Summerfield Quilts

Opinions Please

2012-02-23T16:56:00.002-05:00

I love the fabrics that Kate Spain designs, and I love the colors in Terrain. I'm not sure, however, how I feel about this block. It's just so busy. I know that it would look better with white as the light value here, but I'm trying to keep it scrappy.

It's on my design wall and I'm going to stare at it for a few days. It may end up in another project and not in the Comfort Quilt I'm making. The more I look at it the more I want to take it apart and redo the light parts.

I finished the mini quilt for the Name Game Swap hosted by Samelia's Mum, and it is now on its way across the water. What water? I'm not telling. It's still a secret.

It isn't perfect but I'm very happy with how it turned out considering it came out of my head. It's my first mini quilt, and it's the first applique piece I've done. The center is applique but you can't see it yet. I can't wait to show it. I'm probably going to get my quilting privileges taken away, but I forgot to measure it before I sent it.

This is the quilting from the back. I must say it was a whole different ballgame fmq with my Horizon. It's not what I'm use to (no messed up thread, no crying, no cursing), but it was an awesome experience.

I joined the Nubee's Block Swap (monthly bee) on flickr, so now I'm trying to decide on a block to make for March. It's great that you can participate or sit out from month to month as you like. You make one block (of your choosing) for each person in your hive (approximately 6 people to a hive) in the color scheme of their choice. The form for March is up now so if you are interested just click on the button on the right side of my blog.

Design Wall Today

2012-02-22T19:56:00.000-05:00

This is what my design wall currently looks like.

I have the nine February Comfort Quilts blocks I have received so far, the two blocks for March Comfort Quilts, one lonely Japanese x and + block, and the mini quilt for my Name Game Swap partner. The middle of the mini quilt isn't really black, but I can't let you see it because then everyone will know who it is for. I added a white border, I'm hand sewing the binding on the back now, and it will be going out international mail tomorrow.

Getting goodies in the mail never gets old. Not even when it's something I order and pay for myself, but today it was a wonderful package from my February ALFALC swap partner.

I love the Civil War prints, and the cute little teapot and teacup buttons, and the tweezers in the center. Okay I love it all. It is perfect. Thank you Patty.

I Put Both of My Brothers in Bags Last Night

2012-02-21T17:54:00.001-05:00

Not this brother...

Poor tired bubby. He was working nights, and then coming home to work on their kitchen addition during the day.

I'm talking about my twin Brothers. One is in my rolling tote ready for quilt guild meetings, and the other is in a soft case under my sewing table. I really like both of them and they are great machines (although the 1/4" seams are a pain in the butt with the crappy feet, but I figured out how to twist my face up just right to get the seams at 1/4"). I've done all of my quilts on them and fmq too. So why have I put them up for the time being? Because my wonderful, amazing husband took me to the sew vac place yesterday and bought me this.

Oh my goodness. I'm still so excited. I've been sewing on it all afternoon. Well, that's not true exactly. I did spend some time just staring at it. lol.

I got signed up for the class Bonnie Hunter will be teaching at our quilt guild next month. Yea!! My Brother will be going with me because as clumsy as I can be that Horizon isn't moving from it's current spot. I'm looking forward to meeting Bonnie and making the wonderful Pineapple Blossom quilt shown here. Now to pick out all of my fabrics and get them precut before then.

Pay It Forward Sent

2012-02-20T21:16:00.000-05:00

The PIF package that I sent arrived safely at its destination. This one was for Lisa at A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins.

Obviously it's a needle/sewing kit case. I made pocket pages so that she can slip notes, scissors, or whatever else she want in the kit, added some new needles, and three spools of Gutermann thread to get her started. I just love making things for other people.

Now just five more to go before the end of the year.

Help Get the Word Out --- Another Missing Quilt

2012-02-16T22:12:00.001-05:00

I'm passing this info on from Bonnie Hunter's blog post here http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2012/02/help-get-word-outanother-stolen-quilt.html

The following is an excerpt of Bonnie Hunter's post:

Please be on the lookout for Sally Schneider’s “Farmer’s Daughter” quilt. It was last seen on January 26, 2012 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was being shipped to Martingale & Company, home of That Patchwork Place. It was to be included in her book that will be published in January 2013.

This quilt is 95″ by 95″. It combines the scrappy look with cream. The background is Moda Grunge. This quilt is machine pieced and machine quilted.
If you find this quilt, please contact Sally immediately at sally@sallyschneider.com.

Sewing Mishaps, Progress, and Baking

2012-02-16T18:52:00.000-05:00

This is an example of what kind of sewing day it's been.

Oh I know it could be worse. It was. I noticed this after I had to unsew and resew the top row because I had one flipped. I also burned my arm and my finger on the iron, ran the rotary cutter into my thumb, and stepped on a long quilting pin that was hiding in the carpet. My thumb isn't cut too badly because I forgot to change my blade, and fortunately the pin came out intact from the bottom of my foot.

I also fixed the block. It's the second block for Lisa for the March Comfort Quilt.

The plus part is Reunion by Sweetwater and the star part is America the Beautiful, blue denim stars, from Robert Kaufmann. The background is white Kona and the block measures 10-1/2". I really love how easily this block goes together.

Back to baking now. I made my wonderful hubby some homemade bagels, and now I'm putting in homemade yeast rolls for dinner. The house smells so good.

A Sewing and Smooching Day

2012-02-14T17:53:00.002-05:00

I remember back before I started quilting I would see all of these beautiful blocks and quilts in magazines, and I would think that I would never be able to do something like that. It amazes me how easily some of these blocks can be made, and a huge thanks to all of the ladies who share tutorials on how to make them.

Today I started on the March block for the Comfort Quilts Quilting Bee. This is Lisa's block and I'm really enjoying making it. She has requested two blue prints on a Kona white background for a teenage boy who has been diagnosed with cancer. I pulled out my bin of Pure by Sweetwater and made this block. I'm going to have to unsew the top row because it went all wonky on me.

Elizabeth has a wonderful tutorial for this block over at "Don't Call Me Betsy".

I also have the Name Game Swap mini quilt sandwiched and ready to start quilting tomorrow. I can't show very much of it because it will be obvious who it's for. My partner had a special request and I hope she likes it.

This is the inner border of the mini quilt. The pinwheels and diamond blocks are 2" square. They are so little and cute. I will definitely be making more of this border.

My lovely assistant decided to grace me with his presence today. Actually he stood outside the door and threw a fit and then cried until I broke down and let him in. He thinks the chair belongs to him. The smooches in the title of the post were for him. If I forget to kiss his forehead when he comes in the room he will poke me with his nose until I do it.

This is my Cooper. He is our second Irish Setter (of three) and our first rescue baby. My boys say I love Cooper more than them. It's not true, but I do love him an awful lot.

Well, I better wrap up my sewing escapades for the day. My wonderful hubby is coming home and we are going out to dinner. I hope everyone has/had a very special Valentine's Day.

Bee Blocks In, PIF Out, and Yoga Pose

2012-02-13T13:42:00.002-05:00

I get excited every time there is a package in the mailbox for me (whether I'm expecting it or not). Sometimes I'm opening it on my way up the driveway which won't surprise anyone who knows me. Of all the possible words to describe me, "patient" is not one of them. The bee blocks for the Comfort Quilt Quilting Bee I'm hosting are rolling in and they are beautiful.

Here are the fabulous blocks that Josie McRazie sent:

I love the bright, rich colors in these blocks. You can check out Josie's funny, creative blog here.

I also received these wonderful blocks from the talented Grammie Q.

I love seeing all of the different prints and colors that everyone has chosen.

My first PIF went out in the mail today. I'm not telling where it went, or what it is, but here is a picture that isn't going to help you at all. lol.

I did take pictures of what's inside, so when the recepient gets it in a few days I can share.

And one final thing to share which is probably too much information, but I'm sharing anyway. I started doing yoga in the privacy of my own home to avoid embarassing mishaps. This Maxine page from my calendar is perfect.

PIF and Lots of Projects

2012-02-07T12:20:00.001-05:00

I received this PIF present from Sharon at Lilabelle Lane Creations . Isn't this bird house ornament just adorable? I have it in my sewing room so I can look at it every day. Thanks Sharon.

I also received the first blocks for the Comfort Quilts Quilting Bee I'm hosting. I'm the Queen Bee for February. The wonderful Lisa at A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins sent these. I can't wait to see them all together. The quilt will be given to the secretary at my parent's church. She is a widow and has just finished her second bout with cancer and treatments.

My quilt guild meeting was Saturday. I'm really enjoying our chapter because we have the room from 9am-4:30pm and with exception of a short program in the beginning, we have the rest of the day to just sew and socialize and learn. There is such a wide variety in the years and areas of experience in that room, and I love walking around and seeing what everyone is working on. So because you know that I just never have enough to do I picked up a kit for Project Linus. I chose this cute girl kit and all I have to do is add batting, quilt, and sew the binding on.

I've also been doing a little "twisting". I have to admit the ruler makes me a little nervous and I'm terrified I'm going to lose a finger. Please disregard the misaligned seams. I need to wear my glasses when I sew. lol

And lastly I must tell on myself. I finally caved and bought the Swoon pattern. I haven't used it yet and I really don't have any plans, but you just never know what may come up someday and I want to be prepared.

Whining and Machine Applique

2012-02-02T17:00:00.004-05:00

My Mom texted me to let me know her package came today and that she is going to wait until Saturday and open it on her birthday. Well, I couldn't stand it. I wanted her to open it now so she could see what I had made for her. So I called her and whined until she opened two of the three presents (the knitting bag, and the needle/hook case). She LOVES them. I knew she would, but I wanted her to see what I had made. She said she is going to be the envy of her knitting group now. lol. She is so funny. Yesterday while I was talking to her she added something else to her list of "things I want you to make for me." Now I'm working on a queen size rag quilt for her guest bedroom, and a wall quilt "from the same fabric please" to hang above the headboard in the guest room, and now she wants me to use the applique blocks she had started working on 20+ years ago to make a wall quilt but she doesn't know where she's going to hang it. All I can say is thank You Lord for my Mommy.

I've been working on machine applique for the first time today. I've seen tutorials where people use the zigzag stitch, but my machine manual shows to use a blanket stitch. I tried both and I don't really like the zig zag no matter what stitch length or width I use. So here is my question...What stitch, length , and width setting, do you use when you machine applique?
This is my practice piece...

Another question: With the blanket stitch used on the two triangles to the right, is the straight line suppose to be right at the edge on the applique piece or just off of it??

Knitting Bag Finished

2012-01-31T10:50:00.000-05:00

On an earlier post I showed you the knitting needle/crochet hook case that I made for my Mom's birthday. I ended up adding a wide brown grosgrain ribbon to tie it closed. I also decided that instead of it rolling that it would look better as a trifold. Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry to get everything wrapped up that I didn't get a picture of it after the ribbon. I did get some semi-focused poorly lit pics of the knitting bag that I rushed home yesterday to finish. I'm not patient enough for patterns so I just decided how big I wanted it and then cut everything out and sewed it together. This is the first bag I've made and I was happy with how it turned out.

I used one of the carved wood buttons that I showed in the knitting needle case post, but it is just for decoration. I decided that I would use snaps as the actual closure, and the button covers the stitches from the snap inside.

I just love the lining fabric. I'm going back to Joann's to get some more. On the inside I added a large lined pocket to hold her scissors and patterns.

I made a label on my printer and decided to added it to the back, top of the bag to cover up the stitches from the snap. It is a small label so it doesn't jump out at you.

Her package is out in the mail now and I hope it gets there before her birthday Saturday. I'm sure she will love it.

Comfort Quilts Quilting Bee - FULL

2012-01-30T19:32:00.003-05:00

A big thank you to Lisa from A Day in the Life of Raising Six Munchkins for creating this wonderful button for the Comfort Quilts Quilting Bee.

