Saturday, March 31, 2012

GRANNY SQUARES GO MODERN

One last post for this week.  I wanted to show you what I did with those three Granny Squares I blogged about earlier.  I made them into this table runner for my DIL.  I chose this picture because it shows the quilting. (Click on the picture for a larger view)  I did straight line quilting, which turned out to be a bit more of a challenge than I anticipated.  Maybe it is larger than the other pieces I have used this kind of quilting on, but even though I spray basted AND pinned, I still managed to get some puckers in the back.  (And, No, I didn’t take a picture of that!)  Anyway, from the front I don’t think it looks too bad. 

There is a lot going on at the Attic Window tomorrow.  Buffie has a paper piecing class and Lee Ann has a bag making class.   This dreary weather we are having in Michigan has me needing a pick up!  How about you?  I think the cure for rainy weather blues it a stop in at the shop and pick up some of those beautiful new fabrics that have just arrived.  Hope to see you there!

Diary of a Quilter has a Star Quilt Block Tutorial.

Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, March 30, 2012

MORE FROM THE KNOTTY GIRLS

I have some more show and tell from the Knotty Girl’s meeting Wednesday night at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Phyllis was working on her Sue Spargo BOM.  JoAnn was working on her same block also.  I love this block and the decorative stitching.  Phyllis said the Bullion Loop is around the outside of the flower and the center is the Bullion Knot.  I was going to take a picture of her making this stitch, but got so engrossed in what she was doing I forgot to take a picture.  Phyllis said that each month they get the kit for the same flower design but they are making different stitches on the flower.  On block two she made the Drizzle Stitch. She said that next month she will make a the Woven Picot Stitch around the outside edge of the flower.  She showed me the wonderful instructions that came with the kit which is called Earth N Twig pattern.
Judi showed us her Rose of Sharon block.  This is a BOM pick-up.  It is made of batiks.  Colleen made the sample that I posted about here
This is a close up of the embellished sewing Judi is doing on her blocks.  I love the delicate leaf veins.
Colleen made this darling quilt for her son and will give it to him for graduation.  Check out the guitar fabric!  What boy wouldn't love it.  Colleen still has to quilt it and promises to show it to us when it is finished. 

Sew Fantastic
has a tutorial for a Scrappy Color Block Mug Rug.

Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, March 29, 2012

KNOTTY GIRLS MEET AT ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

I went to the Knotty Girl’s Stitching Bee Wednesday night at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and have some pictures to show you.  Above is a stunning small quilt that Mary made (Maggie’s Mother).  It is paper pieced and Mary is going to make it into a pillow.  When I saw this beautiful paper pieced project, I thought about my upcoming paper piecing class.  I wonder if I will ever be as good as Mary. 
This beautiful quilt top was also made by Mary (not PP)  and will be used for a pillow top.  Mary used scraps left over from when Maggie made dresses for the antique dolls she made in Julie’s doll making class.  I always admire Mary's piecing.  It is perfect!
This beautiful quilt is called Ginger Rose and will be a pick-up BOM.  It is by Andover Fabrics. Call the shop for further details.

I have more pictures that I’ll post tomorrow.  I’m tired and can’t get anything done for watching the Decorah Eagles.  Two babies have hatched and it is so fun to watch them feed.  You can see the live video feed here.   One egg is still to hatch.

Have I shown this before?  I hope not.  I find it an interesting block.  Check out The Parfait CafĂ© to see a Swirling Hexagon.

Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

IS A GRANNY SQUARE BLOCK FOR YOU?

I was so busy last week that I didn’t get much quilting/sewing done; however, I did want to show you this.  It is the Granny Square block.  I found the tutorial on Blue Elephant Stitches and had to try it.  The above is the block BEFORE it is trimmed into the square.

This is the block after I trimmed it.  This is a fun way to use your scraps and I enjoyed making the blocks.  However…
These three are as far as I intend to go with this block.  I have trouble with piecing and getting things to square up and though these three blocks may look square, they are off just a touch and that drives me crazy.  The tutorial was tremendous.  It is that I lack in piecing skills.  I spent this afternoon turning these three squares into a table runner for my DIL.  I’ll show it to you after it is finished.

