QuiltingB29's Quilt Life

Tuesday Sewing

2011-10-04T23:27:00.002-04:00

I finished getting the baby quilt pieced. I should have it basted and possibly start quilting by Thursday. My goal is to have it finished and mailed sometime next week.

I liked this pattern. It went together really quick. I made use a similar pattern for more quilts.

~QB29.

4 Patches 4 Hope

2011-10-04T10:31:00.002-04:00

This is my friend Regina. She lost her mother earlier this year after a hard-fought battle with cancer. To honor her mom and help raise funds for the fight against cancer, she has come up with "4 Patches 4 Hope". The concept is simple. Make a 4-patch block & send it to Regina. She'll take the 4-patches and assemble them into comfort quilts in honor of her mom and donate it to 2 different medical facilities (I believe one is local to her and the other treated her mom, but don't quote me).

She's also asking that if you send a 4-patch, that you make a small donation ($4) to the American Cancer Society. Of course, you're free to donate more than $4 or donate $4 even if you're not sending a 4-patch.

Please consider helping her. Share this on your blog. Send a block. Make a donation!

~QB29

Fall Quilt Camp 2011

2011-10-03T23:36:00.006-04:00

I went to camp again at Camp Horseshoe in September. As usual, it was fantastic! I completed 6 projects. It was probably the most productive I've ever been at a camp or retreat.

Mystery project. If you creatively fold the towel and add ties, you've got an apron. Helps if you put the applique on right side up for the apron, which is wrong side down for the towel. However, if you put the applique on wrong side up for the apron, it is right side up for a towel, which means less work, since you don't have to sew pockets or ties :-). Okay, that only works if you hadn't already made the ties :-).

Quilt for Kids kit that I picked up last spring at Camp Willson. Quilted and bound it at Camp Horseshoe.

Baby Quilt. One of 3 birthday projects from my mom. She gave me 2 packs each of 3 different charm packs. This set was from an Eleanor Burns line and only had 52 charms total (compared to the 84 in the other two). Original design. Was partially pieced when I arrived at camp. Is bound now :-).

Second of the charm packs. Also an original design. Was cut out, with some of the sashing/cornerstones pieced. Also is now bound.

Welcome Sign for door. Is a PIF for FB 2011 project. One of five ... four to go :-).

Was basted when I arrived at camp. Is a project from last fall. Anne Kessel taught the class.

I also started using a way cool binding technique. It uses a faux piping to allow you to machine stitch the binding! It was such a novel idea that I had to give about 2 dozen impromptu lessons on the technique. I found the tutorial here for the technique. She's got some very good photos to show you how to do it.

Last but not least, isn't this the cutest Christmas tree you've ever seen? It was in the silent auction. Nancy I. made it.

Design Wall Monday - 10/3/2011

2011-10-03T23:21:00.004-04:00

Yes, I'm back! and I have a Design Wall Monday! The center blocks are actually a white with a yellow polka dot print. I'm using the focus fabric for the backing on this one. It's one of those "just can't cut it" prints. This is a baby quilt for a friend who just had a baby.

You can check out other design walls at Judy's blog!

~QB29

I'm Back!

2011-07-19T14:28:00.001-04:00

I've been working on other things and haven't been doing a lot of quilting. But I made it back into my sewing room this weekend :-D. I started a 4-patch posie quilt and worked on a purple quilt. I finished all the posie blocks and hope to get them framed tonight. I also hope to get a set of purple pinwheels done for the purple quilt.

~QB29 :-)

Friday Night Sew In

2011-04-15T14:57:00.000-04:00

Tonight's the night! I'm working on a quilt for my boss. He's retiring in the next month or two. The original date has been pushed back a month already, which is nice for me, because i have more time to work on it!

I'm also finishing up my prep work for my upcoming quilt camp :-D. I've got some cutting left to do (not counting the fabric winging its way to me as we speak, since I miscalculated my yardage!) and HST to sew as prep for the main class I'm taking. I also need to pack up some scraps for the mystery project.

Hope you get a chance to join!

~QB29

GO BIG BLUE!

2011-03-26T00:07:00.001-04:00

BIG BLUE ROCKS!

I'm a Winner!

2011-03-20T17:46:00.003-04:00

Today I fell victim to the (not-so) dreaded Sunday-Afternoon-Nap-Syndrome (SANS). When I woke up, I jumped online for a little bit to check blogs and emails before I have to go back to church. I had a couple of comments on my blog and look what they were congratulating me for ....

Look, what I won:

Yep, I won this month's Friday Night Sew-in sponsored by Heidi over at Handmade by Heidi. Thank you Heidi for hosting this monthly event and thank you Arrow Sewing Cabinets for sponsoring this month's giveaway. I've been wanting a cut 'n' press to take on trips, so this will be perfect. :-)

~QB29

FNSI &NQD updates

2011-03-19T20:32:00.002-04:00

I've been working on the apron. I used 25 strips from a honey bun to make the apron and lined it with matching fabric. I added trim to the bottom. I just need to add the straps, which will cover the curved edges that are open still.

~QB29

National Quilting Day

2011-03-18T14:31:00.001-04:00

Did any of you know that Saturday is National Quilting Day? I'm celebrating by staying in my sewing room (that is, after I get back from the gym :-)). How will you be celebrating?

~QB29

FNSI tonight!

2011-03-18T11:09:00.002-04:00

Don't forget - tonight is Friday Night Sew-In. What are your plans?

I am working on an apron for my upcoming quilt camp. They usually have a special theme for the brunch on Friday. Last time it was "Christmas at Camp Horseshoe." They had the dining hall decorated for Christmas and even gave out little Christmas presents to everyone. A tea party was another theme. This year we've been asked to wear a favorite apron for the brunch. Since the only cute apron I've got is a Christmas apron, I'm making a new one. It's out of a honey bun I won online a few months ago. Shortly after winning it, I happened to pick up some matching yardage off the the $3 table at Fabric Shack :-D. I've just been waiting for the right project to use it. I'll use the scraps to make some little things (potholders/hotpads/placemats, etc.) for my kitchen to coordinate with the apron.

I also would like to finish stitching the binding to Bubba's football quilt so it's ready for me to hand-stitch down.

Looking forward to seeing all the goodies made tonight!

~QB29

Catching Up

2011-03-10T22:34:00.004-05:00

Let's see - where do I start? It's been almost 4 weeks since my last post. Since then ...

February Friday Night Sew-in did not happen. I ran home for the weekend to celebrate a family birthday. The boys got to come over for the meal, and unlike last time, they were not multi-colored. :-). When I picked them up last in January, one had purple marker on his check, the other had teal and purple on his check plus a purple eyelid and teal on his head. Plus their puppy (a Beagle mix with light colored, short fur) was purple from the waist (if puppies have waists, lol) to his tail. That weekend went downhill from there :-). This time they were much better behaved.

I then got to hang out with a close friend and her friend the next weekend. We had lots of fun going Goodwilling and I introduced them to the joys of Izzy's, or as we tell my older nephew, the Pickle Place :-).

