Timber Hill Threads

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday---Machine Embroidery

2012-01-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

As you know I've been busy quilting on the long arm, but I've been wanting to just sit in my sewing room and do some day of the week machine embroidery dishtowels---I do love to do machine embroidery. So, yesterday I started these cute dog designs.

They kind of remind me of someone I know and love!

6th Graders Quilt of Valor

2012-01-27T16:37:00.000-08:00

I received this Quilt of Valor top last week. The quilt top is a project of the sixth grade class at Geyserville school in Northern California. Their instructor, Dora, did the sewing but they did the mixing of the colors and each planned their own block. It turned out very nice. Dora will do the binding after I ship it back to her so that the class can see that step of making a quilt.

The quilt will be done in time for the Cloverdale Citrus Fair and will be displayed along with pictures and hopefully some letters by the students. I'm so proud of these kids and their project!

Dora requested I send a picture of the longarm so the students can actually see what a "Long Arm" machine is and what it does. So here I am with "Polly".

The quilt is approx. 65 inches square. I quilted it with Superior Omni Thread in Bright Periwinkle. There are a lot of Star fabrics used in the string blocks so I used the Circle Lord "Milky Way" template boards.

Rain---and Quilting

2012-01-23T10:52:00.000-08:00

It's been raining off an on for three days. 3-1/2 inches since late Thursday. Yay!

I loaded and finished Carolynn's beautiful donation quilt on the long arm yesterday.

The pantograph is "Fan Fare Grande" from Urban Elementz. A flowing easy to follow panto. It fills the space well

Finished Quilt of Valor

2012-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

This is Mildred's 147th Quilt of Valor top that she sent me for quilting. Mildred does outstanding designs on her quilts, like the machine embroidery center block. Beautiful! This is the second quilt top I've completed for her, and I hope it's not my last. It is such a pleasure to work on her quilts.

Welcome---Rain

2012-01-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

Maybe I haven't mentioned it, but it has been approximately 86 days since it has rained here in Sonoma County. It's also been unseasonably cold at night but warm during the afternoons. Lack of moisture was beginning to take it's toll on everything around us. Dry skin to parched plants. Well, today the rain finally arrived! I'm not overly fond of rain, and Sassy thinks it's dreadful. But it's delightful to see and feel ---at least for awhile. It's way overdue.

New Storage for Under the Long Arm

2012-01-18T19:06:00.000-08:00

I've been looking for storage units to put under my long arm for almost as long as I've owned it. I've had a mishmash of containers, plastic drawers, wine bottle holder and baskets.

I wanted something that offered protection from dust and lint, but that I could see into. Because I also lower the frame at times, it couldn't be tall storage containers. Something reasonably attractive as well.

The Sunday paper had Michael's Arts & Crafts sales ad and the Jetmax Modular Storage units were on sale. I have one of these units in my sewing room and it has stood up to sliding the drawers in an out countless times, and the weight of thread and other items reasonably well. Not much wear at all.

The units are basically 14.25" inch cubes with a variety of options, drawer units, shelves available that you put together with with a phillips head screwdriver and they have good assembly directions. I chose these four units. Three with drawers with clear fronts, and one open cube to store pantographs and my cloth side extenders. I also purchased the pegboard kit with hooks that is available for three sides of two of the cubes. All my Circle Lord stepping discs fit in one of the drawers. The drawers are tall enough to store cones of thread upright.

This picture is of the open cube on wheels for the pantographs.

Here are two of the units under one side of the frame. No more wasted space under the frame, and some nice storage.

What's on the Long Arm

2012-01-17T19:28:00.000-08:00

I've been quilting on this lovely red, white and blue quilt sent me to by a Mildred. This is her 147th Quilt of Valor top. I played with my DeLoa Jones Boomerang rulers on the center Eagle medallion. Rolling on----

iPad Image Capture

2012-01-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

My previous blog posting was about Adobe Ideas and how I just emailed myself the finished drawing. This a.m. Heartstring blogger, Mary J. emailed me and asked why I didn't do an image capture or screen save.

Well probably because I had never did one with my iPad, and didn't know how. Mary says:

Holding the round iPad home button and the iPad on/off button down at the same time snaps a photo of what's currently on the screen and Mary said she uses it a lot.

I tried it a few times, and it didn't work for me at first, but then I learned the problem was I didn't do it quickly. You have to hold the buttons for just a second sort of like the camera shutter button. The iPad screen turns white, and you can hear a click. Ta-da!

This is a screen shot of a drawing I had saved in Adobe Ideas. The continuous curve quilting path for a 9 patch block. Image captured and it showed up in Photos on the iPad. From there I sent the photo to my email. It arrived as a .png file, but I converted it to .jpg in my desktop photo album software before publishing it here.

Thank you, Thank you Mary!

Mary also has an 'apps' tab on her blog with other sewing and quilting related apps listed.

Using Your iPad for Drawing Quilt Designs

2012-01-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

As a machine quilter I spend a lot of time practicing and drawing out quilting design. I have used a variety of materials in the past to draw with before I found this App for my iPad.

I doodle ---a lot on my iPad screen using an App called Adobe Ideas. It is not a free App, and when I downloaded it over a year ago, the price was less than offered now. However they have upgraded it and you have the option of layers so I assume that is why the price has increased. It is a worthwhile purchase for $5.99 for your iPad if you love to sketch and practice your quilting designs before stepping up the to quilt as compared to using a dry erase board or sketchpad for example.

Adobe Idea uses the iPad screen as your drawing surface. You can use a finger tip to draw, but I prefer an iPad stylus. Either one works fine. You can pick colors of drawing pencils, erase and chose the size of pencil point. You can upload a picture of a whole quilt or a quilt block and draw over it. Save it. Email it to yourself, and print it out if need be. You can pan and zoom the drawing or picture. It's simply a lot of fun to use. Here is your iPad screen with Adobe Ideas and the drawing tools are on the left.

You have a blank slate to draw on. Pick a color to draw with and start drawing.

One of the tools is an eraser. So at any time you can go back and remove a line or the whole drawing if you wish. You can save all your drawings and click back on any of them to review or revise. Here is a collection of some of my past drawings saved in the program.

This is a practice drawing of some feathers where I wanted to learn what direction I needed to move to stitch out the design. I am able to pick different colored drawing lines, and insert arrows to help me remember which direction I want to move when I'm standing at the long arm.

The other neat feature of this Adobe program is the ability to take a picture with your camera, upload it to your iPad Photos, and using the Adobe Ideas option at the bottom of the tools click "select a photo" and upload a photograph onto the drawing screen. If you have the iPad 2 you have your camera onboard. I'm using an iPad 1 with my Panasonic Lumix camera. In Adobe Ideas you can draw over your photo any quilting design as many times as you want, erase the lines, delete the design line if you wish or save it for future reference.

The one draw back I've had is the program sends the photo as a .pdf file, not a .jpg. I would prefer it to arrive in my email as a .jpg. But it's not a problem unless you are wanting .jpg photos of your drawings.

Here is a picture of a quilt I'm working on where I used some of the drawings I doodled in Adobe Ideas.

There are a lot of drawing Apps for iPad, but this one works the best for me. Oh--forgot to say that Adobe Ideas instantly straightens and corrects any wobbles or bobbles in your drawing lines once you are finished drawing. How neat is that!

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Pre-Washing Fabric Revisited

2012-01-10T12:13:00.000-08:00

I've been lax at times about pre washing fabric. A recent experience with a Quilt of Valor that a topper sent me for quilting, and subsequent washing disaster with this quilt before sending it to a soldier left me feeling perhaps I should revisit the fact that I frequently have gotten lazy about washing newly purchased fabrics.

I used to wash every fabric that I purchased. Lights to darks and everything in between! In fact I loved the whole process. Then I read more how some quilters didn't wash their fabrics and they didn't think it was necessary with the newer fabric manufacturers, that "quilt shop quality" fabric seldom bled. That it was nicer to cut un-washed fabric. That the sizing left in un-washed fabric made it easier to piece. All those suggestions gave me a good excuse to skip the washing process completely. Until that bleeding Quilt of Valor slapped me in the face! and made me revaluate what could happen if I went on my merry way making quilts with un-washed fabric.

I haven't bought fabric in ages---not since my huge destashing last year. Sad to say one of our local quilt shops closed this past month. Happy to say she had a killer sale the last week before closing 40% to 50% off all fabrics. Among some of my purchases: half a bolt of Moda Muslin, and some Dimples in colors I was missing in my Dimples stash. Today as one of my New Year quilting resolutions I washed all the dark colors.

Here are the results of cool water, gentle cycle, color catcher washed fabrics. Three Color Catchers pictured below the fabric. The real culprit of the bunch looking at the color catchers is the dark colored purple maroon Dimples. My misguided notion was that quality fabrics like Andovers Dimples probably had very little dye release.

New Years resolution confirmed. Every dark red, dark blue, dark green, blackish, purple, brown, batik for sure---or anything with a dark background hits the washer first before it ever makes it to the fabric stash.

Back to Quilting after the Holidays

2012-01-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

I just finished this customer quilt. The fabrics are shades of orange and purples. Lovely colors.
One block wonder quilts have so many seams and are usually very busy in appearance, so simple edge to edge designs seem to work out best.

I used my trusty Circle Lord Swirls template boards on this beautiful top made by Cora.

I quilted the swirls with Superior Lava "Pompeii"

An orange, green and purple variegated thread with Fil-Tec magnetic pre wound "Rust" in the bobbin. The batting is Legacy 80/20. I'm finding the Legacy batting seems to have a warmer feeling then my once upon a time favorite Hobbs 80/20.

Blogging Reflections

2012-01-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

It's the new year, and I felt like redoing my blog. I don't know which is easier. Redoing a room, or the blog! :o) It's been difficult to decide on what color to paint the blog, just like it is difficult to pick a paint color for a room. Dark or light? Bright or subdued. Fonts, text size and color. right or left options, triple or double. I'm still testing all my options, and having fun looking at templates. Learning a lot in the process. So, maybe when you visit next time---who knows what it will be like here! :o)

Then there's the "widgets". Those areas on the right side of the blog screen. What text, what color, what to leave, what to remove. Move them up, down, delete them?

And now I really don't even know why I named the blog Timber Hill Threads ---years later why am I pondering that? It's sort of a done deal on blog-land once you give yourself a name.

I was looking for something that described where I live, and catchy sounding with what my hobby is, which is sewing, making quilting, machine quilting and I use a lot of "thread". And I have a ton of thread! But, now I think the name makes it look like I sell thread, which I don't. But, I meant it to mean the "threads of my life" in a nostalgic philosophical sort of way----Timber Hill Threads. (get it) oh, maybe not.

I've been looking at other peoples blogs and it dawned on me how much they advertise things and link after link to other things. Some for sale, some not. I tried the advertising for a few weeks. I think I was supposed to make money if you clicked on the ad. I don't know if you did. Don't tell me. I never got any money. I also felt like a commercial. So, scratch that Ad widget. If I like something, I'll just tell you. If you think you might like it, you can try it. O.K.

What about links to other blogs. How do you feel about those? I noticed how many bloggers don't have a widget or list or link to other bloggers blogs at all. They just blog, and if you find them on the internet or on another bloggers "favorite blogs" list, it's all chance that you get to read their blogs. I have noticed many visitors here use my blog as a jumping off point to explore other bloggers. Like I may be keeping my "favorite bloggers" list just for their use. I don't even know if they read what I write. Oh well, I'm serving a purpose of sorts.

