Hope you have a fun and safe Halloween! This is one of the pumpkins we are going to carve. I snapped this picture when the sun was glimmering over the first frost one morning just over a week ago. The light was perfect and it would have been great to use the opportunity to snap the children, but they were at school so the pumpkin has to stand in :o)

Until next time...
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Another Vintage Finish
It's been a good month for finishes. Yet another vintage sheet quilt is complete. This time one for the youngest daughter, affectionately known as DD2. It is a simple quilt of squares. You might remember it from here. Vintage sheets are so pretty that I feel they need very little to make them look good.

The quilting was straight lines 1/4" on each side of the seam and it was a very quick means of holding it together.




I love how it turned out and I hope DD2 enjoys several years cuddling under it!
Until next time...
The quilting was straight lines 1/4" on each side of the seam and it was a very quick means of holding it together.
I love how it turned out and I hope DD2 enjoys several years cuddling under it!
Until next time...
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
One of those days...
Yesterday was one of those days..you know the kind...the kind where by 9 p.m. you've had enough and it is simpler to go to bed and try again in 10 hours. It all started when I noticed a little drip drip coming from the bottom of my car...an oily drip drip to be precise. The DH being knowledgeable about such things suggested that it might be worth taking it to the garage just to see if it could be fixed. By late afternoon the garage had called, we could pick up my car, it was a simple repair..happy days! Now I have a bit of an unspoken agreement with my DH...when my car gets fixed, he drives it home, while I drive his home and then when we arrive he gives me the all clear..the "yes dear, the car is fine, drives lovely...you'll be safe" kind of conversation. My husband left the garage first and after I got myself turned around I was heading home too. Imagine my surprise when I came upon my DH shivering on the side of the road with my car broken down....obviously something wasn't right, but my husband the sweet, sweet man that he is, said.."go home dear, I'll take care of everything and see the car back to the garage." My DH rarely brings me flowers (mainly because they make him sneeze) but when it comes to the cars he is Mr. Romantic...well as romantic as it can be and sees to the cars and that I have one that is safe to drive... :o)
The good news is that the garage rescued my DH, saw he had a means of getting home and fixed my car...again. I got it back this morning and upon my return from collecting the car this large box was there waiting for me... :o) From yesterday when it seemed that we'd be faced with the possible doom and gloom of car repairs to today when all was fixed and I had a lovely box to open.

As soon as I saw the box I knew what it was. I was the winner of the Fall-o-ween Blog Hop...and this was the prize.

I just have to say a HUGE thank you to all the designers that contributed to the Blog Hop and for all the goodies in the box.
Gudrun ~ GE Designs
Sandy ~ Pieces From My Heart
Roseann ~ Rosebud's Cottage
Kari ~ New Leaf Stitches
Terry ~ Terry Atkinson Designs
Heather ~ Anka's Treasures (Trends and Traditions)
Terri ~ Whimsical Threads
Carrie ~ La Vie en Rosie
Linda ~ Linda Lum DeBono Designs
Pat ~ Pat Sloan's Designs
It may be pouring rain outside, but my car is back and I have all these lovely goodies to look at.
Thank you soooooo much!!!!

Until next time...
The good news is that the garage rescued my DH, saw he had a means of getting home and fixed my car...again. I got it back this morning and upon my return from collecting the car this large box was there waiting for me... :o) From yesterday when it seemed that we'd be faced with the possible doom and gloom of car repairs to today when all was fixed and I had a lovely box to open.

As soon as I saw the box I knew what it was. I was the winner of the Fall-o-ween Blog Hop...and this was the prize.

I just have to say a HUGE thank you to all the designers that contributed to the Blog Hop and for all the goodies in the box.
Gudrun ~ GE Designs
Sandy ~ Pieces From My Heart
Roseann ~ Rosebud's Cottage
Kari ~ New Leaf Stitches
Terry ~ Terry Atkinson Designs
Heather ~ Anka's Treasures (Trends and Traditions)
Terri ~ Whimsical Threads
Carrie ~ La Vie en Rosie
Linda ~ Linda Lum DeBono Designs
Pat ~ Pat Sloan's Designs
It may be pouring rain outside, but my car is back and I have all these lovely goodies to look at.
Thank you soooooo much!!!!

