Little Things

I've been working on lots of little things. I've been making more Santa's workshops. I have a bunch of little ones and big ones ready for quilting. I experimented with a bit of printing on the fabric...i think it's cute and adds a bit more fun.





















I made a pillow for my bed from some orphan blocks that have been hanging around in the closet forever. Hollywood is one of my favorite Alexander Henry fabrics. These were supposed to be a part of the pinwheels in the garden quilt...another one languishing in the closet. I decided on a more muted, restful color scheme in the bedroom...light aqua and brown. Notice the headboard on the bed...another fabulous creation of my dad. He made that for me out of an old door that he had in his barn. Fabulous, isn't it? My dad never throws anything away. You never know when you might need something. Now that is upcycling!





















I finally got the music is life mini quilts hung. I picked up these old windows at the city market a couple of months ago...these hang in the landing at the top of the stairs. It's fun because I can change the quilts easily as the mood strikes me. Thanks for the hanging idea John!









































I finished Amber's block for the Common Threads virtual quilting bee. She sent a fabulous set of fabrics and some of them had little pieces of selvedges left on them. When I saw those selvedges I knew they needed to be part of the block. She wanted a scrappy log cabin block...I was so happy. I love making this kind of block. I think they are cute. I hope they fit the rest of the blocks for her quilt.

I could definitely see a scrappy log cabin quilt in my future with selvedges as the centers of each block. I need to get on that!






























I need to say thanks to a couple of my new blogging friends, Dallas and Michaela. Both these ladies have offered to send me some of their vintage sheets so that I can add to my Monet quilt. It's not quite big enough and I don't have anything left that fits the look I'm going for. I appreciate their willingness to share and swap with me. How great is that!

Happy Halloween everyone! Here's hoping there is candy left in your bowl at the end of the night. My hubby's coming home tonight! All is well.

Monet's Top Continued

Monet's Flower Garden is now a top. Well, sort of. I think I'm going to go searching at my local thrifts to see if I can find a few pillow cases that I could add. It's not quite as big as I want it to be. This center section is my favorite. It has the look I was going for. I wouldn't call it a complete success, but I think I'll like it once it's done. I appreciated Wanda's suggestions on sewing triangles and both Elizabeth and Wanda had a needle recommendation that made such a difference. I would add that as soon as I remembered (after two rows) to press the seams open, it all proceeded much more smoothly.





















Aren't these pretty? My mom and I are working on a collaborative quilt. She's doing the embroidery and I'm doing the rest. These are rejects...wrong color thread. I think I can make something cute with these.

Smile, It's Monday!

As I was slogging through sewing triangles together for this quilt, fussing with pressing little seams open and dealing with the frustrations I feel with precision piecing, I took a little break and headed to Ellen's blog, growing gills. Ellen's is one of those blogs I head to first. She's not a quilter in the traditional sense. She quilts with words and pictures. She inspires me, and this morning she reminded me to look around and again count my blessings. There is beauty around me, I am blessed in so many ways. I abandoned my feelings of frustration and started again refreshed. I plan to have the top pieced by the end of the day.
















When I'm finished I'm going to reward myself with some time to play with scraps from these pillows. I think they might turn into something for the kitchen.
















So, what's putting a grin on your face today?

Steely Is Done

The Steely log cabin is done. It's going to live on the sofa in my hubby's place in Chicago. He needs a quilt to cuddle up under when he's relaxing. This is perfect.

Jon and I were with him in the windy city for about 28 hours (Tuesday afternoon to late Wednesday.) We spent most of the morning on a college visit on this whirlwind trip. Jon liked it...yeah! I hope he can come to a decision soon. It's tough for him. We also did some site seeing Tuesday night and we shopped together on Wednesday afternoon. Jon is so great to shop with...he's artistic and has a great eye. He's the most stylish 17 year old boy I know. He's pretty good at bargain shopping, though he would buy full price if he could. We had a ball browsing and oogling things. We bought a present for Grandpa Fred. (it's a risk, but we did it anyway.)





















