Back from Retreat (Photo Heavy)

Well, I have been back since Sunday night, but have been completely exhausted from having such a great time! We are already talking about doing it again in the Spring. :)

Is all of this really necessary? Well, the answer is "Yes, absolutely!" You can't even see my luggage which is behind my machine, under the bedding. Some of those bags contain a single project. I took five UFOs to work on, but only managed to work on four of them. Didn't actually finish any, but at least they are closer to completion.

It didn't take long to settle in, but I'll admit making the bed on the top bunk on the right wasn't as easy as I would have liked. Cute rooms, huh. They were so rustic looking and cozy, but everything was very modern and clean!

Then it was all about the quilting... okay, maybe a little about the socializing. We had a great big room to work with so we really spread out....

Doesn't that look like fun? That first night, I didn't sleep well... defective mattress that I would swear was made of nothing but rusty metal. So, I got to move to different bunk the second day and oh, it was so much better! And don't you think my Jelly Maker's Cabin quilt looked perfect in that setting? And here are some of the great things that just a few of the ladies worked on....

This is truly just the tip of the iceberg of what wonderful things were accomplished. What did "I" do? Well, I'm out of time at the moment, but I'll post my stuff next time.

QOYO #3 and Bonus QOYO

Okay, one more post before I finish packing up. Here is my third QOYO block. It is supposed to be Chinese Coin but I changed it to make it more my own. I also have a "bonus" block too. It is really just a block made from scraps from my 2nd block.

Kudos for Melinda!

Christmas is coming and you will have to check out her first published work in McCalls Quilting. She is so creative and talented and sweet. She is a blessing to all who know her and she is a huge inspiration to me. Take a sneak peek at her work... "Snacks With Santa". She doesn't have a blog yet, so feel free to post here for her.

In response to Linda's question... Melinda is a member of the quilt guild I belong to. She is pictured in a post below, holding the precious animal quilt. I have a feeling we will be seeing her name more and more in the quilt world.

Guess what I got???

Yes, I have a camera now! Very reasonably priced! I've only taken a few pictures so far... but this looks good to me....

Letha's Electric Fan block for our guild's BOM.

Now, I need to see what all I need to take pictures of... I feel like a kid in a candy store. It is all I can do not to wake up the kids so they can pose for me. LOL!

The best part is that I found it on the Wal-mart website with all good reviews and it had what I wanted, which wasn't very much. Then Rose posted that website with reviews, where I found that it was less expensive (than what I already thought was reasonable) at Best Buy. They were all out there and so I got the floor model with a discount! I thank God that the price just kept going down and down!

So, now I'm even more excited about the retreat this weekend as I can take pics to share with all of you!

Oh, and the camera I picked... HP Photosmart M537, 6 MP with anti-shake mode.

Church was nice. Saw two friends that I hadn't seen in months! Both of them are two of my favorite people. Started on my sister's placemats, but didn't get too far as I spent too much time visiting. Dinner was good, but we didn't have our class tonight as the materials haven't come in yet. But that is when we went to Best Buy, so it all worked out just fine.

Time to go quilt now and take more pics to share. ;-)

Happy Hump Day!

I'm so glad it is Wednesday. I usually go to the church on Wednesday to do a bit of quilting. After that we'll have WNA (Wednesday Night Alive). It is the first one for the Fall season. Hailey will have Youth Club consisting of Bible Study, Choir, Crafts and recreation. Gentry will have Cherub Choir and play time. Rene' and I are taking a class on Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace. We also have dinner at the church, so I love not having to decide on what to cook. The fellowship is wonderful also. Each night has a theme and this week's is "School Spirit" and the kids wear their school shirts or colors. It's a full day, but oh so great!

The Autumn SS is basted now. And last night I made the Letha's Electric Fan block. Gotta tell ya, not so fun! I'm glad I did it, but I don't think I'll ever be doing it again. Picture coming soon. I haven't decided what to work on at the church. Probably the 2nd bonus QOYO block. And either my sister's placemats or another Angel Hug quilt. (24" quilts used to present the babies that didn't make it to their mothers. Sometimes they are buried with them, other times it gives the mom something to take home.)

I'm bored with my blog look, so don't be surprised if it changes several times over the next couple of weeks. Just need to find the right fit.

Thank you all so much for sharing your camera info with me. I think I have an idea of one I want. Perhaps I might get one today... you all will be the first to know.

