BOM Updates

I believe I promised to update you on my BOMs. I didn't realize I was four months behind. Actually, I'm five months behind, but I didn't do one of them. It involved heirloom techniques and was a bit more than I was willing to handle at the time.

The first one here involved making three dimensional flowers. The technique was simple enough, but the time comsumption was way too much.

This one was fun, fast and super easy. It involved making half square triangle blocks, cutting them into strips, rearranging them and putting them back together.

This most recent one is your basic attic windows block, chosen to help us practice our "Y" seams.

Now, this isn't really a BOM, but it was made for a friend at the guild.

Charity Quilts

Just a little update on the charity quilts... I received a total of 10 blocks out of the 20 I'd normally need to make my Sassy Sixteen. And one very sweet lady, Susan from Madison, WI, donated a full Sassy Sixteen top with adorable kitty prints all over it!

Ladies from the guild quilted and bound it. It even had "Union University" quilted into the top border!

Now, as for what to do with those 10 blocks...since I didn't have time to make 10 more and put the top together. I decided to alternate all the donations with this gorgeous purple fabric.


We use our BOM contributions to make other charity quilts. And that reminds me that I'm a bit behind in posting some of those. So, I'll be sure to do that next time.

It's here..."Twisty Cakes"

My newest pattern is now available! "Twisty Cakes" is a fun, easy pattern that is great for those Layer Cake and Dime packs. It is on it's way to the stores now and is currently available at my Etsy store.

Now, this pattern was not the original one I planned on releasing this month. However, the other one is taking a bit longer and then I thought of this one and it seemed so quick and easy that it took top priority. I'm not sure when I'll get back to the other one as I have many other things on my plate, but you all will be the first to know!

Long time, no Kimberly

I know...I've been absent a very long time. I will probably continue to be MIA for another week or so. I do have LOTS to share... new patterns on the way, retreats (both past and future) and also the AQS show in Paducah, Hailey's birthday, Gentry's basketball, BOM, the quilts for the Union University students, a new store, etc. I promise I haven't forgotten about you all! I have lots of pictures and stories to share. But I still need a bit more time before I can linger here on my blog...and yours. I've missed you all dearly! I'll see you again ASAP!

What's new???

I know, I promised some quilty pics and updates to be posted about a week ago. I'm terribly sorry, time is just flying by before I get a chance to post. Let's see if I can catch up on everything now...

First of all, I want to thank the ladies that sent me blocks for a quilt for a Union University Tornado victim. I have 5 blocks (and coordinating squares). Only 15 more to go...

We have a new online retailer carrying my patterns. I'm sure you are all familiar with the Fat Quarter Shop. If not, be sure to pay them a visit.

Also I've been using the wonderful Leaders and Enders method to work on the kit I got from Lazy Mazy's.

My church sewing guild has been working on a quilt to donate for an auction. The colors are so vibrant. It will be great to see how it looks when all put together.

I made a Bingo block for the next quilt guild meeting.

Here are two leaf blocks that will be used in one (or maybe two) quilts to be raffled off at our retreat in the fall.

I made some Wrapped Candy blocks for Melinda to make another adorable candy quilt.

Took a field trip to Arkansas last week to a quilt store that is closing down. I picked up some random goodies. Gentry came along and was so good. He also got a little sleepy on the ride up.

Hailey's quilt is coming along slowly, but surely. I can't show too much here as it is a surprise for her and she likes to check out my blog.

My new quilt/pattern has become the "turtle" in my life...slow and steady wins the race. I wanted to give you a very tiny sneak peek. I have altered the image just a bit though so that the final results will be a surprise. There are a lot of colors and fabrics in this quilt!

Tonight I need to work on a new QOYO block. It looks easy, just need to decide on the fabric choices and placement.

I know I've been working on more than that, but I honestly can't recall what all it may have been? This weekend will be the Farm & Gin show and I haven't made anything else for it, yet. And Friday night is one of the favorite church activities for hubby and I. It is the Low Country Boil and Hoedown. Now, we never dance, just watch the others. But the shrimp and other fixin's are just too wonderful to pass up.

