Elaine Adair Pieces

Paper Piecing Little Log Cabins (Version)

2012-02-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

P.S. -- Oh great - 2 hours after I posted the below info, I actually DREW the block out, as it had caused me much confusion. Apparently, sewing the strips in the unorthodox method (no lights or darks) and also sewing them in the opposite direction I usually sewed, threw me into confusion. End result - the block is correct. it is ME who is not thinking straight! (this is the part about "Pride Goeth before the Fall" -- 2 days ago, I was paid an enormous compliment - I should have been on my guard!) LOLOL
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Orca Bay is needing one more border on one side. It's resting on my design floor - yes right in the middle of traffic. LOL

This is where I'm heading - this Log Cabin version finishes at 5 inches, and I'm using scraps. I mentioned to several of my friends that I was looking for "scraps with a lot ot white." I got them! Wow! Donations added about 5 yards to my "Fabric Diet" calculations. Givers were gleeful to have found a ~~svictim~~ uhhh ... home for their scraps.

First I sorted them by color - that made things a little easier. Even though the block is not a traditional Log Cabin, I needed some effort at color choice. I tried to use only 3-4 colors per block.

The magazine with the pattern (Fons and Porter) has been on my shelf for YEARS, wanting to make that little quilt.

Here (above) is where I'm heading.

I discovered that a fussy cutting center didn't add anything positive to the busy overall appearance, so I stopped that.

But they ARE cute.

If you have read this far, look carefully at my first photo of the single block. After making 15 blocks, concentrating -- you know how paper piecing is, it's easy to get confused - look how the block is NOT right, and guess what - it is NOT me, it's the pattern! I was wondering why it felt "odd" as I was sewing it together, but figured because it was being sewn the opposite direction from what I'm used to. I copied the pattern (100 copies) on the copy machine, straight from the book.

Other than that, I'm liking it. The blocks float on a backrground and sashing of white.

Now, I have to redraw that danged block to figure out what the "right" way is supposed to be.

"Steps" - done

2012-01-18T16:04:00.000-08:00

This Rebuilt Log Cabin project is DONE, with the exception of a label. Saturday is Guild Day and I’ll take this for Show and Tell. This is about 82" x 104", and quilted on a DSM, no stitch regulator. It’s difficult to see the border, but it’s all various leaves, a few sprites, scrolls, curliques, a ribbon or two, following an implied vine, serpentining around the border, following the path of dark blue squares. The quilt finished very square and straight. Despite looking complicated, this is an easy border, which started with Quiltville.com Scrappy Bargello. The first border (at the bottom) contained a bright blue that I didn't care for, but left it in - after all - that's how it started, and you never know what it's going to look like until it's done.

DH was trying to hold it straight, but the deck is still icy and it’s COLD today! And there is still some fluff, bits of thread to be removed.

I started this in October 2011 end, making the 50 Log Cabin blocks at a 3-day Quilt Retreat. But then, due to several too-sad, distressing family illnesses and deaths, could not get back “into it.” The sad stress resulted in that our household was not working well, until I realized that “Steps” is what life, and death, and our quilting, are sometimes all about. Some steps are good, some terrible, but we still have that journey to wade through. So I pulled myself back into this pastime that I love, the one that calms me, gives me inspiration, and exemplifies our lives, and our life returned back to some semblance of quiet order. The border? Yes, it’s somewhat overwhelming – that’s exactly what it should be – a little overwhelming, to finish THIS quilt, called “Steps

Temps, MQ Mess, Border Quilting

2012-01-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

I reside in the middle of the USA, in the High Plains of western Nebraska (almost 4000 elevation), where we have had minus 36 degrees F. in January a few years ago. This was taken last week and was the same temp the previous week as well - kinda scarey to be so warm this time of year.

Above is the kind of mess one has when machine quilting a large quilt on a domestic sewing machine. Notice the crooked pictures, the blinds are mashed against the window, and my boxes of other projects on the sewing table surface are all askew. I had to be careful that I didn't quilt loose bits of Orca Bay into the back of this quilt, "Steps", another Rebuilt Log Cabin. The second light source is necessary to see stitches behind the machine.

Do you see the large clip at the top of the photo? The clip holds final instructions for an Arabic Lattice (John Flynn) hanging on the valance. I was sure the project would be finished 2 years ago. Oh my, that really IS a UFO. The setting of the blocks are unusual and confusing, so I made sure directions were right in front of my face -- but 2 years ago???

Below is my current project (between Orca Bay construction), a Rebuilt Log Cabin called "Steps". It's nearly finished and I'm working on coming up with a quilting design in the last border, 9 inches wide. The book is from PatsyThompsonDesigns.com, and her suggestion is hyperquilted. In this case, the extra color and lines are not needed but I sure like the thread lines.

