CHARMING GIRLS DECEMBER PROJECT

I just want to finish FUSING the pieces on the baby quilt I started 12 YEARS AGO!!!! Nothing else...just fuse the darn thing together! Scroll down to see the quilt.

PICTURES AS PROMISED

Here's the Half Pint Quilt all washed and folded.

It is a really pretty quilt...I'm glad I made it, even though those half square triangles were a pain!

I did a loop de loop quilting in the borders and cross hatching thru the main quilt.



It was a bear to quilt with the cotton batting...soooooo HEAVY to move around.
Gotta tell ya...I LOVE the way quilts look with Warm and Natural Cotton batting...but I really think I am going to have to go back to Polyester...simply because of the weight. I am quilting one now...so I will see when I finish the quilt and wash it, how it looks!

Finishes for November Charming Girls Club

I finished two projects...the Fort Hood Quilt (scroll down a couple posts to see) and the Half Pint Quilt Along...(I deleted my pictures before I saved them...grrr...will retake tomorrow).

I WON A GIVEAWAY !!!

I won a wonderful giveaway from Melisa at Sweet Home Quilt Co.

http://www.sweethomequiltco.com/weblog/

I was so excited about this fabric...beautiful browns, golds and greens...just love it....Margret liked it too, but of course she would...she's a Chocolate Doxie...love those brownies!! Thanks Melisa.

Fort Hood Quilt

At last a finish for the Charming Girls Club...and way before the end of the month.

This quilt is going to one of the injured at the terrible tragedy at Fort Hood. Cherri asked for finished quilts to be given to the injured and survivors of the Fort Hood rampage. She has gotten 15 commitments of the 31 requested...but lots more will be needed to give out. So if you have a finished quilt or can make one...PLEASE go to her site and let her know, she will give you the address to send to her son, who is stationed at Fort Hood, and they will be distributed from there. Here is her blog ..............

http://www.lizzyhouse.typepad.com/cherry_house_quilts/

There's a little story about this quilt...several years ago my daughter, Tina, who lives in a residence in upstate New York (with 13 other women) was promised a spot in a 3 bed house in Westchester. She was absolutely GUARANTEED this spot. But somehow lines were crossed and it wound up that she didn't get it...not only that but they said they never offered it to her in the first place...not to make a long story out of this...I started this quilt to give to one of the other women as a housewarming...was going to make all 3 of them special quilts (including Tina). But when all this happened it was put aside. I decided to finish it for the Charming Girls project 2 months ago...but because I'm not fond of it, due of the bad memories, the quilting has gone VERY SLOWLY. So when this call came for quilts I quickly got it finished to donate. And now I can finally say IT'S DONE and it is going to someone who could use a little something special right now!

Projects for Charming Girls This Month

Didn't do tooo well last month with my projects. I did keep up with the Half Pint Quilt Along...but I didn't even start working on the Angel baby quilt. On the other hand I worked furiously on the embroidered flowers quilt...with the lace...it was mighty hard to quilt and I was unable to finish it.

BUT Cherri from Cherry House Quilts http://lizzyhouse.typepad.com/cherry_house_quilts/
asked for some finished quilts for the survivors and victims of the Fort Hood tragedy. Her son is stationed there and will distribute to the victims and families. So I have decided to finish that embroidered quilt and send it out on Monday. So that is number 1 project.

I think I will wait on the Angel baby quilt for now. But here is number 2...I need to send in some embroidered items to Smiles For Children. Haven't been embroidering much lately and they have Christmas shipments coming up...check out their site http://www.smilesforchildrenproject.com/phpBB/index.php?sid=3ec08d5211a9428331a1e733d4ff0eb2

So then there's project number 3, the Half Pint Quilt Along. This week the top will be all finished.

Have alot to do...so I will cut this real short...back in a day or two with pictures.

HALF PINT QUILT ALONG

I'm right on schedule with the Half Pint Quilt Along....not sure how I did it...but here's the proof.

I really like the way it looks...a little sad though that only 1" shows of each of those pretty florals in my layer cake.

The next thing to do is the half square triangles...which I will start on today. Glad that we only have to sew them and not arrange them this week.