I wanted to write something under my header about what my blog is about like many bloggers do. So far I have not succeeded. It's such a mish-mosh of things I do and write or reflect on. I don't post on any regular basis either. So, you can't rely on me to keep up with a daily blogging diary.

Just some thoughts on blogging.

Blog Revisions

2012-01-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

I'm changing some things on my Blog. Work in progress.....

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:31:00.000-08:00

Here it is the first day of a New Year. One of my resolutions is to make 2012 more productive, and memorable so that I can look back on this year next January and say I accomplished something on this first day of 2012, instead of day dreaming about it.

2011 passed by so fast. Of course as the years have progressed I feel more and more like that. It must be my age. However, I also hear the younger generation remark about this same feeling, so perhaps it is the fast paced time we live in more than the actual ticking of our clocks and torn away calendar pages that make time pass so quickly.

Deny it or not, or if I should write it down here or in a journal, or else where---I still make a few new year resolutions. Not so much voiced or in print, but I know what they are. Even knowing full well many of them will not be completed or accomplished. It's more about the joyful feeling that on this day of the first of January 2012 with a clean slate and the new year stretching before me that I plan to fulfill some of those resolutions.

I don't know if I would these thoughts resolutions. I think they are more about hope---I hope to achieve this goal or finish that project. I hope to spend more time doing this or that. I'm hoping that this will happen and so forth..... The saying 'hope springs eternal' could apply to many of these resolutions.

With that philosophical thought in mind I celebrate the first day of January filled with hope, and I wish all my family and friends a new year filled good health, fulfilled hopes and dreams and a successful 2012 whatever your new year resolutions may be.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

May the Christmas spirit of love, hope, peace and happiness be with you and your family.

The Eagle is Back

2011-12-23T08:51:00.000-08:00

We haven't seen the American Bald Eagle for several months now. But yesterday he perched in one of the trees near our house. He flew off about dusk. This morning he is back. He is so magnificent looking. He hunts the Laguna near Timber Hill.

Sunset

2011-12-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

Sassy and I sat out on the bench in the back yard and enjoyed a beautiful sunset this evening before dinner.

Busy Times

2011-12-17T16:56:00.000-08:00

It has been so long since I've blogged. It's the season of busy around here just like I'm sure it is at your house. Here are some pictures of what I've been doing. Quilting of course----

These are five toddler quilts for my friend Joyce's great grandchildren.

I finally finished our neighbor Al's quilt. He is a Vietnam Vet. I still have the label to embroider. I'm excited to present this to him.

Finished quilting this for Linda. It's a Christmas gift she hoped I could squeeze in. Circle Lord Swirls template boards to the rescue. Done in a flash! Love the colors Linda used in this bed quilt.

These are two large pillow panels Cora asked me to do months ago. I was looking for some fabric yesterday and found them.

Cora was probably wondering what happened to them and too polite to ask---anyway, I decided spur of the moment to complete them just in case she wants them for the holidays. The thread painting was so much fun and a nice break from regular quilting.

I noticed on our morning walk along Timber Hill that the Fiddlehead ferns are starting to sprout. They are such a beautiful shade of green this time of the year. I hope you are almost finished with your Christmas projects, and find some time to simply enjoy the season. We have had beautiful weather for this time of the year here in Sonoma county.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:20:00.001-08:00

Doris Lee~Thanksgiving painting. Oil on canvas c.1935

Thanksgiving brings so many nostalgic feelings. I'm thankful for the many blessings in my life. My family, my home, my health, my freedom and so much that I can't even put into words. Today, I also think of Thanksgivings past. This painting by Doris Lee reminds of those Thanksgivings of when as a child.---Thanksgiving was a huge family event. Aunts, uncles, Nonna, cousins, friends all together preparing the Thanksgiving feast.

My Uncles who made their own wine would arrive with their bottles of wine and conduct their annual wine tasting. Debating who had made the best wine that year.... My mother and her sisters made homemade ravioli downstairs on my aunts big basement kitchen table the day before. Layers of homemade pasta and fillings covered the huge long table. Several wooden ravioli rollers compressed the sections. I would get to use the little rolling cutter to separate each little ravioli. Sauces simmered on the stove. Cheese was grated. The turkey was the side dish. The ravioli was the main dish! Wonderful assorted antipasto dishes all arranged on the side board of the formal dining room table. The best china, glassware and linens.

Memories. Wonderful memories---I'm so thankful for those too.

I hope you are making many happy memories with your families today. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

How Do You Primarily Buy Fabric?

2011-11-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

While browsing around other bloggers sites, or peeking into their sewing space I notice many quilters have large stashes of fabric. That was not too surprising!---but, what surprised me is that their stashes primarily consist of large Bolts of Fabric! I'm not noticing they are in a business, they are hobby quilters like myself.
I have bought my share of fabric through the years, but I don't recall buying bolts and bolts of fabric. Occasionally I splurge on six or seven yards, or a wide quilt backing fabric.

Am I missing some unknown advantage to buying fabric by the bolt?

How do you buy fabric? Yards, fat quarters, precuts---bolts of fabric?

If you buy bolts of fabric, is it cost cutting to buy fabric this way?

Do you ever get tired of having so much of the same fabric on hand. A bolt is 15 yards. That seems like a lot of one print or color.

Storage issues?

I would love comments about this, and I've also set up a poll here on the side bar.

Quilts of Valor

2011-11-11T17:15:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it is coincidental that I finished quilting several quilts for our soldiers this past week which makes me feel useful in some small way this Veterans Day.

This wonderful quilt top was made by Linda who lives north of me in California. I loved quilting this top for many reasons, but looking at the various patriotic fabrics Linda had collected to make this top made it interesting and fun to quilt. I don't believe I've ever seen so many wonderful patriotic prints combined in one quilt.

One of my quilting friends, Pam made this quilt top, wonderful earthy African animal prints! I love the name Pam gave this quilt. "Peaceful Warriors". I'm sure it will bring much needed peace and comfort to one of our wounded warriors---

Peggy sent me this beautiful quilt top several weeks ago. I just finished the quilting today as I had been waiting for the Milky Way template boards to arrive from Circle Lord that I especially wanted to use on this quilt. Swirls & stars on "For Which It Stands" It will be off in the mail this coming week to one of our brave soldiers. (click on any pic. to enlarge)

A special thank you to all the soldiers who have served our country. We appreciate all the sacrifices you have made.

11-11-2011

It All Started So Innocently

2011-10-31T16:30:00.000-07:00

2001 machine quilting sampler from Sue Nickels class.

I've been digging around in the quilt closet back in the sewing room area. I came across one of my very first ever machine quilting projects. It's a small sampler that consist of two colors of fabrics. Yellow and beige.

How boring now that I think about it. Light yellow and beige. I must have been afraid of color. Well, that soon passed. Thank goodness!

I remember being so excited to take a machine quilting class with Sue Nickels. One of my machine quilting idols. Still is---I remember the class room had all new Bernina sewing machines to use, and Sue was so attentive and giving of her knowledge about machine quilting with all of us newbies.

The class was Oct. 2001 according to the faint lettering I can just barely read now on the back of the stitch sampler. 6" x 6" squares that comprised our nine patch project. I'm looking at it today, 2011, and thinking, hey ---that was the start of it all. My fascination with machine quilting.

I'm also thinking how perhaps I was much more freer back then with my free motion and design work.

As I look at some of the stitches that Sue encouraged us to do, I realize she was way ahead of her time. Now there is some notoriety with certain online machine quilters that are teaching machine quilting on domestic sewing machines using small squares of fabric. Like it's a new concept. Not so. We just never heard or knew about it back in 2001.

Sue Nickels was a pioneer of sorts. Teaching sit down machine quilting back in 2000 and earlier when machine quilting was not as popular, and was just taking roots. The internet classroom and blogging were unheard of then.

One of the six inch squares with a flourish of curves and petals Sue taught us.

---and how about this curved cross hatching. Ahead of it's time for sure.

Or this triangular filler stitch. Whoa--

I think Sue called these echoing teardrops. I've since heard the term peacock feathering.

Terms and wording have certainly changed for the various quilting designs since 2001.

I can't believe I stitched out these small free motion daises and leaves back then. No intimidation. I was much more freer with my quilting then than I am now. How did that happen. Self doubt perhaps. Fear of failure. Striving for that elusive perfect quilt design and stitch.

Grapes, tendrils and leaves. Now they call this "pebbling". I haven't a clue what that middle of the block design is supposed to be. Backward, every which way feathers perhaps? Having fun.

Thank you Sue Nichols for sparking my interest in machine quilting.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

I had hopes of getting my Halloween quilt, "Witch Way", quilted. But, I guess the goblins & ghosts did not have it in the cards. :o)

Here is "Witch Way" on the design wall. The backing is pinned up next to it. That's pretty wild too!

The cutting of this kit, and the pieced star blocks took quite a while. I did most of it at quilt retreat. I want to do some custom quilting on this project, and so I did not rush to get it quilted this month, as I knew it would take a week or more to finish.

Two of my favorite blocks in this quilt are the black cats!

Apples

2011-10-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

Spring in the apple orchard

We have an old, but still producing apple orchard. All we do is an occasionally pruning of broken branches so Bill can disc with his tractor every Spring. Otherwise the property is somewhat neglected. Many of the trees are at least 50 yrs. old now. However, we still have many that produce. Gravensteins and Rome's mostly. Come mid September Bill starts picking the ripe Gravensteins and he gets his trusty apple peeler out. The applesauce making process starts. It goes on for several weeks as the apples ripen.

I do the sauce cooking. Add some cinnamon and a bit of sugar to taste.

A good supply of plastic freezer containers

Some freezer space!

And we are stocked up with delicious applesauce until about mid April!

We also make a few pies in the process!

(The cute quilted apple table runner is a gift from my friend Jane.)

Polly Has Zippers!

2011-10-19T20:18:00.000-07:00

If you frequent my blog, then you probably know that Polly is my long arm. Recently I've been debating pins versus zippers for the leaders on the frame rollers. I really have never disliked pinning on quilt backings. I can do it quite fast, and seldom hit my fingers or hands with a pin.

However, there have been times I wished I could trade off a quilt for awhile, and load another one. Or---if I need to rip out some threads when I miss a line of stitching---like in the continuous curve on a 9 patch, or miss going up a feather stem. I could just un-zip and rip and fix things more easily. Unpinning or rolling and slacking the quilting, or reaching underneath with tweezers or your fingers to pull threads is not that comfortable.

Polly, 2009 Prodigy Quilter

Zipper on take up leader.

This is the first quilt backing I loaded onto the zippered leaders. I used pins this one time --- but now I'm taking the quilt backing and zippered section to the sewing machine. Setting the stitch length to 6.0 spi. and sewing the backing onto the zippered leader section. I clip, pull a bit and rip out the basting thread when I'm finished with the quilt.

Here is the quilt backing zipped on. I "float my quilts", so I use the zippers on the take up leader, and the front leader only. I don't use my middle leader but leave it on the frame for for the slight pressure it puts onto the quilt, and to keep it smooth when it rolls under the unused leader. I use the cardboard tubes for reference markers. One for the middle of the quilt top, and one on each end of the middle roller leader as edge guides along the quilt top. I can slide these cardboard markers back and forth on the leader fabric and adjust them for any size quilt I'm quilting.

Here is another view of the zippers. I purchased the Quick Zip sets at The Quilt Connection. I had read they have the best directions for attaching zippers. I am not good with putting zippers on clothing, so I figured this would be quite a challenge. However, I was pleasantly surprised! It went very well. Great directions, and everything is marked.