I'm subscribed to Joel Osteen's daily scripture and I really liked the one for today...
"For I know the plans I have for you,”declares the Lord”, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). That really speaks to me today.

Quick Question...

I really need to have my own digital camera! I would love to know what all of you use. Please tell me the brand/model, if it has the anti-shake feature, and how many MPs. I went looking and felt so overwhelmed. I know there have to be some decent cameras with a reasonable price. Please help!!!!!

Great Job, Hailey & Gentry

My smart girl just had her first two tests in school today. She got 100% on both! I'm taking that as a good sign. And Gentry has his first test tomorrow with me.... in math. And oh, I was so pleased today when we were working on his reading, which he swore he didn't want to learn how to do! He has changed his mind and couldn't wait to start on it today! He did really well and even commented on how "easy" and "fast" he read his pages. I love it when God blesses the children, and myself, with good school days!

This weekend I finished the 3rd QOYO block, my version of it anyway. I made a bonus block from scraps of the 2nd block and am half way through another bonus block from scraps of the 1st block. That wasn't confusing was it? I'll see if my friend will take some pics and I'll post them for you.

Also went shopping yesterday and got new jammies for the retreat next weekend. I'm so excited and can't wait to go!!!!! Now, if only I can make a decision as to what UFO's to bring... hmm.

I also got some great mail last week. A package from Batik's Plus. Wow, they really know how to package orders, very impressive. I won't tell you about it though, as I really think you should "see" it.

And finally, a bit more wonderful news. My patterns are now being sold in 10 states! Hubby got me a map so I can put pins in each location. Isn't that sweet? I'm thinking of a promotional idea... maybe if someone helps a LQS in their state place an order, I'll send them a free pattern? I really would love to have at least one store in all 50 states, but I would be thrilled with 25! What do you think? Next time I'll post the 10 states, but for now I have a block that I really must work on. I know some of you are familiar with it... Letha's Electric Fan. I found the perfect colors for it... I think.

I hope your week is off to a great start. Oh, and I have an inspirational though to share before I sign off...
"Find what you are passionate about and use it to bless others."

Animals & Autumn

This is a quilt that our guild made from our September BOM. We each make a block and then it is put together for a charity quilt. This one was made for the Humane Society. Isn't it fun! We had to make a cat or dog block and use bright colors and at least one polka dot fabric. My block is the 4th one on the top row, yellow cat with big green bow. I wish you could see all of the great details our creative members put into it. Oh, and take notice of the pretty lady holding the quilt... she's being published in McCall's Special Christmas Issue , coming out in October. I'll keep you posted...

I finished the top for my sister's Autumn Sassy Sixteen. It's a demo for her store. You can't see the fabric details very well here, I'll try to get some more pics soon. She is going to put together some kits. I just love Autumn and the colors. I can hardly wait until the first day of Fall, September 23, and I will pull out all of my decorations, maybe even buy some more, and make the whole house look like a harvest festival. Okay, well, I might not really do it then, as I'll be coming home from the UFO retreat. I'm sure I'll be worn out from all that I hope I'll get done and the fun and laughter with all the ladies. So, maybe it'll be on Monday.

Gentry and I are really getting in the swing of things of our home-schooling routine. I had forgotten how much easier it can be with only one child. School seems to be going well for Hailey also, which is a relief. It still isn't great, but apparently you can't expect very much from the schools in this area. Really is a shame! Which leads me in search of states where public education is a good thing instead of a blemish. Also, I've been told that the majority of private schools aren't really any better, teaching exactly the same limited curriculum. Very, very disappointing! So, do you know what the top 10 states are for public schools? Feel free to let me know. I could definitely see us moving over this issue alone! Enough of that for now...

I have still been cutting up a storm. Tonight I hope to work on cutting the blocks for the next guild's BOM. It is all template stuff, which isn't really a strong attribute for me. The sooner I get it done, the sooner I can stop brooding over it. LOL!

Blessing in Abundance...

Did you have a good holiday weekend? I did and feel very blessed. Actually, all of last week was wonderful. My new pattern is doing very well. I need to post a list of online stores that are carrying it. Maybe not tonight, but tomorrow for sure. A friend of mine pointed out that the first prize on the prize list for the Mall Crawl is a "Sassy Sixteen" kit. It is a little odd to see something you put so much into popping in places you don't expect.

