Tuesday, July 31, 2012

IS IT A BEDRUNNER, TABLETOPPER, OR WALLHANGING?

This is Feeling Groovy from Kim Schaffer’s new book Skinny quilts.  This book is filled with 15 versatile quilts that can be used as bed runners, table toppers or for hanging in that long narrow spot that you don’t know what to do with.
I had such fun making this quilt as I love applique and all the bright colors.  Above the bedrunner is on my daughter's bed.  Probably  not the best picture, but I wanted to show you how it looks on the end of the bed.  It would look nice across the top too, covering the pillows.
This is a close up of one of the flowers.  I tried to do something different in each of the flower centers.  I did a spiral in the center of this one.
In this center I did my first attempt at making pebbles.
I don’t know if you can see it, but in this center I just did straight lines crossing one another.  This is where I got into trouble.  After quilting the background, I took the quilt off the frame to make these lines, as I can’t do this on my frame.  This is when I realized that doing these end flowers only is all I could handle.  The quilt is heavy and large and I could not manage maneuvering it through that small throat on my table top machine. 
So I put it back on the frame and finished the quilt.  I tried to do a different design in each colored petal too.  It was a fun quilt to make and I would recommend this book as it has patterns to fit just about anyone’s taste.  You can get it at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Attention-Happenings at the Attic Window Quilt Shop:

Special Sale on Clearance Fabrics
50-75% off all clearance fabrics during the month of August.

Big Fat Quarter Sale • Wed., August 1-Sat., August 4

All pre-cut fat quarters in store only $1.00 to $2.00 each. Buy 10 at the regular
price and get 2 FREE!

Month of August and September - Sign up for a class and receive a
coupon for 1/2 off your second class, good until December 31, 2012.
(excludes BOMs, and special events)

One more reminder: Purchase your class supplies at the shop and
receive 20% off.

Hope to see you soon!

Have you seen this?  Annie of Freeze Frame has a tutorial for a pillow that is darling.  This is a great idea for a gift and it’s a great way to use those scraps too. 


Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, July 30, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

This is block #43 of the Modern Monday Quilt Along.  This block is called Chevron.  It is one-fourth of the log cabin block, and, of course, it is wonky.  Apparently I cut my logs too narrow as I had to add another row of logs to get the block up to size.  Still, I like it.  You will notice that I'm not using flowery fabrics any more.  I'm so excited because my 16-year-old grandson asked me to make him a quilt.  When he asked for something in orange, I thought of this modern quilt.  When I showed him the blocks I've made so far, he said he liked them.  However, I did promise not to use any more flowery fabric.  Now, I can't wait to get this quilt completed.

I hear Lynn has her blog up and running again, so hop over to Alamosa Quilter and see Lynn’s block for this week.  Then visit Jennifer for the pattern for this week. 

Paulette of Sweet P Quilting had several links recently and I wanted to share that post with you.  Her links will take you to Lynette Anderson’s free patterns as well as Rustic Threads and another place that has a pocket quilt.  Check it out!

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

KNOTTY GIRLS HAVE A GOOD TIME

Does this cute little snowman make you feel cooler?  It is a BOM at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  tHE Knotty Girls Stitching Bee met last night at the shop and a fun time was had by all.  I’ll show you a picture of that later.  It has been a while since I was at the shop and I found several cute items I wanted to share with you.  Like the above snowman.  
And this adorable kitten wallhanging.  Kits are available at the shop.
And this bouquet of flowers made of fabric and a bobbin. 
 This is a close up of one of the flowers.  I would love to have a bouquet of these for my dining room table.  They have long stems for placing in a vase, or you can detach the stem and pin a flower to your clothing (pin is on the back).  The flowers are also on sale at the shop.


Now I will show you why the Knotty Girls had so much fun…We had FOOD!  Everyone brought a dish to pass and as you can see, we had lots to eat.  It is so much fun to try new recipes and new wines (yes, those are wine bottles on the table.  Why do you think we’re called Knotty (naughty) Girls?)   Maggie brought Quinoa, which was wonderful!  Quinoa is a grain-like crop that has marvelous nutritional properties.  So you see, we’re not all that naughty.
 