Until next time...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Zig-zag fun...
I've been getting a few quilts finished around here...ok truth is, I've also started a few too! so the list isn't getting any shorter! :o)
This week I managed to finally finish the quilting on this zig zag quilt for Project Linus. I used this tutorial from Crazy Mom Quilts. It was so much fun to put together and made a really cheery quilt.

I machine quilted it in bright green thread echoing the zigs and zags by a 1/4" on each side of the seams.

I couldn't stop at one...so I made another using vintage sheets. This is the same technique, but slightly different dimensions. You might recall me hand quilting this back here. This one is for DD1 and I barely got it washed when it was pressed into service. Like so many, DD1 came down with a cold this week and had the best cure in the form of a new quilt to curl under with a good book and some tissues!

Until next time...
This week I managed to finally finish the quilting on this zig zag quilt for Project Linus. I used this tutorial from Crazy Mom Quilts. It was so much fun to put together and made a really cheery quilt.
I machine quilted it in bright green thread echoing the zigs and zags by a 1/4" on each side of the seams.
I couldn't stop at one...so I made another using vintage sheets. This is the same technique, but slightly different dimensions. You might recall me hand quilting this back here. This one is for DD1 and I barely got it washed when it was pressed into service. Like so many, DD1 came down with a cold this week and had the best cure in the form of a new quilt to curl under with a good book and some tissues!
Until next time...
Labels:
links to tutorials,
project linus,
quilt
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wordless Wednesday - Spider
Be forewarned this is an up-close and personal picture of a spider..but just too good not to share. It is the same spider shown in this post..just taken with a different camera (Fujifilm F30 on macro setting - the flower setting)

Until next time...
Until next time...
Friday, October 15, 2010
Getting back to basics...
You've heard me mention my evening sewing group before that Lynda and I attend once every 2 months and the challenges that we've tried before in an attempt to improve our quilting skills. Well after a bit of a wobbly start in 2010, we decided that our new challenge over the next 2 years would be to work our way through some of the blocks in the Lynne Edwards' New Sampler Quilt Book
In case you aren't familiar with Lynne's book, the suggested method of assembly is to quilt-as-you-go. I could make this quilt in the traditional manner, but as this is an exercise of trying new things and working outside my comfort zone I will be following Lynne's advice to the letter. Something that is very hard for me to do considering that I like to change and modify things on a regular basis.
We started our journey with the Delectable Mountains block. I have to admit this is one of my least favourite quilt blocks, but I'm rather pleased with the results. I have decided to do a mixture of machine and hand quilting so in the next few week I will add some quilting to this block in the open areas.
The second block was 3D flying geese. I have used this method before for 3D bow ties and was really impressed with how easy it was to put this block together.
Can you see the little pocket? Just the place to tuck in a secret note.
And just to make things even more productive...I've decided to make 2 blocks each time we meet...the second set will be made in homespun fabrics. I think it will be really interesting to see how different these 2 quilts will look once they are done.
Until next time...
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Some pictures for Almost Wordless Wednesday...
This past weekend, the DH and I.... ok mostly the DH... trimmed the hedges in the garden. We had beautiful weather and it was the perfect opportunity to give the garden a final once over before the weather takes a turn. One thing we weren't expecting to see was the massive amounts of ladybirds on the branches. Now anyone that has a 7 year old will know that these little creatures are to be saved and managed at all costs....so with that in mind my DD2 "rescued" over 100 ladybirds from the branches set for the tip and moved them one by one to the sunflower. I, of course, saw this as a photo opportunity!

The DD2 was quite happy to have several ladybirds crawling around her arms...that was until one flipped over and she let out a blood-curdling scream. Seems she can handle it fine when they are "cute", but as soon as she saw the legs and the black underbelly they suddenly reverted back to being BUGS! LOL

Lastly I wanted to share a pic I grabbed during the week..It is of a spider and her web..just so you are warned, but I love the way the sun made the web twinkle after a rain shower. I must be mad as I was going about my business when my brain put 2 and 2 together and realized that the rain plus the sun would make for pretty pictures. I dropped everything and ran for the garden. I'm glad I did as I love this picture...spider and all!

