Back to Quilting

The past few weeks have been very hectic with illness, travel and then getting DS ready to return to school. I can't believe DS is a sophomore. Well I just got back to the sewing room and have began to work on my monthly swap blocks and Star Blocks for another swap group. Since this is the 25th of the month I will be working on a Christmas project also today. Will post pictures later today when I have something to show. I am still working on my pinwheel quilt and the string quilt. Hope you find time to quilt today.

String Quilt Underway

I have now gone through my boxes of scraps and decided to make a string quilt. I have lots of strips of fabric that are between 1" and 2 1/2" in width. I have sorted them into 8 different color families and think I have more than enough to make a quilt that is 48" x 64" in size. I will be using an 8 1/2" block to make the quilt. The reason I picked that size is I can recycle old printer paper for the foundation and only have to cut one edge. I love it when I can reuse something I already have. I am also going to use up several spools of thread I already have and match the colors to the strips. Should be fun.

Sorting through the Stash

I have several projects I want to make, but also want to begin working on a scrappy quilt. So I am going through the bins of fabric scraps to see what I might be able to put together. DH likes for me to use my fabric up before I purchase a bunch more so I thought the scrappy quilt would be a good idea. That way I can use everything and not worry too much about matching. Now I need to decide if it will be string quilt or some other type.

I also have a couple of clothing projects I want to make so may work on them too! DS needs a bathrobe and DH's fleece hoodie is wearing out and he wears it all the time in the fall and winter so need to make a new one so he doesn't look like a hobo.

Probably will not be sewing for a couple of days since I need to get my house all cleaned up so I can get my carpets cleaned. Didn't get it done last fall so really need to do it now!

Pinwheel Askew Blocks

The pinwheel askew blocks for the monthly block swap are done. They are really simple, but fun to make. I will keep this idea handy as they could be done to make a cute Christmas Quilt. In pastel colors they would also make a really cute baby quilt. Oh, so many ideas and so little time.

Happy Sewing!

Final Happy Block Swap Top

I participated in a 6 month long happy block swap where each month we had a different theme. As I am sure you can tell from some of my earlier posts I think this makes #4 with happy blocks.

This is the last quilt top in happy blocks and I combined two of the months. One month was a red and black swap and one month was a black and white swap. I wanted to make a larger top so I combined the two together. I really like the way it came out and look forward to quilting it so I can use it in my family room.

We are currently having a heat wave and I will have to put off quilting the tops for now as it is just too hot to work on them. Will get back to the quilting when the heat breaks.

I have a few odds and ends of happy blocks left and I am thinking of using them to make pot holders for Christmas gifts. This would also allow me to have some practice with free form quilting.

Now I am off to cut some fabric to make my swap blocks for July. This month it is Pinwheel Askew blocks using red, white and blue scraps. Should be fun!

More Work on UFO's

I have spent the last three days working on UFO's. I now have the beach happy block baby top all finished. I have also made the fall happy block table topper as well as the Christmas happy block table topper. I still need to sandwich them and quilt them and will do that in the next couple of day. It is so nice to be back at the sewing machine.

Hope you get a chance to sew something today.

Cow Vest - Birthday Gift

I needed a quick gift and can across this panel in my UFO box. It will be a perfect gift for a friend of mine who is a cow fan. It was easy to make, but came out really cute. The cow head buttons are so cute. This will be a very fun gift to give my friend. Hurray I have another UFO finished.

Pinwheel Block Quilt Still in Process

I now have all my blocks sized and ready to sew together. I still and trying to decide if I want to add sashing or not. I have decided to use all four colors in each block. I want to work on this quilt this week so I can have my Mom help me sandwich it together when I visit my family over the weekend. The work goes so much faster with more hands.

Christmas Gift Bags

I needed something to work on while away from the house today. I took along some mini tote bags I had made but, had not gotten the quilted blocks sewn on to yet. The blocks are blanket stitched onto the tote bag and I plan to give them to some of my quilting friends with quilting goodies stuffed inside. They are just the perfect size for fat quarters. Was so glad I had small handwork to do while I was waiting. They need a good pressing since they have been in a box, but this is one thing I can check off the UFO list.

Pinwheel Block

I have cut the presewn blocks to make my pinwheel blocks. It was a quick task and now I need to lay them out so I know how I want to sew them together. I also need to decide if I want sashing between them or not.