Which brings me to the name of my company... Divine Inspirations. I've been asked about the name and the answer is very simple. I want to honor God in everything I do. And the designs for both patterns came to me in such an amazingly fast way, like lightning striking (but in a good way) that I know without a doubt that He is the one who really deserves the credit. So, that is why I named the business Divine Inspirations.

I also felt blessed today with the Labor Day sales! Went to Hancock's and every single item I got was 50% off! One of the items I acquired was the Clover Bias Tape Maker. I hope it works well as I have needed to put some vines on a quilt forever.

Here is the second block in the "Quilt of Your Own" (QOYO) series.... sort of. I changed it quite a bit from it's original "Roman Stripe" pattern. I didn't want to make so many little squares, so I made them larger. And I didn't want to waste so much of the white fabric, so I just cut squares in half on the diagonal. Made long stripes and cut the triangles from those. I did have some leftover scraps from the stripes and will make a different block from those.

I'm obsessed with cutting right now. I cut the pieces for the next QOYO block. I'm working on the templates for the next BOM for the guild. I started cutting the FQs for my step-mom's next quilt. And tonight I'm going to cut some FQs for a demo for my sister's store. If time allows, I might even cut squares for some tessellated placemats. Cut, cut, cut, cut, cut.....

Little tote bag...

I made this earlier this summer. It is from the Quiltsmart pattern and is so easy, just two FQs and you are set to go...

I finished a BOM for our guild this week. I was actually turning it in late. It is called Star Spangled I think and is filled with those set-in seams... not a favorite of mine. But it turned out pretty well and now I can start thinking about the next one... Letha's Electric Fan. I'm having trouble deciding what fabrics to use.

I got a big box of fabric from my sister's store yesterday. :) It was mostly filled with Autumn fabrics. I'm going to make a "Sassy Sixteen" with them as a demo for her store. I hope to start working on it today.

However, first I need to add some leaves "appearing in a random fashion" to my Raspberry Tea in Tuscany quilt. Only three of them, all different.

I also wanted to start working on my third Quilt of Your Own block, however, I'm thinking of changing it around so my brain still needs to work a bit on that one.

I also want to start working on my step-mom's next quilt. It has a lot of Asian prints and I'm looking forward to it!

Oh, so many quilts, so little time....

A Quilt Of Your Own

A good friend of mine has challenged our guild members and I'd like to pass it on to all of you. We are to make a "quilt of your own", and you can't buy any fabrics to do it. Each month she'll give us a new block to do. We have only done two months so far, so you have plenty of time to catch up. The first one is Patience Corners. I changed the fabric placement a bit on mine, but it is a quilt "of my own" so I can do what I want with it. I encourage any of you who want to give it a try to do the same. But definitely make it "all about you".

SIL

Look at my gorgeous sister-in-law! We got this magazine from Northern CA in the mail a week or so ago. And right there on the back cover for this jewelry store ad was Jenai. The best part about her... she is even more beautiful on the inside.

The Jelly Maker's Cabin

Well it's official, my second pattern, "The Jelly Maker's Cabin" is now available. Several stores have already placed orders and I'll post a list of them soon. You can always get it directly from me though. The top is made entirely from 2 1/2" strips and goes together so quickly! I have to take a moment to thank my testers, couldn't have done it without you! While I think the color scheme I've used for the demo is perfect for the title and pattern, I can't help but wonder how lovely it might be in some light, romantic pastels...

Pay It Forward...

Okay, I'm ready to "Pay It Forward". I've been blessed by so much lately that I feel the need to bless others as well. Inspired from Jane's blog... http://piecefuljane.blogspot.com/ .

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I have no idea what this gift will be, but I promise to my heart and mind into it and that it will be done within a year's time... probably a lot less, but let's give myself some extra time just in case.

The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. It is that simple, you just pay it forward to three more people. So if anyone is interested and wants to join in feel free. It is always fun to receive and even more fun to give, so don't make me wait too long... join in the fun!

Happy Feet

Gentry wanted a penguin quilt for his birthday because he loves Happy Feet. I had a terrible time finding a cute penguin fabric. Finally found the dancing penguins on blue fabric at the AQS show in Paducah, but it was part of a pillowcase kit along with the red and the black/white striped. So, I got two kits. Then I found an applique pattern of the dancing penguins, it was very "folk art" looking with earthy tones, felt and button hole stitches, but they were dancing so I knew I could use it. I decided to do the watercolor technique for the water, ice, mountains and sky. And the bow tie blocks were a must because I kept thinking... penguins... tuxedos. I added snowflake buttons and then some penguin buttons on mountain in the background. He loved it. I'm so glad as it was a bit of work.