I use a Flexicurve, a long version, to help me "see" what the plan will look like. I'll chalk in the implied spine, will start at the left (bottom) and work up to the top corner.

Made in America!

2012-01-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

This is very encouraging - watch what YOU can do! (You have to get past a brief ad.)

http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/kwidget/wid/0_04vzdsr5/uiconf_id/5590821

Orca Bay, "Nearly 4000", 3 Rows Completed

2012-01-03T17:55:00.000-08:00

It's difficult to get a good photo of this wide project, but here's the best I can do. And somewhere in this quilt is a small piece of fabric that Bonnie Hunter gave to me, when she was in Casper Wyoming, 3 years ago. See Bonnie? I used it! Thank you Vic, for your donations! They're IN there!

DH is having a hard time "seeing" the pattern, even after I showed him the photo of the finished quilt from our instruction sheet.

I have soooo enjoyed seeing all the varieties and versions of HUNDREDS of other Orca Bay quilts - some are already finished and on the way to the long-armer!!! And every one is just wonderful - some colors didn't end up like we thought, other colors took over, but each one is a beauty! Thanks Bonnie for this delightful journey.

Orca Bay, Progress - "Nearly 4000"

2012-01-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

For viewers who haven't seen this project, the layout of this quilt is/was a surprise - we have a bunch of LIGHT stars yet to fit in, and the end plan is amazing.  Here's my version of Orca Bay -- although I want to come up with my own name - probably something like "407,287 pieces!" just kidding about that many pieces but I DO think it might be "Nearly 4000." Hey, there's the quilt name!

Four of my dark stars have pink in the middle, and 4 light stars have pink in the middle. Hope the pink centers are not distractive. I DO love the characteristics of strings. Too short, and they can be stretched a bit -- too long and they are easily trimmed.  Most of my pieces fit well.

I still have the border pieces to cut and make, but I'm liking this quiltville.com
Mystery a LOT!

People sometimes ask, "How long did it take you to make?" I started November 27.  Not long when one get's organized, driven, obsessive, compulsive and guarded with one's time! LOL

Now, I'm off to see all the various versions posted all over the Internet! WE're all having FUN - Thanks Bonnie!

Machine Quilting, and the Other Side of the Studio

2011-12-30T18:24:00.000-08:00

While waiting for the next step in a Quiltville.com Mystery Quilt, I pulled out this "Rebuilt Log Cabin," my name for the design, and I started the machine quilting. I call it "Steps" for a variety of personal reasons. I had dreaded the quilting, as I KNEW there were several pleats in the backing, but planned to quilt TO that area and then rebaste, a job I was NOT looking forward to - ugh!. Happy Day - I lost track of where I was stitching, and dang it if I didn't quilt those pleats right into the backing and honestly, you can hardly tell they are there unless the viewer KNOWS it, and other than all you bloggers, I'm not telling! Am I lucky or am I lucky? 8-)))

My husband works on the other side of our "studio" which is only a small room about 10 x 11 feet. If he rolls his chair back when I roll my chair back, we crash, that's how small our space is, but we still manage to do our things.

He makes wood, model boats and frankly, between quilts and boats, we are running out of space. This project is USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides", circa 1700, a war ship and this is a ~~crosswise~~ cross section. The mast goes up another 2 levels, but he decided this was tall enough. DH is a big man, large hands and I truly do NOT know know he can fiddle with all the lines, tiny knots, drilling teeny things, etc. In this case, he cannot even rest his hand on anything when his hands have to be 18 inches over the tablle. There are a LOT of words that come out of his mouth at times -- then I have to leave the area! Those clamps are helping to hold knots tight, or glue or something. This is a cross ~~wise~~ section, and his detail is amazing! There are several decks on this ship, which would hold all the supplies for the crew. This one starts as a kit, with the basics, and instructions are frequently in another language and almost always, have serious errors, so all calculations and cutting have to be logically challenged - you just cannot dump the parts out on the table - you have to KNOW how boats/ships are built. He's really good at adding or inventing the details that bring it to life, as well as "making do" when something goes awry.

Below is a close-up. So far, he's put in 150 hours, and there are many more to go.

Another Notebook Folder

2011-12-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here is yet another notebook folder, oroginal from Fons & Porter DVD -- thanks Pat D. (Chalk markings need to be removed.)   I wanted to try out my big machine stitches and circles.  I made the dash to my LQS to purchase the Circle Maker, or whatever it's called, only to find the shop in major disarray, due to preparations for carpeting. But they gallantly found the gadget, buried in a storage box, and out came my credit card - yikes -- that $$ figure was a surprise. Jeeesh - they are always helpful and this time I KNOW they climbed boxes, ladders to find what I asked for so I caught my breath, signed the receipt, and headed home, eager to try this new gadget -- and it's Christmas and this is a present for ME!