I finished my Christmas notebook cover. A friend several years ago put together kits with the fabric and pieces already cut out. I just got around to making it. This was a UFO since my old machine did not have a blanket stitch. Boy, machine blanket stitching is easier than hand stitching. My new Janome does blanket stitching and I know I will be using it a whole lot more for machine applique.

Christmas is only 6 months away!

As I do every 25th of the month I am working on Christmas today. I have sewn together the pinwheel blocks and now need to cut them apart and square them up. I am making this quilt as a Christmas gift so it was a perfect thing to work on today. I am also thinking about making a notebook cover for my Christmas notebook. I hope to get started on it today as well. I will watch a Christmas movie later this afternoon or evening and think about some kind of holiday food to make. It is hot here today so think my drinking hot chocolate is out!

Back and Quilting Again

I hurt my shoulder during the time I was away for DMIL's funeral and have been unable to use my shoulder. I could not even hold anything for a few days and still know my shoulder is there. I can at least now use the rotary cutter and sew for a few minutes at a time, though my shoulder does get tired. My first project is the swap blocks I owe for this month. They were easy to cut and easy to make so was a good return project. I hope to quilt again everyday. Wow did I miss my fabric, needles, thread and the hum of the sewing machine.

Need to Quilt Again!

I am finally home from DMIL's funeral and need to get back to quilting so I can have some therapy. I still need to finish up 2 projects I wanted to finish last month and have two I want to make this month and I am participating in another block swap so will have two blocks to make for that too. I hope to get back to quilting tomorrow.

I was able to finally give my mom her flower garden quilt while we were traveling to the funeral and she loves it. She says she will not use it. She wants to hang it on her bedroom wall. I am glad she likes it.

Nine Patch and Snowball Blocks

I needed a little diversion this morning so I made a pastel nine patch block and a pastel snowball block. These blocks are 9 1/2" blocks and came out really cute. I may make more and make a baby quilt. This quilt will have to wait for a week or so however.

I am preparing for DMIL funeral and helping DH for the next few day. Paulette was a wonderful women and my family will miss her, however, in the last few year she has had Alzheimer's and did not know us most of the time. It is a blessing for her to finally go to be with the Lord!

Slow down life - let me quilt!

Life is getting in the way of quilting at this time and all I will get accomplished today is to mail off my swap blocks. I forgot them until I saw a envelope on the counter and realized they are still here. Off to the PO to mail them, they should still arrive at the destination by Monday.

Elf Day

Since I try to do something for Christmas at least once a month I always make sure on the 25th of the month I work on Christmas. I call it elf day so I know it means Christmas related.

Today I decided to work on our advent plans. My family always does scripture reading during advent as well as other things such as reading a children's book, playing a game, doing puzzles or answering trivia questions. It is just a special time we set aside at dinner time to spend as a family. Last year I was ill prior to Christmas and did not do anything special but the scripture reading and DH and DS were both disappointed. So I thought this year I would be an "early bird" and have everything planned and ready to go. Both told me how much they missed our dinner activities.

I picked out the scripture readings as well as items to read related to customs, traditions, or symbols we use at Christmas. I do try to make this time educational as well as fun. I also selected word finds, crossword puzzles, same and different pictures, as well as sentence starters.

I wrapped the children's Christmas books and put them in the basket. I made sure the advent candles were ready to go and added them to the basket as well. I placed the readings in the basket too and have placed it all in a bag so it will remain together and dust free. This was a productive Elf Day.

I looked at my to make list for Christmas and will start sewing some of them next month.

Oh, I listened to Christmas music while I was do this and even had a cup of hot chocolate.
It really did seem to be a little bit like Christmas here to.

Wind and Power Outage

The wind has be blowing today and the power has fluctuated on and off so I have been afraid to have my computerized sewing machine on. I hope by late afternoon the wind will slow down and I can get back to sewing. Guess I need to get a surge protector for my sewing machine like I have for the computer.

Working on Fall Quilt

Life caught up with my yesterday and I did not get to sew or blog. Today I did get a few minutes of sewing done and I have started sewing together the fall quilt. I have a long way to go to get it finished and still need to sandwich and quilt the beach quilt. My goal is to get it done by Wednesday. I am still hoping to get the beach, fall and Christmas lap quilts done by June 1.

