Mystery Clue #3

Well, sadly, I haven't had a chance to do any sewing at all. It is all because of "the mystery". I miss it dearly and I'm so going to try and do some today.

In the meantime, here is Clue #3...

Quilting and Clue #2

It looks like I might actually have a chance to do some piecing today. I think I'd like to work on a UFO fitting of the season. I have several, I'm ashamed to admit, but I might work on the Twin Autumn Sassy Sixteen. I made the first for my sister and I'm going to have one just like it. I worked a tiny bit on it at the retreat. Doesn't it look a mess?

Or, I might work on my Halloween Candy now that I have the border colors picked out. However, I don't recall where I put the fabrics...oops. LOL!

Oh, and before I forget... Clue #2 is pictured below.

Pumpkin Carving Fun

Halloween Pumpkin Maker & MySpace Layouts

An Honor, a Printer and a Mystery

Let's start with the honor...the Fat Quarter Shop asked me to post on their blog, The Jolly Jabber. In the post, I give a little insight to the name of one of my patterns. Be sure to stop by and take a peek.


As for the printer. I had to get a new one this week. It's a shame as I loved the one I had. Then again, I guess that was the problem. I can easily estimate that I printed at least 12 thousands sheets on that tiny little thing!


Now, let's move on to the "Mystery". I mentioned previously that I had some news but that it wasn't the right time to share it, and well, it still isn't. But I'm excited and figured I could share little bits here and there. So, that's exactly what I plan to do. And, anyone who guesses the mystery will received any one of my patterns that they like. The first Clue is "Periwinkle".

Quilt History

The kids and I had a good time yesterday taking pics with the birthday quilts I've made for them. We managed to find all 7 of Gentry's...
However, we were missing a few of Hailey's. So, perhaps the next time we are Spring cleaning we can find the others and do another pic.

Christmas Placemat Purse & JMC Kits

I promised to show you the placemat purse...here it is. I think it turned out pretty well. More importantly, it gave me a basis on technique and now the creative ideas can flow. This one was made with two placemats. I'd like to try making the next using only one.

The Fat Quarter Shop has some adorable new kits made with "The Jelly Maker's Cabin" pattern. I just love seeing all of the different possibilities! I'm particularly fond of the "Mother's Cotton Patch" as the colors remind me of Christmas and gingerbread. I guess you could say I have the upcoming holidays on my mind.

Now, I know I promised some good news...but the time still isn't right yet. Hopefully, I'll be able to share soon.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Well, everything has been whirling around me as I've been so busy lately. I just got back from a quilt retreat in Maple Mount, KY. It was gorgeous there and the weather was perfect! I taught my Sassy Sixteen and had the best students!

I took a class at the retreat for making Christmas Placemat Purses. It was quite fun and I'll be sure to post a picture of my creation on my next post.

Karen Combs was also a teacher at the retreat, so now I have a new pattern and project to add to my "future to do" list. I think it will be something special for the hubby.

I've just released my newest pattern, "Charmingly Twisted" made for charms and nickels. This is the one I had meant to have available in the spring, but I just wasn't satisfied with the previous layout. However, I finally moved things around until I was pleased and then quickly finished it off.

Now, I know I have been absent a great deal the last several months, and I can't tell you how much I've missed it, but I promise I'll be around a lot more often. You can even sign up as a follower (on the right hand column). Besides, I have some more news as well, but need to wait just a short while to announce it. ;)

Also, a friend of mine, Tanja, has released a great new pattern! It is beautiful and the redwork is perfect for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to check it out... http://www.southsong.etsy.com/ I even made a block from the pattern last Christmas...

Checking In and Catching Up

Well, as usual, things have been busy here. School starts next week, church activities are on the horizon and Gentry's birthday is coming up. I can't believe how big he has gotten. He recently lost his front tooth and he sounds so cute with his temporary lisp.
I'm still on the quilting stages of Gentry's birthday quilt. But I know I'll get it done just in time. I used the X-Block tool and one of their patterns.

The BOM for the guild this time around was paper piecing. I did the demo for it, but I really don't think I did a good enough job to convince those that are not big fans to give it a try.

Pat at The Quilting Barn asked me to teach the Twisty Cakes pattern this coming October. If you are local, you know the classes are limited. So, if you are interested, be sure to contact her right away and get your name in.


I got a wonderful surprise package in the mail yesterday from New Zealand. Sue from Country Dawn Quilts sent me a wonderful FQ and a copy of New Zealand Quilter magazine.

Inside was their new ad featuring my Jelly Maker's Cabin quilt! I was so honored when she asked me if she could use it to promote her new store.

I have also recently received some original Jill Eugena hand-dyed fabric for use in one of my next patters. There were so many amazing ones that it made it really hard to choose!

And speaking of patterns, I decided to give my cover pics a bit of a makeover. I really like the added element of color framing each one. I look forward to finding just the right shade for the upcoming patterns.

My dear friend, Beaver, is now online. So, you can find this super quick and easy pattern, Toadly Ten at her new Etsy store.

Pay It Forward & Food for thought...