HALF PINT 9 PATCHES DONE

Whew...did it. Here are the 9 patches for the Half Pint Quilt Along. It was a bit of a puzzle at times putting them together...but they are done and now I can lay them out.

Half Pint Quilt Along

Here is a quick picture of the fabric for the Half Pint Quilt Along all cut up.........took most of the weekend!

Today's the day we've all been waiting for ..... the start of the Blogger's Quilt Festival...how exciting...I can't wait to see all the different quilts...Click on the link in my sidebar, not the one at the beginning of this post, to get to the site.

The quilt I decided to show is called Here's Comes Frosty...it is one of the first quilts I made and definitely the first and only one that I have ever hand quilted! It was made in 1998. I don't know the name of the designer, but the pattern sure was the cutest...and I was 'in love' with the 'homespuns' and scrappy look...also have always been a 'scenic' person...so here is my offering...

The size of the quilt is approximately 54" x 72".

Here's Frosty melting in front of the stove...there is a winter scene in the window.

A little dog came to travel with Frosty.

Here's a little angel snowman...

I didn't know WHAT I was doing...but I had the cutest piece of fabric that I wanted to use for the backing but it was too small, so I added a border...I so remember 'stressing' over getting it centered.

This is a close up of the fabric...it has receipes on cute sayings.

Well I hope you like...my pictures aren't the best...but you can click to enlarge and maybe see them a little better. I'm off now to check out some of the other quilts. Have a happy day!

Since I actually finished my 2 projects last month, I decided I would do 2 more this month. I recently found a quilt I had started 12 or more years ago...didn't know a thing about quilting...but I had taken a picture of this cute quilt in a shop at one time. Here's what the quilt should look like when finished...

This is what I had done so far...I didn't know anything about binding a quilt...so I added a ruffle! I hope to get the rest of the appliques fused this month.

My second project is a UFO that's been hanging around a couple/three years...it is machine embroidered with applique. I just have to quilt it...that's all I hope for this month...don't think I will be able to bind it...but who knows?

Also on the agenda for this month is the HALF PINT QUILT ALONG. This should be a fun quilt along. I already had all my fabrics...except the backing.

Here's the Maypole layer cake and a couple of other fabrics, I still need to pull about 6 other fabrics from my stash to make up the 48 10" squares needed for the lap quilt. Will choose a backing at a later date.

You can click on the pictures to enlarge. I think that I actually have been able to post in the correct order this time....fingers crossed!!

Jelly Roll Giveaway for a Good Cause

You have to check out this blog:

http://ayankeequilter.blogspot.com/2009/09/free-jellyroll_30.html?showComment=1254341400237#c3331518227256875673

You get to do something really nice for someone AND get an opportunity to win a jellyroll

Charming Girls Finishes for September
You can click on each picture to
enlarge.

This month has been a challenge. But I did manage to complete my 2 projects. The zig zag quilt went along smoothly once I STARTED piecing the back. I'm very pleased with how it turned out...it is so very cheerful and has such pretty colors of the sea...the batiks really made it all happen.

The 2nd project is the Little Bouquet Quilt. Well, this morphed from a bouquet to a landscape/farm scene. I really like it...it's hanging in my kitchen now. I used raw edge applique on the flowers, leaves, stems and fence. Then I stippled the background. After washing I was so happy to see that the stippling really brought out the flowers...they really stand out...can't tell too much in the pictures, but it is very 3D.

Not sure what my next projects will be...I have sooooo many UFO's!!!

You can click on each picture to enlarge.

Jelly Roll Giveaway

Hurry on over to

http://blog.missouriquiltco.com/2009/09/are-you-ready/comment-page-1/#comment-2859

there's a great giveaway going on all week. Missouri Star Quilt Co. is giving away a jelly roll of your choice.

You won't want to miss this.

It's hard to believe a month has gone by...and another group of projects need to be addressed! I didn't complete the 3 projects last month...so I am just going to continue with the 2 that are left. I need to make some more flowers as well as add leaves to the Little Bouquet aka Farm quilt, then sandwich and quilt it. Also still have to piece the backing for the zig zag and quilt that as well. That is all I will commit to this month. I'm not adding pictures, they'd just be repetitive...you can scroll down to see them in an earlier post.