I have some wonderful ladies who have joined me for the Comfort Quilts Bee I am hosting. There are a few spots left and we would love for you to join us. Here are the details:

I know that I have so many things going on, as I'm sure you do too, so I thought that together with nine other big hearted quilters I could organize a bee. I'm calling it the Comfort Quilts Bee and the rules are as follows:
1. The bee will consist of ten quilters.
2. It will run for 10 months starting with February. I have already posted a tutorial that makes two blocks, so I'll do February.
3. Each person will be assigned a month that they will choose an easy (beginner suitable) 12" finished block pattern and color scheme. Everyone will make two 12" (12.5" with seam allowance) blocks for that month and mail them to that month's Queen Bee. This is just a suggestion but scrap friendly quilts would be great and easy on the old purse. This size block (20 in a 4x5 setting) will make a quilt approximately 48" x 60" without borders or sashings.
4. If you sign up for the bee please follow through. I know that everyone has something that "comes up" but it is very disheartening to make blocks for everyone month after month and then when it's your month not everyone comes through for you. If there are any problems please contact me so that I can make sure everything is covered and no one is let down.
5. The quilt is being made to be given to someone who needs comforting. It can be a cancer patient, someone who lost a spouse or child, someone with a long term illness, someone who suffers from mental illness or depression, etc. You choose the person your quilt goes to.

And most importanly HAVE FUN and share the wonderful warm hugs that a well made quilt can give to someone in need. If you are interested leave a comment here or email me at angela@sfquilts.com.

I have created a flickr group here for introductions, the Queen Bee schedule, and to post links and pictures for our monthly blocks.
NOTE: We are also making a 3" signature block to send with each set of blocks. There is a link to a tutorial for that also if you want to use it.
THE BEE IS FULL. THANKS EVERYONE!

Comfort Quilts Quilting Bee - FULL :-D

2012-01-27T20:26:00.002-05:00

I will be making a quilt for a dear lady in my Mom's church family who is battling cancer. As I was working on this block today I thought about all of the cancer patients and other patients suffering from and dealing with illness that I have taken care of as a nurse. Most of them faced the possibility (and probability) of death with dignity and a quiet peace. I learned so much from them all, and I thought about how nice it would be to be able to give more than one quilt.

I know that I have so many things going on, as I'm sure you do too, so I thought that together with nine other big hearted quilters I could organize a bee. I'm calling it the Comfort Quilts Bee and the rules are as follows:
1. The bee will consist of ten quilters (9 plus moi).
2. It will run for 10 months starting with February. I have already posted a tutorial that makes two blocks, so I'll do February.
3. Each person will be assigned a month that they will choose an easy (beginner suitable) 12" finished block pattern and color scheme. Everyone will make two 12" (12.5" with seam allowance) blocks for that month and mail them to that month's Queen Bee. This is just a suggestion but scrap friendly quilts would be great and easy on the old purse. This size block (20 in a 4x5 setting) will make a quilt approximately 48" x 60" without borders or sashings.
4. If you sign up for the bee please follow through. I know that everyone has something that "comes up" but it is very disheartening to make blocks for everyone month after month and then when it's your month not everyone comes through for you. If there are any problems please contact me so that I can make sure everything is covered and no one is let down.
5. The quilt is being made to be given to someone who needs comforting. It can be a cancer patient, someone who lost a spouse or child, someone with a long term illness, someone who suffers from mental illness or depression, etc.

And most importanly HAVE FUN and share the wonderful warm hugs that a well made quilt can give to someone in need. If you are interested leave a comment here or email me at angela@sfquilts.com.

I have created a flickr group here for introductions, the Queen Bee schedule, and to post links and pictures for our monthly blocks. THE BEE IS FULL. THANKS!

Scrappy Quilt Block Tutorial

2012-01-27T19:00:00.004-05:00

I have been obsessed with sewing squares together and twisting them to come up with different patterns. Not only is it a simple block to do, but you can do it entirely from scraps. I'm calling the quilt "Reminisce" because as I was rummaging through my scraps I was thinking about what each piece of fabric was left over from. I am sharing my tutorial for the block here. Please feel free to share it, use it, and enjoy it.

“Reminisce” Block

This is an easy block to make, even for beginners, and can be made entirely from scraps. It can also be made from a collection for a more cohesive look.

What you’ll need:

Following the instructions in this tutorial will result in enough pieces for two blocks. (12.5” with seam allowance, 12” completed)

-Rotary cutter

-Cutting mat

-Ruler

-Fabric pen/chalk pencil

-Thread (I used natural/ecru colored cotton thread.)

-Sixteen 4” dark fabric squares

-Sixteen 4” light fabric squares

1. Place a light fabric square onto a dark fabric square (right sides together).

Use a fabric pen or chalk pencil to draw a line diagonally from one corner to the other. Then draw a line ¼” on both sides of the first line. These last two are the lines you are going to sew on. If you are absolutely sure of the ¼” measurement on your machine then it is not necessary to draw the last two lines, but do draw the line through the middle diagonally.

3. after sewing the two seams, cut the block in half down the middle (unsewn, marked) line. Start making two piles. As you cut each square in half, place one half in each pile.

Now that you have all of your squares sewn and cut in half it’s time to press. Take one pile of “triangles”, we’ll call this block 1 pile, to the ironing board.

Press the seams to the dark side. You will have a 3-1/2” square with a light side and a dark side.

After pressing all of your squares (to the dark side), take them to the cutting board and cut off all of the dog ears.

6. After pressing and removing all of the dog ears it's time to lay your squares out according to the diagram below.

This is my layout.

7. Sew the squares in the top (1st row) together with 1/4" seam and press all of the seams to the right.

Sew the 2nd row together and press all of the seams to the left.

Sew the 3rd row together and press all of the seams to the right.

Sew the 4th row together and press all of the seams to the left.

8. With a 1/4" seam sew the 1st row to the 2nd, the 3rd row to the 4th, and then sew the 1st/2nd to the 3rd/4th. Press all of the seams either up or down, as long as they all go in the same direction.

9. That's it for the 1st block. It will measure a little over 12.5". You can trim it to 12.5" but make sure that you have it center and don't trim too much off of one side.

You already have all of the pieces cut for the second block, and it wasn't as painful as it looked. You can lay the pieces out differently for the second block and make it look entirely different.

If you have any questions about this block please feel free to post them here or e-mail me.

**NOTE: A very rude person pointed out to me that my "tweaking of a block that's been done thousands of times is pathetic and ridiculous". I just want to make it clear that manipulating triangles and squares is nothing new. I didn't invent it. It isn't a new idea. There are very few "new" blocks out there. They are almost all variations of blocks that have been done for hundreds of years. All I wanted to share this tutorial with everyone.

Making Some Progress on WIPs

2012-01-25T18:45:00.001-05:00

My Mom's birthday is coming up and she requested a knitting needle/crochet hook roll up after seeing the one I made for myself. I found this nice home furnishings fabric on the clearance table and picked up a couple of yards. It looks a little cooler in this picture than what it is. I'm hoping to get better pictures of it completed.

This is the outside, unrolled, with no button yet.

This second picture is a little truer to the colors, but a little dark.

This is the inside. She wanted her name embroidered inside like mine is. I added flowers to the left and a leaf to the right. Then I quilted around it and down to just below where the first pocket starts. There are two pocket areas for knitting needles and then the bottom is for crochet hooks.

I also designed and have cut out the fabric for a matching knitting bag. These are the buttons that I chose for both. They are carved wood and so cute. She'll love them.

I hope to finish the rollup and bag tomorrow. I'm still having a lot of trouble getting myself into gear.

Mailbox Goodies and a Shout Out

2012-01-22T17:15:00.000-05:00

There just isn't any substitute for great customer service. To me great customer service in an online shop is communication, honesty, fast shipping, and in the case of fabric: delivering odor free, accurately cut (and evenly cut) fabric. I just have to say that I REALLY REALLY LOVE The Intrepid Thread. I have day dreams of going there and petting all of the fabric. Julie is just the best and I've ordered lots of times from her and it's always been a great transaction. No, she isn't bribing me or holding my fabric hostage. Although I am always open to a little bribery. Just kidding. Yes I have my own fabric shop that I'm trying to nurture and build, and when it grows up I hope it is like this shop. So until then, this is my latest quickly shipped, perfectly cut fabric from The Intrepid Thread. Thank you Julie.

Farm Fresh Half Yard Bundle

Domestic Bliss Fat Quarter Bundle

I know I complained about receiving a very late package with badly cut, smelly fabric last week, but I'm not going to put the name of the shop out there. All I can say is that they do not have an Esty shop and that you don't always get a good deal when prices are 75% off.

I hope that you are enjoying what's left of the weekend.

Mailbox Surprises Today

2012-01-19T17:14:00.000-05:00

I received this lovely needlecase from my swap partner, Linda, from Texas. It's all purply and pretty and I love it. She added lots of nice things inside including those little scissors which are wonderful. I smiled when I saw the added touches like the thread spool button, the crocheted flower, and the hand labeling of the needles she included.

The other package was quite the let down since I ordered it on December 29th, was lied to twice about when it was going to be sent, and then all of the fabric smells musty, is cut choppy, and several of the pieces are an inch short of what they are suppose to be. Lesson learned and a place that won't get any more of my business.

On a brighter note I finished two more blocks for the Japanese x and + block swap. There is talk about doing a quarterly swap of these great blocks if there is enough interest after this round is finished.

The text fabric is Reunion by Sweetwater and is just perfect for these blocks.

I have had such a hard time getting myself back into the sewing room to be productive. I've re-organized and written lists (and re-written lists), but until the last few days I haven't finished much. I think the wheels are finally turning.

I'm Officially Losing It

2012-01-13T18:32:00.002-05:00

I may have lost it a long time ago and I'm just now realizing it. Who knows? Okay so I've decided to go back to nursing at least per diem so I can keep up with my skills and interact with human beings face to face. I submitted a resume last night and got a phone call today. "We love your resume". "You're what we are looking for." Of course I'm loving every minute of this, and then somewhere in all of this I said that I was available for an interview "anytime" and to make a long story short the recruiter called the facility and called me back to say I had an interview at 1:00 pm today. Great right? Yeah, not so much. I was sitting here in a mix of pajamas and workout clothes because that's the state I was in when I got distracted by something while getting dressed this morning. I'm still sick so I look like death warmed over, and I'm not familiar with the area I'm going to at all. Did I mention that it was 11:30 at this point and I had to drive at least 30 minutes if I knew exactly how to get there? So I'm trying to drag out makeup from the dark recesses under my sink (because I never wear it), do something with the rat's nest that my curly hair has become from neglect, find something suitable to wear for an interview, google map the place with driving directions, fend off three dogs that think my mad dashing is a form of fun play, avoid the white cat with my all black outfit on, find my nursing license, etc. Somehow I managed to do it all and was in my truck pulling out of my driveway at noon sharp. Yea me! I drove to the point where I knew where I was going and grabbed the driving directions that I printed out only to find that it didn't print them all and what was missing was from the point I was at to my destination. Skipping through the story I pulled off, used my phone to figure out where I was going, had a great interview, love the facility, and the director said she was certain she would be calling me next week. Yea again. I was so happy I stopped at Hancock Fabrics to "look around".
I found this 3 pack of laminated zippered bags that were regularly $12.99 (which I wouldn't do) on sale for $5.00 (I like that price).

When I checked out, of course with other things (okay several other things) they rang up for $2.50 (I love that price). The girl asked if I wanted her to ring up another and I said sure.

That was a great deal and the other things I got were remnants for bags at 50% off. Here's the part where I may need an intervention. I got home and started thinking about all of the things I can do with those bags and so I went back and bought five more sets. I'm sure there must be something wrong with that. lol. Please tell me I'm not the only one who does things like this.

