Margret Mary's Place

HOW DO I QUILT THIS?

2012-01-26T09:27:00.000-05:00

Here is the completed Jewel Box top. It hasn't been ironed yet.

I wanted to bring out the blue/teal colors in the quilt. I chose to just continue the actual block in the border...simply because I didn't really know how else to do it.

I'm not as happy with this quilt as I am with the Strings. I used the darker tan color as the background because I had used the light tan in the String quilt.

It does give the quilt a folksy 'prim' look, but it really is rather dull.

Next is the quilting, but here I am at a standstill. I want to do straight line quilting, but not sure where those straight lines should be.

I sure could use some advice from all you quilters out there. So please...any input will help.

You can click twice to enlarge these pictures.

BTW...just had cataract surgery (yesterday)...finding it hard to do stuff right now...and I may have to wait five weeks for the other eye to be done...stupid insurance companies!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for any input you can give me on quilting this...........have a wonderful day!

OneThing One Week Challenge

2012-01-16T12:08:00.001-05:00

I did get my blocks together for the center of the homespun plaid jewel box quilt. Sorry the picture is so dark.

I'm still thinking about the border.

Thanks for starting this challenge Amy...

OneThing One Week Challenge

2012-01-09T15:29:00.004-05:00

Here's my One Thing One Week Challenge...I will make this plaid fabric into blocks...

Here's lots of fabric waiting to be made into something delicious

This is a sample block.

Hmmm. Amy

http://amyscreativeside.com/
has started the One Week Challenge..sounds like fun to me. I added her button...but it wound up on the top o my page????? Will have to try and figure that one later.
Make sure you check it out.

Thanks for stopping by.

YES...got it right...Try the button!!!

HSTs

2011-11-03T09:34:00.000-04:00

Half Square Triangles...lots of fun with color!

Have a great day!

Bloggers' Quilt Festival

2011-10-30T09:09:00.001-04:00

It's time again for Amy's Bloggers' Quilt Festival...and here's my submission...

I had a great time making this string quilt. Never made one before and was inspired by Julie http://juliekquilts.blogspot.com/

Homespun plaids are a little different to work on I found out...for one thing they don't cut true....no matter how hard you try. I sewed the strings onto a muslin foundation. They don't look too pretty while sewing...but when the blocks are pressed and squared up...they look great.

As I was making up the blocks...I found that spray starch made a huge difference...I never use starch, but am glad I did for these blocks.

When I finished the quilt and washed it I was sooooo impressed, this may be my favorite cuddly, crinkly, down home feeling quilt!

I just love it! I'm thinking of making another...already have started making some blocks!

Thanks for stopping by...and don't forget to visit the FESTIVAL!!!

Can't get the button...but here is the link
http://amyscreativeside.com/2011/10/28/bloggers-quilt-festival-fall-2011/

Homespun Plaid String Quilt Top Done!

2011-09-29T13:35:00.001-04:00

Here it is...the top is done...This quilt was amazingly EASY to put together...thanks for the inspiration Julie!

The colors are not as bright as they look in these pictures.

Next step batting, backing and quilting!!

I got my new computer...a real beauty...a week and a half ago...still trying to figure out Windows 7!

Seems when they try to update things, they only get harder and more confusing. I'm totally LOST without Outlook Express for my mail...it was soooooo CLEAN.

Well, I must get back to sorting out my files.

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

Computer Troubles

2011-09-09T11:24:00.000-04:00

A few days ago my computer just up and died...can't get it to start...Luckily when my son was here in June he hooked up an old tower. So I have internet and email...but no printer or camera hookup... so, alas, no pictures to share.

I'm having a great time putting the homespun plaids string quilt together...it is going so smoothly...I'm really impressed.

My 9 patch blocks came out slightly smaller than the 3 1/2" they are supposed to be...but I'm easily able to line up all the intersections. Wish I could show you, but I am taking pics for later.

Hopefully I will either connect this old tower to the camera...or get a new computer...either way it will be awhile.

Have a great day!

Yeah...I may have done it right!

2011-09-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

Here is the preliminary block for the plaid quilt...just thrown down on the cutting table to see if it all fits!

It actually looks like it might come together...I've been secretly worrying about this quilt...cause my measurements might be all wrong. But it's not over yet...they have to be SEWN together not just placed side by side!

Right now I'm HAPPY CAMPER!

Just a quickie

2011-09-03T21:05:00.000-04:00

I've been working on my homespun plaid string quilt. Got my string blocks done and the 9 patches...

This basket hardlly looks like it's been touched..

I'll post more later when I've started to assemble the quilt....

BTW....RANDOM is NOT as easy as it sounds!!!

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND EVERYONE!!

COUNTRY ROAD TRIP

2011-08-31T15:51:00.002-04:00

It's a quilt...it's a game...comes with 8 machine embroidered cars and a handy little attached pocket to hold a pair of dice.

Whew...I started this back in April or May...finally it is finished and already hanging in the Alliance of the Arts...and it will also be in my Etsy shop soon.

Here is a picture of the back...a really nice road print by Michael Miller, Toy Town Merryville.

These are some close ups.

CLICK...THEN CLICK AGAIN TO ENLARGE

A fun quilt to make!

Thanks for stopping!

MY STRINGS RUNNETH OVER........

2011-08-29T11:14:00.000-04:00

I have a whole drawer full of homespun plaids, checks, etc....been wanting to do SOMETHING with them for a long time....found just the right project at http://juliekquilts.blogspot.com/ She has the most gorgeous quilt as her header and I want one too!! So this past weekend I started cutting...barely made a dent in my stash...

I've made about a dozen blocks so far...I think I may have over cut! But I'll just keep on making these blocks and see where it takes me.

I also managed to finally get my road game/quilt quilted and bound. Just need some major thread trimming and I'll show a full picture. Also got another small quilt to the binding stage.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

QALs, Winnings, Yeah!

2011-07-23T11:28:00.002-04:00

Well in the last month I have won twice in giveaways!!! How about that!!! I won a layer cake from Charming Girls...http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/
picked the beautiful collection 'Breakfast at Tiffanys',

and from LuAnn of r "May Your Bobbin Always Be Full". http://luannkessi.blogspot.com/

I won one of her unfinished landscape quilts! That's really something. She was cleaning out her studio and decided she would probably never finish this...and I was the lucky winner!

This past week I've been busy....got a late start on Monday but was able to complete the top for the quilt along going on with Charming Girls...

Glad I got it done this week, it was a challenge for me as I don't do a lot of traditional block piecing...and these blocks were REALLY small!!

I used a 'Recipe for Friendship' charm pack.

I'll be heading for New York on Monday (my daughter just had a hysterectomy) and I'm going to help her out for the next week and a half! So when I get back I had a few things that I need to complete.

So long for now and thanks for visiting!

Click images twice to enlarge.

Charming Girls Finish

2011-06-22T19:36:00.002-04:00

It's amazing that I was able to finish this top......had company since last post and more to come tomorrow! In bits and pieces I was able to complete this quilt. I think I will call it Country Road Trip. It is a game and a quilt...has little machine embroidered cars to play with.

Here's a close up.

Still has lots and lots of threads to clip and some background quilting to do.

More later.

Thanks for stopping by!

CLICK TWICE TO ENLARGE

YIPPEE......BLOGGER IS BACK !!

2011-05-24T13:01:00.000-04:00

Finally...what a long week!

Bloggers Quilt Festival is over and it was lovely...the quilts were all beautiful...couldn't comment on any though...

I got the top of the Redwork quilt together...have to decide now on the borders.

I also started something new...

Started out with a plan...

Then fused some pieces...

It's beginning to look like something!

Lots more to do on it.

Meanwhile...here are the Redwork block

put together.

Have a great day and

Thanks for stopping by !

CLICK ONCE AND THEN AGAIN TO ENLARGE

BLOGGERS QUILT FESTIVAL

2011-05-13T14:06:00.004-04:00

Yeah...it's time once again for the Bloggers Quilt Festival...hosted by Amy.

http://amyscreativeside.com/

There are lots and lots of great prizes...Here's my offering...TOYLAND QUILT..

