Susan's World

The Perfectly FUN Seam Ripper!

2012-01-28T15:14:00.000-06:00

Look what my sweeeet brother-in-law made just for me!! This really makes ripping out so easier to face.

Reusable Gift Tags

2012-01-12T13:41:00.001-06:00

I had to get out something colorful to play with on this gray day. I made these tags the typical way, then used the cutoffs to glue onto other paper, then cut them out. By the time I got to the blue and yellow one, I realized that if I only glue down 3 sides, there will be a slot to insert a piece of paper with the recipient's name on it. You could write something more personal on the back of the slip, or reuse the tag for other gifts.

That's how I'm spending this cold, snowy day by a warm fire.

Have You Seen Pinterest?

2011-12-18T11:02:00.002-06:00

I've been gathering all my arts, crafts, sewing and quilting on Pinterest.com/susanround.
It's a fun site to share ideas--not sell items.

My tree is almost finished!

2011-12-16T09:32:00.000-06:00

I just need to get some silver icicles to staple in bunches randomly over the tree!

My Little Astro Won a Contest!

2011-12-06T16:50:00.000-06:00

Astro won the Grand Prize offered by The Quilt Pattern Magazine for their "Quilts and Kitties" contest! We get about $250 worth of fabric, rotary cutting tools, books, and thread! Thanks to my cyber friends who voted for us. Astro doesn't seem to be as excited as I am, but I'm sure once new boxes and fabric enter the house, he'll be very interested!

OK, my turn for a bath now!

2011-11-16T11:01:00.002-06:00

VOTE for My Kitty!

2011-11-15T09:19:00.000-06:00

Please take a minute and go to www.quiltpatternmagazine.com and click on the "Vote for Kitties" contest. Vote for my Astro, #16, and we will have bragging rights PLUS some quilting gifts if we win!!

HST Tip!

2011-11-12T09:22:00.000-06:00

I was making half-square triangles using the method of drawing a diagonal line and stitching on both sides, then cutting apart. I discovered that after stitching the 2 parallel lines and I press to hold the stitching, I could really shortcut the remaining pressing.
When pressing these squares before cutting apart, I put the dark fabric on top, folded back one side of the triangle and pressed along the seam. I then turned the other side over and pressed it with the tip and side of my iron just along that seam line.

It leaves a buckle at each seam line. Then, when I cut them apart, the seam automatically falls to the darkest fabric! I know that sometimes the seam must be pressed toward the lighter side, and it's very easy just to flip that seam allowance to whatever side you need to while assembling.

For me, it was worth the little added swipe of the iron down the center seams to avoid having to press each triangle open! Has someone already thought of this technique, or did I truly come up with an original tip? Let me know what you think.

Bernina Aurora 440 QE (Quilter's Edition) with Embroidery Attachment

2011-10-28T19:18:00.004-05:00

The photo below shows the cabinet opened up fully.

Barely used. What on Earth would be a fair price for this machine?

(retails around $6,000)

What can I tell my widower friend this is worth? Neither of us want to deal with ebay or Craig's list. Any ideas on what would be a fair price for him and the buyer?

Also, a quilt book case:

Are there people who would buy this whole lot of quilting books?

Or should I make a detailed inventoryof each publication?

CaTitanic!

2011-10-25T11:24:00.000-05:00

Finally Joined Facebook

2011-10-20T09:33:00.000-05:00

After years of avoiding Facebook, I've finally joined and created a page. It is somewhat scarey not knowing who in my past will find me now! I even notified my high school reunion committee. Very scarey! I'm still learning how to use it, but from what I understand there was another format that many liked much better than the current setup.

Big Block Sailing from TQPM tests

2011-10-07T21:55:00.002-05:00

Placemat UFO was a test

2011-10-07T21:52:00.000-05:00

Autumn in Bloom was the very first pattern I tested. What a challenge--it was made with 1" squares and strips!

2011-10-07T21:46:00.001-05:00

These are some of the tests I've been doing for The Quilt Pattern Magazine this past year. Now that the pattern has been tested and published, I can freely share some of these with you now!

This is a table runner that I chose to make in patriotic colors. It's called "Framed Hearts" and the original was made in fall colors.

I don't usually use table runners; however, someday I hope to have a living room of red, white and blue!