My Blogger's Choice Bundle

2012-01-13T16:43:00.001-05:00

Here is the fat quarter bundle I put together for the Blogger's Choice contest happening at Quokka Quilts . The Fat Quarter Shop will be providing the winner with a generous 1/2 yard of each of the fabrics in their bundle. Woo Hoo!!

There's still time to enter so hurry on over and check it out.

My choice starting at the top left to right:
1. Impressions Dahlia in Teal by Ty Pennington for Free Spirit SKU# PWTY012-TEALX
2. Domestic Bliss Lattice in Teal by Liz Scott for Moda SKU# 18076-12
3. Essentials Petite Dots in Teal by Wilmington Prints SKU# 39065-704
4. Whimsy Embellished Diamonds in Teal by Heather Mulder Peterson for Henry Glass SKU# 5604-11
5. Daisy Dance Purple by Kary Ramsay for Henry Glass SKU# 7531-55
6. Morning Tides Purple Sunburst by Mark Cesarik for Free Spirit SKU# MC15-PURPL
7. Treasures and Tidbits Orange Starbursts and Florals by Piece O' Cake Designs for Robert Kaufman SKU# 11000-8
8. Now We're Going Places Gingham in Orange by Monica Lee for Timeless Treasures SKU# C8362-Orange
9. Yo Gabba Gabba! Bubble Dots in Orange by Hoffman Fabrics SKU# 9000-13
10. Whimsy Box Lattice in Orange by Heather Mulder Peterson for Henry Glass SKU# 5601-33
11. Babysaurus Tiny Stripe Orange by Little Yellow Bicycle for Blend Fabrics SKU# 106101-02-3
12. Power Pop Pinkerton in Orange by Jenean Morrison for Free Spirit SKU# PWJM057-ORANG
13. Bella Solids Yellow by Moda Fabrics SKU# 9900-24
14. Bella Solids Orange by Moda Fabrics SKU# 9900-80
15. Bella Solids Betty Teal by Moda Fabrics SKU# 9900-126

Under the Weather

2012-01-11T11:40:00.000-05:00

I know I said I would post the tutorial for the hexagon needlecase on Tuesday, and I haven't forgotten. After three weeks of being sick I thought I was getting better since I was down to only an occasional cough. I started taking a turn over the weekend and I'm feeling quite awful. So now I'm just taking it easy and slow, but I promise to have the tutorial up soon. I have to make another one in order to do the tutorial because I never do it the first time. Bad me.

Hexagon Needlecase Finished

2012-01-06T14:39:00.002-05:00

I did a little hand stitching on the Echino cover for the hexagon needlecase last night. A few contrasting french knots, some buttons, and outline stitching.

I assembled the needlecase today including a D-ring and a strap with swivel hook. The recipient of my needlecase will be able to conveniently hook it onto any bag she likes.

I decided against a button and elastic closure due to the lack of stiffness, and went with a thin ribbon bow instead. I made the felt pages inside out of one piece with a strip in the middle to go through the D-ring.

I love the measuring tape ribbon. It is accurate with the marks on my cutting board too. I bought both spools that were at my local Joann's.

These are the 2nd and 3rd "pages". A few colorful straight pins on the left, and some needles on the right. I made two little flaps and topped them with a orange ribbon, so that more needles could be stored on that page.

There isn't anything on the 4th page, and I'm thinking about adding a pocket with vertical seams to hold a seam ripper and small scissors to the back inside cover. I hope my swap partner likes it.

I am going to write up the tutorial this weekend and will be sharing it on Tuesday.

Two More New Things for 2012

2012-01-05T16:56:00.001-05:00

I can add two new things to my list of new things to try. My middle son called me yesterday and wanted to know if I could embroider his name onto his new work coat. The company bought everyone the same coat and there was no way to tell them apart. I said I thought I could (my husband is always onto me for underestimating myself or downplaying what he calls my talents). The truth is I have a Janome 200e embroidery machine and I've used it on cotton for quilts and rollups, but I've never done anything as thick and large as an insulated, lined, heavy canvas jacket. I was really worried that I would mess it up, so first thing this morning I ran to Joann (actually that would've been a sight and I would probably be in the ER right now, so I drove) and bought the same fabrics the jacket is made out of and made a test sandwich to embroider. He told them at work that his mom could put his name on his jacket and I didn't want to mess up. It turned out fine.

Does anyone else overthink things, or worry that things won't turn out good enough? There have been times when I worried so much that I couldn't sleep, and things almost always turn out fine.

This is something else new for me. I joined a needle case swap. I've never made a needle case before, but I got the little wheels turning and came up with a design. I love my hexagon template. This is the beginning of the needle case that I'm sending. The person receiving it doesn't know who they are receiving from, but I got a list of likes from the coordinator. I was excited to find out that she likes purple since I have been stashing purples like mad (it is my favorite color).

I chose a Japanese linen for the outside, a nice designer cotton purple, red, yellow (also two of the colors on her list) for the inside cover, and a plum purple felt for the pages. I will be doing some hand stitching, embroidery, and embellishment this evening. I found some really cute ribbon for the pages also. I will post more pictures once it's completed.

It's a New Year to Learn New Things

2012-01-04T18:02:00.002-05:00

I decided that this year I was going to try things I haven't attempted before. So I decided this morning that I was going to learn to do paper piecing. I've printed out some patterns, but I haven't started yet. I will definitely let you know how that goes.

I also decided that I was going to join a block swap, which I've never done before. I joined the Japanese x and + Block Swap at Issabella the Cat's blog. Everyone was talking about how addictive they are to make, and I was thinking that was probably an exagerration, but had already jumped on the band wagon to repeat this swap quarterly. So this afternoon one of the things on my list was to make at least one of these blocks (we are swapping in sets of 5). I grabbed a couple of my sorted scrap containers and this is what I came up with.

First Block

Here is my second block (unfinished).

I have to admit that I love the way these blocks look when they are finished, but there is a lot of measuring and cutting involved. I will definitely be making a quilt for us using this pattern.

I read where several people have made a resolution to not purchase new fabric and use up their scraps. I am not one of those people. I have no will power when it comes to fabric that I want, and it's even harder because I purchase fabric for my shop. I fell in love with this fat quarter bundle as soon as I saw it at The Intrepid Thread. Purple is my favorite and I had just finished designing a quilt using this color scheme. This is Impressions from Ty Pennington. Julie at The Intrepid Thread is great and you can purchase it here. It comes in two other colorways too.

Finally (for now) I realized that I didn't take any pictures of the quilt that I made for my middle son and my daughter (in law). I had them bring it back over on New Year's Day and here are the pics. It is one of my favorites, Ruby by Bonnie and Camille.

I'm going to be sharing the simple tutorial for this quilt very soon. It's all from a layer cake with Kona yardage on the back, and a double folded bias binding.

My husband liked the back better. lol. I have to admit I like it a lot more than I thought I would. I did the Kona medium grey to try to make it a little more masculine for my son, and since there is a grey colorway on the front it fits right in. They love it, but have it "put up" so nothing happens to it. I'm bummed about that. It seems that none of the handmade presents I gave for Christmas are actually being used because they are "too nice". I asked my oldest son if I made him crappy potholders if he would use them. He said "Yes". So now I will be making crappy potholders. lol.

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-30T17:41:00.001-05:00

I haven't fallen off of the face of the Earth. I promise. I've been under the weather since before Christmas and I'm still trying to get back to normal. Well, as normal as it can get for me. lol.

I am working on a couple of quilt patterns that I will be sharing with you, a swap, and something else that is still in the early stages so I will wait to share that. I'm looking forward to a year of meeting new online friends, learning new things, and sharing a love of quilts and sewing.

I just wanted to wish everyone a HAPPY NEW YEAR! and I hope that each and every one of you has a year filled with joy and love.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T00:09:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to jump in here and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope that you are enjoying the holiday with the ones that you love. My hubby and I went out of town last weekend to visit family and I caught a nasty cold from my Dad. I can't seem to shake it and it's really running me down. I'm going to take next week to finish recuperating and then I'll be jumping into a quiltalong, a block swap, and some other interesting things. I have a few things brewing in my stopped up head and I'll be sharing those after the first of the year. So everyone have a very merry Christmas and best wishes for a joyful new year.

Angie

Great Quiltalong for 2012

2011-12-22T20:32:00.001-05:00

Jeanneke has set up a great blog called Building Houses from Scraps for a very exciting 2012 quilt along. I am so excited to be participating. It starts January 1 and ends December 31. You could start at anytime though and you work at your own pace. The post with all of the information is here http://buildinghousesfromscraps.blogspot.com/2011/11/de-regels-rules.html

This quilt is so nice. She has included the pdf pattern to download and one of the other ladies has made a paper pieced pattern that you can e-mail her to get. It can be handsewn or machine sewn. Use up your scraps to make this beautiful quilt and make some quilting friends along the way.

Japanese x and + Block Swap

2011-12-18T20:08:00.001-05:00

Japanese x and + block swap
The inspiration for this swap is the Setsuko Inagawa quilt shown at the 2011 Tokyo quilt festival.

The swap starts on the 7th of January 2012 with blocks being mailed by the 18th of February 2012.

This is a great scrap buster block and comes together really quickly. Modern fabrics are highly suggested.
More info can be found here http://issabellathecat.blogspot.com/2011/11/japanese-x-and-blocks.html . There is also a November 24th post with a little more info.

TO JOIN the flickr group for the swap is here http://www.flickr.com/groups/1834570@N23/

Christmas is Closing in Fast

2011-12-13T15:11:00.000-05:00

I got the Pure quilt finished and washed again. It was all wrapped up in its box, then wrapped with Christmas paper, and in the shipping box when I realized that I didn't get any pictures of it. So I carefully unwrapped everything and took pictures. Unfortunately (for picture taking) it's very sunny here today, so the quilt doesn't look as good as it really is. It looks washed out here.

(front)

(back)

It is now on it's way to my oldest son and his girlfriend. I don't think they know about my blog so the secret should be safe. There are so many reasons why I chose this collection and made this pattern for their quilt. My son is 24 and moved out in July to be with his girlfriend in another state. The Pure simple prints have all of the sayings that I wish for the both of them: pure love, pure grace, pure happiness, pure bliss, pure joy, etc. She is a third grade teacher so the Pure ampersand fabrics are really appropriate. Their apartment has brown carpet so they got a brown couch and kept it neutral so I thought these colors would just be perfect. I wanted it to feel masculine, but yet feminine at the same time. I think I achieved everything I wanted for this quilt (even after all of the frustrating issues with the batting).

Here is the label I made for them. I love the hexie label.

I also made them this Christmas tree skirt. The front is made from some of the charm squares I received in the Charming Christmas Charm Swap I hosted in October/November, and the back is Merry Bright by Sandy Gervais for MODA. I stippled it without incident :-). The binding was a little tricky for me because I haven't done curves before. This is what ended up being easiest for me. I machine sewed the binding to the front as usual, but left the curved part unsewn. I then hand sewed the binding to the front of the curve and then the entire back of the binding. I kept it square because I like the look and it fits all the way back into the corner and along the wall.

I hope they like everything I sent them. If they don't I'll be more than happy to take it back. :-)

Oh and when I got back from the post office I found this wonderful surprise on my front porch from MODA. It's a desk calender, and a wonderful cutting mat that will be perfect in my sewing tote. THANKS MODA!!

I Feel So Blessed

2011-12-07T18:56:00.000-05:00

Yes it is the continuing saga of the possessed Pure quilt. I washed it twice yesterday. The basting spray didn't wash out completely and the batting felt funky. I gave it a try and made it across the quilt once with no problem and then it started all over again. I called around to a couple of local long arm quilters that are listed in my guild roster and left messages. Then I found Marie, who actually answered the phone, and I explained what was going on to her. She suggested something that I had thought of, but was terrified to do, and that was to cut the batting off and butt a piece of Warm and Natural up against the old. Well, I cut the old yucky stuff out (I really wish you could feel how tacky and rough and gross this batting is), zigzagged a nice piece of Warm and Natural to the edge of the old stuff, and safety pin basted the rest of the quilt. I am happy to report that the only problem I had was at the very beginning when I would cross from new batting to old and the stitches were skipping (inches) all over, and then back to the new batting and it was beautiful and perfect again. So the main part of the quilt is now stippled, but tomorrow I have to decide if I am going to straight stitch the border, or cut out the old batting so I can FMQ. What a relief to be "almost" finished.

