Craft Happy

Swoon block: 3

2012-01-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

That took me an hour and a half, but I had all my fabric cut and the 8 half square triangles already sewn. Whew!

Swoon block: 2

2012-01-23T10:53:00.000-08:00

I could have gotten a lot more done if we'd just be a little more healthy around here! Until this weekend, I'd never had a raging head cold AND the stomach flu at the same time. Let me tell you, it isn't fun. Hopefully the next few blocks will be getting done a little quicker.

Pin addiction

2012-01-17T08:53:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite boards: Quilts!

I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of Pinterest by now. I have to say I LOVE it. I'm finding a way to bookmark all my favorite tutorials, project inspiration, recipes, home decor and fun little tidbits of whatever in a way that works for me. Really, the at a glance with the photo is perfect. The networking aspect of it just makes it all the more fun. It is so much better than my list on the right of my blog, which may disappear or move, depending on time and/or willpower. (You know how that is!)

In case anyone is interested, you can find my boards here.

Please let me know in the comments if you have one! It's great to share inspiration!

Also, how do people make those Pinterest collages that link out? I tried to google it but I ended up with boards of photo collages. <<< Edit: so apparently I live in a fantasy world where I *swear* I saw this. I was probably confusing the collage like this from Flickr with the captions sourcing images from Pinterest like this. Thanks, Melissa!

Triple wrap bracelet

2012-01-16T11:30:00.000-08:00

Making this bracelet was so much more fun than watching the Broncos game Saturday night. Not that I don't enjoy watching a football game once in a while, but that was hardly a game. Better luck next year, Tebow and friends.

My best beading friend and neighbor (and Patriots convert--should have waited another year!), Deb, showed me how to make it. It takes a bit of time but it is really easy.

I'll be making more for sure! They would make great birthday/Christmas gifts.

First block for the Swoon quilt

2012-01-15T14:33:00.000-08:00

I started doing the Swoon Along and discovered how to construct that block in a way that is much more simple.

In a nutshell, you don't need to make the Swoon block out of so many pieces. The way I did it also allows you to not cut up some of the fabric so much. In my sample block here, you can see I fussy cut many of the pieces.

This is an overview for those that have the pattern:
You don't make so many half square triangles and flying geese and you will SAVE TIME—yipee! You do use more fabric, but that is a good trade off in my book.*

Start with a big square—the same size as the square at the very center of the block—and sew smaller background and contrast squares off of its corners to start creating the units in step 7 and 8. Those smaller squares are the same size as the small squares used for the flying geese. You only need a 8 half square triangles and 4 flying geese for each Swoon block.

Sorry that I'm not writing this out more clearly. I'm trying to share what I know in a way that doesn't basically re-publish the pattern in the exact same size.

*WARNING: The big caveat is that you cannot do this block construction with only a fat quarter of the fabric I fussy cut (I'm not talking about fussy cutting—just having enough to make the block in the most efficient way possible). You have to have a half yard of that print. It would be better to have more than a fat quarter of the other print (the one in the center star) although I did the math and it can be done. I think the original pattern also cuts it pretty close, so that if you are a person that pre-washes, you might consider getting more yardage too.

As an interesting aside and inspiration for colors:
As I was looking around, I did find out that the block is a known under a couple different names:
• variation of Carpenter's Wheel
• Rolling Star
• Star of Bethlehem
Here are some vintage examples of similar quilts. Aren't they fun!
LOVE the use of black and quirky block layout :: Well loved vintage quilt :: Gorgeous vintage version from the 50s out of solids :: Burnt Orange from the late 70's :: Worn one from the 50's :: Not sure the date on this one :: My fave: Solids from the 80's (LOVE the block on the lower left) :: The more typical Carpenter's Wheel instructions and a version Marci Girl made with the same instructions (looks just like the block on the Swoon quilt)

Loving the local Modern Quilt Guild!

2012-01-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

I had so, so much fun at the FRMQG (Front Range Modern Quilt Guild) meeting tonight. I needed that! Absolutely everyone I have met through the guild has been someone I just truly enjoy to be around.

Tonight was especially a treat because Lisa and Karla of Sweetwater gave a presentation. Yes, THAT Sweetwater! Those gals really know how to design fabric. I have loved their lines and am hoarding a bunch in my stash. Guess what happened when they did a drawing for a copy of their book, Sweetwater's Simple Home? They called out my name! I've had permagrin ever since. I made sure to have both of them sign it. I really hope they don't think I'm a freak because I had "fabric groupie" all over me, gushing over their fabric designs and probably acting like a fool. I really have no gauge whether or not I embarrassed myself. I was on a quilters high. THANK YOU, SWEETWATER!

I have a funny point to share about this quilt. I kind of busted my butt to get the thing quilted and bound because I wanted to share it at show and tell at tonight's meeting. I was looking forward to having something to share all day. (Yes, I know I'm a dork.) I was so bummed to find that I'd left it at home in my rush to get out the door in the morning--halfway through my morning commute to work. I called my hubby (who thankfully works the same place but was driving separately) to see if he was still home. Unfortunately he wasn't, but he did swing back by home and brought it to work for me. What an awesome guy! Then at the meeting, Melissa was hurrying as fast as she could to get through it all before Sweetwater spoke. The show and tell started, but time was out right as it was my turn. I didn't even get to share my quilts. Oh well! At least I'm prepared for next time.

'Twas two weeks AFTER Christmas

2012-01-10T09:43:00.000-08:00

I just finished this quilt on Sunday. Obviously too late to put out for this Christmas, but at least I'm ahead for next Christmas. After I made the table runner, I decided that I didn't want to put the fabrics back in the stash and I had already decided I would make this pattern as a Christmas quilt sometime. I went into it knowing that it would be all but impossible to finish up in time. Between holiday parties, shopping for presents, wrapping and baking, I didn't get in too much sewing.

My free motion quilting is improving too. I had fun quilting those flowers. This is the most applique I've ever done.

I'm proud of myself for exercising the principle of make do or do without. All fabrics are from my stash. It was a stretch with a couple of them. One of the dark circle backgrounds had to be pieced together. I used every last bit of that striped fabric. The middle sashing strip is going in the opposite direction of the rest, but I had no more to cut from. The binding only overlapped by 3 inches in the end. That's cutting it close! I even pieced the batting and did a two tone backing. I already had the thread too. (The reason I could do this is probably because I've totally over indulged in fabric buying in the past. Something I need to be much more mindful of. Money doesn't grow on trees, after all.)

Quilt details:
Pattern: Soulful Blossoms from Living Large 2 by Heather Peterson
Size: 48"x48"
Fabrics: started with the leftovers from the table runner, added all from my stash

Fabric Haul from Christmas

2012-01-04T18:46:00.000-08:00

fat quarters from Mom and Dad

I can hardly believe all the fabric my parents gave me for Christmas. What a great way to start off some new projects! I know my mom got a great deal on them, but they are awesome. Many of them fill in some gaps I had in a couple different projects. I think all of them came from Isabelle Originals and Ivy Threads. (It's a very cute shop. If you happen to be in central eastern Iowa, it is well worth a trip to go there.)

yardage: seriously big pieces on the bottom two!

There are so many possibilities. I really like all of them. The yardage will be great for a back or some borders, or both. I think that stripe will make a great binding too.

even more goodies!

They even gave me a neat quilt stand that I had hinted I wanted, a nice calendar with patterns, a huge set of thread and an Amy Butler halter pattern. Mom even threw in some scraps from the scrap bin when we went back to the quilt store.

A little splurge on myself

I did a little spending of some Christmas gift money on myself too. I found some wonderful fabrics, including some Flea Market Fancy. I bought all of the fat quarters I could find of the one on the upper left. I love that print!

