Friday, August 31, 2012

REINDEER GAMES ENDS TODAY!

 Reindeer Games draws to a close today.  This is the final posting.  If you have followed both Barb at Bejeweled Quilts and I over the past couple months, you should have all eleven patterns as of today.  We hope you have enjoyed the game as much as we have and use the patterns to make pillows, quilts, wallhangings.   Above is today’s Reindeer and you can get the pattern here. I called mine Rudolph.  I don’t remember if Barb’s Rudolph is the same as mine or not, so be sure to check out her blog.

This is the design in appliqué.  I never did get these applique blocks put together.  Now that I think about it, I think this is Barb's Dancer but I thought he looked like Rudolph!
I did get my nine redwork blocks made into this wallhanging.  This was the one I complained about in an earlier post because I hadn’t saved enough sashing fabric for the binding and had to use this green.  I noticed the quilt today hanging at the Attic Window Quilt Shop and I guess that binding doesn’t look too bad.

A special thanks to all of your who visited, left comments, and played our game.   A special thanks also to all who posted on the Flickr group.  You’ll want to stop by and see how wonderful those blocks are.  We have some very creative people playing this game.

By the way, when you visit Barb’s blog check out her previous post.  She has a darling free pattern for you. And be sure to put your name in for the give-away she has for the Reindeer Games.  She really has a wonderful pile of items and you don't want to miss out on that.  Barb has been wonderful to work with and I look forward to our continued friendship. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, August 30, 2012

DO YOU LOVE LITTLE MONSTERS?

Today was a great day at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above is the block that Aura made during the Monster Patch class.  This is only the beginning and there is still a lot to be done, but it’s going to be a darling little monster.
Above is the block that Rosa made.   This little guy reminds me of Rosa, happy, smiling and always ready for a laugh. 
This is Aura with her work in progress. 
Above Rosa in one of her rare serious moments concentrating on her block. 
Let me tell you these two gals together made for a laugh-filled day.  What great women to spend the day with!  During the next month they are to make the rest of the seven blocks and then we will meet again to put it all together.  I’m looking forward to that.  Not only am I anxious to see what they have done, but I know it will be a day of joy and laughter.

After working with monsters all day long (I’m talking about the blocks), I thought this an appropriate link.  Stubbornly Crafty has a tutorial for a Monster Bib pattern.  You’ll love it.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

DO YOU EVER FEEL LIKE THIS?


I have no idea what this is, but it reminded me of me trying to keep about a million balls in the air at once.  My great grandson left it here on his last visit.  I think of him every time I look at it. 
And one of those balls that I’ve been trying to keep in the air is my paper pieced “I spy” quilt that I hope to give to my grandson.  I have finally completed all my paper pieced blocks and have them ready to sew together with the sashing.   It was so much fun looking for special fabrics to use in the center of each block.  I’m still collecting them as I’ll probably make one or two more quilts.  As Buffie promised, I've become a paper piecing addict.   I have lots of great grandchildren who I bet would enjoy this quilt. Following are some of my more recent blocks and probably my favorites.


Above is my pile of blocks all marked for sewing.  I hope to show you the finished quilt soon.

In the mean time I have a couple of links you might be interested in.  Check out Quiltyvisionusa.  Click on your state, or the state you will be visiting, and find quilts shops you would like to visit.

Quilt Story has a Monkey ladders Quilt tutorial for you. 

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

HAVE YOU TRIED THIS BLOCK?

I love this block and could hardly wait to show it to you.  While blog hopping the other day I saw this block…I think it might have been on Pinterest or something like that when I did a search for a log cabin paper pieced pattern.  I was looking for the exact size log cabin paper pieced block so I wouldn’t have to figure things out for myself.  After I found the above Scrap Attack Block, I completely forgot about the log cabin and started making this one.  I love the bright colors and the unique design.  I’ll bring it to the Happy Scrappers Quilting Bee at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on the second Saturday of the month for Show-N-Tell.  Hopefully, I’ll have another block done by then.
Then again, maybe I won’t make another one.  I got to thinking that I could put this block with this other block that I blogged about here.  I love making new blocks and stretching my capabilities.  I thought, maybe each time I find a new block I can add it to the others and after a while I’ll have a whole new quilt.  What do you think…will these two blocks go in the same quilt?

Anyway, I got this Scrap Attach Block at From Blank Pages.  In that post there is a link to her Craftsy site where you can get the pattern for free.  Prior to Buffie making a paper piecing addict of me, I didn't paper piece because I didn't like tearing the paper away from the finished block.  Buffie showed me how easy it really is.  I would just caution you to think about the kind of paper you use before you start printing.  I have a whole box full of letterhead from work that they were going to toss because of a printing error.  I brought it home and use the backs for printing or drawing.  Anyway, the first time I printed the pattern onto that bond paper.  Big mistake.   It is too difficult to tear off the pieces of paper.  After that I use copy paper, which tears away easily.  Enjoy!