The quilt is falling from my sewing table to a lower table that's why the blocks look funny near the top. I believe that Marie is the only one that answered the phone because she is the one who was meant to help me. She was so nice and helpful, and even offered to let me come to her house and use one of her machines to finish my quilt if I needed. It really warmed my heart that she took the time to listen and care. I sent her an e-mail to tell her that it worked and to thank her for helping me.

I received a wonderful package all the way from my swap partner in Tasmania today. I wasn't expecting it yet, so I was so happy to open the box and see it. It couldn't have been more perfect and it's like she has known me for years (or has a hidden camera in my sewing room). Here is what she sent me.

I love the Tasmania post card. I'm going to put it on the wall of my sewing room. It's so funny to get this today because I've been craving chocolate all day. I saw these pins at the guild meeting Saturday and decided that I was going to get some, and I used my last 80 needle today. I don't have it in the picture but she also sent me a piece of beautiful Japanese fabric with butterflies on it that is so me. She said that it is a little extra and when she saw it she thought of me. This really touched me more than she could know. I needed both of these ladies today and they didn't even know it. I am so blessed.

Don't Ask a Ten Year Old....Anything

2011-12-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

Don't ask them anything that you don't want to hear the answer to that is. My ten year old nephew (my only nephew btw, we have four nieces) had an assignment for class to write an acronym about how he feels about school using the letters S-C-H-O-O-L. Here it is....

Yes you read it correctly. Seven Crappy Hours Of Our Life.

Not only did he write it down, but he turned it in.

Now my niece (who is four years older than my nephew) posted this on Facebook for everybody to enjoy. She reports that their dad (my younger brother) thought this was hilarious, but their mother didn't say anything. My middle son called me about an hour ago to ask if I had seen this yet and then proceeded to spread it all over his Facebook wall, at which point my oldest son has now jumped on the bandwagon and is sharing with the world. I can't stop laughing. My boys are grown now so I can laugh all I want.

Quilting Mug Rugs and Being Optimistic

2011-12-06T13:07:00.001-05:00

Today WILL be a better day. I contacted every LQS yesterday and there was no help to be found for my dilemma with the Pure quilt. I've been quilting mug rugs this morning with no problem at all.

So I decided to make one last attempt at the Pure quilt. It was a no go. After about 15 seconds it started skipping stitches. I mean like an inch long piece of unattached thread, and then stitched about twenty stitches and then skipped about 1/4 inch, then started doing two or three stitches, skipping, two or three stitches, skipping. So, I decided last night that if I couldn't find another solution today that I was going to stitch the outside edge of the quilt sandwich and throw it in the washer to get rid of the basting spray (hopefully). I don't know what the outcome is going to be with half of it quilted and half of it not, but whatever it is I will have to adapt and fix it. It's better than not being able to quilt it at all, and because the stitches were coming out so small and tight ripping it all out didn't seem like a good solution. Fingers crossed because this quilt is really special to me and I want it to be special to the people I'm making it for too.

In the mean time I'm making Christmas tree skirts using the charms from the Christmas charm swap I hosted in October. I will post pictures soon. They are going to be gifts also.

Total Breakdown

2011-12-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

I think I've just come to the point where I'm going to have a total meltdown. I've already had the hissy fit complete with screaming, table pounding, and tears. I have no idea why this quilt is so difficult to complete. I don't know if it's bad basting spray, crappy batting, a combination of things. I just don't know. I can stipple anything else in my sewing room with no issues at all, but everytime I start (within 10-20 seconds) quilting this Pure quilt either the needle breaks, the thread breaks, there are skipped stitches and then the needle or thread breaks. A quilt that started out with the potential to be beautiful is starting to look like crap from all of the starts and stops and breakage. I'm just at my wits end. Like I said I can put another quilt top, or my practice piece in there and quilt away, but not this quilt. I'm thinking about calling over to one of the LQS and see if I can finish it on one of their machines or find someone who can finish it for me. I'm so over this quilt right now AND it's a Christmas present that needs to be mailed out soon. I'm not even sure it I want to give it now since the stitching is starting to look so crappy.

Surprise Pay It Forward AGAIN!

2011-12-02T21:59:00.000-05:00

Pay It Foward

I did this back in September and have decided that instead of doing a giveaway to one person this month I am going to do this again. Who doesn't love a surprise parcel? I know I do. Unless it's a bill or something like that. So here is what I am promising... I will send a surprise gift to the first three people to comment on this post. This gift will be made by me and I will send it sometime within the next year. Exactly when you will receive it will be a surprise (it will probably be a surprise to me too :-D).

Of course there are some rules in this game. Here it goes:

Rules:1. I will make a little something for the first 3 people that comment on this post. It will be a surprise and may arrive at any time in the next 365 days (yes, a year).

2. To sign up to receive a gift from me you must play along too. Share the giving love on your blog by promising to send a handmade goodie to the first three people that comment on your blog post.

3. You must have a blog.

4. After commenting on my post, you have to post this (or similar) on your blog to spread the love. If you haven't posted in 48 hours then the next commentor will be chosen.

I don't know if three people will even get around to commenting on this, but I will say that if you find this post 6 months from now and only 2 people have left a comment, you can still be commenter #3 and get a random goodie from me! When you comment, I'll email you and get your address and then you will get something from me sometime before next December.

Oh I love sending handmade surprises to people. Hope to hear from you soon

Ready Set Snow Table Runner

2011-12-02T15:59:00.006-05:00

I finished hand sewing the last side of the binding on the Christmas runner for my kitchen table. I am very pleased with the way it turned out, but I wish I had made it a little wider. I'm going to make several more seasonal runners for this table so the next time I'll know. I also wish I had ironed the binding down before taking this picture. :-)

It makes a nice place to put this ceramic candle stick holder that I painted and glazed about 16 years ago. I think the Clauses and those little reindeer are just so cute.

Well, the kitchen table has some Christmas decorations on it, so I guess that's a start.

Project Info:

Item: Christmas Table Runner

Fabrics: Ready, Set, Snow by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda (front)

White dots on white cotton (front)

Punctuation Tutor Stripe in red by American Jane for Moda (back)

Binding: Double fold bias binding in red (machine stitched to front, hand stitched to back)

Batting: Warm & Natural

Thread: Gutermann in white

Quilting: Stippled

Measurements: 11" x 40" after washing

QUILT JACKING - INFO NEEDED ON MISSING QUILT

2011-12-02T13:49:00.000-05:00

Just in case you didn't read this over at Bonnie's blog I am posting it here also. This beautiful quilt has been missing since the day after the Houston show.

This is what Sharon wrote to Bonnie:
I’m hoping you can post this information and picture on the on-line quilt group you’re with. I just found out that my “Really ‘Wild’ Flowers! Second Season” quilt went missing the day after the Houston show and I’m devastated and heart-broken beyond words. I’m offering a cash reward for its safe return, no questions asked. I would just like to have my quilt back home. The size is 62” x 64.5”.

Please urge each of the gals to send the information out to their own personal contacts as well if you would.

Thank you so much,
~ Sharon

If you have seen this quilt, please contact Sharon Schlotzhauer.

Please spread the word out to everyone and hopefully we can get this quilt returned to Sharon.

Traveling Stash Boxes x3

2011-12-01T09:19:00.004-05:00

I had completely forgotten about the traveling stash for the last month or more, but today I hunted them down. There were two, now there are three. One of them is here with Phyllis Blarney http://phillysblarney.blogspot.com/2011/11/traveling-stash-has-arrived.html?showComment=1322748843147#c4224546597012459833 .

Sara at Growing Stitches has one of the traveling stash boxes. Check it out here.
http://joyineverythingthruhim.blogspot.com/2011/12/guess-who-got-thetraveling-stash-and-is.html

AND last but not least Kelly at Kelby Sews has the third box here http://kelbysews.blogspot.com/2011/11/traveling-stash-giveaway.html

It's for US only and you are suppose to replace what you take out with like quality items, and then send it on its way to someone else. Fun, fun, fun.

I Changed My Mind, Imagine That

2011-11-30T16:36:00.001-05:00

I started in one direction with this quilt top and was sewing all of these lovely Veranda strips together. I had a plan to make a beautiful quilt top.

This was only half of them.

Then today I was looking at it and I decided that I wanted to do something completely different. So I pulled out my seam remover (ripper sounds so harsh), and got busy. So now this is what I have, eight strip sets of five prints in each, all separated and pressed. Please ignore that top strip set of Nostalgia. I'm not sure what that is doing there. Okay you busted me. I'm working on two quilt tops at the same time. Sometimes my mind races and I just jump all around between projects.

So, unless I walk into my sewing room tomorrow and change my mind again, I will be cutting these up and making my blocks. You just never know what might happen around here. I mean I did actually post twice today.

Quilting an Ornery Alligator

2011-11-30T11:56:00.003-05:00

It's a good thing that I like this quilt so much and I love the person who is receiving it, otherwise I would take it out in the back yard and shoot it, bury it, dig it up and shoot it again. Okay I feel a little better now.

I couldn't decide how to quilt the Pure quilt. I thought about stitch in the ditch, or outlining, so I looked at some quilts online that included pinwheel blocks. I found a few that had been stippled and I really liked them, so I decided that's what I would do. Everything was going great yesterday afternoon, no bird nests, crazy stitches, or thread breakage. I was smiling and sewing along and then BOOM. The upper thread broke. I rethreaded everything and went on my way humming and smiling. In about the same amount of time as the last the upper thread snapped. Insert frowny face and wrinkled forehead here. My machine was clean, oiled, new needle, and new bobbin. So, of course, the only thing I could do was take "everything" apart, clean my machine, oil it, thread a new bobbin, reseat the darning foot, put a new needle in (even though the current needle was new), and start again. I'm going to make my story of frustration and hair pulling shorter and just say that I found the culprit. It's the basting spray and I don't understand why because I've used this kind before with no problems, but this bottle is possessed. I sprayed evenly and I know I did because I'm OCD about things being even. Parts of the quilt top (and back) aren't sticking to the batting well and other parts are stuck to the point where if you try to separate them it is shredding the batting and sticking to the back of the quilt top. I'm not thrilled with this batting anyway but my husband grabbed the wrong kind because according to him "It all looks the same." My response was they don't all say "Warm and White" which is what I sent him after. Bless his heart. The culprit of the thread breakage appears to be a build up of adhesive and fibers on my needle at the part of the shank that stops short of going into the quilt. So now I'm having to stop on every pass across the quilt and clean the needle off before the thread breaks. Like I said I didn't have this problem with the first can of this brand of spray adhesive when I used it with Warm and Natural batting. Anyone else have problems like this?

Oh and I got tired of wrestling this beast and found a folding table to put at the back of my sewing table. It is making things a lot easier.

Spray Basting, Maxine, and Veranda

2011-11-28T18:55:00.000-05:00

Well since I was such a slacker last week because my wonderful hubby was home, I decided I needed to get my butt in gear today. I decided that but then got caught up in orders and packaging until well after lunch. Then after a trip to the post office, watering the lawn, smooching on Cooper's face, and eating a late lunch I got busy.

I cut and pieced the back for the Pure quilt but I don't have a picture of it yet. I'm going to wait until after it's basted. I did break out the can of Dritz and get the front and batting basted together. I'll get the back on tomorrow and start quilting. I can't wait until it's finished and on the way to its new home.