I bet this is something you never before thought about making.  Life With Monkey shows you how to make hair curlers.  Check it out.

Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

ANOTHER CLASS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

There is another class being held Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop besides the purse class I told you about yesterday.  Buffie will be teaching  FOUNDATION LOG CABIN.   I love this sample pictured above. 
This is a close up of a block.  You use 12” strips of left over fabrics to paper piece the 5 ½ “ blocks. 
This is another close up.  I’m not crazy about paper piecing but Buffie assures me that if I come to the class she’ll make a paper piecer out of me. 
Maybe I'll make a small table topper like this instead of a large quilt.  I'm looking forward to learning how Buffie puts colors together too.  It should be a great class and I hope you'll join us.

Don’t forget about the Doll Bee going on all this week.  See yesterday’s post for details.

Loose Threads has a tutorial for a Sonoma Rose Block.  Check it out!


Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, March 26, 2012

MODERN MONDAY BLOCK QUILT ALONG

I’m sorry I’ve been remiss in my posting this past week.  Family matters have taken precedence.  However, I did get the Modern block completed for this week’s Modern Monday Quilt Along.  This is block #26.  Take a peek at Lynn’s block and then go to Jennifer’s blog to get the pattern for this week. 

About that Metro Slouch Bag that was on the post most of last week.  I understand the class was postponed, so there is still a chance to take the class with Lee Ann, which will be held this Saturday, March 31, at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Call the shop to register and get a supply list.

ATTN:  The Thursday doll bee is going wild!  All this week (Monday – Thursday) there will be a daily doll bee.  It starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. every day except Tuesday when it starts at 12 noon.  Feel free to drop in at any time and stay as long as you wish. We usually break for a quick sandwich run or BYO lunch. Bring whatever you wish to work on: Dolls, purses, quilts, pj's - anything goes! Rumor has it purses are going to be the focus, but dolls will be represented too. So if you have UFO's that have been begging to be finished, bring them on! Join us for the week long bee, we'd love to see you.

Carol at Mamacjt has a nice tutorial.  Check it out.

Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

METRO SLOUCH BAG CLASS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

Above is the Metro Slouch Bag that I told you about yesterday.  Lee Ann is teaching the class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Saturday, March 24 and 31.  I love this bag.  Doesn’t it look professional…like something you would purchase at a high end store!  Call the shop to register for the class and get a supply list.

Tiny Apartment Crafts has an interesting tutorial for a mini quadrilateral quilt.  Check it out. 
 
Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, March 19, 2012

MODERN MONDAY BLOCK QUILT ALONG

Modern Block #25 is called Pendants.  Another great block.  When I squared my block up to 6 ½ inches, I almost lost the top pendant.  I may redo that…maybe not.  We’ll see.  Check out Lynn’s block and then go see Jennifer and see what she has in store for us this week.

Don’t forget to check out the upcoming classes this week at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Chris has a Quick Trip Around the World class.  There is a Christmas Through the Year class.  And Saturday Lee Ann has a bag class.  I’ll show you a picture of that tomorrow.

I found this Knee Socks Quilt block PDF by Elizabeth Hartman on the Modern Quilt Guild that looks interesting.  Check it out.

Stay calm! Stay kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, March 16, 2012

KNOTTY GIRLS SHARE THEIR QUILTS

Knotty Girls met this week at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and they had several new projects to share.  Above is a top that JoAnn has made for her granddaughter.  I think she said it was paper pieced  The pattern and kit are from Fons & Porter. 
This is a close up of the blocks.  I love her soft colors.  And look at those pleated leaves!
Cindy was putting the binding on her latest chenille quilt.  The cat fabric on the back is also used on the front.  She made it for her granddaughter Marlee who loves kitty cats.  I bet she’ll love cuddling up with her kitty cats in this beautiful cover.