Gentry's Birthday

Another month gone by again? How does that happen? I guess we all get busy though don't we? I have lots to share though... I promise to post each day until I'm all caught up!

First of all, my sweet little man turned 6! Here are his birthday pics...

Wow, when did he get so big?

Well, since my babies are growing so fast we considered getting a puppy... something little that wouldn't get very big, unlike my children. We had an opportunity to have the most beautiful Chihuahua I've ever seen, we all fell madly in love with her. Next thing you know, my face is swollen up like a balloon, my eyes just slits. So, no puppy and we were all heartbroken. We already knew cats were not an option, both Hailey and I are allergic. But the dog allergy was a new one!

Okay, next post will have some quilty pics, I promise!

Over A Month???

Oh my, I had no idea that it had been so long since I posted last! Where does the time go? All is well here, but very busy as usual.

The end of June, we went to Roanoke, Virginia for a family reunion. It was a great time. Nice to see those that I haven't seen in the last two years. The area was gorgeous. We went to the Dixie Caverns in Salem. And hubby played golf on a course with a hole that is actually a Par 6! Two of the area quilt stores are now carrying my pattern, which was also exciting. The weather there was great! I would love to visit again.

So far in July, I've been busy with all sorts of quilty stuff. I'm on the board of the guild now in charge of programs and trying to adjust to the work involved. I'm also on the retreat committee for next year's retreat. So, I'm really trying to adjust to my "new hats". I've come up with some fun ideas that I'll share with you all later. But I'm always open to suggestions from all of you creative ladies and gents.

I bought a new sewing machine while getting my other one fixed, which it is fixed now thank God. I got a Janome Sew Mini from the Hancock's. It is not a bad little machine. Perfect for just getting your piecing done and has a great stitch. It is also so light that I just pop it into a little tote and sling it over my shoulder like a purse. It is actually much lighter than my purse. So, it is perfect for taking back and forth to classes and sewing groups.

In addition to the typical BOM guild blocks, I've been busy with Gentry's quilt and the one for my next pattern... I'll call it JMC for now. I have finished the top and will hopefully get it basted soon. I want to the pattern to be available before the end of August. As for Gentry's... well, I'm not nearly as far along as I should be. Shame on me! But that is the only thing I'm going to work on tonight, tomorrow and the weekend. I also made a little purse/tote/bag from a Quiltsmart pattern. It was very easy and turned out well. I'll try to get some pictures soon.

Finally, I'm in Harry Potter land now that the 7th book is out. I had the hubby go out at 11:30 at night last weekend to be there when it went on sale at Midnight. Yes, I admit I was bad and woke him up. I am reading it very slowly, savoring each and every word. I'll be sad when it ends. But we probably still have more movies to look forward to. I haven't seen the one that is out now. We usually wait until they come out on DVD.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Birthday????

Was it really my birthday yesterday or did I just imagine it? My parents forgot it was my birthday, imagine their surprise when my 5 year old, Gentry informed them. I also did not receive even one telephone call from anyone in my family or my husband's. Thank God for my wonderful quilty friends that still make me feel loved.

I do have good productive news though! I finished the Challenge blocks and they are on their way to the wonderful host to be sorted and sent out. The challenge was based on women's issues and each person picked their own issue, a block that could be associated with that issue and then a preferred fabric that would be used in all blocks that would come back to you. So, my issue was "Woman in Christ" and I picked a cross block. I picked a beige print to send out to everyone for them to make my blocks. As you can see from the picture, the fabrics I received from all the other ladies led to very different results. Which one do you like best???

A few more updates on my pattern... It is now in the Product Spotlight at the QuiltIndex, thanks to the "Always Open Quilt Shop" and can also be found listed in their newsletter. I hear the kits for it are flying off the shelves at the "Lazy Mazy Quilt Shop" and the variety of options is growing. Several other stores have purchased it as well and I'll be sure to provide a link as soon as the patterns are posted.

Do you like kits???

Well, if you do, you will love the Lazy Mazy Quilt Shop! They are the newest carrier of Sassy Sixteen and she has taken all of the guess work out for you by providing the FQs, binding fabric and pattern all together! Oh, and she also has the most amazing Kaleidoscope kits! They do all the fussy cutting for you!!! You must check it out!