I finished my Maxine mug rug. I quilted around Maxine and left her poofy so that I can stick stray pins in her while I'm sewing.

This is my favorite coffee mug. I bought it a couple of years back at a local restaurant that was selling handmade items from local artists. It is very heavy, large, and has my zodiac sign on it. Best part was supporting a local artist, so I went back and purchased another for my oldest son because he liked mine so much.

I also broke into the Veranda (by Amanda Murphy) fabric that I won back during the Wantobe Quilter's campaign. I was lucky enough to be the sponsor of the Wantobe Quilter who won that day. The collection is beautiful and I decided to just sew the strips together for now. I haven't decided how I'll cut them yet, but this might end up a Christmas present too. This is only half of it but shows all of the prints that are in the roll.

Special Orders, Christmas Presents, and Shop Listings

2011-11-27T19:47:00.000-05:00

I'm working on special order afghan number four of the four that are being sent for Hanukkah and then still have two more for the same customer that are Christmas presents. Here is the third one that I finished this past week. I love working with Baby Clouds yarn. It's so soft and fluffy.

I haven't made any further progress on the Pure quilt for Christmas. I have the top pieced for my husband's Minnesota Vikings quilt, but haven't even started the third quilt I need to make for Christmas. Uh oh...

I had three crayon rollups to personalize, sew together and ship out over the weekend. This is the most popular one so far. I think it is just so cute and happy looking.

I also listed two new items in my etsy shop this evening. After much debate I decided to sell the Ghastlies table topper and checkerboard from my Ghastlie Blog Hop post. They have been put away in a storage box since the blog hop and I planned on keeping them as a momento of the great time I had making them and participating in the blog hop, but I have decided that since I'm keeping the quilt the others can go to new homes.

Listing here.

I also have an additional Ghastlies pencil rollup listed in my shop. I just love mine and it makes me smile every time I unroll it.

Listing here.

Back to knitting now and then to the sewing room tomorrow to get busy on more quilts.

Black Friday Mission

2011-11-25T08:27:00.004-05:00

When I was at Joann's the other day buying white flannel the manager leaned over and said "We are having a sale on Friday and we'll have wrapped flannel bolts out for $1.49 a yard." Hmmm. Was that enough to get me up and out before daylight? No. White flannel is great and I use a lot of it as the middle layer of my rag quilts, but I don't like it enough to stand in the cold and dark with maniacs who are going to try to run me over as soon as the door opens. I've NEVER gone out shopping on Black Friday morning. Now is the time of the year when I leave the house as little as possible. I don't even like to go grocery shopping, not that it's something I really enjoy the rest of the year, but it's torture going to Walmart and Sam's during Christmas shopping season. Then I made the big mistake of going online to Joann Fabrics to see what else would be on sale and they had the preview of the circular for today/this weekend.

Rerouting for a second....I recently joined the local quilt guild and I don't have anything to carry my sewing machine in. I've been talking about getting a sewing machine tote now that I need to leave the house with all of my sewing gear in tow.
Back to the ad...there in the ad was the rolling, padded, long handled, tote regulary $79.99 on sale Friday only for $29.99. This was a game changer. So there I was fourth in line outside Joann's at 5:30 this morning with The Enabler at my side, surrounded by feisty crafters all discussing their game plans. My lips were sealed. No one knew what I was going in there for and I wanted to keep it that way. I took The Enabler to Joann's earlier in the week and showed him where the tote was so he could go grab it while I was getting the bolt of white flannel. Last night I decided that the tote mission was the most important so I sent him after the flannel and I went for the tote. They only had four earlier in the week and only one of the print that I wanted. The doors opened promptly at 6:00am. I grabbed the tote. The Enabler grabbed the only wrapped bolt of white flannel (25 yards). Then I made a side trip to grab three yards of DS Quilts fabric, was second at the cutting table, and got out of there as fast as I could. Some of those people were crazy. They just grabbed blindly at all of the flannel bolts they could find and threw them into their carts. One lady made the comment that she would decide what she really wanted when she got to the cutting table. She must have had forty bolts of flannel stacked in that cart.

After a nice breakfast at a local bistro, we are now home, and I'm going back to bed for a while. Three hours of sleep just isn't enough.

I have created a coupon code good for today only at both of my shops. Get 15% off at Summerfield Quilts and Turtle Cove Jewelry by using the code: blackfriday4you

What I'm Thankful For

2011-11-24T18:01:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for...

1. My wonderful husband who support me, loves me, and who does everything he can to make sure that I am happy.

2. My three sons (24, 22, 20) who have been blessings, and pains in the butt, at times but I wouldn't trade them for anything (unless someone has a nice Bernina they're looking to get rid of).

3. My beautiful daughter-in-law who we were blessed to have come into our lives (and that our son was smart enough to hold on to).

4. My parents who have been married for 45 years and were (and still are) a good example of what a marriage and family should be.

5. My brother who was my friend, playmate, and tormentor growing up, and who would irritate me so badly sometimes that I hit him, but no one else was allowed to pick on him. Now he gets to enjoy that with his family. lol.

6. All of the wonderful, creative people that I have met online. You make me smile and inspire me with all of your beautiful creations.

7. The talent that God has given me and the means to be able to stay at home and do it full time.

And so many other things that I forget sometimes, but when I sit down and count all of the things that I have to be thankful for, I realize how many blessings I truly have.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

WIP Thanksgiving Edition

2011-11-23T10:41:00.000-05:00

Christmas is closing in quickly and I had my list made out for this week so I can get caught up on all of those handmade Christmas gifts I'm wanting to give. Then I found out that The Enabler has taken the whole week off. I love him dearly and I enjoy spending time with him, but I don't get much done when he is home. Yesterday I did escape to my sewing room and got the Pure quilt top pieced and the borders on.
This picture only shows half because it is folded over and pinned to my Ghastlies fabric design wall (that's what is peeking out at the top and left side).

At first I wasn't crazy about it because I was right on top of it and the blocks are large. It wasn't that I didn't like it. It just didn't make me all warm and fuzzy. I held it up and my husband really liked it, but I still wasn't sure. After I pinned it to the wall and stood back where I could see it I just love it. I'm hoping to have the back pieced, and the quilting started on Friday. I can't wait to share who it is for and why I chose this collection, but it's a Christmas present so just a little while longer.

Well, my cohort in mischief and I are off to see Breaking Dawn pt 1 and pig out on mini corn dogs and fries while doing it. Like I said I don't get much quilting done when he's here. lol.

Thinking of You All

2011-11-20T16:37:00.000-05:00

Happy Sunday to you all. I hope that you are enjoying your weekend.

Fabric Hoarding

2011-11-18T17:20:00.000-05:00

I've been working hard on all of those WIPs that I need to have finished for Christmas...until today. All it takes is me opening one container or looking for something and I'm off in a totally different direction. For some reason I ended up in the floor with my flannel containers (one for boys and one for girls) unfolding, fondling, refolding, smelling and then sorting out all of the scraps. I made a dent in the flannel scraps and listed a few bags in my shop today. The scraps are large and perfect for rag quilts or applique projects. The fabric was prewashed with Tide Free and Gentle, rotary cut and ironed and is left over from rag quilts that I have finished.

Boy Bag #1

Girl Bag

Boy Bag #2

Last night I completed some more crocheted dish cloths/wash cloths. I made my husband some blue ones several months ago and they are the only ones he uses now. They get even softer and prettier with washing, and he is terrible with his laundry washing everything in hot water and drying too hot, but they still hold up. lol. I added these larger Christmas ones measuring 10" x 10" and 11" x 11".

These are my favorite. I love the blues and purples with the white. I'm going to make myself some too.

Well, I guess it was semi-productive today. I did get some (a small some) of the flannel sorted out. I will be working on the special order afghans all weekend, and trying to stay warm. It was 80 two days ago and highs in the 50s the last two days.
I hope that you enjoy your weekend.
Angie
http://www.summerfieldquilts.etsy.com/

Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

2011-11-16T11:17:00.002-05:00

FINALLY!! I got a new mold free graham cracker crust and finished this cheesecake at 12:30am. The Enabler has it at work now, unless it has been found by the coworkers and consumed already, so I didn't get any pictures of it sliced. There is a nice line in the slices where the layers meet.

I use my stand mixer for this because the cream cheese doesn't stick to the paddle blade too badly. I've used a hand mixer before and it will work just fine for this. You will need to clean your mixer blades off and scrape down the sides of the bowl so that all of the cream cheese gets mixed in well.

You won't need this gigantic can of pumpkin. I will be making more cheesecakes and my puppies love it on their food.

I use cinnamon and allspice for this cheesecake.

LAYERED PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE

Prep Time: 25-30 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins - 1 hour

Ready in: 5 hours 30 mins

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened (let set out to soften, don't microwave lol)

- 1/2 cup white sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

- 2 large eggs

- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon allspice

- 1 (9 inch) prepared graham cracker crust

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees (165 degrees C)

1. In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Beat on low-medium setting. Scrape down sides of bowl to get unmixed cream cheese back in mixture. Beat until smooth.

2. Blend in eggs one at a time. Beat on low until eggs are blended in well.

3. Remove 1 cup of batter and spread into bottom of prepared graham cracker crust. Set aside for now.

4. To remaining batter in mixing bowl add pumpkin, cinnamon, and allspice. Beat on low until well blended.

5. Carefully pour the pumpkin batter over the batter already in the crust. You'll want to do this slowly because you are trying to keep to separate layers here.

6. Bake in preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Allow to cool and then refrigerate covered for at least 3 hours or overnight. Overnight is better.

7. Add whipped topping if you like and enjoy.

Makes 8 servings.

I would love to know if you make this pumpkin cheesecake and what you think. I didn't invent pumpkin cheesecake so I don't know who to give credit to. This is a recipe handed down and I made adjustments to it over the years to our tastes. Feel free to share it.

Angie

Quilt Progress and Cheesecake Mishap

2011-11-15T22:14:00.001-05:00

I made another fabric therapy run to buy more DS Quilts fabric. I only got prints from Picnic, Fairgrounds, and Sugar Creek. The new collection, Daisy Mae, seems a little thin and rough and I was really surprised when I saw it yesterday. I love how Denyse Schmidt has created these lines so that they can be combined.

I worked on sewing rows of blocks on the Pure quilt together today, and then I decided to break out my Mom's requested rag quilt. I haven't worked on it for a while because it's for her guest room queen size bed, and it is just starting to get cold enough to put a quilt on the bed. She requested blues and yellows so I went with different shades and prints in each and added a white flannel for the middle. I have seven rows sewn together, and six more to go.

I started on the pumpkin cheesecake. I had the camera and was taking pictures and then I got to the part where you put the first layer in the graham cracker crust. I opened up the crust that we purchased yesterday and it was moldy. YUCK! No actually DOUBLE YUCK!! My Mom would say "that's what you get for buying a pre-made crust." I have to explain that I make the cheesecake part, put it in a premade crust, and bake it. My mom on the other hand would rather spend hours crushing graham crackers, melting butter, and baking a pie crust so that she can mix up some instant pudding with cream cheese and stick it in the fridge to set. Maybe we should get together in the same place and make a cheesecake. lol I will post the completed cheesecake complete with pictures and recipe tomorrow.

Angie

http://www.summerfieldquilts.etsy.com/

Quilt for Christmas #1 and Goodies For Me

2011-11-14T18:42:00.000-05:00

I went out today. I haven't wanted to drive at all since the intentional "accident" on Thursday, but I needed to go to the post office and ship some orders out. While I was out I decided that I needed (okay I didn't actually need it but I wanted it and sometimes that's stronger than the need) some fabric therapy and a copy of the new Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks. Yesterday I found out that there is going to be a Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks retreat in Williamsburg, VA in August 2012. I'm very excited and am planning to go since it is very close to me. The info so far can be found on Quiltmaker's website here. So here is what I got at the store.