CLICK PICTURES ONCE AND THEN AGAIN TO ENLARGE !

This quilt is approximately 47"x65 1/2".

It was made several years ago...quite a complicated layout, for me.

But it went together beautifully.

Here are some closeups. All of the appliques are 'puffy'...like the trapunto.

I did cross hatching in the applique blocks.

And McTavishing in the triangular areas.

This quilt was one of the first, maybe it WAS the first, that I went all out with the quilting. I learned a great deal with this quilt and it is one of my favorites.

Click on the button and go over to Amy's Creative Side to see all the wonderful quilts!

http://amyscreativeside.com/

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!

REDWORK

2011-05-04T16:12:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I started on a redwork quilt...been wanting to make one for years.

I'm making the centers of the friendship star block the redwork...these are machine embroidered redwork designs. I have over 2 dozen designs-all children-so there's lots to choose from.

Not sure yet how big this quilt will be...I'll probably do straight line quilting, so I can make a larger quilt if I want...will wait and see. I'm not too in love with making the stars and the small ??? Irish Chain ??? blocks.

CLICK ON THE PICTURES TWICE TO ENLARGE

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

PS....SOMEHOW I'VE LOST MY FAVORITES...SOMETIMES THEY COME UP, BUT MOSTLY THEY DON'T. A WHILE AGO I LOST MY COUNTER...????

STRANGE ISN"T IT !!

I'm Trying to be a Better Blogger !!

2011-04-20T11:00:00.000-04:00

I'm going to try for at least 3 posts a month! Hopefully I can produce some quilty things to fill those posts. Might keep me motivated. I'm working on a BIG UFO right now...actually started this quilt in 2004!!

I'm down to the last 5 blocks !! Yippee !! Above is the BEFORE....and below is the after...

This is my own version of a micro stippling...actually just filling in the whole area with small stitches...very time consuming and HURTS MY HANDS REALLY REALLY BAD !!

Here is the whole side panel...only 3 more blocks to go. Trying to work on it everyday.

CLICK ON THE PICTURES TWICE TO ENLARGE.

Thanks for stopping and

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!!

Purple Sampler Quilt

2011-04-14T18:03:00.003-04:00

I finished my Purple Sampler Quilt today...I had to get rid of the 'white trapunto blocks'. They were pretty, but just looked odd to me. so I used the raw edge (frayed) technique to applicque some large flowers. I think it came out great...will be putting on Etsy today.

Click the pictures, then click again to enlarge.

Speaking of Etsy...I am so happy...I have sold 3 quilts !! Doing the happy dance !!!

I started this quilt several years ago...it was a workshop of all different applique techniques as well as different background quilting.

Here is where I blogged about this quilt BEFORE....I had used the crayon technique to color in the trapunto...

http://margretmarysplace.blogspot.com/2010/05/bloggers-quilt-festival.html

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!

LADYBUG QUILT

2011-04-02T10:08:00.002-04:00

I finally finished this Ladybug quilt. I participated in a 'quilt along' at Ivory Spring

http://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/quilt-along-ladybug-in-polka-dotville/

The quilt has been finished for awhile...just finally did the quilting and binding yesterday. Came out of the dryer sooooo soft and crinkly.

QUESTION...just wondering...I usually clip my threads BEFORE washing the quilt, this time I clipped them AFTER washing and drying....SOOOOOOOOOO much easier! The thread

puffs' up and is really easy to grab.

Anyone else do this?

The colors are much truer in the first picture.

Here's the sunflower...it's so darn SUNNY, I can't stand it!

Click the picture and then click again to see up REALLY close!

Thanks for stopping and have a wonderful April week!!!

2011-02-05T12:15:00.001-05:00

Wow ! It's been nearly a month since I've posted...

Can you guess what I've been up to?

That's a really BIG hint!!

Here's another hint......

Yup...I've been working on some BALLET stuff.

Ballet playmat sets...this one has a stage with and audience! It goes with the pink and purple tote.

This one has a Prima Donna Ballet Teacher and some props to rehearse with. The flowers and yellow gingham tote goes with this set.

CLICK, THEN CLICK AGAIN TO ENLARGE!

I have been lazy with posting...sorry, I just figured out Picasa...and it is now soooo easy to upload pictures to my blog now...I just load them into a Picasa album and they all show up on Blogger! Yeah...so much easier.

Thanks for visiting, have a great weekend!

2011-01-09T07:50:00.004-05:00

TINA MADE THE PAPERS !!!
Click to Enlarge

That's my daughter, Tina. She was here for the holidays...went home yesterday...sigh...

Margret wanted to get in the picture too!

This is what the top shelf in the closet looked like before we took it all down and started cutting. I did the measuring and Tina did the knotting. We got 12 quilts out of the fleece. We donated them to Ronald McDonald House in Ft. Myers.

There was one strip of Betty Boop fleece that didn't fit in anywhere....soooo, I got some fun fur yarn and crocheted around the long edges and added fringe to the ends....came out really adorable. Tina is now wearing it back in New York!

We had a great Christmas and New Years'.

A belated Merry Christmas and

Happy New Year

to all!

Have a great Sunday!

Stuff I've Been Doing and CGC Finish

2010-12-13T12:07:00.004-05:00

Wow, the month has just flown by without my goals being completed!!

I have been busy though....Been doing a little dyeing ....will probably put for sale on Etsy, but if anyone's interested contact me... homespunwb@yahoo.com

If interested...I have can send you close up pics and info.

The Three little pigs is the only complete FINISH for the Charming Girls.

Here's the little book I made with the story and the dolls.

The quilt came out really nice. I have lots of quilting to bring out the designs...if you click once, then again you can see better.

Some more close ups.

Th...th...that's all folks.....

Thanks for stopping by!

Paula's Christmas Challenge

2010-11-19T09:02:00.004-05:00

http://sewingchallenges.blogspot.com/2010/11/sewing-challenges.html

Paula has a great sewing challenge going on right now. Just click the link above and follow the directions!

There has to be at least 20 submissions for the drawing. So hurry on over there and enter your Christmas project...old or new.

Here's mine.......

http://margretmarysplace.blogspot.com/search/label/Snowmen

and here's another.......

http://margretmarysplace.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas%20Table%20Runner

You can click on the links to see the post for each of these entries.

Thanks for stopping by........and don't forget to go over to Paula's to enter the challenge!

http://sewingchallenges.blogspot.com/

SewCalGal's Christmas Quilt

2010-11-16T10:43:00.004-05:00

Here's my entry for Sew Cal Gal's Christmas Quilt Show.

This was made using the grid fusible interfacing...you place all the squares on the grids and press, then add the seam binding between the squares.

Easier said than done...the fusible did not fuse too well and I had an awful time sewing down the black binding.

This was definately one of those 'I'd never do again deals" !! lol

Pretty though.

Thanks Sew Cal Gal for hosting this Christmas Quilt Show!!!

http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/

Moving right along....

2010-11-12T17:25:00.001-05:00

I'm ready to start some stitching on the Three Little Pigs Quilt top.

Since I don't usually use a pattern, nor do I draw anything out before I start a scenic project like this, I thought that I would share the process as I do it.

Many people ask how to make scenes like this and it really is not hard. I usually take more time than necessary because it's all in my head and I make it up as I go along. So many times I get stumped for a few days.

I had a really nice landscape scene fabric and, at first, I wasn't going to use it...was gonna make the quilt more 'cartoon' like. But I found that I really liked the look of the bridge, water and flowers...but it wasn't long enough...so I added the fence, flowers and grass to the bottom.

I'm please with how it is turning out so far. This weekend I will do the stitching around the appliques.

Have a great weekend !

3 Little Pigs...some shots along the way !

2010-11-11T14:49:00.001-05:00

I've been working on the Three Little Pigs Quilt...here's what I've done so far...