Hmmmm, how on earth??? I must be stupid, or ??? does it fit??? kinda got it in the hole where it's supposed to go but it's wobbly ... and halfway through, the gadaget clunked out of where it's supposed to be seated. Jeeesh - my circle is no longer round -- oh great - it's an incomplete mess -- this gadget will NOT fit.  It goes back to the shop and after all their kindness to find the dang thing. Darn, another trip. 8-))

I took out all the stitches -- gurgibratzofratzzz! and then started over, this time simply following a chalk line. Uhhhh, lets' see, mark around a coffee cup with chalk and it works just fine!  I've also seen the "tack" method which works well, and free.

Fabrics are what was on hand, button was the "lost" button that had rolled under some "stuff" a while ago, wish I had some nice embroidery floss but found this string for the button, and I still have a number of Dollar Store notebooks. The closure is Hook and Loop. There is one FQ for front, and one for back.

The idea of "using all your threads with gay abandon" does not work. You MUST practice on a separate piece each time you change threads. Take my word for it!!!

38 Ohio Stars on the Board

2011-12-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

38 Ohio Stars on the Board ....
38 Ohio Stars ....

These Orca Bay, Step 6 blocks (from Bonnie Hunter at Quiltville.com ) sew up faster than expected. The final pressing (seams pressed in or out) will be completed when we are given more instructions. My star centers also include several purpley blues. I thought the pink might add some spark - I'm loving them all! The small units of strings are in the pinks and purpley ranges, and my larger string units are in the blues/purpley/turquoise range.
I don't want to eat anything ever again ...8-(

Reconsidering my Previous Pressing Suggestion...

2011-12-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

My post yesterday suggested pressing tips for the Ohio Stars, for Orca Bay Step 6 of the Mystery Quilt from Bonnie Hunter.

I have reconsidered -- the blocks don't WANT to have 2 seams pressed out and 2 center seams pressed in. It's much easier to press them both OUT. I may regret my decision, but they can be re-pressed if that becomes necessary. Also, it might be different depending on what fabrics you use.

Just a suggestion. 8-))

Orca Bay, Step 6, in Process - CUTE!

2011-12-23T17:25:00.000-08:00

This is a scrappy Mystery Quilt from Quiltville.com. We're at Step 6 and have cut and sewed a gazillion pieces! Yikes - if I had known ahead of time how many, I would have opted out, but once a person gets going, and knows there are thousands of other participants, we all get enthusiastic and it's hard to slow down!

I used blue instead of Bonnie's red centers, and pink strings instead of ... oh great -- I don't remember! LOL However I am fortunate to have kept up with all the Steps! Yeahhhh!

The 4 corners of each block are a consistant fabric, to keep things "under control." None of us know if that's a good tip or not. Also, on the back of the stars, I pressed 2 sides in and 2 sides out. I hope that covers the possible options.

Thanks Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com!

I also want to thank Vic at http://victoria-carroll-parkhill.blogspot.com/ who took pity on me and my whining about not having enough black fabric -- she kindly sent me a BUNCH! And her fabric is in these blocks! (mmmm, I'm going to have to remember that whining technique!) LOL BIG THANKS Victoria! -- 8-))

Merry Christmas everyone - stay safe and warm and unstressed, and may you all have a Blessed New Year.

Another Folder, Cats and Spool Button

2011-12-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

I must have some kind of addictive condition - I can't stop making these folders. Look closely at my amazing good luck in that the foldover part actually meets the pattern it folds to. What are the chances of that? Sometimes, good luck happens!

Do you see the decorative button? DH didn't understand the concept of cutting that spool lengthwise - somehow when I said "button" he insisted is HAD to be cut across the spool! It just goes to show how we all think differently. I finally DREW it and he kindly offered to cut, sand, drilling holes. It's perfect -- flat on the back! And I have another one just like it for the next project.

Another Folder

2011-12-11T15:15:00.000-08:00

I'm still making these folders with the notebook inside. Since I cleaned out all the 7 x 9 Spiral notebooks from the Dollar Store, I'd better use them all.

Here is my latest, and as happened with all the previous ones, I still could not find the "right" button. Finally, I realized that I don't like buttons - too traditional. Wish I had some clever "things". I used emb. threads to make a bunch of fuzzies, instead of a button. The required button doesn't really DO anything - it's just for detail, so if I had anything else clever, that would do as well. mmm leather, macrame, hardware, but nothing comes to mind. The inside is black with white polka dots, and I quilted this on the diagonal, with straight lines about 2 inches apart. Quilting it myself is MUCH better than any pre-quilted fabrics I could find, and MUCH less expensive as well.