Fran was putting the finishing touches on this lovely quilt that she plans to put on her door.  The pattern is from Kim Schaefer’s Calendar Quilts.  I’d love to have an umbrella out of that fabric! 

From the Blue Chair has a nice tutorial for a lattice quilt.

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, March 15, 2012

SORRY

I imagine people are wondering what the heck is she doing?  I've been trying to correct a problem.  I deleted the past three posts and reformatted them and posted them again, hoping that would solve the problem, but guess not.

Here is the problem.  Some people have told me they cannot see my blogs in Explorer.  I thought that was Explorer's problem, but someone else told me it was the way I was creating my post.  When I wrote it it Word and did a cut paste, some code came over that wasn't supposed to and that has created the problem.

I have FireFox and Google Chrome as my browsers and have no problem seeing my posts.  However, now I'm getting a notice from Explorer saying there is a security problem.  I have no idea what that is about.

So please stick with me while I try to solve this problem as I remind myself to -
Stay Calm, Stay Kind, Stay Positive!
Caroll 
PS:  If anyone else has had this problem and solved it, I would appreciate hearing from you!

WHEN RELATIVES VISIT - ANOTHER STORY


Since I’ve been lying on the couch all week nursing a sinus infection, I have no quilting to share with you.  However, I’ve had plenty of time to think and it occurred to me:   Some people just do not appreciate quilting. 

Recently my just turned 14 year old granddaughter, Susie, came with her family for a visit.  It was to be a long stay while their house, which was in another town, was being remodeled.  I had mixed emotions about the stay as my DIL is a gourmet cook and I’ve never felt that my skills met her standards. I promised not to let it bother me and focused on what I would do with my lovely grandchild. 

I fondly remembered the times we all went camping.  Years ago, when the grandchildren were younger, all my children, their families and Nana (that’s me) would spend a week each summer camping.  We’d haul RVs, trailers, boats, tents, and enough food to feed an army, to a state park where we enjoyed each other’s company.  We went swimming during the day and told stories around a camp fire each night despite the 90-degree heat.  One day the men said they were going to catch some rays on the beach, which in my book is man-speak for “let’s go look at the babes in bikinis.”  We women spent our afternoon sitting around the picnic table playing games with the children.  I think Susie was about eight years old at the time.  When we finished our current game of Old Maid or Hi Ho Cherry Oh (I don’t remember as I was probably brain dead from playing said game a hundred times), my daughter (the mother of three kids herself) said she had to go to the bathroom.  Susie held out her chubby little hand and said, “I’ll take you.”  We giggled and I thought about what a sweet child she is.

Roll ahead a few years.

After the grandkids reached a certain age, the camping trips stopped.  Instead, the children attended band camp, Scout camp, baseball camp, you name it.  There was no time for family camping any more.  Since both my sons lived in another town I bemoaned the fact that I didn’t get to spend enough time with my grandchildren. 

So, when my son called to ask about staying with me for a few weeks, I was ecstatic.  Now certainly the kids have been to my house before; however, since the time when they were young, the basement has been off limits for obvious reasons.  They could fall down the stairs; they could hurt themselves on the tools.  Besides, it was the only place for the cat to escape from their little grasping hands. 

However, Susie was now a teenager and I knew just the thing to keep a teenager from getting bored.  I would teach her how to quilt.  We would have something in common, a bond that would last forever.  Every young lady as sweet as Susie needed to learn the wonderful relaxing art of quilting.   It was a rainy day; Dad was at work, and DIL was busy reading the latest issue of Martha Stewart Living, no doubt planning some new concoction for dinner that night.   I decided to make my move.

“Let’s go downstairs,” I said to Susie.  “I want to show you my studio.”

“What’s a studio?” she asked.

“You’ll see,” I said as I lead the way down the stairs to the basement.

We descended into the dark cool room and I flipped on the bright overhead lights.  After letting our eyes adjust I proudly waved my arm around the room.  “Here it is,” I said my tone bursting with pride.  Trying to add some humility I said in a quieter tone, “This is my hiding place.  This is where I escape from the world and have fun.”