A FEW ITEMS OF INTEREST:

Christmas in July Sale continues at the shop through the end of the month. All Christmas fabrics, Christmas patterns and Christmas books are 20% off.

The Grand Haven Quilt Show
,“Sunshine Stitches Along the Lakeshore” is this Friday, July 27-Sat., July 28, 10 am-5 pm.  Be sure to stop by the Attic Window booth!

Stash Slash Project is a new blog and is showing a new way to use the Lil Twister tool.  Take a look. 


Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, July 23, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

Happy Monday everyone!  I hope you had a great weekend.  It was hot here in Michigan and I took the opportunity to get some sewing done in my cool basement.  More about that later this week.  Today I want to show you my Modern Monday block.  This is block 42 and called Greek Cross.  I was able to use up some of my scraps to make this one.  Hop on over to Alamosa Quilter and see what Lynn’s block looks like (she may still be having technical difficulties but check and see anyway). Then go visit Jennifer  and get the pattern for this week.

Bijou Lovely has a darling quilt block tutorial for you.  I love the clean look of this block.


Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, July 20, 2012

PLAY REINDEER GAMES TODAY!

Are you ready for some Reindeer?  It’s time for Reindeer games again and today I’m posting my Donner.  I say “my” Donner because I don’t think Barb used this pattern for her Donner.  You can get the pattern for My Donner here.  You’ll have to visit Barb at Bejeweled Quilts to see what pattern she has up today.  Maybe she’ll post "her" Donner pattern. 
Here “my” Donner is in applique.  You'll want to check out the Flickr group to see what others are doing.  They are all so cute and provide great inspiration.

Did I tell you about this before?   This is a great time of year to start thinking about those Christmas/Holiday projects.  The blocks in this quilt by Patchplay will be sure to have you thinking cool thoughts. 

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, July 19, 2012

NEW BOM AND A PILLOW CLASS

Isn’t this a cute block?  It is the first one I made from the Hello Sun BOM Quilt Along that I blogged about earlier and you can find the link here.  I love it and can’t wait to start on the next block.  It will make a darling quilt, but I’m also seeing this block as a small wallhanging.  I have just the spot for it. 
Remember this pillow?  I blogged about it here  and I just learned that Cindy will be teaching a class on how to make this darling pillow on Wednesday, July 25, at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Call the shop for details and to enroll.

Don’t forget to check the calendar on the side bar for upcoming classes.  The latest newsletter with detailed information about the various classes is also available.  Just click on the lady with the hat on the side bar (below the interactive calendar).

This is another great way to use those scraps.  Check out Don’t Call Me Betsy for a Patchwork Wheel Block tutorial. 

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

A CAT AND NEW FABRIC

I have to show you this.  I really did do something other than gab, take pictures, and eat last Saturday at the Happy Scrappers Quilting Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I made another log cabin paper pieced square.  I love the cat in the center.  I couldn’t resist even though that tan background doesn’t seem to go with the other fussy cut centers.
I also looked around at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and, of course, found some must-have fabric.  Above is Pocket Full of Posies by Windham Fabrics.  I saw that someone was making a child’s dress out of this and thought it was darling. 
The fabric above is called Reflection and is by Red Rooster Fabrics.  I can just see these gorgeous fabrics in my next quilt.  Stop in at the shop and get some of these beautiful fabrics and see what else has come in since I was there.

I know it’s a little late, but not too late to start on this for next year.  Quilt Views & News has a free Liberty pattern for you.  Great stitchery for this kind of weather.

