http://thequiltingblog.com One Quiling Blog Feed to Aggregate Them All en-us Copyright 2009-2010 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://quiltergoingbananas.blogspot.com/2010/09/september-already.html http://quiltergoingbananas.blogspot.com/2010/09/september-already.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:30:00 MDT at Quilter Going Bananas September already?  Geez, what happened to August I'd like to know.  If you can explain it to me please enlighten me and leave me a comment, okay?  LOL So what's happening in my corner of the world?  After finishing the latest Row Robin to exchange on Wednesday (see my last post) I got my next Row to work on.  Ideas are percolating in my head but no sewing done yet.So I figured I would show you an old applique project that I did over 10 years ago.It's a block I hand appliqued from an incredible book called Jacobean Applique by Pat B. Campbell and Mimi Ayars published by AQS.Here's a view of the back of the block. This block along with 3 others were the first blocks I ever hand appliqued.  I had a phenomenal teacher who was very patient and helped me overcome my fear of hand applique.  I really enjoyed making this block.  Until next time... http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://marystori.blogspot.com/2010/09/fiber-junkies-dye-day.html http://marystori.blogspot.com/2010/09/fiber-junkies-dye-day.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 16:04:43 MDT at The Inside Stori Oh....how can I share the activities of the September gathering of the Fiber Junkies without making you all pea green? There really is no easy way NOT to sound like I'm bragging about this very talented and generous group of artists..... Our goal this month was to dye fabrics......we had a hot, sunny day in our favor.....Patsy Thompson and Nancy Bruce (we need to urge Nancy to get a blog!) had everything set up for the rest of us slackers when we arrived. Thank you girlfriends!! Judy Simmons has had lots of dyeing experience as does Val......but Carol Sloan and myself, not so much! We all brought various fabrics to share and experiment with..... The first task was to soak our fabrics in soda ash and water to prepare them for dyeing. Note the print fabric.....it was a gift from 'the perfect child', purchased on one of his trips.....it has a Finland mark on it, but I think he may have gotten it in Denmark. I thought I'd try to overdye it.Here it is again, drying on Patsy's driveway after I dyed it with avacado dye. You are seeing the back of the material.....with a turnover to the front on one edge. I liked the original version but it was a bit starker than I thought I'd use in my work......now I can see more possibilities.We soaked all sorts of fabrics; muslin, mercerized cotton, polished cottons, threads, wool, bamboo rayon, cheesecloth.....oh my.....We began in Patsy's studio with an overview of dyeing procedures shared by each of us.....well.....actually I didn't have anything to contribute since my experience is limited to almost zero. It was fascinating to hear the different approaches each has.We moved out to the garage and Patsy showed us how to mix up the dye. We used Fiber Reactive Dye from Dharma Trading Co. Which works well with plant fibers.She measured out 1 TBL. of dye.....we all wore masks during this process. Patsy is a physician in her other life and stressed the importance of wearing a mask when working with dye in its powered stage.A little water was added and mixed with a spoon.......then more water was added to reach the 2 cup mark.Patsy uses large squirt bottles to dispense and store her dyes. Those that aren't used in this dye day will be kept refrigerated, up to about 6 months. Nothing you use for this process should ever be used in the kitchen.Here's our palette of dyes..... Patsy suggested that each bottle be labled since once they are mixed it's difficult to identify the color.More to follow....... http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://www.polkadotchair.com/2010/09/kindle-keeper-tutorial.html http://www.polkadotchair.com/2010/09/kindle-keeper-tutorial.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 15:12:04 MDT at The Polka Dot Chair I know it's not Tuesday but I'm changing things up a bit and posting this tutorial today. (I normally post my tutorials on tuesday...).. Next Tuesday I'm *hoping* to be able to have a much needed etsy shop update! I got a Kindle a few years ago, and have loved it! When I saw they were coming out with a new one, I decided it was time to pass mine onto my daughter (less books to haul around at at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://cinderberrystitches.typepad.com/cinderberrystitches/2010/09/a-letter-to-dad.html http://cinderberrystitches.typepad.com/cinderberrystitches/2010/09/a-letter-to-dad.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 14:30:00 MDT Natalie Lymer at Cinderberry Stitches Happy Fathers Day xo Love Isabelle & I http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://quiltedcupcake.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-cute-are-these.html http://quiltedcupcake.blogspot.com/2010/09/how-cute-are-these.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 13:46:27 MDT at Quilted Cupcake Ikea again makes me smile. I saw these online last week, and had to have them. They're called Etty, and cost $4.99 for a 3-pack.  I think I'll either turn them into pillows or a bag or two.  They're nice and thick.  I also scored some clearance fabric for 1.99 and 2.99 a yard.They also have a super-cute cupcake apron for $5.99 - I would have grabbed that too, but goodness knows I have enough aprons now. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://sipiweskequilts.blogspot.com/2010/08/apes-and-muffins.html http://sipiweskequilts.blogspot.com/2010/08/apes-and-muffins.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 12:08:55 MDT at Sipiweske Quilt Designs I know!  I am such a bad blogger and a bad quilter too! The extent of my “sewing” this past week has been to repair this wonderful character . . . a golf-club cover of all things! Good news is that he is all set for his Fall appearance on the golf courses.  Sure glad that repairing things is not something most quilters need to do – but people always assume that because we know how to quilt that we will love fixing anything with a needle and thread.  Boy are they wrong!!! I did manage to squeeze in some baking with my new ‘muffin top’ pans – pumpkin spice muffins even . . . wow the smell in the house was awesome. A person needs to bake these every day of the week - trouble is someone would also need to eat that many in a week . . . not around here.  We’re not really '”sweet” eaters, so baking is a rare occurrence in this house.  Maybe I just need to bake them when I know that company is coming over :) We also made some mini carrot cupcakes – obviously some were minier (is that a word!) than others. K – enough with the food stuff, I’m off to do some machine quilting.  Have a great weekend everyone! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://www.pleasant-home.com/2010/09/party-fun.html http://www.pleasant-home.com/2010/09/party-fun.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:36:16 MDT at Pleasant Home I have slowly been cleaning out files on my computer and reorganizing a bit. I came across these the other night and thought they would be fun to post. One of my Magazine submissions from a few years ago. I love the Orange and Pink. I forgot about these cute cupcake toppers! I'll have to make some for Halloween in Halloweeny colors. Somedays I miss playing with my paper and glue. But mostly I love playing with fabric and thread right now. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/9/4/mollys-sketchbook-lovely-liberty-coin-purse-kits.html http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2010/9/4/mollys-sketchbook-lovely-liberty-coin-purse-kits.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 10:17:44 MDT purl bee at Knitting Crochet Sewing Crafts Patterns and Ideas! Coin purses are one of my favorite things to make because they are so useful and make such great gifts.  They are also amazingly easy to sew, which you might not know because usually their instructions are in Japanese! Sadly, I don’t speak Japanese but luckily purlsoho.com’s Mari does. A little while ago she helped translate the pattern for one of the purses for us and a whole new world opened up! The Cute Japaneses Coin Purse stands out as one of my all time favorite Purl Bee projects and I actually still use it to this day. I’ve made many more coin purses since then and I love giving them as gifts, people often can’t believe that I actually made them! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://myemptynestisfullofcathair-sheilac.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-friends-in-new-zealand.html http://myemptynestisfullofcathair-sheilac.blogspot.com/2010/09/my-friends-in-new-zealand.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:54:19 MDT at My Empty Nest is Full of Cat Hair I want to send hugs and prayers to all the people of New Zealand. They suffered an earthquake during the night of similar magnitude as the one that struck Haiti.Fox News Images  Amazingly, NO ONE was killed thanks to the strong building codes in New Zealand. The damage to property and infrastructure is still tremendous.So while you are enjoying the last official weekend of summer in the northern hemisphere, please think of our friends in the southern hemisphere and send them your prayers and good wishes. They will need it! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://blackberrycreek.typepad.com/blackberry_creek/2010/09/three-dog-night-and-the-morning-after.html http://blackberrycreek.typepad.com/blackberry_creek/2010/09/three-dog-night-and-the-morning-after.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 08:34:30 MDT Susan Ramey Cleveland at Blackberry Creek Home Arts You should have seen us--and you might have if I'd thought to take my camera with me. But I have only two hands, and they were busy with leash and dog. Miss Daisy has come to spend the weekend with... http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/2010/09/magazine-manicure.html http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/2010/09/magazine-manicure.