Boy, does time slip away.

Swap Blocks Completed

I now have both swap blocks completed. I like the second block better, but both are really cute.
I do not often make 9 1/2" blocks so it was fun to do a smaller block. I usually do 12 1/2" blocks since they make into a quilt sooner.

I want to make some 6 1/2 " blocks with the 9 patch and snowball patterns. I think these would make a really cute baby quilt in pastel colors. Oh no is this a new project? Will have to see if I have much pastel in the stash!

Swap Block

I got sidetracked yesterday and did not get the second block made. I did get the fabric cut for the second block.

I did some planning on the gifts I need to make and started pulling fabric from my stash for the gifts so hopefully I can begin sewing this afternoon after I pick up DS.

It is hard to find time to sew some days. Never realized it until I actively want to make a effort to sew each and every day.

One Swap Block Completed

I finished the first swap block early this morning, but did not like the 30's repro fabric I used in the block. I will make the second block with a different 30's repro and hope it looks better.

I got some sashing fabric yesterday afternoon so can now finish the Beach quilt.

I have some wedding and graduation gifts to make so will need to spend more time in the sewing room.

Swap Blocks

I have not had too much time to sew today since I still need to work in the yard and the weather is to turn rainy by tomorrow. I want to get the rest planted.

I did start sewing the swap blocks together. I hope to get to the fabric store when I pick DS up from school so I can get some sashing for the beach quilt. I really want to get it finished. I probably need to get some batting too so I know I have enough for the other two quilts I am trying to finish by June 1.

Block Swap Blocks

Today I am working on the two blocks I am making for the block swap. The colors are blue, yellow and WOW. I picked a small blue print, a 30's repro fabric in yellow and a simple WOW. I have the pieces cut out and now need to sew them together. This should make cute blocks. I need to get my block swap blocks out the door this week.

I am continuing to work on the other UFO's also still hoping to have them done by June 1.

The weather today was beautiful and I spent much of the day working in my garden. I have all the cucumbers, zucchini and yellow squash plants planted in the earth now, they were outgrowing their starter pots. The tomatoes are out of the containers and into the earth. I do still have walls of water around them to keep them warm. I have made rows for the beans, peas, lettuce, spinach and radishes. Will plant my seeds tomorrow. I have the planters at the front door planted as well as the pots of plants on the patio.

Now if the weather does not decide to freeze again I should be off to a good start for the garden. Grass is mowed and trees trimmed so yard is looking good. Need to get the outside sprinkler systems working again always hard to get everything back working after the long Colorado winters.

Spinning my Wheels a bit- Beach Quilt

Today I spun my wheels a little. I did get all the Beach quilt sewn together and sashed just to remove the outside sash as DH thought the bright red drew the attention to the sashing and not the blocks. I will need to look for a tan/blue/ or white fabric for the outer sashing. He thinks binding it with the red would be better.

I have begun to sew both the fall and Christmas blocks together too. I want to finish my black and white and red and black blocks by the end of May so they too are out of the sewing room.

I need a couple of children's gifts so may make a couple of quilted crayon holders. I need to figure out what to make/give to a graduate too!

Beach Happy Block Quilt and Tent Stake Bag

Well today I was side tracked a bit due to DS asking me if I would make a bag for his tent stakes so he would not loose them during his Boy Scout event this weekend. I dug through my fabric closet and found some cordura and make a drawstring bag. It took me longer to find the fabric than it did to make the bag, but now he has a container for the tent stakes. He asked me this afternoon before he left if I could make him a new toiletries bag since his old one is falling apart. I was going to make him one for summer camp anyway so may try to make it this weekend.

All the beach blocks have the sashing sewn on and tomorrow I will sandwich it together. I don't know if I will get it quilted or not.

If the weather is good here tomorrow I really need to work in the yard. We have had snow and rain for over a week and my plants really need to be put into the earth. They are exploding their containers. Since there is no freeze expected tonight I will leave them on the porch so they can get used to the cold again. Half of my garden is already planted and I have had to cover it up to protect the new shoots. When will I finally start seeing summer. I am ready, come on summer!

Beach Happy Block Quilt

Today I finished making the two additional blocks I needed for the beach quilt. I will sash it with fabric with bubbles and back it with Pirates. I think I will make a red binding for it. I will sew it together tomorrow and then sandwich it together.