Sassy Sixteen Opportunity to Help

Look at this Christmas Sassy Sixteen made by my dear friend, Marge! Thank you, Marge, for letting me post it, it is wonderful!

I have an opportunity to help for anyone who is interested. As some of you might know, we had quite a bit of damaging weather here last week. One of the places hit by a tornado was a local college dorm. Lots of students lost everything. My guild is determined to make a dozen quilts, minimum, for them. Any of you who have my pattern, if you would like to help, it would be great if you could make a Sassy Sixteen block from eight different jewel tones fabrics and send eight 3 1/2" squares, one from each of the same fabrics used in the block, we'd be happy to piece the top and finish the quilt. Just let me know (so I can send you my address) and have them in the mail by next Tuesday. I'm swamped in my day to day life and I know that many of you are too, but I thought maybe if some of us could make just a block or two, that it might not be too bad.Thanks so much!!!

Lizard Salad & Tagged

Most of you have no idea how clever my son, Gentry, can be around the house. I'm always finding new things that he has reorganized or moved to fit his idea of "pleasing". Usually, it consists of stacking things, grouping similar objects, etc. They serve as tiny little surprises to find around the house that can let one, little by little, into the creative (and OCD) frame of mind of my son. He never points out his little creations, as he does them more on impulse than for attention. Imagine my surprise the other night when cooking dinner to turn around and find my salad had be altered...

I've also been Tagged by Jan:

THE RULES:

1. Once you are tagged, link back to the person who tagged you.

2. Post THE RULES on your blog.

3. Post 7 weird or random facts about yourself on your blog.

4. Tag 7 people and link to them.

5. Comment on their blog to let them know they have been tagged.

7 Random Facts About Me:

1. I have lived in 6 different states from coast to coast.

2. I have moved 19 times in my life.

3. I attended 10 different schools before graduating HS.

4. I dislike mayo, mustard, vinegar and sour cream.

5. I can only eat two bites of cheese cake because it is too rich.

6. I prefer hard fudge over soft.

7. I belong to two guilds (PUP's, Pickin' Up the Pieces, Quilt Guild and Advent Sewing Guild)

7 People I'm tagging:

1. Melinda

2. Perry

3. Anne

4. Marion

5. Ruth Ann

6. Pat

7. Corry

I know I haven't been around much. I've been super busy!!! But, I promise, before the week is out to post some quilty pics of what I've been up to.

Pay It Forward Received...

Look at what came in the mail this week! Isn't it wonderful! Thank you so much, Jane! I think I have found a perfect spot for it. :)

I haven't forgotten about my recipients either. I am just fine tuning the measurements. I get insecure when making new things, so bare with me.

My cold is mostly over now and I spent a nice afternoon at church yesterday working on Hailey's quilt. I got a decent amount of cutting done.

Today I'm going to work on my third pattern. I just hope with all the winter storms we don't lose power like so many others have in our area.

Oh, and Ruth Ann (from the previous post) has a blog now. Be sure to welcome her to blogland.

Show and Tell

I received a wonderful and sweet email yesterday. It was sent by Ruth Ann Warth from New London, Iowa. She had found my pattern, The Jelly Maker's Cabin, and had such sweet things to say about it. She also sent a picture of the gorgeous quilt she made!!!!! Thank you so much, Ruth Ann!

Day of Celebration...

Well, it would be more of a celebration if I didn't have such a nasty cold. Regardless, the 27th is my sister's bday and it's also Hubby's and my dating anniversary (14 years ago). We had planned on going out but I wasn't up to it. I asked for a rain check, so maybe next weekend.

I also didn't finish my sister's present in time, but it's going out in the mail tomorrow. My dear friend, Marge, made me one of these for Christmas and I absolutely love it! It is a Rice Heat Therapy Bag. Not only is it wonderful for those aches and pains, it is awesome as a foot warmer. And while we haven't had snow, it has gotten rather chilly around here. Her favorite color is purple, so that is what I used. I'm thinking of making some for the Farm & Gin show too... if time allows.

