of Stitch-A** stitching Dutch Beauty and this year we have been doing all kinds of activities.  Skiing, relaxing, etc., etc.  Just having a great time.  No complaints that is for sure :)))
So until next time....enjoy your week!

Last Post

for the year.  Can you believe it?   I think we all say the same thing, each and every year.  Well, too bad it hasn't slowed down for any of us!
I havent stitched much the later part of the year, I just havent felt like it.  In the last couple of weeks, I did manage to take time and I made 2 quilts.   I am excited about them and looking forward to making more.  In fact, I just pulled out 3 I have 'kitted' up.  Do you say that for quilting-- kitted?  Either way, I am looking forward to those.
First up, I know that alot of you have had posted a year in review and I think that is so wonderful to go back and look at the amazing progress that was accomplished this year.  I have completed several beautiful samplers-- coming to mind of course is Dutch Beauty and Elizabeth Mears.

 

 

Those among other fillers are 2 favorites I think I have done in all time, but then I look back at last year, and see a few others.

 

As promised in the last post, I took pics of the last 2 pieces I picked up from the framer.  Above is Plum Street Samplers- Love Thy Neighbor, stitched on 40ct with called for cotton, framed in a burl frame-I actually picked this frame out, before I stitched this piece.  I think it is similar to the one on the cover of the pattern-- but not the same.  Burl wood has such a great texture and depth to it, it is its own work of art next to the sampler! 
Below, is La D Da- Peace House.  I LOVE this frame on this sampler.  It is 2 3/4" wide on this super cute I think 5 x 7-- 40ct piece.  Where oh where to hang them?!!!!

This coming year, I am not sure what will be accomplished on the stitching front, I have a start picked out for tomorrow, but I don't know if I will start it tomorrow, or in the next little bit.   I am still plugging away on Jane Tindall, and finally starting the animals on the bottom.  It seems like I have been stitching on her for years.  But slow and steady right?  Maybe she will be my first finish?  I have to pull out my stash and play with it for a bit, perhaps I will get the bug back.
Until then, my desire for beautiful fabrics for gorgeous quilts continues :)  There are sooo many options and I want to quilt them all!!  LOL.
In the beginning of November you might remember I had made a quilt with my mom.  We both used the same fabric grouping and each made something different.  I had mine quilted over Thanksgiving and I finished the binding last week.  It is amazing the difference of when you finish it.  It is the equal to framing your sampler right?

 

 I decided that a navy stitching on the back would be nice and the top is a neutral.

Above, is the 1st of 2 quilts I have made in the last couple of weeks.  This one is made of flannel, a request by my husband, for my husband.  It feels so nice, I cant wait to get it back from the quilter and snuggle under it!  I bought this kit over the summer and needed some cold days to work on it, well, cold is here!!!  LOL.
The 2nd quilt I bought also as a kit from a shop that was having an end of year inventory sale and I was thrilled to be able to participate.  I bought this of course among other things-- kitted up a few other quilts.  I am trying to be brave and piece the fabrics together.  I have no issue changing the colors on my cross stitch, so quilting shouldnt be that hard right?  It really has to do with how much fabric, like I mentioned before in a previous post.

A Christmas quilt, using 3 sisters Wintergreen fabric.  I am crazy about the black in this quilt too :)  It was a nice easy one to sew while watching some great Christmas movies!!!  In a few weeks I will have them back from the quilter and hopefully will have more to bring.  I am going to help my niece make a quilt for her room this week, we went to the quilt shop, she chose the colors she likes and we are going to make the same pattern as the above flannel one.  Nice and easy for both of us, and also so we get it done before she goes back to school next week.  I will take pics and share those with you next year :)

Until next time, enjoy the rest of 2013, and Happy New Year to all of you!!!!!!

Where oh where?

No where really.  Its been so long since my last post, I almost forgot my login information!  I suppose the only reason is just plain being busy.  Or perhaps my lack of stitching motivation?  I want to stitch, but no time.  I havent really done much the last 6 weeks, other then work, visiting with friends and family, and then more work.    Not much to share in the way of pics, but I did stitch up the 2 very expensive BBD market kits- Oct 31st and the other one, the stocking, cant remember the name this second.   Cute, but really not worth it. 