Baby Blocks Pattern Test

2011-10-07T21:42:00.000-05:00

All of my testing projects are still flimsies. I have this dream of getting a stack of these smaller quilts ready to quilt by DSM!

Nothing New Under the Sun, or Copycats?

2011-10-04T14:00:00.002-05:00

One of the online quilting groups I belong to is currently having a conversation about others copying quilt patterns and other designs. Here's my 2 cents:

Do you know that every adult uses about 250-400 words in their daily language? Some writers jumble words around to portray one way of thought. Others, using the same words in different order make those sentences mean something totally different.

Let's say there are about 300 basic quilt block designs that all quilters use (and there are a bunch of us!) I never made a quilt exactly as the pattern. I choose a color scheme from one of your quilts, make blocks in various (but basic) shapes. Usually I combine 2-3 blocks in one quilt and either don't put sashing or add it. Am I a copycat?

No, I'm inspired by other artists! That's how creativity is generated with one idea leading to 5 ideas and probably even changing your mind partially through the construction. I use color schemes from magazines because those page creators went through hours of trial and error before coming up with the combination that is most pleasing and accepted to print.

I posted mini Halloween totes on my blogs last year. In the latest issue of American Patchwork & Quilting they are having a contest to make these same treat totes. The pattern is fun, easy and free at allpeoplequilt.com. They have displayed a few of the bags entered into the contest so far and guess what? They are all made from Halloween fabric! I did send my photos to the APQ last year just to share. I wonder if they will now accept my efforts into an entry for the new Bernina Sewing Machine?

Happy sewing,
Suz

I'm Back!

2011-09-02T12:04:00.001-05:00

It's been waaay too long since I've kept up with my blogs. I'm finally at a time where much time has been freed up. (Little man I take care of is in school fulltime.) I lost both of my cats over the past several months. One was expected--he was 16 years old. But his little brother was only 3 and died a few months ago from liquid surrounding (not in) his tiny lungs.

I found a new furry quilt tester (above) at our local animal shelter Monday. He's so extremely tiny it's going to be a true challenge to keep him growing. He was found by a mailman on a busy intersection. If love can keep him alive and strong, he'll be just fine!

National Quilting Day Each Month

2011-03-22T12:12:00.001-05:00

I totally missed the first day of Spring and National Quilting Day. There was talk on one of the online quilt groups that March might be considered as National Quilting Month as well. That still isn't going to work for me.

Therefore, I am claiming the 20th of every month "National Quilting Day" and on that day I'm going to practice FMQ on my DSM!! (For the newbies, that's Free-Motion Quilting on my Domestic Sewing Machine.)

Knowing that I must be accountable to the blogging universe, I need to force my focus one day each month on getting over the intimidation and akwardness and just do it. I've been making many tops for OQC and kids, so now it's time for me to put the batting with the backings and get them ready to turn into a real quilt!

On Tuesday, April 19th I will be getting everything set up so that when Iwake up on April 20th, Nat'l (monthly) Quilting Day, I can have my first cup of coffee while digging right in to actual quilting. Anyone want to join me?

My Pillow Made the Cover!

2011-02-07T17:29:00.000-06:00

The February issue of The Quilt Pattern Magazine is available now, and I was lucky enough to have one of the patterns I tested published! The selvedge hearts are actually 5 small pockets, and there is also one heart on the back. This is a really fun pattern, and for only $1 per month you can get lots of fun, new patterns at http://www.quiltpatternmagazine.com/ (Also, if you DO subscribe and mention my name I will earn a free issue!! Only good until March 15th, I believe it is)

My Pattern Test is Published!

2011-01-15T16:28:00.001-06:00

This is my first test pattern for the new online quilting magazine, The Quilt Pattern Magazine! It's called "Framed Hearts" and is really fun to make. I cannot give you the instructions/pattern; however, I can happily invite you to subscribe. It's only $1 per month, and if you order it and aren't pleased with it, you can ask for a refund for the months you don't want!! Tell me another magazine does that! Also, next month there is a chance my test for February just might be on the cover!! If you do subscribe, tell them that "Susan sent you" and I'll get some issues for free! http://www.quiltpatternmagazine.com/

A Small Delay

2011-01-13T11:21:00.000-06:00

Schools have been closed for 3 days, so of course I had to take it off, too. My little man (now 5) got a snowboard for Christmas. Thanks to the recent snows we've broke it in well! First, he started on the small slope at the front of our townhome. Then, it was on to the BIG hill across the street. Hopefully, I'll learn how to transfer the video(s) so everyone can get a lift for the day/week!