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH SCRAPS

The Happy Scrappers Quilting Bee met Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above, Buffie shows us the result of a Pandora’s Box.  Long ago she place the pieces in a basket and forgot about it.  She moved and later found it again.  Determined not to move that basket one more time, she got busy and finished it.  Buffie has a great eye for color.  I love how she used the pink to pull together all those various scrappy blocks.
Terri is that rare kind of person who doesn’t have unfinished projects.  This is a close-up of her Spider Web quilt.  She used scraps and made the pieces wonky.  I think that’s why I love this quilt so…scraps and wonky.  She’s my kind of gal!
This is Lee Ann’s latest project.  It is only half finished but she is still working on it.  I think the pattern is Trip Around the World.  I love her choice of fabrics.  She said I might like the way this quilt is made, and suggested I take Chris’s class and learn her easy method for making this quilt. 
 And last but not least, check these out.  These are goodies that the quilters brought to share!  We all love it when Rosa’s husband cooks.  He made these wonderful blueberry cakes for us. In the front left and right are a Blueberry Cream Cake and a Blueberry Cheese Cake.  In the middle is my Crunchy Fudge Bars.  I didn’t get a picture of it, but Buffie also brought a cucumber salad that was to die for!  Needless to say, no one keeled over from lack of food while they were quilting.  I figured I had to keep my stamina up because of all this heat!  How's that for rationalization.

Here’s a quick fun summer project for you.  Do you have a puppy or know someone who does?  Check out Riley Blake Designs for a cute puppy placemat.

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, July 16, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

Above is my block for the Modern Monday Quilt Along.  It’s so hot here in Michigan it’s a wonder this block didn’t melt.  I hate hanging out in my basement during the summer months.  I love summer and love being able to open the windows and doors and sit on the deck, and look at the flowers and enjoy the weather, but I couldn’t do that on Sunday and it looks like I won’t be able to all week.  I’m doing the rain dance tonight and saying my prayers, and throwing salt over my shoulder…anything for rain (and a little coolness)!

Anyway, hop on over and see what Lynn at Alamosa Quilter  has done for this week, then go see Jennifer and get the block for this week.

Check out Samelia’s Mum for her Sugar Almonds quilt pattern that is suitable for all levels of quilters. 

Stop back tomorrow for pictures of what happened at the Happy Scrapper’s Quilting Bee on Saturday.


Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, July 13, 2012

HAVE YOU WORKED IN WOOL?

I went to the Knotty Girls Stitching Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop Wednesday evening and have some things to show you.  Above are a couple of blocks that Cindi is working on.  They are from Primitive Gatherings Block of the Week. 
I wanted to show you this block that Cindi just started working on.  You can how the block looks before all that beautiful stitching embellishment.
Cindi said she would be teaching a class on how to make this lovely crazy quilt pillow.  I love the fabrics she used.  We don’t know when the class will be held just yet, but I’ll keep you posted.  I’d like to take the class and make the pillow in solids and then maybe I can get some of the gals at Knotty Girls to teach me how to do all that beautiful stitching.
Sherri made this Lil Twister quilt using the small (very small...the smallest) template.  This is a beautiful tabletopper and has inspired me to get mine finished.  I have the blocks sewn together but am afraid to cut around the template.  It is so small!  However, Sherri has inspired me, so I'm going ot get busy and finish this one.  Thanks Sherri.
This is an update on Sherri’s quilt.  This is the Sue Spargo block of the month that I previously posted a picture of a couple weeks ago.  As you can see she has added the bird and added more fantastic stitches.
This is a close up of one of the flowers.  Notice all that intricate stitching.  I want to learn how to do that! 

Allie of Allie Oops Sweet Happy Life has a darling free pattern for you today.  It is her own design. Check it out here.

PS:  I've linked up to Sew Many Ways and also Confessions of a Fabric Addict today.  Check them out and see all the fun stuff others are doing.  

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, July 12, 2012

CATHY DOES THE HAPPY SHACKS

Cathy M. made this Happy Shacks quilt.  Isn’t it darling!  I love the way she embellished it by adding the fire plug, a dog, smoke from the chimney, etc.  I wish I had thought to do something like that when I made my Happy Shacks quilt (I blogged about it here).  Cathy tells me she is still working on it and is now considering adding a jalopy or VW Bug to the border.  Won’t that be cute!  I’ll try to get some close ups of Cathy’s quilt when she gets it finished.  Thank you Cathy for sharing with us!