I dont seem to have a picture of the Oct 31st handy, but you know what it looks like.  I dont know how soon I will be "finish" them......
I did complete some time ago Plum Street Samplers "Love Thy Neighbor" but I didnt take a finished pic of it, or if I did, I cant find it!!  So here is one almost to the end.....

I love the colors in this one, and it was a fast one to stitch up.  I know, I am supposed to be working on WIPs, but I have really given up on that idea.  Who cares?  That is my current thought.  It is what it is!  Ha!  The comfort is, I am not the only one :)
I did go to one place I had on my bucket list sometime ago, and while on the latest trip to LA, I managed to find an hour to go to French General.

This is their retail location where a lot of great fun things take place.  Classes to make the most beautiful jewelry, where items are resold from trips to France antique markets-- ie all antique linens, buttons, papers, pictures, lace, nightgowns, books, etc., etc., etc.  I really needed a few hours, but from what I saw, I will definitely find time to go back!
Of course, they had there most beautiful antique quilts on display, and also their cotton fabrics, inspired from said quilts.  Here is one pic for you to drool over

I did come home with a few things, and of course some fabric!!!!  How could I not take any home?????  I highly recommend this great stop, the gals are always super friendly (I have ordered from them online) and very helpful.  For all things French General, this is it!!!
I want to make like at least a dozen quilts now!!!  LOL. 
I did make something fun with my Mom a bit ago, we both started with this box of strips from Moda- Adoring by Sandy Gervais. (pics borrowed from Moda-thanks)

What we both decided to do is remove the turquoise strips, and Mom chose to remove the navy also, I kept mine in.  The strips were 4 1/2" wide by 42" or so long.  Not really knowing the size of our projects would be, we just started with a small table top item, or display piece and went at it.  We chose 2 different patterns and I can't be more thrilled with the outcome.  Of course, I want to now sew hers!  (Thank goodness there is another package!  LOL).  Starting around 10am, we spent the day cutting, organizing, sewing,  laughing, pressing, cutting, pressing and sewing, and this is what we ended with at 6pm.  Just in time for supper.

What do you think?!  She ended up with a fabulous table runner on the right, (it is longer in the picture, but who really wants to see my crazy pants and socks on the left??!!) and I a wall hanging or small lap quilt.  She finished the top to the back, the edges bond etc., etc.  Me, I chose to wait on the finish and I ended up ordering some more of the navy for the back and some extra for the binding and will have that taken care of in the next few weeks.  I just am thrilled with the difference of the 2 pieces, using the exact same fabric box.   I am really scratching the surface of quilting, so I really don't know how much fabric is needed to give you the something in a different shape.  Like these strips, sewing them together, and in different shapes, is really something else!!!  I am always amazed.  Like how you can get a quilt top out of 1 jelly roll.  REALLY??!!!!  I tend to want mine bigger, so 2 always is best for me :)  AND, Thats why I always get yardage!!  LOL..  If it calls for 1, I better get 3.  If it calls for 2, I better get 5.  I don't want to run out, and I think that this comes from stitching, and when the pattern calls for 1 skein, and I run out, I am not only annoyed I have run out, but livid that the next skein doesn't match.....  Especially when you have WIPs or don't start it for a year.  It is always better to get extra, and if you like it, definitely get extra! 

So, there is a short and sweet update on what has been going on, I have more to share with you, via framing that I have had done this summer, along with a few other hot spots I have been to.  But for now, its back to work!!
Have a great day, and thanks for your patience on my posts :)

Being productive

My last post on August 20th I mentioned that I would share Peace House by La D Da with you and well, I completely forgot!
Here it is,

Sorry for the wonky picture!  I used the called for WDW colors along with 40ct Pecan Butter from Lakeside.  It was a fast and relaxing stitch.
The time continues to fly by but almost 2 weeks ago my friend and I went to one of the best quilt shops in town and decided to do a quilt together.  Great idea!  She suggested we each pick out the needed charm pack and build our quilt from there.  OK!  Off we went to select our favorite colors and this is what I came up with

 

We settled on this pattern and I chose Blackbird Designs Field Notes.  This is my 4th quilt and I am not always sure what the terms are.  Like what is sashing?  LOL.   It was great fun to pick and choose and walk around the shop looking around for the perfect charm pack.  I felt the hunt was on!!  In record speed we both came up with gorgeous fabrics and I am looking forward to seeing her progress soon.  I couldnt wait however I wanted to start right away, but I had a few other priorities to get out of the way first.  I was so eager to start it!!!!!

