Wednesday, October 31, 2012

WHO ELSE IS STILL WORKING ON THE MILLIE QUILT?

It’s raining here today, so it’s a good day to quilt, but what to do?  I refused to let myself start a new project.  Determined to finish some things I had already started, I dug through my UFO pile and found these blocks from the Aunt Millie’s quilt that I started last year. 
I had appliquéd the side borders, but I needed to finished the top and bottom borders.
Then I did a little auditioning.   I decided to use this green for the sashings and made them a little less than an inch wide.  The green was a little strong, (but better than the red and blues that also underwent an audition), and I didn’t want it to overwhelm the blocks.  Now I have to decide on the backing and get it sandwiched and ready to quilt.  Who knows how long that will take?

I think I got so much accomplished today because I was working off some stress. I was still undergoing sticker shock after the last visit to the vet.  This morning the vet called to tell me the problem was that Moe (my cat) has a skin allergy which is probably due to what she is eating.  Thus, off to the pet store to buy new, different, more expensive food for her!  Gads, why do we love our pets so?

When blog hopping today I saw this darling Winter Night pillow at Esch House Quilts.  It would be perfect for the holidays and also as a gift.  Check it out. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

ARE YOU A SCRAPPER?

Not much going on around here.  I’ve been glued to the TV watching the storm.  We used to live 18 miles outside DC.  Needless to say, I’m glad we are not there anymore and worried about all of my friends who are still there.
So I did my Zen thing.  I find that sewing scraps to a dryer sheet helps me to relax.  I can just zone out as I listen to my machine whirr away and my mind goes blank.  I made 12 of these blocks and have barely touched my scrap pile.  My scraps aren't quite as small as those that Denise made and I posted about it here.  Still, I'm having fun and relaxing and using my scraps.  At this rate it won’t be long before I have enough squares and can start adding sashings and complete a quilt.

On another note:  I’ve been thinking “Christmas Gifts” lately.  When I started looking around I thought these Christmas on a Shoe String Placemats should go with this post.  Check out Sew Karen and see what I mean. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, October 29, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

It’s Modern Monday Quilt Along and this is block #55 called, (duh) Hearts!  Since I love appliqué, this block was a whiz for me.    Hop over and see Lynn’s block for this week.  Then come back and see all of the blocks I have so far for this quilt.
Here is the block on top of the stack of blocks I have made for this quilt.  Jennifer said, “Hearts are the best shape in the world to learn how to applique! They have outer curves, a deep inner curve, straight lines and a point - almost everything you need to learn in one shape!”  So if you’d like to practice your appliqué, you can find the pattern on Jennifer’s blog.  While there, you can also see what block she has up for us this week.
Here are all my blocks together to give me a shot of how this quilt might look when finished.  I think there will be some sashing between the blocks and I haven’t decided on a border.  I may start putting it together and not wait to have all of the 64 blocks in it as I’m making this for my grandson and thought it would be a nice Christmas gift.  I’m not sure if I can make that goal however.

A new class has been added to the calendar.  Feeling Groovy, a table runner, a bed runner, or a wallhanging, class will take place at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this Thursday, Nov. 1 from 10-3.  You can see a picture of the quilt on a post here.  If you are interested, give the shop a call to register and get a supply list.

On Another Note:  It’s that time of year again when we start thinking snow and Christmas and the holidays.  I thought this Plain Jane tutorial for a Snowman Mug Rug might be just the thing to get you in the mood.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, October 26, 2012

LATE POST ABOUT HAPPY SCRAPPERS BEE

Oh, my goodness.  I was looking through my pictures and realized I never did post about our last Happy Scrapper’s Bee. That Bee is so much fun I don’t know how I could forget.  Probably because for the past two weeks I’ve been concentrating on making those 260 Tea Leaves that I started at the Bee.  Above is what Adrienne is working on.  I love her bright colors in this strip quilt.
These women look intent on working on their projects.  Don’t let this photo fool you.  There was a lot of frivolity going on too.
This is A Graceful Winter by Denise Sheehan and will be a new block of the month at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Call the shop for details.
Isn’t this the cutest!  Paula made this Halloween pillowcase during the Bee.  I don't know if this is a kit or not, but I do know that the Attic Window Quilt Shop has kits available for darling pillow cases.

