Hooked on Quilting

Alphabet Quilt

2012-02-12T14:51:00.001-05:00

My daughter is anxious for my grandson to learn the alphabet! Found this "cheater" panel and it's now on my to-do list!!

Fabric Storage

2012-02-03T11:39:00.001-05:00

My JoAnn's fabric shop is moving to a new location. They were selling off all of their display cases for scrap booking stickers. I decided to buy them and put fabric in them

Here's a pic:

Sensory Blanket - WIP

2012-01-05T10:32:00.000-05:00

One of the work-in-progress (WIP) projects that I need/want to complete is my granddaughter's sensory blanket. I've done three rows and plan to finish by the weekend. I'll just do a row here and there because it's just mindless sewing and repetitive. Phew! I don't have to think!!! <grin>

Prioritizing Projects in 2012

2012-01-02T21:37:00.003-05:00

Once again, I'm going to try to get more done in 2012 than I did in 2011!!!

So, my start up list is (off the top of my head):

Gifts:

1. A sensory blanket for my granddaughter. Only seven more rows. Deadline 1/6/2012
2. Spot. Ready to quilt. Deadline 1/6/2012
3. Isabelle Christmas. Designed by my daughter and the front is finished. Backing is squares that need to be piecing. Deadline 1/6/2012
4. Dinosaur Quilt. Ordering fabric.
5. Repair Doll Quilt. Hmmm. Deadline 1/6/2012
6. Alphabet Quilt
7. B/W King Quilt - Ripping in progress

For me:

1. Baltimore Christmas - BOM - Deadline 1/31/2012
2. Baltimore Halloween - BOM - 1/31/2012
3. Baltimore Liberty - BOM - 1/31/2012
4. Dear Jane - BOW and TOW - 1/8/2012
5. Vintage Valentine (Feb 2012) - BOM

Other gifts to sneak in when time permits:

1. Pinwheel for Pop
2. Mod Garden Pillowcases and Shams

I just wanted these on record and will be revising/adding to as demands change. I will post about each of these projects individually with photos as I progress.

Way overloaded, but love all the projects to choose from on any given day.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T21:20:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year to everyone and hope it's a great year for you every single day!

Okay, okay, it's been awhile. <grin> I'm going to try to do better at blogging in the new year!

The good news is that I finished the Mod Garden twin and the queen in time to give them as Christmas presents, however, I didn't take a finished photo to share. Here's the queen and then the twin below it with the 3D flowers. Sorry, they were works in progress and not the best photos.

Finished Tops

2011-10-17T20:19:00.001-04:00

My son has purchased a new house and I wanted to make quilts for their new beds. They share a room and the queen is on the bottom with a twin as a bunk.

Here's the queen size:

And the twin size:

Now, I could use quilting suggestions...anyone have ideas? Please share!

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Quilting a King-sized Top

2011-08-20T00:12:00.000-04:00

This is almost a nightmare! My first king-sized quilt--crazy!! Want to hear the saga? Read on...

I loaded this a couple of days ago (really, about a month) and have been waffling about how to quilt it. Well, first issue--I couldn't stitch down the side because it was too close to one end. Lesson learned...pay attention to those marks on the leaders when doing a large quilt--you put them there for a reason. Duh!!

Next UGH!!! Trimmed most of the stray threads, but as you know (or maybe you don't), the more you "play" with the top, the more the threads fray and did you know? Black threads show through white fabric!!! Enough said.

Another UGH!!! I got this brilliant thought that I could stitch in the ditch with the Pro-Stitcher on my HQ16--fool!!! I'd saved a file with a 2" horizontal line and then re-sized it for the borders and the sashing, etc. I went really, really slow and guided it with my hands, but sometimes I lifted my hands or I sneezed or I coughed and that darned machine just kept on stitching and not in the ditch!!! So, after four rows, I gave up on that idea (at least I had the common sense to use the restroom--can't leave it!!).

These are 14" inch blocks, so I really only have 11" of quilting space, so after loading it all, I decided I'd float my top--another first. Took me forever to load the top and all for nothing. Sigh. So, I enlarged the pattern to 13" to cover most of the block and, naturally, I ran out of bobbin thread. Handiquilter upgraded their software to make it easier to go back and restart where the thread ran out. I had to watch their DVD to see how to use this new (to me) feature. Another delay.

So, I'd gotten the first row of blocks (there are five!!!) finished and I advanced my quilt and was basting the side and got a "motor stall." So I powered down and cleaned out the pesky bobbin threads and started again. Stalled again, this time, the needle was caught a bit in the fabric and, because I only use the computerized version (for the most part--well, all the time!), I have it against the wall and couldn't reach the handle to raise the needle. I'm stretching over the bars and table trying to get the needle up and I ripped the fabric.

My huge roll of batting is just sitting on the floor below the machine--uncut for this quilt, so I'm going to do the half and then cut the batting, take off the quilt, replace the torn fabric and then SID on my Viking and then put it back on to finish it.

I've learned so much, but why did I have to learn it all on this one quilt? (Rhetorical question, of course--heard of Murphy's Law, anyone?)