I finished the needle case too. It turned out pretty well. Thanks again, Marion, for the kit! Now Gentry won't be losing my needles by pushing them deep into my pincushions anymore. LOL!

Tomorrow is officially the day that I start work on Hailey's quilt. The first part has fussy cutting, so I'm not looking forward to that, but always best to get the worst over first. I also need to work on my next pattern, Bingo blocks for the guild, Melinda's block for the retreat and the next QOYO block.

It's now after midnight, so I guess I'll get some sleep before school with Gentry. Monday's are always the hardest!

I'm Honored!

I received a blog award! Thank you so much Elin, I just love your SBS blocks and you are inspiring me to get back to work on my own.

Now to pass the award on to a few others.... Melinda, Marion, Anne, Linda, Jan and Perry. You all are just a few that have "Made My Day" at one time or another.

Well, I have been so busy lately that I haven't had any time to be on online with my blog or or any other blogs. It'll take me forever to catch up on what's been going on with everyone.

On the quilting side of things...the BOM for the guild this month was to make Trapunto Pillows. My first time with trapunto, not too bad. I did, however, intentionally choose a busy multi-colored batik, so that it might not show if I didn't do a super job. I was satisfied with it though and might do more in the future.
I'm working on a needle case at the moment. The kit was a gift from my Secret Santa. I'd love to finish it today, but sadly my wee ones have passed on a cold to me and I might just nap most of the day away.

I'm all set up for the retreat next fall! I got the class I was hoping for and 7 people have already signed up for the one I'm teaching. In addition, a dear friend of mine gave me a present yesterday that she made and I asked if she would mind me making the same to give to those who are taking my class. I have been trying to think of what to make for at least 6 months now, and I'm so relieved to have that decision made. Now, I just need to set aside time to do it.

I sketched out Hailey's bday quilt yesterday. She found one in an older catalog that she liked, but the price for the kit was a bit much, so I decided to make due and make something similar. I have all the fabrics and will start working on it next Monday. The border is made from quite a few pieces, but the center should be relatively quick, so hopefully it will all even out. Gentry has already started giving me ideas for his next one too. LOL!

Hoping for snow...

If all goes the way I want it to, we might have some snow at the end of the week. But I'm not really counting on it. We don't have snow very often. I'm still hoping though.

I had a friend over for a bit yesterday. It was just what I needed to get going on stuff. I made a block for the guild's donation to the Farm and Gin show. They are going with jewel tones.

After that was done my friend left, but I was still feeling motivated so I finally finished the second round of my Ostrich Challenge quilt, "Binary" was the theme. I decided when I started that this quilt was meant for me to challenge myself. I definitely did that with this round...the non-uniform and quirky meander of the bias tape...very unlike me. I enjoyed my accomplishment for about two seconds before I realized I had no idea what I was going to do for the next round. LOL!

I finished quilting on my Wreath WH, yes, I know, it is after Christmas. I still have about half of the binding to do and some type of sleeve. I wanted to finish up the guild stuff first though. I still have the BOM to do, but I'm having to search high and low for water-soluble thread. I didn't realize it would be so hard to come by and I don't have time to order it. Still not sure I want to do this block at all, but I'll probably give it a try anyway.

My next pattern hit a speed bump, the layout wasn't working as well as I had hoped for. So, now I think I have that part solved. Just struggling with finding the time to piece it! Maybe I can get an hour in today.

Happy New Year!!!

Oh, I wish you all a very blessed 2008! I've been spending extra time with the hubby and kids over the holiday. It has been wonderful, but I have gone through a few "blog" withdrawals. Christmas was wonderful and the kids had such fun with their new things. We let them stay up until Midnight for the New Year, playing games, reading together and having some great, yet simple snacks including Cocktail Meatballs, Rotel Cheese Dip and chips and the Gingerbread house we had decorated together. New Years day was even more casual with a big pot of black-eyed peas and cornbread.