I tried something a bit different on the quilting of this quilt. I loved the quilting I did on this little quilt, so I tried it on a larger one. I'm not sure if I quilted it densely enough, but I love the randomness of the lines and the shapes that were created. I'll definitely little try this again. It reminds me a bit of shattered glass. Off to a debate tournament...then pack for the next trip. Off to Iowa State for hubby's track reunion. It's a hectic week, but then, when isn't it. Hope yours is great!

Monet Inspired

I love this painting and the dreamy look of Monet's gardens. I've been wanting to make a quilt that has this same feeling. Gail's vintage sheet swap over at Crafty Little Beana's (thanks Gail!) was an opportunity to collect more floral sheets. I got some good ones that fit this project. Thanks to everyone who contributed! The good thing...one fat quarter makes one row of zig zag. Isn't that the best! I have tried a bunch and rejected lots...you should see my reject pile. They have to have just the right feeling to fit. I have 12 rows of zig zags right now. I'm still auditioning...moving around...trying and retrying. I cut the squares into triangles to help me get the real feel of the quilt. Probably a mistake...so no half square triangles...just lots of single triangles to sew together....someday. Elizabeth of Oh Fransson has made a beautiful top with this pattern and her vintage sheets. It's beautiful. Mine isn't there yet. I'm still deciding whether I want to sew all those triangles. I'm thinking about trying a different pattern too. Sorry about the picture...it's dark and dreary here.

The Illuminated Phrase

This is my submission for Jackie's Illuminated Phrase project at Smoothpebble. Mine isn't a word or even a phrase...but a statement.

"Peace is a daily, a weekly, a monthly process, gradually changing opinions, slowly eroding old barriers, quietly building new structures.”
John F. Kennedy










Thanks for the challenge, Jackie. This one really pushed me.

Serendipity

I went ahead and made these euro shams. Love the block, love the quilting, love the colors, but they look hideous on the bed. So, I carried them around the house looking for a place that they might work. I really didn't want to waste all that time, effort and fabric.









































So, how about we spice up the living room? What do you think? I think the pillows pick up the colors in the painting. Serendipity! I love when things just kinda work out.
















Kinda creepy, don't you think!

He's An Amazing Man...

...and he's my dad. He recently found out about my blog and the first comment I received from him is that I've never written about him. He's right. So dad, this one is for you.

My dad is a man of deeds. He would do anything for me, but he expects much of me too. My dad builds things. Woodworking is his hobby and he's good at it. For my dad, building things didn't start as a hobby, but as a way of life. My dad grew up in a time where you made what you needed. He lives "do it yourself." I learned how to hammer, nail, drill, drywall, etc. etc. from my dad. He's proud that I never hire anyone to do what I can do myself.

His creations are in the homes of every family member and in many of the homes in his small town as well as in the church. If you can describe it, he can build it. He will build it his own way, but it will be beautiful. (Does this sound a bit like the owner of this blog?) We are much alike, he and I.

A few weeks ago he showed me a picture of a quilt rack in one of his woodworking magazines. He asked me if I might like something like that. We had a short conversation and I shared with him that I was considering taking my quilts to craft shows and displaying many quilts in a small space is a challenge. We discussed how this might be adapted, how wide it should be, that it needed to fold flat and display as many quilts as possible. A few days later for my birthday this is what I received. (actually he made TWO of them.) As you can see it works beautifully for displaying quilts at home too. Isn't it fabulous?





















This is what I've been working on...I've had these euro shams on the bed for months now with no covers on them. Long enough. I don't know if these are too much. I'm trying to decide if I like them. If so, I'll quilt them and make them into shams. Maybe they could be a quilt. A couple more blocks and I'd be done. These honey's are huge! 28 inches square...now that's a BIG log cabin block.





