Step 4 - DONE

2011-12-10T13:22:00.000-08:00

These strings for the latest Quiltville Mystery Step almost started themselves - they are so addictive,! I'm using blues, purples, turquoises, instead of reds. I sat down after supper Friday and planned to piddle around for a few minutes, but energy and enthusiasm got the better of me, and by midnight, they were almost finished. My normal bedtime is early, 9:30 or so - what happened?? I felt like I'd had an overdose of caffeine, but nope. Again this morning, I'm up early, sewing, pressing, -- the energy is still with me. Yowsa - whatever happened I want to bottle it!!!

The fabric is lightly starched before removing the paper (above) - but it helped to stabilize the edges and I believe the starch helped soften the paper. I've given up on ever maintaining a nice cover for the board, and now use a towel.

OK, how long to remove paper? less than expected -- less than 2 hours, -- very easy. The mess? uhhh! LOL

Here they are, DONE. I've been wanting to use strings for something - this takes care of that "want". Almost ALL my strings in these comibinations are gone. I wonder what Bonnie has in store for us next. Hope she doesn't want blue strings!

I still have parts of #1 and #2, to finish. My house is a mess!!!

Fooling around some more - 6 strips

2011-12-09T17:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I made one set of strata, consisting of 6, 1 1/2 in. (cut) strips and came up with the interesting block at the top of the photo, posted yesterday.

Today I cut the rest of the same strata and instead of sewing the blocks one at a time, I mixed up the pieces and look what happened? Yikes -- this is interesting! So, if you did ALL the strips the same, for the entire quilt, you could get this look. I'm sure I haven't invented anything new, but it's new --a nd fun -- to me!

However, I MUST clear the decks, and put this away, in order to get to sewing Step #4 of the Quiltville Mystery. My strips are ready to go!

Fooling Around - Six Strips

2011-12-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

I HAD to try this idea, seen on YouTube from Missouri Star. Their sample was in girly pinks and yellows, with a lot of white in them.

Start with strips - I used six, 1.5 inch strips - I'll bet you can use various widths for this (that's another project!). My strata was even crooked!

I sewed 6, 1.5 inch strips together into a strata, pressed up or down, then cut the strata to make a 6 1/2 inch square. I think any size square will do, but decide on the length of your strata for the best use of fabric. I got 6, 6 1/2 inch squares to my strata.

Face two squares together, one vertical, the other horizontal. Then, sew around the outside 4 sides of the 2 squares, with quarter inch seam. Then make two (2) diagonal cuts, corner to corner. Press open, and sew together in whatever pattern you like. I really liked that spool-like pattern. I was VERY casual, and didn't pay attention to the seams matching, but it would be better to be careful and exact, if you start with all same size strips. And I think it would be wise to choose a pallette of similar scraps, where you had enough for the entire project. Be sure you use lights and darks for contrast.

Not bad for 10 minutes of fooling around!

2011-12-02T20:13:00.000-08:00

I've joined in the Orca Bay mystery. Do you think this is too obsessive? LOL I'm halfway through Step #1, and finished Step #2.

We had a few days of mid 50s, so I basted this last quilt outside in the garage, (below) before winter temps interfere. But my fingers were getting cold, and the sun was going down, and I was feeling old, and my feet were hurting, and, and, and, ... so I hurried. Some of the quilt was hanging over the end of the table and when I pulled it to the top for basting, I was lazy and didn't clamp it tight. Soooo, on that part that hung over, the result was pleats and puckers -- dang it!!! The only thing worse than basting, is re-basting.

Below is a little Fons and Porte project that looked easy, do-able. I couldn't find decent double faced pre-quilted fabric at any of the not-so-local quilt shops, nor fabric shops, and decided I'd forget it, but lo and behold, checked under my bed, and found this really-old, good-quality pre-quilted, fabric. It's kinda homely, but it was my prototype.

Inside I put a nice spiral bound tablet, about 6" x 9". The tablet has a pocket, so it might be good for grocery list or ???. There is also a pencil/pen pocket. Do you have a huge jar of buttons? I've been carting around my button jar for over 30 years and STILL, could not find a decent button. This will have to do.

OK, I'll make another and this time, I'll quilt my own fabric. Supplies? -- a FQ on front and another on back with leftover batting - all easy to find those in this house. The quilting was good practice and it took about 20 minutes. Same project, and same issue with finding a decent button. Finally, I found a wood looking button and left some embroidery floss tails showing, for details. This looks better than my prototype! When I was finished, there was only a small amount of waste.

Might want to give this to a quilting friend.