On a personal note... still haven't finished those last three challenge blocks... shame on me. :(

My Little Grad...

Gentry graduated from Kindergarten last month. He was very proud of himself. Being that we homeschool, we took him to an outdoor stage in a park for the little celebration. Then he got to choose where to go for dinner... IHOP. LOL!

Hello, Monday

I am hopeful for another great week. Last week was wonderful on all counts. I cannot believe how much I was able to accomplish while my children were at VBS. It was amazing! Their end program was so adorable. I wish I had pictures! The theme was Sonforce Agents, so they became very secret agent like with thumbprints taken for imaginary scans, dark sunglasses, etc. They had a great time! They might go to another church for VBS this week. So, maybe I'll be really productive again!

I have 8 of those WI Challenge blocks done! I really hope to finish the remaining 3 tonight and then I can stop thinking about them and really focus on Gentry's birthday quilt. It is a penguin quilt for my happy footed child.

I want to take a moment to acknowledge the online stores that currently have my pattern available. I have started a list on the sidebar, but want to take a moment to tell you about each place. First of all, Always Open Quilt Shop, is so precious! If you haven't been there, be sure to visit. The owner, Denise, is such a dear sweet lady! Next, on the list is C & G Crafts. A great place to shop for all sorts of crafts, from needlework to painting to scrapbooking. Oh, and "C" is for my sister, Cathie. She has just opened a "brick and mortar" store in addition to her web store. I'm so proud of her! Take a moment to visit these sites whether you are interested in my pattern or not, you won't regret it!

I wish you all a glorious start to your week! God bless!

When it rains, it POURS!

No, I'm not talking about actual rain. God knows we really need that! I am talking about my pattern! Everyday since Saturday a store has purchased my pattern. I'm going to work on a list of the online carriers to have here on the sidebar. What has surprised me the most is that all three LQS wanted it! My hope was one, but three, talk about blessed!

My initial draft of my second pattern should be finished by the end of the weekend. Then it off to the pattern testers. My goal is for it to be available by the end of the Summer, but it could be much sooner. It is a great pattern for the Fall season though.

I worked on my UR block last night. We are doing the Crossroads block this time. Simple but nice. I also worked on a Challenge block. I can't wait until those are all done so I can post a picture.

I've decided I need a new machine. Mine was used when I got it and that was nearly 12 years ago. I had it serviced, but didn't seem to help much, it at all. I want another Pfaff, went to the store, checked out prices. I don't know how I'll ever be able to get one! But, I am definitely going to start saving my pennies now. If I sell about 475 patterns and there are no family emergencies, I might just be able to get one. LOL!

More Good News

Got a call yesterday afternoon from a different LQS. They bought 10 patterns right away. This has all gone amazingly well. I give praise to God for blessing me so far. There is one more LQS to check with this next week and then I'll focus on the online stores.


However, if any of you want a pattern in the meantime, just send me your email address. I'll send you an invoice from Paypal for $10.50 ($8.00 for the pattern and $2.50 S&H). And here is another picture of my "Sassy Sixteen". I call it "Midnight in the Garden."


Well, I have completed 4 out of 11 of my challenge blocks. I have until the end of the month to finish them. Once I have them all done, I'll get a picture for you so you can see how different they all are using the same pattern.

I have finally started working on Gentry's quilt... cutting lots of 2 1/2" squares.

I have also spent a great deal of time working on my new pattern! Found one little bump in the road, but I think I have it all ironed out. Stayed up late last night working on graphics for it. I hope to start sewing on it this week, but I really want the written pattern done first so I can check it as I go.

And finally, at some point today, I'll have to work on my Underground Railroad blocks. The class meets next Saturday and I haven't started on it yet.

Good News

Just a quick post tonight. Good news, one of the LQS is carrying my pattern now. They bought six copies today. I might try to make up a quilt for them if I can find the time. Bought my jelly roll for my new pattern, can't wait to work on that. But I still have to finish my challenge blocks, only have 2 of the 11 done. Gentry also keeps asking about how I'm doing on his quilt, which is still on paper. Maybe I'll have time tomorrow to get a lot of sewing done.

Hailey's 9th Quilt

Here are some pictures of Hailey with her latest birthday quilt. She looks so little in comparison to it. I'll try to get a picture of it full and flat later on. The top is identical to the bottom with the 9 fan blade blocks in the middle.