I started the background from the sky. Here the tree tops have fusible and it's ready to iron down.

Here's some pictures of the machine embroidered paper doll pigs and wolf.

I'm trying out some grass/flower fabrics for the bottom and have a paper 'road' in place.

The pictures are a little out of order...couldn't help it...Blogger has it's own ideas sometimes...lol !
I hope I can keep working on this at the same pace I have since yesterday !!!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

November/December Goals for Charming Girls

2010-11-10T09:49:00.002-05:00

I'm just pulling some fabrics for my next storybook quilt...3 Little Pigs

1. The 3 Little Pigs quilt is one of my goals for CG.

2. Finish the Simple Thymes BOMs.

3. Prepare fleece to make blankets for Ronald McDonald House. My daughter Tina will be here for Christmas and she wants to make more of the fleece blankets. I have soooo much fleece I can to put together for some quilts...we already have 3 made from her last visit in June.

4. I will finish the Ladybug quilt and get it quilted...I hope!

Sorry I don't have any more pictures...will get some of the Pigs quilt as it progresses.

Thanks for stopping by!

My two Christmas finishes for Charming Girls

2010-11-03T13:48:00.001-04:00

Here are the pictures of the tree table topper and the Merry Christmas table runner as promised.

Is anyone else having a problem with loading pictures with Blogger? I had to actually POST the table topper picture...then go back into Dashboard to EDIT this post...then I could load the table runner. I can't put more than one picture at a time and have to post that before I can add another.........SEEMS CRAZY TO ME ! Anyone else having this problem????

Charming Girls Finishes

2010-11-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

I finished most of my goals for September and October.

I did the String blocks for Heart Strings, I quilted the 2 Christmas items (table topper and table runner). I designed, made and quilted the first of my 'storybook quilts'...Cinderella. The Falling Stars Quilt was quilted at my LQS...the Lady Bug quilt is almost done, just need to applique the ladybugs.

The only thing I didn't do was the Simple Thymes BOMs and I had wanted to do some of the hand embroidery work, but never got around to it.

Unfortunately, I burned my right hand with a steamer machine...my fault...trying to add more water before the steam cooled enough. I have several HUGE blister on my thumb and palm...so I didn't feel like taking photos. Just wanted to get this post done for now.

If you scroll down you can see just about everthing except the Christmas items. Will get some pictures at a later date.

BLOGGERS QUILT FESTIVAL

2010-10-29T08:38:00.013-04:00

TO ENLARGE...CLICK AND THEN CLICK AGAIN

This is my submission for the Bloggers Quilt Festival.

My inspiration for this quilt was a picture I had taken at a quilt show...before I started quilting.

I started collecting all sorts of fabrics and looked high and low for star patterns. It took me awhile before I figured out the sizes I needed.

I knew that I wanted lots of colorful stars...and wanted random black and dark blue background squares.

This past year, after having discovered I AM IN LOVE WITH PAPER PIECING, I started searching for 6" and 12" PP block designs.

I found out that paper piecing takes way longer than expected! AND there is ALOT of waste, for me anyway! But the end result is just wonderful...I really enjoyed the whole process!

I really wanted to quilt this myself...but after machine basting it and trying to move this large quilt around, I decided to take it to my LQS and have it professionally done. It came out beautiful, I wanted loops and stars and I got 'em.

For the backing I found this wonderful black and white floral print...I dyed it in my washing machine. The color came out JUST RIGHT! I used Rit dye and Cushing Procion dye...first the yellow Rit and then I used the dry Procion to get the varied deep golden tones throughout the fabric back.

Some of these pictures are faded...I'm not the best photographer !!!

A big thank you AMY!

This festival is such fun!

On the other hand...posting this post was NOT fun at all. I don't know why Blogger changed the picture thing...but it's taken me over an hour to post this. I have had to publish EACH picture and then open the dashboard and EDIT the post to include another picture....what happened??? It was sooooo easy before the 'improvements'...LOL

Have a wonderful weekend everyone and

HAPPY HALLOWEEN !

Thanks for stopping by.

Cinderella Quilt...It's Interactive !

2010-10-28T17:57:00.005-04:00

I really am happy how this quilt came out...There are prairie point surrounding the center of the quilt. I made rail fence type blocks for the sky and landscape background. The center block was made first and the rest fitted to size.
The corners have different motifs from the Cinderella story...glass slipper, magic wand, clock striking midnight and the pumpkin patch.

Here are the cute Cinderella finger puppets and carriage.

I found the cutest fabric for the backing...all glittery too!

I made the label as a pocket, so that the carriage and finger puppets can be stored in it. And for safety while traveling...there's even alittle bag to hold the quilt and puppets!

Hmmmm....Blogger's not cooperating...will have to continue later. Sorry !!

Well...over the last couple of hours I've been able to upload a few more pictures. Don't know why there was such a problem.

I DID IT...I AM ON ETSY

2010-10-14T13:12:00.002-04:00

When my daughter was here last week we finally opened my Etsy store. Here's my banner...unfortunately to find a seller on Etsy you use the username...mine is homespunwb, not Margret Mary's Place...oh well... I have a button on my sidebar and you can just click on homespunwb and you will be whisked away to MMs Place!

I've had my ups and downs this month as far a mechanical things go !! All three of my machines were sent to the hospital at different times...it's actually taken more than 2 months to get all back and in running order. Just got the embroidery machine back yesterday (2nd time it was in). Right now it seems to be working like a charm...fingers crossed! I have been busy working on some quilts though and will have a better post in a few days with some pictures.

For now, thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!

CGC Finishes for September...so far !

2010-09-16T09:49:00.002-04:00

Didn't think we'd be posting September finishes so early...but I have managed to get a couple done and added a couple of things too.

FOLK ART ANGELS QUILT - DONE

Top Section close up....you can click and then click again to get even closer

Middle section

Bottom Section

Whew...I started this quilt in 1998...didn't have any clue what I was doing...knew nothing about binding, so I made a ruffle...BEFORE the quilt appliques were even thought of!!

I ran into some problems doing the embroidery because it was already quilted...but managed anyway.

Good to finally be able to declare it OFFICIALLY FINISHED!

The next goal that I finished are the Heart Strings Blocks. They were easy to make. The only problem I had was that alot of the strings were smaller than 1 inch so I couldn't make as many as I anticipated...there are around 30 here.

Oh, I have the Christmas table runner all ready and waiting to be quilted.

A slight change in quilting my Falling Stars quilt...after pin basting and then machine basting...I took it to my LQS and am having it quilted by them....but first I had to REMOVE all those machine basted stitches...that's one way to FINISH a goal...lol

I've added a couple of things to my goal list...

This is a peek at something I am working on. I have been wanting to open an Etsy store for some time now...hope it will happen soon. Anyway, I was thinking of making some 'storybook' character quilts with the machine embroidered finger puppets or dolls to go with them to offer in Etsy.

This particular one is Cinderella...I'm auditioning some fabric for the Castle and tried out a design for the carriage...which I'm not liking because the gold metallic fabric gets perforated...the little finger puppets are cute.

And how do you like these fabrics????

Dots....gotta love 'em!

I'm following a quilt along! They'll be some ladybugs in it!

That will be it for now....keep those machines humming....

CHARMING GIRLS QUILT CLUB GOALS FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER

2010-09-07T10:45:00.001-04:00

I have tons of stuff to do...having a really hard time thinking of goals TWO MONTHS in advance for the CGQC! Here goes.........

Hmmm...where to start? Well, since participating in the Christmas Sewing Party at Kelly's...I got in the mood to make another Christmas item...a small table runner...I've already started fusing some of the pieces.

I definitely will complete 2 more Simple Thymes BOMs for Sept and Oct...getting close to the end now.

I also would love to start on some of my embroidery items...just filling in and embellishing the FOLK ANGEL QUILT, you might remember it from awhile back.

Also, have 6 blocks from a BOM pattern called HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS...3 need embellishing and embroidery and then have to have the batting and backing added. I am going to try a 'quilt as you go' method...we'll see how it goes.