I did chose to buy some cotton duck cloth and attach one side of the zipper to the cloth. The part that would be normally pinned to the quilt backing fabric. I didn't want to continuously sew and rip out threads from the actual zipper fabric edge. I figured in no time I would have frayed zipper edges.

Little Things Add Up-Needs & Wants

2011-10-15T09:58:00.002-07:00

When I left for Pacific International Quilt Festival. I had a list of things I "needed". I did buy two things I "needed". The rest is just what I wanted!

Here are some pictures of needs along with wants that made my credit card company overjoyed!

See that lonely cone of Perma Core thread. That is the only thing I "needed" or intended to buy. The fabrics, the ruler, the heat press tape, the marking pen, the silicon spray just sort of jumped into my arms and ended up at the cash register. The next picture of the little scissors---I needed. They are to replace the small pointed pair I wear on a lanyard when I'm quilting at the long arm. I like the scissor point covers on the new pair as I'm always jabbing myself with the ones I use now---plus they are getting very dull. A "need".

New little nipper scissors

These Bloc-Loc squaring up rulers are an impluse buy. The demo at the show was just too tempting! I did not however find the Nifty Notions rotary cutting 7" x 14" or 4" x 14" rulers I really wanted to buy. Nor did I find the June Tailor 6" x 12" rotary cutting ruler I went seeking. A "want". I am thinking of all the half square triangles I have made that I could have used these---sigh.
Bloc-Loc ruler set.

And of course if you have rotary cutting rulers who could resist these suction cup ruler handles---???!!!
Very comfy handles

You look in the pattern drawer stash (or wherever you keep yours)-- You know those cute project patterns that come so neatly folded and in 5" x 7" plastic zip lock bags with a hole for hanging that are in every vender quilt booth at the shows tempting you. The ones you oh-and- ah over. The ones hanging with the completed quilts. With kits. The ones you vow to make this winter or when you get back home from the show---I have such a "pattern stash"--and I make a determined mental resolution as I check my purse for keys and cell phone to NOT buy another project pattern. Well, here is one I couldn't just leave there. This must be number 78 of the dozens of such pattern I now own.

It this not the cutest Sister Quilt pattern.? Of course I'm going to make it right away---how could you ask me that question? (wink-wink).

Now, only a seasoned quilter could get excited about my next purchase. Batting! But, hey what can I say. The sample sure felt nice. One of the long arm vendors was using it and it was quilting up with nice definition. I did just end up buying one package to test out as I was very tempted to buy a whole roll! (control set in about then) I am going to preshrink it first as Bamboo batt and I in the past have had our problems. I'll keep you posted on this one.
Winline Textile Products 50% Bamboo 50% Organic Cotton batt.

Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara, CA run through tomorrow if you are in the area. Annual show every October. It was fun and the quilts were fabulous. The vendors were great too. As you can tell

Stone Hedge

2011-10-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

If you love the fabrics named "Stone Hedge", then I think you will enjoy seeing this project I recently quilted for JoAnn.

I was not particularly drawn to Stone Hedge fabrics until I saw how JoAnn created this wonderful quilt for her son.

I got close and personal with Stone Hedge during the quilting process, and now I'm thinking---- I really need some of this fabric for my stash!

It sort of reminds me of Batik and Tone on Tone all rolled into one.

JoAnn's Quilt

ReTreating with Friends

2011-10-08T19:03:00.000-07:00

I'm home from the Fall quilt retreat at Bishop's Ranch. I always have mixed feelings about returning home. Miss being home, love being at the retreat sewing to my hearts content with friends.

Witch Way

2011-09-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

My August-September issue of The Quilter has this Halloween quilt I could not resist. I've been resisting buying fabric for quite awhile, but what can I say, "Witch Way" bewitched me!

I really think it's the vintage panel prints that got me. I'm a sucker for these old nostalgic prints. Especially the large old fashioned black Cat face, and the Moon with the spider web, and the old Witch riding through the night Moon on her broom...the fabric was calling me on this one. The orange in the fabrics is more of a burnt or cheddar orange.

I ordered the kit from Heartbeat Quilts just as soon as I saw the magazine. I've come to the conclusion after all these years that for special projects like this, it is time saving and money saving to simply buy the kit. One important thing: you need the magazine for the cutting directions. That is not mentioned in the magazine article. Maybe they offer the pattern for sale at Heartbeat Quilts.

I have it all cut out now---and the kit was very generous with the fabrics, so I have extra leftover. Thankfully I didn't make any mistakes cutting (that I know of)---so, I'm set to go. Even though this is a "kit", the cutting took me a whole day to do. I was surprised it took that long, perhaps because I was being so careful measuring and cutting. Labeling everything.

This is one of my new piecing projects for the upcoming quilt retreat in October. Maybe I will actually get it finished for Halloween this year!

Witch Way by Helen Weinman. The Quilter Magazine. Page 84. The finished quilt measures 52" x 75" 15 blocks total.

Measured, cut, labeled, stored and---Ready to Sew!

The cute Witch Way fabric is by Quilting Treasures' Hairrasing Halloween Collection by J. Wecker Frisch.

A few of the vintage Witch Way panel prints.

Love that Moon print!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T06:45:00.000-07:00

Angel Trumpet Plant on front deck.

Package Day!

2011-09-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

I ordered some Omni thread from SewThankful on closeout sale prices on Wednesday. It came yesterday! Along with some new Magna Glide pre wounds. I love package day! The mailman even ventured down our winding road and up the the driveway. He was a substitute driver and didn't know that Charlie our regular mailman won't do this. I thanked him profusely for braving the road and steep driveway.

He said "no problem". Now, if I could only convince Charlie to do this on package days. Here is my sweet Omni purchase. I ordered a thread card ---lovely colors and textures. I like this thread card better than the wound cardboard type. Isn't it pretty!

Some new Omni threads!

Added some new Magna Glide bobbins to the stash!

What's Stitching

2011-09-02T07:51:00.000-07:00

More machine embroidery. This cute Dutch Couple from Oregon Patchworks embroidery designs.

And some machine quilting on the long arm.

Our paper shredder broke a few months ago. But, we have a new one!

Latest Model: Released in Dec. 2010. Reduces paper to confetti size in minutes when left unattended. Durable cutters for use in the home, or home office. Weight 8 lbs.

Day of the Week Kittens

2011-08-26T17:32:00.001-07:00

I do love machine embroidery! ---and especially these day of the week dishtowels. Although it might be difficult to actually use some of these to dry dishes!

This cute design set is from Sew Weirds Machine Embroidery. She has "sew" many other wonderful vintage machine embroidery designs for towels and quilts.

Be sure to check out her site.

I plan to embroidery a set every week! I have many cute day of the week designs I've collected over the years---and the dishtowel blanks. Time to get busy! :o)

(click on the pictures to see a more detailed view)

Blogger Stats

2011-08-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've just recently noticed and been paying attention to the "Stats" tab on my Blogger page. It's fascinating that visitors still look at the Kindle Cover blog entry from way back in 2008. That's when I bought my Kindle 1. With all the ready made Kindle covers and cases and make it yourself Kindle cover patterns out there---this is still the most popular blog posting. I was just playing around with some fabric, batting and cardboard backing, and ended up with a Kindle cover. I don't offer a pattern or a tutorial, and it's for the first ever Kindle Amazon made which is not easy to find nowadays as Amazon does not make or sell this model of Kindle any longer. BTW: I still use and read on my Kindle 1. It's battery needs charging more frequently, but it's still a wonderful eReader. Rumor has it Amazon is going to introduce a Kindle tablet soon, presumably it will also have an eReader on it.

The next most popular blog post is about the two Jelly Roll race quilts I recently finished. Just about all the visitors come by way of another bloggers posting who doesn't much care for the look of Jelly Roll Race quilts and where I suggested my Jelly Roll race quilts didn't look so bad in the comments section. I think they are fun, and pretty in their own special way--- So, I guess visitors may be using my pictures and article and links to decide if they ever want to attempt making a Jelly Roll Race quilt, or not. BTW: Green Faire Quilts is having a big sale. 30% off all Jelly Rolls!

Chenille Potholders---what can I say about the continued interest in this tutorial blog posting except these pot holders are a fun way to learn about making chenille and sewing on a binding, and you will end up with a truly useful project. They make up fast, and make great gifts! I love to make them, especially when I want to sew---but, just can't get the creative juices flowing---sit down and make a few chenille potholders, and your in the groove again. Something productive and finished!

Maureen's needle case is not the last "stat" entry, but still one of the most popular. It encourages you to learn to use your sewing machines embroidery alphabet feature, and once again it's one of those "useful" projects. What seamstress wouldn't like a needle case? I use mine all the time. I keep it in my hand sewing basket. And it also made me aware of how to use the built in alphabet functions on my sewing machine. Something I would not have otherwise pursued.

I'm glad visitors still find and read these blog entries, but I also find it interesting that the most popular posting---is about a Kindle Cover???

By the Month

All time
2011 Jul 27 – 2011 Aug 25
Kindle Cover
Aug 11, 2008
484 Pageviews

Jelly Roll Race Quilts
Jul 26, 2011,
338 Pageviews

Chenille Potholder Tutorial
Dec 16, 2009,
98 Pageviews

Maureen's Needle Case
May 8, 2009,
93 Pageviews

Ribbons & Remarks

2011-08-24T14:34:00.001-07:00

I recently entered some wallhangings and a quilt into our local county fair. I do this most years as I find the critiques a good way to learn and improve your skills, plus it's just plain fun to enter some of your projects into this type competition. If you visit my blog regularly, you've seen most of these projects in some stage of completion this past year.

This is the Corvette quilt, which I renamed "Stingray" when I made the label. There was a lot of competition in this class: Adult Home Art; Quilts; Machine Pieced/quilted long arm/Large. The judges remarks: "Very striking and well constructed. Appropriate quilting for this project." This quilt creates a lot of conversation. It was fun standing in the crowd and overhearing: "I had a Corvette like that in the 60's, I should have kept it", or " My Uncle has one of those Corvettes, he would love this!" or "Corvettes never die!" oh-yeah!

"Stingray" won a 2nd place red ribbon. Red is one of my favorite colors!

Odd how what we feel is so well done, really is not. I felt good about "Art Nouveau" when I finished it. Yet, the judges found some flaws, that I either did not see, or chose not to admit. The Judges remarks: " Quilting accents the fabric design. Stitching in the Ditch needs improvement." I will say, they must have gone over this with a fine tooth comb---However, recalling I enter this competition for these critiques---They were right on the mark with this one. Now I see what they see. You better believe I will be more conscientious and strive to improve my ditch stitching. So, what I hoped might be a first prize winner in Adult Home Art; Quilts; Machine pieced/quilted long arm Small. Fell short of the mark (or ditch). :o)

"Art Nouveau" won a 2nd prize red ribbon.

(still my favorite)

This next entry---Boy, I know where all the flaws are. And believe me there were quite a few. Entered into the Adult Home Art; Quilts; Any Other. Remarks: "Very striking, well constructed and appropriate quilting for the project". Evidently the judges did not see what I knew was there. In fact I almost didn't enter this wallhanging. But---

"Crazy Quilt Series 1 Machine Embroidery" 1st prize Blue Ribbon!

The next and final entry is a simply a long labor of love, but in my rush to complete this for competition, I overlooked a small (very small)--- area just above the cannon that was my undoing. One I will soon not forget, and of course the judges noticed wouldn't you know. Entered into the Adult Home Art category; Quilts; "hand" embroidered. Remarks: Very nice hand embroidery. Watch shadowing threads under white fabric. Very nicely finished"

And there it was---some royal blue embroidery thread tails floating (shadowing) under the white fabric! Ugh! --Even I couldn't believe I had not noticed these thread tails.