With all these new additions, I should have no trouble making some quilts or other projects this year. Now, my biggest challenge for the year, to use my stash.

Thank you, Linda Lum deBono!

2012-01-03T19:41:00.000-08:00

I was lucky to win these two books from Linda Lum deBono right before Christmas. (My sympathies to her too, having just lost her grandma. Linda, if you ever read this, I hope the curve balls have stopped coming.) She was even kind enough to autograph them for me!

I didn't have time to start any of the projects but they are both full of wonderful projects for the holidays. The row by row book has festive ideas for all year round. I'm thinking of making some smaller quilts using the designs and techniques in this book too.

Thank you, Linda!

A couple of Christmas finishes to share

2012-01-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

Soho Table Runner

I did get a couple projects done in time for Christmas. The table runner is highly due to a sewing day with the FRMQG. (I need more of those days!) I had the top pieced by the time I left that day. Amazing how productive I can be without a million interruptions. I free motion quilted it in another day. I don't really want to put it away.

Market Bag

The bag is to store my daughter's new wooden train tracks and cars. We gave it to her for Christmas along with the train stuff. I got the pattern out of a book, but I see that APQ also has it for free on their site. It is very substantial and will definitely hold up to wear and tear. My daughter actually helped me pick out the fabric although she didn't know what it was for.

Table runner details:
pattern: Soho Table Runner from Busy Bee Quilt Designs
fabrics: all stash! A lot of them are Basic Grey Figgy Pudding or Fruitcake

Bag details:
pattern: Market Bag in the large size (free instructions here)

So many things going on

2011-09-19T09:55:00.000-07:00

This blog has been pretty much abandoned for the month of August.

Some positive things that have happened:

Joined the Front Range Modern Quilt Guild and had a great time at the August meet and sew. There are so many interesting ladies making gorgeous quilts. I can't wait to get to know them better this year.
Cut out and started sewing a kaleidoscope quilt using Don't Call Me Betsy's QAL directions. I'm way late for the QAL though.

My first four kaleidoscope blocks

We're in the process of completely remodeling our kitchen. It's chaos in the kitchen since before Labor Day.

Still a lot of work to be done, but it's looking good!

My hubby and daughter are great.

Some negative things:

Had emergency surgery a little over a week ago. The double whammy is that I was pregnant and we lost the embryo too. The pregnancy was ectopic and couldn't go forward. I was bleeding internally and there was nothing else that could be done but surgery and removing my whole tube on one side. I've got to go back to the doctor today as one of the incisions opened up. I'm ready to be part of the world again but the grieving still continues.
The art director at work is leaving and today is her last day. She has become a good friend and will be greatly missed although I'm very happy for her. Work is at it's busiest time of the year plus I've been out for a week, so it will surely be stressful to go back. I'm not even sure if I'll make it into work today after my dr appointment.
We've had no kitchen sink or dishwasher (our countertops for that matter) since before Labor Day. The counter people come in a bit over a week. Then hopefully later that day or the next day, our sink and dishwasher can be plumbed in. Thank goodness for Costco and easy to prepare or heat up meals.

A favorite quote

2011-08-09T06:31:00.001-07:00

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
– Theodore Seuss Giesel

Just about in time

2011-08-01T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm now the proud aunt to my first niece! I have two adorable nephews and I'm happy to now have a healthy niece.

I've been working on her quilt. All I have left is the blue polka dot binding. It is so adorable. The line is Buttercup and I think this has been one of the hardest times I've ever had lining up my seams and points, but soooo worth it. It's not perfection, but pretty darn good. :) I can't wait to see her sometime in August. She's an 8 hour drive away so we can't just hop over and see her.

As a note: I hope to be closer to her than my nephews because we'll speak the same language. That kind of puts a damper on a relationship to be across an ocean and not have a language in common. Can you feel the guilt from my words though? I just don't know how exactly to become close to them. Anyone else out there in that situation and have any ideas?

Catching up

2011-07-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

I've been working on a few things, slowly but surely.

For Aunt Gee Gee

The first one is a bit of a bomb as I didn't think it would turn out to be such frou frou pillow. It is for my great aunt who has just been moved to a nursing home. I wanted to make her something to cheer her up. She's a colorful gal who's a little loud, so I still think she'll like it. It should bring a little pop of color to her room, if nothing else. I consulted with my grandma, her sister, on the color scheme options and she picked this one for her.

first time free motion quilting on my Juki--love it!

I've also been working on a quilt for my soon-to-be-born niece. She'll be my first niece and I'm super excited for my brother and his wife. Confession: I hired a babysitter for this afternoon to get time to quilt it.

fabric is Fig Tree Buttercup

The last is a gift for my mom for her birthday. I hope she'll love it. A LQS closed its doors so I scored a ton of stuff for her (and me, too). There's some yummy Central Park, lots of books, a white and a graphite Sewline pencil and quilting gloves. Another confession: I'm having a hard time not keeping those fabrics for my stash! I picked up the cute basket at the thrift store. I love finding unique things to put gifts into, especially something that has some usefulness.

Quick little baby shower gift

2011-07-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

One of my co-workers is having a baby shower tomorrow, so I decided to try making one of those taggie-type toys. It is really cute and colorful. I hope all those colors are interesting to her coming baby girl. I didn't follow a pattern or anything. I winged it. The back is the same pink fleece that is the background of the photo. The best part? I had all of it in my stash of fabrics and ribbons. Yes, I may have a problem. lol!

Replacement Apron

2011-07-02T15:25:00.000-07:00

This cute apron will be off to it's new owner on Tuesday. Jamie, thanks for the patience! I hope this one makes it all the way to you and not just the envelope.

Tsk, tsk, tsk

2011-06-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Shame on the postal employee that stole the apron I made for Jamie. It arrived to her with my note and an otherwise empty but sealed envelope. I've known for a while but it took a bit of wind out of my sails.

I've also been busy with my parents visit from out of town and a chest cold that I came down with right before Memorial Day. I'm still coughing a bit from that one and was tired for sooo long. I think I'm going to sew this week! Woo hoo! First up, a new apron for Jamie even though she kindly said that isn't necessary.

Winner can now cook a chicken dinner (with a cute apron)

2011-05-25T20:07:00.000-07:00

Congrats, Jamie! Random.org picked your comment number 77 as the winner of the apron.

It was so fun to read through everyone's specialty in the kitchen. Thanks so much for entering. And thank you Sew Mama Sew for putting this together. I discovered a lot of great blogs in the process!

I hope to hear from all of you again!

May Giveaway Day

2011-05-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

**Giveaway closed. Thank you for all the comments!**

I'm participating in the Sew Mama Sew May Giveaway Day. Up for grabs is this super cute apron. Half aprons come in handy, especially in time for BBQ weather.

I love the colors. So summery!

Apron with my little herb garden

Closeup of the fabrics.

It is fully reversible.

All you have to do is tell me what your cooking specialty is. I'll draw a random name May 25. Make sure to leave me an email address. Thanks for stopping by!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-05-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished this quilt in the nick of time. I knew when I heard about Amy's Blogger's Quilt Festival that it was just the incentive I needed to finally get the binding put on. I just finished the binding an hour ago. Here's an earlier post with more details on the pattern and fabric.

Please excuse the craptastic lighting and photography. It's raining outside but I didn't want to wait to post.

Star-in-a-day

I bought most of the material and the pattern for this quilt last summer while in my hometown. I live pretty far away, so that means something to me. A while ago my mom had also pointed out that we don't have any quilts hanging up, odd for a house of someone who loves to quilt. I took that as a challenge and this quilt is the result. We're lucky enough to have some large vaulted areas in our house and this will soon hang on one of our high walls in the family room. (We've got some wall painting to finish up and then it will be put up.) I'll think of where I came from when I look at it, not to mention that the pattern is striking especially from a distance.