I've been to quilt camp! I forgot my flash card, so no pics :-(. I had a wonderful time and plan to go back for more camps. The camp was at YMCA Camp Willson in Bellefontaine, OH. They run the fiber arts camp once a year, which is for quilting, knitting, crochet, and scrapbooking. They also run a women's weekend twice a year, which I hope to try sometime soon. I've got a conflict of schedule with the spring one and possibly the fall one, but there's always 2012. I've only got one weekend scheduled that far in advance, lol.

At camp, a teenager named Abigail presented the project she did for her Gold Award for Girl Scouts. She started a Quilt for Kids chapter in her area. She passed out kits, and I picked one up. I've got it pieced and hope to get it quilted/bound by the end of the month to send back. It was a simple pattern, and I hope to make a few more for her this year.

We did a fabric exchange at camp and look at the cute print I picked up. I may use it in a Quilts for Kids quilt :-).

I also finished my Block Lotto blocks for the month:

Lastly, I finished some UFO's. First - my dad's placemats. They're double-sided - fall on one, Christmas on the other. This is #5 on Judy's list, so I'll need to plan a substitution.

No pics, but I also finished the binding on Zoo Parade (#6 on the list) and finished quilting the football quilt. I'm working on the binding now, but should have it done next week or so. It's #2 on the list. I'll get these pictures taken in the next week or so.

Stash updating -
I stopped at Fabric Shack on the way up and purchased 8 1/8 yrds (10 FQ @$1.25 each plus 3 yrds. from the $3.00 cart). I gave away a FQ plus 3 1/4 yrds in the fabric exchange and picked up the 1 yard. I also used 36 5" squares

last recorded week (7):
Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 5 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 20
Net Used for 2011: -15 yards

current week:
used this week: 4 yards
used year to date: 9 yards
added this week: 9 1/2 yards
added year to date: 29 1/2 yards
net used for 2011: -20 1/2 yards

~QB29

I'm Blaming Bonnie!

2011-02-14T22:53:00.003-05:00

Goodwill Shopping - Need I say more?

~QB29

Design Wall Monday - 2/14/2011

2011-02-14T22:44:00.003-05:00

First up - my picture from Saturday's Christmas Quilt-A-Long showing the 2nd block. Don't worry, I did get more done than just this 2nd block - I pressed quite a number of triangles, sewed (and subcut) the 4 1/2" inch units and added a number of triangles :-).

Do you see the diamonds? While playing with the units for Star Struck, I realized they made diamonds when 4 were arranged in a different manner :-). This is a put-away-for-later idea for a scrap quilt, but I thought I'd share with you anyways.

Head over to Judy's to see more Design Walls!

~QB29

Stash Report Week 7- 2/13/2011

2011-02-12T22:47:00.002-05:00

2/6/2011

Gonna go ahead and get this posted tonight:

Added - no adds! :-)
Used some 2 1/2" strips, but once again I forgot to count :-(. When I get them counted, I'll include them as an adjustment.

current week (7):
Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 5 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 20
Net Used for 2011: -15 yards

Quilting A Long with No Pics

2011-02-12T18:47:00.002-05:00

I sewed today. I promise, I did. I even worked more on Dad's Star Struck, which is suppose to be his Christmas present. I sewed several strips sets, pressed all the triangles waiting to be pressed, made some pairs, added the dark triangle to the few awaiting one, and finished off the afternoon by making another 16" block, so now I just have 28 to go! Alas, my camera died moments after I turned it on to take some pics. I'll take pics when I get the batteries recharged.

Hoping everyone had a productive Christmas Quilt-A-Long!

Tonight's plans are to eat pizza (in the oven as I type) and bind while watching the movies I picked up from the library earlier today - Anchors Aweigh with Frank Sinatra, Follow the Fleet with Fred Astaire, Boys Town with Mickey Rooney & Spencer Tracy. Can you tell what kind of movies I like to rent?

Talk to y'all later!

~QB29

Weekend Plans

2011-02-11T23:31:00.003-05:00

Well, no sewing's going to happen tonight. I'm beat. Tonight was the Valentine Banquet @ church and I worked nursery. I had 11 girls ages 5 to 7. They were all good and I only had to remind them a couple of times that we use our manners and say please, thank you, and you're welcome and that we say nice things to each other. The girls played hopscotch and pretend during drop off and while we waited for supper. Pizza was delivered about 7:15 for all of the kids and the nursery director provided juice boxes and a cookie for dessert. After eating, we made our pasta hearts (colored pasta glued onto a heart shaped piece of cardstock) and then made bookmarks. My helper, J., led them in a game of "Horsey, Horsey, Where's Your Heart?" (the V-day take on "Doggy, Doggy, where's your bone?" since we had a heart cutout that we were using). Then we had the Rice Krispy treats I made and finished out the evening with a quick game of musical chairs - to Christmas music. Apparently the 3 year-old's (the classroom we met in for the evening) haven't changed their CD since December :-). I gave all the kids goodie bags to take home - a Frisch's kids meal coupon, 1 small sheet of stickers, a heart shaped mini-notepad, 2 pieces of candy, and a pink hairband.

But, my tomorrow looks pretty free! I'm planning on going to the gym in the morning since I didn't get to go tonight. Then I need to take care of some basic housekeeping issues around my house and then I get to sew! Saturday is the 2nd Saturday, so it's the Christmas Quilt-A-Long, which means that at least some of my sewing needs to be Christmas related - either for me or for a present. Lucky for me, I get to kill 2 birds with one stone by working on dad's star struck UFO. So without further ado, my goals for the weekend:

1. mail BL blocks. PO opens @ 9, not 8 on Saturdays (my first fail). Envelopes are completely sealed and addressed (my 2nd fail). Hopefully 3rd time's a charm and I'll get to the post office with everything ready to go when it's open :-).

2. Dad's Star Struck - UFO #10 on Judy's list. Also qualifies for the Christmas Quilt-A-Long. I've got enough units cut for 18 16" blocks, but need need a total of 30 12" blocks or about 200 more 4" units. So my goal is to cut enough darks so that I can finish piecing the 4" units and maybe even start making the 16" blocks. I've got plenty of lights cut.

3. Dad's placemats. His bday is later this month and I want to give these to him with his present. I did not finish binding all of them before Christmas, so I had to take back 3. I think this is the first I'll have seen him since then, so I better have them ready!

4. Zoo Parade binding - need to finish binding this quilt, it's my UFO #6 from last month that I never finished

5. Make "fabric" out of 2" violet squares to use for either a purse or a Bible case. Quilt it if I get a chance. Qualifies for Judy's monochromatic challenge for the month.

Since I've got some hand work going on, I may see if I can run by the library and rent a DVD or two to watch.

Hope y'all have a good 2nd Saturday tomorrow!

~QB29

FNSI signups - Feb. 18th!

2011-02-09T22:32:00.001-05:00

FNSI signups are up - go visit craftyvegasmom's blog to sign up - she's Heidi's co-host this month.

~QB29

I have a date on Tuesday!

2011-02-07T23:34:00.003-05:00

With Mr. Hamilton Beach!