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 07:41:37 MDT at Stash Manicure Hello Everyone: Nedra here from Cactus Needle.Rae Ann has been encouraging us to Manicure our Stash.What I also need is a Magazine ManicureAre you like me in that you love to subscribe or purchase every quilt magazine you see?What do you do with those magazines year after year? Especially the ones that you haven't looked at in ever so long?Many years ago I started placing my magazines in individual binders. I used these wonderful little plastic book keepers that slipped neatly into each edition.Book Keeper by Lo Ran come in packages of 12 and cost around $3.You can find them at JoAnn's on sale.It was a wonderful system for a while.I've collected binder after binder.What I have discovered is that my magazine collection take up a lot of closet space.And they are very heavy. Another thing I have noticed is that I do not go back and look at the older editions.I keep thinking I will peruse, and make some of those quilts, but my reality is that it probably won't happen in this lifetime.What is that organizational rule? Something like: If you haven't used it in a year, then you don't really need it. Time to either give it away or throw it out.I surmise if I haven't looked at the magazines in over 5 years, I'm long overdue to Manicure.I have heard many suggestions from other quilters where they scan the important pages of the magazine, and save the information on a PDF file on their computer. Great idea!Mr. Cactus and I have been on a de-junking binge. He was more than happy to pull these binders down off an upper shelf and help me wipe off the dust.It feels kind of therapeutic to create a clean space.Bags are being filled, and I will be donating the magazines to my local quilt guild where they can be used by those who appreciate them best. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://countrycosy.wordpress.com/2010/09/04/a-delicate-surgery/ http://countrycosy.wordpress.com/2010/09/04/a-delicate-surgery/ Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:37:16 MDT Rachel D. at Country & Cosy Doudouce was loosing weight without any explanation. So a very delicate surgery was necessary. And Doudouce recovered very well. All this, under the supervision of Dr House… euh… sorry, I mean Dr Bonbon in his house ! Wishing you a great weekend. Country & Cosily yours ! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reannalilydesigns/~3/DhGGudH2q5A/woah-more-mug-rugs.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reannalilydesigns/~3/DhGGudH2q5A/woah-more-mug-rugs.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:31:00 MDT Jen of ReannaLily Designs at One Designer Pursuing her Dreams Y'all, its getting bad. I made this Mug Rug and I don't even have a MUG that matches!I really wanted to try out a reverse applique technique I'm working on and some free motion swirls.I suppose at the very least, I'll have my own collection of mini's to display in a group somewhere in my home. That's fun. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PatSloansCorner/~3/4iJYqiZq-ls/quilters-do-not.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PatSloansCorner/~3/4iJYqiZq-ls/quilters-do-not.html Sat, 04 Sep 2010 03:00:00 MDT PatSloan at Pat Sloan's Blog Seriously quilters do not live by fabric alone add some cupcakes (or cheesecake bars) some celebrity hotties... whew! .... I think I've seen his movie trailer a few too many times .... and some really great thread! What Celebrity do YOU want to be stuck on a deserted island with? I'll send one person a Aurifil Thread sampler.. I really want to know! ************************************************************* Radio Show winners from my Monday show are.... Machelle wins Debbie Caffrey's book she wrote "I enjoyed the program. I am amazed at the variety of guests you bring to us.actually had time to listen to... http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://quiltersconnection.wordpress.com/2010/09/04/experiential-experimentation/ http://quiltersconnection.wordpress.com/2010/09/04/experiential-experimentation/ Sat, 04 Sep 2010 02:00:13 MDT Heather at Quilter's Connection Blog Curiosity gets me once in a while. Just like today. I wondered, what happens when you take a perfectly lovely piece of fabric and introduce it to a bucket of bleach? I’ve been reading a lot about Bleach Discharge lately, and wanted to try it myself. I remember as a kid using bleach to tye-dye [...] http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CherryHouseQuilts/~3/gV5dironyhU/houses-house-and-a-free-quilt-block.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/CherryHouseQuilts/~3/gV5dironyhU/houses-house-and-a-free-quilt-block.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:52:17 MDT Lizzy House at Cherry House Quilts As you can imagine, having HOUSE for a last name is interesting, to say the least...and that was before there was a television show by the same name. We're used to it of course, but new friends sometimes stumble over... http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/iraqi-bundles-of-love-by-oct-1.html http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/iraqi-bundles-of-love-by-oct-1.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 23:00:03 MDT at Selvage Blog Quilters are putting together bundles of fabrics and thread to send to our soldiers who will give them to women in Iraq for making quilts and other things for their families. Visit the Iraqi Bundles of Love website to learn more. Leave a message and ask for the address if you'd like to send a bundle of love. Matt, the soldier who is responsible for delivering the bundles to remote areas, has a mother, sisters, wife and daughter who are all quilters. So he knows how important these bundles are. Here are some recipients with their bundles, a women's sewing co-op. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://artisania.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/boo-davis-is-my-new-hero/ http://artisania.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/boo-davis-is-my-new-hero/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:39:46 MDT artisania at Artisania Who is Boo you ask? Well check this out… *sigh* How gloriously modern and graphic and simple and fantastically heartwarming all at the same time. Her website Quiltsryche is a trip, and her book Dare to be Square is now available on Amazon. I wish I could embed the video of her new book  into [...] http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/2010/09/brown-bag-quilt-update.html http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com/2010/09/brown-bag-quilt-update.