It's a pretty big quilt that is basically one block.

beautiful quilting by Deb Geissler

The colors of the fabric are much more beautiful in person. I was having a hard time getting them to look as rich in the photos.

Wanna swap?

2011-05-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

Anyone from Australia or New Zealand want to swap US DS Quilts prints for your prints?

Mother's Day treat to me

2011-05-10T07:21:00.000-07:00

I got to sew up a Phoebe purse for Mother's Day. It was so nice to start and finish a project the same day. I had seen Angela's and I couldn't resist. It is a great shape and is a nice size.

I took the extra step to do the fusible fleece to give it more body. I did end up breaking 3 sewing machine needles in one place though. I guess 4 layers of fabric, 3 layers of iron on interfacing and 1 layer of fusible fleece was a bit much for my machine. The sad thing is that it was my Juki that couldn't handle it, but my 10 year old Kenmore cheapy sewed through it with no problem. I think my Juki needs a service.

I had the fabric already. I just loooove those Heather Bailey flowers. I think I need more. :)

the contrast lining

Pattern: Phoebe bag free pattern from Artsy Crafty Babe

Fabrics: Heather Bailey Nicey Jane Hello Roses (dove) and DS Quilts Fairgrounds modern tile

More retro apron fun, this time for me!

2011-05-10T06:28:00.000-07:00

I made another apron. This time I added 2" to the width at the center, and it turned out perfect. I've got the decent amount of wrap around my hips and my bust. I also did more simple attachment of the waist ties without the knot. That is about perfect!

Lined with cuteness!

Pattern: Retro Fun: Vintage Style Apron free pattern from Sew4Home

Fabrics: DS Quilts Picnic line and navy bias tape

Retro apron fun

2011-05-05T14:25:00.000-07:00

These aprons might be addicting. I'm already making another one for myself and giving this to a friend. It's a wee bit small on me. Not horribly, but just a little. I don't want to feel like a fat guy in a little coat so I'm making another for myself but just a little larger. (I'm a size 12, fyi... did I just admit that publicly??)

Those fabrics look made for each other

Fun knot detail

Pattern: Retro Fun: Vintage Style Apron free pattern from Sew4Home (with seriously easy to understand directions and lots of photos)

Fabrics: Hoodie’s Collection Vegetable Patch Tomatoes and DS Quilts Picnic Pink and Red Dots, ecru bias tape

Notes: I just sewed on the straps instead of making button holes, and tacked down in front of the knot so it lays down better.

My Irish eyes are smiling

2011-04-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

Map of Ireland quilt

We just got back from a trip to Ireland with my daughter, husband and in-laws. It was a lot of fun. We went to Dublin, Galway, Connemarra Mountains, Ashford Castle and Cong Abbey, the Cliffs of Moher, Woodstock, and O'Briensbridge.

Galway

Cong Abbey

Cliffs of Moher

There wasn't much quilting going on but I did get a quarter meter of one print. The one shop I found had almost all fabric that is from the US, at a considerably higher price than here. I did find a very small exhibit of local quilts in Galway, though. That was a nice surprise!

Galway Icons quilt


Galway (great inspiration for some applique, too)

Scene from my sewing room

2011-04-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

for my niece: expected to arrive later this summer
(I couldn't help starting this new project. I'm so excited!)

Thank you, Vickie!

2011-04-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so so so so so so lucky to have won a gift certificate to Fat Quarter Shop from Vickie over at Spun Sugar Quilts. She's got a great blog and is really fun to follow. Her tutorials are awesome too. I think I had permagrin for a week after winning. Fabric!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

I had a dream cart with fabrics to make new pillows for our living room. We are living in beige-land and need some color. After much deliberation and consulting with my husband, I came up with these two designs. I've really been into teal lately and can't wait to incorporate some of it into our space.

Here is the fabric, in real life. I think it will be fun and can't wait to put them together. That one on the top is a cotton/linen blend from French General. The texture will add some dimension to pillows.

Coming up empty handed

2011-03-31T12:43:00.000-07:00

I'm a little bummed that my fabric design wasn't in the top 75 for the Project Selvage contest. There are some prints that I liked that didn't make the cut either, so in some sense I'm in good company. Oh well. At least I put it out there and it was a good exercise. My background is not in illustration or surface/pattern design, but I am a graphic designer. I would like to pursue fabric design still. OK... enough of my pity party.

Go vote for your favorite out the terrific designs here! There really are some fantastic choices.

Naptime Quilt

2011-03-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

I've finished this for my daughter the week after Valentine's, but what can I say... things have been hectic. We've had one illness after another, after another, around here. I'm looking forward to spring! These colors are definitely a spring-y combination. The best is that my daughter loves it.

This sews up super quick. I added an extra fabric strip row to each side of the quilt so it will last my daughter a while. The green gingham on the back has some significance for me. When I was little, I had a favorite pillow that was green gingham satin. I couldn't sleep without that and my blankie.

Perfect for a two year old who loves pink

Quilted row by row, by me

Pattern: modified from For Ella's Sister from Jacquelynne Steves of The Noble Wife. Note that this pattern is better if you don't pre-wash. I did and mine had enough shrinkage that I had to piece the long strips and the sashing strips. I didn't pay attention to the 42" width. Ooops!

Fabrics: primarily Quite Contrary by My Mind's Eye for Riley Blake, Nicey Jane, a pink print I bought while in Australia by A Day in the Country, Flutterby, Sweet, Meadowsweet, Tracy Porter, and old pink print from Possibilities, plus some random scraps. The backing is a small lime gingham, which I think might be Moondance.

Project Selvage

2011-03-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

Mod Monkeys

I just got an email thanking me for participating in Project Selvage. I'm crossing my fingers to make the top 75. There is some excellent competition! There are 1,092 entries, making the odds of being selected for the next round 6.8%, or less than 1 in 14. Many of the designs are just fantastic, so it will be interesting to see which ones Michael Miller selects.

I've never met a quilter I didn't like.

2011-03-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

Life is too short to not have fun. When I think of quilting, I don't think serious. I think fun! It seems like some people are taking things too seriously lately. Live, and let live. What technique, fabric line, fabric style, quilt style, etc. that another quilter is using is cool with me. All of it will be created by a sister in quilting, someone who shares the same passion for a craft I love.

I've created this button to declare my attitude toward the art form. Feel free to put it on your blog too!

Starting a new kind of diet

2011-03-23T21:17:00.001-07:00

1 yard in allowed for every 10 yards out. Starting..... NOW. :)

Recovery gifts for a friend

2011-03-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

Chop, sew, chop, sew, chop, sew, quilt, bind.


Pillowcase

A friend and colleague has been terribly sick with cancer treatments, so I made these to help cheer her up. She said cool colors are what makes her happy. I made the pillowcase because she's been spending so much time in bed. The little table mat can go wherever. It could be nice for a large placemat, too. It is the first time sewing with batiks and with doing my own improv piecing. I hope they do cheer her up!

Happy St. Patricks!

2011-03-17T12:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some green earrings I'll be sporting today. I just made them on Tuesday. May the luck 'o the Irish be with you.

Coral + Grey

2011-03-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

I'm going to enter this necklace in a bead contest. It is sort of on a whim. I'm soooo not a professional beader or even someone who does it regularly. This came as a kit with some of the beads but you are supposed to make whatever you want out of it. It is due to be turned in tomorrow so wish me luck!

My favorite part is the waxed linen chain

It can be worn long or short.