UGG GIVEAWAY

Here's a great opportunity to win a beautiful pair of UGGS. Click on the link in my sidebar.

A FINISH AT LAST ! ONE DOWN...TWO TO GO...NOT SURE IT'S GONNA HAPPEN.

Just came across this 200th post giveaway.... http://sipiweskequilts.blogspot.com/2009/08/200th-post-giveaway.html

Check it out...a pretty wall hanging for the lucky winner!

I plan on finishing 3 projects this month for the Charming Girls' Quilt Club. First up is the zig zag quilt for the Old Red Barn Quilt Along...I have a long way to go with this one. I only have half the blocks cut...but I'm sewing the first half together...not as easy as I thought matching all those points...and batiks are not the easiest fabric to put pins in. I plan to have this top done and hopefully the batting and backing. I don't think I will get to the quilting, but you never know.

Second is a fun little scene from Cherry House Quilts Quilt Along...Little Bouquet. I kind of went off track a bit and made this farm type scene and added different flowers...I still have alot to do. I have to make the stems and leaves, as well as a few more flowers...then batting and backing and quilting. It will be done by the end of the month.

Third project is the Leafy Treetops Quilt Along with http://whosies.blogspot.com/2009/07/sew-along-in-leafy-treetops.html

I have to finish the borders on this and add the applique tree limbs, leaves and birds, as well as batting, backing and quilting.

Whew..............That's it for now...have a great day!

Quilt A Long Finish and 3 more added!

Here's the quilt...it's a throw size and I made it with SCRAPS that I have in the past just THROWN AWAY!!!

This is the label for the quilt.

I did diagonal quilting...came out pretty good...not one tuck on the back!

Here is the little cutie all folded up nice and tidy!

I have finished my 9 Patch Block A Day with Crazy Mom Quilts...it came out ok...not great at the 'quilting' part, but I'm happy.

These quilt alongs are the most fun! It's like taking a workshop, but you never have to leave your house and...best part...there is no sewing machine, fabrics, thread, scissors, etc, etc to haul around....sooooo I just added 3 more quilt alongs to my ever expanding list of to do's. More about them later...here are a few shots of the FINISHED quilt...

I DID IT AGAIN...POSTED BACKWARDS...GRRRRRRR...i'll get it right sometime...soon!

You can click on pictures to enlarge.

Studio Tour

CLICK ON PICTURES TO ENLARGE

This is a picture looking in from the door. My sewing and embroidery machines are on the left. Computer and office stuff on the right. And next to the door is my cutting table.

As you can see I have wire storage drawers under the counter...great for holding all those fabrics. I have Christmas fabrics, flannels, batiks, FQ, misc, etc, etc.

This is my cutting table...under it I keep a large basket with scraps...I just saw a cabinet in Home Depot that would fit under this really nicely...a kitchen cabinet with a drawer and doors...would hide the mess underneath...maybe I will get it????

Here is most of my fabric stash...I just recently reorganized the fabrics. The top shelf hold FLEECE...gotta do SOMETHING with it SOON!

****************************************

1. What do you use your space for?

As you can see I use it for sewing, machine embroidery. The room also has our computer so I pay bills, etc. also.

2. What is your favorite thing about your space?

I am happy to have a room away from the rest of the house and can just close the door if it gets too unsightly!

3. What struggles do you have with your space?

Well, I don't like sharing the room with the computer...when my husband is using it...we don't 'fit' too well with the chairs and me going back and forth. AND I wish I had more room for a bigger cutting table!

4. When do you use your space?

Every single day!

5. Share and organizational tip that works.

Well I TRY to keep my fabrics all folded and in order so I can get to what I want when I want it. That doesn't always work though.

****************************************

SORRY THIS POST IS BACKWARDS!! I can't figure out how to add text BEFORE the pictures and I won't chance doing this over.

Sew Domestic...click the button on the left...is hosting a STUDIO TOUR, check it out. You have to post pictures of your studio space and answer several questions to be entered in the drawing.

BTW...these pictures are completely unretouched!!! I didn't even straighten up first!!!

Charmin' Girls Quilt Club and CrazyMomsQuilt 9 Patch Block A Day Quilt

Well I have gotten the quilt for the 9 Patch Block A Day Quilt A Long at Crazy Mom's Quilts http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2009/04/one-day-quilt-along.html all pin basted and ready for quilting. I going to quilt diagonally to form 'Xs' using my walking foot.