You’ll want to spend some time here as there are lots of free patterns.  Check out Patch Play Quilting.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, October 25, 2012

I LEARNED TO LOVE PAPER PIECING

You may think you have seen this one before, but I don’t think so.   I showed you Buffie's paper pieced focus square quilt.  I showed you Deb’s quilt.  And I may have shown you pieces of mine, but above is my finished quilt.  Got that…FINISHED! 
This quilt was so much fun to make and even more fun hunting for those special focus squares for the center of each block and then trading with others in the Happy Scrapper's Bee.  This is my prince charming. (Maybe he needs a kiss.)
I love the fabric I found for the back and bet my great grandchild will too.
This is a close up.  What child wouldn’t like to be wrapped up in this!  Buffie was so right - she has made a paper piecer out of me.  I want to make another one.

On Another Note:   Sew We Quilt has a tutorial for a darling table runner.  It would make a great gift.

Also: Yesterday when I put out a call for gift ideas, someone suggested pot holders.  I love this one because it is different, creative and uses scraps.  Check out Fairy Face Designs for the tutorial. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I'M MAD ABOUT PLAID

Well, I didn’t get any time to play today.  First of all I was too tired after my cleaning jag yesterday.  However, most of my day was taken up with errands:  seeing a rep about choosing a health care plan for next year, visiting mom, dropping books off at the library, and then the BIG one – taking the cat to the vet!  Gads, what a trip.  I’m not even going to go into detail about that.  I’m still suffering from sticker shock.

I do want to show you this table runner that I made a couple of weeks ago. 
Have you ever tried these Pieced Tree Patterns?  They are so cute, quick little patterns on a little card (a little smaller than a post card).  You can stick them in your purse and then when you are at a fabric store it is readily available when you see that special fabric that would be perfect for your project.  They are inexpensive too.  You can see a wide variety of them at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  The pattern for my table runner is Mad For Plaid.
I had the option of using these fabrics to make the table runner.
But I discarded the darker fabric and used these.  Since it was a while ago when I purchased these fabrics, I can't be sure, but I think the plaid at the top is one of Mary Lou Weidman's designs.  If memory serves me, the blue and the blue dotted fabrics are by Malka Dubrawski.
This is a close up of the tablerunner so you can see how I quilted it.  This was a fun quick project and will make a perfect gift at Christmas.  I’m going to try some more of these patterns.

I’ve been on an organization kick lately and came across this blog I wanted to share with you.  Look around when you get there as you will find all kinds of suggestions from keeping your front loader washing machine happy, to how to revamp an Altoids tin to make a handy card holder.  Check out Organized 31.

I love the clean look of this quilt.  The Pink Penguin has a tutorial for a scrappy hour glass quilt.  I may have had this link before.  Sometimes I forget, and when I’m blog hopping I may find something I have linked to before but don't remember.  If so, that is because I like it so much! 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

I MAY NEVER QUILT AGAIN!


Above is a block that I saw on Don’t Call Me Betsy.   I thought it a great way to use scraps and had to make it.  It will have to do because I may never be able to quilt again.  At least that was what I thought this morning after an early morning perusal of my house.   When did this happen?  How did it get into such a mess?

“That’s it,” I told myself.  “This has to stop!”

The little voice in my head continued its tirade. “New Rule!” it said as I put my fists on my hips and stamped my foot for emphasis (after all, I meant business).  “You cannot go play until your daily chores are done.”

I had to agree as I looked around and wondered how long it had been since I last ran the vacuum. 

I had to agree as I wrote my name in the dust on the TV table. 

I had to agree when I couldn’t find a clean coffee cup because they were all in the sink with the other dirty dishes.

I made a promise to myself right then and there.  I will clean this house first!  Then play. 

I did a pretty good job of sticking to my new rule today, but by mid afternoon I decided to make a slight change to the pledge:  I can go play once my chores are done; however, if they are not completed by noon, I can still go play.  Hey, I’m retired!  Surely I can get some play time.

However, my days of stumbling out of bed, grabbing coffee, and going down to that sewing room to play all day are over.