The End. For today.

Finished Projects

2011-08-19T14:38:00.001-04:00

I've finally finished some older projects. Here's they are:

So excited they are finished!!! On to older and new projects!!!

Runners ARE Quilted!!!

2011-07-29T12:35:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I worked on this project, but now I'm off to do the binding!!

Go glad to be motivated to finish these projects.

Runner - Quilting Finished

2011-07-27T20:35:00.001-04:00

I played with my HQ16 for awhile today and I made a few adjustments, but they aren't too noticeable. I thoroughly enjoyed finishing this runner for my daughter...it's been sitting for a long while.

Now to the binding...

Sorry about the lighting...photography is not my friend and my iPhone is what I do.

Baltimore Christmas

2011-07-18T20:12:00.004-04:00

Well, I drooled over this kit for weeks and finally bit the bullet and bought it!!! There are a million and one pieces in this quilt and I started on it, but just the prep for Block 10.

I really love needleturn, wish my curves weren't points, but, hey, got to start somewhere.

Quilts for Kids - Finished

2011-07-18T20:12:00.001-04:00

Gosh, this really seemed to take a long, long time, but I finally put it in the mail back to Quilts for Kids. I wish I could have gotten a second one finished, but that might take way too long!!!

I totally apologize that I kept this quilt so long.

2011-07-11T14:53:00.000-04:00

I went to the Ohio One Stop Shop Hop and got some goodies!! I fell in love with the snowmen and just had to have the kit from Cozy Cabin Quilts. Then I fell in love with these month kits from The Country Cupboard, but decided they were too expensive and just bought the book to use my own fabrics and also bought a Christmas book and a wire frame. Then, I found a cute boy quilt kit, called "On the Go" and just had to have it--from Quilts n Gifts. There were several ladies leaving and they handed me their door prize tickets and I won a door prize!!! It was some brownish flannel fabric and four fat quarters of "What's Cookin" from Quilting Treasures, not sure who's ticket won, but thanks to you wonderful ladies that shared them with me. Now, to dream up something to use these cute fabrics in!

This is the first time I've ever done an "all under one roof" but I loved it. Not too much from any one shop to look at and be overwhelmed by, but just a touch of what they seemed to love. There were several shops that I just kept moving and their fabrics just weren't something that I could see myself using.

Oh, my, I've now found a Baltimore Christmas quilt kit online that I want to buy! Not that I need a new project, but I think it's so beautiful and I've been drooling for some time. Someone talk me out of it--some pieces are very small and I've decided I love needleturn applique!

More Pinwheels Again

2011-07-01T00:24:00.000-04:00

More of the pinwheels dine today. Ten more to go. Phew!

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More Pinwheels

2011-06-29T13:59:00.000-04:00

Did a few more pinswheels on my husband's quilt. Thinking I might abandon this and do something in red, white and blue for the holidays...this is why I have so many UFOs. Why can't I stay focused?

My bad.

Pinwheels for Pop

2011-06-09T10:27:00.001-04:00

Okay, I know I wouldn't start another new project, but I just couldn't help myself. I saw this quilt in Quick Quilts magazine and I loved the colors--something I decided would suit my husband. I bit the bullet and ordered the kit and the backing from the Fat Quarter Shop. I can't wait to do all those pinwheels--not. So, I bought the die for the Accuquilt GO! that was needed and I made one (then three). The first was a bit wonky, so I have decided to use a sheet of paper before each cut and cut only one block at a time. I'm loving not having to cut the dog ears or square them up. Cutting this quilt will be a breeze, but I'm worried a bit about cutting the sashing and trying very hard to keep those stripes straight. We'll see.

Anyway, I'm thrilled to have a manly-ish quilt to work with and the red plaid backing will seal the deal. My husband's birthday is Sunday, but that's not going to happen and Father's Day is coming up, but it won't happen for that either. I promised myself that I wouldn't put it away for next year, so our anniversary is in July??? Perhaps, but no promises. Shhh, don't tell him.

Sensory Blanket

2011-06-07T11:30:00.000-04:00

I'm making this sensory blanket for my grandson and now I'm going to fill all the blocks with poly-pellets! Lots of long seams.

Jelly Roll Sampler - Block 5

2011-05-31T14:09:00.000-04:00

Did a bit of sewing today and worked on Block 5 of the jelly roll sampler quilt from the quilt along Moose on the Porch!

Still working on getting some tops finished. This was from 2010, so it's time.

What Should I Do??

2011-05-26T17:05:00.001-04:00

Have you ever bought fabric and forgotten the quilt pattern you planned? Well, I now have! I bought this "Make Life" fabric in March of 2010 and I don't have a clue what I was going to do with it. So annoying!!

What would you do? Hunt for a quilt pattern i like? Try to remember? I bought 5 yards for the backing, so it wasn't for a small quilt.

I am trying to be organized, but just found this!!

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Pinwheel Sampler - Finished the Top!!!

2011-05-25T18:36:00.000-04:00

It's finally finished!! The top, at least. I did Rachel's Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along back in January of 2010. I just wish I remembered if I bought fabric for the backing or binding. Guess I'll have to do a witch hunt for fabric or just buy something! I used a Blush layer cake for the blocks.