I know I spend way too much time blog hopping when I should be doing other things…like cleaning (LOL) or quilting.  However, I’m always afraid I’ll miss something.  And I did!  I can’t believe I missed this darling BOM.  Check out April Mae Designs for these cute blocks.  You can still catch up and get all the patterns. 

REMINDER:  Don’t forget that the Happy Scrappers Quilting Bee meets this Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.   Buffie said, “I've got everyone digging deep into their archives to retrieve their most daunting Pandora's Box!  The best one so far has been a zip lock bag full of baby bibs (you remember the Mon thru Sun ones) half finished for her little boy who is now 30 years old!  Hahaha!  That's hard to beat but let’s see what you all come up with in your house of horrors! (aka quilting room)  Bring it on!"
 

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

WHERE'S THAT DARN CAT!

Let me tell you how the above wall hanging came about.

I have a new cat.  I got Moe in May and we are still getting used to each other.  She loves to go outside, but she really shouldn’t because she is defenseless.  I live near a wooded area and all kinds of vicious looking creatures come strolling through my yard.  One year a woodchuck with claws about a yard long, decided to take up residence between the walls in my garage.  Critter Control had to take care of that problem.  Then last summer something was digging beneath my garage.  My neighbor put out a trap and sure enough he caught something.  A big raccoon!  When I called our local nature center and asked if I could bring it to them,  I was told they didn’t want it and that it would be best if I just killed it since they carry a disease that is harmful to humans. 

Another neighbor said that he thought a fox got all the turkey eggs and that is why they aren’t coming around anymore.  Gads!  I cannot let my poor defenseless kitty roam the neighborhood.  It’s no telling what kind of trouble she could get into.  Thus, I’ve been training her to stay on the deck.  The first thing she does when I get up in the morning is run through the house, her little paws thumping and sounding like a baby elephant.  Then she stands at the slider meowing to go out.  I warn her to stay on the deck. However, there are times when her natural instinct takes over and she just can’t resist dashing after that bird, that chipmunk, or  the baby rabbits.  I keep a constant watch on her and the minute I find her off the deck, I bring her inside where she has to stay for a while.  It’s like putting a kid in time out. 

However, there is a problem.  ME!  Lately as she has become more trustworthy, I have become somewhat forgetful.  A couple of times I can’t remember if she is in or out and I run through the house like a mad woman yelling, "Here kitty kitty."  I can only imagine what the neighbors must think as I’m racing around my yard yelling, “Moe come here!”  I say this because most of them don’t even know I have a cat.  I wonder if they are thinking, that poor old woman has lost her mind, running around talking to herself. 

One time I found Moe under my bed, another time she was hiding in the bushes near the bird feeder.  I decided I needed to do something to remind me where she is.  So I made the above little reminder.  When I was blog hopping the other day I saw that Carol of mamacjt had a nice tutorial for making a little wall hanging using crayons and black stitching and decided to try it. 
This is what my drawing looked like before it was quilted and I put on the binding.  It’s not nearly as cute as what Carol does.  I love her work.  But I like it and it sure helps me remember where that darn cat is.  Now when Moe goes outside, I put the cat face (which is inside the big O meaning she is outside) facing me.  When I bring her in, I just turn it over so I only see the black and white back. 

It was fun to make.  You should give it a try.  I just had an idea…this would also be a nice way to preserve my great grandson’s art work.  I’m going to give it a try next.   The tutorial is here

REMINDER:  Don’t forget that the Happy Scrappers Quilting Bee meets this Saturday at the Attic Window Quilt ShopBRING YOUR PANDORA’S BOX!  I’m trying to decide which one to bring.  I’m sure not bringing them all.  Buffie promises some good information.  I have a scrappy pattern to distribute.  And there will be a short demo for a new way to use your scraps. 

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT A BED RUNNER?