I got some 'strings' from Julie K awhile back to make string blocks for HEART STRINGS. I am finally going to apply myself to making them....here is one that I tried...

I have plans on doing some FM quilting...YIKES

I have the Tree Table Topper that I made at the sewing party,

the Merry Christmas Table Runner that I have started,

then, of course, there's the Falling Stars Quilt, the Pinwheel Quilt and I'm also participating the the FM QUILT ALONG at a Few Scraps!

http://afewscraps.blogspot.com/2010/08/free-motion-quilt-along-supply-list.html

I guess that's enough to keep me busy...lol !!!

CHARMING GIRLS FINISHES

2010-08-30T10:27:00.002-04:00

CG CHRISTMAS IN AUGUST SEWING PARTY

I finished the back of the Christmas Table Topper, it is sandwiched and pinned...but I'm not sure how I will quilt it yet. Here are a couple of pictures...the colors are richer in person.

Please click pictures and then click again to ENLARGE !

FRONT

BACK

I pieced the back with the leftover fabric. I had that pretty, sparkly tree fabric I thought would give it a 'kick'.

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

Charming Girls Finishes for July and August

I actually finished up all my goals in July as August was a busy month with family.

My Falling Stars Quilt is finally together...it was pin basted and then I decided to machine baste it so that it would be easier for me to quilt. Now I'm undecided what to do with the quilting...am going to take it to my LQS and see what they charge...the stars are all Paper Pieced and that means 'TONS' of layers at intersecting points. Not sure I can handle it.

Look how pretty the fabric came that I dyed for the backing...I really like it.

This is a before and after...sorry it looks so dark.

I had 4 BOMs from Simple Thymes to do, here they are...minus the hand stiching which will come later.

THAT'S ALL FOLKS !

HAVE A HAPPY WEEK AND THANKS FOR STOPPING BY !

UPDATE #3 - Finished the top

2010-08-28T13:48:00.000-04:00

Whoopee!!!

The Table Topper Top is FINISHED! I even had a snack of leftover popcorn and a soda.

My binding is all done and I have pieces cut for the backing.....

I think I'll be able to piece the back when we get home around 6 PM...if not tomorrow.

This has been a fun morning for me....boy, I sure can get alot done when I put my mind to it.

UPDATE #2 - Center

2010-08-28T12:52:00.000-04:00

The center is finished........now just the 3 borders to sew on.....trying to get it all together before I have to get ready to leave.

UPDATE #1.....MOVING ALONG

2010-08-28T11:16:00.001-04:00

I've completed the hardest part for me...piecing the center. You can see where I have problems...the right tree...the sections just didn't match...will have to do a little creative triming.

Denise was kind enough to offer to share her snacks with me...what a sweetie...but I DID manage to find a little something for later!

Charming Girls Christmas Sewing Party has begun!!!

2010-08-28T08:19:00.000-04:00

Here's my project for the party...

I purchased this table topper kit a while ago...seems perfect for today!

I cut my fabric a couple of days ago as I will not be home this afternoon and wanted to get to sewing it together asap!

No snacks yet...darn...I didn't plan them ahead.

FREE MOTION QUILT ALONG AND GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-08-20T10:24:00.001-04:00

There's a Free Motion Quilt Along starting very soon....along with a giveaway. Go to A Few Scraps

http://afewscraps.blogspot.com/

and get in on this one. It's sure to enlightening! I know I really need some help with FM Quilting.

Hurry now...this should be lots of Fun!

KNITTING YARN FOR SALE

2010-08-13T14:44:00.001-04:00

Well all the family is gone and it's back to doing my own STUFF!!

Before I tell you what I've been doing instead of sewing....here's a picture of myself and my husband and our three children...a good time was had by all.

CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS

Before everyone got here I decided to do some 'housekeeping and clean up my sewing room. I had done the shelves in the closet a few weeks ago, but I really needed to get to the YARN stored on the top of the closet.

Got it all down and I have decided that I am NEVER going to use it. So I will see if anyone is interested in this yarn.

There are 20 skeins of Cloudspun 2 ply chunky weight 100% Wintuk Acrylic yarn by Mary Maxim.

The yarn was bought to make this sweater.

I even started it with 2 of the skeins...but Florida is just toooooo hot to wear anything like this.

I will unravel what I knitted (unless the buyer wants it like this) and make the yarns into balls.

The original Vogue Knitting magazine comes with it along with enlargements I had made of the pattern.

I don't remember what I paid for the yarn...but I think that $25.00 plus shipping is a reasonable price to ask. I'm sure that I can squeeze it all into the large flat rate box or I can weight it and ship parcel post if that's cheaper.

This yarn knits up nice and soft and is in excellent condition...from a smoke free home.

$25.00 plus shipping

20 50 gr skeins acrylic yarn

Vogue magazine

enlarged pattern

NON SMOKING HOME

I will be posting some more yarn soon. This time WOOL and perfect for DYEING!

Any questions??? email me

homespunwb@yahoo.com

Thanks for taking the time to read this post!
Have a lovely day.

I LOVE WRINKLES !!

2010-07-22T17:18:00.000-04:00

I finished my Charming Girls Friends Quilt Along Quilt...just came out of the dryer...and I soooo love how soft and cuddly it is...full of nice wrinkles too!

I just did straight quilting lines.

Just love this design...but I can't find the link to post to the CG parade...oh well...

Thanks for looking!

Charming Girls Goals for July and August

2010-07-08T10:16:00.000-04:00

I'm going to make this fast.....here are my goals for the Charming Girls and Guys Club for July and August.

1. I bought the above fabric a couple of months ago at Joanne's. Thought it would make a great background for my Stars quilt. But I have to dye it first. So this will be my first goal.

2. I've fallen behind on my Simple Thymes BOM. I have May, June, July and August to do.

3. I would like to get my Between Friends QA quilt quilted.

I have been having alot of issues with my Rheumotoid Arthritis these past months. My shoulders feel broken! So not sure how much I will be able to do. Also am having my son and family in from Albuquerque, and my 2 daughters down the end of July and beginning of August.

Have a great day!

I'M A WINNER !

2010-07-05T12:06:00.002-04:00

Yup...that's me...I won this fabulous JELLY ROLL from Karen on her 200th post giveaway at

http://karen-logcabinquilter.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for this great prize.

I love the soft melons, yellows greens and browns in this jelly roll!

Wonder what I'll make to show these off.

I've been working on CrazyMom's Quilt Along. I made a baby quilt...but I'm not lovin' it! It's all ready pin basted and ready to quilt...but I'm going to hold off, I think I might want to add borders or something...not sure yet. It's just not working for me as is.

Thanks for stopping, hope you had a great 4th!

Charming Girls Quilt Along and Crazy Mom's Quilt Along

2010-06-29T12:59:00.001-04:00

Well I did it...caught up with Charming Girls quilt along. It's all done and sandwiched together...just needs quilting.

I made a boo boo though, I cut too many of the 4 piece strips...enough for about 10-15 blocks over. So I had to use them in my border...but I don't think it mattered at all. Looks good to me!

One thing...I have only just begun using pre cuts. First was my Maypole layer cake for Kelly's first quilt along and then the charm packs for this one. I think that, in the future, I will use those in larger blocks...I hate loosing the big floral prints by cutting them so small!

See those 2" square strips in the above photo? They were supposed to be for my Stars quilt...but I decided to make the quilt alot smaller and now they would be much too wide of a border. So I took them apart and am going to use these batiks instead of the Eden layer cake I originally planned on doing for CrazyMom's Quilt Along. I need to cut the background today for this quilt along, then sew the blocks. Not to worry, though, since I am not making a big quilt, I decided to make a table topper instead...have just enough of the batiks cut to make it.

So....catching up wasn't so hard to do!

More later, thanks for taking the time to visit!

PLAYING CATCH UP

2010-06-11T10:17:00.001-04:00

I have some catching up to do with QUILT ALONGS!