Thursday nights was local Quilt Night with the gals, and I needed a project - I'll just make another folder, and quilt it myself, and this time, I'll try out those stitches on my machine for quilting. Come on gals, you KNOW you've been meaning to do this (if you haven't). None of the other gals had their machines, and we all agreed we've wanted to try out the fancy stitches, but none of us have actually USED them, so this was the perfect opportunity. I had several types of threads - a good way to use up small bits - and I started with #20 stitch, and planned to work through the last stitch, # 60. I use a Janome 760, lightweight portable that I use for classes, and to my delight, found it stitched very well!! In fact, within a few minutes, we all got involved with checking out the threads, ooohing and aaahing at the various stitches, and by the time we were through, we had all agreed we'd go home and try our own machines! What fun!

So, this is my double-sided, pre-quilted fabric for the next folder.

I stitched on the 18 inch measurement (length of grain) and found that these stitches reduced my crosswise measurement by about 2.5 inches. I stitched a line almost every inch, and some of the stitches were very dense. Lesson - if you try this on an actual project, measure AFTERWARDS.

Yes, No, Yes, No, Maybe -- Orca Bay

2011-11-27T14:44:00.000-08:00

I am unable to make up my mind about joining in this new mystery Bonnie Hunter mystery quilt. (Maybe it's because I am full of Thanksgiving and no longer can think straight! )But, in case my overfed brain gets clunked out of its mental stupor into a forward gear, I'll be partially ready to join in! 8-)) Here are half my string blocks, and 40 of the QSTs. My other bold/dark color is earth, taupe, browns, etc. I don't want them too dark, so they are visibly separate from the blacks.

"Steps," and Analogies

2011-11-24T17:58:00.000-08:00

I won this clever notebook a long time ago from one of YOU, and have I ever used it on THIS project! I am so sorry I don't remember who it was - Can I use the "senior citizen" excuse?

I'm making a bargello-type border to surround my "Steps" quilt (aka "One Step at a Time." Making this quilt has been an incredible personal journey - yes, we've all heard that term with our quilts but this quilt is following me (or is it leading me?) right along. It represents many analogies such as "One Step at a Time," "If you get lemons, make lemonade," "If you want something different, you have to change something," "Take it Easy," "Use What you Have," "Be Happy," "Attitude Adjustment", and even "If your border (your life!) IS a little too bold, it is still beautiful!"

Below are some of the strata units, waiting to be unsewn and resewn into bargello strips. (huh??? ) Each one is unsewn at a different point, in order to get the movement to visually go around the quilt. I chose the dark blue as my marker -- if you want the design to visually turn the quilt corners, you must choose one fabric and stick with it. It's easy to get them turned around or dropped or you lose concentration, and then NOTHING works correctly (see? another life lesson!). They should meet in the middle and at the corners. Meeting in the middle (there's another one of those life lessons!) occasionally has to be gently re-engineered.

Here's one corner which is exactly like the other corner to the left. This is especially where I used the graph paper in my notebook.

Below is the center of the two ends, where they have to meet in the middle. And they did, with a little bit of narrow seam allowance-fussing. I inserted 3 more units. 8-))

I've made this border before, being inspired by a Scrappy Bargello block from Quiltville.com, and am thrilled with how it goes together, looking a LOT harder than it is. Using an even number of strips in a strata, pressing the seams in opposite directions and reasonably careful cutting of the strata, is not difficult, but it DOES take some time. And one has to start at the outside of the border, and work towards the center, leaving the corners 'til the end, if you want the pattern to go around. It's so orderly and graphic - And yes, I KNOW it is going to be uhhh, bold and beautiful! 8-)))

Pass Alongs, Verify

2011-11-22T18:06:00.000-08:00

Warning - RANT!

Reminder to all of us -- Please use disgression, common sense and wisdom before passing along incredible tales, or maybe not-so-incredible tales, photos, videos, etc. These pass-alongs get bounced back and forth like wildfire before most people check them out. I usually go to http://www.snopes.com/ and find good answers. Snopes.com has the reputation for looking closely into the subject matter and digging deep to find the truth. Hitting that SEND button without even THINKING or verifying, is unwise and at times, cruel and slanderous.

Yes, I've been guilty myself !

And no, I'm not ranting about bloggers - it's personal e-mail that gets clogged up with "ya gotta read this" or "can you believe those numbskulls did that?", etc.

Pressing, my Least Favorite Part

2011-11-13T10:56:00.000-08:00

This is the back of "Steps" (or maybe "One Step at at Time") , a Rebuilt Log Cabin. The center portion is finished and this is the dreaded pressing job, on the back. Do you also hate that job as well? Yikes!!! -- there is NO WAY all those seams are going to stay where I want them, but I'm not worried either.  The seams are pressed open when I joined the blocks into rows, but joining the rows together - Hey I did the best I could!

Thanks to trimming blocks to one size, they fit nicely without ooching or stretching - therefore, that part of the process went quickly. A good press from the top will finish the pressing job, then I'm adding a 2 inch inner border, and then I'm tackling the outer border. My goal today (yet) is to make a sample.  I could have saved time by relying on my first instinct instead of spending hours, days, looking and wondering.