Time for Another Holiday Cyber Retreat!

2010-12-28T09:56:00.001-06:00

You are invited to join me for the 2011 New Year's Eve Cyber Sewing Retreat! Just go to: http://www.susanround.com and click on the number to the top right of the post (number of posts). It's going to be great to hear from old friends and new ones after taking a couple of months away from cyberspace! Hope to hear from you, Susan

Crazy Happy, or Happy being Crazy?

2010-11-04T13:55:00.003-05:00

I might call this "End of the Donation Scraps!"

It's definitely a crazy quilt, and I just smiled the entire time I put the pieces together. These are all the pieces of string blocks that have either been sent to me or from my projects last year.

Do you recognize any of your block cutoffs?

No Halloween Retreat This Year

2010-10-30T15:07:00.001-05:00

It just didn't work out this holiday. Thanks for checking in!

Halloween Mini Totes

2010-10-21T12:09:00.004-05:00

These are made from the mini tote pattern available for free at allpeoplequilt.com. Only instead of making each individually, I mass produced them making 3 at a time! Very fast and fun!

To get the pattern for these, go to www.allpeoplequilt.com and in the search box type, "Small Treat Totes." If you are going to make many, instead of cutting each one out individually, I stitched the 3 strips of fabric the width of the fabric then sliced them apart. I even inserted the handles on the one long seam, so all that was left was to stitch down the side and turn it! So fast and fun.

Almost NaNoWriMo!

2010-10-09T09:37:00.002-05:00

It's almost National Novel Writing Month! Starting November 1st the goal is to write 50,000 words before November 30th.

Downy's Quilts for Kids Program

2010-10-02T14:58:00.001-05:00

I've ordered another quilt kit from Downy for the Quilts for Kids program. This was the first one I made, and posted it again here because it's so bright and colorful (more so than the busty cups, below).

Busty Cups in progress

2010-09-07T11:40:00.002-05:00

This is a fuzzy photo of the Busty Cups I'm making for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With the guidance and inispiration of Marguerita in Alaska, I'm having the most fun putting these together. I bought thrift store bras and cut them apart. Once they are finished, I'll post another (more clear) photo.

Is this the ugliest block ever?

2010-09-07T11:37:00.002-05:00

THIS is without a doubt THE ugliest string block ever! Good luck, Sue in MN in blending this one in and make it blend!

Ugliest Block?

2010-09-07T11:34:00.002-05:00

This HeartString block I purposely tried to make as ugly as possible:

It's Cyber Retreat Time Again!

2010-08-26T08:28:00.006-05:00

Can you believe it's Labor Day Weekend again? As always, I will be hosting another holiday cyber retreat and I sure hope you can join me this year. I have LOTS of goals to accomplish before and during this holiday, and I welcome your support! Anyone else want to clean up and organize before continuing with charity work for hibernation this winter?? (Just click on the title of this post to go to the cyber retreat gathering.)

Crumby Color Storage Bags

2010-08-15T18:52:00.003-05:00

I made lined crumb blocks and glued them to the front of some "commercial" canvas totes. Without gluing the top, I can use that pocket to quickly stuff in crumbs as I use them--in the appropriate color bag! The purple bag is done, the green crumb pocket is ready to be glued down on the right side. I've tested the glue--it holds beautifully. With small spaces vertical storage is idea. I hang these bags on a coat rack and sometimes just stack them in a corner on top of each other. Larger pieces and scraps go inside the bag. I may dump out all the pieces sometime and use the tote to carry--then replace it as the crumb/scrap bag!

Making Cookies From Crumbs

2010-08-15T18:48:00.002-05:00

When I want some mindless and fun creating, I start piecing crumbs together by color. From a lack of what else to call these pieces, I use "cookies." I make 4 or 5 at a time then put them away. When I'm ready to make crumb blocks or bags, I've already got a fun start!