Her eyes grew large as she took in the site.  “What a mess,” she mumbled.

I looked around.  Things didn’t look too bad. I guess I should have put away the small pile of 2-inch squares that lay on the table next to the rotary cutter.  I guess I could have put away the bag of chalk after I had filled the pounder.  I guess I could have straightened the piles of fabrics and made things neater.  I admit, when I’m working on a project, chaos does tend to develop.  But really, it’s just a few piles of fabric.

I stood there admiring my collection of brightly colored fabrics, my stacks of yellows and reds, my collection of oranges and grays, my gorgeous pile of greens.  “It’s my stash,” I said unable to stifle the pride in my voice.  As I eyed my various colors in their cubbies lining the walls and piled on the table I heard Susie draw in deep breath.

Turning, I saw the startled look on her face and wondered if she saw a mouse or heaven forbid something worse had come burrowing in from the field.  I cast my gaze around the room, looking into every nook and cranny only to hear that same sweet little girl who wanted to take my daughter to the bathroom that summer long ago, turn and stomp up the steps as she screeched, “Mom!  Nana is doing drugs.  She’s showing me where she hides her stash.”

(Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent)

MODERN MONDAY BLOCK QUILT ALONG

Since I was sick these past two weeks I didn’t get my block done for last week's Modern Monday Quilt Along.  So I’m showing you two blocks today.  Above is the block that I didn’t get made in time to post last week.  This is block 23 and the MM version of Chinese Coins.  I liked making this block for two reasons:  it was a great way to use up some of my scraps, and it was easy to make.
Above is block 24, the Spool.  Another quick block and didn’t turn out as wonky as I thought it would.  Still, I like it.

 Here are the two blocks together.   Go check out Lynn at Alamosa Quilter and see what her block looks like, then go to Jennifer’s blog to get the pattern for this week’s block.

 Connie of Quilting By The River has another mini tutorial for you.  You might have seen this before, but this time it has a little different look.  I love what she has done with this pattern.  Check it out.


Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

TRYING SOME HAND QUILTING

I haven’t been able to get much quilting done between spending time with my DIL at the hospital and spending time on the couch because I’m still tired from my cold.  However, I did see something over on Lynn’s blog that I wanted to try and could do while sitting in the waiting room.  Above is a wonky 12” block that I made last week on the sewing machine.  This week I tried some hand quilting on it.

 This is a close up of my work.  Wow, that black thread sure shows up the need to work on and improve those stitches.  However, I love this block and will make it into a wallhanging or hot mat.  I haven’t decided yet.  Thanks Lynn for giving me the idea.  You can see how Lynn’s finished block looks here.

Knotty Girls meets Wednesday evening and I hope to get up to the Attic Window Quilt Shop and get some pictures for you.  It’s been over a month since I last attended, so I bet there are lots of new projects in the works

Have you seen this blog?  Stop Starting and Start Sewing has an interesting post/tutorial on how to turn one fat quarter into five yards of binding!  Check it out.


Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

MEET A NEW BLOGGER


Above is another block of the Monster Patch pattern that I blogged about here.  I just wanted to get your attention because I have something important to tell you. 

THERE IS A NEW BLOGGER IN TOWN:  I’d like to introduce you to my friend and fellow quilter, Vicky Ferguson.  She has started a couple new blogs that I’m sure you will find informative, interesting and inspiring. Vicky is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator.  Her day job includes: Outpatient nutrition counseling.  Her evening/night job includes: Food and Nutrition Writer and Recipe Analysis.

Vicky has been writing "Ask the Dietitian" food and nutrition column since 1985.  Her column has appeared weekly in The Muskegon Chronicle, The Grand Rapids Press, and The Jackson Citizen Patriot.