In the works

2011-03-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm finally cutting into these fabrics. They've been stashed away for awhile. Temple Flowers was Amy Butler's second line ever, I believe. The only thing holding me up from starting sewing is that I want to get my hands on a few Parisville prints to add into the mix.

I'm cutting out 10" squares and am going to make a potentially huge half square triangle quilt. I want to show off these fabric designs. I still have lots left over so I'll probably make another quilt out of them in the future.

I told my hubby I'd like to use these fabrics as a quilt for our bedroom and to redecorate. I think he just saw dollar signs and said no. I'm going to have to work harder than I thought to get him behind this one. Darn!

If we could just get healthy at our house,

2011-02-28T12:58:00.000-08:00

....I'd have a couple things to post about. For example, I've finished DD's Valentine's quilt, got the Star in a Day top back from the quilter, made a necklace, made some earrings and have a couple recipes to share. But, DD's 3 week long (and counting) itchy viral rash, keeping her from sleeping well for 3 weeks, plus her now intense coughing, that has literally kept us up all night for the past two nights, has my head in a fog. When she doesn't feel well, she needs to sleep on me. Not beside me--ON me. Hopefully, we'll all emerge from the fog soon. Add to that a house guest for the past 2 and a half weeks. Sigh.

I'm now a Weight Watcher

2011-02-10T11:23:00.003-08:00

I just joined Weight Watchers this week. I guess my recipes will probably transition from the Banana Phyllo Rolls, to something a little less rich. I refuse to eat bland, yucky meals all the time so I'm taking this on as a challenge on learning cooking techniques that add a lot of flavor but not a lot of calories or fat. Wish me luck!

Bright & Springy

2011-02-06T16:45:00.000-08:00

I'm working on quilting this quilt for my daughter for Valentine's Day. It is the perfect size for her to nap under at daycare. Just looking at it makes me happy and ready for spring. Especially since we keep getting so much snow lately.

Banana Phyllo Rolls with Caramel Sabayon Sauce

2011-01-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is my interpretation and additional instructions for making this recipe. I made them last night and they were delicious. It would be a great dessert for Valentine's Day.

Ingredients
1 package phyllo dough (14" x 18"), thawed (I used #7 thick phyllo)
1/2 cup butter, melted
8 bananas
3/4 cup white chocolate, grated or mini chips
3/4 cup macadamia nuts, toasted and ground
or
3/4 cup flaked or shredded coconut
1 cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate

Peel bananas and cut in half both lengthwise and widthwise.

Get a damp towel to cover unused phyllo while you are working. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on work surface. Brush with butter. Bring down top short edge and bring up bottom short edge so that you fold it in thirds (diagram 1 and 2). Brush again with butter. Place one piece of banana and 1 T white chocolate and nuts or coconut (diagram 3). Fold up over banana filling once (diagram 4). Fold over long edges to seal in fillings (diagram 5). Roll up rest of phyllo around filling (diagram 6). Brush with butter and place seam side down on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake bananas in preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over cooled rolls. Serve with Sabayon Sauce (recipe below)

Makes 16 rolls.

Caramel Sabayon Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream

In top of double boiler, over hot water, mix sugar and egg yolks. Heat until hot to touch, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Using mixer, whip at high speed until stiff and thick. Add cream and whip until fluffy.

I made mine like a loose whip cream. I've never had it before so if anyone knows if it is supposed to be more runny, let me know.

Star in a Day top finished

2011-01-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

The stars aligned today! I had a holiday from work but my daughter still had daycare, so I ended up with a chunk of time to finish up this quilt top. The pattern is Star in a Day from Star Saavy Laps from Fats. I dropped it off to be quilted this afternoon. When it is done and bound, it will be hung on the wall in our family room.

Fabric:

Border and center: Tranquility from Sandy Gervais by Moda
Red: Deb Strain by Moda
Ivory: various fat quarters
Background: Petals & Paisleys by Possibilities for Quilting Treasures
Backing: Serenity by Heather Mulder Petersen for Henry Glass

Vocabulary of a two year old

2011-01-12T19:50:00.000-08:00

My daughter is two and saying the cutest things.

dingle bells=jingle bells
jamamas=pajamas
hangaber=hamburger
I carry you=pick me up and carry me
I lub you too=I love you
ABCDS=letters

Just what I've been doing lately

2011-01-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

I love this mug my parents gave me for Christmas, especially when filled with a steaming cup of soy chai (and preferably sitting next to my sewing machine).

Chocolate, Wine and Roses

2011-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm kind of working towards having some seasonal quilts to display at home. I don't have that many on display. Some, like this top I just completed, are great because although it is kind of Valentine's day, it can stay up all year if I want. It is a little soft and floral for my regular taste, but there is a side of me that likes this sort of thing (in moderation). I'm pretty eclectic in my taste. Modern mixed with traditional, streamlined mixed with ornate. (There are no rules, you know!) What I really like about this quilt is how the blocks interlock so it is hard to tell where one starts and another begins. Now, I need to quilt it.

Last Christmas gift all sewed

2010-12-22T07:03:00.000-08:00

I took a class on making casserole covers and napkins at my LQS. They did a series of classes of quick holiday gift projects and I hope they do it again next year. It was fun.

I decided to give a few of the casserole covers as gifts this year. One is for my aunt who always hosts us for Christmas (navy), one is for my mom (blue floral), and one is for my SIL (brick red). I think I'll make a few more and give them to some of my friends too, but after the holidays. The second blue floral is for one of them.

They lay almost flat to store. To use, you put your dish inside, bring up the two sides with the rings, thread the handle through both rings, and cinch it up. I like that it is flexible to hold different shapes of bowls and trays. As long as it is round or square, it should fit. They're lined with InsulBrite to keep the heat or cold in. We do a lot of dinners with friends so I know it will come in handy. Now I just need to make myself one.

I Elfed my table

2010-12-22T06:53:00.000-08:00

I love this little elf. He's so cute. I don't have a lot of "cute" stuff in my house, but I couldn't resist him last year. Of course, this little table runner I whipped up over Thanksgiving break doesn't hurt. I made it from a Pieced Tree pattern called Two by Fours. The fabric is various charm squares from Moda lines by Sandy Gervais called Holly Jolly and Merry and Bright. I mixed in a few other things from my stash too. I used up almost all my scraps of that aqua color which feels good!

I also souped up a cheap wreath with new accent greenery. It looks so much better.

Merry Christmas!

Deviled Ham Spread

2010-11-30T13:54:00.000-08:00

1 pound smoked ham, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup prepared dijon mustard
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons hot sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder
Salt
Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Great on crackers.

Pecan Pie Bars

2010-11-30T13:47:00.001-08:00

These are better than the pie!

Crust:
1 3/4 C all-purpose flour
1/3 c packed dark brown sugar
3/4 c unsalted butter, softened

Preheat oven to 350° F. combine using pastry knife until mixed. Press
into 13x9 pan. Bake 16-20 minutes until golden brown.

Filling:
1 c packed dark brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 c dark corn syrup
1/4 c unsalted butter, melted
1 t vanilla extract
1/8 t salt
2 c chopped pecans

Mix all filling ingredients but pecans. Stir in pecans. Pour over
baked crust. Bake additional 35 minutes (or until set) at 350°.

Fried Calamari

2010-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

I made calamari tonight for dinner, based on this recipe. The squid was from a local Asian grocery store that has the best seafood.

Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1-2 pounds clean squid rings
1 1/4 c all-purpose flour
3/4 c Italian style bread crumbs
2 tablespoons dried parsley
Salt (lots!) and freshly ground black pepper
Marinara sauce

Pour enough oil into a heavy large saucepan to reach the depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Mix the flour, bread crumbs, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Working in small batches, toss the squid into the flour mixture to coat. Carefully add the squid to the oil and fry until crisp and very pale golden, about 1 minute per batch. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.