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 21:12:32 MDT at Stash Manicure JoyLyn here...Congratulations to all of you who were brave enoughto take a leap into the deep end of the quilting pool....  Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming, swimming (Dori from Finding Nemo:)I had no idea this would attract such a response...It is so exciting to have over 100 participants and stillgrowing!  Thanks to all of you.I am busy finding matches for you all sodon't fret they are coming.Now something to think about....Quite some time ago our guild had a fabricexchange that lasted about a year.  Each monthwe each brought 10" squares of a particular coloror value (light, med. or dark) Then we traded themaround and took our stack home until the next month.The challenge was to use them all in a quilt,and the pattern needed to be something withstars in it.  Here is my finished project....Now you might ask why I tell this story...Some of the women who took part in theexchange were new to the group, some had recentlymoved from other states, and some were new to quilting.  The fabric we exchange turned out to bethe least important part of the experience.  Little did we know that each time we exchange thoselittle 10" squares we were sharing a part of ourpersonality and identity.  We were forging new friendships, as we symbolically gave away alittle window into our souls.  To this day whenI look at the quilt, I remember who traded which fabric. I remember my dear friends old and newas well as their particular fabric choices.For better or worse each piece is such aunique part of the quilt as a whole.  Theyall work together and compliment each other.It reminds me how individual we each are and how celebrating our differences is really what life is all about.So when you are making the important decisionof which fabric to send your soon to be newfriend, remember you are each embarking on morethan just a fabric swap.... While I do want your fabric to come from your stash & it might be something that you may have lost the desire to create with, choose carefully.Remember you are sharing a part of yourself....swapping a little window into your soul....sharing a part of your personality....forging a new friendship.  We are each shaping an experience...One that I have no doubt we will all remember.Ta Ta For Now!  JoyLynAfter leaving your comment for JoyLyn be sure to skip on over and sign up for the... Month End Giveaway! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://jamiescreativecorner.com/2010/09/or-should-i-say/ http://jamiescreativecorner.com/2010/09/or-should-i-say/ Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:49:26 MDT Jamie W at jamiescreativecorner.com My Hubby’s new toy…….. He couldn’t wait to play with it!! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://happyinquilting.blogspot.com/2010/09/saturdayand-its-wet.html http://happyinquilting.blogspot.com/2010/09/saturdayand-its-wet.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 20:37:58 MDT at Happy In Quilting New kitchen appliance….Stone Baked Pizza Oven..so last night we made roasted vegetable pizza and it was so nice…….(egg plant, onion, tomatoes, sweet potato pumpkin, zucchini, capsicum, broccolini, and a sprinkle of cheese) Lots of rain today…this is the only thing to do today…. enjoy your day…. take care Peg….:>)   Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://pinkpincushion.blogspot.com/2010/09/bringing-up-rear-for-charming-girls.html http://pinkpincushion.blogspot.com/2010/09/bringing-up-rear-for-charming-girls.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 17:47:37 MDT at PINK PINCUSHION Somewhere along the line I forgot to show my checklist for the Charming Girls Club finishes for July/August. I just can't imagine what I have been doing (hehe).So to start with:My Fig Tree Club quilt "Crossroads".I finished my pincushion for my swap partner. Actually two, two for her and another two for me!I finished a challenge quilt.I made up a Schnibble.not just one but two Schibbles.I completed & sent a tote bag to my swap partner.I made a red one for me too!I completed my Due South/North quilt. Sorry I am bad with directions!As far as the "self help" theme of things to accomplish:On that list:I did start reading... haven't finished the book yet... but I'm working on it.I have started to pack some lunches. What I didn't get done was writing up my recipes. My hold up with that is that there are the recipe cards. I write big. I mean big and bubbly. I can't figure out how I am suppose to get one recipe on one card.And then the other thing I didn't do was my FQS BOM's.  Maybe this weekend.What would I do with a completed list anyway?Hope everyone has a wonderful & long fun filled weekend! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://aquiltinglife.blogspot.com/2010/09/introducing.html http://aquiltinglife.blogspot.com/2010/09/introducing.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:13:38 MDT at A Quilting Life First, I want to officially introduce you to Le Petite...A Year of Small Projects.  Our first small project is to make an ironing board cover...send a before and after picture by October 14th to be entered in the parade on the fifteenth.  Project number 2 is to make any version of "Paganini"...submit photo by October 31st for the parade on November 1st.  