A Happy for Myself!

I have been working on so many quilts for other folks, which I love!  And I have a long running project started with the GFG for my mom.... but sometimes I need something that is quick and sometimes I need something that is just for me... so today I got that!  I have been using a cute little 4 patch pincushion to hold needles and pins with my GFG project... but my scissors and other supplies just sort of float around and the end table next to my couch is covered with snippets of thread!  I went on an Internet quest to find a cute and easy thread catcher, but what I found is even better! ... a weighted pin cushion with plenty of room for pens and needles... a pocket to hold other supplies like small scissors, thread snips, seam ripper etc.  and a thread catcher (this one can be removed to use alone or empty out!).

I decided to use some 1930 repro fabric.. and much to the shock of my family and friends, it isn't pink!  I went with purple. I do love pink though and just might end up with a pink one to use at my sewing machine!

I did make one change.. the original patten (which I will post) had a felted wool strip to hold spare needles. I have no felted wool (my friend, Rhonda just fainted at that thought!)... I have never used felted wool in a project.. might one day, but really have no big draw to it.  Instead, I used a contrasting fabric to create the band to hold the spare needles.  They are difficult to see in the photo, but they are there!

I think it turned out well...

Here is the link to the tutorial. It is well written with photos. There are a couple of steps I had to really walk through where I felt a little more detail could have been given. For a sewing pro (like my 2 sisters-in-law who have been sewing all their lives) there will be no trouble. If you are still a novice to sewing, like me, you might have to think it through a bit as you work, but all in all it is relatively easy.

Pin Cushion Organizer

If you are looking for a quick project.. something to make for yourself or for another sewer (I am sure I will be making a few of these for some quilty friends) ... then this just might be the project for you!  I am looking forward to using it this evening while I watch TV and whipping up more hexgons!

"Belle"

A New Addiction....

I have started a new hand project... and it is now an addiction!  The same bunch who got me quilting in the first place encourage this new project... I think it is their plot to keep me in bondage to fabric and thread just like they are! 

So here is what I am doing..

First I played with some 1930 repros (I have decided it is impossible to have enough of these!)...

Then I cut some fabric squares and some templates..

A quick bit of sewing while watching tv produced these cuties...

And a bit more sewing and you have a flower... I have 8 so far...

I have always adored the Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt and had no idea it was as easy as it is!  I am sure it will get cumbersome as I start putting flowers together, but still. This is definitely one of those quilts that looks more complicated than it is!  I am doing a single flower wiin repros.... each flower has a color scheme, but different fabrics make it up.  I will surround these with white hexagons and white flowers. My inspiration can be found here... http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3321/3211500976_b0acb3c7c0.jpg

Isn't that a lovely quilt?!  I have no white hexagons of flowers done because I haven't gotten my white fabric. The yellow centers are Kona Cotton - Lemon.  I plan to use Kona Cotton - Snow for the white. 

My goal is to have this finished before my mom's 80th birthday which is September 21, 2011.. yes 11.  I am going for a full size quilt for her bed.  She has seen the flowers and loves them, but has no idea the quilt is for her. She will love it! She has hinted (boldly I might add) that she wanted a quilt in repros. 

I have to add that I love dong this by hand.. I plan to quilt it by hand also.  My dad's mom made quilts before I was born... she also sewed baby clothes  for me.  She never owned a sewing machine. Everything was done by hand. I feel very connected to her when I am working on this... it is almost as if she is looking over my shoulder watching my work. I think she would be pleased.

One more picture.... Mac kept trying to help me with the GFGs and really wanted in the pictures.. after I told him no he went and pouted a bit... poor Mackie... I am sure a little throwing of the ball and a cheesy treat will make it all better. 

"Belle"

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails...

... that's what boys are made of!  Last week was a week of Boy Quilts.  Some dear friends are in Taiwan right now finishing up all the red tape and paperwork to bring home their 2nd son from that country.  Some time ago I whipped up a quick top for Jeremiah.  Last week quilter hubby and I got the label made and added to the back... sandwiched the layers and then he quilted it one afternoon... zip... zip.. done. The man is a beast when it comes to machine quilting!  I think it turned out super cute!