Serve with marinara sauce.

Curried Green Chile Pork

2010-11-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

I just served this to friends Sunday night to great reviews. It's great leftover and doubles well.

This recipe and the one I posted for Beef Bourguignonne are variations from this free cookbook pdf download from KitchenAid. If you scroll down in the pdf, there are a bunch of great recipes after you get past some of the instructions and such.

2 1⁄2 pounds lean pork stew meat
2 tablespoons curry powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried thyme
3⁄4 teaspoon ground cumin
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
dash of red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 small can of mild green chiles
1⁄2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup coconut milk

Place pork in Slow Cooker ceramic pot. In small bowl, combine curry powder, brown sugar, thyme, cumin, salt, and red pepper. Stir in garlic and oil until well blended. Add to pork; toss to coat evenly. Add onion, jalapeno peppers, and chicken broth. Cover and cook at HIGH 31⁄2 to 41⁄2 hours, or until pork is very tender. In small bowl, blend flour into coconut milk. Stir into pork mixture. Cover and cook at HIGH 10 to 20 minutes, or until thickened. Serve with hot cooked rice.
Yield: 6 servings (1 cup per serving).

Apple Bread Pudding

2010-11-11T11:57:00.000-08:00

This is adapted from the recipe for Apple-Nut Bread Pudding in Fix-It and Forget-It Christmas Cookbook. It smells great cooking, is easy to prepare and is perfect to warm up from the chilly fall weather.

8 slices whole wheat bread, cubed
2 large apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1/4 c raisins
1 c sugar
1 scant T pumpkin pie spice or baking spice
3 eggs
2 c milk
1/4 c apple juice
4 T butter, melted

Place bread cubes, apples and raisins in greased slow cooker and mix gently. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and spice. Add in egg & mix well. Add milk, apple juice and melted butter and combine thoroughly. Pour this mixture over bread mixture in slow cooker and gently stir. Cover. Cook on high for approximately 2 hours or low for 3-4 hours.

Happy Halloween and Welcome Quilt Festival visitors!

2010-10-30T20:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I would share some details on this quilt for the Blogger's Quilt Festival. (Thanks, Amy!) I made this quilt purely for fun. It came together quickly and I can't wait to have it on the walls for next Halloween. Since I just finished it yesterday, we won't get to enjoy it for too long this year being that it is Halloween today.

hubby dressed as a quilt for Halloween :)

Pattern: Late Bloomer from Thimble Blossoms, out of the Australian Homespun mag

I had the fortunate chance to be in Australia when the Australian Homespun mag that contained this pattern was on the newsstand. I immediately knew I would make it since it was both cute and fairly easy. A while later, I happened to see a Chic or Treat layer cake on clearance and a lightbulb went off that it would be perfect with this pattern (well, what fabric line wouldn't be, really). I've had the material and pattern sitting there waiting to be made for a year. I talked a little bit about my process of picking out the border and ric rac color here.

I agonized for a bit about not doing the applique circles, but felt the quilt didn't need it since the fabric was so graphic and colorful. I also ended up stitching down all the edges of the ric rac so it would lay smooth. This was a first for me with the wavy edge on the bottom and it is so adorable.

fun graphic polka dots, candy and spooky houses

Fabric: Chic or Treat layer cake by Moda, spider web from Alexander Henry and some orange polka dots from Hobby Lobby

I love the fabric. Cute, but not toooo cute. I hope the polka dot fabric from Hobby Lobby will hold up. It actually feels just as nice as my quilt store cotton and was just the perfect color of orange and I couldn't resist those jumbo polka dots.

grey polka dot backing fabric and beautiful quilting

Quilted by: Deb Geissler

Deb did such a great job with the quilting and her turnaround was lightning fast. It is the second quilt she has done for me and I wouldn't hesitate to send her all of my larger quilts. The batting is Hobbs and I like the way it is lightweight but still gets lots of crinkles after it is washed and dried.

Pumpkin Spice "Latte"

2010-10-17T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm enjoying my homemade pumpkin "latte" right now. My recipe: 3 cups of milk, 3 T pumpkin puree, 1 t or so of baking spice (just picked up Tues at a local spice shop and it is yummy!), sugar to taste and instant coffee. Simmer on stovetop to let the flavors meld. This is a generous batch with enough for a friend.

I find using instant makes it creamier while still nofat--no water to dilute it. I sort of just made it up so the measurements may be a wee bit off. Luckily, it's easy to tinker with to get it to taste right.

Two birthday presents for my soon to be 2 year old

2010-10-09T13:33:00.000-07:00

My daughter's 2nd birthday is this coming week. She's changing so quickly. Hopefully she'll change quickly through this defiant and moody phase she's going through right now. She is incredibly sweet almost all of the time.

I made her two things. One is a cutie patootie mushroom pillow. She loves mushrooms. It coordinates with this quilt and with another I have planned to be on her bed once she transitions to a regular twin bed. It is 12" square and was my own design. I used an Olfa circle cutter and glue baste. I'm not that skilled at applique, but I love the freedom of the technique. The Lakehouse iridescent dotted fabric is so fun. I bought it at Isabelle Originals in Dysart, IA--the best quilt shop in all of Iowa! The rest is from a remnant of a panel and Lecien aqua with mushrooms.

See the little mushrooms on the aqua?

two tone purple iridescent dotted fabric = girly fun!

The other is a cute birthday table topper. The cake stand has yummy pumpkin bars right now, but it will soon be replaced with cupcakes! The fabrics were just the cupcake print plus bits and pieces pulled from my scrap bin and stash. The pattern is Center Stage by Pieced Tree, also purchased at Isabelle Originals.


My piecing and stippling is getting better, but still far from perfect.

These colors just scream "Happy Birthday"

Stash additions

2010-10-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Fabric purchased at Quilt A Fair two weeks ago. A couple of the fat quarters go to my mom, but the rest are for my stash or a fall colored pineapple quilt I've got started. Most were purchased a booth that had 20 fats for $25. I should have purchased another 20 for that price!

Corn on the Cob

2010-10-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this corn on the cob steamer or know someone who tried one? I just got the pattern, but now the corn season is over. I bought one from their booth at Quilt A Fair. The owner was super nice too. I can't wait to try it next summer. I think I'll try making a few for Christmas gifts too. My family is all from the mid-west and we love our corn on the cob!

PS
Sweetwater had a booth at Quilt A Fair too. I think they thought I was a bit of a geek when I was talking to them at their booth. I was like a dorky groupie--LOL! I love Authentic and can't wait to make a quilt out of my fat quarter stack.

Slow-cooker Beef Bourguignonne

2010-10-07T09:30:00.000-07:00

I just made this and it is yummy. Perfect for fall and makes the house smell delicious! As a bonus, it makes enough for our family to save half for later.

3 lb. beef stew meat, trimmed and cut into chunks
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled and chopped
2 T dried parsley - or - 4 T chopped fresh parsley
2 t dried thyme
2 t dried marjoram
1 bay leaf
3/4 t salt
1/2 t black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
5 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 T bacon drippings
12 oz. mushrooms, cleaned and cut into quarters
1 c red wine (burgundy or similar)
1/2 c condensed beef comsommé
2 T tomato paste
1 c water

Combine beef, onion, carrots, parsley, thyme, marjoram, bay leaf, salt, pepper, garlic, bacon, drippings and mushrooms in slow cooker. In separate bowl, whisk wine, consommé, tomato paste, and water. Pour over beef mixture in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low 8 hours. After cooked, thicken with flour and additional consommé and cook at high 10-15 minutes.

Serve over cooked egg noodles or mashed potatoes.