Above is my fabric for the CHARMING GIRLS Quilt Along...I chose some CHARISMA charm packs with a light beige background. Not sure which backing I will use...probably the little cherries.

Above are my selections for CRAZY MOM'S Quilt Along. I decided on an EDEN layer cake...love all the pastel florals...with a cream background. Haven't chosen a backing yet.

Both of these are at the cutting stage. It will take me till the end of next week to get to these, but I will catch up eventually.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great weekend filled with all your favorite things.

RUG HOOKING SAMPLER

2010-06-03T10:18:00.003-04:00

I tried rug hooking a while back...1996 to be exact!! Measures 28" x 23".

Never finished the sampler...but when I sold my frame a month ago...I knew I HAD to get it done. Only had the sky to do. I still have to whip the border (gotta research that cause I forgot how).

I was impressed with rug hooking as it really went pretty fast and I was able to get the dogs actually looking like dogs. But it is kind of messy with the wool strips...even more messy than quilting, if you can believe it.

It's no great shakes, but I just thought I'd make a quick post of this anyway because I am so happy to have it DONE!

Thanks for stopping by.

you can click to enlarge

click again to get up close and personal

BLOGGERS QUILT FESTIVAL

2010-05-21T15:07:00.003-04:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURE,

THEN CLICK AGAIN TO GET

REALLY UP CLOSE

FOR DETAIL.

This button is NOT working...can't delete it!!!

I've decided to enter this quilt in the Bloggers Quilt Festival because it was probably the first quilt that I quilted with some degree of confidence.

I took a sampler class and we made the block and quilted it with just the batting...no backing. I found it so much easier to do that way...one block at a time.

We did several types of blocks...a ring of machine appliqued hearts ...stuffed, a ring of grape leaves with couched tendrils, a fancy Celtic knot created by machine appliqueing bias strips around the edges, and a fancy Celtic design in trapunto.

I made 3 of each block (except I made 2 grape leaves and 1 just the grapes). When I put the blocks together I had trouble because of the plain white Celtic blocks...so I 'experimented' with crayons, coloring in the 3 blocks and then setting with an iron and washing. Not THAT happy with the result...I wish I would have done something different with that block...or made 4 and put them in the corners.

The best thing about the class was that with the teacher guiding me...I had more confidence to 'quilt'. I made this quilt in 2005 and haven't had it out since...I just noticed that I didn't quilt the border...will have to remedy that soon.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post. Have a great weekend!

AROUND THE WORLD QUILT FINISHED

2010-05-16T15:05:00.002-04:00

My ATWQ is finally finished!

Click once, then again to enlarge for detail.

The quilt measures 48"x72". Since 12" blocks would make a really BIG quilt if they were all on the same side, I decided to put the blocks on both sides.

Here are the additional blocks I made to represent the different states and countries.

I sewed a running stitch from state to state to show the route the blocks took.

This background fabric was so fitting for Texas.

Originally I was planning on making the whole back of the quilt a Map of the World.

I printed out all the names on photo fabric...but when I washed the quilt all the printing came out. Not sure why exactly...I've made up labels with pictures and the ink never washed out???

Anyway, I had to write out the Loop order, but since it was already quilted...it was not easy and the lines ran vertical. It's ok though, the names and origins are what I wanted documented.

I added Glaucia's name, even though she dropped out, because my starter block had Brazil in it.

I ran out of room, so I placed this over a large orange snowball block!

The quilt took exactly one year to make it AROUND THE WORLD!!

Have a wonderful day!

THIS IS MY STASH

2010-05-11T10:04:00.001-04:00

Kelly, over at Charming Girls and Guys Club,

http://cottoncharmquilts.typepad.com/charmingchatter/

and Polly, at Aunt Polly's Porch,

http://auntpollysporch.blogspot.com/2010/05/kellys-embarrassed.html

want us all to share our embarrassing amount of fabric we call our 'STASH' and how we store/organize it.

Well, here's mine...be warned though...don't expect a glamorous tour...just a mess...but MY mess!!!

Click once or twice to enlarge pics.

Looking in from doorway. There's my Viking D1 embroidery machine. The pile of fabric in the center of the picture is mostly from the Star and Pinwheel quilts that I am working on.

These wire bins are great...the first 2 hold my fat quarters and smaller pieces. The one on the right holds my batik scraps, flannel scraps and pieces and in the bottom drawer Christmas fabric.

This is my Brother PQ1500. It is just a straight stitch machine. I do all my piecing and FM quilting on it. The first two drawers in the corner hold my batik yardage...I LOVE BATIKS!! The bottom drawer has some more flannel and all my 'orphan' blocks. The right empty drawer...is only empty because all the fabric is scattered around. The bottom drawer has more Christmas fabric.

Moving on...this is my major STASH. Actually doesn't look too bad right now. Pretty neat. In the lower right hand corner is Margret...she keeps me company while I'm sewing or on the computer.

On this side of the room is my cutting table, shelves and plastic storage drawers. Yes...somehow I manage to cut on this table...although a challenge at times. The shelves on the left are for books, magazines, my selvedge collection and current blocks that I'm working on (paper pieced stars, pinwheels, BOMs).

Here's a close up of those plastic drawers. The ones on the left hold all my jelly rolls, layer cakes, charm packs...I hardly ever use them...because they are just too pretty to cut into. The drawers on the right hold fabrics I use to make scenic playmats for embroidered paper dolls. There are fabrics used for sky, water, grass, mountains. construction, etc.

Under the cutting table is more STUFF. There's felt for the paper dolls, my light box and fabric that I've collected for a 'crazy quilt' in the lower left. See that empty space on the lower right.....that's where my rug hooking frame was, before I sold it at Kelly's Swap/Sale. Hmmm, now what can I fill it with?

Now we move on to another area of the house. This armoire holds my batting on the top shelf, completed scrapbooks on the second shelf...along with a dollhouse book I made last year. The third shelf holds my completed quilts...really COMPLETELY done!!! On the bottom shelf right side are Block of the Month WIP's...there's 2 or 3. On the left are some fleece quickie quilts for donations.

Finally...this is my DESIGN FLOOR...wish it were on the wall somewhere...but... It probably looks dangerous in front of the door to the pool but actually not even Margret steps on it. The quilt on the floor right now is the Around The World Quilt, I'm trying out different borders. I wanted to make a lap sized quilt, so I split the blocks and the quilt will be 'reversible'. BTW...the upper right corner is where I keep the Beyond The Color Purple Quilt...in progress.

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

So there you have it...thanks for taking the time to look.........and how about taking a few pics of YOUR stash and how you store it!!!

Have a wonderful day!

FOR SALE - RUG HOOKING FRAME & QUILT PATTERNS

2010-05-09T11:03:00.004-04:00

Instead of our usual 'Goals and Finishes' for the month, Kelly at Charming Girls has decided to do a Stash Swap and Sell. I think this is a great idea. I have only just begun to go thru some STUFF! For starters I have a RUG HOOKING FRAME and several lots of QUILT PATTERNS.

CLICK ONCE OR TWICE TO ENLARGE PICTURES

First up is a RUG HOOKING FRAME with a basket that conveniently fits inside, plus I will supply at least 1 rug hooking hook and some wool strips...I have to first complete a small sample rug...and this is sure an incentive! SOLD

This frame is a great way to get into rug hooking without having to buy an expensive frame.

You can conveniently 'hook' with the frame on your lap or on a table. It has 'gripper strips' to hold your burlap or other base material tightly to the frame. You just place your rug on the frame grippers to stretch the fabric and have a firm base to hook on.

This frame weighs just 2 pounds and measures approximately 16" x 12". The height goes from 5 1/4" in the front to 6 1/2" in the back.

I am asking $25.00 for all, plus shipping. I've seen similar frames selling on Ebay for $60.00 and up. SOLD

PATTERNS FOR SALE

Lot # 1 sold

4 Folk Art Patterns

$8.00 sold

1. Tickle The Earth by Pieces fram my Heart. This is a 28"x31" Wall Quilt of a lady tending her garden.

2.Praising God by Pieces from my heart. This is 30 1/2"x29 1/2' Wall Quilt of a cat, bees and birds.