It is true.  I can’t deny it.  I’d rather “play” any day than run the sweeper, dust, or wash dishes (I don’t have a dishwasher).  I thought I’d died and gone to heaven when I retired.  I could sew and make quilts all day long.  However, I imagine that is only true if you are very rich and can afford a maid and housekeeper, and still be able to buy fabric!

Does anyone else have this problem?  I could probably stick to my pledge if everyone didn’t have so many cute tutorials and patterns out there.  I want to try them all.   Just the other day I saw some fancy shoelaces that I thought would be great for kids.  But I didn’t buy them because Art Gallery Fabrics has a tutorial for making Gang Rocking Shoelaces.  Great gift idea for those kids on your gift list.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, October 22, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG #54

It’s Monday already!  I can’t believe where the weekend went.  I didn’t get hardly anything checked off my to-do list.  Did you?

This is my block for the Modern Monday Quilt Along.  It is Block 54 and called Tumbler.  Because of the camera and lighting, the one square looks navy blue or black.  Actually, it is the dark grey that I have used in previous blocks.  This was a fun block to make and I think will go nicely in the quilt.  I know I had talked about taking a picture of all my blocks together, but I forgot and now the sun is down and am not even going to try to get a decent picture.  Hop over and see what Lynn’s block looks like, then head over to see what Jennifer has planned for us for this week. 

I’ve been frantically looking for ideas for gifts to make for Christmas.  Since I’ve been at this for a number of years, most of my family and friends have received handmade gifts in the past.  Consequently, I need something different, a new idea.  If anyone has any suggestions, I’d appreciate it.

I did see this recently and thought it would make a wonderful gift for a special friend.  I’d like to make a set for myself, too.  Stitched in Thyme has a wonderful tutorial for a Ticker Tape Place Mat.  I can’t wait to try to make one of these.  Since we had a beautiful afternoon here in Michigan, I went for a walk and picked up some maple leaves that I thought would make a good pattern.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, October 19, 2012

ANOTHER HAPPY SHACKS COMPLETED

When Cathy M. told me that she had completed her Happy Shacks quilt, I asked her to bring it to the shop so I could take a picture.  It is awesome. 
I love how Cathy embellished this quilt, adding her own personal touches.  This cat is so cute! I bet all quilters have a cat like this.
Or maybe a dog like this.  Cathy added a dog with his “top dog” water dish on this block as well as a mail box with an address!
Outside this house is a Guard Dog!  How cute.  On other blocks I found a fire hydrant; a scarecrow; a house all decorated for Christmas, and more mail boxes with different addresses and a car parked in the street. 
This house spoke to me as it had this big button on the roof!  Keep on Quilting!  Cathy you did a fantastic job.  Chris (shop owner) said she thought it would be fun to use this pattern as a BOM and each person create her own unique embellishments.  I think that would be fun, don’t you?  If so, start searching for and collecting those items that would look good in your house or yard.  I have a million ideas running around in my head right now!  You can get the pattern at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  It is Happy Shacks by Black Cat Creations.

Don’t forget:  Fall Fabric Sale!!  Friday, Oct. 19 – 10-8 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 10-5.   There will be 20-75% off fabrics; 20% off books, patterns & notions only!

Halloween Table Mats – Monday, Oct. 22 from 1-3 or 6-8.  Choose from several little designs and make something up quick! – Only $5 + kit

On Another Note: Riley Blake Designs has a nice tutorial for a cute heating pad.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, October 18, 2012

MONSTERS IN THE ATTIC (WINDOW QUILT SHOP)

Today we had another Monster Patch class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above is just one block from that quilt.  I thought of my great grandson when I made it.  This reminds me of him running to me as I come into his house.  I smile every time I look at it.
Aura showed us her finished quilt.  Isn’t it wonderful!  The pattern is Monster Patch by Kids Quilts and may be purchased at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.
This is a close up of one of Aura’s blocks.  Isn’t he cute!
Aura also made this darling quilt.  The pattern is Merry Christmas by Amy Bradley Designs.
I love this reindeer all tangled up in the lights.
This is another quilt that Aura made.  It is Happy Halloween by Amy Bradley Designs.
Love this mummy with that big smile.  Aura is an art teacher at one of the local schools and her talent shows up in her quilts. You may have heard me refer to her before as Miss A; that is what her students call her.  Aura said that she still has to put the eyes on each of these blocks. 