Sorry about the photo, but I took it with my iPhone and the lighting is horrible.

Anyone as excited as I that I've finished it???

GO! Quilt Along - Block 3

2011-05-08T14:16:00.000-04:00

Okay, I've been away and I'm just getting a bit caught up there with my GO! Quilt Along. This is Block 3 and this took longer than I allotted time for!!! On to Block 4!!

Dear Jane; TR-1 Redo

2011-04-30T22:14:00.000-04:00

Look better? Whew!!!

TR-1 finished...again.

Dear Jane - Second Triangle

2011-04-30T17:52:00.000-04:00

Well, that looks more like the triangles are supposed to!! This is TR-2, Australian Pines. Doesn't totally line up with the stripes, but I'm calling this one done.

Now, back to re-do TR-1 and I will remember to check my settings for each block/triangle from now on.

Dear Jane - Finished First Triangle

2011-04-30T10:47:00.001-04:00

Hooray! Got a bit motivated to do a Dear Jane block and the TR-1 Spanish Moss was next!! Looking reasonably good, so I'm going to count it done!!!

EDIT: Yikes, forgot to change the print size--will have to redo this one!!!

Projects - New Approach

2011-04-29T13:21:00.000-04:00

I'm just spinning my wheels and not getting anything accomplished unless I have a deadline that's not self-imposed.

On one of my Yahoo! groups, we discussed that there are two types of people...process and product. The process person enjoys all the different processes of quilting and just keeps doing all the processes involved with no need to truly have a finished product--just having fun doing it. The product person is the one that just does all the work in order to have a completed product...must have something to show for their time.

Well, I am sooooooooo the process person and that's why I have upwards of 100+ UFOs because all I care about is the process. Love just having the fabric to look at and feel. Love having piles of cut fabric. Love chain piecing them. Love having a pile of partial or whole blocks just sitting here. Love having a list of things I want to do. Love to join in all the different online quilt alongs. I could go on and on. I just don't "have" to finish something...so, how can I become a product person?

I'm going to try these steps in my new approach:

1. Clean one area of my sewing studio for at least 15 minutes first thing in the morning.
2. Choose a UFO that is in a machine sewing stage and work on it for at least 15 minutes each day.
3. Work on any project that may have a deadline for at least one hour--mid-morning.
4. Work on any project of my choice for at least one hour--afternoon.
5. Choose a UFO that is handwork and do it for at least 15 minutes each day only in the evenings.

What are the pitfalls of an approach like this? Anyone ever tried to put yourself on a schedule like this? Does it work? This is only 2 hours and 45 minutes (on paper), is this even doable? Anyone suggest a better way of moving projects forward for those quilters that are like me?

Been Awhile :(

2011-04-29T12:44:00.001-04:00

Okay, I apologize, been awhile since I've blogged. Life has a way of putting most things on hold for a bit.

I've put the boots on my April wall hanging and I'm going to do work on this for 15 minutes a day and, hopefully, it will be finished by April 2012, just not going to make this year. I'm just going to accept it and move on to May's wall hanging--I've given myself permission and I'm not going to feel guilty about it anymore. May is flowers, imagine that???? LOL

These wall hangings are from Calendar Quilts by Kim Schaefer. These are supposed to be fusible and machine appliqued, but I just don't do it well enough so I'm doing them needleturn to get better and something to do while watching TV at night.

Percy Background

2011-03-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

I submitted my "Percy" at and won the background fabric!! Aren't they the cutest penguins you've ever seen?

I skipped the February wall hanging because Valentine's Day was over, but I have EVERY intention of doing it for next year. A grain of salt is needed here.

Working on the lion, not probably going to happen before the end of March. :(

Block 1 - Halloween Applique BOM

2011-03-15T08:58:00.000-04:00

Okay, this was such a treat now that I've fallen in love with hand-applique. I'd ordered this BOM when I was in Texas (2010) from the Honey Bee Quilt Shop and haven't touched it or even opened one envelope. Sigh.

I decided that I needed to get going on this to have it ready for this Halloween.

This is the first block, I think, not all the postmarks are very clear on the envelopes, but I suppose it doesn't really matter in what order I do them.

I think it turned out nicely, the eye on the right has a bit larger polka dot orange showing, but it's it true that one eye is more open than the other? I'm sure I'm the only one to notice.

April Calendar

2011-03-13T23:43:00.000-04:00

I've fallen in love with hand applique, not that I'm good at it yet, but it's so calming and I love watching TV if there's something like this to do.

So, I had this pattern of monthly calendars quilts by Kim Schaefer that actually used machine applique, but I just don't have the expertise to make machine applique smooth and even, so I decided to do it using needle-turn applique.

I cut the 4 1/2" squares using my new Accuquilt GO! 4 1/2" strip cutter die and then turned them to cut the squares...easy-peasy and every single square matched up almost perfectly. Only two were a bit odd, so it went together so quickly.