We will be pressing these:

They are more units for the Star Struck quilt. Don't ask me how many - I've totally lost count. I know I still don't have enough, but I'm getting there. If I haven't mentioned it before, this is UFO #10 or Judy's pick for the month. This project is a multi-month project - 1 for piecing, 1 for quilting, and 1 for finishing :-). So I need to have this all pieced by the end of the month!!!!

~QB29

design w all monday

2011-02-07T06:43:00.004-05:00

I've actually got a design wall monday post!

4 8" blocks sewn into a 16" block for my dad's Star Stuck quilt. Made using Bonnie Hunter's Star Struck pattern. Only 29 16" blocks left to go :-). This was my oops, it's not actually a Christmas Quilt-A-Long Saturday project. I'm making the quilt 5 x 6 blocks, with no borders, for a finished size of about 80 x 96.

Check Judy's page for more DWM posts!

~QB29

Week 5/6 Stash Report 2011

2011-02-06T12:51:00.003-05:00

2/6/2011

Well, I didn't get to post my report last Sunday, so this one is for two weeks combined. I've decided I am going to add my fleece in (as a separate total), but I need to measure that, so it will be added next week. Doing so will give me accountability in using it.

Added:
batiks: 6.5
safari: 2.5
sun bonnet sue: 2
purse kit: 1.25
secret sister stash: .5
total: 12.75

used - haven't measured, so going to have to count them as a zero this week. Will measure for next week:
some violet 2" squares
some 2 1/2" strips for dad's quilt
binding for Zoo parade

week 4:
Used this Week: 3.75 yards
Used year to Date: 5 yards
Added this Week: 7.25
Added Year to Date: 7.25
Net Used for 2011: -2.25 yards

current week (5/6):
Used this Week: 3.75 yards
Used year to Date: 5 yards
Added this Week: 12.75
Added Year to Date: 20
Net Used for 2011: -15 yards

Check Judy's page for other stashes :-)

~QB29

Saturday Sewing

2011-02-06T02:05:00.002-05:00

I did actually get to sew some today. Not as much as I planned, but I got side tracked organizing my sewing stuff. I got a lot of the cleaning/organizing done and then started to cut fabric down to 2 1/2" strips. Rather than keep random amounts of fabric, I'm going to start cutting them down. For now I'm only doing 2 1/2" strips, as I can use jelly roll patterns with those. Once I get more of my fabrics cut down and am organizing my scraps better, I'll cut other sizes too.

Cutting the fabric made me think of my dad's Christmas quilt. It is UFO's 10, 11, and 12 on Judy's list (piecing, quilting, finishing). Since #10 was drawn this month, I need to get it all pieced this month. So tonight seemed like a good opportunity to work on it. Plus, someone mentioned on their blog that today was the February Christmas Quilt-A-Long, so working on the blocks would kill two birds with one stone. However, the Christmas Quilt-A-Long is actually next week :).

My dad's quilt is Bonnie Hunter's Star Struck pattern. I started it over a year ago when I took her workshop. Well, tonight I got several strip sets made and cut down to 4 1/2". I started adding the corner blocks and have run out of 2 bobbins, so I'm going to call it a night. I'm hoping to get some more work done tomorrow on it :-).

~QB29

Skating

2011-02-04T23:46:00.002-05:00

Wow, it's been years since I've skated. I forgot certain muscles existed! At first, I had to sit down every couple of laps because my shins were hurting so bad. By the end of the evening, I could go 6 - 8 laps without sitting :-).

The brown leather and orange wheeled skates are gone. I kinda missed them.

The days of having to skate up to the DJ and request a song are over. Now you can text your requests directly to him.

The rink has $2.50 Tuesdays, so I'm going to try to go every week. I hope to take my nephew in about a month when my church back home (the one he gets to go to with me when I'm in town). But I need to get back in the saddle, so to speak, so it's practice, practice, practice for me.

Did you know the kids text and skate know-a-days? or talk and skate? I was amazed that they could hear over the music to carry on a conversation.

Back when I skated all the time, no one wore their book bags on the rink, yet probably 2 dozen were wearing them tonight. One nearly wacked me with his a few times as he weaved past me (the straps weren't tight enough and it swayed back and forth).

Did you know you should wear pants with ventilation when skating? Seriously - at least half a dozen girls had jeans with holes in them. :-). Another half a dozen must have thought they were sleeping at the rink and were wearing pajama bottoms.

Lastly, I must have been an annoying kid, as I constantly weaved through people back in the day. I was at the rink nearly every Saturday morning/early afternoon unless I had a ball game for quite a few years.

Times have changed at the skating rink!

We'll see if I can move in the morning :-).

~QB29

Weekend Sewing Goals

2011-02-04T15:49:00.004-05:00

Very little Friday Night Sewing for me - I'm going rollerskating tonight! A co-worker and I are meeting up for it @ the local rink :-).

But my Saturday looks pretty clear for a sew day, so here are my goals:
1. Finish binding Zoo Parade (my #6 UFO on Judy's list - did not get done in January)
2. Work on monochromatic challenge for month - violet purse made using 2" squares left over from a doll quilt project. (if I can find the fleece batting @ Joann's today).
3. Block Lotto string blocks (need 9).
4. mail out January BL blocks.
5. piece backing (or search stash for big enough piece) and baste Gold Coins

I know the Big Game is Sunday, so I may do some Super Sunday Sewing in the afternoon before church :-). Or fall victim to the "Sunday Afternoon Nap" :-).

What are your plans for the weekend?

~QB29

It's a Gift!

2011-02-02T23:31:00.002-05:00

I'll leave it on my co-worker's desk before she comes in. Hopefully she's in tomorrow to get it! (it's for her daughter).

~QB29

Sewing Tonight

2011-02-01T23:16:00.002-05:00

I'm about 30" shy of finishing the binding on M's comfort quilt. I should finish that tomorrow night, as well as clipping any quilting start/stops I haven't taken care of yet and adding a label. Then I'll just need to throw it in the wash and gift it :-). It will be out of my house by Friday (if not Thursday) :-). Below is not a very good pic, but you can see it:

~QB29

FNSI Feb. 18, 2011

2011-02-01T15:53:00.002-05:00

Check out Heidi's cute way of announcing the next Friday Night Sew-In. :-). I'm ready for it!

~QB29

February To Do List!

2011-02-01T10:43:00.003-05:00

Well, I finished 3 of the 5 on my January list., so the other 2 will carry over to February.

~~1. M's comfort quilt (finish binding & label)~~ gifted 2/3/2011
2. Zoo Parade binding (UFO #6, January's challenge)
3. Dad's starstruck quilt - piece all blocks & finalize layout (this is my large UFO and was divided into months 10, 11, and 12 for piecing, quilting, and finishing)
4. Judy's monochromatic challenge - violet.
5. Block Lotto String Hearts blocks (goal - finish in time for sneak peak, or at least by 20th).
6. take pictures of UFO's for UFO list post.
7. Quilt & gift Gold Coins.

I think that's enough???? Maybe, we'll see!

~QB29

stash reporting question

2011-01-26T14:49:00.000-05:00

Does anyone know if you only count cotton or if you have to include fleece and/or trims? I found some great clearance @ Hancock's this week and stocked up to make fleece blankets. But I'd rather not have to count it, if you know what I mean.