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, August 27, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

 This is block number 46 of the Modern Monday Quilt Along and is called Ships.  Jennifer said she has fun messing with the traditional blocks to make them wonky.  I think I got a little carried away with my wonky today, but this quilt is for a 16 year old.  I’m sure he won’t notice.  Hop over to Alamosa Quilter and see what Lynn’s block looks like this week.  Then head over to 42 Quilts and get Jennifer’s block for this week.

Have you started thinking about Christmas gifts yet?  I saw this darling mini Christmas quilt at Quilt Story and can’t wait to try it.  Check it out.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!

Thursday, August 23, 2012

FINISHED AT LAST!

I can’t remember exactly but I think I started this quilt sometime during the fall of 2010.  At least I know I posted about a block here and it is the first block I made in this quilt.  My Whimsical Quilt Garden is by Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins for Piece O/ Cake Designs.  I’m thrilled to say that it is finally finished.  Well, really, I had it finished all but for a couple of the balls in the border.  I finally got it out, did the hand sewing required, made my sandwich (I already had the backing for it…and guess what, the backing was actually with the top! )  So I put everything on the frame and quilted it.  I’m so happy with how it turned out.  You can see it at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Following are close ups of some of the blocks. 




I took this close up to show you the balls on the border.  When Becky Goldsmith showed this quilt (or a smaller version of it) at our local quilt guild, it had a different border.  You can see that quilt here.   But I really like the balls!

Now I have to get back to Aunt Millie’s Garden.  I have a little more to do on that one though, so it may take a while. 

Did you see this? Sew Many Ways shows you how to make a darling sachet out of an old dryer sheet.  Check it out.

ATTENTION: I'm linking up to Confessions of a Fabric Addict today.  Check out who else is linking.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

The other day while blog hopping I came across s. o. t. a. k handmade and saw that Svetlana had made a couple different name tags.  It was for a challenge for her Modern Quilt Guild that had just started in her area.  I thought about our Happy Scrappers Bee and how we are getting new participants each month.  It is such a wonderful/inspiring group and I’m anxious to learn everyone’s name.  And, of course, I want them to know me too, so I decided to make my own name tag.  I did this in the hopes of inspiring others in the group to make name tags too.  After all we are a scrappy group and what better way to use those scraps than make name tags. 
Do you recognize any of these fabrics?  Some from the modern pillow I blogged about last week, some from the Monster Patch, some from the quilt I just finished and will bog about next, and some from my Modern Monday blocks.  I wish I had had some cute little scraps on hand like Svetlana did in her first name tag, but I didn’t.  So the above is what I came up with.  Not bad.  I hope you will be inspired like I was to make a name tag.  It really is helpful for old/forgetful people like me.  Rosa in our group made a darling name tag and has worn it from day one.  We sit next to each other.  She has become my best friend.  I never forget her name.  I’ll try to remember to get a picture of it at our next meeting. 

You can get a head start on your Christmas decorations at This Year’s Dozen.  There is a nice tutorial for a Mug Rug Set.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

NEW FABRICS AT THE ATTIC WINDOW

Check out this Batman fabric!  Isn't it wonderful.  It is by Camelot Cottons and you can find it at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  I kind of went wild during a recent visit to the shop and have lots of pictures to show you.
These are also by Camelot Cottons and are coordinating fabrics for the Batman Line.
This is also by Camelot Cottons.  I love this fabric with it's brilliant colors and big flowers.
This is Dan Morris Sugar Rush by RJR.  Don't you just love those cupcakes?
This is Abundance by P&B.   You must see these in person to appreciate the rich colors.
This is Season's Greetings from Maywood Studios.
There are also some new flannels in the shop.  This is Fresh Fallen Snow from Maywood Studios.
These flannels are Eskimo Pie from Northcott.
 There is something for everyone.  Isn't this awesome.  It is Old World Comforts by Thimbleberries.  There are coordinating fabrics available also.  This is an extra wide bolt and Chris said she thinks she'll make a rug out of it.  I can't wait to see that.  

Stop by the shop this week and take advantage of the  Special Sale on Clearance Fabrics. 50-75% off all clearance fabrics during the month of August.

Also during the months 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)

The Peaceful Kwilter has a nice PDF to help you make no-waste Granny Squares. 

