HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW!

Aunt Millie’s Garden has finally stopped growing.  It is finished at last!  I’ve only been working on for about a hundred years.  It’s about time I got it finished…right?  I love how this turned out.  Of course there is one huge mistake which I am not going to point out.  Let’s just say that Aunt Millie’s Garden is made of 12 Flowering Blocks from Piece O’Cake Designs.  It is designed by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins.
I took a number of pictures trying to get a good shot for you.  The quilt it too large for my living room floor where I usually take my photos.  Above, it is by the sliding door so I could get some good light.

Then I took it outside and put it on the bench on the deck.

Then I spread it out on the grass…and finally gave up trying to take a good picture of the entire quilt.

This is a close-up of one corner.  I’ve shown most of the individual blocks previously.

This is a close-up of a side border.

This is a close-up of another corner with a touch of the backing showing.  This busy backing helps hide those quilting mistakes.  It was a fun quilt to make and I can’t wait to put it on my mother’s bed.  However, first I have to take it for a little show-n-tell.

ON ANOTHER NOTE: It is so busy at this time of year, however, we still need those last minute gifts.  Moda Bake Shop has a tutorial for 30-minute gift simply colorful coasters.

PS:  Linking up today to Confessions of a Fabric Addict.  Check out what others are doing.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll

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

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #12

Not much to blog about as I’ve been busy doing Christmas sewing.  I thought I would show you the Aunt Millie’s block that I finished about a month ago but just haven’t had time to post about it.  This is the last one in the group of 12.  Now to start on the borders.

This is what all the blocks look like together. I’m not sure they will end up in this order. The big decision is the border. Should I use the same background material for the border? And should I also use it for the sashing? Or should I do something different, like a red or teal? Maybe I’ll put a narrow border in one of those colors, use no sashing, then use the background fabric for the wider border with the applique. What would you suggest?


REMEMBER: All Christmas fabric is 20% off at the Attic Window Quilt Shop. All Fat Quarters of Christmas fabrics are $1.50 $1.75 (Sorry I made a mistake).

Most members of the Knotty Girls Stitching Bee have attended one of Edyta Sitar’s classes. With envy I listen as they discuss their awesome experiences. Stephanie at Peas and a Pod blog recently attended a book signing and discussion at Quilts At The Marshall House in Marshall, Michigan and shared some of what she learned that day. Be sure and read Stepanie’s blog post about it. Read all the way down so you don't miss the tips they learned.

Elowezil has a cute Christmas Coaster tutorial for you.

♥
Stay Positive!
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #11

This is my latest Aunt Millie’s block. Only one more to go and then the big decision of how to put it together and then start on that border! I’m anxious to see how all these blocks look together. I’ll post a picture once the last block is finished.

Mark your calendar now for CHRISTMAS CRAFT DAY,  at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Saturday, Nov 27 from 9 a.m.—5 p.m. Class is FREE. Kits are $5—$10. We are working on some neat Christmas gift ideas. Stop in at the store that week and see the projects

The WHIMSICAL NORTH POLE BOM is now up in the shop. The books are here and starting Jan. 3, you can stop in anytime each month and pick up a $5 kit to complete a block of the month. There is no class, so sign up before Jan. 1 and receive a special discount on the book.

Road Home Quilting has a tutorial for a cute touchdown turkey. Just in time for the holiday.

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Stay Positive!
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #10

This is my latest Aunt Millie’s block. I know….I know the flowers are not all alike and not symmetrical, but this block has been a problem since day one. I had a heck of a time choosing fabrics. Then the flower itself gave me a lot of trouble as I used the needle-turn method and I really have yet to master that. There comes a time when you just have to quit fretting about it. So, this is it. It’s staying as is. I’m just glad this one is done. What I enjoy most is searching blogs for pictures of what others do with these same blocks. It’s fun to seeing their fabric choices, how neat and symmetrical each one is. They give me inspiration. I can do better and will do better next time. We should have a show-n-tell blog just devoted to Aunt Millie blocks.
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Don’t forget all the classes being held at the Attic Window Quilt Shop this week. Jan V is teaching a couple beginning appliqué classes. I think she teaches needle-turn so, I better attend. I need the help. Julie’s Doll Bee meets Thursday. Chris has a beginning Intermediate Quilting class on Friday. You can make either a Rail Fence or a Single Irish Chain pattern. Vickie is teaching A Little Off Kilter on Saturday. There is also a Make It Take It Class Saturday where Chris will be teaching Paper Piecing (another one I should attend).