3. Town Without Kitty by Fiber Mosaics. This is a 24"x 331/2" Quilt of birdhouses. Also includes the plans for Cheap Rent Districk, a 20 1/2"x25 1/2" Quilt.

4. Country at Heart by Fiber Mosaics. This is a 34" x 40" Quilt of farm life. There are chikckens, sunflowers, bee hives and the plans for 2 other small wall hangings...7"x15" and 7"x11".

LOT #2 sold

3 HOLIDAY patterns

$6.00 sold

1. Simply Santa by Debbie Mumm. This is a 39"x35" quilt or a 16"x19" pillow. There are 6 different old fashioned Santa patterns.

2. Frosty Folks by Brandywine Design. This is a 26"x37" wall hanging of the cutest Snowmen.

3. Welcome the Holidays by Cabbage Rose. There are 4 different pattern for making these cute curved top hangings. Each 11"x27". Summer, Easter, Halloween and Christmas.

Lot #3

5 Miscellaneous Patterns

$8.00

1.Rock Around the Block by Beth Little. This pattern has directions to make 6 different sized quilts, from mini wall quilt to King bed size quilt. Good pattern for scraps. I made this quilt and it was EASY!

2.Square Dancer by Mountainpeek Creations. This is a pretty pattern using a 'focus' fabric for the centers of the blocks. 3 sizes given, throw, double and queen.

3. Ocean Waves Hidden Treasures pattern for many sizes, twin, queen, king.

4. There's a Dog on my Quilt by Billie Lauder. This is a cute quilt size 42 1/2" x 52 1/2". Made with 9 patch block and dog applique.

5. Springtime Flowers by Crafty Productions. This is a floral pattern for a 20" x 27 1/2" wall quilt.

Lot #4

3 Miscelleanous Patterns

$5.00

1.Courthouse Steps by Cotton Theory. This is a 'fold & finish' pattern. I made it and it is really a nice technique. You can make anything from a table runner to a king size quilt.

2.Blooming Angels Pillows by Wendy's Cottonthread Cottage. These cute angles make 9 x9 pillows. You can embroider these angels or I have applique patterns (my own) included, as I don't embroider.

3. Paper Pieced Potholders by Sew Wonderful Dreams. There are 5 paper pieced quilted designs in this set for potholders.

Lot #5 sold

2 patterns to make for all your organizational needs

$4.00 sold

1. Denise's CATCH ALL CADDY...you NEED this. I made it and it is wonderful to have a place to put all those little threads!

2. Simplicity Pattern 4232, patterns for all sized buckets.

*****

YOU CAN LEAVE A COMMENT FOR ANY ITEM YOU WANT. I WILL DO MY BEST FOR SHIPPING, BUT THAT CAN'T BE DETERMINED UNTIL I HAVE AN ADDRESS.

PAYMENT CHECK OR MONEY ORDER. I CAN ALSO TAKE PAYPAL, BUT ONLY IF YOU HAVE A PP BALANCE OR ARE LINKED TO YOUR CHECKING ACCOUNT. NO CREDIT CARDS.

THAT'S IT FOR NOW. I WILL PROBABLY HAVE MORE LATER ON.

THANKS FOR LOOKING AND

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

FINISHES FOR APRIL CGGC

2010-04-26T16:28:00.003-04:00

I have made my goal for April...

whew...4 of them.

Been working hard on the Beyond the Color Purple Quilt...am happy to say that I have finished stippling 2 blocks this month.

The stippling is coming easier it seems. I still have 5 more blocks to do.

I'm up-to-date on the Pinwheel Party blocks, even made the 24 2" blocks.

I wanted to get 2/3 of the way thru the Stars blocks...and I have at least that many. With any luck next month I'll have them all made.

This is April's BOM from Simple Thymes.

When I look at these finishes...they really aren't FINISHES...but they are getting there.

I do sew just about everyday, I just seem to pick things that take TIME!!!

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

Thank you Kris and Kelly and fellow CGGC members!

2010-04-17T20:01:00.000-04:00

Just back from Red Lobster...had a wonderful meal...even brought some home for tomorrow!

I want to thank Kris and Kelly for a great time today....I totally enjoyed the day and got a project finished too.

I have tried to answer all my comments and comment on all the blogs...but it's time to relax now. Sorry if I missed anyone...I did have a few 'bouncing' emails...but I really tried hard to get to everyone. I think that in itself was the hardest part of the day!!

Everyone have a wonderful evening and I will continue to check out the finishes tomorrow. Good night for now!

Tote Bag Party Update #3 -- ALL DONE!

2010-04-17T14:41:00.002-04:00

Here it is...all finished.

I know it's not the fanciest bag in the group...but it's all mine and I finally tried out the selvedges.

I'm glad I 'cheated' and started yesterday...so I could be done before we left today at 3:30.

BTW I found that sewing the selvedges wasn't as impromptu as I thought...I have to watch that they were kept straight...mine were a little off...but not too much...I think I hid it well.

I'm glad I got rid of the last fabric selvedge that I had sewn on and exchanged it for the 'money selvedge'.

I didn't use a pattern, kind of 'winged' it from reading thru several different patterns. I wanted to add a zipper to the top...but I didn't have a zipper...so no dice.

Anyway, I do like the tote, it's small enough to use as a purse (minus the zipper). It came out a little smaller than I had expected...next time I'll make a larger one (if there is a next time)!

Here's a look at the inside...I added velcro to the wider pocket and made a double pocket in the other...for my reading glasses.

Well, that's all folks!

Will check out all the blogs again when I return home.

It's been a fun day!

TOTE BAG PARTY Update #2

2010-04-17T13:51:00.002-04:00

Wow...things are moving along quickly. I have the lining all cut and made the inside pockets. Also have the handles ready to be trimmed and sewn.

I'm having more trouble keeping up with the blogs and comments...I vowed I would leave a comment on all...if I miss anyone please forgive me.....time is getting away from me and my computer doesn't always cooperate!!!

Be back soon with the finished tote!

TOTE BAG PARTY AT CG&GC HAS STARTED! Update #1

2010-04-17T10:27:00.002-04:00

Today's the day! A selvedge tote bag for me!!

Okay, I cheated a little and started my selvedge 'fabric' yesterday. Wasn't sure how long it would take. Last minute I added the last selvedge and left it wide to use for a band. This morning I'm not liking it...think I'll use the selvedge from the 'money' fabric lining!

Just read thru some of the updates...I am going to TRY to place a comment in all the posts today...hope I can keep up! More later.

TOTE BAG PARTY AT CG&GC

2010-04-14T18:25:00.002-04:00

I've decided to join in on the fun over at Charming Guys & Girls this weekend. They are having a TOTE BAG PARTY! I have been wanting to make a selvedge tote for some time now. So this is my chance.

I have a small shoe box of selvedges I've been collecting...a McCalls magazine from October 2009 and some great MONEY fabric for the lining.

There are quite a few tutorials for making a tote bag on the internet...

http://dandelionquilts.blogspot.com/

Dandelion quilts, along with Kelly and Joan from CGGC will be hosting this totealong!

Check it out, I believe there are still a few spaces left.

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

APRIL CG&GC PROJECTS

2010-04-06T16:44:00.002-04:00

This month there will be no new projects...I want to concentrate on the ones I am currently working on.

1. The Simple Thymes BOM.

2. I will continue with the micro stippling of the Beyond the Color Purple Quilt blocks...at least one block, but I hope I can do 2. Then I will have completed one long side.

3. I decided that the Pinwheel Party Quilt is just too cute and will not combine it with the Stars Quilt blocks.

4. I hope to get at least 2/3 of the blocks made for this quilt. It is coming along great so far. But, since most of the stars are paper pieced, I can only make 2 blocks a day, sometimes 3. But it will be worth it in the end.