Graphic design time

2010-09-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

I've been messing around with my blog look. It is a lot of fun! It's heading in the right direction although I think I may tweak some of the colors a bit. What I've got now might be up for a while, or I might change it up a bit tomorrow night--it just depends on my mood. :)

Perfect day

2010-09-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

So far today is just one of those days that is perfectly enjoyable--and I haven't even left the house. My daughter, who is almost two, has a lot to do with it. We pretended we were animals, read books, she watched just enough Sesame Street so I could finish piecing the back for my Halloween quilt, we ate a fun but yummy lunch of waffles topped with blackberry jam and vanilla yogurt, and she just went down easily for a nap. Later, we'll drop off the quilt to the longarmer Deb and make a stop at a park.

Quilt top is ready to go and kitty approved. :)

The Halloween quilt is going to be so cute! I'm not sure how to tackle the ric rac so that it doesn't pucker the fabric though. I followed the pattern directions to just sew down the center but felt it wasn't finished looking. I then sewed down all the edges using my free-motion foot. It went pretty quickly and overall looks better. I hope the quilter can give it a little tension on her frame to straighten it out. I'll use cotton batting to make it all shrink and crinkle. Hopefully that effect will mask the slight pucker it gave the fabric and the ric rac is poly (but feels like cotton) so it won't shrink. On the previous quilt I made with ric rac, it was sewn on after the quilting and was only on a small baby-sized quilt so I didn't sew it all down.

Any tips on quilting with ric rac?

Sharing the love

2010-09-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

After seeing this post at Sew, Mama, Sew about Iraqi Bundles of Love, I immediately knew I wanted to participate. I've got supplies ready for two packages to send over. I just need to get to the store and buy two new packages of needles and a pair of scissors to throw in each one. One is geared for baby fabrics with some panels and flannels in blue and yellow. The other is sort of a dark colored mix. I added buttons, elastic and other misc to each. I hope that it brings someone joy and above all that they can put it to good use. It feels good to share my stash, especially since I'm beginning to feel like I've been selfish in buying so darn much fabric.

Links if you want to participate too:
What to send
How to build a bundle and send it
Deadline: must be in the mail by Oct. 1

Moravian beauty

2010-09-14T17:46:00.000-07:00

Halloween quilt indecision and decision

2010-09-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

I had bought two Moda Chic or Treat layer cakes last year. (Not sure what I was thinking with two but they were a good deal.)

When I saw this quilt from Camille of Thimble Blossoms, I knew I wanted to make a Halloween version. I actually want to make it over and over since it is so simple and cute and I love the ric rac. I skipped the applique circles and will either applique spiders or skip it all together. The colors on this quilt are so loud that I don't think it needs the detail and I'm in a "get it done" mood.

the winning combination

I had some indecision on which way to go with the ric rac color (green or black) and which fabric to use for the top and bottom border (orange dots or purple multi dots). I've decided on the black ric rac and orange dots. It helped to photograph it to confirm what I was leaning towards anyway.

the contrast is all wrong with this combo

cute, but the black ric rac just has more pop

this top border fabric just is too busy and overwhelms the rest

Boy Oh Boy

2010-08-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Maple Star Chain

Another quilt finish! I'm on a roll, 3 quilts finished in less than 30 days. This quilt goes to Czech Republic also, to be given to my nephew. It's really late because he's almost a year and a half but, in my defense, it is hard to get quilts over there as I don't trust the post office and we also had a daughter a few months before they did so was very busy.

I just love the fabric! The pattern is fun too with alternating Maple Star and Star Chain blocks, with no need for sashing. I like the way the two blocks complement each other and create movement in the quilt. I fussy cut the fabric for the center of the Star Chain blocks so there were different dots in each one. It works as an I Spy quilt too.

Maple Star block

Star Chain block

The quilting is simple as I'm still not comfortable with my free motion quilting skills. The binding was double fold bias tape so I just sewed it on with a zig zag. In hind sight, the variegated thread makes the binding look lumpy. Oh well, it's still cute.

The Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy fabric is so cute!

Backing fabric

Size: ~40"x40"

Pattern: Maple Star Chain from Time-Crunch Quilts by Nancy J. Martin (minus the outside border)

Fabric: Lakehouse Boy Oh Boy line, Moda Marbles, Moda Tiddleywinks, green from Andover, and a couple misc. prints. The binding was some bias tape by the yard I had picked up ages ago.

Thread: King Tut variegated

Quilt for my in-laws

2010-08-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

Variation of Star Cakes

Professionally quilted with a stipple design

Backed with wide fabric from Moda, shown on left

This quilt will be heading to Czech Republic with me at the end of the month. My in-laws live there and it is a joint gift for my hubby's mother's 60th and father's 65th birthday. The quilt is a huge queen size. Here are the details on the pattern and fabric if you're interested.

I'm so glad to have it finished. It's even washed and dried so I can give it to them all crinkly. I love crinkly quilts!

Colorado toile

2010-08-07T11:47:00.000-07:00

Image from http://greatamericanquilt.blogspot.com/

I just got a yard and a half of this year's Rocky Mountain Shop Hop fabric, a Colorado-themed toile. The images are actually quite big. I don't know how I'm going to use it yet, but that will hopefully be enough for something nice. The store I got it from was almost out by 2pm Friday. I hope everyone who wants some gets to the shops quickly!

How did you start quilting?

2010-07-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

This post reminded me of how I got my start in quilting. I directly have APQ to thank for getting me into quilting. I freelanced for them right out of college and they let me borrow one of the loaner sewing machines. I didn't follow a pattern or look at the manual, but I just dove in. This quilt is the result.

My first quilt! The technique could be better but I like it anyway.

Seeing the photo of the design wall brings back good memories! The publication I worked on was Century of Quilts, a history of Meredith Corp.'s influence in the quilting world with projects from various time periods. The photo is of my tattered copy, but I've kept a couple pristine copies tucked away. I was a junior-level designer on it, just so no one thinks they would hire a recent college grad to do all the design work on a magazine. Going into the archives was fun--seeing all the beautiful, old covers.

Most of the staff that was there is no longer around. At the time, Melissa Gansen Beauchamp was the art director, Heidi Kaisand was the editor, and Diane Yanney did a lot of the writing. Jennifer Keltner was there, but I didn't work with her as closely. Many other freelancers were part of the team and in particular, I remember sitting in on a meeting with Susan Price Miller about historic quilts and fabric. I would be surprised if any of them remember me as I was there all of 3 months, but it made a bigger impact on me than they would probably expect. It was a great experience for my career as a graphic designer, but I think it made even more impact on who I am by inspiring me to start quilting.

I had it professionally quilted. I still can't stipple that well!

How did you start quilting?

Nice video tutorials

2010-07-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Missouri Star Quilt Co. has some really nice video tutorials. I have to get one of their binding tools. So simple, but looks like it works well.

Pretty in Pink

2010-07-26T21:04:00.000-07:00

I finished the baby quilt for my cousin's upcoming baby. I really hope they like it! I made up the pattern. It is basically 4.5" x 16.5" strips sewn in sets of 4, into huge split rail fence blocks. Then I added 6.5" strips on two sides. Next it is basted and quilted, then the giant ric rac sewn on, and bound.

Fabrics: Amy Butler Charm Cocoa Dew Drops, Dotty Beans, Awning Stripe, and Covington Tile ; Alexander Henry Kleo in Sage and Kleo Dot; Tracey Porter; Lakehouse pink dots; Anna Maria Horner Garden Party polka dots; backed and bound with pink paisley flannel

Gotta fight the urge to hoard!