After coming home and showing my husband what I had chose, we both agreed this quilt would be perfect for our bed.  But, with only 1 charm pack, it would be too small.  So darn it, we had to go back to the quilt shop!!!  With record speed, I went back Friday morning.  This past week Tuesday, I cut the sashing, squares and sewed them together. Wednesday the strips were sewn together and I realized even with the 2nd charm pack, I was still short 9 squares to make the size I wanted.  So, I went stash diving and chose another pattern that worked perfectly and ta-da!  Friday I sewed all the strips together and now I had 1 piece to move around instead of all the rows, numbered and organized.  I added the 1 inch border on Saturday afternoon and this past Monday night, added the final floral border.

I am so excited with the way it turned out, and I am interested in adding another border just to make it a tad bigger to drape more on the bed, but I have to choose the color.  Perhaps the same as the 1 inch, the grey color.  We shall see!  As for now, it is folded and ready to go to the quilter.  I have even chosen the backing already.
Whats next?!
I started working on Notforgotten Farm Weep Not.  I love these 3 Lori came out with and they are all a must-- but I had to make some adjustments from DMC.  I think the colors needed to be more murky and dirty and drab for the content of the piece, after all she is in a coffin!!!!!!  LOL.  I chose some awesome WDW threads and a lakeside linen.  I have the top floral done and I have to take a picture for you all to see how fantastic it is!!!
Until next time,

Happy Stitching!!

Boring Week

Since not much new as been going on, I was more excited about projects last week, however this week has been more blah than yeah!  I know you have these weeks, and we all have a turn.  Luckily, they are all at different times!  I hate slumps.  But.........
I have made great progress however on quilt #3.  (Q3)

Finished the 3rd top, and it is ready for quilting.  I am thinking of a great black background, and using creme for the quilting itself.  Since the stripes in between are creme, I thought the black thread on top might look weird.   I dont know??!!!!!!

I have Q4 almost ready to go, but I think I need a few more fat qtrs yet to finish the colors I have going.  But, with all of our crafts or hobbies we do, of course there is more than one in the works!  LOL.  DUH!!!!  

As far as cross stitching goes, I have started from Pineberry Lane Clara Thorn.

I am using 40ct (shock) and a great silk conversion I did this summer with my friend.  I am desperate to work on DB, but it is not easy to come home from work and with only a little while to stitch, spend it on figuring out what color I want to use next.  It takes alot more brain power then I am willing to give it :(.  But, it is still right next to me, watching my every move on Clara.  Frowning each day!

Until next time, I am hoping for a great next week :)

Top Done

Last night I finished my the top to my 2nd quilt--scrappy or railroad, which ever you call it.  I cant believe how easy it was, and how cool it has turned out!  I know for all of you expert quilters, this is sooo easy, and now finishing it, I would believe you.  I cant believe that this came out of 2 jelly rolls.  WOWZA!  Now I have to look for the backing, and see what fabulous print I can find.   There are so many options :)
I do have the next one picked out:

Using fabric from the Little Black Dress collection from Basic Grey, this is the next quilt lined up.  However, tonight I am going to work on Sarah Brown and see what headway I can make on her, I dont see it taking too long.
I also want to get going on the binding for the grey and pink quilt I showed you last post.
Stay tuned!  So many exciting things to show you :))

Have a great weekend!!

Where did it go?