Quilt Patterns From Seattle has a Flowers In My Window quilt pattern for you. If you scroll down you will see other patterns that you might like to download.
Stay Positive!
♥
Until next time,
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #9

Last week when I was at the Attic Window Quilt Shop I ran into Wilma. Great lady and fun to talk to. However, on my way out, she kept pestering me, “Where’s that next Aunt Millie block.” “I’ve been waiting to see that next Aunt Millie block.” All the way home her words haunted me. I am so guilty of starting a project and never finishing it. I hate to think of how many UFOs I have stashed away. So I came home and finished another block! Yeah! Thank you Wilma for getting me back on track.

These are my blocks so far. I have three more to go. As I was working on the one above I knew why I had put it off for so long. It has so many itty-bitty pieces and I just I didn’t want to tackle it. I’ve already started on the next block and believe me, it has even more itty-bitty pieces. But I won’t give up.

Speaking of not giving up, you might want to check out the Tip Nut. There you will find 35 links to things you can make with scraps. Have fun!
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Until next time,

Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #8

It has been a busy week and before I take my mother to have her weekly appointment at the Beauty Shop, I thought you would like to see a couple appliqué pieces. Above is the eighth Aunt Millie’s block. I had to give up on these for a while as life took over, but I’m back trying to complete this beautiful quilt.

Above is a block for the Around the World Quilting Bee. This block goes to Indigo Blue. Most of her blocks included multiple pieces of pink fabrics, so I think this will look nice with the other blocks. I love her quilt. I bet Jane (Jane’s Fabrics) likes it too because she loves pink!

This Tea Time wall hanging or table topper is a fun quilt to have on hand when you have a friend over for coffee or tea. Come join me in the class at the Attic Window Quilt Shop on Wednesday, Mar. 24 from 6 - 9 p.m.

Chestnut Junction has free primitive stitchery patterns. Really cute!
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Hope you have a nice weekend,

Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #7

This is number 7 of the Aunt Millie’s blocks. It was so much fun to make. I just hope it’s not too bright.
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I imagine everyone in the US is busy this week getting ready for Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has the best day ever. I’m having my family in, then shopping on Black Friday. My daughter and I are up early and standing in line with all the other crazies. Not because we intend to buy as we have really cut back on our lists this year. But this craziness always gets us in the holiday spirit. Contrary to what you may have heard happened at some places last year, where we have been it has always been fun. People sing songs while standing in line, someone passes out hot chocolate or coffee, one year someone even distributed cookies! I remember how surprised I was the first year I went with my daughter. We were in the checkout line at one store, and three women in front of us had their cart stacked high. Not so high that they couldn’t put their pancake breakfast plates from McDonalds on top of their purchases and enjoy breakfast while waiting. What a hoot. Usually people come dressed in Santa hats or wear something with bells to jingle. It’s been a great experience for us and I hope it is for all of you shoppers this year too.
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When you're out shopping, don't forget to stop by the Attic Window Quilt Shop and take part in their Turkey Sale.
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Since we’re talking about the upcoming holidays, you might find this Candy Cane tutorial at Lavieen Rosie interesting. I thought these candy canes would make excellent stocking stuffers, or be cute hanging on a tree, or tied to a package. Check it out.
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Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #6

This is my 6th Aunt Millie’s block. Looks like I got lazy here, but the pattern was such that I couldn’t break it up and put a lot of different fabrics in the flowers. Then when it came to the berries I just didn’t have the time or the various fabrics that I thought would work, so that’s why this one looks a little more plain, which might not be too bad. I might need something like this to help tone down the others. You should see the wild block I’m working on now. Hope to have it done to show you next week.

We have a couple classes this week at the Attic Window Quilt Shop that I bet you would like. Cindy is holding her Grommet Bag class Monday and I hope I can get out of work in time to run up and take that class. I have a special person who would love this Bag as a Christmas present.

Another class I hope to take is J.D’s Crazy Pieced Jewelry Roll. This heirloom crazy pieced jewelry roll is easy to make and well received as a gift. I think I’ll make several as I have friends who like to travel and this would be a great gift for them. Check out all the wonderful classes coming up at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.

Brown Paper Packages has a Scatter Sunshine Scrappy quilt tutorial that is rather unique. Very pretty and a great way to use up those scarps. What a great gift for that special someone and it won’t cost much money at all.
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Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #5

Above is another Aunt Millie’s block. I don't know what's wrong with my camera, maybe it's the lighting, but the background has a green cast to it. It really is white. I'm using the same background for all the blocks. I am not happy with the center either but decided to move on. I must have purchased at least 100 FQs over the past month trying to find just the right color combination. I think I have enough centers cut out and discarded to make an entire quilt. Anyway, if I find something in the future before I actually get the quilt put together I can change it then.