Don’t forgetFall Fabric Sale!!  Friday, Oct. 19 – 10-8 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 10-5.   There will be 20-75% off fabrics; 20% off books, patterns & notions only!

Halloween Table Mats – Monday, Oct. 22 from 1-3 or 6-8.  Choose from several little designs and make something up quick! – Only $5 + kit

Since our theme today was Monsters and Halloween, I thought this is the best tutorial for you.  Quilting Lodge has a darling paper pieced monster for you.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

LOTS GOING ON AT THE ATTIC WINDOW QUILT SHOP

Recently I stopped in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop to find the Tuesday Bee in session.  They are a busy Bee and I have lots to show you.  Above, Judi shared this darling wallhanging that she made.  I’m sorry I didn’t get the name of the pattern or the maker, but I bet if you call the shop they can tell you.
Judi also shared the above picture.  She made it of all wool and put it in a glassed frame.  Great idea!
I’m a sucker for dolls and there were scads of new dolls for sale in the shop.  I had Chris line them up so I could take a picture!  I love the expressions on their faces.
Above is Santa who forgot to get in line with the other dolls.  He’s all ready for Christmas.
Pam showed us this quilt that her great grandmother had started.  She wanted to finish it and solicited ideas from the group as to how to go about that.
Maggie showed us these cute little pincushions that Glenys made.  I guess Chris asked each of the women who work at the shop to pick a pattern from a magazine and make a sample.  I hope Glenys has a class because these would make such nice gifts.
Barb made this lovely Scottie wallhanging. I believe kits will be available.
Cindy made this beautiful purse.   I am in awe of anyone who can make these wonderful purses.
This is Barb’s newest Twilling pattern.  You can find the pattern in her new book which you can purchase here.  Or you can click on the link on my sidebar.
This is just one of the quilts in the Eleanor Burns Trunk Show.   Stop in and check out the Quilt Blocks on Americana Barn.

Don’t forget:  Fall Fabric Sale!!  Friday, Oct. 19 – 10-8 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 10-5.   There will be 20-75% off fabrics; 20% off books, patterns & notions only!

New Class: Corded Bag – Thursday, Oct. 18 from 11-3.   Make a cute bag using clothesline robe and fabric – Only $10

Halloween Table Mats – Monday, Oct. 22 from 1-3 or 6-8.  Choose from several little designs and make something up quick! – Only $5 + kit

On Another Note:  I’m thinking Gifts.  Sew Mama Sew has a tutorial for a Bike Pouch.  Check it out.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

IT TAKES PATIENCE TO MAKE A PURSE

Last week I took a purse class from Lee Ann at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  As you can see above, Diana (fellow student) has her Bow Tucks bag practically finished.  She did such a good job making it and hardly needed any help from Lee Ann at all, which was fortunate because I monopolized her time.

 I struggled with my bag.  Lee Ann is a wonderful teacher.  And does she have patience!   I was amazed!  If I had been Lee Ann trying to teach me to make a bag, I would have kicked me out of the class and told me to never come back!  But not Lee Ann.  She smiled all through class.  Above Lee Ann is turning my bag.  See her big smile!

It is a small bag, perfect for what I wanted it for; however NOTHING was easy about making it.  Well, nothing was easy for me, that is, because I only do “flat.”   However, I will admit that with Lee Ann's patience and excellent instructions, the bag did turn out rather nicely.
My 87 year old friend just got an iPad and today is her birthday, I decided to make her a bag for the iPad as she isn’t hooked up to the internet yet and often carries the iPad back and forth to the library.  I was afraid she would drop it and this bag with the strap seemed like the perfect solution.  I hope she likes it. 


If you are interested in taking a purse/bag class at the shop, call and see when Lee Ann has her next class.  No matter what class she is teaching, you can make any purse/bag that you like so long as it is one that Lee Ann has made and taught before.  Note above, Diana made a Bow Tucks bag while I was making this Hip Bag.  I would recommend taking a class from Lee Ann.  She makes you look like a pro!