On the upper left is a red with small flowers because I don't have enough red and I love little flowers. The one in the upper right is purple and is for my purple stash I'm collecting to make myself a quilt. The bottom three are all from DS Quilts collections.

This is the project I'm working on all week and probably next week too. It's a large quilt for someone very special and I can't say who yet because it's a Christmas present and who knows who may be reading this. It's from the Pure collection by Sweetwater Designs. This is just a few of the blocks and I'll be alternating the four square blocks with the pinwheel blocks. The blocks are approximately 18" x 18". Don't look too close at the points either. lol.

I can't wait until it's finished because I have two more to make for Christmas along with other items. I'm giving handmade to everyone this year. Either made by me or purchased from someone else who offers handmade items.

Angie

Recipes This Week and Finished Afghan

2011-11-13T18:06:00.001-05:00

It was a beautiful day here today in Virginia. Even though it got up to the mid 60s today the Enabler and I had a nice fire going on the screened porch, a football game on the TV, and played a game (the whole card) of Yahtzee. Of course our peaceful outdoor afternoon was interrupted occasionally by our crazy Irish Setters who think you can't play unless you are barking in each other's faces. lol.

I finished up afghan number three of eight for a very special lady. She needs three more for Hannukah plus two before Christmas. I'm using Red Heart Baby Clouds yarn for them all. I love how soft and full it is, and of course purple is my favorite color so I love the way this one turned out. It's folded and rolled but you can see the beautiful colors in it.

This week I'm going to share some of my favorite holiday recipes including my delicious pumpkin cheesecake. I'm making one for my husband to take to work this week and I'll take pictures to go with the recipe to share with you. I will also make one for us for Thanksgiving and since we have been abandoned this year there will be more for us.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Angie

Veteran's Day

2011-11-11T12:08:00.002-05:00

A big thank you to everyone who sent good wishes and prayers for me following my accident yesterday. I truly appreciate you all and your support and hope that all of this works out the way it should.

I wanted to take this time to send out a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have and are serving our country. My great-grandfather, grandfather, and uncles all served in the military and my brother served six years in the Air Force. Without your hard work, sacrifices, and dedication we would not be able to enjoy the freedom and liberties that we so often take for granted. HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY and THANK YOU!!

My PaPa on his 90th birthday in 2007. Two months later we had to say goodbye. I miss him so much.

Angie

Mean People Really Suck

2011-11-10T17:11:00.000-05:00

I was on my way to the post office this morning to mail all of the packages out from the charm swap and I decided to stop at McDonald's and get a drink and a biscuit. It was a beautiful morning and I was so happy to be getting all of the fabric back out to everyone. There was a big car in front of me pulling back out onto the road from the McD's parking lot. It pulled out. I stopped then pulled out. About 20 seconds after pulling out I saw this little black and white dog along the side of the road. I couldn't swerve because of oncoming traffic so I honked my horn at it trying to scare it back away from the road. Well almost immediately the woman in front of me slammed on her brakes. I mean slammed them hard because I saw the back end of her car raise up. I slammed on mine and right at the very end tapped into her rear bumper. Before my back hit back against my seat from being thrown forward I saw both of the car doors fly open and a woman jumped out screaming from the driver's side and a man from the passenger side. They are standing on either side of my truck screaming and cussing me, telling me I'm crazy and I'm harassing them. I stayed in my truck, rolled up my windows, and grabbed my phone. Then the woman started yelling that I can call whoever I want to because I'm going to pay for this and that this is harassment. I was calling 911 of course. To make a long story short the man grabbed a pen and piece of paper from the car and was writing down my plate number and telling someone on his phone that "some crazy white b**ch" hit us and we're gonna make sure she pays for this". As soon as they heard the police and fire sirens they both jumped into the car leaving the doors wide open though. The woman fell across the console and the man slumped towards the glove box and they were moaning that they were hurt. She told the police that I honked my horn and she felt like I was harassing her and trying to get her to hurry up so she "tapped" her brakes. Two ambulances came and hauled them away and a wrecker was called to get their car because there was no one there to drive it. After hearing both sides and seeing the 10+ foot long skid marks she left from her story "tapping" her brakes and my story "slamming" on her brakes they decided that she had in fact caused the accident intentionally and charged her with aggressive driving. I started crying when I figured out that they were setting me up by pretending to be hurt after intentionally causing the accident. I cried trying to talk to the woman at the post office, and then all the way home. After about two hours I was able to control myself enough not to bust out crying again. I had to call my insurance and tell them that there was no damage but that these two were obviously going to try to get money out of this. To make matters worse I just found out that the guy who was the passenger is a registered convicted sex offender and around here they put all of the personal information including birth date and address on the police info sheet that is given to both drivers. My shoulders and neck are burning now and I'll probably end up going to the doctor tomorrow. I just don't understand why people have to be so mean.
I hope you are having a wonderful, mean people free day wherever you are.
Angie

Charm Swap Finished

2011-11-10T00:13:00.002-05:00

I started sorting the charms for my Charming Christmas Fabric Swap onto my 3' x 8' cutting table yesterday afternoon (11/8).

They didn't all fit so there are still some here in the container.

I placed the name cards sent with the fabric on my sewing table (which is also 3'x8' - so you know the scale of all of this). I made stickies for those who didn't send the cards with their fabric. Now when I sort the charms I can put them right on that person's card.

View from the stairs of the charms to be sorted in the foreground and the name cards on the sewing table at the top.

Still in progress. My wonderful hubby helped me sort after he came home from work last night. We stopped at around 10pm, but still had more than half of them still to sort.

I started again today at around 3pm, took a break for dinner, and then finished up at 11pm tonight. Here they are completely sorted. There are a few stacks not in this pic.

The best picture of all. Here they are all sorted and nestled snugly into their envelopes. They are on their way to the post office in the morning.

Good night.

Angie

Like Me Please

2011-11-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

Sunni over at Love Affair With My Brother is hosting a linky party. If you get a chance stop by show Sunni some love and "like" my link. I'm #42 and the picture and post is my Ghastlies quilt and other creations from October 31st. You can see it here.

I've been busy sorting charms from my Charming Christmas Charm Swap. I feel like I'm never going to get finished. lol. I can't wait to get the fabrics back out to everyone who participated.

Enjoy the rest of your day. I hope to be back to creating and posting as soon as all of these beautiful charms are gone.

Angie

Ghastlie Quilt Finish

2011-11-07T15:09:00.002-05:00

Have you ever just been so busy that you don't know where to start? Wow. I'm working on six special order afghans, four quilts, and then there are all of those WIPs. I'm not complaining though. I feel very blessed to be able to do what I'm doing. Today I'm starting to sort the charms that are going out to all of the wonderful people that participated in my Charming Christmas Charm Swap. Yea!!

Here is my Ghastlies quilt. It is now finished. When I took the picture there were still pins on one side. I think I need to start wearing my glasses. I'm really happy with the way that all the stippling turned out considering this is my first FMQ quilt.

I just love the white and pink with the grey and black of these blocks. My intention was to make the Ghastlies lighter and more cheerful.

The spider web block in the middle was the perfect addition. I did all of my quilting with white cotton thread. I ended up a little off line a few times and the white thread showed up in the black borders. It was also very visible in that black spider web block. I used a black permanent fabric pen to color the white threads so they blended in.

This is the back. It is the same color mauve that is in the Ghastlies fabric but for some reason it keeps photographing with more purple. I used some of the fabrics in the borders to make the strip. Also in the lower right the two white blocks with the bramble in the middle is where I hand wrote all of my quilt information.

I also finished this little boy rag quilt which I listed in my etsy shop today along with some MODA scrap bags. I would love for you to stop by and check them out.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!

Angie

Ghastlie Winner and Birthday Follower Winner

2011-11-05T15:29:00.000-04:00

I hope that you are enjoying your Saturday afternoon. I decided this week that I would be adventurous and join the local quilt guild. This morning was the monthly meeting. I wasn't sure what to expect as far as activities and how long it would last. So I was very excited when everyone showed up with their sewing machines, projects, and snacks this morning and found out that it would last until 4 or 5 this evening. Unfortunately I wasn't prepared and didn't bring anything, but I live close enough that I ran home and grabbed my Ghastlies quilt so I could finish hand sewing the binding. The Enabler and I are going to take a road trip tomorrow to take pictures and I'll be toting some of my quilts (including the Ghastlies one) to get some more creative pictures.

Now onto the announcement of the winners of the zippered Ghastlies pouch from my October 31st post and the winner of the pattern and fabric from my November 3rd post.

The Winner of the Ghastlie's Pouch is......

Congratulations LISA @ Sixmunchin Stitching

http://www.blogger.com/profile/07724809835637772057 said...

I love your quilt! For only being your third FMQ, it is beautiful! I can't wait to see the finished product! Oh, and I'd love a chance to win one of your zippered pouches.

The winner of the Shiny & Bright Layer Cake Quilt Pattern and one yard of Merry & Bright fabric is...

Congratulations PAT V.

Pat V. said...

Hmm, my favorite just now seem to be fall colors...gold, rust, cream, deep reds...Thanks for the chance to win a lovely prize!

E-mails have been sent. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful comments. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Angie

Just a reminder that the code "ghastlieflu" is still active for a 10% discount at my shop until November 11th. http://www.summerfield68.etsy.com/

Celebrations Giveaway and Winner Announcements

2011-11-03T13:59:00.003-04:00

Oh my goodness this is such an exciting day. So much to celebrate.

1. It's my wonderful hubby's birthday. He is so supportive and encouraging and is always there to pat my back and tell me I can do it.
2. I hit the 100th follower mark this week. Thank you too everyone who is following me. You truly inspire me to do more and do better.
3. The binding is on my Ghastlies quilt and now just to finish the handstitching on the back. Yippeee.
4. I have a giveaway and some winners to announce. Hooray for giveaways and winners!!

BIRTHDAY AND FOLLOWER CELEBRATION GIVEAWAY: In honor of all of the wonderful people who inspire and encourage me I'm giving away this wonderful pattern by Pieces from My Heart called Shiny & Bright Layer Cake Pattern. The finished size is 76 1/2" x 76 1/2". This is a very quick pattern using a layer cake from the Merry and Bright line of fabric by Moda. Layer cakes from other lines can be used in place of the Merry and Bright line.

To get you started I am including one yard (36" x 60") of MERRY AND BRIGHT by Sandy Gervais for MODA in Winter White. This quilt weight cotton features colorful Christmas ornaments on a holly background.

So what do you have to do to enter?? Just leave a comment here telling me that you want to enter, and what your favorite color palette is to work with right now. Make sure that your e-mail is in your comment if you are a no reply blogger. I will be choosing the winner tomorrow and announcing the name Saturday along with the winner of the Ghastlies pouch giveaway.

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY: My first winner to announce is the Facebook giveaway. The likes hit 150 this week and the winner has been chosen. MAGGIE is the winner and has replied to my e-mail stating that she would like to receive a fat quarter bundle of Fandango. Congratulations Maggie!!

100th FOLLOWER: Denise left the following comment this week.."I love your Ghastlie creations!! Especially the pencil rollup -- very cute -- and the checkerboard! What a GREAT idea! I wanted to be your 100th follower, but I was 101! :) " Well Denise my goofiness has paid off for you. Apparently I like myself so much that I followed myself but didn't notice it until after reading your comment. So in celebration of my being a goofball you are going to get the same package that I am giving away today...the pattern and one yard of fabric shown above. I have sent you an e-mail. Congratulations Denise!!

I think it's time for me to go find some sponsors now so I can keep giving you wonderful people fun stuff to play with. lol.

Enjoy the rest of your day.
Angie

Hop Hop Hop Into to Day 9 of the Ghastlies

2011-11-03T09:47:00.000-04:00

Day 9 is here already. Today's line up features the following lovely ladies showing off their Ghastlie projects.

