FREE PATTERN OR HOW NOT TO LET IT BUG YOU

Have you ever noticed how certain things just bother you?  Well, I have.  Take the last month, for instance.  I was being the good little housekeeper (for a change) and actually putting my Halloween decorations away until next year.  Little did I know how much that would bug me.

I had placed a cute little jack-o-lantern wall hanging on the door leading into my kitchen.  It was there for the entire month of October.  I had never had anything there before, but once I took it down and put it away, that empty spot bugged me.  It was like when your kid moves out.  I felt lost, alone, empty.  It was like walking into Mother Hubbard’s Bare Cupboard.  Each day my grumbling grew worse. 

“Just cool it,” my daughter said during her recent visit. She also said, as she looked at my dining room table that there wasn’t a flat surface in my house that didn’t collect things.  She accused me of now attacking the doors.  “Before you know it every door in this house will be covered with a quilt of some kind.”  Well, what’s wrong with that, I wondered as I stared at the bare door.  That empty spot was like fingernails on a blackboard.  I had to do something!  I searched my storage area for an appropriate piece to hang there, but nothing was “just right.” 

 

Therefore, I took charge. 

I decided to fix things once and for all.  I drew this rooster, appliqued it with bright fabrics, did a little embroidery embellishment, and hung it on my door.  (Click on the picture to get a closer view.)  Now, I feel so much better every time I enter my kitchen.  This bright little fellow makes me smile.  I hope he will make you smile too.  You can download the free pattern here.   I want to apologize.  I did not realize the pattern was not all there.  I have corrected it and you can get the full Rooster pattern here.  The individuals pieces are still found at the above/original link. 

A few instructions:  I used the fusing method of applique on this rooster, so if you want to do a different method of applique, be sure and leave about an extra fourth inch of fabric outside the design template.  Important:   Use both the dotted and solid lines for the outline of your template.  The dotted line is only to indicate that the edge goes underneath another fabric (the one next to it on the picture).  I cut my background fabric to about 12 X 13; then after the applique is complete and the quilting done, I cut it down to about 10 X 11.  If you have any questions on how to make Mr. Rooster, feel free to leave a comment or write me an e-mail.  Enjoy!

♥

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!

Caroll

WHY UFOs NEVER GET FINISHED

You know how it goes…one thing leads to another; you plan this and end up doing that.  At least that seems to be how my life goes.  And I swear it is the reason I never get any UFOs finished! 

The other day I stopped in at the Attic Window Quilt Shop to pick up some thread.  Black thread.  That was all I needed to hand-sew the binding on a small wall hanging that I wanted to finish.  As soon as I stepped into the shop, I knew I was in trouble.  Chris had gone to Market and there were lots of new things to see.  I was okay though.  I was determined to remain strong.   I kept telling myself to stay focused.  “Thread ONLY,” was repeated over and over again. 

Then she did it.  Chris stepped up beside me in the fabric isle (don’t ask me how I ended up there) and said, “Take a look at these.”  I glanced down and saw three new patterns in her hand. 

 I began to drool.   The top pattern looked intriguing.  I drank in the odor of newness as I snatched it from Chris and ran my fingers over the slick plastic see-through pouch.  I breathed out a sigh.  I had to have it.  It would be magnificent.  I could see the bright fabric in the frames and mentally went through my stash of solids.  Then I remembered the black fabric in my stash and wondered if there was enough left.  Still dreaming and drooling, I grabbed the other two patterns from Chris with a mumbled, “Yeah, these look okay I guess,” and headed home.  I never did get that black thread…well I did later when I needed to finish the binding on the above quilt.   I’m not much of a piecer, but I found Short Circuit by Black Cat Creations a snap to make.  I didn’t have to match a thing. Beginning and advanced quilters alike will want to make this one.   Watch for an upcoming class on this fun and quick quilt. 

Now I need to find that black thread and finish that wall hanging!

Paisley and Lace has a tutorial for a quilt I want to make.  I’ve seen the finished quilt on other blogs and fell in love with it.  I thought I’d use 30’s fabrics and make it sometime during our upcoming winter, which is bound to be way too long.  Check it out.

♥

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!

Caroll

MODERN BLOCK MONDAY - BLOCK TEN

This is block 10 of the Modern Monday Blocks sew along that Forty Two Quilts is sponsoring.  I love this block.  It was quick and easy to make; however, like Jenifer says, there is more waste than usual. In this picture the corner fabric looks blue, but as you will see in the next picture, it is gray.

  

These are all my blocks together.  I’m having fun making these blocks and looking forward to seeing how they will go together.  Check out Lynn's block at Alamosa Quilter, then hop over to Forty Two Quilts and get the pattern for this week’s Modern Monday Block. 

I liked this pattern at Moda Bake Shop.  A baby play mat would make a great Christmas gift. 

♥

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!

Caroll

SMALL PROJECTS FOR CHRISTMAS

 

Ladies, start your sewing machines and let the fun begin!  It’s that time of year when most of us go crazy, turn our sewing room into chaos, and start making Christmas gifts.  The other day I got an e-mail from Becky Goldsmith of Piece O’Cake Designs showing her Christmas Cuteness Downloadable ePatterns.  I loved them.  I love to make small wallhangings and these are so darn cute I couldn’t resist.

I made the above for a co-worker.

I made this blue bird of happiness for a friend who just had some bad news so I hope it will cheer her up.  Check out these patterns and others at Piece O’Cake Designs and get started on those gifts now.

Of course you could also make some darling gifts when you attend one of the many classes at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  For instance, I’m going to make several of the above table toppers during class on Dec. 9^th.  I blogged about the class here.  Call the shop to register and get your supply list. 

 

A Creative Dreamer has another darling ornament.   I love these ornaments and hope to make them all. 

 ♥

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!

Caroll