2010-08-12T11:01:00.005-05:00

Too much pink area on this block I'm going to fix with a green applique. (See photo below, bottom center block)

Floating Green Crumb

2010-08-12T10:58:00.002-05:00

This is how I fixed the too-pink space. I made a green applique the same shape as the space in the original crumb block. I'm going to stitch it down so it looks like either the last piece going into the pink space, or it's falling out!!

Old Goals Reached--New Goals Starting Up

2010-07-13T09:13:00.002-05:00

I use this blogsite for sharing photos of sewing and some crafts. I have another site (www.susanround.com) that is more personalized with thoughts, goals, and reflections (rants). I'm thrilled to acknowledge that two major goals of mine have been reached and new avenues await me. If you want to share that with me, just click on the link above!

Successful Retreat!

2010-07-07T08:51:00.002-05:00

We had a very productive holiday weekend this retreat. There were about 60 messages sent in of around 50 guests. The next holiday retreat will be in September for Labor Day Weekend. I'm thinking of taking that time to clean up, organize more, and do some stashbusting. Please put that on the back burner and I'll remind you when time is closer. THANKS to all who joined me!

Painting a Toy Box at 2:00am

2010-07-04T16:15:00.001-05:00

Don't I look like I've been freehanding stripes for a few hours? lol

Maggie's Bedding

2010-07-04T16:11:00.003-05:00

This nursery bedding was inspired by a pattern named "Delilah" from the Cocola Designers. The dust ruffle, bumper pad and quilt cost $275. I made everything here plus a cushion for the red rocker all for $80. The yellow is polka dot. Don't have a photo of the quilt with it yet. I already gave it to the Momma for her shower without getting a picture of it--but I will!

UPDATE: I just found out that Momma bought a dark wood crib to replace this one. I knew there was a reason why I didn't take a picture of the quilt before I gave it to her during her shower!

Painted Toy Chest for Carson

2010-07-04T16:07:00.002-05:00

I painted this toy chest from the photo that was on the packaging of the bedding. I didn't see the quilt until after the chest was painted--so relieved it matched! This pattern is from a company called Cocola that makes designer baby bedding. Ironically, at the same time I made bedding for another expectant mom using that same company's version of "Delilah." (above)

2010 Memorial Weekend Cyber Retreat

2010-05-24T16:23:00.002-05:00

If you would like to join in my cyber sewing retreat/slumber party, please go to: http://www.susanround.com and sign in under the first post. You can click on the number at the top right (that looks like it's pinned up), leave me a message and get your chocolate and jammies ready!

It's Been a While--Retreating This Weekend!

2010-04-17T11:20:00.004-05:00

I've finally made the time to catch up on emails, blogs, and other written matters. I am a member in several online quilting groups and this weekend two of them are having cyber sewing retreats: StashBuster and StashBuilder. Now you understand the condition of my stash. I have 2 days to spend in the sewing world, and I need all the member support I can grab right now. Where to start? I'll check in later...and fill you in on my progress. I'm even too embarrased to take a "Before" photo!

Unmatched Square in a Square

2010-02-10T16:10:00.001-06:00

This block was shown on one of the quilt groups (can't remember which one!)

Unmatched Squares

2010-02-10T16:08:00.002-06:00

This is my fun way of piecing: not really concerned if the points match up within the block, or if I'm sewing next to the true edge.

Fireworks-Borrowed Free Pattern

2010-01-29T11:33:00.002-06:00

This was a free pattern that a cyber friend shared with me. I just love this design, and hope to make another larger one for a Quilt of Valor this year. Another Susan sent the pattern to Ellen P., and Ellen sent it to me! (The original top is in the StashBuster Photo Album dated Feb 11-20 2009 and was made by Susan-msbooties!)

My Version of Inspiration Fabric

2010-01-29T11:31:00.001-06:00

I tried cutting strips of black stripe fabric and stitching bright colored squares and rectangles from bright fabric on them. The resulting blocks are shown on the botton. I'll let you know how it turns out!!

Inspiration Fabric

2010-01-29T11:29:00.001-06:00

This is a fat quarter and the squares are teeny tiny. I thought it would make a fun "coloring book" type kid's quilt.

Ready for Stitch Olympics!

2010-01-29T11:27:00.001-06:00

I'm saving handwork to participate in the Stitch Olympics! These potholders are like the 2 I made for my brother-in-law out of scraps of his Christmas MU quilt. He opened the potholders first. When he opened the extra large quilt, I told him I made it from leftovers of the potholders!! The one on the left has a "M" stitched in the lower left corner.