I was going to do March, but decided there's a few steps to this and April would be a better first choice to see how goes. There will be an umbrella and boots with flowers popping out and some huge raindrops that seem to fall from the sky! The center is all blue with rainbow colors as the border. It's not as dark as it appears on my computer. Should be interesting, I'll share photos as I go. I wish I had a better camera, but I'm too lazy to move the photos to the computer and my iPhone and Dropbox makes it soooooooo easy.

I'm still learning applique, but it's not so bad. I have some points that shouldn't be there on the Halloween quilt that I'm doing. I'll take a photo soon to show you as I almost finished the first block of the jack-o-lantern. And explain how I am finally using my roll of Seal-n-Press that I thought I'd use with my HQ-16 as I was learning free-hand quilting...bought the Pro-Stitcher and that made my Seal-n-Press useless (of course, I could have used in the kitchen, but, hey!!!).

I really need to do a Dear Jane block soon, too. I've decide to do handpiecing on the harder ones.

So many projects started!!

Fanfare Log Cabin - Top Finished

2011-03-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

In my effort to finish some of these 100+ projects, I sewed a bunch of long seams and finished the borders on this Fanfare Log Cabin (Christmas fabric) that I started way back in 2007 in one of my very first classes I took at my LQS.

Phew!!!

Now, when I get about 10 tops finished, I'll re-familiarize myself with my HQ16 and figure out how to quilt again. Sigh.

This photo was taken with my iPhone and to get far away enough to take the whole quilt top, I have to go down the stairs, so it's less than a stellar shot...

On the Road to Spring Top is Done, Sort of!

2011-03-09T23:52:00.000-05:00

This is a top that has been hanging on my design wall for ages. It was in strips and I finally sewed them together. I did a quilt along with Randi and she helped choose the fabrics. We were supposed to just choose them from a bag and now that I've sewn the rows together, I see many blocks next to each other that are the same. Do I rip it apart? or let it go? I'm already a year behind. LOL

I'm so glad to have freed up my design wall whether or not I move the colors around.

Accuquilt GO! Quilt Along

2011-03-08T20:15:00.000-05:00

This is Block 1 of the Accuquilt GO! Quilt Along.

This is Block 2, however, I was supposed to use orange with the pink...I'd already cut the dark pink, it will have to do.

Fanfare Log Cabin

2011-03-08T12:33:00.001-05:00

Sorry I haven't shared many projects lately, but I just finished sewing the rows for this Fanfare Log Cabin. It's done in Christmas fabrics, but if I can get the borders on...

Percy Penguin

2011-02-28T15:36:00.001-05:00

So sorry it's been so long since I've blogged and I promise (again) that it won't be so long!!

I decided to do Denise Russart's 2011 A Year of Wall Hangings and this was the one for January.

I may or may not have shared that I got an Accuquilt GO! for Christmas and I used the die for half-square triangles to make the one border. Well, I certainly learned a bias lesson...what a nightmare. Since I'd already done the applique center and I'd cut the border on the bias (which I didn't realize until after it was all cut), I didn't have enough scarf fabric to redo the border, so I eased it in as best I could, but I got in done in time to submit it for the backing drawing, but I want to see if I can ease it in better in some places.

Also, this was my first real applique project and I have a few spots that needed re-doing, but I'm going to go with the charm and keep it as is to show my applique progress when I get really good at it! I can hope, right?

Love my Accuquilt GO!

Valentine Hearts

2011-02-10T14:26:00.002-05:00

I only have the top finished and not likely to finish in time for the big day. Turned out very nicely, don't you think?

Followed a sew-along at Daisy Quilts.

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New Cutting Table

2011-01-31T08:58:00.001-05:00

Here's my new tabletop from IKEA that I've put on shelving. It's 6-foot long and 39 inches wide!! The ONLY thing that is going to EVER be on it is my cutting mat/rulers and my new Accuquilt GO! cutter/dies! (if you believe that, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I can sell you!). I'll have it junked up in no time!

Also, here's the two bookcases it was designed to rest on.

So, what should I put on these shelves?? Looking for suggestions.

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An New or Really Old quilt Project

2011-01-18T09:12:00.001-05:00

In 2007, when I first discovered quilting, I decided to make a king size quilt for our bed. I fell in love with the colors in an older BOM sampler quilt. It never happened!

Not really knowing anything about anything quilting, I bought some fabric similar to what was used in the sampler. I scoured the Internet and found a used pattern. Well, I just found all that fabric again and I still like it, well, sort of, so since I'd bought this sampler pattern and the fabric, I decided to venture into the project.

I'm just having issues with a sampler now. I think of sampler quilts as being country and my house now is more Tuscany. Now would be the time to switch to a newer more stunning pattern, but I can't seem let go of my original plan.

The photo is Block One. It's okay, but do I want a bunch of different blocks on my bed? Do I want a pattern that flows and more is more matchy-matchy?

I've learned so much more and realize that I can do anything I want with this fabric. It's okay to switch gears, right?

Anyone know of a king size quilt pattern that would be better suited? Or, should I just do the sampler?

Let's hope it doesn't take three more years to decide. Sigh. Help!!!