I shopped out of my fabric stash and have everything I need for the fall and Christmas Happy Block quilts. I have cut the pieces I need to make the additional blocks and will cut the sashing for these quilts hopefully later today. I still want to have all these done by June 1.

All these quilts are lap size.

Organizing UFO's

I arrived in the sewing room this morning and could not believe the mess it was in. I have decided that I must organize the room and not start any more projects until I have the UFO's finished. I will be putting all the UFO's in different bags and containers and label what they are and if there is anything I need to finish the project. Then I will make a list of which I feel is of highest priority. I then can get to work and get them done. I have more UFO's than I thought and really need to finish them.

So off to organize.

Cleaning Sewing Machine

I will spend my quilting time today cleaning the lint from my sewing machine. I used a medium weight poly batting for my last quilt and it left a lot of fuzz. I don't want to have tension problems. I am so glad I can take the bobbin shuttle out so easily since I have a lot of lint and fuzz in there. Well off to clean the sewing machine so I can get on to the next quilt project.

Now what will that be.......

Quilt Label

I designed my first quilt label on the computer today. I used the June Taylor Sew-In Computer Printer Fabric. I then attached iron on fusible web to the back and attached it to the quilt. It looks really cute. This was really fun. I love when I can use several mediums to make one project.

Flower Garden Quilt Is Finished

Well today is Mother's Day and my Mom's Flower Garden Quilt is finished. I was not able to get it to her today but she will received it in the next day or two. It turned out really cute. It looks so much like spring and how her garden will look in a month or two. I sent warm thoughts her way as I was making every part of the quilt and I hope she will enjoy the quilt as much as I enjoyed making it.

Sandwich and Pinning Flower Garden Quilt

I was busy this morning getting the backing and batting ready for the top. It is all sandwiched together and I have even pinned it all. By tonight I will have it quilted. I had to stop for awhile my DS was getting hungry and I couldn't get him to feed himself. So I will finish up a little later.

Dish Towel Sets

I realized last night I needed a couple of birthday gifts. So I got up this morning and made some simple towel sets. They are easy to make with FQ's and a few minutes of time. I like to make prairie points and will often have a baggie full of them waiting for a project. So that was the inspiration today. I have made towels before so this was a very quick gift.

Continuing to work on the Flower Garden Quilt!

Quilting Today

I have had a very mixed up day today with appointments, meetings, etc. I have a few minutes to actually work on my Flower Garden Quilt and will get the blocks sewn together. Then hopefully the rows sew also. I have cut out the two outer borders and have the batting and backing ready to go. I still need to decide on what I will bind with. I am thinking of using the bright pink from the flowers.

I was thinking about the Hawaiian Quilt again and since I know I do not enjoy needle turn applique I will not work on that project at the moment. I know it will set and be a UFO for a long time, so I have decided to spend my time on something else.

I need to work on two blocks for a swap due at the end of the month. The colors that are to be used are medium blue, yellow and WOW. I am thinking of making a modified churn dash block. I think I have also hear it called Prairie Queen.

Well off to quilting so I can finish the Mother's Day gift.

Flower Garden Quilt

I have now sewn down the flower appliques with my snowflake stitch on the machine. It looks cute with the variegated thread I used. I am now ready to sew the applique blocks to the strip blocks. I think I will be ready to sandwich the quilt by tomorrow. I will then have Friday and Saturday to quilt and bind it and have it ready to give to my Mom for Mother's Day. She will be so surprised since she knows I have been having trouble with my leg and every time I talk to her I tell he I am setting in my chair. She does not know it is really my sewing chair.

Hope you all are able to take time to sew a little each day. It is such a mind cleaner for me. Ohhh, my therapy.

The Aloha Quilt

Today, due to a knee problem, I can hardly walk so have spent much of the day in my chair. Yesterday I got from the library the newest Elm Creek Quilt Novel #15, The Aloha Quilt. It is good so far and as a celebration of the book I may try to make my own Hawaiian Block design and 2 color block in a bright bold color. I am not very good at needle turn applique so will have to think about it for a day or two and see if I am up for the challenge.

Fall Happy Block Lap Quilt

I was involved in a fall Happy Block Swap and at the time did not know what to do with my blocks. I have now decided to make a lap quilt for the cool fall months. I "shopped" out of my fabric boxes again and found fabric for the sashings and borders. This should go together rather quickly. I will need to find some fabric for the backing.