And that's it for now. Have a great day!

TRYING TO FIGURE OUT PAGES !!

2010-04-05T10:12:00.000-04:00

Don't pay any attention to what I am doing...I'm TRYING MY BEST to figures out how to make these PAGES on my blog...will take sometime I think!!

Charming Girls & Guys Finishes for March

2010-03-29T20:04:00.003-04:00

It's been a productive month for me.

Finished all that I wanted to do.

Even made some softies for Haiti.

1. The Circles and Sunflowers quilt is all done, quilted, labeled, bound and washed. I have to say I LOVE IT! It was a hard quilt to do, especially the quilting, but it was well worth it.

Following are some more detail shots of the quilting, I did a lot of different quilting in each of the blocks.

When it came time to make the back...I decided to make a really Big String Block.

And of course a label too.

2. The Simple Thymes BOM is really easy to do.

3. I FINALLY got all those pesky threads cut from the 4 quilts! Yeah. The Folk Angel quilt will still need some embroidery embellishment, but that can wait till I'm in the mood.

4. I managed to do the micro stippling on 2 blocks from the Beyond the Color Purple quilt...it's moving along nicely.

5. I've been working on the Twiddletails Pinwheel Party blocks...all done to date. I'm liking the way these look, I've made small pinwheels where the blank color blocks are, as I may...or may not add them to my Star quilt.

6. Been also working (a lot) on the stars for my Star quilt...most are paper pieced. If I follow the original quilt there are 25 12" blocks and 45 6" blocks. I may combine with the Pinwheel Party blocks...can't decide just yet. They both look good to me.

7. Although I haven't sewn anything together on the Around the World Quilt Along Quilt, I did have them all layed out and decided on a black sashing with small multi color polka dots...didn't take a picture and now the stars and pinwheels are on my design FLOOR!

8. The labels are all made for the quilts that needed them.

9. I even made 15 little Sock Monkey Stuffies for Smiles for Children to be sent to Haiti.

I had my issues with the Jelly Roll Sampler...just wasn't able to use the Hello Betty jelly roll that I thought I loved. Just didn't care for the fabric. So I had my First giveaway! It was alot of fun. Grace (keepsewing) won...she lives in SINGAPORE!!! Couldn't be ANY further away from South Florida!!!

So, all in all, I'm happy as a clam with what I've been able to accomplish this month and hope that next month is nearly as productive. Thanks Charming Girls and Guys...I love having GOALS!

CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE AND THANKS FOR STOPPING BY!

WINNER, WINNER, WE HAVE A WINNER!!!

2010-03-27T09:39:00.002-04:00

Well, here it is Saturday morning and time to let all of you know who won the HELLO BETTY JELLY ROLL........but first, I want to thank all of your for your lovely comments. I was pleasantly surprised at how many there were. This is my first giveaway and it sure was alot of fun. I'm glad that someone will have a jelly roll to play with.

So..........here is the winner, chosen by random.org....easy to do by the way.

Congratulations to...................

# 61 Keep sewing

Please email me at homespunwb@yahoo.com with your name and address so I can get Hello Betty right out to you!

Have a wonderful Saturday everyone!

HERE'S MY PRIZE !!!

2010-03-23T14:26:00.001-04:00

Look at the wonderful layer cake and patterns I won from Kari at

http://freshcutquilts.blogspot.com/

Thanks Kari...it's gonna be fun to use both the patterns and the fabric!

BTW...in case you missed my last post...scroll on down to read about my

HELLO BETTY JELLY ROLL GIVEAWAY!

You have till midnight Friday to post a comment and be in the running to win this jelly roll.

GIVEAWAY-HELLO BETTY JELLY ROLL

2010-03-21T09:03:00.005-04:00

HELLO BETTY JELLY ROLL GIVEAWAY....a belated giveaway for National Quilting Day and my misjudgement! Above is BEFORE I opened the jelly roll...below is AFTER I tried to put it back together!! Doesn't look toooo different!

Let me explain...

I joined the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along but have had the hardest time using the Hello Betty collection...sooo I've given up and decided to give it away.

Although I opened the jelly roll and moved the strips around, nothing is cut or missing. I just found that I wasn't loving it so decided to do a little giveaway.

I've been lucky with giveaways lately and have won several close together. So this is a nice way to 'give back'.

The RULES are simple...

1. Leave a comment on this post...1 entry

2. Become a Follower...1 entry

Please leave separate posts and include a way for me to get to get in touch with you.

This is open till midnight FRIDAY, March 26.

I will pick a name and announce the winner on Saturday, March 27.

This is really exciting for me to do...host a giveaway! I have been wanting to do it for a while now...so here goes.

Good luck everyone!

I'M ON A WINNING STREAK !!!

2010-03-16T11:47:00.004-04:00

Last night I found out I was a lucky winner AGAIN! Kari at

http://freshcutquilts.blogspot.com/

sent me an email that I won a layer cake AND not 1, but 2 of her great patterns.

Stay tuned, I'll post pics when I get my prize!!

Hurry over to Kari's blog...she's having another giveaway till Friday!

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

REMEMBER I WON TWO GIVEAWAYS...

2010-03-14T09:53:00.006-04:00

Isn't this fabric just fabulous! The pattern appears daunting at first...but I think I can pull it off if I wait till I have lots of time. Thank you Jane http://crazyhereandnow.blogspot.com/

This is from Bonnie http://www.callmityjanescottage.com/
A wonderful 'bag of goodies'. There are 5 stunning FQs, a fabric basket (cute as can be), a note pad and pen...and last...but certainly not least is a jelly roll with some beautiful florals to match. Thank you Bonnie!

Happy days!

MARCH PROJECTS FOR CGGC

2010-03-02T13:11:00.008-05:00

I have decided on my March Projects...there are 8 of them...some easier than others.

Click to enlarge.

1. First up is the JELLY ROLL QUILT ALONG. I believe there are 2 blocks a month for this. I originally was using different fabrics...but when I found the brown polka dot fabric...I just knew I had to use my HELLO BETTY jelly roll. 2. SIMPLE THYMES BOM for March.

3. This project is a little complicated. This picture is from a show I went to in 1998. I have wanted to make a similar quilt ever since...SO...I think I will combine blocks from PINWHEEL PARTY and OLD RED BARN'S PINWHEEL quilt along with some STAR blocks and try to achieve something like this picture. I don't have a clear plan as yet, hopefully as I start making some of the pinwheels and stars it will come together. We will see!
4. 5. and 6. No pictures for these right now.

I will stipple 2 blocks on my BEYOND THE COLOR PURPLE quilt.

I will FINISH the circles quilt...
I will make 2 labels for my FOLK ANGEL and CIRCLE quilts.

7. I have 4 quilts that need the thread clipped, especially on the back, when I finish up my Circle quilt. This may not sound like much.....but there are many starts and stops quilting on 2 of these quilts...you know those 1/4" tags that are left by the auto thread cutter.

8. FINALLY...I got all the blocks back from the AROUND THE WORLD QUILT, hosted by SummerSadie. I need to figure out sashing and layout. Not sure how far I can get on this. It is the last project I will tackle if I have the time.

So that's it...list looks daunting, but doable!

THANKS FOR STOPPING BY AND HAVE A GREAT DAY!

I'M A WINNER X 2 !!!

2010-03-01T14:59:00.002-05:00

Yup that's me....I won two (2) giveaways TODAY....

http://calamityjanescottage.blogspot.com/ AND

http://crazyhereandnow.blogspot.com/

I'm a lucky gal....gonna go get me a LOTTERY ticket cause they say things happen in THREE'S!!!

Six February Finishes for Charming Girls Club

2010-02-23T12:19:00.010-05:00

I managed to finish everything this month for the Charming Girls Club...YEAH !!

Here are the three blocks for the Around the World Quilt.

This is Cathy's block, she wanted a selvedge somewhere in the block. This is Jane's block...her quilt is very colorful... This is Deborah's block...I had fun making these wonky blocks.