Thanks so much to everyone for your comments. I value all your suggestions about what I should do with my teapots. As you can see above I chose to go with the buttonhole stitch in black, but I’m using only one strand of floss. I did try other colors of floss but wasn’t satisfied with the effect, then I tried the straight stitch and didn’t think that gave me the definition I wanted, therefore, the buttonhole stitch.

I just discovered a new blog (well, new to me) by a fellow Michigander and hope you’ll give her a visit. Allie-Oops Sweet Happy Life has a free stitchery that is just darling.

♥
Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,

Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #4

This is my fourth Aunt Millie’s block. I had such a time finding fabrics for this one. I didn’t realize how hard purple is to work with. I guess since the color purple is associated with both royalty and spirituality I shouldn’t be surprised. But I love the delicate colors in flowers like the Iris or the Lilac. Since this color is made up of a mix of reds and blues, it’s compliments are many. But choosing that compliment was just as difficult since it depended on the amount of blue or red in the purples I was working with. I thought the pink added a nice feminine touch. According to Feng Shui this color should be used sparingly. I think this one block of purple will be just enough for my quilt, don’t you.? PS: I haven’t shown this to my mother yet.

Red Pepper Quilts has a great tutorial for a lovely quilt made out of scraps. You must see it because my words just do not do it justice.

Saw this over at Jane’s Fabrics and thought you might be interested too. Go to RS Island Crafts and scroll down and read about the Downy Quilt Project. Downy sends you the fabrics, you put the quilt together, supply the batting and send to Downy when finished. Check it out.
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Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #3

This is the third Aunt Millie’s block. These are such fun blocks to make. The big challenge is finding the right fabrics. Well, browsing the quilt shops, looking for just the right piece to go there or there is fun too. I just can't bring myself to try to make that intricate little circle that the pattern calls for, so I'm still looking for a unique piece of fabric for the center of my pink and orange block. Maybe the Attic Window Quilt Shop has some new fabrics. I’m going up there tomorrow. Hope to get some new pictures too.

Until then, you might want to check out the nice tutorial that Piece N Quilt has on it’s blog. I love the way the trees are off center in this Figgy Christmas quilt. Hope you like it too.

Geta’s Quilting Studio is having monthly freebies. Check it out. I have put the button on the sidebar for your convenience.

♥
Until Next Time, Happy Quilting,
Caroll

AUNT MILLIE'S BLOCK #2

This is the second block of the Aunt Millie’s Garden. Probably if I had ironed it before I took the picture, it would look much better. I like the colors though.
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Be sure and check Sunday’s Grand Rapids Press for Jennifer Ackerman’s column. She will be talking about Martha’s Hope chest. She also has some exciting events in store for quilters. She was on Take Five today so I imagine she will blog about it too. Here’s a link to her blog.
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If you are considering making a block for Terry's quilt, you might want to go to Connecting Threads as they have two full pages of free 9 inch block patterns that you could use.
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Nicole Mallalieu Design has scads of tips for successful bag making, things like where and when to use interfacing, using plastic, etc. She also has a nice tutorial for making a child’s backpack or library bag.
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Hope you have a great weekend,
Caroll

WHEN STRESSED DO APPLIQUE

Wow! What a week. There were so many new things to learn and do. It was fun, but a bit exhausting. Consequently, I needed something relaxing to do, something to keep my hands busy, something to help me unwind. Therefore, I picked up a block from Aunt Millie’s Garden and settled on the couch in front of a good movie on TV. Above is the first block that I finished in this 12-block quilt. Some might call it a bit predictable, but I have kept the mystery in picking the fabrics. I have decided to do this quilt in Brights and have had scads of fun browsing my stash searching for just the right color. I was amazed that I found so many fabrics that I had forgotten all about. I collect FQs and there is plenty of material in one FQ to make a block, especially since I am trying to use many different fabrics in each flower. I am now working on my sixth block (not all of them done this week!) and will be showing the others to you as the weeks move along.
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Hugs From Helen has the cutest design for a charming bed pocket. What a great way to keep your bedroom organized. I was thinking of making several as Christmas gifts. I like that it is unusual and not something you would see in the department store.
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Have a great weekend,
Caroll