All the judges remarks were so constructive and a bit humbling, but certainly things I will improve upon in future quilting projects.

And here is "A Patriots Dream" 2nd prize red ribbon winner! See--I told you red was one of my favorite colors (and blue too--- of course)

It's Finished, Just Barely Made It

2011-08-21T13:37:00.000-07:00

The quilt backing was just a smidgen wider and longer than the quilt top. Just barely. It was a challenge. The binding is on, and it's finished. I think Leslie will be pleased---

Pear Crisp

2011-08-20T17:47:00.000-07:00

What to do with dozen remaining Bartlett Pears sitting on your counter, and you can't think of another thing to do with "pears".

Peel, quarter and cut out the core portion of a dozen pears. Cut the pears quarters into medium size chunks in a medium size bowl and set aside.

In a medium size bowl combine until crumbly looking:

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 cup old fashion oats

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Scoop out 1 cup, pack down into the cup some of the above mixture and set aside to be used for the topping.

In a 9" inch square baking dish press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Top with cut up pears.

Now, in a small sauce pan combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of water. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 1 or 2 mins. or until thickened and add 1/2 tsp. of vanilla. Pour over pears evenly and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup crumb mixture.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 40- 45 mins. until bubbly and the crumb mixture is golden brown on the top. Yield 9 servings. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

Enjoy!

What's On the Long Arm Today

2011-08-19T08:23:00.001-07:00

I picked up this quilt top from Leslie at guild yesterday. A donation quilt. The challenge is the backing is the same size as the quilt top. I'm using the Circle Lord Baptist Fan template board. One more turn, and it's finished. I'm hoping the lower edges meet and I don't sew off on the leaders! :o)

Yikes---this is what I call cutting it close! I could just barely pin on my cloth side extenders. I'm hoping with a bit of squaring and trimming, I can get the binding on O.K. after it's off the long arm. Wish me Luck! :o) This is a "close call". :o)

Sassy keeping an eye on you---!

Quilt of Valor

2011-08-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

I thought you might enjoy seeing Mildred's Quilt of Valor top now that it's finished and off the long arm.

The center heart with Mildred's lovely machine embroidery.

Quilting Around the Long Arm

2011-08-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

I've been asked about the long arm. Where is it? What is it? Questions about various things that get used around the long arm. So, I took some pictures today of what is going on around "Polly".

This is an old picture of when I first had the long arm installed in 2009. I've personalized it a lot since then, and even turned the whole frame and machine around so that I'm looking out towards the living room. Actually it's so that I can keep an eye on Sassy, and I have a better view looking out the sliding door to the yard. We also have our TV, recliner sofa and chairs in the room. It all works out. The frame and quilts are interesting to visitors who have never seen a long arm.

"Polly" is built by company called Prodigy Quilter in SC. The frame is about 10' ft. long. I ordered it that length because I don't quilt overly large quilts, and because the long arm sits at one end of our long living room, and will live there forever--- the machine arm space is 24" inches. All 4 spidery looking handles are very adjustable, as is the frame. There are hydraulics to roll the quilt, to raise and lower the quilt, and to raise and lower the frame. The frame is very heavy so hydraulics on each leg, and a handle that lowers or raises the whole frame is appreciated. When you initially look at "Polly" it can be overwhelming, but you soon realize the machine, frame and how it functions are really very user friendly.

This pics. shows the end of the frame and rollers, magnetic pin dish is velcroed to the heavy aluminum frame support. There are my Grip-Lite side tension clamps. Luv them!

The round plastic container on the top holds an assortment of marking pencils, tweezers, needle tip fray check bottle and of course the always useful thread/seam ripper!

The paper cone coffee filter cone taped to the side of the machine is where I toss thread trimmings.
This is the Tadl Tales quilt and batting protector hang on the front of the frame. I float the batting and the quilt top, so this nylon protector keeps everything encased and out from under my feet---and also keeps Sassy from building a bed in the batting. It is suspended by velcro on both ends of the frame. Don't you wonder how we ever lived without Velcro! :o)
Someone on the Homequiltingsystems group asked about thread nets. I use this one on my slippery polyester threads. It's longer than what you see showing on the cone, and the part you don't see is tucked up inside the thread cone and metal thread spindle.

Here's my small wooden tote that has most of my everyday supplies.

I'm quilting on a Quilt of Valor that Mildred in Southern Calif. sent. It took me about a week to decide out what designs I wanted to stitch on it. And even then, I frequently change my mind about what I like once I start. Sometimes I can jump right in with an idea, and other times ----I have to study the quilt for awhile before I get inspired.

Here are some pictures of what is going on right now---I'm about half way finished, and then I will be turning the whole quilt 90 degrees to complete the side borders and inner sashing. It's just easier that way than trying stitch at an angle down the side of the quilt. I'll be turning the quilt once I have the top and bottom borders finished, and the sides basted. I'm free motioning some of the borders with a shell like design.

Here I've used a Simplex Expandable gauge to mark out some reference marks for the sashing design in the light area of the quilt. In the small squares I've stitched some continuous curves across, down and up the squares of fabric. This gauge is a neat tool to have.

Some small feathers in and around the embroidery.

Mildreds Quilt of Valor embroidery.

I haven't posted a picture of Sassy for awhile. She is 7 months old now, 8 lbs. of love and energy! We have a lot of fun with her! Here she is playing with her food dish which an every morning event! PS. Sorry the photos are so dark. New iPhoto application and new Lion operating system on my iMac is taking some getting used to. Especially iPhoto's latest edition software. :o(

Jelly Roll Race Quilts

2011-07-26T09:35:00.001-07:00

Except for the turquoise binding on Cosmos, the jelly roll quilts are finished. They are a wonderful palette of fabrics for machine quilting. I used the Circle Lord template boards to do the quilting. Hence the name "Cosmos" and "Sakura".

The quilts are very fun to do, and if you like surprise endings---you will enjoy doing these as you never quite know what they will look like until the final finish!

These two were made from batik jelly rolls I found on sale. I'm sorry I didn't keep the wrapper names.

"Cosmos" is very soft pretty pastel with lots of pinks, lavenders and turquoise blues. "Sakura" is a beautiful combination of dark indigo blues, teals and purples.

I think it's important in the overall appearance of these horizontal strip quilts to finish them off with a inner sashing border, and a large outer border to frame and enhance the "jelly "centers. I can also see the opportunity to embellish them with appliqué and machine embroidery motifs. I plan to do more in different color combinations.

"Cosmos" and "Sakura" Jelly Roll Quilts

71" x 53" "Sakura" batik Jelly Roll

Sakura design with Circle Lord template board

"Cosmos" Jelly Roll Quilt 63" x 74" Batik

"Cosmos" Circle Lord template board quilting

"Sakura"

"Cosmos"

To Learn more about the Jelly Roll Race and the Fun involved in making these abstract quilts please click Here

Fleece Quilted

2011-07-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

I finished this fleece quilt yesterday. It's a pretty soft Debbie Mumm fleece I found at JoAnn's Fabric on sale early last Spring. I couldn't resist! It finished out at 50" x 70". I used a Patricia Ritter pantograph, "Agave" with Superior Lava thread in a cocoa brown color top and bobbin. Sassy approves!

(click pic. to enlarge)
I've made several fleece quilts in the past. They are done on the long arm. Here is the link to Vivian's tutorial that inspired me to try these snuggly quilts.

Fuzzy Inventory

2011-07-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

I've been looking for an easy to use App for simple inventorying of my long arm threads, rulers and books. One that I could upload to my iPad and have handy. "Fuzzy Inventory" seems to fit the bill so far.

Above are the thread categories I created.

I clicked on So-Fine and can see Fern is getting low. I entered that it was "low".

This is the list of So-Fine that was created in Fuzzy Inventory of all the So-Fine numbers & colors. I can list if they are getting "low", or if I have "none" or "some". I use the term "some" to let me know I have an adequate supply of a So-Fine color. The yellow bars showing next to the colors are showing me Rose Petal, It's a Girl, and Fern are getting "low". Green bars mean I have an adequate supply for the time being.

I've just started using Fuzzy Inventory, and I'm sure there are other options for listing categories and sorting them. But, with keeping it simple in mind, the "add Fuzzy Item" option works the best for me when it comes to threads. "Add Quantifiable Item" is another choice that can be used. Neat App! and it's free!

JoAnn's Quilt of Valor

2011-07-16T11:07:00.001-07:00

This is recent Quilt of Valor that JoAnn in Ukiah, CA sent me to quilt. I think the military themed silhouette panels of fabric in the middle section of the quilt are really nice. She also did a wonderful job of adding camouflage fabric in the sashing borders. One of our soldiers is going to enjoy this quilt.

Here are some detailed pictures of the fabric panels.

(Quilted with the Circle Lord Swirls template boards)

Forever Project Finished!

2011-07-08T08:05:00.000-07:00

As a quilter, I assume you have one of those "forever projects". You know the one you drag around to soccer games, husband is still shopping the hardware store--- you've returned to the car, dentist appointments, doctor appointments, watching TV, quilt guild business meetings, coffee clatch. Or just about anywhere you have a few moments to sit and people watch and take a few stitches. "A Patriots Dream" was one of those projects.

I love to do redwork, or any type of embroidery. To be able to incorporate it into a quilt is an added bonus. I'm sure over the years of reading my blog, you have occasionally seen pictures of this ongoing project---always listed as "unfinished". Here are some sections of the quilt. I sat at my sewing machine for most of the quilting as I did a lot of outlining of the various redwork and bluework. I also loaded the partially completed quilt onto the long arm to do some of the background fills in areas like around the cannon, or lines in the drapes surrounding Uncle Sam.

Betsy Ross

Cannon with flowers

I tried to not do too much quilting as I felt that could detract from the embroidery design.

I have been saving this tiny, tiny black buttons just for Uncle Sam's coat!

It doesn't show up in this picture, but I added a bit of blush with a paint stick to Uncle Sam's cheeks. He was looking a bit too serious!

A Patriot's Dream---Finished.

52" x 45"

Wet blocked and drying on the design wall.

Yes, I see that line of stitching is missing. :o)

(This is an Indygo Junction pattern designed by Marge Wooters.)

Sassy helped celebrate my Birthday

~Angie

I Spy Sunday

2011-06-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

Paint Chips on Our Bed

2011-06-24T12:01:00.001-07:00

Remember Judy Laquidara's blogging efforts to help the neighboring community of Joplin, MO who have suffered through so much since the tornado and Judy's Quilt Give Away to inspire many of us to donate to this worthwhile cause?

Judy has received $11, 470 in donations for the Red Cross as of this date! Plus some quilters sent her quilts to give to residents in Joplin.

She generously gave away 12 of her own beautiful quilts in a Quilt Give Away to people who sent in money. For every $25.00 you donated to the Red Cross, your name went into the drawing and you had a chance to win one of Judy's quilts.

We won one of the quilts! "Paint Chips" by Judy Laquidara. It looks wonderful in our bedroom!

It is so pretty! And--- If you want to make this quilt, it is one of 23 quilt patterns in McCalls latest issue of "America Quilts for the Home". We love it!

Thank you Judy for all you have done.

Update for Summer

2011-06-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged for awhile. A lot going on around here considering we live a very low key lifestyle.

We had our puppy, Sassy, spayed June 8th, and she did not do well with the procedure. We spent a lot of time day and night nursing her through it all. It was days before she would walk, or eat well. She is finally ---two weeks later---recovering.