I want to give you a sneak peek of what I’ve been working on.  The other day I mentioned that I started piecing a bed runner, but after making about 15 squares, and realizing I still had 135 smaller squares to go, I gave up and looked for a different pattern.  This is the pattern I chose.  It has large flowers across the top.  I placed the scissors in the picture next to a flower petal to show you how large the flowers are.  It will take some time to hand applique these flowers and leaves and all the little squares across the borders, but I don’t mind that.  I love applique.  I’ll show you the entire bed runner once it is finished and give you the pattern details.  I’m sure you will like it too as it is a great way to give your bed a whole new look.

I was blog hopping the other day and clicking through Jamie Fengal’s blog Twisted Sister and came across information about The House Quilt Project.  Small quilts are being made for wounded soldiers to hang on the wall in their home.  This would be a fun and quick project and a great way to use those scraps.  Why not give it a try?  This link gives you the criteria and even shows you how to make the tabs on the back for hanging.  Check it out!

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, July 9, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

Where does the time go?  It’s Modern Monday Quilt Along time again.  It’s been so hot recently that I haven’t felt much like sewing/quilting.  However, I did manage to get this simple block finished.  This is block #40 and called Bricks.  I was so focused on making the block that I forgot to do the wonky, but I think it looks okay.  Now go take a look and see if Lynn was able to get her block up (she’s had other commitments lately so it may not be there) and then go to Jennifer’s blog and get the pattern for this week. 

Cluck Cluck Sew has a tutorial that I found interesting.  It’s a great way to use up those scraps.   

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive! (And stay cool!)
Caroll

Friday, July 6, 2012

REINDEER GAMES #5


How is everyone handling this heat?  It was 100 degrees today here in Michigan.  I like warm weather but this is unbearable!

Maybe “thinking” about Reindeer Games will help us cool off.  Making a redwork like above is about the only kind of quilting/sewing I can do in this weather.  Today I’m posting the pattern that Barb has named Cupid. 
 I also did a block in applique.  You can get the pattern by going here.   Then go and check out Barb’s blog and see which reindeer she has posted this week. She's in the middle of a move but said she would post "something" on Friday.  


Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, July 2, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

It’s time for Modern Monday Quilt Along.  It is block #39 and called Dragon Fly.  It is also paper pieced. 

This week’s block doesn’t look very wonky to me (well maybe I should say Jennifer’s block didn’t look wonky.  Mine is another story), but I guess it looks modern.  I realized today why I like this quilt along.  I can make one block, and have to make ONLY ONE block a week.  I can do that.  As some of you may know, I’m not that into lots and lots of piecing the same block over and over again. 

Last week I tried to make a new bed runner.  I made about 15 blocks in one size.  Then I read the directions and it called for 135 blocks in another size.  I did some cutting.  I did some sewing.  Then I put everything in my UFO pile and decided, heck with this.  I’m using a different pattern, a pattern that called for lots of applique and just a little piecing. 

I put all those blocks that I had previously sewn and the pieces I had cut into a box and now understand why Buffie calls a box like this a Pandora’s box.  You put the box away, forget about it, then one day when you are reorganizing your sewing room you open the box, and all kinds of angst jumps out!  What should I do with this?  Should I make up the rest of the blocks?  I paid good money for this fabric, I can’t throw it out!  I'll never finish this darn thing.  Should I give it away to a new quilter?  Should I donate it to one of the groups at the Attic Window that make charity quilts?  What?  I’m taking my Pandora’s box to the Happy Scrapper’s Quilting Bee on the second Saturday of the month, and asking for help!

But I digress.  You might take a look at Alamosa Quilter and see if she has her Modern Monday block up.  The last I heard from Lynn, however, she said she had other commitments and might not be able to get her block up this week or next.  You can go see what block Jennifer has up this week.  I hope it’s an easy one.

Since we are talking wonky today, I thought you might like to take a look at this wonky quilt block tutorial from Piece Makers 4 Life.

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.
Quilting Bloggers Logo