Spent a great deal of time last night working on a new pattern. This one is for those sweet jelly rolls. Sadly, I have yet to purchase any. I guess I'll have to do that for research. ;-)

I am starting this holiday season off with a quilty day. Or at least that is my plan. We'll see how well my family cooperates.

My first job is to make a couple of blocks for my the challenge quilt. It is a Women's Issues Challenge Quilt.

After that I have to start cutting 2 1/2" squares for Gentry's quilt. I need Somewhere between 330 and 400. I bought all of the fabric for it last night. At least, I think I did.

If time allows, I'd like to make a computer mock up of that new pattern I was sketching out last night.

Long time, no see...

Yes, I'm referring to myself. Sorry for being gone so long. I could offer all the reasons for my delay in posting, but no reason to bore you or bother you with issues already resolved. So, let's just say I'm back again. :)

I finished my daughter's quilt just in time for her birthday in April. I'll post a pic next time.

I also finished my quilt and have the pattern ready for sell. I've sold several patterns the last few days and am excited that someone would appreciate my work. Here is a picture...

It is called Sassy Sixteen. It is 54" x 66" and is made from 16 FQs. I'm taking orders by receiving email addresses and then sending invoices/receiving payment through Paypal. I will eventually send the pattern to online vendors and/or have my own site. But until then this will have to do. I'm taking the pattern to the LQS this weekend...wish me luck!

Now, I'm working on blocks for a Women's Issues Challenge Quilt. I'm also getting started on my son's bday quilt. Too many quilts, so little time. LOL!

Finally, I need to update my UFO list...

UFOs 2007

Needs to be quilted and bound...

• Twisted Sisters Quilt
• Rejoice Quilt
• Sampler of Psalms Quilt
• Jacob's Ladder Quilt
• Katydid Mystery Quilt
• Raspberry Tea in Tuscany Quilt
  

Needs to be pieced, quilted and bound...

• Autumn wall-hanging
• Jack-o'-lantern wall-hanging
• Christmas Quilt 1
• Christmas Quilt 2
• Charm Quilt
• Autumn Sampler Quilt
• Mystery #122A Quilt
• Mystery #122B Quilt
• Christmas Greetings Table Runner
• Retreat Swap Christmas Quilt
• Judy's Quilt
• Ostrich Challenge Quilt
• Hailey's Round Robin Quilt

I'm Back!

Wow, what a roller coaster it has been around here lately! A week and a half before Christmas, our car and computer died on the same day... before noon! What a way to start the day. Well, we managed to get a new car, thank God. And the computer is working now... sort of. We need a new hard-drive as this one will crash again soon. Just hoping it will hold off until we can buy a new computer.

We did have a wonderful Christmas, as I hope all of you did. And our New Year is off to a pretty good start.

I have a lot of pictures that I need to post, but have to install the camera stuff and graphics program back on the computer first... not sure when that will be.

In the meantime... I am going to post my UFO list for the year to help me focus on what I need to work on.

UFOs 2007

Needs to be quilted and bound...

• Twisted Sisters Quilt
• Rejoice Quilt
• Sampler of Psalms Quilt
• Jacob's Ladder Quilt
• Katydid Mystery Quilt
• Sassy Sixteen Quilt
• Raspberry Tea in Tuscany Quilt

Needs to be pieced, quilted and bound...

• Autumn wall-hanging
• Jack-o'-lantern wall-hanging
• Christmas Quilt 1
• Christmas Quilt 2
• Charm Quilt
• Autumn Sampler Quilt
• Mystery #122A Quilt
• Mystery #122B Quilt
• Hailey's Birthday Quilt
• Christmas Greetings Table Runner
• Retreat Swap Christmas Quilt
• Judy's Quilt
• Ostrich Challenge Quilt
• Hailey's Round Robin Quilt

There may actually be others, but for now this is what I can recall. Still, it is a bit too long and I'm definitely ashamed of myself.

Meow

Well, it is has been awhile... I've been busy as usual, but spreading my creative wings in a different direction. Hailey is going to be in a Christmas program this weekend and will be a cat. She needed a costume. I didn't have a pattern as I don't "sew", I "quilt". And I don't know enough about patterns to know what would be best to buy. So, I let her pick out some fabric and sat in the middle of the living room floor with my scissors and this is what I came up with. I thought it turned out rather well considering it was my first costume. I was really stressed out about how I was going to do it, but once I got started, it all kind of came together. It must have been a blessing from God Himself. I used fleece, so she can wear it for pajamas after the play is done. I feel better about spending the time and effort knowing she'll wear them more than just for the play. I've also been making some ornaments. Do any of you have any favorite ornaments you enjoy making? I'm always looking for new ideas.