Sassy

We had a wonderful visit from our granddaughter Holly, who we don't see often enough. Our grandaughter Amanda, who lives close by is spending part of her summer vacation with us. We are doing some gardening, and reading out under the cool shade of trees in the back yard. Summer has been in full swing here with 90 degree temps most days. But, hey---we are not complaining as it has been a cold wet Spring up until this past week. Welcome! Summer!

Bill, Holly, Angie and Amanda

Here are some results of that overabundance of rain.
Our favorite reading spot. The lawn has never been so green!

I'm sitting and quilting on "Patriots Dream". It's slow going--as compared to the long arm. But, I wanted to do a lot of straight line quilting in very small areas, and this is still the best way to machine quilt on smaller projects for me.

Patriots Dream

Hoping you are enjoying your Summer-time!

On The Long Arm Today

2011-06-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Actually it was on the long arm yesterday, but this is as far as I got. More quilting today as it's another rainy day.

I decided to quilt this on the frame instead of doing the traditional tying that is frequently used for crazy quilts.

The free motion quilting does not show up too well on the borders when you are looking directly down onto the quilt, but that's O.K. as it's more about the embroidery blocks than the quilting. I'm doing a bit of straight stitching on the inside of some of the crazy quilt blocks to 'tack' them down. I'm using Essential Pro Thread from Connecting threads in a light teal color. Hobbs 80/20 batting----more later.

Quilts of Valor

2011-05-29T09:00:00.001-07:00

This Memorial Day weekend our thoughts turn to our soldiers overseas, and the soldiers who are returning home, and soldiers laying in hospital beds recovering from injuries. Thank you for all you have done. For enduring terrible living conditions, for time spent away from your families and friends. For fighting for our freedom.

As quilters some of us volunteer our time as a long arm quilters for Quilts of Valor.

"The mission of the QOV Foundation is to cover all those service- members and veterans touched by war with Wartime Quilts called Quilts of Valor (QOVs). This foundation is not about politics. It's about people, and quilters working together to achieve a common goal."

As a team: We, topper & quilter, are humbled and honored to work together to make quilts for you, our American Warriors. Here are just a few of the quilts I have been privileged to machine quilt over the years for this worthwhile cause. Meeting and corresponding with these wonderful quilters is just one of the many perks of volunteering with the Quilts of Valor organization. Thank you to all who are serving our country. God bless you and your families.

Quilt by Sheney L.

Quilt by Barbara Winkler

Quilt by Al Lind

Quilt by Women's Group, St. Francis Episcopal Church, Fair Oaks, CA.

Quilt made by Shirley and the Snowbirds, Florida

Quilt made by Deanna B., Calif.

Quilt by Linda M.

Quilt by JoAnn and Dora

Quilt by Carol K.

Quilt by JoAnn

Quilt by Southern Calif. Quilts of Valor group and Barbara Winkler

Quilt by Carla B. E, Calif.

Quilt by Judy, Calif.

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

Soldier, rest! Thy warfare o'er,

Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,
Dream of battled fields no more.
Days of danger, nights of waking. -Sir Walter Scott

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

Help Joplin, MO Residents

2011-05-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

We have all been hearing and reading about the terrible disaster from the tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri this past week.

Judy Laquidara from the Patchwork Times is attempting to raise money for the Red Cross and specifically for the Joplin area. !

To read more about this please visit Judy's Patchwork Times at this LINK.

Please spread the word through your Blog. Judy is giving away one of her beautiful quilts in a drawing!

"Sakura" and a Jelly Roll

2011-05-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

I bet you thought I was going to share a recipe! Instead I'm going to share a quilt made with 2-1/2" stripes of fabric also known in quilting circles as "Jelly Rolls".

One evening at our recent Spring Ranch Hands quilt retreat,

We had a "Jelly Roll Race".

I had brought along a few extra "Jelly Rolls" . My friend, Barbara, borrowed one of my extra jelly rolls so she could enter the race. She raced to the finish with this quilt top.

I added some purple sashing and a batik border once I had it home. Here it is hanging on the design wall. Here it is quilted with the Circle Lord "Sakura" template board design.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Surprisingly large at approx. 64" x 68". I used the new Superior Omni thread I mentioned in my previous blog posting. "Magic Magenta" in the top and bobbin. Here is a closer look at "Sakura". This is the first time I've had the opportunity to use this template, and I love how it stitched out across the quilt top.

This following pictures is of my jelly roll top that I haven't finished---yet. I've pulled out some fabrics for the sashing and the border. I hope to get it on the long arm this coming week. If you want a fast quilt top (Barbara beat me by 30 seconds in the race!)---These jelly roll tops are a lot of fun to piece and to quilt!

PS: Love the new "Omni" thread!

New Thread

2011-05-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ordered any of the new Superior long arm quilting thread? "Omni". I ordered a few 6000 yd. cones to try it out. Introducing "Magenta Magic". Isn't this a pretty color. Don't you wonder who has the fun job of naming thread colors? Excuse the missing "d" in the reflection of the word Threa-D. I order long arm thread online at SewThankful.com They have good prices on all their threads. Check it out.

The thread has a nice soft matte finish to it. Just pulling it off the cone between my fingers I can't feel any thread slubs or resistance---smooth feel. I'm going to test it on this Jelly Roll quilt today.

Quick Post

2011-05-17T08:25:00.001-07:00

This was on the long arm yesterday. A Quilt of Valor top that Carla my "topper" partner sent me last month. I'm just now getting it quilted. Binding goes on today. It's so nicely pieced.

What a pleasure it's been to quilt! Flat seams so appreciated!

I used the Circle Lord Baptist Fan boards and Maxilock Swirls thread in the variegated red, white and blue. Perfect for this quilt! I'm going to have fun making the label on the embroidery machine later today! I'm still working on getting my design wall cleared off so that I can actually see the wall. :o)I have the borders finished on one of the Jelly Roll quilts, so that is progress. Have a good day whatever you are doing! I hope it's sewing or quilting!

It's our third day of rain again here in sunny Sonoma County! Just when you think Summer has arrived---It has Not!

Layer Over Layer

2011-05-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

I don't have an overly large design wall. Whoa---I wish for more at times like this. I'm layering quilt tops over quilt tops and using my rug weaving frame to hold more. The first layer is Patriots Dream. All basted and ready for quilting. I'm going to sit at my domestic sewing machine to do this one, and maybe add some handquilting as well.
The one to the far right under everything is the Crazy Quilt top I just finished piecing. Ready for layering.

The quilt top layered over all this is a Jelly Roll quilt I going to quilt once I finish adding sashing and borders. My friend Barbara pieced this one up at quilt retreat during our Jelly Roll Race! What fun!---and over on the rug weaving frame is a rug which you can't see, with another Jelly Roll quilt top laying over it that I finished. I'm auditioning some sashing and borders for it.

Layer over layer-----do you do this on your design wall?

I've been forgetting to show you how big Sassy is getting. 6 lbs. now. I took this picture of both of us with Photo Booth on my iMac. Lots of reflections, but the camera on the monitor takes pretty clear photos.

Corvette Quilt- At the Finish Line!

2011-04-29T08:03:00.000-07:00

I started this quilt in October. I found the Corvette panel at a quilt show once upon a time (that means long ago)--- and the backing fabric on eBay just recently.

It's been a fun quilt!

It was a bit difficult to decide on a quilting motif as it's more of masculine looking quilt, so "feathers" were out, unless it was for female Corvette owner! I finally decided on some racy looking swirls and flame points.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T07:58:00.001-07:00

Finishing Up Some Projects

2011-04-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm finishing up some projects this week, like the last few Crazy Quilt blocks.

Block # 19

Block #20

This is how they all look on the design wall with some pretty green batiks I found for the inner sashing and the borders. I plan to take the blocks to our upcoming quilt retreat and get it finished. This has been a really-fun machine embroidery project! I've already started downloading some of the series 3 crazy quilt blocks for another wallhanging.

The Art Nouveau wallhanging is off the frame now.

And finished---

This is a picture of the Corvette quilt as it looked on the frame yesterday---I finished it late this afternoon. I'll post pictures after I get the binding on. It was a challenge to find a quilting design that was not feathery to stitch around the Corvette and up and around the log cabin blocks. I finally decided something "fast and racy" looking! Swirls with some pointy flames!

More later----(click on pic. to enlarge)

Vintage Easter Greetings

2011-04-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Nostalgic Easter Greetings from my vintage post card collection. Have a happy and blessed Easter Sunday.

Postmarked 1910

Happy Easter everyone!

Scattered & Sidetracked

2011-04-10T18:03:00.000-07:00

I feel so scattered lately. I have too many projects going on, and more running around in my head. Usually first thing when I get up in the morning I head to the sewing room determined to get some sewing done. Nothing like sewing in your comfy jammies either! While one machine is doing embroidery, I can usually squeeze in piecing a few quilt blocks on my other sewing machine. It really depends on the stitch count of the embroidery design. I like when the screen on the machine says 10-12 mins. for a color number six or whatever. I can usually get two blocks on the blue and red quilt done in that time.

I'm trying to get at least one crazy quilt block embroidered in the mornings, but if Sassy shows up---that's all over. She wants to go outside, then it's breakfast and play time! ---so off we go. Lights out in the sewing room until late afternoon usually.

Three more embroidery blocks to do, and then I can start planning a border. I would really like to find a batik that has a border effect woven into the fabric. My friend Jane found this border type fabric at Sew-Batik. Something like this is what I have in mind. Maybe I can find a similar border print locally. Our local quilt shops have a lot of beautiful batiks. Oh, joy---an excuse to go fabric shopping!

On the way down the hall to the sewing room I go through the living room. Sidetracked to the long arm. I'm working on this wall hanging I pieced several years ago and this was my "Quilt Whispered" project when I took Carla Barrett's online class at MQ Resources a few years ago. I'm finally getting around to finishing it using Carla's drawing suggestions. It was a fun class, and I learned a lot about drawing designs onto a picture of a quilt top using a wacom tablet. This is what Carla suggested:

This is what I have completed so far.

Thank you Carla! I could have never come up with some of these quilting designs on my own. I'm looking forward to finally getting this finished. A little here, a little there. Scattered and sidetracked---

Opps--I almost forgot to post a recent photo of Miss. Sassy!

Quilt Blocks and Sassy

2011-04-06T19:25:00.000-07:00

Crazy quilt block #13

Crazy quilt block #14

Sassy treking the wall ledge

It's a big world out here!

Her favorite napping spot under the desk.

That's my doggie. One of her favorite toys---a strip of fabric! :o)

Quilting & Elizabeth

2011-03-25T16:55:00.000-07:00

I loaded Kristie's quilt onto the frame this a.m. I wanted to try my Martilli's Zip Clip to load this quilt. Click on the picture, and you can see the clips on the leader. You will also see some straight pins---the zip clips did not work. :o( Once I started tensioning the quilt backing, the zip clips slipped out of position. Well, so much for that idea.

Some of Deloa Jones leaves on the borders.

Gingo disk design and free motion in the center of the large blocks.

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In 1998 Life magazine did an article on Elizabeth Taylor and her upcoming brain tumor surgery. I couldn't help but notice the pretty quilt covering her as she lay in her hospital bed. I wondered do you suppose she's a quilter?

I wrote to her and received a nice reply along with an autographed picture. I've always thought that it was very kind of her to have her personal secretary to send a reply considering her health at the time. I must admit I also was a tad disappointed she was not a quilter, but she must have loved this quilt someone made especially for her. Goodbye lovely lady. You will be missed.

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Wanna play ball?