Sinta and I have a lot of fun ideas for the coming months...so please join in!  Oh, and don't forget...October 1st will be our final parade for the Year of Schnibbles...please submit links to your post with all 12 projects by September 30th...those who finished all twelve projects will be eligible for a grand prize drawing!Next, it's time to indroduce the winners from yesterday's parade...first up is Jo from Jo's Country Junction who wins the $50 gift certificate from Fat Quarter Shop.Stina wins the $25 gift certificate from Cottage Quilts.Julia of Little Girl Quilts wins the $25 gift certificate from Quilter's Paradise.Sandy F. (no blog) wins the $10 gift certificate from Quilt Taffy.Lisa wins the Moda scrap bag from Bear Paw Quilts.And from Carrie...a winner from each parade gets a Fandango layer cake! Those two lucky winners are Cynthia from Sinta's parade and Polly from my parade...congratulations to everyone...and thank you to Carrie and our sponsor shops! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://aquiltinglife.blogspot.com/2010/09/they-go-togetherand-go-winner.html http://aquiltinglife.blogspot.com/2010/09/they-go-togetherand-go-winner.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:29:08 MDT at A Quilting Life Meadowsweet and Meadowsweet 2...two very summery quilts.  I heart them both.I didn't realize it until both were complete...but I used the same print for outer borders (in two different color ways), and I used a white binding on both quilts.The strawberries are some of my favorite prints...love them in Meadowsweet 2...(Pattern for Meadowsweet 2 quilt is "June Bug" by Camille).And in Meadowsweet (Pattern for Meadowsweet is "Modern Day Diamonds" by Heather Mulder Peterson).Two quilts...two color stories...they go together!And now for the Accuquilt Go! winner...there were 795 comments in all, and I'm still trying to get around and visit all the "new to me" blogs I found through the giveaway.  A big congratulations to Carrie who said:Carrie P. said... My first entry:the dies I would pick would be the dresden, tumbler, and hexagon.August 30, 2010 1:43 PMHave a wonderful weekend...hope you get to sew! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://naptimequilter.blogspot.com/2010/09/inventory.html http://naptimequilter.blogspot.com/2010/09/inventory.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:17:53 MDT at Naptime Quilter Now that I am home full-time I thought it best to take inventory of the projects on the go. This pile represents what I would call active UFOs. That is, as opposed to the ones that have long since been abandoned... From the top to the bottom:The crayon rock inspiration quilt. I now have the top done and backing cut. On to basting. I might get to it this weekend, if my knees are up for it.My http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://kimsherrodstudio.blogspot.com/2010/09/lunch-bag.html http://kimsherrodstudio.blogspot.com/2010/09/lunch-bag.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:33:35 MDT at Kim Sherrod Studio I have been  busy sewing projects this week for our children. I will only post this one since the other ones are clothing and it has been used. Once they use it, I can't seem to get my hands on it. Every year our children eat what ever the school serves for lunch. They are pretty good at giving them a good selection, but last year I found that they hardly eat anything. This year I told our children they can bring lunch to school and boy were they excited. Our high schooler asked  if I could make her a small bag that hooks onto her messenger bag. Off we went to find fabric. Our LQS has a huge sale this week and I was able to buy one yard of  this beautiful Asian print for $2.99 and the lining was the same price. I asked her if she wanted a zipper or fold over and she said the zipper would make it look like a purse and we can't have that so fold over it is. This seemed small for me but it fits a sandwich and snack nicely. There are attachments on the back of the bag to allow her to attach the bag to her messenger bag. I also insulated it to keep her food cold and vinyl lining for easy cleaning. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com/2010/09/learning-from-master.html http://alittlebitbiased.blogspot.com/2010/09/learning-from-master.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:29:29 MDT at A Little Bit Biased Do you know Lori Holt, creator of Bee In My Bonnet quilt patterns?  If you love vintage, applique & embroidery then of course you do!?!  She's an amazing local quilt designer that designs those crazy appliqued quilts that you've probably seen around ~ like the Apron Club quilt, the Comforts of Home quilt and her Paper Doll quilt (just a few of my favorites).  Seriously, click on the links.  http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/09/friday.html http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/09/friday.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 10:04:42 MDT at Live a Colorful Life I'm at Lakeview Cottages until tomorrow morning, working and hopefully sewing. Mark informed me that he is tired of looking at Britney Spears' underarms. Charlotte and Levi spent a couple of nights at our house the beginning of the week, so until I can show you some pictures of the blocks I'm working on, this will be a good alternative: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://quiltedcupcake.blogspot.com/2010/09/flickr-friday-2.html http://quiltedcupcake.blogspot.com/2010/09/flickr-friday-2.