2010-07-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

I started this today from stash fabrics. Most are Charm by Amy Butler but there is some Tracy Porter, Alexander Henry and Anna Marie Horner fabrics in there as well. All of it was stash I've been hoarding. It is so hard for me to use fabrics in my stash sometimes but I'm forcing myself to get over it. I know when I use it up is is most likely gone for good and that is surprisingly upsetting. Silly, but true!

Now I have to decide on the color of fabric for a top and bottom band, and whether or not I want to use the ric rac. I'm thinking yes.

The quilt is for my cousin's wife. Her baby shower is at the end of the month so I'll have to move pretty quickly on this one.

Snowbound in July

2010-07-13T19:49:00.000-07:00

Boy could I use a bit of snow now! It was hot today and still 80 outside at 9pm.

I decided to join in on a free (yep, FREE!) block of the month, Snowbound, by the very talented Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill. It is super cute and although I think some of my fabrics will be a bit Christmas-y, I hope to get away with displaying it a little after the holidays too.

Fabrics:
Background for applique: Miss Emma's Garden by Anne Sutton for Henry Glass (this just worked out perfect since it is her fabric design and BOM, plus it was stash)
Appliques: solid cream from Moda for Nautical and Nice range for the snowmen, mostly charm packs or layer cake of Holly Jolly and Merry & Bright by Sandy Gervais for Moda plus scraps of whatever I have
Setting squares: reds and creams pulled out of my Merry & Bright layer cake + other stash and scraps

I've started this a bit backwards, completing all my setting squares before starting the applique. I joined a little behind too, but hope to work on it consistently the rest of the year. Each of the red squares are 1" finished, so it took me a while to finish these!

Pillowcase resource

2010-06-24T14:13:00.000-07:00

I just found this page from American Patchwork & Quilting with pillowcase patterns.

I also love their tube method for making pillowcases. Fast forward about half way to skip the decorative band stitching if you aren't interested. Here is the pdf to the pattern.

Table runner: destination down under

2010-06-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

I made this table runner for a friend of ours who was visiting from Melbourne, Australia. He has earthy colors at his house. I hope this will work out nicely for him. He seemed to really like it when I gave it to him.

The pattern is Fat Quarter Table Runner from Out of the Blue. The fat quarters are some vintage Possibilities prints from one of their garage sales a couple years back. The binding and backing are Moda Stitches on the Oregon Trail from Kansas Troubles Quilters. It's all stash.

Love this quote

2010-06-09T17:24:00.001-07:00

"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm."
– Colette

Off to the long-arm quilter

2010-05-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

I finally finished this quilt top. It will be given to my in-laws. They have a lot of these colors in their flat so I hope they like it. It is off to be quilted. There is no way I could handle quilting that one on my regular sized machine.

It is a variation of Star Cakes. I added 3" sashing and my blocks were slightly smaller after I trimmed them square. Don't you find it difficult to be really precise with the pinked edge of precuts? It started with a layer cake of Moda's Collections for a Cause: Tradition. I removed the navy prints and added a couple of browns and blacks from my stash. The tan background was also from my stash.

It doesn't look so great in our bedroom that normally has plum bedding. And nothing looks good with that hideous carpet that is still a remnant of the previous owners. You have no idea how happy I would be to see that gone but my husband has yet to agree to have it replaced. Isn't 6+ years enough already!?!? Someday, someday...

Love these quilts

2010-04-30T20:14:00.000-07:00

These quilts by Anita from Bloomin' Workshop are great. They are inspiring me to do something with my scraps.

Lecien free patterns

2010-04-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

I should be sewing again soon! The craft room is almost ready. It should be functional after this weekend. I've started looking around at some things to work on. There are so many cute patterns on Lecien's site.

Coming soon: Craft room re-do

2009-09-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

My husband and father in law are remodeling our laundry/crafting room right now. The old room was small, dingy and gross. It's still going to be small, but hopefully clean and well organized, and a bit brighter with better lighting.

The timing should coincide with my schedule calming down a little. I hope so anyway. I haven't been able to sew for three months.

Selvedge quilt label!

2009-06-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

I wish I could take credit for the idea, but I saw it on the Marcus blog. Neat-o!!

Cute beach bag for SIL

2009-06-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

I sewed up this cute beach bag for my SIL's birthday. I hope she'll like it. I had picked up the outer fabric as a remnant at JoAnn and the lining is Freshcut. I wish I would have realized that the color looks a bit washed out on the leaves and taken new pics. Oh well! Note to self for next time. :)

Plus, aren't those peonies gorgeous?? I love when they are in bloom.

Meds for life?

2009-06-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

When trying to get preggo with my daughter, I found out I have PCOS. Only a few of the symptoms are present for me. Now, I found out I have hypothyroidism and will most likely have to take meds for it for the rest of my life. Plus I just started birth control pills to regulate my crazy-a** periods since my daughter was born.

I'm hoping that will help me kick the weight I have gained and to have more emotional equilibrium. I really don't look forward to taking a pill every day for the rest of my life, but I guess if it has to be, it has to be.

Patchwork lottery

2009-06-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I decided on a whim to make 3 blocks for a patchwork lottery here. It was simple, and I had some scraps to use up for it. It would be neat to win the blocks back, but I also am happy that someone else might be happy with them too.

Late, but done!

2009-06-01T18:45:00.000-07:00

I just sent out a quilt for a close friend from college's son. He already turned one. Better late than never. It really has been a chaotic year.

It was all stash, which is great. I started it by pulling the red pictographic print from Chloe's Closet by Moda. I think it is called 26 Letters. It is an old one and I only had half a yard of it. The quilt is made up of 6.5 inch squares (finished size). The backing is the same as the binding: a blue and red woven.

I tried a new machine binding as well. I first followed the directions from Modern Quilt Workshop to make the binding with a 1" bias tape tool. I thought it looked a bit flimsy after I sewed it on so I went back over it with a zig zag stitch. I like it for a rough and tumble kids quilt.

Giveaway over at Mid-Ohio Quilter

2009-05-22T05:43:00.000-07:00

Mid-Ohio Quilter is having a giveaway over at her site. She wants to know what you would like to see at the Moda Bakeshop.

My comment was: How about a softie out of a layer cake? Maybe a bird? Or since Christmas fabric is coming out it could be a dove softie Christmas ornament made with a charm pack or layer cake.

I have it in my mind. Glace by 3 Sisters, with wings attached by buttons. Maybe even finding some sort of olive branch sprig in the floral dept. to attach by hand to a felt beak.

Hey, since I've got a vision, maybe I should try my hand at a tutorial!

Surfin all day, surfin all night

2009-05-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, so admittedly I have been living overseas and should be taking in all the sights and sounds, really living it up. The reality is that Ella is happier with regular and lengthy naps, of somewhat unpredictable timing. I find myself on the internet all the time when she sleeps. I'm entering burnout (and my wallet can't handle anymore fabric purchases online) but I have found a couple neat things.

How awesome are these iron ons? Iron Me On and Sukie Iron Ons, available from Chronicle Books.

I've also been updating a very informal and by no means comprehensive list of tutorials I have noticed and want to keep in mind. It's in my side bar.

Ric rac binding--how cute!

2009-05-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

I just found this tutorial on making a ric rac binding, and thought I'd share. Neat idea!

Stop, Drop and Roll

2009-05-04T03:42:00.001-07:00

Yeah! (big grin) I won, I won, I won! (little happy dance)

I won a copy of Heather Mulder Peterson's Stop, Drop and Roll. I haven't played around yet with jelly rolls so this will be a great starting point. She says it is also fat quarter friendly. I do have plenty of those sitting around. Getting Ziggy With It is probably my favorite from her preview post.