The Crafty Journal has a nice hint on how to remove permanent ink from a project.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Monday, August 20, 2012

MODERN MONDAY QUILT ALONG

This is Block 45 of the Modern Monday Quilt Along.  It is called Monument.  Looks like a birthday cake to me.  How about you?   Jennifer said it looked like a cake to her too.  In fact, she has an interesting story about this block.  You’ll have to read it on Jennifer’s blog here.  It was a fun and easy block to make.  While visiting Jennifer, check out the pattern for this week.  Then hop over and see what Lynn’s block looks like this week.

Empire BOM has a tutorial for Orange Pick Up Sticks.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Friday, August 17, 2012

REINDER GAMES #8

This is number eight of the Reindeer Games.  I hope you are enjoying the patterns.  Only one more to go!   Barb has named this guy Vixen.  You can find the pattern here
This is my applique version.  Not nearly as cute as Barb's.  Head over to Bejeweled Quilts and see which pattern Barb has up this week. 

Attention-Happenings at the Attic Window Quilt Shop:
Special Sale on Clearance Fabrics
50-75% off all clearance fabrics during the month of August.

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)

More reminders:

The AQS Quilt Show and Contest is being held at DeVos Place Convention Center here in Grand Rapids, MI August 22-25. 

The West Michigan Quilters’ Guild, “Quilts on the Grand” show is October 5-7 at the DeltaPlex Arena.  Mark your calendar now!

I love making things for kids.  Stubbornly Crafty has a tutorial and pattern for a darling Monster Bib!  Check it out!

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Thursday, August 16, 2012

DO YOU PLAN TO ATTEND AQS NEXT WEEK?

The AQS Quilt Show and Contest is being held at DeVos Place Convention Center here in Grand Rapids, MI August 22-25.  If you plan to attend, you are going to want to stop by the Attic Window Quilt Shop booth and check out all the fabrics, patterns, and kits.  Above is this cute wool and cotton wallhanging, just one of many different kits available!
These darling mats are also available in kits.  Glenys made up these samples so you can see how darling they are and get a head start on those Halloween projects!
Barb David made up this applique tulips wallhanging sample.  Think Christmas! Pick up a kit now and get started on those gifts.
When I stopped in at the shop today, Chris was getting things ready to take down to the show.  Above are baskets of fat quarter bundles.  What a selection!
These are pillowcase kits.  You are gonna love these fabric combinations.
Above are a couple child size pillowcases made up.  What kid wouldn't love one of these.
 These are new fabrics just in at the store. I'm sorry that I forgot to get the name and manufacturer.  So, you'll just have to stop by the booth at the show and check out these bundles.  Bundles are available in one yard cuts, one half yard cuts, and quarter yard cuts.  

Kits are also available for kids size quilts.  Look at these fabrics.  I love the pink with the elephants!
Kits are also available for this darling pincushion.  I like the size and it looks like it will be easy to make.  
Kits will also be available for this cute little snowman and for....
This snowman wallhanging.  They are adorable, and would make nice gifts.  I like to pick up kits like this at these shows.  You have everything you need to make a project or gift, and don't have to worry about if you have enough of this or that.  Also, kits are usually less expensive and much easier to carry around while at the show.  Hope to see you there!

I almost forgot: Very Kerry Berry has a nice tutorial for a friendship pillow.

Until next time,

Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

MORE OF THE HAPPY SCRAPPERS BEE



 
This is part two of the happenings at the Attic Window Quilt Shop Happy Scrappers Bee.   Debby made this stunning flower quilt.  She said she started on it a while ago and finally decided to get it finished.  I the love the appliqué!

 Above, Buffie shows us yet another finished paper pieced quilt.  Making these paper pieced squares is so addicting.  Buffie has us all doing them.  She says she has a brand new pattern to show us next month that we might like to try.  I can’t wait to see it.
I have to show you this center from one of Buffie’s blocks.
And this one.  Aren’t they darling!
 Debby also made this darling Batik quilt.
Colleen showed us this king size quilt that is awesome.  She said she plans to hand quilt!  Wow!  Beautiful quilt.
Tari is moving along on her quilt.  She started making the paper pieced squares during one of our meetings.  Now she has enough squares finished and is putting them together.  It’s going to be beautiful.
 Brenda made this wonderful sewing kit.  When she came into the shop, I thought it was her purse.  Then she sat down and started doing some hand stitching.  I wish I were that organized.  She said the pattern is called Gram’s Travel Caddy.

I thought this an appropriate link when I’m posting about the Happy Scrappers.  Stitchery Dickory Dock has a tutorial for a SCRAPPY disappearing 9 patch.  Check it out!

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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