It's turning out well and I'm trying hard NOT to show it until I get the border completed.  When I take it to Quilt Guild, Show and Tell, they frequently KNOW it's mine, even if I didn't tell them. Perhaps I finally have a "style".

The name, "Steps", (or "One Step at a Time") has always been a personal and professional lesson for me, as well as excellent advice for a quiltmaker or any person when tackling a project. And the quilt is filled with visual "Steps", as is the border-to-be.

37 Log Cabin Blocks on the Floor, and Goodbye, 2 QOV Quilts

2011-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

Here are 37 of 48 planned Rebuilt Log Cabin blocks on the floor. I have scrunched them way out of the way from foot traffic, just in case someone tromps through. So far, I'm liking it! I DON'T like the smudge on my camera that I didn't see 'til AFTER the photos were taken. I LOVE the zig-zaggy light and dark diagonals. The blocks are trimmed -- mine are ending up 10 - 10.12 before sewing together. Today I am packing up these two Quilt of Valor quilts -- sometimes it's hard to part with them but they sit on the shelf, unused, and they need to be used. Off they go to Alycia in Kersey, Colorado. The left one is a Rebuilt Log Cabin, and the right one is a Confusion Quilt, designed by Debbie Bowles.

Regarding the Confusion Quilt -- the blocks are made oversize, and then trimmed - yes apparently I LIKE to make blocks and then cut them up! Anyway, what is trimmed off goes to the floor, then picked up and sewn back together for the border, in whatever way you choose, producing some amazingly complex-looking piecing. (Below) The horizontal black with stars is the "regular" border and above that is all the piecing made up of whatever.

Below is the red side of the quilt. The horizontal white pieced to the red is the other side of the quilt border, and below it is part of the border, all the little bits and pieces picked up off the floor! 8-))) I had no intention of it turning out something like a flag, with the red/whites together, and then the blue/whites together, but that's what happened. This design is definitely a surprise in the end, and Confusion in that you don't quite know what it will turn out to be, until the end. I LIKE surprises like this.

Color Pallettes

2011-11-06T17:03:00.000-08:00

On a quilt-related e-mail list, the conversation was about determining a color pallette for a new quilt. Some of the gals were having problems thinking of combinations.

I did a search on "Color Pallettes" and came up with a number of sites that start with a photo either of your own or from the Internet, and then the program pulls a bunch of colors from that photo. My own computer has a "snipping tool" so I can outline anything on the screen and save it as a .jpg. I'm sure there are other ways, but some images will not let you "save". The site I tried out was bighugelabs.com. - there were many other sites, but I didn't take time to compare -- This first one was exactly what I wanted. When you get to that page, search for something like "color pallette" or similar.

Below is a favorite photo (yes, my banner) and the colors pulled from the photo. What a great quilt this would make! I could print out the photo on those fabric sheets, maybe tile it, then outline the center with blocks using the suggested colors. Yes, just like that lady who does the greeting cards with the picture and the quilt blocks that match! Too bad she already thought of it a long time ago! 8-)) (Oh brain, ya gotta turn off and finish what you have started!!!)

Hmmmmm wonder how long it will take me to come up with another quilt??? I just am enjoying LOOKING at this pallette!

Design Floor? uhhh, maybe not

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

(Written a week ago)

I've mentioned my "Design Floor" as I don't have any large walls. My blocks are laid out on the living room floor and we both know how to step around them. However, occasionally someone will visit unexpectedly and tromp all over them, seemingly, they don't see the project. My Lady of Shallotte blocks are all positioned correctly and I'm slowly getting them together.

Last evening, DH was watching TV and got up for something, and CARASHHHHH!!! He is tall, and there is no way he can land anywhere except by hitting something first before ending up on the floor. His head hit the counter edge, then we don't know what else, but he lay there, holding his head, partly on the carpet, partly on the kitchen tile floor. (You probably know we are well into Senior Citizenship!) I was immediately at his side, slowly checking, but didn't see any bones protruding, no blood. He could count my fingers and his color was good. As I considered calling 911, and what door the EMTs would enter the house - oh gosh - this is the self-guilt part ... I realized if the EMTs came in the front door they'd tromp all over my quilt!!! Arghhhh, how could I be thinking of that at this almost-emergency, but I DID! 8-((( Things have definitely gotten too over-the-top when THAT is among my first thoughts.

In truth, one should always have a good Emergency Entrance/Exit and our OTHER door would be better, but I am ashamed of myself for thinking of that quilt layout!

As it turned out, we think he slipped on the -- yes, the dangerous kitchen rug, that has the rug grabber material under it, but that stuff seems to lose it's grab! I think kitchen rugs are the No. 1 cause for household accidents!