Thanks!

~QB29

Quilt Camp

2011-01-25T11:35:00.001-05:00

Is anyone interested in going to a quilt camp in April? Let me know and I'll send you the info!

~QB29

Internet Purchases

2011-01-25T00:18:00.002-05:00

Here are the pics I promised earlier.

From The Village Mercantile

My purse pattern

Sunbonnet Sue print

Safari print & coordinates

From Canton Village Quilt Works

My blue batiks that I ordered - half a yard of the medium & darks, 4 yards of the light one in the upper right hand corner

See how nicely they play with my other blue batiks?

The service was great from both of these stores and shipping was fast :-). I ordered one (purse kit/safari/sunbonnet sue) on Thursday around 5 and the other around 9 on Friday morning. I received both on Monday by 10!

~QB29

It's a Quilt (Well, almost :-))

2011-01-25T00:13:00.002-05:00

Here's the comfort quilt I've been working on. I need to finish hand sewing the backing where I joined it since I did a quilt as you go method. It's made using 49 Yellow Brick Road Blocks (well, almost, I messed up cutting a few of the strips, so I had to improvise on 3 or 4 blocks :-). The binding will be the green I showed in this post. My goal for tomorrow @ bedtime is to be hand stitching the binding down :-).

~QB29

Quick Shout Out

2011-01-24T10:06:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to post a real quick shout out to The Village Mercantile and Canton Village Quilt Works. I ordered last week (late Thursday for one, early Friday for the other) and both packages arrived this morning :-). I ordered a purse kit, a Sunbonnet Sue print, and 4 prints from a Safari line from The Village Mercantile. Canton Village Quilt Works was having a great sale on batiks last week, so I got some blues. The fabrics look great and I can't wait to use them. I'll take photos this evening!

~QB29

Week 4 Stash Report

2011-01-23T14:00:00.001-05:00

1/23/2011

purchased:
yellows: 4.25
green & pinks: .5 + 2.5 = 3
total: 7.25

used:
monochromatic yellows & whites: 2 3/8 yd (block strips)
comfort quilt pink & green: 1 3/8 yd (binding, last part of backing, sashing for backing)
total: 3 3/4 yds

week 2:
Used this Week: 1.25 yards
Used year to Date: 1.25 yards
Added this Week: 0
Added Year to Date: 0
Net Used for 2011: 1.25 yards

current:
Used this Week: 3.75 yards
Used year to Date: 5 yards
Added this Week: 7.25
Added Year to Date: 7.25
Net Used for 2011: -2.25 yards

~QB29

It's a Flimsy and I'm counting it as a Finish!

2011-01-22T23:51:00.004-05:00

In all it's glory, introducing "Gold Coins":

I'm going to stitch in the ditch between the columns and practice FMQ in the yellow. Backing will be white or mostly white w/ a little yellow, depending on what I have in my stash. Binding will be scrappy yellow.

~QB29

Exhausting Day

2011-01-22T19:09:00.002-05:00

Today's been a long day. I stayed up way to late last night working on the Gold Coins quilt. Then I had to leave the house about 9 this morning, so I had my alarms set for between 6 & 7 (yes, I have trouble hearing them, so I set extra!). I managed to wake up about 6:30. I used the extra time to finish piecing the Gold Coins blocks. I made my chicken salad sandwiches for the luncheon, dressed, and was out the door a few minutes after 9.

At church, I helped set up for our ladies luncheon, which started at 11. It ended 1:30 or so, but I didn't get out until almost 3 because I stayed to help clean up. Then I ran to work to check the printer & headed to the gym. I had a 4 PM group session to kick off the Biggest Loser challenge they are doing. The personal trainer showed us 8 exercises and then we spent a minute (or so he claimed, I think it was longer) doing each exercise to learn the form and ask any questions. It was about 5:45 by the time I made it home.

So the question is, do I sleep now (and wake up about midnight and set myself up for a vicious cycle tomorrow) or force myself awake and sew? I think it's going to be sew, at least until I make too many mistakes, lol.

~QB29

All Blocks Made for Gold Coins :-)

2011-01-22T08:04:00.002-05:00

I finished making the blocks for Gold Coins. They still need to be pressed and trimmed and made into columns, but I should be able to knock that off this evening. Have a great Saturday y'all!

~QB29

Calling it a night on FNSI

2011-01-22T02:53:00.003-05:00

Here's what I got done:

10 of my stacked coins blocks for my Gold Coins quilt! The other 10 sets are trimmed and ready to piece. The 5 to the left are seamed together, but I thought I better wait before making any more columns to make sure the fabrics are somewhat evenly/randomly distributed across the top.

I also made chicken salad to use to for a sandwich tray tomorrow. I'll make the sandwiches in the morning. We have our ladies meeting to reveal our 2010 secret sisters and get our 2011 secret sisters. Throughout the year we pray for each other, and if able, give little gifts (at the least, notes) every now and then to let the lady know we're praying for her. Remember this quilt that my aunt quilted for me? Well, it's going to my secret sister :-). I had to attach a label, so I sewed that on tonight too.

Have a great weekend everyone! I'll try to be back on Saturday night after I've been able to log more time sewing. My goal for the weekend is to get Gold Coins to the flimsy stage and finish M's comfort quilt. Gold coins just needs 10 blocks assembled (the yellow & white rectangles are sewn, so just 4 seams/block) and then 15 blocks assembled into 3 columns of 5 and then the 4 columns seamed together. There's no border for this baby, so it will be ready for quilting then!

For M, I need to hand sew together the backing for quarters 3 & 4 and then seam both halves together (I quilted it in 4 parts to attempt a QAYG method.) Then it just needs binding and a label!

~QB29

FNSI!

2011-01-21T14:56:00.001-05:00

Don't forget - tonight's the night! It's the first Friday Night Sew-In for 2011. Come join the fun. All you need to do is get some sewing done tonight and then show 'n' tell everyone by Saturday :-).
For more info, follow the button to Heidi's blog:

~QB29

1 thing, 1 Week Challenge

2011-01-21T11:57:00.002-05:00

I'm signing up for a one thing, one week challenge where I set a goal to complete this week. My goal is to finish and have ready for giving the comfort quilt!

~QB29

Other Monochromatic Quilts

2011-01-19T13:49:00.003-05:00

I was checking out the comments on Judy's page and came across these eye-candy yellow quilts.

First up: Jamie from Baby Boomer Quilting Bee. Isn't it great? I love all the yellow's in it.

Jeanne's Table runner - too cute and just enough to brighten up a table.

Carol's fun quilt-a-long yellow quilt - she started it for a quilt-a-long, but isn't it purty? From a distance it looks yellow & white :-)

Tamera's yellow quilt. Nice and cheery.

Connie's Placemat's & centerpiece. She did a great job!

Looks like everyone's having fun working on the monochromatic color challenge. I'm looking forward to cutting mine this weekend!

~QB29 :-)

Gold Coins or Blue Coins

2011-01-18T22:42:00.002-05:00

Today I was playing in EQ7 to design a monochromatic yellow quilt for Judy's monochromatic challenge. This quilt uses the stacked coins block that we did for Block Lotto this month. I thought, that since my yellows tend to the golden end of the spectrum, that I could call this quilt Gold Coins.