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 09:46:06 MDT at Quilted Cupcake It's back! Flickr Friday - 2 weeks in a row.  For more info. on each, just click on the artists' name for the link.Love all the layers and texture on this brooch From Jenmenkhaus - that button center is awesome, too!Adore this canvas made by Patchandi - Kelly and I are going to try to make one this weekend!  I love that she used a tutorial by Oh Fransson's Elizabeth.  Here's Andi's blog post about the project.A little studio inspiration from IveyC95 - I swoon just looking at all the pinkness! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://blackbird-designs.blogspot.com/2010/09/labor-of-love.html http://blackbird-designs.blogspot.com/2010/09/labor-of-love.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:51:20 MDT at Blackbird Designs - One stitch at a time While antiquing a couple of years ago, I found this small round box. It looked interesting and I opened it up. Really, I was taught better....not to touch everything, but I just couldn't help myself.Inside nestled were three strawberry emerys. I knew right then that the price didn't matter. I had to purchase this small emery box. Luckily it didn't cost an arm and a leg.My husband Dave has been working on a lathe in the garage for the past year making the wooden cupcake bases. I asked him if he thought he could make the emery box too. He made a couple practice ones. He had to stop because we ran out of wood and had to wait for some lumber to dry at the mill.His practice ones have been sitting in my cabinet for a couple of months. This morning I painted and waxed one of them. "Holy Cow!" I love how it turned out. (I might move Dave's bed out into the garage. It's definitely where he needs to be.)I made this small acorn emery for the box....perfect for autumn. Our oak trees have the best acorn tops!So to celebrate labors of love....and Labor Day....here's the deal.Leave a comment and I will choose one using the random number generator. I only have one to give away....wish there were more! I will have to see if I can get him back out in the garage!Please enter only once.Contest ends on Labor Day! Good luck to you all.Until laterAlma http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://www.allthingscrafty.com/2010/09/farmers-wife-friday-block-20-churn-dash.html http://www.allthingscrafty.com/2010/09/farmers-wife-friday-block-20-churn-dash.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 08:34:37 MDT at All Things Crafty The one that I chose for this week was the Churn Dash Block which was block 20.  Thank goodness it was an easier one that previous ones.  I like the mid-tone green that I chose for the bars.  Luckily I got a yellow flower in each bar.  Believe me, that was not planned.  I did not fussy cut that in.  As usual, the photo below is before ironing and trimming.  Hope you all have a fantastic Friday! Thanks for stopping by!  ~*~Trish~*~ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://www.berninausablog.com/rss-read/eye-candy-quilts-melody-crust http://www.berninausablog.com/rss-read/eye-candy-quilts-melody-crust Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:30:00 MDT Jo Leichte at Bernina USA Sewing Trends Blog - Quilting A note from Melody Crust, fiber artist, author, teacher, and BERNINA National Artistan: I'm pleased to say that I have a new book! Eye Candy Quilts: Super-fast fun with beads, baubles, buttons, and more! In this fast, fun quilting guide for... http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://pamkittymorning.blogspot.com/2010/09/long-weekend.html http://pamkittymorning.blogspot.com/2010/09/long-weekend.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:06:00 MDT at PamKittyMorning Hello Day!!! That's what we used to say in the morning when Frankie was little. We'd open the blinds and greet the day. Sounds cornball right? Still, when I open those blinds out front I always say it in my head. I am a closet-cornball. The weekend will be fun, I'm doing a teeny bit of fun sewing, working on my little kit from Jenny. Then it's back to work on some of Elizabeth's projects. I http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://www.pastimesonline.ca/vals-quilting/2010/9/3/janome-update-draw-closing-147.html http://www.pastimesonline.ca/vals-quilting/2010/9/3/janome-update-draw-closing-147.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:00:17 MDT Valerie at Val's Quilting As many of you now about my sorted experience with Janome. This post however to to update you and give a HUGE thanks to Jim Findlay of Linda's Quilt Shoppe in Kelowna, BC for stepping in and making things happen. I haven't heard back from Janome on any of my email or phone called but Jim has contact and replied back to every single contact point I've made, thanks so much Jim. Here's my 1st Janome going back to Kelowna to be swapped out for this brand new machine that arrived on Monday...I was without a machine for 1 whole week, YIKES that was rough I must say. I had a chance to setup the machine on Monday night and sewed with it on both Monday and Tuesday night and boy everything about it is working good, the threader works (1st one didn't) the needle came nice and straight (1st one was bent) and so far so good. I hope this machine proves to be better then the last as my experience with Jim is awesome unlike Janome Corporate and their CEO David Manierka who hasn't responded to my last two email and wanted to pass me onto someone else...I digress... Onto brighter and better things. I will still continue to update you on my machine, what I like and dislike about it as I use it more and more. Any feedback you can give or any questions or comments I would love to hear them :) Thanks again for all of the support. Also don't forget to vote on Heather's Giveaway draw will close today!! Until next week, have a wonderful long weekend full of creativity :) http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reannalilydesigns/~3/sPQtHjBF33Q/mug-rug-swap-2-point-oh.