DH says he's OK, he refused to let me call 911, and is moving slowly today. As for me, I am sewing up those blocks really quickly!!!

Guild Retreat - 2011

2011-11-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I spent 3 days with 23 other quilters at our not-so-local-to-me- YMCA. The Y is on a lovely location along the Platte River (which is no longer flooded) with beautiful scenery, occasional wildlife (turkeys), a wonderful space, with excellent facilities.

I was productive, and egad, didn't take enough photos. My goal on that retreat was to make 50 Rebuilt Log Cabin blocks (successful) but I wore myself out with exuberance and excitement and had to take TWO naps when I returned Sunday afternoon!

Sharon is always productive and in no time, she had this beauty DONE!
Jennifer finished up this stunning project - she said it was from one of Miss Rosie's books. It was even better in person. She was a sewing "machine" - she worked with speed, concentration and precision!
Here's a photo of ... my mom?? - oh NO, that's ME!!! I managed to reach my own goal of 50 blocks that will eventually end up on a Tutorial on this blog. Watch for it, with lots of photos THERE, if you are interested in making a Rebuilt Log Cabin quilt. The block is on the table.

Here is one version of a luscious Rebuilt Log Cabin quilt, made by Ramona. She used only 2 values, plus the center square and I believe she has 4 rounds on her Rebuilt Log Cabin. We noticed the design looked like rosettes when we looked through a "peephole" thingy, and interesting zig-zaggy corners where the blocks met. It reminds me of chocolate mint ice cream.

My friend Chell, also has a stunning Rebuilt Log Cabin in process, then decided to enlarge it to Queen size. She'll show it off (hopefully) on her blog.

Our messy space for 3 quilters. This is Tina's back!

Tina also worked like crazy all weekend and went home with several completed projects.

Another Rebuilt Log Cabin in the works

2011-10-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

For those of you who were interested in the Rebuilt Log Cabin, I am planning on beginning another one, (seemingly "scrappy") during a 3-day retreat this weekend. I will take lots of photos, and hopefully, I will can get them into an official Tutorial on this blog. This is a project I've made years ago and have shown it here on occasion.

Would you like to join me? Now is a good time -- well, for me anyway! 8-)))

I'm using squares and strips at 1.5 inch cut. If you want to sew along with me, get your strips out (hopefully you have some scrap strips pre-cut!). I'm starting with a dull red in the center, then adding my lights next. My darks are in the green, sage, purple, blue combinations. There are 5 rounds of lights and darks. Assuming you use even amount of lights and darks, starting with the lights means you will end up with more DARK on the outside of the block. Of course, we cut them/trim them before they are sewn back together, (rebuilding), that will demonstrate a defininite zig zag look in each intersection. Confused? 8-))

You'll see when I actually MAKE the quilt and then post the photos here. I'm planning 6 x 8 blocks (48) and if I remember correctly, they trim to about 10.5 inches, then I will add borders of some kind.

Yeahhhh - my bags are packed, I'm ready to go ...

Old Chickens

2011-10-22T17:38:00.000-07:00

Hmmm - when a person cleans out unused bedside cabinets, she ought to be prepared to find things like this! Are they not ridiculously fun? The Rooster is 16 inches and the chickens are 12 inch blocks. The combs and waddles are all 3-dimensional, and so are the tiny beaks on the chicks. Why didn't I finish these? Perhaps I didn't know what to do in the sashing. I think I'll make sashing out of squares of ... something. The pattern was wrapped up in the bunch of blocks and is from Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, July/August 2000. It DOES need to be finished!

Oh yes, there's more in that cabinet. I'll save that for another day!

Double T, AKA Stars over Shallotte

2011-10-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is what is on my "Design Floor"! LOL And it's sideways to beat, due to space, but what fun this one has been. This was inspired from Bonnie Hunter's "Stars over Shallotte," in her second or third book, Scraps and Shirttails II. My blocks are all similar fabrics, but each one different values in different places. I am LOVING it, especially the zig-zag sashing. Blocks finish at 9 inches, and instead of using HSTs , I used Flying Geese and that great ruler (No Math ruler, previous post). Each block came out PERFECT - unusual for me. I am finished with the blocks but still need to make 4 half blocks, and more sashing. It's eash to get mixed up sewing the sashing on diagonally, so that part is S L O W ! I have no idea what will happen when I get to the borders. I'm thinking that some twining vines leaves, birds would contrast nicely with the hard sharp graphic lines of the blocks and sashing.

This was going to be a soon-to-be retreat project, but dang it, I'll be almost finished with it by then! I"ll have to come up with a different one for the retreat.

Another pillowcase - Owls

2011-10-14T14:22:00.000-07:00

Nothing too impressive today -- Just another pillowcase, but you know when you have some cute fabric like this, what are you going to do with it? This is the perfect project! I've made four different pillowcases, and they ARE somewhat addicting, being so cute! Quilt Guild tomorrow and these will be donated. Bye-bye! These would make nice Christmas gifts for anyone.