Today I'm back to work... mostly on my next pattern. A tiny hint is that it is made from A LOT of charms. I'll try to post a bit of a sneak peek picture soon. I have promised to have it ready sometime in the Spring, but I'll also have Hailey's Birthday quilt to tend with at the same time, so wish me luck.

Tonight I'm going to work on the binding of the Wreath quilt. I know, Christmas is over, but I'm so close to having it finished, I can't bare the thought of waiting until next fall to finish it up.

Speaking of finishing... here is my new UFO list... why does it have to be so long??? LOL! If all goes well I'll be able to cross off something by tomorrow. I'm hoping to get some handwork done while watching the game.

What game??? The Fiesta Bowl with the OU Sooners of course! I wish I still lived in AZ right about now.

Hubby and I are also going to try to finish the second half of the third Pirates of the Caribbean movie. Boy it is a long movie!

UFOs 2008

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
• Wreath Quilt
  

Needs to be pieced, quilted and bound...

• 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
• Underground Railroad Quilt
• "New Pattern" Quilt
• Christmas Table Topper
• QOYO Quilt

Secret Santa Stocking Swap!!!

Today was the day! We all got to open our stockings from our secret Santa's. Too much fun. Marion was my secret Santa and she spoiled me rotten with the goodies she sent! Thank you, Marion, you are such a dear! So, here is what I got...

I loved everything! I got a wonderful stocking and holder that have been hung up for many days taunting me. There were a few things that didn't even fit in the stocking. Let's see... I received two beautiful asian print FQs. Bobbin covers, scissor tip covers, a cute needle holder kit, needle threaders and some hand lotion (all needed and appreciated). A large Mocha Latte scented candle (oh, so yummy). "Chalk It Up" book and chalk board fabric (too cool). I also received a gorgeous little tote, a sweet note pad, wonderful Christmas Memories book, and some dark chocolate. Thank you again, Marion, it was all so very wonderful!!!!

Yesterday was our annual Christmas get together and dinner for the quilty ladies at my church. It was a lot of fun. I just love those ladies! While I was there, I finished the quilting on my wreath WH. I just need to trim, make and sew on the binding, but not sure when I'll get to that.

I'm also pleased to announce that I am completely finished shopping for the hubby and that includes taking the kids to shop for him as well. I even have all of his stuff wrapped. (Except for stocking stuffers, those are still hidden.) Now, if I can just finish wrapping the kids things. I have been wrapping presents every day for well over a week, maybe two. Does it ever end???? LOL! The house is decorated except outside lights, but the weather hasn't been great here and I haven't had the heart to ask hubby to do it. He won't let me climb on the ladder to do it myself.

I have to make some more goodies in the kitchen today for our pastors. I don't really need them until Christmas Eve, but if I do it now I don't have to think about it anymore.

I hope all of you are winding down, relaxing and enjoying the holiday season. And I hope that every gift you receive is filled with love and thoughtfulness!

We Were Elfed!

This was too much fun and so silly, I had to try it and share with everyone. So, Merry Christmas from the Camou family...
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1504130277

Christmas and Birthday

Hailey's school Christmas play went very well on Thursday. And while I know I might be a bit biased, she was by far the best of the actors. Her teacher said she'd never had a student that could act so well. Always wonderful to hear your kids being praised by others. She was really sweet too when Gentry wanted to share the limelight during picture time.



Friday, when Hailey has half days at school, we decided to brave the mall for a Santa visit. I couldn't help but ask them if they thought it was the real Santa or one of his helpers. They said the beard and hair seemed real, so it must have been the real one. LOL! I guess only Santa can have a gray hair and beard. LOL!




I took a break from making Christmas gifts to make a birthday present. It is for my Godmother who will be 75 tomorrow. She is probably the most influencial person in my life. My parents aren't Christians, but she and her family are and they led me to Christ when I was a child. Tommie is an amazing woman who constantly demonstrates the fruits of the Spirit. She is also a wonderful cook and loves lemons. So, making an apron from this lemon fabric seemed like the right thing to do. I also thought these bee buttons looked cute and couldn't resist adding them.