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A Few More Steps

2011-01-13T14:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I actually did a Dear Jane block!!! It's called B-2, Sweet Tater Pie. I'm not excited about it, but it's finished. Seams weren't great and the points of the pie weren't perfect. If there's time and I'm not dead and gone by the time I finish the quilt, I'll re-do!!! LOL

I also did Step 1 of the Doll Quiltalong. These are tiny!

I need to do my EQ7 Lessons, they are due tomorrow.

One More Step

2011-01-11T21:01:00.000-05:00

I decided to do a step or two on several of my 2010-started quilts. So, today, I did another block on the 2010 Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along (way over for everyone else!).

I also worked on the 2010 On the Road to Spring quilt along. I'd sewn my strips and too many ended up together, so I took a few apart to stagger them better. Next I'll do some rows and be almost finished.

I put two "logs" on a FanFare Log Cabin a Christmas quilt from eons ago. There were 16 blocks and I have a couple more rounds to go then add borders.

NYE Mystery Quilt

2011-01-09T11:37:00.001-05:00

Here's an update on the mystery quilt. Loving it!!!

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Tennis Gift Baskets

2011-01-07T12:38:00.001-05:00

My tennis team is celebrating tonight--we won the championship!!! We are doing birthdays and Christmas, too.

So, I found this cute gift basket tutorial and made one for each girl with tennis fabric that I had around here. It's so hard to find good tennis- related gifts. Sigh.

Now, what should I put in them? Getting a can of tennis balls, too!

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Doll Quiltalong

2011-01-06T12:53:00.000-05:00

I love to do things along with others and I found this cute little doll quilt that started today. It's called Midnight Stars Quiltalong and you can find it here. I have to choose fabrics and will post a pic soon.

I have my nine tennis gift boxes to finish by tomorrow night. I did one for practice and I think they are cute, too. I found it here on J Casa Handmade blog. I'm putting yellow fabric on the inside and tennis rackets and balls on the outside.

Of course, I'm still working on Ann's New Year's Eve mystery quilt. More pics soon.

Then, there's the Roll, Roll, Cotton Boll of Bonnie Hunter's that I started that I should be working on.

Again, I want to get back to my Rainbow Jane, too.

NYE Mystery Quilt

2011-01-03T00:41:00.000-05:00

I hate to bore you, but I put together the block!!!

I really like it!

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NYE Mystery Quilt -Clue 5

2011-01-02T00:13:00.001-05:00

Done with Clue 5!!!!

On to Clue 6.

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NYE Mystery Quilt

2011-01-01T20:42:00.001-05:00

Here's Clue 4!

I don't have enough fabric. I think I'll just piece a square from the 2 1/2" strips. I cut too many. I still have trim these.

On to Clue 5!

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NYE Mystery Quilt - Clue 2

2011-01-01T16:11:00.001-05:00

Here's Clue 3. Unfortunately, I don't have enough. I have 87 and need nine more. I can either make the quilt smaller or buy more fabric or I can make the squares by using the 2 1/2" strips to make the rest of the 4 1/2" squares I need.

Thoughts?

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NYE Mystery Quilt -Clue 1

2011-01-01T02:23:00.001-05:00

I decided to finish the clues before going further.

That's 96 units!! Now to finish Clue 2!

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Happy New Year

2010-12-31T23:40:00.000-05:00

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year and hope 2011 we all stay healthy and prosper!!!!

Soon it will be 1/1/11!!!!

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NYE Mystery Quilt - Clue 3

2010-12-31T20:39:00.000-05:00

Here's Clue 3! Not enough, if course, but a start. On to Clue 4.

I got a GO! Cutter for Christmas and the cutting is so much fun!!

These are 2 - 2 1/2" squares sewn together. The cool part of the cutter is that I cut strips of each color, then sewed the strips together, then turned the units sideways in the cutter and sliced the strips into sets!!!

I might just have to spend 2011 just cutting, it's SO much fun!!!

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NYE Mystery Quilt - Clue 2

2010-12-31T20:29:00.002-05:00

Okay, did a few of Clue 2 of Ann Smith's New Year's Eve Mystery Quilt.

These are 4 1/2" blocks with a 2 1/2" blocks sewn to a corner.

So, here's eight and I need to do 96, so I'm just going to move on to Clue 3!!! The suspense is killing me.

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New Year's Eve Mystery Quilt

2010-12-31T19:34:00.001-05:00

Well, I played tennis this morning so I missed all the clues because I'm hours behind. This is a mystery quilt Ann Smith hosts on various Yahoo groups.

These are six of Clue 1! I'm doing the lap size so I need 90 more!!!

Okay, in an effort to "catch up" I'm going to skip, for now, to Clue 2!!

At some point, I'm going to have to go back and really catch up! LOL

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RRCB -Part 3

2010-12-29T23:30:00.000-05:00

A couple of Part 3. On to Part 4 !!!

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RRCB - Part 2

2010-12-29T23:28:00.000-05:00

These are a few of my Part 2 squares.

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GO! For Christmas!!!