You can see that Vicky is highly qualified to write her new blog Vicky Ferguson, R.D. Food and Nutrition Writer, Ask the Dietitian.  Do you remember that a while ago I told you about a food storage guide?  I got that from Vicky’s newspaper column.  After reading that, I realized I had to do some cleaning and tossing.  Whenever I have a question about nutrition, food, diet, I go to Vicky.  You can too.  You can send her an email with your question (the address is on her blog) and she will answer it.   I recently sent Vicky a question about baby carrots and today she answered it on her blog.  Go check it out and tell her you said hi!

Vicky also has a quilting blog.  Check out the Back-Burner Stitcher.  I’m sure it will be another favorite to visit.  Good luck Vicky on your blogs.
 
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, March 2, 2012

A GIFT FOR YOU - FREE PATTERN


I made this little wallhanging to go on my door during Easter and thought I’d share the pattern with you and tell you a little bit about how I put it together.

Size: I used a 15” background square and after it was quilted, cut it down to a 14” square.  

 
Making the Parts:  When making the rabbit parts in white Kona, I didn’t want the background to show through, so I lined each piece with Pellon SF101.  Since I use the freezer paper method of appliquĂ© (you can find my instructions and a tutorial for this method by clicking on the Witch’s Feet on the sidebar), I have the piece made and the edge ironed under before I cut the shape out of the Pellon.  When I cut that shape out of the Pellon, I cut it slightly smaller than the template, then slide it into the shaped piece and iron it on.  When doing this, make sure you have the template on the correct side of the Pellon so when you place it into the piece, the rough side of the Pellon will face the wrong side of the fabric and it is ready to iron.  Then I can place the entire piece on the background and stitch it down.  Again, you can see how I do this by clicking on the Witch’s Feet on the sidebar.

Embroidery:  As you will note above, I also do the embroidery before I stitch the piece to the background.  It makes it easier since there are not as many layers to stitch through.  Don’t be confused by the ears in this picture as after I had these made (I was trying to make a floppy year) I decided that wasn’t what I wanted and made the larger ears.

Templates:  The templates are the exact size.  If you are using the fusing method, there is no problem, but if you are using a turn-under method like I do, you will need to cut your fabric ¼” larger than the template.  ALSO, I do not have a template for the purple piece of fabric (sign background).  I cut it 4 ¼” by 9 ¾”.  You don’t have to be exact.  These measurements are enough to turn under the edge if you are using that method.  Also, when I made the pattern it said “Spring” but when I went to sew it I decided I wanted “Easter” instead, so feel free to do what you want.  I really struggled with what to say:  "Hop On In" (as a welcome sign), or “Some Bunny Loves You.”  There are so many cute sayings and I couldn’t decide.  One day when I was in the Shop, Maggie suggested Hoppy Easter and I knew that was what I wanted to say.  

 The Pattern: Here it is hanging on my door.  You can get the pattern here.  There are four pages.  The first two are only for placement of the various parts. You should place the second page over the first and line up the nose etc. and tape it together.  Now you can use this as a placement guide.  You will notice that the pattern is larger than the paper that we print on.  That is why some of the pattern goes off the page (like the ears and the tulips).  However, there is enough there to act as a placement guide.  The following two pages have the full size pieces and the letters for Happy Spring.  If you have any questions feel free to let me know.  I hope you enjoy the wallhanging!
  
Speaking of new patterns, Wendy of Ivory Spring has a new pattern for you.  Check it out.   You’ll love her tablerunner.

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll
lkjlkj

Attic Window Teachers

Attic Window Teachers
Attic Window Teachers

Quilting for Kids With Cancer

Quilting for Kids With Cancer
Generosity has no bounds. Above are the women in the Quilts For Kids group at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. Left to right, Henrietta, Phyllis, Nancy, Carol, Karen. These women donate their time, fabric, money once a month to make quilts for kids who have cancer.

Quilts For Wheels

Quilts For Wheels
Many thanks and much appreciation goes to the women who work diligently each month to make quilts for those in wheel chairs. Kudos go to: Yvonne, Mary T., Fran, Joan, Mary Ellen, Barb, Lee Ann, Nancy, Mary.
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