At the beginning of last week, I put together a quilt top for a young couple in our church expecting their first child.. a boy. I had picked out some fabrics from my stash, but then learned they were using brown and blue in the nursery.  Hub and I made a mad dash to a couple of fabric stores and bought a few things but nothing would gel in my mind. So I decided to stick with the original fabrics.  Found a pattern in an old quilt magazine and took off.  It is set on point... my first time to do that.. stressed me out totally... I am very much a wing-it girl and this took way more planning and watching than I am use to.  It turned out well though.

But when it came time to sandwich and quilt, I just couldn't do it. I knew it wasn't what they wanted and would not suit them at all. So last Saturday, the day before the shower, Hub and I pulled charms and scraps and such and started cutting.  I pieced together the top... a quick and easy coin top made up of tan, cream and blue coins... set with brown sashing and borders.  Hubby then did his quilting magic and voila!  a quilt was born.  The photo does not do it justice. The brown fabric is not as dark as it appears... although it is dark.. it is Kona Cotton Espresso and has a very rich tone.  The expectant mommy loved it... so it was well work the change in plans!

Now this pink girl is ready to work with something girlie!

"Belle"

Quilts for Kids

I participated in the Quilts for Kids Program recently... you may have seen this promoted through Downy as Touch of Comfort. I made 2 quilts. 1 from a kit they sent... Nuts & Robolts.. and the other from my stash ... Butterflies, Bonnets & Blooms. Both were quick and easy and now are packaged up and ready to find a home with a special boy and girl!

"Belle"

Comfort Quilt

Recently an online quilting buddy went through a series of treatments. One of our mutual friends made her the sweetest quilt using fabric that has certain Psalms already printed on it. I have made a quilt before for a friend going through chemo, but never with the Bible verses. I loved that ! I am a firm believer in the power of God's Word.. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word is alive and active and I can attest to the fact that that is TRUE! Now I don't think a quilt made with Bible verse fabric is magical.. not at all! But it will remind its recipient of the promises of God. So when a dear friend received a devastating diagnosis, I knew I had to make her a Comfort Quilt. I used the Psalms fabric and I also found some really lovely Faith, Hope, Love and Joy Fabric. This is a lap size quilt.. went together super fast. My hubby, who is the speediest quilter I know, quilted it for me in a flash! I love how it turned out. Here are some more pictures:

Garage Sale Finds....

2 churches in our area had big garage sales this weekend for Missions. One is my mom's church and I go to it each year. The other one I have never attended before. Lots of stuff at both... I had a very small spending allowance though! Still... I found some nice stuff!

I bought books at both places... I love books! Including a hardback first editio

n with dust jacket in mint condition and autographed book that is one of my son's absolute favorite books! He is going to flip when I give this to him! Saving it for his birthday in a couple of months!

I also got this beauty....

I love glass items... especially plates and trays and bowls... just

love it! This platter is so unique to me... very simple, but really elegant. I just loved it. Almost passed it by, but hubby insisted.. he even haggled a bit and saved us a few dollars. :-) Can't wait to use it!

Of course the main thing on the lookout list was fabric! Found some nice solids (

no picture, sorry) and these 2 fun fabrics...

and then I found this baby fabric. Isn't it sweet?

And Hubby grabbed

up this stripe... he loves stripes!

So I added a bit to my stash.... and didn't break the bank!

That makes for a good day!

"Belle"

A Fun Saturday

Ran to Hobby Lobby with Hubby this morning to snatch up some batting with 40% off coupons. Ended up getting a few more things. This fabric was on clearance ... how could I resist!? And while I rarely purchase quilt books (so much can be found online for free!) I just loved several of the quilts in this one and Hubby insisted I buy it. So I did!

This afternoon my

daughter whipped up some Peepshi for her brother who is a Sushi nut. A friend sent me the link for these.. http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/03/peeps-recipes-how-to-make-peepshi-sushi-rice-krispies-treats-easter.html

Too Cute! He is going to love them!

And a good bit of today

has been spent outside with the babies.. Mac and Mia.. hunting bugs and such. Poor Miss Mia looks awful covered in Pollen! No doubt Mac is covered too, it just doesn't show up on his red coat!

Hope you

all have a very Blessed

Easter.. enjoy the food and fellowship with family and friends... hide some eggs... eat some

candy... hug a bunny... but most of all remember that Jesus is Alive! "Belle"