While making an image of the screenshot in Paint, I accidentally hit the "invert color" option. I think this is really cool and may be another quilt down the road.

~QB29

I'm a Winner :-)

2011-01-18T16:00:00.003-05:00

Guess I'm celebrating a passing score by winning!

I won a Judy's Chasing the Blues giveaway and I won a FB giveaway on Martingale & Company/That Patchwork Place's FB page.

Let's keep the celebration up (hint, hint, any other giveaways I've entered :-))

Thanks Judy and Martingale & Company!

~QB29

Jumping for Joy - it's time to celebrate!

2011-01-18T12:31:00.001-05:00

My advisor emailed me my scores from my comprehensive exam on the 8th. I passed! I have now completed all the requirements for my Masters of Science in Applied Computing!!!!!!!!! Can I just shout some? I'm so excited :-)

~QB29.

Green or White?

2011-01-17T23:48:00.004-05:00

Binding, that is :-). Here is a sneak peak of the comfort quilt I'm working on.

It's going to finish at about 63" square. I made it out of a YBR pattern, but used 49 blocks w/out a border. I separated it into 4 quarters so that I wouldn't have to wrestle the whole quilt under my machine at one time. I've got the quilting about 3/4 finished and just basted the last 1/4 tonight. Here's 2 quarters put together, along with some binding choices. The green has white polka dots and is used in the quilt. The white is part of the backing (QAYG allowed me to piece the backing easily).

So which is better, green

or white?

I hope to have it delivered by this weekend at the latest.

~QB29

2 sewing finishes

2011-01-17T14:41:00.003-05:00

I've finished my Block Lotto Blocks:

and the towels for my FB PIF project:

~QB29

Stash Report - Week 3

2011-01-17T14:31:00.003-05:00

I sewed this week!

block lotto blocks: about 1 yard worth of 2.5 strips
PIF FB applique: 10 4/12" hearts + 10 3 1/2" hearts about 1/4 yard

Used this Week: 1.25 yards
Used year to Date: 1.25 yards
Added this Week: 0
Added Year to Date: 0
Net Used for 2011: 1.25 yards

You can check other stash reports via Judy's blog!

~QB29

giveaway time!

2011-01-17T10:39:00.002-05:00

Not by me though. Head over to Jaybird's and check out the sponsored giveaway she's hosting!

~QB29

A Day of Doing Little :-)

2011-01-16T23:18:00.004-05:00

I came home from church with a migraine, so there went my plans to tackle my too-long to-do list. I was in bed by noon and slept until about 3:30. Thankfully, the migraine was gone when I woke up. I was barely up in time to make these:

They're Orange Brownies and I saw the recipe on Pleasant Home's site. No, there is no chocolate in them, but they have a brownie like texture, hence the name. I made them for evening church tonight. Our church's founder, Bro. Louis Arnold, turns 97 tomorrow. Even though he longer pastors our church (he left the church at some point years ago to travel & preach), he's still a much-welcomed friend to our congregation. Since his 90th birthday, he's preached the evening service closest to the big day and then we celebrate as a church family afterward. Everyone was asked to bring a cake or pie and the church supplied pizza, chicken, and potatoes tonight. Our pastor teases that we've got him scheduled through his 100th birthday, but we'll need to renegotiate the contract then, lol.

Bro. Arnold founded our church about 46 years ago. He also planted 3 other churches in our city (including one just a few miles down the road), 4 others in the state, and 2 more in Cincinnati, OH, plus some others that I'm not aware of. He used to fly a plane around the city and preach from the plane and preached on the radio for years. You can learn more about Bro. Arnold here at his website.

My SS class has our biweekly meeting tomorrow at our teacher's house and I'm baking another batch for them. We're having tacos for the main dish.

~QB29

Joining Block Lotto

2011-01-15T14:32:00.003-05:00

I am joining Block Lotto this month. Here is my first block. I've got fabric cut to make 8 more and hope to finish them tonight, but for now, my bed is calling my name :-).

~QB29

Pay It Forward on Facebook

2011-01-15T00:17:00.003-05:00

I'm doing a PIF on FB. I have to make 5 items and deliver them sometime in 2011. I'm aiming for sooner rather than later :-). Tonight I made up one of these:

It's currently taking a test trip through the laundry before I do the rest. I do have all of the hearts cut out and fused together. I'm using fusible web on each heart and then top-stitching near the edge of each heart for a raw-edge applique look. Half will be the white towel with the pink and red hearts and the other half will be red towels with pink and white hearts - white being the background heart. I'm giving each person 1 of each towel and making a "mix in a jar" cookie mix. I can't decide between sugar cookies w/ Valentine decorations & a heart cookie cutter or doing a good layering mix - chocolate chip or some type of oatmeal. Any thoughts or favorite "mix in a jar" recipes? I hope to get these all finished this weekend and get them out in the mail (for those that need to be mailed) on Tuesday.

~QB29

Friday Sewing Plans

2011-01-14T15:57:00.001-05:00

I'm leaving work soon and heading to the gym to walk. After that, it's a sewing night! I stopped by Joann's during lunch to pick up some fusible web for my FB PIF project. I hope to get those made tonight as well as make good progress toward finishing M's comfort quilt this weekend. Hopefully I'll get some pics posted!
~QB29

January Goals

2011-01-12T11:34:00.007-05:00

Guess I probably ought to put these on here if I hope to finish them.

1. M's comfort quilt - bright pink/green/white, 63" square, using YBR pattern & QAYG for easier quilting - just need to do last bit of quilting, assemble, and bind
~~2. Judy's monochromatic color challenge - yellow - I think I will make placemats for the spring. I need to pull out my yellow, but may need to shop for some this week.~~ Baby quilt flimsy finished 1/22/2011. Don't know when it will get quilted, but I'm calling it a finish for the purposes of exploring a monochromatic color scheme :-)
3. Judy's UFO challenge - #6 - finish binding Zoo Parade quilt
~~4. FB PIF - I'm participating in the 2011 PIF on FB. I'd like to get my gifts out by the end of the month.~~ sewing part finished 1/17/2011. Still need to make the mixes & print out the directions.
~~5. Block Lotto BOM - this month's block is stacked coins and looks super easy. This will be my first month participating.~~ finished 1/17/2011

~QB29. Here's hoping in 2 weeks I'll be able to post finished pics!

stash report

2011-01-09T23:58:00.002-05:00

No change this week. Comprehensive exam was yesterday, so any and all free time this past week was spent studying. Then I treated my nephew to a big-boy visit last night and today. We baked chocolate chip cookies and took them to go visit the fire truck at the fire station. Now I'm back home and looking forward to a stress-free week since I'm done with school :-)

Used this Week: 0
Used year to Date: 0
Added this Week: 0
Added Year to Date: 0
Net Used for 2011: 0

Stash Report

2011-01-01T19:57:00.003-05:00

I'm going to do the stash report. If you're not familiar, it's a weekly report that Judy does to report how much stash was used and how much stash was added each week. It's normally done on Sundays, but it's close enough and I'm not doing any "new" sewing tonight. So here goes:

Used this Week: 0
Used year to Date: 0
Added this Week: 0
Added Year to Date: 0
Net Used for 2011: 0

Joining Judy's UFO challenge

2010-12-31T10:48:00.002-05:00

UPDATED 2/3/2011 - some have pictures!