Bags of All Sizes

2010-01-29T11:25:00.001-06:00

These are a few of the bags I'm making in different sizes. The gray one is the size of the original pattern from AllPeopleQuilt called "Grab Bag." The smallest golfer one is for my sister-in-law who never carries a purse, but I'm hoping she will use this while out on the course!

My Unmatched Version

2010-01-29T11:23:00.001-06:00

This design was recently asked about in one of my online quilting groups. This is my version--nothing within the block necessarily lines up, but the pieced blocks and tan squares DO match!! My version of quick sewing. The overall look without the precise workmanship. Fast and fun!

Sunny Lanes Baby Quilt

2010-01-29T11:21:00.001-06:00

Patricia Miller so graciously shared some of her quilting books with me and among them was Pat Smeth's Nickel Quilts. This is just a part of the Sunny Lanes quilt in the book and I will be turning it into a baby quilt.

Pink Lipped Frogs

2010-01-29T11:20:00.001-06:00

The green fabric is frogs that appear to be wearing pink lipstick! This is a baby quilt flimsy.

Red Centered HeartStrings Blocks

2010-01-29T11:18:00.001-06:00

These are the few red-centered strings I started with.

Blue String Blocks Untrimmed

2010-01-29T11:17:00.001-06:00

These are the latest string blocks I'm making for the HeartStrings Quilt Project. My goal was to make as many as possible with red centers and mail by Valentine's Day. I ran out of red strings, so decided blue centers would have to do!

Fall Smash (Spring Splash Pattern)

2010-01-29T11:15:00.001-06:00

This pattern is the Spring Splash pattern, although made with browns. Fall Smash seemed more appropriate!

Haiti Sewing Ministry

2010-01-23T19:01:00.002-06:00

I've just started an online group for those who would like to sew/quilt items for the children and women of Haiti. This is NOT for monetary donations. It's a place to communicate, share, and gain more knowledge toward a common goal. Please check out more information at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HaitiSewingMinistry

Happy New Year's Eve Eve!

2009-12-30T16:49:00.002-06:00

It's been a busy, hectic week or two. I will have some new projects to share with you once I get them downloaded from the camera. I hope someone else will be out there to join me this weekend cyber sewing. There's pillowcases to make and string blocks for HeartStrings Quilt Project. I also have binding to put on hubby's quilt, and whatever new project catches my fancy! Until later...

HeartStrings Blocks

2009-11-12T18:57:00.000-06:00

Blocks for HeartStrings Quilt Project

2009-11-10T16:21:00.002-06:00

These 24 string blocks are on their way to Sue in MN to be used with other donated blocks for a charity quilt. I had fun laying them out in different ways, and I hope Sue does, too! These are the remainder of my July 2009 goal to send HS 31 blocks.

Operation Quiet Comfort

2009-11-10T16:12:00.002-06:00

This is the label that we use in the mini quilts for wounded soldiers. These quilts are only 3 foot by 5 foot. They have requested the color red not be used unless it's in a red, white, and blue theme.

I've only totally finished one, but have 3 more in the final stages.

This group is currently collecting quilts for Fort Hood. Also, the Heartstrings Quilt Project has rounded up enough quilts for the wounded, and gathering more for the families of the fallen in Fort Hood, Texas.

Downy Quilts for Kids

2009-11-10T16:08:00.003-06:00

This is a kit for children hospitalized for cancer that can be requested from the Downy Fabric Softener Company. They send the fabric and label, and you put them together and send them back. This was truly quick and fun. I can't say that the quilting was, but I got 'er done. (Not shown in this photo.)

Halloween Cyber Slumber Party

2009-10-30T19:52:00.002-05:00

There is a Halloween Slumber Party going on tomorrow night. Actually it's started already for some of us. Just go to my website: www.susanround.com We're working on everything from quilts to making jammies. Get your chocolate, clean out the litter box, and grab a project to work on this weekend.

What a Difference a Day Makes!