2010-12-29T00:33:00.000-05:00

I got a GO! Accuquilt fabric cutter for Christmas and it's still sitting unused except for a few 2 1/2" strips. I'm scared to cut fabric because it seems easier to just follow the quilt pattern for cutting. I'll have to figure out which die to use to get the desired cut.

I'm going to force myself to figure it out and use this marvelous gift!!!

I've added a tab for the upcoming 2011 quilts that I'm sure I'll be buying.

I need to look again at all my quilts and see where I stand. I thought about making BOMs/BOWs of all of them, too much pressure? I wonder if I'd get so confused if I did a block a day for a month with a different quilt each day. Something to think about, no???

Mug Rug Practice

2010-12-16T12:35:00.000-05:00

Here's my practice mug rug for my tennis team.

The satin stitch seemed to make ripples, any ideas why???

Off to figure out how to quilt on my Designer SE!!!

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Christmas Wreath

2010-12-07T02:07:00.001-05:00

This is two blocks that will fit into a wreath wall hanging by MH Designs.

Fourteen more small ones and four larger ones to go.

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Log Cabin Christmas Quilt

2010-12-07T02:04:00.001-05:00

Well, sort if a log cabin pattern. Here's a block if the 16 I'm working on. It's a Lazy Girl Designs-Fanfare Log Cabin.

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Doll Quilts

2010-12-07T02:00:00.001-05:00

Here's the front and back of one of my five doll quilts. They are all the same except the backings.

Here's two pillow cases to match them.

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RRCB

2010-12-07T01:55:00.002-05:00

Step 1 of Bonnie Hunter's RRCB mystery scrap quilt.

I am working lots of projects at the same time. Moving foward on all of them. Maybe I work better this way. Will post photos soon.

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You Just Have to See This

2010-11-28T11:49:00.000-05:00

I AM NOT A NEAT PERSON, but Teresa is!!! I would love to move in to her quilt cave, as she puts it! She has guest-posted on Stash Manicure with her exposure of her "underwear drawer," but it's all about her fabric!!!

Go look, go look right now, if anyone else comes close to being that organized, be sure to leave a comment of where I can go look!!!

Check out Teresa's fabric stash here.

OMG, I Love These Colors in Giveway

2010-11-26T19:21:00.000-05:00

Just had to say how much I love, love, love these colors in Rebecca's giveaway. Please go check them out, but no need to enter...that way, I'll win them!

LOL, of course you can enter!

Doll Quilts

2010-11-24T16:58:00.000-05:00

Here's a photo of my first doll quilt for Christmas gifts.

I have so many unfinished quilts hanging on my design wall, so sorry there's another quilt or two is under this quilt. Oh, how I wish I would finish all of them BEFORE I got so excited about a new one!

See, I am sewing, contrary to the lack of blog posts! LOL

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King Size

2010-11-16T08:06:00.001-05:00

I must be crazy to do a king size quilt because they are huge!!!!

There's 25 blocks and only seven to go.

I'm doing the blocks in between everything else and the sashing will take forever. LOL

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Doll Pillows

2010-11-10T09:22:00.000-05:00

I got this ticking for doll pillows, think it's too old-fashioned?? It's not the blue, at least. My daughter thinks it's too hospitality!

So, any one have a favorite (easy) doll quilt pattern they always use? Four patch? Log cabin?

I need four for Christmas gifts, all the same, just different backings. Less fighting among the kiddies. ;).

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Car Play Quilt

2010-11-08T14:22:00.001-05:00

How would you go about quilting this? Echo the objects??? Houses? Windows?? Trees?? Just outline the road? Along the middle yellow line? Has anyone done this yet?

Good thing that's there's no piecing!!!

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My Bad - Again

2010-11-06T21:25:00.000-04:00

Well, I haven't been sewing in a loooooonnnngggg time.

So, I actually completed the sensory blanket for my grandson's first birthday today.

Let's hope I can stay motivated!!!

Sorry I was away so long.

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Runner Finished

2010-09-11T22:18:00.000-04:00

Don't look at all the blocks above the runner! They are from a bunch of UFO's.

This is the runner for my daughter's table and she's changed her room colors again since I started it!!

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Still Here!

2010-09-03T19:25:00.000-04:00

My bad, again!

I'm so far behind in my quilting! I played tons of tennis, however, I'm not any better!

Lots of family visits and great pool weather.

Now, I just need to decide whether or not to just buy something for a new project or pick up one that's been sitting around neglected. What's your vote on that?

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June Deadline - No Way

2010-06-28T21:24:00.001-04:00

Here's a photo of the 25 blocks for the Schnibbles for June. I still have to trim them, but at least all 25 are put together.

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Made Some Progress

2010-06-27T09:20:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, I had a chance to work a little while and I got the sashing done around the table runner made from Botanica. I got a couple of blocks done State Fair for June Scnibbles. I'll work a little bit more today and maybe I'll get the top done for the June deadline.

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June Scnibbles -State Fair

2010-06-26T11:08:00.001-04:00

Gosh, I just got my fabric for the June Schnibbles. it's called State Fair and I'm using American Jane fabric. I am not really getting a head start on this but I'm going to cut it up today. Totally not expecting to finish in time.