More instructions...

Cut from your template plastic a 3 1/4" square.
Then, mark to the right of each point with a permanent marker about 5/8" in from the left. Connect the points to form an off-centered X.

*Label it with the word "top" on the front as it will be very important that you use the correct side!

Next, place the template on the quilt on every seam matching the X with the seams. Trace around the outside of the template.

Then using a good pair of scissors, cut out each new "square" that you had traced on the line.

Lay out your squares putting them together like a puzzle to create the pinwheels. (They go in the same place they were in when you cut them out, just turned.)

Sew them together. Add another set of border strips.

Using more template plastic, cut a 2 1/2" square, then cut on the diagonal. Use this triangle to trim off the corners.

There you go, top completed. You can either birth it and quilt, or quilt and bind. Whichever you choose, but both methods work well.

Well, has anyone started one yet? I hope to see some soon!

Very well then...

You ladies are adorable. How can I resist? ;c)

Okay, we all have limited amounts of time, so I'll just be giving small amounts of instruction at a time. Also, I'm going to assume that everyone knows how to cut, measure and piece, etc. So, I won't always be going into really specific details. However, if you do have a question, please let me know either here or email.

You will need at least 3 fabrics, but you can have as many as 13.

• You will need something either solid or very busy for the border fabric as it should blend easily with itself when cut and pieced back together. You will need four 2 3/4" x WOF strips per placemat.
• For the pinwheels, use a variety of value in your choices. You can use only two fabrics if you like (checkerboard style), or you can pick 12 different fabrics. You will need twelve 4 1/2" squares.

Sew your squares together 3 x 4. And add a border around them with your strips. I used a simple diagonal layout, but feel free to go as random as you like. Just make sure that you don't have two matching fabrics side by side or top to bottom. I would also suggest pressing VERY well and using spray starch! You will be cutting using scissors in the next step and it will so much easier if your piece is nice and flat with a bit of stiffness.

Okay, this should keep all busy long enough for me to take a nap. I only had about 4 hours sleep last night and spent nearly that long at church this morning, followed by a shopping trip with hubby and the kids. Needless to say, I'm worn out!

Tessellated Pinwheel Placemats...

Okay, there have been a few questions on how to make these. Would you like me to post instructions? Perhaps in installments? Let me know and I'll see what I can do. We'll think of it as an early Christmas present from me to you. :c) It really is easy, but you will need some clear template plastic.

Raspberry Tea in Tuscany

Yippee! I finished the top of my Raspberry Tea in Tuscany quilt! I am ashamed to admit that I started this quilt about three years ago. But being that it is for myself, it kept being put on the back burner while I did quilts for others. Now, who knows how long it will take before it is actually quilted. LOL!

TPP Top Done

Here you are as promised. The top is done, but I won't be quilting it today. I'm going to work on some borders of another quilt. As you can see, the top is finished off by adding another set of border strips and then trimming off the corners.

TPP Part 3

Here you go... I've sewn the pieces back together. This is such a fun pattern. Now, I still have a bit more to do to finish the top and I'll post a pic of that too. It really is amazing... you cut and sew squares together... you cut up the piece into more squares, then sew the new squares back together. This is truly the easiest way I've come across to make pinwheels. My mom loves pinwheels and because I tend to be such a perfectionist, I have yet to make her anything as I don't want to drive myself crazy trying to get a whole bunch of triangle points to match up. Not the case with this pattern! Just regular square seams to match, so no problems with that! Okay, I'm off to finish the top of this one now. I'll be back shortly to post the pic.

TPP Part 2

Here you go... part 2. I cut up that beautiful piecing into 20 pieces! Seems like a shame doesn't it. LOL! If you know where I'm going with this, you know it is a good thing. If you don't, come back soon and you'll see. ;c)

Trying Twelve Companion

Last year for Christmas, I made the Trying Twelve quilt for my sister (which is really a smaller version of Turning Twenty). This year I decided to make a pillow for her with yarns to match. There are some gorgeous metallics mixed in there, but you can't see them in the pic.