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/reannalilydesigns/~3/sPQtHjBF33Q/mug-rug-swap-2-point-oh.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 07:00:00 MDT Jen of ReannaLily Designs at One Designer Pursuing her Dreams I made the my first draft of the mug rug a few days ago. Man, this swap is strangely inspiring. How fun would it be to have an entire quilt based on some tableware inspiration?I decided to make another mug rug to match my orange cup. But after thinking about it a bit, I wanted my rug to have a spoon rest. I included quilter's vinyl (distributed by C&T Publishing) to cover one of my fabric squares. This will work as the spoon rest. I'm not too concerned about staining, overall, since I'll probably be mixing mostly hot chocolates. I took the picture below, with the glare, on purpose so you could see the vinyl.Then I went to my cabinet and found another graphic mug to work from. Its a mug I picked up at the 1000Won store in Korea. (1000Won Store is our Dollar Store) I used Steam-a-Seam and fabric scraps for the rug.Y'all know I have an aversion to quilting in colored thread, but I'm looking to branch out. In both samples, I quilted in colored thread. Orange in the first rug and black (GASP!) in the second rug. I think it looks pretty cool. Baby steps...And a third... or wait.. fourth... {{Someone stop me!}} ... A snowman mug and a rug with green snowflakes.The Snowman Mug is from the thrift store. Yes, I went to the thrift store with the express purpose of picking up some interesting mugs. You don't want to know how many I found for $.29/ea...Update: Each rug of mine, measures about 6" x 10". http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://patchmaker.blogspot.com/2010/09/here-comes-earl.html http://patchmaker.blogspot.com/2010/09/here-comes-earl.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 06:45:01 MDT at PATCHMAKER QUILTS Hurricane Earl is coming! At the moment, he's (optimistically) expected to fade to a tropical storm by the time he hits here, overnight tonight, but of course no one will really know what will happen until after he's gone. The white arrow on the map is where I am. It's been really, really hot here for the last few days, with temps in the 30's Celsius (90's Farenheit), plus humidity. It's supposed to cool right off post-Earl. Fingers crossed. Right now, it's hot, humid, and incredibly still - not a leaf moving anywhere - the calm before the storm??I've stowed everything moveable in the garage, parked the cars between the houses, taken "before" pictures - just in case, picked the last of my roses, moved the pot garden indoors, brought in the cat carriers, filled the water jugs, changed the batteries in the flashlight, found the candles, stocked up on canned food, baked buns (to put under my peanut butter and jam), laid in a stock of cat food and litter, filled the gas can for the generator, charged my cell phone and my camera . . . . . . I think I've got it covered! Earl is only predicted to last a few hours, but power outages have been known to last several days. Hopefully, because I've done all this, it might be a non-event, but you just never know.The last of the summer roses:Pre-preparation shot of the deck: Post-preparation shot of the deck (kinda sad, isn't it!): Here's hoping the maple trees (and my roof) come through okay!Mostly, I'll probably be at work for the whole event, but in case I'm not, I have plans for a little hollyhock quilt block, that I thought I'd share. The pattern is on my web site; help yourself.http://www.patchmaker.ca/stuff-to-share.htmlThis is a picture from the 1950's of my grandparents, Bill and Lucy Kitchen of Poplar Point, Manitoba. My grandma Lucy was a quilter, a knitter, a mother, a school teacher, and a pioneer, and I swear she's responsible for my quilter tendencies. She always had a yard full of hollyhocks; see them over her shoulder! The only thing she didn't pass down to me was the ability to grow hollyhocks; I've tried several times - it doesn't work. So mine will be in fabric instead. I think she'd be okay with that! Have a great weekend! Happy Quilting!Maggie http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://clarescraftroom.blogspot.com/2010/09/last-craft-book-giveaway.html http://clarescraftroom.blogspot.com/2010/09/last-craft-book-giveaway.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 05:03:29 MDT at clare's craftroom Well for a while anyway .This book is Sew Darn Cute !Full of lots of cute ideas and fun , easy projects .Would you like a copy ?Simple , just leave a comment on this post .Giveaway is open to all .I'll draw the winner early next week .Good Luck ! http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://quiltingfiesta.blogspot.com/2010/09/crazy-quilting-friday.html http://quiltingfiesta.blogspot.com/2010/09/crazy-quilting-friday.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:50:52 MDT at Quilting Fiesta http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://sewdollswhosnext.blogspot.com/2010/08/hes-back-and-now-we-are-complete.html http://sewdollswhosnext.blogspot.com/2010/08/hes-back-and-now-we-are-complete.