Until next time...
The DD2 was quite happy to have several ladybirds crawling around her arms...that was until one flipped over and she let out a blood-curdling scream. Seems she can handle it fine when they are "cute", but as soon as she saw the legs and the black underbelly they suddenly reverted back to being BUGS! LOL
Lastly I wanted to share a pic I grabbed during the week..It is of a spider and her web..just so you are warned, but I love the way the sun made the web twinkle after a rain shower. I must be mad as I was going about my business when my brain put 2 and 2 together and realized that the rain plus the sun would make for pretty pictures. I dropped everything and ran for the garden. I'm glad I did as I love this picture...spider and all!
Until next time...
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Ideas for scraps...Part 2
I could make 36 blocks and put them in a straight set (6 by 6) Let's call this Quilt A

Again 36 blocks (6 by 6) but alternating the rotation... Let's call this Quilt B

On-point Let's call this Quilt C

On-Point with a Twist Let's call this Quilt D

Again 36 blocks (6 by 6) but alternating the rotation... Let's call this Quilt B
On-point Let's call this Quilt C
On-Point with a Twist Let's call this Quilt D
Amazing how many variations you can get with one block...so come on, which is your favourite?
Until next time...
Monday, October 04, 2010
Ideas for scraps...Part 1
I wanted to share with you a few ideas about what I think makes a good scrap quilt and also the method I use for storing my scraps. Many of you are already familiar with Bonnie's Scrap System, but it is so good that I thought it was worth mentioning again. By cutting your fabric down into manageable sizes you can then start to piece them together into quilts. Anything that is too small to fit into one of the boxes is classed as a crumb and anything too large for the system is called yardage :o)
The trick to a good scrap quilt is that you need to give the eye of the viewer a resting place. What do I mean by that?..well if a quilt is just a sea of random colours and shapes it can appear messy. So I like to use a common element to give the eye a place to rest. Sometimes this is with colour..For example I might make all my crumb blocks the same colour as seen in these 2 quilts. Or maybe I'll use the same fabric throughout for the sashing like in this one. Another example would be to use value (light and dark) as a theme as I did here. And lastly you could use shape as I did in these two quilts for Project Linus. By giving your scrap quilt a "theme" you are bringing all these variations in colour together thus creating something of beauty that has sparkle.
A few days ago I told you about the bag of scraps Lynda gave me. Although I teased that she was "burdening" me with them, I'm actually quite excited with the ideas that I've come up with. So Lynda, thank you for the inspiration :o) She's given me a chance to make some lovely cuddly quilts for Linus. Here is one of the ideas that I plan to try.
As some of the scraps are full widths, Lynda suggested that I sew the strips together in a colour family or graduating through the colours of the rainbow. But somehow that seems a bit plain, so I'm going to applique some flowers and vines over the top. The idea isn't new and I've seen variations on the internet both with vines and without. I took a bit of time yesterday morning (while it poured with rain) to draft my own version in EQ7. If you too want a copy of my flower shape to use in your own personal quilts you can find a copy of a PDF with the flower and the leaf. Just enlarge or reduce on a photocopier for bigger and smaller sizes.
The end result should be quite pretty...
Until next time... when I'll share my second idea.
As some of the scraps are full widths, Lynda suggested that I sew the strips together in a colour family or graduating through the colours of the rainbow. But somehow that seems a bit plain, so I'm going to applique some flowers and vines over the top. The idea isn't new and I've seen variations on the internet both with vines and without. I took a bit of time yesterday morning (while it poured with rain) to draft my own version in EQ7. If you too want a copy of my flower shape to use in your own personal quilts you can find a copy of a PDF with the flower and the leaf. Just enlarge or reduce on a photocopier for bigger and smaller sizes.
The end result should be quite pretty...
Until next time... when I'll share my second idea.
Labels:
fabric,
links to tutorials,
project linus,
quilt,
tutorial
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Go! Baby Go!
AccuQuilt’s Baby is Here! or Say Hello to GO! Baby™
AccuQuilt’s new arrival brings you a NEW way to GO! The AccuQuilt GO! Baby™ Fabric Cutter is an extension of the GO!® family of products and is an ultra-portable, affordable and adorable fabric cutter for quilters and fabric crafters. The GO! Baby Fabric Cutter has the same cutting performance as the original GO! Fabric Cutter and is just as safe, accurate and fast. At only $139 USD, and with a more compact design, the GO! Baby is perfect for the beginner and occasional quilter. The GO! Baby is compatible with all GO! dies except for 10" x 10" and 10" x 24" dies.
Key features and benefits:
- Consistent, accurate cuts—up to 6 layers at a time
- 90% faster than traditional cutting
- Lightweight—only 8 pounds
- Create perfect appliqué in the turn of a handle
- Reduce fabric waste
- No cut fingers or sore backs
- Create endless design options
- Minimal space needed for storage
- Portable—no electricity or batteries needed
10 New GO! Dies
GO! Baby™ is bringing with it ten new die designs featuring many of our most requested dies such as a smaller tumbler, a cat and a dog. Also available are multiple appliqué flowers and three sizes of equilateral triangles that correspond with the current hexagon die. In addition, a new 2 1/2" strip cutter, has been designed to fit the GO! Baby's smaller size. All dies are compatible with both the GO!® and GO! Baby™ fabric cutters.
Until next time...
Saturday, October 02, 2010
And now back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Phew that was fun all those giveaways..bit like buses though and all came at once! LOL
Now...to get back to the business of quilting and fabric. I wanted to share with you a very rare picture...