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Table Runner Progress

2010-06-23T09:10:00.000-04:00

As promised, I've decided to keep you apprised of my progress on my projects. Here's the botanica table runner. I have sewn the four corners on each of the six blocks and now I'm going to cut and trim.

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Table Runner Started

2010-06-18T10:34:00.001-04:00

In an effort to report some progress, here's a pick of the new table runner I've started for my daughter. They will be snowball blocks.

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Weighted Quilt

2010-06-17T19:16:00.002-04:00

Here's what I did for my grandson:

He has some sensory issues and I've been reading that a weighted blanket would help, so I quickly put one together in 10 hours!!!

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I'm Taking the Pledge...

2010-06-02T10:37:00.000-04:00

I, Gloria, pledge to talk more about my processes, even when I can’t quite put them in the in words or be sure I’m being totally clear. I’m going to put my thinking and my gut feelings out there.

Since I have finally come to grips with the fact that I only like to start quilts rather than finish them, I'm going to start consciously blogging about my starts/steps instead of punishing myself by reminding myself every day that I haven't finished anything. I refuse to feel guilty because that truly keeps me from doing anything. So, here's a blanket apology for never getting anything completely finished!!

Here's the info on Rossie's pledge that made me realize that people enjoy hearing about the process just as much as the finished quilt.

My Bad - A New Post

2010-06-02T10:23:00.002-04:00

So, it's been awhile since I posted--my bad. I'm sorry, life just got in the way. I've also found that I love competitive tennis, both singles and doubles and, since I don't have a tennis court in my back yard, I have to drive the 20 minutes to/from my indoor tennis club. This sucks time away from quilting. No excuses, I really need to get my priorities straight!!

I've been trying to get caught up on my quilt blog reading and I've found a ton of new projects to start!! Haven't finished anything in awhile, so why not just start new ones? Do you see anything wrong with the idea???

First, I just got a notice that I need to finish my Downy quilt, so I've centered it on the backing they provided and I'm going to quilt it today...I hope.

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Downy Quilt for Kids

2010-05-07T21:05:00.001-04:00

Finally, I finished the top! Hopefully, I'll get to quilting it later next week.

Going through tennis withdrawal! Season's over.

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Downy Quilt

2010-04-28T17:41:00.002-04:00

I've started my "Quilt for Kids" quilt:

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Hexagon Quilt Along

2010-04-11T21:21:00.000-04:00

Oh, my goodness! You all are going to shoot me, I've started yet another project or two. I really should have finished something!

I'm starting the Hexagon Quilt Along using Frolic fabrics from Moda.

I just got my fabric for April's Schnibbles called Tagalong, so I starting to cut that, too! It's Hunky Dory!

Roundabout Finished!

2010-03-31T17:20:00.001-04:00

Hooray! I finished in time! I quilted it with circles in circles freehand, it shows I need practice!

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Quilting!

2010-03-28T14:39:00.001-04:00

I'm quilting my Roundabout today! I am practicing my free motion on all my Scbnibbles small quilts. I usually use the Pro-Stitcher, but I really want to practice. I'm doing circles inside circles, but not all circles are circles and not all circles have circles around them!!

Will I ever be good at this?

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Block 4 is Finished

2010-03-28T02:15:00.001-04:00

I finished Block 4 of the Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along!

More tomorrow

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Roundabout Top Is Finished

2010-03-27T20:54:00.001-04:00

I finished the top. Will load it on my HQ16 tomorrow!

So, I'm doing a retreat of sorts to get caught up on all my projects.

Next:

Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along
Pinwheel Party
On the Road to Spring

I'm so happy to be sewing!

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Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along Update

2010-03-27T18:16:00.001-04:00

In between my Schnibbles Roundabout, I worked on Block 3 of the Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along. I still have Blocks 4 and 5 to go!

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Roundabout Update

2010-03-27T14:33:00.001-04:00

I finished rows then put them together! Now, on to the border!

I'm sewing the Pinwheel Sampler Block 3 as leaders/Enders. Hopefully, I'll get caught up soon!

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Sewing Studio

2010-03-27T12:40:00.001-04:00

I have this huge room above my three-car garage - the drawback is that the long side walls are sloped!

What do you think of hanging all my quilt tops on them? What should I use to secure them because they will need to be hung top and bottom? What are the conquences should they hang for years? LOL

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Roundabout March Schnibbles

2010-03-26T01:09:00.001-04:00

The blocks are finished! I might redo a few points, but I'm so close making rows.

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Huge Ironing Board

2010-03-25T22:48:00.002-04:00

Here's a pic of my ironing board setup. All of those drawers have a UFO in them! Guess I should have cleaned off the top so you could really see it! It's wonderful because it's rectangle rather than the ordinary ironing board, also, it's not against a wall, so I can let yardage drop if need be. Made of plywood, cut to size with a blanket and the silver fabric stapled to the underside, not too soft and stretched tightly, then stapled. I love it!! I have the Oliso iron that is always down, no lifting--saves my wrists for tennis!!
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March Schnibbles

2010-03-25T00:37:00.002-04:00

I finally started again on my March Schibbles. I've been away, but now I have a few days to just sew!