Here it is labor day 2012 and I am thinking about how fast the summer has gone.  Although, thinking about this summer, it reminds me of many many summers ago when I was still in the school.  I remember very clearly that on labor day, among other Holidays was a great excuse to get together with all the family and have a picnic.  Each time everyone would bring their specialties.......jello mold, tuna noodle salad, fruit salad, ambrosia salad, cheeseburgers made on the grill by my Uncle- (who everyone knew his hamburgers were the best!!) hot-dogs, chips, sodas, ice-tea, lemonade along with desert of course.  Grandmas famous cheesecake, and ice cream for the kids.  This labor day picnic marked the end of the summer; and now as an adult, knowing that it was the best way to end the summer and the worst was yet to come.  School starting the next day :(.   As fun as it was to run around the yard with all your cousins, and eat the best things ever-- when 8pm rolled around, we had to pack it up and head home.
The only thing that got me fired up about starting school was the brand new supplies that had been purchased at K-Mart in the weeks before.  New notebooks, binders, pencils, pens, new lunch box and a new back-pack.  I have a weakness for office supplies and I could hardly stand the wait.  Looking at the pile across the bedroom- taken out almost daily to take thorough look at it.  Something about the newness of the notebooks, pencils, 3 ring binder and fine ruled loose leaf paper.  What is it????!!!!!!
But these days are over, and now I can go to the office supply store any time I want, and wander and purchase one of these things if I like, and use it the SAME day :)  Tomorrow is not something to fear, school days are long over.  Tomorrow can be a play day or a work day.
These last few weeks of pretty much doing a bit of everything, has given new hope for many things to come in the future.  New things tried out, and some tossed away.  I attended a star box class this summer at the LNS and completed the class.  I am not sure why, but glue is still fun, along with fun Christmas wax paper, and plain old cutting paper into shapes :)  Along with having the best teacher, the class was made up of amazing stitchers who all had a blast making this star project.  Adjustments had to be made (duh) and fabrics changed, but over all, the end was a crafty success :)

As you may also remember, I began a quilt this summer and a decision was made as to the placement of the blocks.

As of today, the quilt top has been made, along with the back, most of the ties done.  All that is left is the binding, and I am hoping to finish that this week.  I hear for most, that is the least favorite part.  I am guessing that it is going to be mine as well, seeing as I am not really a blind-hand stitcher :(.  But, it wont kill me!

I added a splitch of the larger floral pattern just as an accent to the edging, along with pink and the outer edge the grey.  I LOVE it.
We got an email from my sister a few weeks back letting us know there was a new addition to her family.  Well, I should say 2 new additions to the family :)

Meet Simon and Garfunkel.  They were adopted at the Duchess County NY SPCA.  On the journey for 1, 2 brothers were found and of course 1 could not be adopted with out the other.   Even I know this-- they are like a set :)  Arent they most precious??? At 4 1/2 months old, they are a welcomed addition. I cant believe how beautiful they are.

This is Simon, he is a bit smaller than Garfunkel, but it is made up for in his personality!!!  My sister says watching them is so much fun-- so many new smells, and environments to explore.  I think there will be more pics to come!  I can hardly stand it. 
I am so happy for my sister and her husband!!  I am looking forward to meeting them in person in a few weeks.  I bet they have grown quite a bit already :) 
So many new things alright!  I started another new quilt this week.  I was able to check out 4 new quilt shops this past week and trouble was had of course.  But I have already made good use out of one of the purchases.

I bought this jelly roll to make a railroad quilt.  The gal said it could be done in 1 day.  Ok!  Lets give it a try.  However, I am only working on it a little bit at a time.  I am on the 3rd day. 

With 90 blocks completed last night and pressed, I am ready to square up my blocks and get ready to place them.  I am soooo excited!!!!!!! It is going to be fabulous.
One more piece of excitement is Sarah Brown from Miladys Needle.
Each night after sewing some, I have been stitching.  No, I cant sit still!  I am constantly moving and doing.  Even up until bed time.  Back at it the next day.

The colors are a different from her sister Margaret, but still on the same Vintage Pear 45ct and my conversion of silks.  She is going to be lovely next to Margaret.  Only a few more days- then she will be done too :)

My husband and I watched our great nephew on Saturday and he too, loves green smoothies!!!!  You can never start too young eating healthy :)  Spinach, spiralina, kale, coconut water.  Just amazing how they cant get enough of these things.   And he is stinkin cute too :)

So, since this post is enough to keep all of you for quite some time now, I will close.  Thanks for all your patience in between posts.  Blogging is a great thing- however it takes so much time.  I think about putting a post on almost daily, but then get caught up in so many other things!  LOL.

Until next time ladies and gentleman, I hope you are all enjoying your labor day!!!