2009-10-27T08:03:00.002-05:00

Life is good! I wanted to make sure all of you quilters and crafters go to my website: www.susanround.com and sign in for my Halloween Cyber Slumber Party starting Friday and running through Sunday. Get your chocolate and coffee ready, your favorite pjs ready-to-wear, and a list (in your head) of what you would like to accomplish this weekend.

Ouch! I'm crushed today.

2009-10-25T11:22:00.004-05:00

Woke up realizing my oldest son would have been 34 years old today. My estranged mother called last night and left a message to call her. I did return her call and left a message. But the topper was when I just read a horribly hurtful email about me that was directed to the entire online quilting group. I'm absolutely stunned. And it's not even noon, yet.

What we did today. . .

2009-10-01T17:04:00.004-05:00

Today I stood guard for car watch, and my little man rode his skateboard down the hill to the culdesac. Guess who carried back all the gear and skateboard?

The Rush for Aprons: My new goal has been set.

2009-09-17T15:16:00.002-05:00

I've pulled fabric and am cutting out 22 aprons. My goal is to have them finished and mailed by October 30th. The next online retreat is Halloween, the next day, so I need to get these to Tammy now before her tour ends in November.

Labor Day Madness Block

2009-09-08T12:44:00.003-05:00

Four of my guests retreating this weekend will be receiving this block.

Spiderweb Blocks

2009-09-07T17:04:00.003-05:00

Stacey Sent Me Quilter's Chocolate!

2009-09-07T17:02:00.000-05:00

Black & Gold String Quilt top

2009-09-07T16:59:00.003-05:00

I cut the foundations from an old cross stitch kit.

Writing a Quilt Cookbook!

2009-09-05T10:25:00.005-05:00

Blueberry Cobbler Center and Banana Pudding

Labor Day Cyber Sewing Retreat This Weekend!

2009-09-02T15:04:00.005-05:00

I'm hosting another cyber sewing retreat starting Friday, September 4th and going until Monday night, Sept. 7th. I will be drawing (at least) one name per day to receive a small thank you prize for joining me. This is my effort to turn holidays back into positive activites and fun. If you have lost a loved one, you know how difficult holidays can be--especially without kids. Last Memorial Day I realized that this holiday was NOT about paying respect to everyone you know who has died. It's for our veterans of war and soldiers who died for our freedom. I had a cyber slumber party, worked on Quilts of Valor and writing Soldiers, and had a good time being preoccupied with doing for others. Last 4th of July I hosted another retreat and it was such a success I decided to have a retreat for every holiday. Please check it out on my website: http://www.susanround.com/ and click on the number in the circle to the right of the post title, Labor Day Weekend Retreat to either join in or just keep up with our progress and fun.

New Photos from Shura (meeting) Yesterday

2009-08-26T09:45:00.002-05:00

Video of Tammy at Women's Center

2009-08-19T10:11:00.002-05:00

This is a video of Tammy Lanning talking about the Women's Center in Afghanistan (where the aprons and blankets are shipped). Just click on the title of this post above.

Jackson's Happy Block Quilt Done!

2009-08-17T18:56:00.002-05:00

Full Speed Ahead on Aprons!

2009-08-04T10:40:00.004-05:00

I just received word from Tammy in Afghanistan and the cooking classes are a great success! I'm going to be making aprons as fast as I can in between making cool ties and Christmas quilts. In October the sewing classes will be held every few weeks, and there will be around 20 students in each class. http://apronsforafghanistan.blogspot.com/ Each of the women students will be keeping their apron after classes have ended for their own personal use.

My Little Man Golfs

2009-07-31T23:29:00.002-05:00

This is my little man. He's testing out a golf cart for his little cousin, you know, to make sure it's safe and operating correctly! We actually played like he was the ice cream man. Did you know these little carts go in reverse, too? Us adults didn't realize it until this test drive!

New Machine is Here!

2009-07-29T00:17:00.002-05:00

I've been learning and playing with my new machine today. Unbelievable what these machines can do these days! The first thing I had to check out was the 1/4 inch foot for piecing. Perfect. There is also a way to sew without even using a foot pedal--this will be great on those days my legs hurt! I'm going to go finish up some UFOs now, so photos will be following soon. Yeah!

Woo Hoo! A new machine on the way!