Lastly, I've won a couple of giveaways. The first was Kajsa's at her blog Syko. I won this cute little house (can you tell she's my inspiration for all the little house things I've been making), and she sent me some more of her fabulous cards. I have a total of 5 now, so I framed them. If you haven't visited her, you really should. Her work is so happy and whimsical. I'm buying more of her cards from her etsy store for Christmas presents. She sent me candy and Marimekko napkins too. It was so sweet of her.
I won a bag at Stephanie's blog. You'll have to wait to see that...(imagine a non blurry picture here). I'm using it as a workout bag. It goes to the gym with me every day. It's amazing what a great bag will do for your attitude and your motivation. Thanks Stephanie! Drop in to Stephanie's to see her newest totally cute creation. You're gonna LOVE it.

Busy Little Bee

I've been a busy little bee. I whipped up this quilt (it's just ducky!) over the weekend. (another one down for Finn's challenge!) WHEW! The baby shower is tomorrow. A friend contacted me and wanted something in a hurry. It would have been fine, but I tried to do the ribbon-like quilting of this quilt, but this time with my darning foot and the feed dogs down. Ooh it was a disaster. I had to rip and rip and rip. Ended up doing this with my walking foot. Not really what I wanted, but it turned out fine in the end. It's a simple 4 patch made from two ducky baby sheets (which she gave me) and the back is these flower curtains. She wanted something "green" so we upcycled. It always amazes me what can be done with recycled materials. I hope she'll like it. ( I actually made a second one for another friend...those sheets go a LONG way.) I'm going to give it to her at lunch later in the week.)
















Finished up a few little things on my to do list. Love the polka dot binding. These should make nice little gifts.
































I'm most excited about these. Made a few scrappy, wonky log cabins...





















Free pieced a vase (though it looks a bit more like a lava lamp to me, or maybe a VERY funky tie!). I was inspired by Tonya's wonky bottles. I'm participating in Tonya's House, Home or Pantry quilt together. The folks in that group are so talented and definitely inspirational.





















Put them together and...a hip bouquet of flowers! This is just a sample, but there is so a whole quilt using these in my future. I just have to figure out where to go from here. This free piecing thing isn't as easy as it looks.

Sewing Connected With Rita

This is my block for Rita. Rita has the first round of the Sew Connected virtual quilting bee. She sent this set of sunny fabrics and an adorable little embroidery patch. We could choose to keep it, or use it in the block. How could I resist putting this in the block?

The thing about these virtual quilting bees that is so much fun is that I get to spend hours, days, and sometimes weeks on one block. I rarely have the luxury of putting that much time or thought into one block. Maybe a whole quilt, but never one block. It's stimulating and challenging working with someone else's fabric choices and their guidelines.
Rita, thanks for sending so much fabric. It made the process easier and gave me loads of choices. Hope you like it!

To Do List

Piecing: working on the connections quilt from back in February.





















Raw edge applique: I'm thinking Santa's workshop.





















Binding: Polka dots maybe?














Find a table for this one.





















Quilt testing service: Will work for Scooby snacks.

It's A Happy Thing

Don't we all need things in our life that just make us happy? It's a thank you gift for a special friend.

A Thrifted Gem

My favorite vintage store in Kansas City, Good JuJu, was open last weekend. I spent Saturday morning browsing. One of the clerks noticed me fingering every textile in the place. I was about to leave when she asked me if I was interested in vintage fabric. We had a short conversation and then she said, "I have something in my car that you might be interested in." This is what she brought in to show me...a Wamsutta studio print. She told me that these fabrics were manufactured in the 40's and 50's for the studios for set dressing...curtains, pillows, etc. I've been trying to do some research on this fabric, but no luck, yet. She found this in Texas.

Isn't it amazing! I love the colors, the retro vibe and it's on its original bolt board. The best news...I've got 13 yards. She wouldn't cut it. All or nothing.

I may have to figure out how to share some of this. I will probably never use 13 yards. For now, I will simply let it grace my studio and make me happy.

Warning...Political Rant

I'm tired of folks writing about and telling me I am un-American because of who I support for President. I participate in the political process, I read, I study, I'm involved, I care enough to investigate the issues, but because I don't agree I'm un-American. What happened to civility? Disagree, fine, but un-American? Enough already.