I also joined the Charming Girl's Quilt Club. This should be fun...you post a project or projects that you intend to FINISH that month and then post at the end of the month the finished items. I'm not sure if I'm entered in this month...haven't heard anything. I can't get the button over here...but here is the link... http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/2009/07/charming-girls-quilt-club.html

Also, after having so much fun making the quilt at Old Red Barn http://www.oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/ I decided to join in on the next quilt...a ZIG ZAG! Already have my fabrics picked out.

FINISHED THE OLD RED BARN QUILT A LONG QUILT!! Yeah! Came out great...of course, my 'quilting' isn't the best, but sure looks good to me. Now that this quilt is done, I can concentrate on finishing the 9 patch blocks for CrazyMom's Quilt A Long...also still working on some blocks for SummerSadie's Around the World Quilting Bee!! Lots of fun!

I've started 'quilting' my 'Old Red Barn' quilt! It's not easy moving the quilt around, but I'm doing my best. It's almost half done...then I can bind it and wash it...hopefully it will be all 'crinkly'!

THERE'S A GREAT GIVEAWAY AT

http://shereesalchemy.typepad.com/sherees_alchemy/

HURRY OVER AND GET IN ON THIS ONE....LOTS OF BEAUTIFUL 'SCRAPS' ARE BEING GIVEN AWAY!!!

I joined The Old Red Barn Quilt Along and these are the fabrics I pulled from my stash. This should be a fun thing to do...every week for 6 weeks the directions will be posted on what is next to do...this week...gathering fabrics and supplies...next week cutting...etc. There are prizes every week...click on the Janome button and you can get all the info.

Here are 35 9 patch blocks I made foir crazymomsquilts Block A Day 9 Patch Quilt Along. I squished them all together to get in the picture. This is another fun quilt along.

Below are the 2 1/2" squares I cut from my scrap basket...I think I can get LOTS more blocks from these.

My block for the Around the World Quilting Bee has been received...but, I am still waiting for the block from Brazil...seems like it's never going to get here!

DOLLHOUSE BOOK finally finished! Complete with embroidered paper doll, clothes and house furnishings. This is the front, garage has car inside.



This is the back, shed has a lawnmower and a bicycle inside.

Here is a shot of the kitchen...the 'rooms' open in a circular fashion. The kitchen has a stocked fridge and freezer. The oven opens, inside is a ham baking...or go to the freezer and take out the turkey!

Here's the cozy living room. You can see the little doll lounging on the sofa watching TV.

Here's the bedroom. The cozy quilt is attached to the sheets. There is a tray with a snack on the bedside table.

The armoire is open to reveal the doll's wardrobe.

This is a bathroom to feel 'special' in. The vanity opens and hold bathroom necessities!

It's been almost a week since I started this blog! Can't believe how much I have learned. I can put pictures, buttons, links in my sidebar...I can even move them around!!

The Around the World Quilting Bee has started at summersadie. The 9 patch Block A Day is in it's 2nd week I think. I've joined Flickr and posted lots of pictures.

I'm entering a great Giveaway at Pigtails and Snails

http://pigtailsandsnails.blogspot.com/2009/05/pink-boo-ive-got-eyes-for-you.html

You should go on over there, she made this beautiful baby quilt..all yellow and pink...just gorgeous. Just scroll on down the page to her button and click on it. Hope I win!!!

SORRY the button click doesn't work....but the http address above does!!!

Margret

Here's Margret in her Christmas shirt from her sister, Linda.

My First Blog...Margret Mary's Place

Well here it is. After seeing sooooo many interesting and beautiful blogs, I've decided to try one for myself. I've chosen Margret Mary's Place after my little 'hot dog' Margret Mary. She's as cute and as sweet as can be.

One of the best reasons to start this blog is that I joined the Around the World Quilt at SummerSadie and Crazy Mom Quilts quilt along...Block a Day!

I am really excited about being able to post pictures and make posts.

I don't know my way around all this yet, but hopefully I will learn as I go.

It is going to be great fun being a part of this Blogging World.