Last week I devoted most of my posts to the quilt show.  Today I saw some other quilts that I wanted you to see.  Maverick Quilts has pictures of a show that has an “I’m Not Crazy” category. Take a look and be sure to scroll down through the pictures and look at the sunflower made all of buttons.  Awesome!

On Another Note:   Recently Esch House Quilts announced that a holiday craft bash would soon begin.  There would be tutorials and gift ideas each week from now through Nov. 26th.  Check out her blog for who is participating and on what days.  Looks like it will be a lot of fun.  
 
On Monday, A Little Gray had the first tutorial for a darling abominable Snow man.  


Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, October 15, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

It’s Modern Monday Quilt Along time again and above is my block for this week.  This is block 54, Butterfly.  I was going to show you all the blocks I have so far, but it is cloudy and raining today and I knew I wouldn’t get a good picture, so maybe I can next week.

Lynn said she wouldn’t have her block done for this Monday, but you can go see what pattern Jennifer has up for us this week. 

OCTOBER NEWS

Eleanor Burns Trunk Show is here!  Stop in and check out the Quilt Blocks on Americana Barn.

Fall Fabric Sale!!  Friday, Oct. 19 – 10-8 and Saturday, Oct. 20 – 10-5.   There will be 20-75% off fabrics; 20% off books, patterns & notions only!

New Class: Corded Bag – Thursday, Oct. 18 from 11-3.   Make a cute bag using clothesline robe and fabric – Only $10

Halloween Table Mats – Monday, Oct. 22 from 1-3 or 6-8.  Choose from several little designs and make something up quick! – Only $5 + kit

Check out the New Fabrics from Hoffman:  10” squares called Bali Crackers;  5” squares called Bali Snapo; 2 ½” roll called Bali Pops. They all come in many colors:  Parfait; Tiramisu, Wild Berry, Macaroon, Rum Raisin.

ON ANOTHER NOTE: During Quite Time has a tutorial for a snowman coaster.  Check it out!

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, October 12, 2012

LAST PHOTOS OF WMQG SHOW

Today is the last of the pictures that I took at the West Michigan Quilt Guild show last weekend.  Above is Crepe-Paper Poppies by Michele Lyons-Russell.  She said it is from the book “Flower Show Quilts” by Lynn Ann Majidimehr and published by that Patchwork Place.  Michele says that poppies are one of her favorite flowers.  Mine too.  I’d love to have this quilt on my living room wall.
These next two quilts are awesome.  Above is The Purple House by Julia Voake; Lakeshore Fiber Artists/Wyoming; and is quilted by Lakeshore Fiber Artists/Wyoming.  This design was inspired by a Grand Rapids Heritage Hill house.  A photo was turned into a line design, blown up to 36" X 36", and divided into 16 squares and two trees.  Each square and tree was made by a different group member.  Then it was reassembled to make a very “funky” house.
The Red House is also by Julia Voake and the Lakeshore Fiber Artists/Knapp.  This design was inspired by a Heritage Hill house also.  Again, a photo was turned into a line design, divided into 16 squares and two trees and distributed to various group members.  It was then reassembled to make this fantastic house.  It is amazing to me how all these people can work on a piece of the quilt and when it is assembled it looks like this!  Wonderful!
I had to take a picture of this:  Best Friends by Judy Mayhak.  It makes me smile and speaks to me because of all the wonderful quilting friends I’ve met over the years.  Judy says that this quilt was made for her granddaughter.  She was moving from Illinois to Colorado and leaving friends.  She has a name for most of the friends and she picked the fabrics to match the personalities of her friends.  The pattern idea was taken from a magazine.
I had to take this picture because the pattern came from a fellow blogger.  The Bunny Tree is by Lisa Kishman.  It was made for her daughter, Erin, for her 2012 high school graduation.  It was adapted from the Lilly Pilly pattern by Kellie Wuhlfsohn of Don't Look Now

I have one last quilt to show you.  It is unbelievable!  It was not in the quilt show, but was down at Art Prize in Grand Rapids.  Look at Fraser Smith Sculpture.  Yes, I said sculpture as it is made completely of wood.  

On Another Note:   Skip To My Lou has a nice tutorial for a crayon roll holder.  This Christmas gift!

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll
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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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