I try hard to look beyond the ads and the soundbites. Campaigns have been reduced to each side manipulating statistics, words, phrases, associations to their own advantage. I don't agree completely with either political party, and I'm a problem solver at heart. I don't mind politicians changing their minds. For goodness sake, isn't that why we have a brain, to think, to weigh issues, to create solutions, to listen to others?

Is name calling really productive? I refuse to be put in your box, thank you very much. I may disagree, maybe even passionately, but I respect your right as an American to have your opinions and your ideas. Assume what you will, just know that I vote.

Virtual Quilting Bee(s)

It's virtual quilting bee time again. These are my blocks for Carissa. It's her month in the Common Threads virtual quilting bee. Carissa is making a quilt for her car and she sent some wonderful fabrics. I added the green Flea Market Fancy. The first block was inspired by the handwriting fabric. It reminded me so much of the little slates that I used to use in my classroom. So, 4 little slates with perfect handwriting practice for Carissa.






















The second block was inspired by the "car quilt" idea. Jenny made this really cool "road" (you can see her block here) and I was thinking road too. Mine is more 8 lane interstate highway with a "veer" or maybe it could be an exit ramp? I hope Carissa likes them. You can read about her inspiration here.






















I'm having so much fun with Common Threads that when John asked me to join another group, I really didn't hesitate. Thanks John! "Sew Connected" is another group of really talented folks. Rita is first and she has sent fabulous fabrics and darling embroidery. Several in the group have finished their first block. Check out the flickr group and prepare to be impressed. Rita, I'm working on your block now. Can't wait to show it to you.

Oh, and John...thanks so much for your idea about using pant/skirt hangers to hang mini quilts. Didn't get a picture yet, but they look so cute! Inspired idea.

Lastly, you all are the best. My Radio Flyer quilt is no longer lonely. I'm overwhelmed and touched by your support. Thank you.

Resurrecting Summer

I need a little balance in my life. More on that later, maybe, but for now I'm reminding myself to count my blessings. Being able to sew is one of those blessings.

I took some time to try to get another project off my WIP list. I'd been playing around with a quilt from an old strawberry tablecloth for awhile now. It's been a series of fits and starts. I decided yesterday that this is one for the books and the trashcan. Suffice it to say it's off the list permanently.

I couldn't, however, get strawberries off my mind, so I started playing with some of the shapes in the tablecloth and made some little strawberry appliques. Strawberries would not make a good art test (you know those drawing tests..."you can have a career in art today" tests) because I can make a pretty cute strawberry. I fused those onto some blue kona cotton squares and went from there. This tablerunner is what I ended up with. It's BIG...about 60 inches long, but I like that in a tablerunner. My question is how should I quilt this? Can I do free motion quilting over the appliques or will that take away from them? Any ideas would be appreciated. I'd sure love to finish this one.










































































































I have a favor to ask too. I've entered my Radio Flyer quilt in the baby quilt contest at Superbuzzy. I'm not much for contests or awards, but the prize here is money for fabric. I thought about it for a long time and decided, what the heck. I sure would love to get my hands on some of their Japanese fabric. Some of my blog friends have entered too. There are a bunch of really nice quilts.
Right now my quilt has no ratings or comments. It's a bit lonely on the list, so if you have a minute and would like to rate it or comment, I would so appreciate it. Just go here and scroll down a LONG way to find the Radio Flyer quilt. Have a great week.

Vintage Flower Medallion Pillows

Made these last night (more Christmas gifts.) I found 4 of these appliqued flower blocks in an antique store. Two were on the original quilt blocks and two were cut into circles. I did a bias binding on them to protect the edges and then hand appliqued them onto this Katie Jump Rope fabric. I hope the fabric doesn't detract from the flowers. I'm not sure about these yet. I think I need to live with them for a bit.

Thanks for all the kind words about my Fractured Pinwheel quilt. It was also great to read all of your info and tips on free motion quilting. Thanks!