The daily grand prize can be seen at Sew I Quilt Now where you have to be a follower to win. Each of the ladies above will choose one person from the comments on their posts today and forward that name to Madame Ghastlie who will then choose the grand prize winner.

I will be posting again later today with my giveaway and some other exciting announcments.

Ghastlie Flu Discount at Summerfield Quilts and other Giveaways

2011-11-02T17:27:00.000-04:00

In honor of the 10 days of our Ghastlie Blog Hop I am offering a 10% discount off all ready to ship items in my shop. The discount code is ghastlieflu and will be active until midnight on Friday, November 11th. Please note that the discount doesn't apply to shipping charges or sales tax for people purchasing from the state of Virginia.

COMING SOON...
Tomorrow I will be announcing the giveaway to celebrate the Enabler's birthday and my 100+ followers.

Saturday I will be posting the winner of the Ghastlie zippered pouch from my blog hop day.

The rag quilt or fabric bundle giveaway is still going on at my Facebook page. I'm at 147 likes. Only 3 more and Mr. Random Generator will be choosing the lucky winner.

Enjoy the rest of your day and don't sweat the small stuff.
Angie

Day 8 of Ghastlies Blog Hop Only 2 Days Left

2011-11-02T12:07:00.000-04:00

It's day 8 of the Ghastlie Blog Hop. It has gone by so quickly and there are only two more days to go. I've really enjoyed seeing everyone's Ghastlie creations and sharing mine with you. Up today are these five talented ladies.ON Wednesday November 2nd

Mrs. Jane Ghastlie

Mrs. Mary Ghastlie

Mrs. Michelle Ghastlie

Mrs. Dawn Ghastlie
Mrs Mary Ghastlie

Of course the daily grand prize can be seen at Sew I Quilt Now. One name will be chosen from the comments of each blog host and sent to Madame Ghastlie to be placed in the daily grand prize drawing. The grand prize winner will be announced at Sew I Quilt Now daily.

Have a wonderfully ghastlie day.

Ghastlie Blog Hop Day 7

2011-11-01T09:49:00.003-04:00

A big thank you to everyone who left a comment on my blog post yesterday. Your kind words and encouragement mean so much. I'm going to be announcing a giveaway on November 3rd to celebrate my wonderful hubby's birthday and my 100+ followers. Make sure to come back and check it out.

So without further ado here is our Ghastlie schedule for today. I'm sure these lovely ladies have all sorts of wonderfully ghastlie things to share with us.

Miss Daisy Ghastlie
Mrs. Dana Ghastlie

Mrs. Elaine Ghastlie

Mrs. Gramma Sheri Ghastlie
Ms. Suz Ghastlie

Today's grand prize is featured over at Sew I Quilt Now. I heard that Madame Ghastlie has procured some very nice threads for one lucky person. Good luck to everyone.

Ghastlie Blog Hop Day 6 and My Ghastlie Creations

2011-10-31T08:14:00.009-04:00

Welcome to day six of the Ghastlie Blog Hop. I'm going to get right to it because I have a lot of pictures.

My first totally Ghastlie creation is this zippered pouch. It’s not only a pattern that I made but it’s the first bag/pouch that I’ve ever made and the first zipper I’ve ever sewn. Oops looks like we disturbed this trio of ghastly knitters. Personally I think they are disturbed enough so we’ll move on.

This is the reverse side of my pouch. Poor little Prudence always looks like she’s being punished for something. I’ll bet it’s because she swiped the strap I made that’s suppose to be attached to that D ring right there. At least she left the zipper pull alone this time.

I’m hoping that this very nice lady who is always pointing her finger will keep people from snooping in my sketch pad. I have very important designs in there.

In the lower right is my pencil roll up. How ghastlie is that?

Outside of my pencil roll up.

Inside of my pencil roll up.

My trio of pumpkin ghosts seem to be very happy about this table topper. They won’t be so happy when they find out that I’m turning it into a wall hanging and putting it in my sewing room.

I free motion quilted around the Ghastlies (this is the second thing I’ve fmq). I was very careful to avoid that mangy Sebastian. He looks like he’s in one of those moods.

Oh no what are those crazy pumpkin ghosts doing now? Looks like they are playing checkers on this ghastlie quilted checkerboard.

I love the Kona in slate with these ghastlie trees. This is the back of the checkerboard.

Last but not least is my “big” project. I’m very sad that I didn’t get it completed before today. This is the largest quilt I’ve ever made, and I am free motion quilting the entire thing. I’ve free motion quilted two other things before this. One was a very small table runner and the other is the Ghastlies table topper above. The hump in the picture isn't the quilt. It's the feather mattress on my bed, or maybe it's a ghastlie ghoul.

I didn’t use a pattern for this quilt. I fussy cut my ghastlies and then just started building. After I finish the quilting and trim the excess batting and backing I'm going to bind it with black. I'll be posting pictures of the completed quilt next week.

Eight hours of quilting and I'm about half way done. I'm quilting around the ghastlies, the borders, and the sashings separately to give them different textures. I did a stitch in the ditch around a few of the borders on each block instead of stippling.

I thought the spider web block was appropriate for the center block of my quilt.

I hope that you enjoyed my ghastlie creations. They are all original. I didn't use any patterns (except for the spider web block) and just tend to see something in my head and start cutting and sewing until I'm happy with it.

I can say with 100% certainty that I am now cured (for the time being). I do feel it’s only right that I spread some of these Ghastlie germs though so I will be giving away a zippered pouch just like the one shown. Just leave a comment here and mention that you would like to be included in the pouch giveaway. I will let Mr. Random Generator pick a winner on Friday and I will announce the winner on Saturday.

I will also be choosing a name from all of the comments on this post and sending it to Madame Ghastlie for the daily grand prize drawing. You must be a follower at Sew I Quilt Now to be eligible for the daily grand prize drawing. Also, please make sure that your e-mail is in your post or on your blog or I will have to choose another winner. You can see today’s prize at Sew I Quilt Now and I will post the daily prize winner here on my blog tomorrow.

Happy Ghastlie-ween. Oh that was corny wasn’t it? Sorry I couldn’t help myself. Make sure you check out the ghastlie creations of these lovely ladies.

Mrs. Toyna Ghastlie
Mrs Tiramisue Ghastlie

Mrs. Angela Ghastlie – THAT’S ME!!

Mrs Pauline Ghastlie

Mrs. Karin Ghastlie

Mrs Barb Ghastlie lost her power during snow storm
(keep trying - she should be up soon)

Ghastlie Blog Hop - Day 5

2011-10-28T14:18:00.000-04:00

GHASTLIE BLOG HOP - DAY 5

So far, so ghastlie is all I can say about the projects that my sisters have shared with us. Today we have five more wickedly talented ladies sharing their Ghastlie projects.

ON Friday October 28th

Miss Trudi Ghastlie

Ms. Deonn Ghastlie

Mrs. Marlene Ghastlie

Mrs Kim Ghastlie

Mrs Tammy Ghastlie

Don't forget to leave a comment at each blog. Each lady will be submitting one name to Madame Ghastlie to go into the drawing for the daily grand prize. Want to know what the prize is today? Wander over to Ghastlie headquarters if you dare.

This is the end of week one. Don't forget to come back on Monday to see my ghastlie creations, my giveaway, and to enter for the daily grand prize drawing.

Enjoy your weekend.

Ghastlies Blog Hop - Day 4

2011-10-27T14:05:00.000-04:00

GHASTLIE BLOG HOP - Day 4

Here is the schedule for today. Check out all of the ghastlie things made by these wonderfully creative ladies. To see today's grand prize go to Sew I Quilt Now.

ON Thursday October 27th

Mrs. Katherine Ghastlie

Ms Sharon Ghastlie

Mrs. Gooden Ghastlie

Ms. Selina Ghastlie

Mrs. Melinda Ghastlie

Good luck to everyone.

Angie

Ghastlie Blog Hop DAY 3 & Giveaway

2011-10-26T13:22:00.000-04:00

GHASTLIE BLOG HOP

DAY 3

ON Wednesday October 26th

Mrs. Barb Ghastlie

Miss Karen Ghastlie

Ms. Loralynn Ghastlie

Ms. Jen Ghastlie.

Ms Penny Ghastlie

Mrs Rhonda Ghastlie

Each of these lovely ladies will choose one name to submit to Madame Ghastlie and a grand prize winner will be drawn for the day. Today's grand prize is...

DAY 3 GIVEAWAY

But today we will have 2 winners...YES

and each will get..

4 Yards of this GHASTLIE

Collection from our sponsor

Alexander Henry Fabrics...

Ghastlie Blog Hop DAY 2

2011-10-25T11:32:00.000-04:00

GHASTLIE BLOG HOP

DAY 2

Today's ghastlie bloggers are...

Mrs. Annie Ghastlie

Mrs Doris Ghastlie

Mrs Brandie Ghastlie

Ms. Alidiza Ghastlie

Mrs. JudyC Ghastlie

Be sure and visit each one so you can be eligible for today's giveaway - you're going to love this:

DAY 2 Giveaway!

OH Yes this BRIGHT PINK BLUE FIG

Wheeled Sewing BAG for you...

The PINK goes sew well with GHASTLIES.

Check out all our Ghastlie Sistahs Blogs today..

and see what they CREATED.

( Blue Fig will be mailing directly to you.

no shipping cost for this win)

Good luck to everyone.

Angie

Pattern and Charm Square Pack Giveaway

2011-10-24T21:19:00.000-04:00

All month Citlalli over at Sew Beastly has been sponsoring my blog by adding my button to her sidebar and doing a nice write about me and my shop. Starting today there is a big giveaway from all of the blogs sponsored over at Sew Beastly for the month. My contribution is this great pattern “Heart to Heart” pattern by Cheri Strole. Includes patterns for Pieced Heart Quilt, Pieced Heart Wall Quilt, Table Runner and Placemats. I am also including a charm pack of 42 5” squares of Moda Marbles in citrus.

Enter now through Monday, October 31st at Sew Beastly. This is only one of five of the prizes in the package. You must be a follower here and at Sew Beastly to enter. Details on additional entries at Sew Beastly.

Also, remember that my day for the Ghastlie Blog Hop is Monday, October 31st. I'll have something special to giveaway that day also.

Angie

Ghastlie Blog Hop....They're Here!!!!

2011-10-23T23:23:00.003-04:00

At midnight tonight the Ghastlie Blog Hop begins. Woo hoo!! For ten days (no weekends) five to six wonderfully creative ladies will be sharing their creations from the Ghastlies collection from Alexander Henry. There will be a daily grand prize winner chosen by Madame Ghastlie at our headquarters Sew I Quilt Now from names submitted by the daily hosts. In addition to that many of my Ghastlie cohorts are having their own giveaways. Oh I'm so excited. My day is October 31st so don't forget to come back and visit me too.

And now a message from Madame Ghastlie (the mastermind behind the operation)...

If you have this thing for Ghastlies

and they have tied you in a knot

and you wish you could get them out of your mind

then this may be a thought.

We heard her plea for a cure

Mdm Samm was pos/it/ively sure

that we could stitch the nights away

in hopes that we MAY----???

( all 54 of us)

BUT....

The side effects are Ghastlie

there is no mistaking too.

if you don't run this very minute

YOU too will catch the FLU...

We suspected all along

this was her master plan

she did not want to be alone,

with all YOU Ghastlie FANS...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is our schedule. Be sure to visit each of these Ghastlie ladies to see their creations and to enter the giveaways.

ON Monday, October 24th

Mrs Kirie Ghastlie

Ms Carol Ghastlie

Ms. Wendy Ghastlie

Ms. Carrie Ghastlie

Mrs Holly Ghastlie

ON Tuesday October 25th

Mrs. Annie Ghastlie

Mrs Doris Ghastlie

Mrs Brandie Ghastlie

Ms. Alidiza Ghastlie

Mrs. JudyC Ghastlie

ON Wednesday October 26th

Mrs. Barb Ghastlie

Miss Karen Ghastlie

Ms. Loralynn Ghastlie

Ms. Jen Ghastlie.