Sweet Sassy

30's Quilted

2011-03-19T11:59:00.000-07:00

I finished quilting my friends 30's print quilt. I used the Circle Lord Swirls in the center of the quilt top, and feathers on the border. I won't attempt this method again! It turned out to be somewhat difficult to stop at the seam line of where the center panel of the quilt meets the border. From now on when using a panto or template and it's "edge to edge" all the way. Oh well--- tried a new thing, and learned a new thing!

I love how it turned out though---hope she does too.

Do you think a puppy can ever have too many toys!

Sassy 3 months

Feathers, Swirls & Sassy

2011-03-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

I'm learning how to do spineless feathering from Elaine Huffman's book, "Crisscross Dancing Feathers". I think I've found a wonderful feather-niche with these! After some practicing I could manuver the corners. Yeah! In the past curving around corners has been a challenge. Also, no marking and no spine with these feathers!

This is a friends quilt I'm doing. She initially wanted small swirls in each four inch block. That was pretty tight quilting, and getting each four inch swirl evenly spaced as I curved around was not much fun either. So, I convinced her to let me use the larger swirls instead. I like how it looks so far.

Sassy had her second series of puppy shots on Wednesday. She now weighs 4.1 ounces. I think the point 1 must be her long fur! The vet seemed to think she would weigh between 10 and 12 lbs. when she's fully grown. She is learning to "sit". Potty training is still hit and miss! She has adjusted to wearing her collar, but now hates her leash!

What's Happening on Timber Hill is So Very Unimportant

2011-03-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

I planned to blog today about what is on the frame, a new picture of Sassy, and even mention the weather. But, quite literally everything in my life on this particular day is so unimportant in this moment of time considering what is happening to the families in Japan. It's difficult to even comprehend this disaster. Counting my blessings, and praying for the people of Japan.

Fresh Off the Frame

2011-03-04T16:45:00.001-08:00

This star quilt top was made by my friend Joyce. I quilted it with one of my favorite Jodi Beamish pantographs, "Butterfly Garden". I like the small overall scale of this charming pantograph, and that it is a continuous design the width and length of the pantograph paper. It fills all the "nooks & crannies" as they say--- beautifully as you move from a heart up into a swirl then into a leaf or a butterfly, and before you know it you have the quilting completed.

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Sassy out on the lawn today!

Quilting Finished

2011-03-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Linda M. sent me this top to be quilted. This is her first Quilt of Valor top, and it was a joy to quilt. Love the fabrics!

I couldn't blog without posting an updated picture of "Sassy"! 10 weeks old today!

Introducing "Sassy"

2011-02-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

New puppy alert! new puppy alert!---Introducing "Sassy"! our newest member of the family. Born Dec. 2010. 2.5 lbs.
Bischon/Yorkie/Chihuahua mix.

Just like all new "parents" expect to see more bragging pictures of "Sassy" here. Sewing, quilting---what's that! I haven't even been in my sewing room for over a week now. We tend to forget how much attention puppies require. Not to mention sleep deprivation, mine, not hers.

P.S. : Jan A. Your right, "Sassy" is helping ease the pain.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T13:56:00.000-08:00

Rugs from Rags

2011-02-02T15:02:00.001-08:00

25-1/2" x 38 rag rug

Since the loom has been in the sewing room since Christmas, blocking my movement in there---and since I'm doing machine embroidery which sometimes can take 8 or 10 minutes between color changes, I've been spending those chunks of time weaving on this rug I started ages ago.

The rag rugs are fun, I just get side tracked with other quilting projects and forget about how useful and interesting it is to weave. Weaving a rug from fabric strips is also great way to use up scraps of fabric. I bought this particular loom years ago from the Country Threads booth at Pacific International Quilt Festival.

My loom has a wooden base with legs. I don't see that base on their website anymore, but it's certainly worth having as it makes the loom adjustable in height, and provides a steady base while I'm weaving. I can make a rug in a day or so once I get the weft in place. I've really procrastinated long enough on this rug. Bill won't have to ask "when are you going to finish the rug" anymore. Soon it will be done. I may even start another. Heaven knows I have enough fabric scrap strips to do dozens of rag rugs!

While I'm weaving, these are stitching!--or vice-versa.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T12:23:00.001-08:00

Design Wall Monday Jan. 24, 2011

2011-01-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

I needed to start something new. Something that didn't need a great deal of concentration. Something fun! Something different. I needed to be quilting, of course. The bonus of this project is it also involves machine embroidery, another luv of mine. So, this is what I've been up to with Miss Ellie' for the past week.

Here are some close ups of a few of the crazy quilt blocks that I have completed. These are all designs from the Molly Mine website. Totally done in the hoop. Applique and machine embroidery. I'm using some of my Batik fabric stash for the blocks. Each quilt block takes about an hour or more to complete.

There are twenty blocks in this series. I plan to make a wall hanging or table cloth with the finished project using some regular cotton embroidery floss to tie the quilt top.

The Molly Mine machine embroidery website has a series of three Crazy Quilt projects. Beautiful! Linda's digitizing is awesome! These blocks are from the Series one quilt, but do check out the Christmas quilt and Series two. All very tempting!

A special thank you to all of you for the warm and thoughtful emails, cards, phone calls and comments about our sweet Bootsy. It's been a difficult time, but your caring words have helped more than you will ever know.

Lack of Interest

2011-01-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

I completed the Patriots Dream quilt top just before Bootsy died. It's been hanging on the design wall since then. I have the backing and batting ready. But, my heart is just not into going into the sewing room and doing any kind of meaningful work. I wander in, look around and leave. Bootsy and I spent so much time together there. Not that she wasn't part of every inch of our home. It's just the sewing room seems more painful a place to be without her. I'm just not ready I guess....so projects linger as I heal.

Bootsy 2000 - 2010

2011-01-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

She came into our lives on a warm July day in 2000. She was a birthday gift that year. All 2 and half pounds of her! I carried her around like a stuffed toy, tucking her into my shirt or under my arm a lot of the time while I did things around the house. She was so tiny those first few months, I was afraid we would step on her.

She loved her life on Timber Hill. We called it "her domain" as she made sure everything and everybody followed the routine! Always on the lookout for wild life (preferably a squirrel to chase)-- and visitors to play with and cuddle with. She loved family and friends to come and visit. We used to say,"it must be pretty boring with us all the time, huh Boots?" (it probably was) but she went along with our daily routine and seemed to know exactly what time it was, and when we should do things. If we didn't get lunch going on time, or dinner started soon enough, she would look at us and head to the kitchen checking back to make sure we knew it was close to meal time.

One of the highlights of her day was her walk with Bill out to the wildlife cameras. She would wait patiently for him to get dressed each morning and as he was putting on his shoes, she would eventually get impatient and would start out the door without him. Headed for the small walking trail they traveled each day. Occasionally looking back to make sure he was coming along---

Like a lot of little dogs, she thought she was much larger than her actual 10 pounds of boundless energy. Checking on things, playing with toys, running down the hall to the sewing room, jumping onto the bed to get us up, reminding us of it was time to do this or that. Barking at the neighbor cat, or chasing the squirrel from the back patio. Sleeping by my side in the evenings on the sofa as I watched TV or stitched on a quilt binding . She was always close by, if not right on your lap---and such a part of our daily lives.

Even in the last few days of her life she would run and jump just like the puppy she always was even as we tried to prolong her life by trying keep her calm and resting a lot of the time. She died last Thursday despite all our efforts to treat her progressing congestive heart failure. The house is strangely quiet now as we try to come to terms with her loss. We all loved her so much, and she is greatly missed. The delight of our days and into the long evening shadows. Always with us---our beloved Bootsy.

THE LAST BATTLE--Author Unknown

IF IT SHOULD BE THAT I GROW FRAIL AND WEAK AND PAIN SHOULD KEEP ME FROM MY SLEEP, THEN WILL YOU DO WHAT MUST BE DONE, FOR THIS--THE LAST BATTLE CAN'T BE WON. YOU WILL BE BE SAD I UNDERSTAND, BUT DON'T LET GRIEF THEN STAY YOU HAND, FOR ON THIS DAY, MORE THAN THE REST, YOUR LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP MUST STAND THE TEST. WE HAVE HAD SO MANY HAPPY YEARS, YOU WOULDN'T WANT ME TO SUFFER SO. WHEN THE TIME COMES, PLEASE, LET ME GO. TAKE ME TO WHERE TO MY NEEDS THYE'LL TEND, ONLY, STAY WITH ME TILL THE END. AND HOLD ME FIRM AND SPEAK TO ME UNTIL MY EYES NO LONGER SEE. I KNOW IN TIME YOU WILL AGREE IT IS A KINDNESS YOU DO TO ME. ALTHOUGH MY TAIL ITS LAST HAS WAVED, FROM PAIN AND SUFFERING I HAVE BEEN SAVED. DON'T GRIEVE THAT IT MUST BE YOU WHO HAD TO DECIDE THIS THING TO DO; WE'VE BEEN SO CLOSE--WE TWO--THESE YEARS, DON'T LET YOUR HEART HOLD ANY TEARS.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-24T08:43:00.001-08:00

The Teacup and Saucer candle Jana and Holly crafted for us this Christmas.

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Some of the ornaments on the tree

Our Christmas tree

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And then there is this tree. You see it when you come up the long drive way to the house. I can see it from our kitchen window and I may leave it up all year! It's so pretty!

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A little Santa wallhanging my quilting friend Betty showed a group of us how to make.

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The mantle in the family room

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One of the porcelain Santa's

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Bald Eagle

2010-12-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

While most of my blogging is about quilts, once in awhile it's fun

to blog about other things happening on Timber Hill---like this picture.

Magnificent Bald Eagle (click on pic. to enlarge)

I snapped this picture yesterday afternoon. This Eagle perched at the top of this tall fir tree on Timber Hill for about 3 hours. It overlooks the Laguna at the base of Timber Hill. We are fairly sure he was hunting the ducks that winter at the Laguna.
Laguna

Beautiful Day

2010-12-07T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today was a beautiful day on Timber Hill, and we spent most of the day outdoors enjoying the fall weather and doing some chores before the next rain. Here are some pictures of what I am blessed to see and enjoy every day.

Coming up the long driveway home

Colorful maples

Looking east down onto Timber Hill

Last of the hydrangea's

last show of color

View towards the Laguna from our deck

Tractor man

Our Boots. Outdoors is still her favorite spot.

Keeping an eye on everything and everybody

Spash of color at the front deck

Wild mushrooms are everywhere on Timber Hill now

in every crevice and rock

Among the fir needles

Overlooking the back yard and woods beyond

Design Wall Monday Dec. 6, 2010

2010-12-06T09:34:00.000-08:00

This is a machine embroidery project I loaded onto the long arm. Maybe I will quilt a feathered circle around the main embroidery or some cross hatching. I haven't quite decided, so each time I pass by the frame I think maybe this motif, maybe that design--

The Patriot's Dream stitching is all finished with the exception of the applique stars down in the bottom section and the blue border than needs to be sewn on. I can't find the original blue fabric in my stash, so I'm off to the local quilt shop to see if I can find a good match. It feels so good to have all the stitching completed!

This picture is looking out across the back yard into the woods from our house. The Japanese Maples are just turning color, and are so pretty.

What's Off the Long Arm

2010-12-01T09:20:00.001-08:00

Hot Diggity Dog is finished! It is approx. 64" x 64". I used Soft & Bright batting. I thought it would have a lighter feel, but the quilt is larger and heavier than I thought it would be. Amanda and I made this quilt during this past summer break. "Amanda and Peanut"

What's on the Long Arm

2010-11-28T17:39:00.001-08:00

Hot Diggity Dog is on the long arm today---well, actually I just finished quilting it, and it's off the frame. Now, to make the binding and label.