Okay, if the recipients haven't gotten theirs yet, they should have them today so I'm probably safe in showing them to the rest of you. I decided to make sewing machine mats for everyone. I just love them and plan to make one for myself when I can find the time. They are so cute, but can also really help keep the noise down caused from the vibrations on tables. And the pockets in front are very handy as well. You can make these with two FQs. Just baste, quilt and bind. Then fold over one end, sew down both side and add two more lines of stitching to create the pockets. I have to give credit where it is due...Melinda has one that I've been eyeing forever and it was my inspiration. Thanks, Melinda!

Now, a little food for thought and feel free to share your opinions. What do you do when someone asks you what you think about their quilts and it is really terrible? Do you lie? Do you find something ambiguous to say and hope they'll take it with a positive note? Do you just tell them flat out what you really think? Do you tell them the truth only if they ask? Does it matter how well you know the person...perhaps a good friend you might be more honest with? And do you apply these same rules for areas outside of quilting?

For me, I tend to find something positive to say but I don't lie to them. I've been told, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." I don't always subscribe to that, even if it is wise advice. However, if someone is struggling with their quilt and let me know they aren't happy, I might use that time to make positive suggestions without saying what it is that I might not like. It goes the same whether it is a dear friend or someone I've just met.

Now, do I apply the rules for other areas in my life? Well, honestly, I guess that depends. I usually try to keep my mouth zipped. For example, there is someone sort of close to us that dyes their hair red. I'm not against red hair, but this color reminds me of Bozo the Clown. And while I've seen this very shade on others and it was beautiful, not so with this person. But, you know, it isn't my hair so why hurt their feelings. If they are happy with it, then let it be. If it were my husband though, I'd be honest with him (not that he has any hair, but that's beside the point) because I know he really would want me to tell him the truth. So, I guess unlike quilting, I vary the rules a bit.

So, why do the rules vary? I suppose because I think of quilting as an art form. And art should be appreciated whether it is your style or not. The good Lord has given us imagination and creativity and for the lucky few, talent. One should create art for the pleasure it gives them, not in an effort to please others. So, then the next question that forms in my mind...what others areas of life should I consider as art?

Addictions, Pay It Forward and a Giveaway

Well, I finally finished my Pay It Forwards. I'll post a pic in a few days, but I want to give the recipients a chance to received them first.

I have two new addictions, as if I need to have any at all. The first is an online game, Patchworkz. Check it out at your own risk. Just don't blame me if you get stuck in your computer chair.

The second one is Facebook. If you already have a page there and are a quilter, feel free to add me as a friend. If you don't have a page there, check it out...lots of fun and a great way to connect with others. There is also a fun application (Lil Green Patch) where you "give" each other plants (not real ones, just adorable images). It is a cute activity that helps fight global warming by saving rainforests. So, in the spirit of trying to improve this world we live in, I'm going to hold a drawing/giveaway. For each plant I'm given, I'll put your name in for a drawing. I'll choose three names and each person will receive their choice of my three patterns. Just make sure when you send me a plant, to let me know that you are participating in the giveaway.

Tired Tuesday

I actually went to bed several hours before I normally do and I'm still tired today! Oh well. I have lots and lots to do today, so no time for relaxing.

Here is a pic of our recent BOM at the guild. It looks like applique, but it is actually pieced. It was pretty easy even though I was nervous the whole time. I didn't want to make a mistake and have to start over.


And this a picture of a quilt I made for a little one. I hope he likes it. I used my friend, Beaver's new pattern, "Toadly Ten". As soon as she has an online source to purchase it, I'll be sure to post a link.

More pattern news...I'm officially "international" thanks to a great new store in New Zealand! Country Dawn Quilting & Patchwork is a cute online store that has quite a bit to offer. They even have a variety of kits for Sassy Sixteen and The Jelly Maker's Cabin. They also have a wonderful selection of fabrics. And for all of you not from New Zealand, be sure to use the currency converter provided for you on the site. Go visit and tell Sue that Kimberly sent you.

Ostrich- Round 5 & New Pattern Info

It took me quite awhile, but I finally finished the fifth round of my Ostrich...Plain Jane. The top has grown to 62" so far and I've only done 5 of the 6 rounds. However, I have yet to "stick my head in the sand" for a round, so I could call it completely done. The sixth round, Grand Finale, is supposed to combine two parts from previous rounds. However, I have yet to be inspired to know what to do and also the top looks "done" to me. I'll continue to give it some thought and I'm totally open to suggestions, so feel free to share your 2 cents.



Okay, a bit of news on the designing front...I'm teaming up with a friend and local artist for my next pattern. Jill Eugena hand-dyes some of the most beautiful fabric! So, I'll be using her fabric in my next cover quilt and we may even put together some kits. It will still be awhile before the release of this one as I have so much to do before then. I won't bother sharing the list as it is overwhelming. But if I can manage everything in a timely manner, I'm hoping for an early October release.

Wordle Fun

I found this bit of distraction on sew create it. Thanks Jane! Go to Wordle to try it for yourself.

As for me, I've been working on two projects simultaneously...Ostrich: Round 5 and Gentry's birthday quilt. I hope to have some pics tonight to share with you, but there really isn't anything to look at right now.

Halloween Candy

In May, I took Melinda's Wrapped Candy class. It was great! I decided to go with a completely different look and make "Halloween Candy". I haven't decided on the inner and outer borders yet, either fabrics or even colors. I'm totally up for suggestions. I'm also thinking about doing some applique. This is great pattern though, be sure to get one if you don't have it.