I'm joining up! Here's my 12 UFO's for Judy's UFO challenge. There's a chance at some point I may get too antsy and do one ahead, but never fear, I've got plenty of UFO's on deck. :-)

1. pink baby pins quilt as you go project. (some quilting done)

2. Bubba's football quilt (some quilting done)
3. sea life quilt (ready to bind)
4. pink/yellow/green/white YBR baby quilt (some FQ's cut)
5. Dad's Christmas/Fall placemats (finish binding 3)
6. Zoo Parade (finish binding) (front & back shown - reversible quilt, sorry forgot to rotate the pictures)

7. Snowman wallhanging (ready to baste - picture shows it not quite pieced all the way)

8. Button Christmas Tree wallhanging (assembling)
9. Christmas tree table topper (some piecing complete)
10. piecing Dad's star struck quilt (some blocks made)
11. quilt-as-you-go Dad's star struck quilt (some blocks made)
12. assembling & binding dad's star struck quilt (some blocks made)

#'s 10, 11, 12 are interchangeable. Obviously I can't quilt until I've pieced and I can't assemble/bind the quilted blocks until I've quilted.

Comprehensive exam is next week (8th), so until then a plain list will have to suffice. Once I'm done with comps, I'll update this post with pictures.

~QB29

FNSI tonight!

2010-12-17T18:59:00.000-05:00

On the agenda: binding Christmas placemats for my dad!

Will check back when I've made progress. See y'all later!

~QB29

Plans for 2011

2010-12-14T12:03:00.002-05:00

It looks like my blogging friends are gearing up for 2011 with a variety of special activities for the coming year. Of course, a UFO challenge is a given. I've also seen a PhD challenge. Judy over at Patchwork Times is hosting a monochromatic color challenge. Some are challenges for themselves while others are challenges for blogging friends.

Over the next few weeks I'll pick (or maybe create) one or two challenges in which to participate. Which ones have you seen that look interesting? Any you actually plan on doing?

~qb29

A Christmas present finish!

2010-12-14T10:44:00.000-05:00

Well, close. The binding is done and now I just need to make a label. :-). I'm so happy that I finished the binding on it. I should get the label made tonight and will take a pic then!

Calling it a night on FNSI

2010-12-11T00:13:00.000-05:00

While enjoying White Christmas, I was able to bind more on the red, blue, and cream throw pictured a few posts ago. It is now over halfway bound. I'll have it finished one night during this upcoming week and will post a "finish" picture then.

Night y'all. Hope you enjoyed your FNSI. I did :-)

~QB29

Fluffly Rag Quilt & FNSI check-in

2010-12-10T21:37:00.003-05:00

I've been to the laundry mat and the rag quilt is fluffed!

I may take it back for another fluffing. Anyone know how many "fluffs" should be done on a rag quilt?

I also have about 1/4 of the throw bound. I'm getting ready to watch White Christmas and will work on it some more. Talk to you later!

~QB29

Reminder - FNSI is Tonight!

2010-12-10T12:55:00.003-05:00

This is a PSA for all quilters: Friday Night Sew-In (FNSI) is tonight! FNSI is hosted by Heidi and Bobbi. Take tonight off. Sit 'n' sew. Let the housework pile up. Let the kids (and hubby) fend for themselves. Tonight's the sew-in!!!

~QB29

Christmas Decorations!!!!!!

2010-12-09T23:17:00.006-05:00

I got to put up my Christmas decorations this year :-). Last year I was so busy with school that they stayed in storage.
My tree:

Angel on top:

Stuffed lion because I was a Phi Mu in college:
Mickey soccer player because I played soccer as a kid:

Hand painted animal ornaments from the local zoo from my childhood. I also have a tiger and a polar bear:
Handmade ornaments that my mom made back in the 70's:

Jesus is the reason for the season:

Jim Shore doggy:

Favorite glass blown ornament:

Jim Shore wise men:

Jim Shore Mary, Joseph, and Jesus:

Mom's nativity set made by her godmother:

~QB29

Pin Cushion Swap

2010-12-09T23:11:00.003-05:00

Earlier this fall I hosted a pin cushion swap. I made a kitty-cat pincushion for my partner and also included a kitty-cat pillowcase:

~QB29

Photo catchup and other updates

2010-12-09T22:41:00.007-05:00

My last several posts have been photo-less, but tonight's going to change that. Here's some crafty projects I've been working on for the holidays.

First up: The rag quilt. It's all snipped and ready to go to the laundry-mat. I'm planning on making my FNSI a FNSO tomorrow so I can get this quilt fluffed and ready for gifting.
Front view:

Back view:

Second up: The throw. The binding's attached to this baby and ready to be hand-sewn to the back. I'll be starting this at the laundry-mat and hopefully finishing it this weekend :-).
Front view:

Close up of aunt's quilting:
Back view:

Third up: Fleece no-sew blankets. I made 2 of these. Both have Buzz on the front. This one (with the gray on the back) is for Bubba. The other one is already wrapped for Bubby. It has a green for the backing.

~QB29

Snip, snip!

2010-12-07T21:30:00.003-05:00

Tonight's task: Snipping the denim-flannel rag quilt I am making for Big C. I want it done to fluff on Friday night. I'm going to count sitting at the laundry-mat as FNSI time :-). Hopefully I'll be able to dredge up some handwork to take along.

~QB29

2 Friday Night Sew-in's for this month!

2010-12-02T11:13:00.000-05:00

Dec. 10th and Dec. 17th. Are you in?

~QB29

What to charge for no-sew fleece blankets

2010-11-30T09:25:00.003-05:00

I posted on FB the other day about finishing the no-sew fleece blankets I made for my nephews. A friend wants to know how much I'd charge to make one. I was thinking of breaking the charge down to labor + cost of fleece (or labor + she supplies fleece). Any ideas on the charge for my labor? It took me about 3 hours to do each of the boys, but I was watching TV and not always on task :-). For each of the boys I used 2 lengths of fleece about 1 1/2 yards. (They're 4 and almost 2).

I was thinking around $15, at least for the size I made the boys or smaller and maybe $20 for a bigger one. Any thoughts?

Thanks,
~QB29

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

2010-11-23T14:24:00.003-05:00

Gobble, Gobble!

~QB29

FNSI is tonight!

2010-11-19T16:14:00.001-05:00

On the agenda:
bind dad's placemats (Christmas present)
snip Big C's rag quilt

What's your plan?

~QB29

Another Go Giveaway!

2010-11-06T08:55:00.002-04:00

I've found another Go Giveaway! Lavender Ridge is hosting this one.

~QB29

Tonight's Sewing!