Thankfulness

2010-11-27T06:01:00.001-08:00

I feel this picture of our granddaughter perhaps says it all.

We are over abundantly blessed with many things, which included being together to share a tasty Thanksgiving dinner. We did not do much cooking except for a few special side dishes as we opted to purchase our organic turkey, dressing, and all the trimmings precooked at our local grocery.

Some family members expressed some serious concerns with our disregard with "family traditions". I had my doubts too. After all, how could we not go shopping for that perfect turkey, select seasonings, perform ritual brining, slather butter, bake and cube dry breads, chop assorted vegetables, simmer broth, mix, mash and stir everything ourselves? and what if it didn't taste good?

Worry not! The dinner was perfection! Dare I say---perhaps better than what we could have cooked on our own. The turkey and dressing was moist and delicious, the mashed potatoes were buttery smooth! Tender hot rolls and loads of tasty gravy. Baked yams in a decadent orange sauce...oh, and yummy pumpkin pie is included.

It's not that I don't love cooking Thanksgiving dinner---but after many decades of doing this ritual dinner, and discovering that some one else can do it just as well, if not better ( and may I add for less cost)---This Grandmama is ready to embrace pre cooked Thanksgiving dinners in the future with no reservations! Oh my--this is a good thing!

I've not been quilting very much, but working on one of my "forever projects". It's the patriotic redwork & bluework stitchery, "A Patriots Dream".I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel as they say, and may actually get this finished by the new year.

A glimpse at some of the different sections.

I plan to do some hand quilting designs on this project to finish it up.

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's a Purse!

2010-11-11T09:57:00.000-08:00

I recently took a class with Pam Brown at Material Girl, our local fabric shop. There are many purse patterns and classes as you know, and I've made a few. I have quite a few purse patterns stashed for future projects to pursue when the creative bug strikes.

But, this purse is definitely different! And very Fun!

It involves no sewing! and once you get Pam's clever concept of folding, it all comes together, and you can make this purse in about an hour with a few supplies. It consist of fabric and poster board. Some spray glue. Magnetic clasp and corded handle. The magic is the --- Origami! For that part I suggest Pam's purse class.

Pam showing us the fabric and some of the supplies.

Pam helping us put on our magnetic snap.

Pam showing us how to attach the corded handle.

Some of the class purses!

My first Origami purse coming together at the folds.

Ta-da! My folded Origami purse!

I made this second purse after attending Pam's wonderful class. I'm not good with puzzles, but with Pam's printed instructions, and the original class purse--- I did it! There were just a few moments when I wished the patient Origami Wiz was at my side showing me which fold was the "valley" and which was the "mountain". This is a cute purse that will hold some essential things for an evening out or to fill with goodies and give as a giftie.

For more information on making the Origami purse please contact Material Girl and ask about this class with Pam.

Design Wall Monday~Nov. 8, 2010

2010-11-08T08:11:00.000-08:00

Not much has changed on the design wall since I last posted.

I have made a few more "tarts". This english paper piecing method is unbelievably time consuming. Tearing out the stitches and carefully pulling out the paper is the hardest part. I will call this one of my forever projects as I can see this one is going to take years to complete. I'm aiming for one small and one large tart each week.

I didn't quite have enough of the racing check fabric, but I found some of the fabric at our local fabric shop, so now I'm ready to start making the borders on the Corvette quilt. Maybe I will get that done this week. I'm feeling slow and out of tune this week.

I think it's because our little Boots heart murmur is getting worse, and she is now on heart medications. Hopefully these meds. will enable us to can enjoy her company a while longer----

Stash Report of Sorts

2010-11-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

I enjoy reading Judy's Stash report every Sunday. I think she intends for participates to report "stash reductions". Or maybe it's increases! Or maybe it's a motivation tool to make us more accountable for fabric that sits in your sewing space, unused. I'm not sure how it all really works.

I just know I don't have any organized type of fabric accountability going on in my sewing life at the moment, or how much yardage I may buy in a week or a month even. Maybe I should though.

This past year I did purge a lot of fabric from my sewing space. Bags and bags of it. You probably remember that posting. Then I reorganized what was left. It certainly was a self revealing moment in my life to go through all those fabrics I had purchased over the years. When I was done, I couldn't decide if I was happy, or depressed.

Here is what I have now with no rhyme or reason. I just couldn't part with it. There is more than you see in these pictures. There is a drawer with nothing but Civil War prints in it, and top shelf in the closet is loaded with backing fabrics, and there are plastic bins with fabrics & patterns all organized together ready to be cut. There are quilt kits too---a whole shelf full of quilt kits! So, perhaps I should refer to this as the "tip of the fabric iceburg"?

Three plastic drawers of fat quarters and some half yard pieces of fabric too.

And here are more fat quarters of batiks and 30's prints.

and more fat quarters here in this drawer. If I see, buy or create from left overs another fat quarter. Smack me please!

These are yards of fabric. Somewhat organized into colors or themes.

I wonder if this qualifies as "Stash Reporting". I haven't a clue as to the amount of yardage here, and honestly I probably don't want to know. When I use some of it, I don't know how much I'm using either. I just know when it's gone, or if there is a little bit of it left I throw it in the stacking baskets under my cutting table, or into the trash bin next to it. My aim is not very good sometime and then it's on the floor too! When the fabric basket is overflowing I dump it all into a plastic bag and give it away. I figure since it's been in this state of unorganization for months, and I haven't found a use for it, it's probably not worth keeping. Once in a great while I will dig around in the bin looking for strip that caught my eye which is hanging over the edge, or I feel in the mood to cut 2-1/2 strips from some of the left overs there ala' Bonnie Hunters "organize your scraps" idea. But, my organized strips and cut bins are overflowing too right now.

Used this Week:
Used year to Date:
Added this Week:
Added Year to Date:
Net Used for 2010:

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T08:25:00.001-07:00

Me and the Spooks!

Have a Happy Halloween!

Pillowcases

2010-10-27T19:11:00.001-07:00

Once upon a time I purchased one of those easy to make pillowcase kits at a quilt show. The fabric was so cute, and it was fun to make! Every once in awhile I get into a mood of wanting to make pillowcases because it uses up some of those fabrics I'm not sure I will use for a quilt, or that I just have enough to make a pillowcase, plus they are such a useful thing to make for anyone.

I made these last night. They take about 30 mins. each. I sent these off to our grand kids .

This quick method is also such a clever way to make a pillowcase! The fan folding of the body of the pillowcase into the cuff, and the way the fabric flips out with the cuff and the trim all attached, and all you have to do is even up the side, and seam them. Neat-0!

Mary Johnson has a very good pillowcase tutorial using this quick method.

(click pic.)

Linda's Basket Quilt

2010-10-23T12:39:00.001-07:00

I just finished sewing on the last few inches of binding on my friend Linda's cute basket quilt she asked me to quilt. It's raining, and it's a perfect day for quilting & sewing!

Wordless Thursday

2010-10-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

New & Old

2010-10-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

When I left for the quilt retreat I took the new 18" "Edge" ruler with me so my quilting friends could try it out. For the week I used the new Sullivan ruler here at home, I was ready to order more of them. So, I did. When I returned home the new rulers had arrived. I'm impressed with the "Edge" rulers not only because they keep your rotary cutter blades sharpened, but because they grip the fabric better than any other rulers I've used. Many of the quilters at retreat enjoyed using the "Edge" ruler.

There was one quilter who didn't care for the concept. She had bought along her own new small "Edge". The smaller 4.5" x 8.5" ruler. She said it didn't sharpen her blade.

However, I suggested that perhaps with short runs of the rotary cutter ( only 8.5" inches)---there was not enough friction on the rotary cutter blade against the edge of the ruler to produce the sharpening effect that one would have running it the entire length of an 18" or 24" inch "Edge" ruler. Something to consider.

I've tried a dull rotary cutter blade on the 18" "Edge" ruler and after 5 cutting passes the dull rotary cutter blade was sharper! More cuts--- and it was totally sharp. Even if your not impressed with the sharpening effect of the these new rulers, the fact that they stay put and don't slip and slide around on the fabric is well worth the purchase for me.

I started one new project at retreat, and worked on one UFO that has been lingering and that I want to finish. That's Judy's Patchwork Times "Memorial Day" challenge quilt. If you recall, it's the project I cut the 105 half square triangles the wrong size. Well, I re-cut & re-stitched & resized new half square triangles --and I'm making progress once again. Yeah!
The new project is pattern I found on the Quilts of Valor Chat. A Yahoo group I belong to. I found the pattern appealing and versatile. Recalling my dig through the "cubbie stash" fabrics?---and finding the Corvette panels, and wondering what to do with them?
This pattern works great for pillow panel type fabrics---like the Corvettes. Or any other large fabric panels you don't know quite what to do with.
I'm auditioning some ideas for the borders now. What's more American in our automobile building history than the Corvette? The first ever American built sports car.

Quilt Retreat

2010-10-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

You know you've been gone too long, or not posted on your blog for awhile when Blogger asks you to please "sign in"! :o)

I've been quilt-retreating with the Ranch Hands. One of our semi annual treks to Bishop's Ranch that we all enjoy so much. We had a blast as usual! The weather was wonderful---if not a tad warmer than expected, but gorgeous evenings. Seeing quilting friends I don't see except at the retreat is the best. Catching up on what is going on, and making new friends as well.

Now to sort and put away--laundry. Pictures to label, and Bill has started the bathroom remodel since I went on retreat. I'm off to buy paint and wall paper remover---ugh!

The reality of leaving the ranch and getting back in the groove at home is always a challenge! I did make progress on some UFO's at retreat. When I wasn't spending time talking!---more later!

Another Workspace

2010-10-05T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've had, "Polly" my Prodigy Quilter for about a year now---and when we had it installed we decided to have the front handles of the machine facing towards the large window in the living room, rear handles to the back near the window and wall. This way I could look outside when I'm quilting from the front of the machine. Also I probably chose that angle because my old long arm was set up that way as well. Old habits ya know.---- I now remember when Richard from Prodigy was here last year to install the frame , he asked me which way I wanted the machine and frame facing, and also reminded me "you know you can use the surface of the frame as a table for other projects, are you sure you want it facing the window?" I told him I probably wouldn't use it for anything else, just angle it up close to the window and let it go at that.

The Prodigy Quilter frame has these nice large caster wheels
and when I want to quilt from the back of the machine, I just let the hydraulics release the frame downwards, and push it out a bit from the window towards the middle of the room. When I'm finished I push it back near the window. It's heavy, but with some "hip action", it moves pretty easy. :o)

Yesterday as I was doing some cleaning and vacuuming under the frame, I decided to turn the entire system completely around. Just an idea I had. That maybe facing the room would be better. If I didn't like it, I could turn it back around. Well----
Loving it! Why I have I been facing the window this whole time? Beats me! All this time I've been missing out on having this wonderful long flat surface to work on because it wasn't that easy to get to as the back frame edge was so close to the window most of the time. Setting up anything back there to work on was just not that convenient , except for a pantograph or using the circle lord.

But now, I have full access to this large usable table surface, and at any height because of the hydraulics. I also have the wonderful natural light from the large window as well. The other plus---- I will no longer need to move the frame in any direction. It's just perfect the way it sits now.

After the "turnaround" I decided to spread the vintage quilt I've been tying with yarn across the table surface. What a nice place to work on some larger projects! :o) Just pull up a chair, raise or lower the table, get comfortable and I can see a whole new use for my frame/table happening. A new work space has appeared!
The quilt is turning out ---cute. I want to do some topstitching on the edges and it's done. I'm glad I followed the suggestions some of you emailed to "tye" it, rather than machine quilt it. Thank you!