I've tagged myself

2009-04-23T11:27:00.001-07:00

Heather Mulder Peterson has offered up her newest book to the first 5 people who tag themselves. I willingly signed up! I've always been a fan of her patterns and color combos and can't wait to see Stop, Drop and Roll.

Here are 6 or 7 random facts about me:

1. I also played softball in high school. I wasn't that great but our team overall was excellent for our league. I was an outfielder, mostly left field. Never broke a bat though.

2. Speaking of sports, I also have varsity letters in track (the thought of me sprinting around a track makes me want to laugh now), basketball and football cheerleading (is this a sport? maybe not). I was on the volleyball team my freshman year and only after that switched to cheerleading. Mostly, I miss the fabulous legs I had then.

3. My six month old daughter has already been on 3 continents. I actually highly recommend traveling with them at this age. They can't walk or crawl and can sleep in the stroller. I'm typing this from Prague, where I'm living for a couple of months. I know, lucky me! It's for DH's work.

4. I went to the coolest quilt/craft convention ever in Melbourne, Australia. It is called The Stitches & Craft Show. It was so worth getting soaking wet in the rain to get in. (It was raining cats & dogs!) There were fabulous supplies, including some indie fabric screenprinters, spectacular classes which I'm still disappointed that I didn't take, beautiful quilts on display, lectures, and other inspiring goodies. We totally have to copy this concept in the US. I will make a future blog post about it when I get home in June.

5. Until I was in college, I had only been in 4 states, no further west than Des Moines and no further east than Dixon, IL. We took annual vacations to northern Minnesota which I loved. My parents don't travel a lot, which is a total understatement.

6. My secret dream (ok not so secret now) is to design fabric. I think I could do it. I'm obsessed with pattern and color. Will I ever have the courage to pursue it, even if it goes nowhere?

7. I'm realizing how much I thrive in a structured schedule even though I don't think of myself that way. Somehow I find it comforting and reassuring. Go figure!

I don't know who to tag. I like that Heather did it voluntarily, so I'll do it that way too. I feel a bit uncomfortable that I might be imposing otherwise. Let me know if you want to share! I would love to hear from you!!

I can't wait to actually sew

2009-04-22T08:03:00.001-07:00

I feel like I've taken a 1 year hiatus from quilting, and I practically have. However, fabric "collecting" has been in full stride. I've even got fabric waiting for me at home in the mail. LOL

I've got more fabric than I can use and need to go on a fabric diet. (Not a starvation diet though...) I just can't help it. With every season comes more and more fabric I love.

I need to work on the Sonnet quilt from long ago, finish the quilt-a-long quilt, and I have a layer cake of Chic or Treat waiting to be made with this quilt pattern I picked up while in Australia.

Park City Girl's Quilt Festival

2009-04-17T04:37:00.000-07:00

This post is for Park City Girl's Quilt Festival, which by the way is a fabulous idea!

My favorite quilt is the one I made for my daughter, now 6 months old. It is hanging on the wall in her bedroom.

It started when I bought a set of Freshcut fat quarters, mostly the peach-y fabrics. I thought immediately that they would make a great quilt if I ever had a little girl. DH and I had said we were going to try having a baby about a half year prior to the release of that fabric. Nothing had happened yet, but over time, I collected some additional fabrics, figured out what pattern I would use, and started cutting out pieces.

Still, no LO on the way. Eventually, enough time went by (2 years) with nothing happening that we began fertility treatments. By this point I had started slowly sewing blocks together. It was the 3rd treatment cycle, and 2 1/2 years after starting to get pregnant, that finally worked (and I'm thankful because I've heard so many people tried much much longer). Needless to say, the news that I was finally pregnant spurred me on to finish the quilt. It's one of those things that I think represented how much I hoped to have my daughter even when I got down about not being pregnant for month after month. I'm not really sure why, but in my heart I always thought I would have her. I think she already likes the quilt as she will look at it when I hold her in the rocking chair in front of it.

All this talk is making me wish I was home. I never took a photo of her room so what I've got to post is the pic of it right before it went to the quilter.

I can't wait to read all the posts about favorite quilts!

A little bit homesick, in a good way

2009-04-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

So still no sewing for me, but I have been dreaming of sewing things. I've been without a sewing machine since early Feb, and will be through May. I've been traveling the world, collecting lots of goodies (mostly fabric!) along the way. Plus the fall I was so busy with my new baby daughter, then with all the packing and wrapping up my life to be gone for a while. I'm so jealous to look at everyone's blogs and see all the neat things they are making.

New Fabric studio

2009-04-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

I just heard of this new fabric studio called Studio E. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for their fabrics. I like what I see so far. I have no idea where to find a shop that carries them.

Have to put this on my to do list

2009-03-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

This pattern uses a fat quarter for the outside, and it is totally cute.

Yummy Balsamic potatoes

2009-03-23T20:51:00.001-07:00

I made the potatoes from this link last night for friends. I thought I made waaaay to many and would have leftovers. They were so yummy that they were all gone by the end of the evening.

Connecting Threads free patterns

2009-01-06T15:11:00.001-08:00

I just found some cute free patterns online at Connecting Threads. [Images are from their site.]

The pillow would look cute in some leftover fabric from DD's quilt. My problem now is that I have more ideas than time to do them. Actually, that has always been a problem. I'm envious of those who can sew quickly. :)

New year

2008-12-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

The idea of new year has taken on a different meaning for me. As I'm writing this, my two month old daughter is happily sleeping on my chest. This is her special new year, with amazing developments every day.

I wish anyone who comes across this post a happy and healthy 2009.

Happy happy, joy joy...

2008-08-15T15:09:00.001-07:00

Do you remember that song "Happy Happy, Joy Joy" from Ren and Stimpy? I think it has been well over 10 years since I've heard it and it still pops in my head once in a while.

I took a quiz, and it looks like I will need to be careful that my happy doesn't irritate. That song seems like a perfect fit. :)

you are greenyellow
#ADFF2F

Your dominant hues are green and yellow. There's no doubt about the fact that you think with your head, but you don't want to be seen as boring and want people to know about your adventurous streak now and again.

Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen.

Your outlook on life is very bright. You are sunny and optimistic about life and others find it very encouraging, but remember to tone it down if you sense irritation.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Also, I must be so busy running out and making things happen that I haven't taken time to post any crafting. Next time I'm out, I'll need to make buying batteries for my camera happen.

Sweat Shop

2008-07-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sooooo hot (not in a good way, but in a sweaty, wilted, tired way). Temps have been in the 90s since early July with no break. Yuck!

Bird quilt pattern

2008-07-08T16:38:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled across a blog and take a look at the bird quilt! I just had to share. (In case anyone actually reads this anymore, it's been a while since I've posted.)

I have done little crafting lately. Somehow 90 degree weather in a non-air conditioned house is not conducive to my creative flow. Well, that and being pregnant and starting to be more tired. I did do these super simple earrings Sunday night though.

Drum roll please....

2008-05-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

It looks like it is a girl! The ultrasound was this week and they think it is most likely a girl. The technologist said she only goes to a max 80% likelihood with girls, but it seems pretty sure. We saw 3 lines, and nothing even close to boy parts. I do think I may make a boy quilt as a backup anyway. :)

"Girl Quilt" top finished!

2008-05-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

I was able to finish up the "If it's a Girl" quilt top this weekend.

I've got to pick out my backing, which will either be Full Moon Forest bunny damask or whatever else I can dig up. I bought a lot of the green + white bunny damask for the nursery, only to realize it clashes with the carpet in the room. Duh! (We still have the not-so-loveley green carpet in all the upstairs bedrooms.)

Once the backing is ready and I pick up batting at the sale at Joann this weekend, I'll drop it off for the longarmer. I would love to do it but I have neither the time nor the skill to do it right at this point.