2010-11-02T22:15:00.003-04:00

I've decided to start walking again at the gym and purchased a new pair of jogging pants to wear. Problem was, as are most long pants and even long skirts, they were inches too long on me :-(. So tonight I pulled out my serger, ruler, and sewing machine. After chopping a surprisingly small 4 1/2" off, I serged the raw edge and then turned them up about half an inch and seamed into place. Now I have a decent length pair of jogging pants to wear on Thursday :-).

Note about the gym - it is a ministry outreach of a local Baptist church. Annual fee is $25 if using only the walking track For an additional $25 ($50 total) you can use the workout room. I joined back in the summer, went a week or two, missed for VBS, then they closed a week for annual maintenance, and then school started and I began taking a friend's daughter to soccer 2 nights a week. School's done and soccer's over, so I now have my M, T, and Th nights to myself and can start going again. (Well most Mondays - some I'll have Bible Study with the Forerunners.) Since it's a ministry outreach, the gym respects church hours (yeah!) and is closed on Sundays and after 5 pm on Wednesdays. The other weeknights, it is open until 9. It is also open until 2 on Saturdays.

Since this pair hemmed so easily, I may stop by the store later this week and buy another pair so I'm not constantly doing laundry.

~QB29.

Election Day

2010-11-02T08:26:00.003-04:00

To my American readers -
Don't forget that today is Election Day.
Remember to go out and vote!

~QB29

Another Accuquilt Go Giveaway!

2010-11-01T10:55:00.002-04:00

Follow this link to enter:
http://thedote.blogspot.com/2010/10/its-time-for-accuquilt-go-giveaway.html

Micki Butler of Irish Muses is hosting the giveaway.

Deadline is Nov. 5th, 2 pm her time (Ireland).

~qb29

smile pretty for the camera!

2010-10-29T08:24:00.002-04:00

GradFest was this week. I had to go to campus for all of 20 minutes to take a picture and pick up my cap, gown, and hood :-D. Dec. 18th, 2010 - bring it on!

~QB29

Giveaway!

2010-10-28T09:34:00.001-04:00

Little lady patchwork is having a guest blogger and a giveaway! Hop on over for your chance to win a Fat Quarter Bundle of Pure by Sweetwater for Moda.

~QB29

Next FNSI - 11/19

2010-10-26T12:58:00.001-04:00

It's on! I'm planning on enjoying an evening in comfy-cozy PJ's in front of Husky working on Christmas presents. Who's with me? Sign up by clicking the button below:

~QB29

I've been blogged!

2010-10-26T11:51:00.003-04:00

Judy blogged about me (well, about Husky :-)). Husky caught her eye at retreat. For those of you that don't know the story, here goes:

Husky is a Husqavarna 990 SLE. He was made in the 80's and was the top of the line machine at the time. He is an early computerized model. The "S" was the second edition of the 990 and the "LE" means that it is a "Limited Edition". In fact, this edition was so limited, that it's gold! Well, not real gold, but gold colored :-). The normal 990's are navy blue.

This was made for the store owner's wife, but she did not like it. My mom happened to be the right customer at the right time when the store owner sold it :-).

A few years ago my now-retired mom decided to join the crafters' group at the local hospital. They make all sorts of crafts to sell in the hospital gift shop and at the annual "boutique" every November. Proceeds benefit the hospital (such as the valet parking service there). My mom decided to upgrade machines to a brand-spanking new embroidery & sewing machine. Rather than use Husky as a trade-in, she gifted him to me :-). Husky has now been to retreats or classes in 4 states!

I found this site that gives a brief history on the 990 SLE.

~QB29

Accuquilt Go Giveaway

2010-10-25T13:28:00.001-04:00

Not by me :-) If you don't want me to win, you can try your hand at entering. Just click the link below:

http://alderwoodquilts.blogspot.com/2010/10/alderwood-quilts-october-giveaway.html

Of course, if you want me to have a better chance of winning, don't enter :-D.

~QB29

I'm baaaaaaack!!!!!!

2010-10-25T11:58:00.003-04:00

Sadly :-(.

I had a wonderful time at retreat in Shipshewana, IN. No pictures though, as my camera was buried in the bottom of my duffel bag with dead batteries. No matter, plenty of other bloggers were at this retreat, so I'll just send you over to them as they post great pics :-).

I got to meet Ruth (who organized the retreat) and Judy L (a good blogger friend of Ruth and my friend Jill that I went with). Bonnie Hunter was there too :-). It was a wonderful time just to sew, relax, shop, eat, and have fun. Once my camera batteries are charged, I'll post some pics of stuff I worked on!

~QB29

Friday Night Sew In - October

2010-09-27T22:47:00.002-04:00

October's FNSI is set for October 15!

Click the image to sign up too!

camp (long)

2010-09-26T00:13:00.009-04:00

Tuesday was an uneventful drive. It took about 8 hours, but that included 3 quilt stores, a Kroger's run, and a couple of gas stations. I realized when I had been on the road an hour that my puppy chow, which I had sitting next to my cooler, was not currently next to my cooler. My cooler was in the backseat while it was still in the kitchen. Oh well, my co-workers will get to feast on it next week.

I stopped at Sneeds Sew & Vac in Charleston, The Stitching House in Buckhannon, and Elkins Sewing Center in Elkins. I found something I liked at each store :-).

About 15 lades (out of the 55 or so attending) came for the Tuesday early arrival. We had a great time sewing and chatting together. I finished the applique and added the borders for Bubba's quilt. It is basted and partially quilted. I ~~should~~ will finish the quilting in time to get it bound and labeled for his 2nd Bday in Dec. Of course, that could mean I'll be doing the night before, but it will be done!!! No pic on this since his real name (not Bubba :-() is appliqued on it.

Wednesday morning we got pies! David made 2 pies for the early arrival crew. Let's just say they did not last long :-). I spent most of the day working on my denim and flannel rag quilt that I am making for Big C (Bubba's 13 yr. old half-brother, for those readers wondering how I suddenly got a 3rd nephew). I just need to seam around the outside edge, clip, and fluff. :-) It is all pieced together. This will be my TV quilt for the next few weeks, lol. Here is Anne helping me show it off at show-and-tell. Sorry the picture's not that great. I'll get another one once it's fluffed and ready to be gifted (by Christmas :-)).

Thursday I worked on a snowman wallhanging. It is an 10 1/2" center surrounded by 36 3.5" courthouse step blocks. Let's just say I did not realize that it would be that small when I signed up for the class. That was 468 pieces of fabric 1" wide. I like how mine turned out. I finally finished it Saturday morning. I cheated a bit and fussy cut snowflakes for the corner blocks rather than appliqueing them on. I also did mine in cottons in stead of wool (applique) and homespun (blocks). I hope to finish it up either before or at my Shipshewana retreat in October.

I like how Cindy did hers in Christmas prints instead of homespuns. She did use the wool for the applique.

I did not touch my table topper, but Susie got hers completely finished except for tacking the binding down to the back. Here she is showing it off:

I also only sewed 3 buttons on my tree wallhanging, but have tons of ideas to make similar designs for other seasons. Here's a couple that ladies finished. Don't they look good?

The big project for the week (which I elected not to do, but may buy the pattern later) was a Carpentar's star quilt. Here's several different tops that were finished. One lady did hers in black and batiks. It was beautiful!