2009-07-22T08:58:00.004-05:00

After 30 years on a White Rotary sewing machine, I'm getting a NEW Brother XR7700 computerized and lightweight! It should be delivered in a few days and it's just like Christmas waiting for it. I was really getting concerned when the older one kept messing up and I figured for the cost of repairing I could almost buy a new one. I do still have my 50's Singer, but I really need something to withstand daily fast and furious sewing. The Singer is perfect for piecing small bits together, detailed stitching and it makes THE BEST buttonholes ever. With the new machine I'll be able to do quilting easier, decorative stitching, and all that "new age" stuff.

Right Off the Sewing Room Floor

2009-07-19T13:29:00.002-05:00

This is a Christmas present for someone who might be looking here. I used the same pattern that was used on the 7 Shirts=1 Quilt made out of plaids. I will find the link to add here shortly. This was made for the Missouri Tigers fan (black and gold). I'm thinking of quilting paws, "M" , and beer bottles in the larger black snowball blocks!

More Aprons to Send!

2009-07-19T13:21:00.003-05:00

This is the 3rd batch of aprons that I've sent overseas.

Just In: More Aprons Received!

2009-07-05T15:10:00.002-05:00

I just received this photo from Tammy this morning. It's another batch of aprons being presented to the cooking instructor at the Women's Center. I am still in awe that I can actually do something positive across the world having no money but a lot of quilter cyber friends to help me make it happen. I'm so humbled and proud. (Notice the book titles on the bookshelf in the background.)

Mini Quilt for Operation Quiet Comfort

2009-07-01T14:43:00.002-05:00

My first mini quilt top for Operation Quiet Comfort is shown here. Since this photo was taken, it's been quilted, and the binding is still waiting for me to finish. The instructions were to make these quilts 3' x 5' and use no red fabrics. These are so much fun to make after making full-size and extra long quilt tops for the past several months.

More Aprons Sent

2009-07-01T13:53:00.004-05:00

These 6 aprons were made from fabrics that angels sent to me during the past several weeks. I knew when I first opened the boxes and saw these prints that they would be PERFECT for aprons.

Aprons Delivered!

2009-06-18T04:25:00.002-05:00

This is Cpt. Tammy Lanning handing the first batch of aprons to the cooking instructor in Afghanistan. Success! There are many more to make and send, and packages for the orphanage there. Thanks to everyone who has sent me fabric to make aprons, sent money for postage to get them oveseas, and supported this effort. I'm absolutely giddy knowing this is really happening.

http://apronsforafganistan.blogsot.com

1st Batch of Aprons!

2009-06-04T00:05:00.002-05:00

Made by women in the USA for the women of Afghanistan. Check it out: http://apronsforafghanistan.blogspot.com

I've Heard from More Soldiers!

2009-05-12T17:44:00.004-05:00

Today I received a response letter from one of the Soldiers in Iraq. I'm on the Letter Writing Team at Soldier's Angels, and they send me names of servicemen a couple of times each week. We are told never to expect a return letter, however sometimes you do. Then, just a few minutes ago I received an email from a Sargeant who just received my letter and wanted to thank me. I can't tell you how pleased I am that my words reached across the world to at least one of our Soldiers. Actually, one of them is an airman in the Air Force; the other is an Army Soldier from the front lines. This week will mark my 50th letter sent since I started this in January. A few minutes of time, one postage stamp, and my heart is filling up with love and pride. As an update, it's June 4th and I've received 2 emails, and three more letters! Very nice letters. My heart is filling up.

Red String Bag #2 (mine!)

2009-05-11T10:13:00.003-05:00

This is the second red string bag I made for myself! I used muslin for the foundation and left the "U" section uncut. When I stitched the red strips, I carried them along the entire purse, then cut out the "U" on the pattern.

The reversible lining is the same as Pat's bag below.

Scraps to Bags

2009-05-06T18:24:00.002-05:00

This is a grab-n-go bag I made for Pat Miller from fabric she sent me. When I first saw the red and black fabric, I knew I couldn't cut it up and there was just enough for this bag, and some scraps large enough I'm making myself one, too!

Quilt of Valor #2 top DONE!

2009-04-19T17:46:00.004-05:00

This is my second Quilt of Valor and they just keep getting more and more fun to make! With a very special thanks to Patricia M. in New York I can proudly share this creation.