Do you see that...an EMPTY scrap box!! I never thought I'd see the day! But when you make 64 5" crumb blocks the box eventually empties...or does it?

Well..I'm not being entirely truthful..yes the scrap box is empty, but the scraps are now on the sewing desk ready to be sewn into more crumb blocks. So the end result will be an empty box. I am determined to sew every last crumb into a block.

Sounds good right?

All was going according to plan...and then dum dum daaaa..I saw Lynda on Tuesday.
Lynda had a carrier bag full of scraps given to her for Project Linus and she just happened to tip them out and show me all the pretty fabrics..many of which are full widths...and then the brain kicked in and the thoughts of what to do started swirling around.
A bit like a homeless kitten, I had to take the scraps..I have a least one quilt if not two planned for these.

Don't worry I plan to share my step-by-step progress..you're going to love these!
Now before I go, I have something quite fun to share.

Fancy Moon Fabrics have set up a discount code for all Sew Create It readers. The code is 'create' (all lowercase without the inverted commas).
Please type this code into the voucher code box on the check-out page of their shop to receive 10% discount on all purchases between now and the end of November.
Until next time...
Now...to get back to the business of quilting and fabric. I wanted to share with you a very rare picture...
Do you see that...an EMPTY scrap box!! I never thought I'd see the day! But when you make 64 5" crumb blocks the box eventually empties...or does it?
Well..I'm not being entirely truthful..yes the scrap box is empty, but the scraps are now on the sewing desk ready to be sewn into more crumb blocks. So the end result will be an empty box. I am determined to sew every last crumb into a block.
Sounds good right?
All was going according to plan...and then dum dum daaaa..I saw Lynda on Tuesday.
Lynda had a carrier bag full of scraps given to her for Project Linus and she just happened to tip them out and show me all the pretty fabrics..many of which are full widths...and then the brain kicked in and the thoughts of what to do started swirling around.
A bit like a homeless kitten, I had to take the scraps..I have a least one quilt if not two planned for these.
Don't worry I plan to share my step-by-step progress..you're going to love these!
Now before I go, I have something quite fun to share.
Fancy Moon Fabrics have set up a discount code for all Sew Create It readers. The code is 'create' (all lowercase without the inverted commas).
Please type this code into the voucher code box on the check-out page of their shop to receive 10% discount on all purchases between now and the end of November.
Until next time...
Labels:
fabric,
project linus,
quilt
Friday, October 01, 2010
And the winner is....
Many thanks to everyone that played and many thanks to DK Publishing for sponsoring this giveaway.
Until next time...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