Here is my February BOM from Simple Thymes.

This block from Beyond the Color Purple...has been stippled. I am so glad to be able to get back to finishing this quilt. Micro stippling is NOT fun...it is HARD work!!
You can click to enlarge these pictures...and see how really small the micro stippling is.........

My final project this month is the Wild Circles quilt...here it is all sandwiched and pin basted...ready for quilting. I actually have started the quilting, but will have to finish it for next month's project.

I am so happy to have found the Charming Girls...I have actually been able to finish up some of my UFO's...and I plan on continuing doing so till they are all done.l

Thanks for visiting and have a really nice day!

Great Giveaway Happening Right Now!

2010-02-22T15:23:00.003-05:00

Hurry on over to

http://lilatuellerdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-contest-begins-today.html

she has the most beautiful quilt up for a giveaway.

Jelly Roll Quilt Along

2010-02-10T18:04:00.003-05:00

Moose on the Porch is having a Jelly Roll Quilt Along

http://moosequilts.blogspot.com/

I got my jelly roll all ready...Odelia! This looks like a fun quilt along...kind of a mystery!

February Projects for Charming Girls

2010-02-05T11:41:00.010-05:00

I hope I'm not biting off more than I can chew this month...being it's such a short month...

First up I will be working ALOT on the Old Red Barn's 'WILD CIRCLES ' quilt along...making lots of these.............. Next I think I'll do something easy...Feburary's BOM, Simple Thymes.....

Then I have to get working on Summer Sadie's 'Around the World Quilt's' blocks. I just received 3 bags of blocks...have to make one for each quilt.

It won't take long for me to make a house block, but the other two will require more thought. Gotta get them done and sent out as soon as possible so they can get to the rest of the participants.

Finally...I have a BIG PROJECT...I really want to get this quilt finished!!! The name of the pattern is BEYOND THE COLOR PURPLE. It is machine embroidered. I have done all of the embroidery, the center is all done, and the top and bottom 3 blocks have been MICRO STIPPLED with my infamous 'CRAZY MICRO STIPPLE'. The side pieces contain 5 blocks each. I have already spray basted the batting and backing to the sides but need to do the quilting. I'm attempting the 'quilt as you go' technique!

This wil be a very pretty quilt whenever it gets done. I hope to get just ONE block quilted this month...as it takes a VERY long time to do that micro thing.

Here is a close up of one of the blocks.

I made the label A LONG TIME AGO. Didn't expect not to get it finished.

So there you have it...my projects for this month....hopefully the Wild Circles will be all put together...I doubt that I will be able to get it sandwiched and certainly not quilted...

You can click on the pictures to enlarge them and see more detail............Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Little House Giveaway

2010-02-04T14:16:00.001-05:00

Hurry over to.........

http://www.sewonandsewon-noelle.blogspot.com/

She's having the cutest giveaway...

JANUARY FINISHES !!!

2010-01-27T11:25:00.012-05:00

I'm happy to say that I finished all 4 of my projects for Charming Girls this month!

Below are my blocks for Old Red Barn's Quilt Along...Wild Circles.

I haven't made all the blocks as yet...still more instructions needed. These are just laid down randomly...I haven't cut my blank blocks yet or made all my string blocks...waiting to see what colors I need and where.I chose to paper piece a sunflower rather than have all circles.

Here is a close up of the first 4 blocks...pretty much as they will be in the finished quilt. I have to add the centers to the two bottom parts of the sunflowers...probably today. I just love these strings blocks! So much fun to sew, and I particularly like the design they formed below.

Here is the FINALLY finished Folk Anglel baby quilt!

Only TWELVE years in the making.

Here are close ups of the different sections.

I still need to embroider faces and other embellishment...I'll save that for a rainy day.

I did what I call a 'crazy micro stipple'!!!

My stippling is not the greatest...but this small ?stipple? doesn't look half bad!

I did complete all the quilting on this quilt, which is also from 1998 or 99.

I did cross hatching behind the applique in all the blocks.

Then I did a meandering with some leaf shapes in the outside border.

The sashing was similar but with a loopy loop with leaves.

I found this hard to quilt...in part because of the polyester batting...slips alot.

However, the weight of the quilt is great.

Also, after washing the 'wrinkle' isn't as nice as with 100% cotton batting.

The next quilt I sandwich together I am going to try the Heirloom 80/20 and see how I like that.

Finally, my last finish was easy peasy....the BOM was very simple to fuse and I used a buttonhole stitch around some of the design...but not the leaves, too small, I just did a straight stitch on the edges.

There is still hand embroidery to add...but that will come another day.

For now ... it's finished!

You can click to enlarge these pictures.

Thanks for stopping by.

January Projects for Charming Girls and 2 WINS!

2010-01-06T08:49:00.007-05:00

This month I hope to quilt a rather large (for me) quilt. Approx. 66"X77". I started it as a BOM back in 1998, finished the top in 2002. I did outline the blocks and labeled and bound it...but it was always lacking the 'quilting'. In my pursuit of getting my UFO's done...I cross hatched the background of one of the blocks. Looks pretty good, even if I do so say myself. So I will continue with the other 11 blocks...and the sashings and border. This will be quite a project as the 'quilting' part is always the hardest for me. Above is a picture with the cross hatching and without it...quite a difference! You can click on the picture to get up close.

My 2nd project for CG is a free BOM that I just found...cute block. It is from http://ajpadilla.com/patterns/bom/simple-thymes and it has just started this month. Not too big of a project...24x24 I think. Angie's Bits and Pieces specializes in 'whimsy'...which I LOVE!

My 3rd project is to do the buttonhole stitch around my folk angel baby quilt, that I have had following me now for months...but if I can move along as I plan, I may even be able to quilt it.
I do have a 4th project...it will carry on for a month or so though. The Old Red Barn quilt along round 4....Circles and Curves. I need to pull my fabric (batiks) and make some of the crazy 9 patch blocks...maybe some strings too, if I have the time.......and energy.

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

TWO GIVEAWAY WINS

I won 2 giveaways last month....would you bellieve it!!!

The first was from Charming Girls...I won a wonderful WHIMSY jellyroll. Thanks Kelly

The other win is from the Holly Jolly Blog Bingo at THE QUILT SHOPPE... and would you believe...the prize was a WHIMSY layer cake!!!! I just LOVE that fabric line...now to make something REALLY special with my precious winnings!!!

December Charming Girls UFO Finish...sort of

2010-01-02T09:10:00.003-05:00

This is a promise....I will....yes I really will...sew the buttonhole stitch around all of the appliques in this quilt...it has been s l o w going, but it's nearing the end!

CHARMING GIRLS CHRISTMAS TAG

2009-12-17T20:29:00.005-05:00

The Charming Girls Tag this month is our favorite Christmas decoration. Many of you have posted Mangers. This manger is by far my favorite decoration...it was made by my father a couple years before he died in 1991.

The Holy Family

A really close up. The straw you see peeking out we got at Church this past week. This week we will take the Baby Jesus and have him blessed.

Santa Thru The Years for SewCalGal's Virtual Christmas Quilt

2009-12-11T13:46:00.009-05:00

Here is my entry for SewCalGal's Virtual Christmas Quilt Show
http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/2009/12/virtual-christmas-quilt-show.html
There are lots of prizes you are sure to win one!!!!
This is one of the first quilts I made, back in 1998. It was made at the same time as the Snowman Quilt (posted below). With these two quilts I found my 'niche'...I love applique (the fused raw edge kind) and I love 'scenes. I have difficulty making more than one of anything...so it is my 'cup of tea'.

I've tried to get close ups of all the blocks. Hopefully you can click to enlarge them if you want.

The colors are a little washed out...was a cloudy day.

CHARMING GIRLS DECEMBER PROJECT

2009-12-07T14:07:00.002-05:00

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

2009-12-01T14:38:00.007-05:00

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

2009-11-30T17:52:00.001-05:00

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).