Now, it's on the way to Janet in California who will turn this collection of fabric pieces into a quilt, and pass it along to Alycia for her delivery to our wounded Soldiers. A true community project from the nation.

Funny Money Border

2009-04-09T17:37:00.004-05:00

I decided not to use a white Chinese Coin border around the Quilt of Valor below. Instead, I call this "Funny Money Border" because it's just rectangular pieces of every width stitched together. It was after reading another quilter, Meredith in Corona, CA, writing about using more color in the Soldier's quilts that I chose this border instead of the boring white.

Thanks to Pat in New York, I just pulled pieces of fabric out of a box she sent me and if it had a straight edge, I stitched it to another and just kept going. The larger scraps I sort into colors as I go. That way I'm being productive while going through the WONDERFUL boxes of fabric Pat has sent to me for these charity quilts. Life is good!

Today I heard from London, Holland, England, and Alaska! How great is this?

Quilt of Valor #2

2009-04-04T21:37:00.006-05:00

These are the blocks I'm currently working on for my second QOV. Most of these strings were donated from New York (thanks, Pat!) and also used scraps from Louisiana, Montana, Indiana, and Ohio. I got the pattern idea from Mary (HeartStrings Quilt Project) on her website: maryquilts.com and is called The Patriotic Star.

http://www.maryquilts.com/patriotic-string-star

How fun is that? To send one wounded Soldier a quilt that came from all over the nation? The blocks have not been squared up, yet. Solid red strip blocks will go in the corners. Then I'm thinking about a row of whites/lights in Chinese Coins, then another row of blue.

Just Finished!

2009-03-25T17:31:00.015-05:00

This is the Happy Block top I posted earlier (Feb 21).

I decided to go ahead and use a flannel sheet as batting and just eyeball down the center of the sashings. I think the next one I'm going to quilt the square wonky, or twisted.

I used red thread on the bobbin even on the white sashing. This quilt is being given (tomorrow) to my little man who is 3 years old. I'm going to tell him the red quilted squares around the back are the garages, buildings, and roads to play with his cars on. I'll keep you posted if he buys it.

Confetti Quilt

2009-03-15T11:06:00.002-05:00

Last week I saw this idea but didn't write down where it came from. This is strictly haphazard sewing. I just randomly cut scraps and stitched them onto white strips. No measuring, no centering, no straight rows. After each row was done, I just cut them all to 4 1/2" wide and started stitching them together. It is great fun, fast and no concern of anything being square except the overall top when finished (which I'm not!) I just found out that the original was actually a doll quilt. The tutorial is at: http://ladyharvatine.com/2007/05/in-the-true-spirit-of-whiplash.html

Barbie turns 50!

2009-03-06T13:39:00.003-06:00

Barbie is 50 years old on Monday! She doesn't look a day over 20, except she lost the pinky finger on her left hand. I don't remember how. She's wearing the original top, but I lost the skirt that goes with it.

My 1st Quilt of Valor

2009-03-06T13:35:00.002-06:00

I've assembled all of the red HeartStrings blocks into this top. It's soon on it's way to California where it will be quilted, finished, and given to a wounded soldier.

Thanks to Dawn Ramirez for contributing her scraps so I could make this. It's my 2nd HeartStrings top.

Solids and Sheers

2009-03-06T13:29:00.004-06:00

This is what I'm doing with my solids and sheer fabrics. I saw this idea in a magazine years ago. If the fabric is sheer, I just double it up and use 2 as 1. I can also use up some leftover batting. After sewing the strip on top of the previous one, I cut a long strip of batting, roll it up, and stitch it down.

Talk about Vintage!

2009-02-22T17:43:00.006-06:00

I received these ladies from an estate sale. I'm thrilled to tell you that they have found a perfect home. They are joining some of their distant relatives who are gathering together to complete a quilt for a very special woman.

My attempt at knitting

2009-02-22T17:41:00.002-06:00

I've knitted straight scarves and blocks, but never got the courage to attempt anything that increased or decreased. When I made a mistake, there's no way I can pick up the stitch and keep going. I guess crochet is more forgiving to ripping out and starting again, so I stuck with crochet all these years.

My 2nd counted cross stitch

2009-02-22T17:39:00.001-06:00

This has hung on a wall someplace wherever I've lived. The edges aren't bound, it's not framed, just another one of my early projects that is now a UFO.