Ms Penny Ghastlie

Mrs Rhonda Ghastlie

ON Thursday October 27th

Mrs. Katherine Ghastlie

Ms Sharon Ghastlie

Mrs. Gooden Ghastlie

Ms. Selina Ghastlie

Mrs. Melinda Ghastlie

ON Friday October 28th

Miss Trudi Ghastlie

Ms. Deonn Ghastlie

Mrs. Marlene Ghastlie

Mrs Kim Ghastlie

Mrs Tammy Ghastlie

ON Monday October 31st

Mrs. Toyna Ghastlie
Mrs Tiramisue Ghastlie

Mrs. Angela Ghastlie

Mrs Pauline Ghastlie

Mrs. Karin Ghastlie

Mrs Barb Ghastlie

ON Tuesday November 1st

Miss Daisy Ghastlie
Mrs. Dana Ghastlie

Mrs. Elaine Ghastlie

Mrs. Gramma Sheri Ghastlie
Ms. Suz Ghastlie

ON Wednesday November 2nd

Mrs. Jane Ghastlie
Mrs. Laura Ghastlie

Mrs. Mary Ghastlie

Mrs. Michelle Ghastlie

Mrs. Dawn Ghastlie
Mrs Mary Ghastlie

ON Thursday November 3rd

Mrs. Sharon Ghastlie
Mrs Corrie Ghastlie

Mrs Cheryl Ghastlie

Mrs. Linda Ghastlie
Mrs. Pickles Ghastlie

ON Friday November 4th

Mrs Nan Ghastlie

Mrs. Gmama Jane Ghastlie
Mrs. Nancy Ghastlie

Mrs. Joan Ghastlie

Ms Susan Ghastlie
Madame Ghastlie

I Hit the Jackpot

2011-10-22T20:20:00.000-04:00

No I didn't win the lottery. I wish. Can you imagine how much fabric and thread you could buy? Oh happy thoughts. I remembered that I didn't show you the rest of my buys from the church parking lot sale a few weekends ago (the one where I got the 1960s Singer sewing machine in the pretty wood cabinet for $5.00). I got a huge trash bag and a box filled with nylon flag fabric (I've counted approximately 30 yards not including all of the less than one yard pieces), several yards of canvas, the tool to make eyelets, five unopened packages of different sized eyelets with the tools included along with two Altoids boxes full of different sized eyelets, 20 flag patterns still in the packages. All of this for $10.00. I've never made a flag, but I couldn't pass it up. I had to wash all of it which frayed it some, but whoever had it before was a smoker and it stunk really bad. Here is a picture of the larger colored pieces.

I also got this great candlewicking pillow kit, several cards of candlewicking thread, and a cross stitch kit for $1.00.

Oh and for anyone who likes Gutermann thread I picked this case of thread up for $19.99 at Joann on sale. I don't know if they are all having this sale but it may be worth checking on.

There will be lots of exciting news tomorrow about a giveaway that starts October 24th and ends October 31st, and also more news on the Ghastlie Blog Hop that also starts on October 24th.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Angie

Ghastlies Blog Hop Secrets Unveiled...or not

2011-10-19T12:53:00.003-04:00

I want to tell you. I really do.

I want to share what I'm doing with you.

So I looked all around and what did I see?

This crazy old witch was staring at me.

I looked right at her and continued to write

Her scary old face didn’t give me a fright.

On I continued to let you all know

The Ghastlies projects that I have to show.

I heard a shrill voice say “Don’t you forget.”

“You promised Madame that you won’t tell them yet.”

“Oh bother.” I told her with my nose in the air.

“What I am doing is none of your affair.”

There were more interruptions as I prepared my surprise

From this crotchety old man with the big buggy eyes.

The next was this vampire all skinny and sad.

I laughed at him mockingly “I’m not scared of you Vlad.”

As I danced around the room getting ready to tell

I tripped over something and straight down I fell.

What was that? Where did it go?

Did I trip over air? I didn't think so.

I looked to the left. Then I looked to the right.

And there she stood with her face ghastlie white.

She stared at me quietly with her wide drooping eyes,

And something about that hammer made me soon realize.

It would be best if I waited to let you all know

About all the Ghastlie projects that I have to show.

The Ghastlie Blog Hop starts Monday, October 24th and will end on Friday, November 4th. There will be lots of Ghastlies projects, and great giveaways too. More details to come...

Friday Night Sew In October 21st

2011-10-16T21:09:00.000-04:00

Do you have projects to finish? Do you have comfortable clothes? What about some free time Friday night? Why not join the Friday Night Sew In over at Handmade by Heidi and Crafty Vegas Mom?? This will be my first time and I'm very excited. I have lots of things to complete in the next couple of weeks and I love working in my pajamas. Too much info? Sorry about that. So anyway here's the link with all the details. http://craftyvegasmom.blogspot.com/

Angie

Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Rollup Complete

2011-10-12T21:32:00.001-04:00

I received two beautiful fat quarters last week from a very sweet person and I decided immediately what I wanted to do with one of them. I needed a knitting needle/crochet hook roll so that I could get all of my needles and hooks out of the 7-11 Super Big Gulp cup sitting on the shelf. I've also managed to lose an entire pack of crochet hooks in the bottom of a canvas or plastic bag under a ton of yarn somewhere. When I find all of them they will be put in here. I'm going to make a knitting bag eventually. Here are the pics of my completed roll. I used this fat quarter of Echino Story in Plum and Papaya for the outside of my knitting needle rollup. I just love this fabric and this print.

I embroidered my name (because it's mine and I don't want anyone snatching it) and the date with my favorite purple. I also embroidered a heart and leaf design in a copper color.

It will be full once I find all of my needles and hooks.

I'm going to redo the ribbon. I thought I liked the black, but I think a wider purple ribbon would be better. I also marked the middle without folding the flap down first so it isn't centered. Oh well it was my first try at this and it's mine.

Anyone know of a good pattern for a knitting bag?

Angie

My Christmas Tree Pants Sewalong Progress

2011-10-11T17:07:00.000-04:00

There is a great sewalong happening over at Sew Mama Sew with Monica Solorio-Snow of Happy Zombie.
Here are three of my seven blocks from the tutorial posted last Friday. I can't wait to see the tutorial this Friday. This will be the first time ever that we've had anything other than an old bedsheet wrapped around the bottom of our Christmas tree. I apologize for the crappy pics. It's a combination of my blurry vision today and the dark dark clouds outside. The fabric is Flurry by Kate Spain. In case I haven't said it enough. I LOVE LOVE LOVE all things Kate Spain.

This is an awesome sewalong and not nearly as complicated as it looks. These are going to be beautiful (even if I do say so myself).
Have a wonderful day, evening, morning wherever you are.
Angie

One Person's Junk is My New Treasure

2011-10-10T15:55:00.001-04:00

The Enabler and I went out for some errands on Saturday: the post office to drop off packages, lunch at a place where we like to play trivia, and the quilt shop for some goodies. Well before we got to our first stop (the post office) we passed a huge yard sale (actually a parking lot sale) at a local church. My eyes immediately focused in on a sewing machine cabinet. So I'm bouncing in my seat like Natalie Wood in Miracle on 34th Street when she sees the house at the end, and The Enabler says "We'll hit it on the way back. I'm hungry." Huh? That's not what's supposed to happen. What happened to the slamming on the brakes and me jumping out of the car and running to my new treasure? I managed to calm down and realize that if it was meant for me to have it then it would be there when we came back and it would be at a good price. So The Grinch and I proceeded to the rest of our errands. We eventually made it back to the church (an hour and a half later) and the sewing machine cabinet was still there. Then The Mean Ol' Grinch didn't stop and let me out where the sale was going on, he drove all the way to the other side of the church and parked. Well not all the way to the other side, about half way to the other side, but it might as well have been miles. I jumped out and started making my way to the other side of the parking lot fully prepared to take someone down if they got near that sewing machine cabinet. Luckily I made it over to the cabinet without anyone getting maimed, read the price, wished that I had brought my glasses (that I should but don't wear), squinted and read it again. One of the very nice ladies that was working the yard sale asked if she could help me. I asked her if that was the price. She said "Yes." and I said "I'll take it." She then handed me a bag and told me to go buy more stuff. I like this woman. So here is what I bought.

I haven't had a chance to clean it. It is dirty and the wood has some scuffs, paint spots, and wear and tear but nothing that can't be fixed.

The drawer has all of the attachments/accessories for the sewing machine.

Yes I know it isn't perfect. It may not even work. I bought it because it's history. Someone made clothes, home accessories, maybe even quilts with this machine. I'm going to have my local sewing machine shop guy take a look at it for me. It needs a lot of cleaning and TLC. Oh and what was written on the tag stuck to the top of the cabinet?? $5.00

I got more things while I was there but I'll share those later. Lots of wonderful sewing and embroidery things to be found at yard sales. Maybe I can get my wonderful hubby to take me back out next weekend....

Angie

*Summerfield Quilts*

Opinions Please

Design Wall Today

I Put Both of My Brothers in Bags Last Night

Pay It Forward Sent

Help Get the Word Out --- Another Missing Quilt

Sewing Mishaps, Progress, and Baking

A Sewing and Smooching Day

Bee Blocks In, PIF Out, and Yoga Pose

PIF and Lots of Projects

Whining and Machine Applique

Knitting Bag Finished

Comfort Quilts Quilting Bee - FULL

Comfort Quilts Quilting Bee - FULL :-D

Scrappy Quilt Block Tutorial

Making Some Progress on WIPs

Mailbox Goodies and a Shout Out

Mailbox Surprises Today

I'm Officially Losing It

My Blogger's Choice Bundle

Under the Weather

Hexagon Needlecase Finished

Two More New Things for 2012

It's a New Year to Learn New Things

Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas

Great Quiltalong for 2012

Japanese x and + Block Swap

Christmas is Closing in Fast

I Feel So Blessed

Don't Ask a Ten Year Old....Anything

Quilting Mug Rugs and Being Optimistic

Total Breakdown

Surprise Pay It Forward AGAIN!

Ready Set Snow Table Runner

QUILT JACKING - INFO NEEDED ON MISSING QUILT

Traveling Stash Boxes x3

I Changed My Mind, Imagine That

Quilting an Ornery Alligator

Spray Basting, Maxine, and Veranda

Special Orders, Christmas Presents, and Shop Listings

Black Friday Mission

What I'm Thankful For

WIP Thanksgiving Edition

Thinking of You All

Fabric Hoarding

Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe

Quilt Progress and Cheesecake Mishap

Quilt for Christmas #1 and Goodies For Me

Recipes This Week and Finished Afghan

Veteran's Day

Mean People Really Suck

Charm Swap Finished

Like Me Please

Ghastlie Quilt Finish

Ghastlie Winner and Birthday Follower Winner

Celebrations Giveaway and Winner Announcements

Hop Hop Hop Into to Day 9 of the Ghastlies

Ghastlie Flu Discount at Summerfield Quilts and other Giveaways

Day 8 of Ghastlies Blog Hop Only 2 Days Left

Ghastlie Blog Hop Day 7

Ghastlie Blog Hop Day 6 and My Ghastlie Creations

Ghastlie Blog Hop - Day 5

Ghastlies Blog Hop - Day 4

Ghastlie Blog Hop DAY 3 & Giveaway

Ghastlie Blog Hop DAY 2

Pattern and Charm Square Pack Giveaway

Ghastlie Blog Hop....They're Here!!!!

I Hit the Jackpot

Ghastlies Blog Hop Secrets Unveiled...or not

Friday Night Sew In October 21st

Knitting Needle and Crochet Hook Rollup Complete

My Christmas Tree Pants Sewalong Progress

One Person's Junk is My New Treasure

Summerfield Quilts