Bad news is that I cut the entire stack of creme squares not exactly square! So I have to re-cut every single one of them. Can you say? Duh!

I bought an Angler 2 to sew these rectangles and I made a sampler to be sure I knew what I was doing.

One down...

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No Sewing or Quilting :(

2010-03-13T10:50:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I've been away from my blog, I've been babysitting my two-year old grandson at my house and he's been keeping me very, very busy. I had no idea that I wouldn't even have a minute or two to check in for so long.

Tomorrow, I'm going to return him and help out for a week with my other grandson, but at his house, so I don't think I'll get anything done there!

See you soon. I'll check in when I can, but for sure by next Sunday.

On the Road to Spring Update

2010-03-06T08:46:00.002-05:00

What do you think? Ready to sew the rows!

The Quilt Along is finished, but I got a late start and am coming along, slow, but sure.

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Pinwheel Party Block 1

2010-03-03T17:50:00.001-05:00

I bought Anina's kit for the Pinwheel Party because I've never dine black either!! This is a corrected block. Don't look closely at my points. LOL

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Jelly Roll Sampler Redo

2010-03-03T17:47:00.001-05:00

I didn't pay any attention to the creme background and some were sewn to the wrong side. Sigh. Actually, I wasn't too happy with my scrappy look so while I took apart the creme, I picked a more controlled 9 patch for the center. Better???

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Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along

2010-03-01T18:14:00.002-05:00

I've joined the Jelly Roll Sampler Quilt Along at Moose on the Porch Quilts. I've gotten Block 1 finished today!!

Wow! I do love this Whimsy fabric!

Spring Sewing Party

2010-02-27T00:18:00.034-05:00

Updated Sunday Morning:

I had a great time at the party and hope to join next time! Got my February Schnibbles totally finished.

Updated 10:00 p.m.

I saw that the pinwheel sampler from p.s. I quilt had posted directions for block 2, so I went ahead and finished those up!! Not happy with the points, maybe I'll re-do and maybe I won't.

Think I'm going to hand sew the binding on my Sunday Best now.

Updated 7:40 p.m.

I'm going to stop working on Sunday Best until later in front of the TV for hand sewing it.

Now, what should I work on for a bit??? I'll look around.

Update:

I played tennis this morning so I really, really got a late start. The sewing party motivated me to quilt the Schnibbles Sunday Best and now I only have the binding and I can finish this in February!!! I should have told you that the only thing I could bring to eat is Reese's peanut butter eggs. It was a package of six, but, alas, there's only two left. Hmmm...

I haven't done very many quilts on my HQ16 Pro-Stitcher and I have to re-read the manual every time because I don't get many projects that far!!! Anyway, I messed up a bit and have too much space between rows, but, hey, done is better than perfect. I did learn how to "go back" when I ran out of bobbin thread and how to crop a pattern at the end of the quilt, however, I'm not saying I'll remember unless I can get a quilt top finished tomorrow!! Darn, should have remember to take notes on the steps.

I'll trim and sew on the binding and hand sew it tonight. Thanks for letting me join in the Sewing Party!

Blurry iPhone Photo Update:

I'm so excited to join Kelly and Joan's Spring Sewing Party. It's Saturday, February 27, 2010. I have so many projects from which to choose...might take me all day to decide what to sew!!!

What wonderful motivation!! Check out the party list on Charming Chatter's blog!

Sunday Best Progress

2010-02-25T20:07:00.001-05:00

Loaded, now what? Quilting suggestions? Only a couple more days. Need help!

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Pinwheel Sampler

2010-02-23T00:58:00.001-05:00

Block one is complete!

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This is from the Pinwheel Sampler Quilt Along. Having a ball!

Great Giveaway

2010-02-21T21:39:00.001-05:00

I want this prize so there's no use in you bothering to throw your hat into the ring!!!

Check it out from Pickles and Bacon.

Great blog, too!!!

I'm in Fabric Heaven

2010-02-19T21:00:00.005-05:00

I won a Schnibbles drawing on Sinta's Pink Pincushion and this what I got from Carrie:

HUGE haul:

One layer cake - Gypsy Rose by Fig Tree Quilts Moda (40 squares)
One layer cake - Oz by Sanae Moda (42 squares)
One charm pack - 9 by Sanae for Moda (27 squares)
One charm pack - Nature's Notebook by April Cornell for Moda (42 squares)
One beautiful composition book to record my quilting journal
One 8 inch clear ruler

I should mention that it came in a very sturdy see-through zippered bag!! I'm sure to make Miss Rosie's Quilt Co my first stop when next I shop!

Please tell me what I should do with all this wonderful fabric, any ideas????

Side note: I NEVER win anything!!! Am I ever happy that I signed up for a Year of Schnibbles!!!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

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Friday Night Sew-in

2010-02-19T20:43:00.000-05:00

Tonight is Friday Night Sew-In hosted by Heidi and Bobbi

I've gotten a really late start, but I hope to finish one Dear (Rainbow) Jane block and some piecing of an old Schnibbles.

Did you join in? Go check the site and see what everyone's working on.