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:07:18 MDT at Sew Pure He left on Friday, I had just started hand quiltingthis very long runner. Remember? I didn't even have any time to blog, I was soooo focused..So glad the sun cooperated with me...Best time to take photos, early in the morningand at dusk before the sun sets...( made from The FIG Tree's Whimsy collection,I chose 3 prints and one solid of yardage and mademy own jelly roll)He came back last night, it was COMPLETEand so was I. Yes, I know...ahhhhhh (completed it within 30 minutes of him arriving)I was really on a roll, I had to do something to keep my mind offa very sad event on the weekend. But now that is behind me...because...HE IS BACK.....You can see the detail here in the quilting which is whatI love most about hand quilting, it just pops and poofsthe fabric and creates a 3 D effect....If interested there are over 12,346 stitches,and no I did not count each one, that would be silly.but I did measure and base on my formulaof 7 stitches per inch... well, let's just add, an awful lot of stitcheswent into this...Many ask what is the best part of a quilting project?I would have to say every stage, I love choosing the fabrics,the pattern,  I love cutting the fabrics,I love sewing them together, I love hand quilting,I love adding binding, I love taking the photos.....I love it all as it really does COMPLETE ME!So "YOU COMPLETE ME" runnerseems like a perfect addition for our double lounger...Now it seems dressed perfectly.. ( the lounger, I am talking the lounger)Well at least until my next project...Could it be another runner, or a lap quilt???Mmmm. I am going to cut out some materialtoday and show you...What do you think it will be?What colours this time?Can you guess?Keeping you in stitcheshe is back, he is back...Yeah!UPDATE:I have chosen all the tans and blues for thisSUNDAY's Best Schnibbles..This is what I have done so far..Already seeing a pattern, I think I will be addinga little of my "own" to this one, with some ruffles..What shirt is not cute with ruffles and a bow tie?Ok, maybe that is a stretch...we will see..I will also be making this Schnibblesa little large...ok, double the size of the pattern...Tell me what do most of your do with the 31 x31 sizethat they suggest?// http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ http://sewdollswhosnext.blogspot.com/2010/08/stitching-in-ditch-quickly.html http://sewdollswhosnext.blogspot.com/2010/08/stitching-in-ditch-quickly.html Fri, 03 Sep 2010 03:00:06 MDT at Sew Pure Hello my  Charming Quilt Ladies....( I have updated this entry to provide answerson what tools to use to assist in hand quilting)Kelly at Charming Chatter,  has asked for some ways to handle quilting..I have to admit it is my most favourite part of my whole processof quilting. I hand quilt, I enjoy every moment of it.( and it really saves me a lot of money) No need to sendto longarmers ( whom I adore for their artistic endeavor)It relaxes me, I am in no hurry. I get it done when I get it done.That whole shift makes it easier too, I find with this projectfor instance I had it completed in 2 1/2  weeks approx. And it was a very long runner...( I am working on yet another quilt much larger and stillI will have it completed possibly this weekend)If you have the right tools, anything and everything is  possible, quicker and easier...Take hand quilting...this is what I have been busy at.This is my long long long runner...I have been stitching in the ditch as "they" call it..right by the seams..I stitch 7 stitches per inch...Yes I know...I am amazed by ME lol..( I love the look of hand quilting has it puckers the fabric,makes it look well- PUFFY ...)I thread 4 needles at one time, this way when I have usedup my thread and I am in rhythm- I just reach for another....I love this idea...but then again I have always done thiswhen I did cross stitching, so why would it not makesense to do it while quilting..I know lol..Size 8 Betweens link here ( I use a between needle size 8, perfect size, small enoughand the eye of the needle makes it easier to thread)I purchase all of my needles from here..Piecemakers are the best needles I have ever used.. Now for some tools..link belowTake a peak at ultra thimble and under(These ultra and under thimble its are not only the bestthing I have ever found, they work well, and I can stitch for hours.be sure to get some replacement pads too...)On my left hand on my middle finger..the oneyou would raise it to if you were not happy with someone..( although I can't say I have EVER done that..well not intentionally anyway )This is the smooth one...they have these amazingsticky tabs ( that can be used over and over again)and this stops the needle from making my middle fingerinto a pin cushion..the needle allows you to just slide your fabricwhen you are gathering many stitches...love this ...On my right hand on my middle  finger ( again)...this oneis attached looking just like a thimble that they cut off...just brilliant I say...this makes it so easy to push those 3/4 inch needles through without again...creatingholes in my fingers...Used to, but not now...see better TOOLS.I have been stitching now for 3 days, and I thinkthis runner will be done in the next fews...possiblythis week..the whole thing hand quilted.SEE, YOU can do this too...So toodle-loo, I have a date witha long long long runner..Update here it is complete( these were in subsequent emails I just added themall in here for ease) My label...A perfect day for an outside shot.Finding it a home on our double lounger.Keeping you in Stitches... http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/