Now, I only wish I had listened to Richard's suggestion about which way to face the frame. (sigh) Live and Learn applies once again.

Finished & New

2010-10-02T10:34:00.001-07:00

I finished this quilt yesterday. It's a variation on the log cabin pattern by Sandy Turner. I started this quilt in one of Sandy's classes at our guild years ago. The pattern is named "Pumpkin Patch"------as it's supposed to have an assortment of pumpkins, vines, leaves, chickens and more leaves appliqued all around the center of the quilt. I did one pumpkin and said to myself, not going there! :o) It's approx. 62" x 84" inches. I used the "Lush Leaves" pantograph with some new thread I've been wanting to try out.

Here is a more detailed view of the thread and the pantograph design.

(click to enlarge pic.)

Connecting Thread introduced a new long arm thread last week. Essential Thread PRO. Being an official "thread collector", I had to order just a few cones to see how it stitched out. It's 70 wt. 3 ply polyester thread. I controlled myself and ordered two 3,315 yard cones.

"Ocean Mist" & "Lilac"

The thread has nice matte finish, and if you didn't know it was polyester, you would think it's cotton. No splitting cut ends like some polyester threads have a habit of doing. It ran smoothly on the long arm. No tweeking or glitches at all.

The only thing I noticed about it is ---well, you don't notice it! I know that sounds odd in a way, but I used "Lilac" on the log cabin quilt. You can't see that the thread is any particular color. Even though the stitching is on some very dark brown and rust colored fabrics. It is also on some very light colored fabrics in the quilt, and still you see no discernible Lilac color.

This can be a positive thing---or a negative. On the cone the color is obvious, but due to the fine 70 wt., the color simply disappears and blends into the fabric.

I may reserve this thread for more detailed stippling, feather stems & backtracking, trapunto and pebbling. Wherever "fine" thread is more suitable. This thread would also be lovely used with whole cloth type quilting.

My other new tool is quite the marvel, and you wonder why some one didn't think of it before now. The new Sullivan "Edge" rotary cutter/sharpener rulers. I ordered just one---but, I'm considering ditching my old rulers for a whole new set of these. How novel an idea! And best of all---it works! Cut fabric and sharpen your rotary cutter blade all at the same time! The rulers have a non-slip frosted backing ---another plus.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-29T12:30:00.001-07:00

Design Wall Monday~Sept. 27, 2010

2010-09-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of finish this n' that going on in the sewing room.

Since Amanda has gone back to school, I'm sewing the border onto the Hot-Diggity Dog quilt she made.
Making a border for this project so I can get it quilted.
(click pics. to enlarge)

These two tops are just hanging on the long arm be-cuz.

I'm going to machine quilt the smaller embroidery birth announcement wall hanging. I just haven't figured out what design to quilt on it---

Not sure what to do with the vintage alphabet quilt top. I'm considering tying it with some colorful yarn that was in the bag with the quilt. I bought this top at an estate sale.

Check out Judy's Design Wall!

Busy-Busy!

These Are Out of the Cubbie

2010-09-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

Remember the cubbie purging a few weeks ago. These came tumbling out. Daisy Kingdom baby quilt panels. Three of them! I have not a clue why they were in there. But, almost all the stuff in the cubbie I can't remember when I bought it, or why---

Two of the baby quilts were the pre-quilted type. One was a fabric panel. I used the one fabric panel to test out the new Circle Lord Baptist Fan template boards I recently bought. So much easier than any other method I've tried for Baptist Fan quilting. Luv the Circle Lord method of quilting.

I stitched bindings on all three using Judy's machine binding technique, freshened them up in the washer, and now they are ready for donation to a community quilts project.I'm always pleasantly surprised at how cute fabric panels are when completed. I noticed there are some sweet baby quilt panels in the latest Keepsake Quilting catalog. Hmmmm----

Quilts of Valor

2010-09-24T06:40:00.000-07:00

Barbara Winkler, Chairman for the Southern California Quilts of Valor organization forwarded these pictures from the recent San Diego Quilt Show and the Quilts of Valor booth they had set up at the show.

Deanna showed several of the quilt tops she made, and "Sparkling Sam" that I recently quilted was one quilt that hung in the booth. The quilt next to Sparkling Sam is another of Deanna's beautiful quilts! Both drew a lot of visitors to the QOV of booth and hopefully spread the word about this worthwhile organization.

Deanna and Sparkling Sam!

It's always fun to put a face with a name because as "toppers" & "long armers" for Quilts of Valor we usually receive a quilt top in the mail, we may correspond a bit about the top, the long armer quilts it and sends it off to a destination, but essentially we remain strangers passing in the night so to speak---Nice to "meet" you Deanna! and a special "thank you" to you and Barbara and all the Quilt of Valor quilters for all you do and for which I feel a privilege to be a small part of.

Please consider donating some of your quilting time to Quilts of Valor.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-22T07:26:00.001-07:00

The Padded Room

2010-09-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

Today Fedex bought me a replacement flannel for my Cheryl Ann Design Wall. I'm not sure what happened to the first flannel piece, but the last time I set it up at quilt retreat, it looked like it had shrunk. It was pulling on the flexible fiberglass rods and was warping in all directions. I would place quilt blocks on it---and Boink! a rod would come loose and the warp effect would act like a sling-shot and fling all the quilt blocks several feet across the room! It was quite funny at the time, but not very productive!

I store the design wall it in a dry closet, no dampness, so it's a puzzle how the flannel has shrunk over time. I called Cheryl Ann and she said no problem, she would send a free replacement and a return shipping label to send back the original. I really enjoy Cheryl Ann's portable design wall, and it's so handy to have at quilt retreat.

I went digging through the closet where I had stored it last Oct. so I could see how the new flannel fit. Just like new!

I then started looking at all the quilts I had stored in the closet. They had not been refolded in a long while. I read someplace you should refold your stored quilts frequently so the crease lines does not damage the fabric. I don't know if that's true, or an old quilter's tale, but I do this once in a blue moon just to be on the safe side.

I took some of the quilts out to the living room and thought hey, since I have the design wall up, I should take some pictures of some of the quilts This is my first ever baby quilt that I made way back when.
I'm always a bit surprised at my earlier quilting projects. As I've gotten older, and presumably better at quilting, ( I hope)-- I also attempt less intricate long term projects I've noticed. Why is that I wonder. Is it the old adage, ignorance is bliss, or I was so much more carefree years ago with those earlier project, or I've become too careful, trying to not make mistakes that it has kept me "in the box" instead of "out of the box". Perhaps contemplating each detail too much, expecting too much. I wasn't intimidated when I first started quilting. I didn't even know there was a beginner, intermediate, or advanced quilting pattern back then, so I just went for it. Now I study every pattern, consider all the options. Design intricacy's and time mostly and frequently I decide to not even attempt it----

Here is a hand embroidery redwork quilt. Also hand quilted with cross hatching. I think it was about my 4th quilt. I'm not sure I would attempt this now. It took me almost two years to complete which didn't seem to matter that much then. Now it seems I'm in too much of hurry for lengthy projects.

I have made a lot of quilts since I first started quilting. Many gifted to family and friends or given away to charitable organizations. I was surprised at how many quilts of assorted sizes I still have. Table toppers, small wall hangings, lap quilts and bed quilts.

After I had unfolded some of them and spread them around it looked like a Padded Room!

(full view-click on pics)
Boots thought this was the best thing ever! and a great chance for a good quilt snuggle!
The quilts are all refolded, hopefully on another crease line, and back into the closet. After Bill saw the quilts all around the room, his only remark was "are you making more?" Silly question, of course, it's what I do! :o)

There are 32 stacked here, more everywhere else--- if your counting. :o)

Why Don't I EQ?

2010-09-17T08:20:00.001-07:00

When I'm roaming around reading blogs I frequently see this little logo. It reminds me that I have Electric Quilt and even the newest update EQ7. I hate seeing this little reminder! Guilt overwhelms me. Guilt that I have EQ7 installed on my computer, but have yet to even open it and look at it. Even more guilt that I see so many other quilters designing beautiful quilt tops with it. I don't know why I have Electric Quilt. In all the years I've owned it, and upgraded from the very first edition, I have yet to use it to design a quilt! I feel terrible about this.

I make new resolutions to myself about how I should learn this program and use it each time I see the EQ logo on my computer screen, and I look at the stack of EQ books sitting in my sewing room book shelf. But, that is about as far as it goes.

I guess basically I have too many other projects going on to consider designing a quilt, like actually sewing one from the hundreds of websites like this one: free quilt patterns or of the dozens of books stacked in my bookshelf (omg!), along with the magazines (more quilt patterns)--- and oddles of quilt pattern packets I've accumulated. I won't even mention the quilt kits I've purchased. (yikes)

Do you EQ? and if so what is the compelling reason that makes you EQ? What am I missing? It must be something wonderful as so many quilters EQ. Why would I EQ? As a quilt creative person I find the fact that have this program and am not attracted to using it more than puzzling, disturbing at times and I am oh- so guilt ridden.

There is This Cubbie

2010-09-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

Just about all my fabric is in plain view in the sewing room. I like sitting at my sewing machine and seeing what's available and since it is at the northeast side of the house not much sunlight ventures into this room. This is what I see from one of the sewing room windows. It's pretty rugged out there with a lot of trees and brush. Shady.

I keep most of the fabrics organized up on shelves.Remember when I went on a "use it or toss it binge" awhile back. I took bags and boxes of fabric to our local Legacy resale craft and sewing shop. I needed to do this---and I still have enough fabric to last more than a lifetime.

However, there is the cubbie with a door on it. The only fabric cube that has a door---and I just didn't want to look in there, at least not on the days I was ridding myself of years of fabric accumulation. I thought there is probably not much in that cube anyway, or I would have used it by now. I'll get to it another day.

Well, today I pulled open the door---and it was bad. The fabric was compressed so tightly I had to tug on a few pieces so the other fabrics would release and come tumbling out.

I'm sorting it out and wondering about why I have this or that fabric. It's been so long I can't remember what I had planned, or even if I had a plan. Like why do have this:
There is 5 yds of it! Square cats or is it dogs or is robots? They have these cat smile and cat ears---so it must be some sort of cat. I don't have a cat, yet I'm drawn to cat fabrics it seems.
This fabric most likely was purchased in my Raggedy Ann stage of life. I like Raggedy Ann and Andy, but I can't think of why I bought this. But, I have a plan ---fussy cut out the square designs, and stagger some 9 or 4 patch block along the row, and this could be a cute child's quilt---someday.

Now these gorgeous beauties! I know exactly why I bought this fabric! Because they are nostalgically beautiful! and it's an Alexander Henry fabric and I'm a sucker for anything Alexander Henry!---just because it's so unique. Come to think of it, that square robotic cat print fabric is an Alexander Henry too!

And so is this Corvette fabric! Our son has a vintage Corvette similar to the one on this fabric, so of course I had to have this!
And aren't these just the sweetest cats! (more cats)

This is not Alexander Henry, but when I unfolded it my first thought was Pillowcase!

I didn't quite have enough fabric to make the cuff of the pillowcase from the kitten border, so I improvised and the kittens are on the body of the pillowcase instead.
If you want a quick method to make a pillowcase, Mary has a wonderful pillowcase tutorial on her blog. This pillowcase took me about 30 mins. to cut, stitch and press.

I've sorted and folded most of the fabrics and they are back in the cubbie, door shut. Who knows when I will open it up again---but, now I know what interesting "stuff" is in there.

Back to the ho-hum projects.