Well off to quilt!

Pinwheel Blocks and Flower Garden Quilt

I cut out my blocks for the pinwheel quilt. I havethem marked I need to sew them together. I think this will be a cute quilt. I decided on a beige star for the solid part of the pinwheels. Should be cute and I now have several choices for the borders and backing.

Flower Garden is still coming along and I hope to be sewing the quilt together tomorrow.

Catching Up Today

I am doing some odds and ends in the sewing room today. I hope to work more on the Flower Garden Quilt, but I also need to do some mending. I need to sandwich a quilt so I can get it quilted. Perhaps if I talk nicely to DH he will help me. I also need to go through my box of squares and see what I can make out them. I know I have too many UFO's and should do something with them.

Pansy Basket and Flower Garden

I spent some of my day today working on the pansy basket candle mat and continuing to work on the Flower Garden Quilt. I also "shopped" out of my fabric boxes and I think I have enough different reds to make my pinwheel quilt. I may try to cut out my blocks for it later today. My eyes get tired of one color or project and I have to move on to another. I need to work on the tension on my machine it seems to be a bit off today. I hope this does not delay my progress

Well back to sewing!

Pansy Basket Candle Mat

Well it is raining here today so I am spending more time in the sewing room. I have worked on my candle mat today. I still need to get a modeled blue fabric for the background, but have cut all the other parts out and when I go to the store today on the way to pickup DS I can then finish the mat. I think I did a fairly good job of replicating the pansy.

I am still working on the Flower Garden Quilt too. I hope to be able to sew it together in the next day or two.

Moda Tin Box Sampler Series- Sonnet Collection

Last year while I was recovering from surgery a friend gave me a small tin box that has a quilt sampler in it. I had forgoten about it until I was looking for some fabric today. The kit comes with instructions to make a mini quilt, 45 - 5 inch squares and a CD and instructions on how to make the mini quilt. It has the April Cornell Sonnet Collection fabrics. I will look at the fabrics today and try to decide on which blocks I want to use to make the mini quilt. It will make a lovely candle mat or mini wall quilt. It reminds me of fall. I actually might make it for my Thanksgiving table. Well off to play with colors.

I am also going to work on getting pictures put up on the blog today. I think I have finally gotten the bugs worked out and hope to get back to post photos this afternoon.

Flower Garden Quilt Again

I have spent an hour again today working on my Flower Garden Quilt. I now have the applique flowers cut out and ready to be attached to the WOW squares. I will use the fusible paper and then with a decorative stitch sew the flowers down. I am now trying to decide what I want to do for the flower centers. Perhaps seed or bugle beads. I also need to start deciding on the outside border. I am thinking of using green fabric and appliqueing smaller flowers and make vines with appliqued yarn. I will need to think about this process for a few days. May try it out on a scrap of fabric and see what I think.

Today is a beautiful day and I need to go work in my real flower garden!

Working on Flower Garden Quilt

I have spent about an hour today working on the Flower Garden Quilt. It is coming along rather quickly and I actually may have it finished by Mother's Day. I have all the strips sewn together and ironed. Now I need to cut the blocks apart and make the appliqued flowers. I think this will be really cute.


I hope to go the fabric store on the way to pick up DS this afternoon. I want to start working on a Pinwheel quilt in shades of red. This will be either a Christmas or Birthday gift so will have a bit more time to work on it, but what to get started.

Well off to work in the yard, but would rather be quilting.

Quilted Pillow Tops

I thought today I would spend most of my day working on Christmas since it is the 25 of the month, however, I ended up making three throw pillows for the family room futon. We had recently painted the Living Room and I had made pillows. Now the family room is finished and the old pillows no longer matched. I went through my orphaned blocks and found some that would look good in the room and had three pillows made in just over an hour. Glad I could use up some of the orphans.

I also finished the handwork on the binding of the Christmas quilt so I can finish the accessory items I want to go with it. Probably a throw pillow or two and some pillow cases or shams.

I did make a few Rubber stamped Christmas cards and worked on adding new bits to the 2010 holiday newsletter.

It is cold here today and since I did not see the movie The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, last Christmas I think I will watch it while I have a few minutes.