The drive home was very uneventful. I'll post more pics later, but need to get ready for bed now. Night all!

~QB29

I'm Home!

2010-09-25T22:06:00.000-04:00

I am home from camp. I had a wonderful time. Now to play catch-up. Stay tuned - I will be posting pics and updates this week :-)

~QB29

31

2010-09-20T08:16:00.001-04:00

:=)

FNSI results

2010-09-18T02:45:00.002-04:00

just a little sewing .... I finished the one earlier in the week and did its twin tonight. We need to bring two 12" 1930's/white (or WOW) blocks for the block drawing. Yeah, mine are done!

Friday Night Sew In Plans

2010-09-17T14:15:00.003-04:00

first up - errands :-)

1. 12" 1930's block for lotto drawing @ camp
2. finish buttons skirt
3. prep for camp :-)

~QB29

96!

2010-09-17T13:57:00.001-04:00

Hours, need I say more?

Quilt Camp Countdown

2010-09-16T15:44:00.003-04:00

~~142~~ oops, I mean 118 hours, give or take a few minutes, until arrival :-)

Can you tell I'm excited? I've counting in hours!!!!!!

Oh, and BTW, I've got my route mapped, including stops for shopping (quilt stores!!!) and the usual (gas/food). I've got my schedule planned for classes, camp activities, meals (there's a great kitchen staff!), and other sewing. So am I ready? Almost. I still need to make my puppy chow (snack contribution), finish my 12" drawing block, and finish packing!!!!!

~QB29

Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)?

2010-09-11T20:49:00.002-04:00

A blog friend posted this today and I am borrowing it:
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising against that blue sky
Did you shout out in anger
In fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children
Who lost their dear loved ones
And pray for the ones who don't know
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving down some cold interstate
Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor
In a crowded room did you feel alone
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her
Did you dust off that bible at home
Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep
Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
Speak with some stranger on the street
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching
And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and give your own blood
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you
The difference in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us
And the greatest is love

The greatest is love
The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

The lyrics (& song) are written by Alan Jackson

To answer ... I was preparing for a trip of a lifetime. We were to leave on 9/13 for a semester study abroad in Mexico. I remember making a bowl of cereal and sitting down to watch TV. My plans for the day were to run to my mom's school, get a haircut, and then work my last shift before my trip. I was a cashier at Kroger's and did the 5pm to 1am shift. I turned the TV on sometime between 8:49 and 9:03 because the first thing on the TV was coverage of the first tower to be hit. I was watching Live! with Regis and Kelly. At first I thought they were showing a clip from a new movie, as they sometimes did. Then I realized that the clip was too still and too quiet - it lacked the sound effects and movement typical of movies. I began to pay attention to what they were saying and then watched in disbelief as the 2nd plane hit. I finished my cereal with my eyes glued to the TV. I hurriedly got dressed and drove to my mom's school.

That day will be seared in my memory. It is a day I will NEVER FORGET. It is my generation's Day of Infamy.

~QB29

Sept. Friday Night Sew In

2010-09-04T00:30:00.000-04:00

is on the calendar ...

for the 17th of the month :-D

Pincushion!

2010-08-24T22:45:00.002-04:00

Look Who Gets to Work!

2010-08-24T19:31:00.002-04:00

Matey's out of storage! (See original Matey introduction here)

Matey will be in use until Husky comes home. Did you think I could go a week without a machine?

Matey is a Singer Fashion Mate 237, picked up for $10.00 at a garage sale about 3 years ago. Best feature: a 1/4" presser foot!

Off to sew some,

~QB29

Another Pillowcase!

2010-08-22T15:27:00.001-04:00

~QB29

Backing for Zippity Doo Dah

2010-08-21T16:47:00.002-04:00

~QB29

Friday Night Sew-In on Saturday morning, Again :-)

2010-08-21T11:44:00.005-04:00

Or Update #2 for August 2010 :-)

I crashed at 1 something last night (well, I should say early this morning). Since I am running to Q First in Quilting to get backing for the Zippity Doo Dah finish, I decided to make pillowcases to donate. They donated 3 pillowcases for Dillon's Auction, and I promised myself that I would give them pillowcases for the next need. They keep a supply of pillowcases that customers have donated for needs like Dillon's auction. I'm going to try to take a couple in whenever I shop there.

It's a good almost finish to my Sew-In :-). It was my first time making pillowcases, but certainly will not be my last. I used the Easy Pillowcase Pattern with French Seams found at about.com. Being me, I had to make modifications. I did not have a good accent fabric, so I did not do that on mine. Both fabrics were in my stash. This wipes out the ABC fabric, but I've still got a yard or so of the green print. They are both from the Puppy Dreams line by South Sea Imports.

Folded, wrapped in a ribbon, and ready to go:

While I'm out and about, I'll also be heading to Sandy's to drop off Husky. She's the local Husqavarna store and I like to take Husky there. Plus, she's a couple of blocks from my work, so it will be easy to pick Husky up.

I just need to sew the binding onto a quilt and then I will call this Sew-In complete and head out to do my shopping/errands.

BTW, stay tuned for a surprise! It's coming, it's coming!

~QB29

Cleaning Husky ...

2010-08-21T10:17:00.002-04:00

This came out of Husky today ....
For size comparison, here's my bobbin case ....

Think I need to clean my machine out more often OR, better yet, take him in for his long overdue cleaning/maintenance?

I'll definitely be doing this week - today if I finish my planned sewing in time :-)

~QB29

Update - Finish #1 w/ Picture!

2010-08-20T21:36:00.002-04:00

Just need to finish last border for Zippity Doo Dah Throw - it's coming along great! Breaking for a bite to eat and then will be back up to sew more :-)

Update: Flimsy is finished! Pic's not the greatest, but it will do until sunlight tomorrow :-)

~QB29

Friday Night Sew In Plans

2010-08-20T10:11:00.003-04:00

I realized I didn't list my plans for tonight. So in no particularly order, here's my wanna-do list for tonight:

Zippity-doo-dah lap quilt out of a Jelly Roll and a Layer Cake
* finish 4 X 4 center (using layer cake squares)
* Piano Key border using jelly roll FLIMSY FINISH!!!! :-)

Big C's denim/flannel rag quilt (about twin size, using 8" squares)
* finish cutting denim squares last night, still need to cut rest of flannel squares
* 1/3 of squares are assembled - need to work on assembling rest

Quilt Camp Prep
* need to cut/pick fabric/trim for projects and pack so it's ready :-)
* need to make block giveaway blocks - any 12" pattern using white/WOW & 1930's

UFO's
* binding :-(

Dad's Star Struck
* work on making blocks

I may take a 1/2 day today and start my Friday Night Sew-In in the afternoon :-). I'll post updates and pictures tonight or early tomorrow :-)

~QB29

Friday Night Sew-In

2010-08-19T22:26:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow's the night, don't forget. Make a date with your sewing machine. Keep it up late! :-)

~QB29

Now, I know y'all wouldn't want one of these ...

2010-08-14T23:59:00.003-04:00

But just in case you do, visit Sew Many Ways. She has one that she's giving away.

~QB29