Pillowcases and more Double T blocks

2011-10-09T16:28:00.000-07:00

I've made more Double T blocks -- look at the fabric I found for the zig-zag sashing - it's PERFECT! I think I have 10 more blocks to go. So far, they are turning out PERFECT, every time, thanks to that good ruler by Lazy Girl (previously posted).

This cute fabric (below) was given to me, but I've had it a long time, wondering what to do with it??? All those darling OWLS are not the easiest to work into a quilt. However, after making several pillowcases for young foster children, something clicked -- voila!! That fabric will be PERFECT for another pillowcase.

Here is my latest pillowcase - how long have I had those birdhouses??? I've saved that border, again, wondering what to do with it and lo and behold, it's the PERFECT border for another pillow case! Do you ever make things for charity and then wish you'd made them for yourself? I won't be tempted to keep it but it IS pretty cute!

Thanks, Janet, and to her Mom, and to her Aunt, for this fabric

2011-10-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

I've learned to check my small car's trunk before grocery shopping, knowing how often there is "stuff" in the trunk taking up space that is needed for groceries. Today is grocery day.

A while ago, I wrote a post, called "Thanks Ron's Mom," which was a gift of a good deal of fabric, some not so great, but a lot of usable fabric. I'm still working on the usable stuff. Last week it was Ron's wife, Janet, who gave me boxes of fabrics, when cleaning out her Mothers' things, after her Mom passed away. Her Mom also had things of her Aunt's, who'd also passed away some time ago. Janet brought it to me at my office, and I hadn't had time to look at it, so into the trunk it went. She knew I was a quilter, and if I couldn't use it, I would bring it to Guild for others.

There it all is - slobber, pant, drool -- maybe I won't get to grocery shopping after all.

First, I pulled out some neutrals from the box on the left (above) to work into my present project, those "T" blocks.

Below - here is a template made of ice cream container (kinda warped) and a LOT of squares of vintage fabrics. I won't look closer for now, but I see an easy WIP, almost ready to sew!

Below, these look like fabrics from the 70s -- not cut up for blocks. I don't want to stop too long to inspect more closely.

OMGosh (below) I hate to use the word "Jackpot" but that's what I said out loud when I saw this! Hand pieced, nicely done and ALL done. No odors, done well, neat narrow seam allowances and all I need to do is sandwich it and it MUST be hand-quilted. The vintage fabrics are all in good shape -- from the 40s? What a great winter hand-quilting project!

And if that wasn't good enough, here is "Jackpot #2!", seemingly made by another person, as the stitches look different. Again, no odors, no holes, well done -- another must-be-hand-quilted project They both only need pressing, and possibly another border.

Ready for another? This 6 pointed star will require more work but it also is well done. The edge pieces are a bit raveled, but another Jackpot! How I hate to realize those ladies didn't have the opportunity to finish them.

Dear Janet and Ron - I promise to love them, I know I'll finish the two that need to be hand quilted. I am most grateful you thought of me. Extra fabric will be used by my guild for personal and community/donation projects.

And I haven't shown all the contents of the box yet. First glimpses showed vintage 40s fabric in blocks, 2-3 different styles. That's going to be another day of pleasure -- for now, it's time to get those dratted groceries.

Tutorial - No math flying geese - by Lazy Girl

2011-10-01T17:31:00.000-07:00

I have over-simplified a Tutorial with more-than-enough photos, using the No Math, No Waste Flying Geese ruler, by Lazy Girl. The instructions are straightforward and on the ruler. You use 1 large square and 4 small squares for 4 flying geese units (I need twice this amount for my block). Geese are usually the DARK fabric but in this case my values are reversed. i.e., this light fabric will be my geese. My finished unit will be 1 and 1/2 x 3 inches -- that's all a person needs to know, the finished size of your unit. The photos should speak for themselves. Feel free to contact me if you have questions.

You will have to trim off the points.

Voila! You can really see the "T" with this value arrangement. Kewllll!

Scrappy T blocks

2011-10-01T09:17:00.000-07:00

This ruler specially designed for flying geese eliminates all waste -- once you know correct measurements for flying geese and use this method, you don't even NEED this ruler, but I always forget and it's nice to have this great tool. There is little stretching, and so far, all have been nearly perfect. I will include a photo of the method in process next post. You start with a large dark square for the geese and 4 small light squares for the background per block. However, in this block, values are reversed.

Here are my 9 inch "T" blocks. I LOVE how the "T" is more prominent in some blocks than others, depending on the values. Be sure those geese are pointing IN or you end up with another design - not a bad design, just unexpected. I plan to set them on point, with a zig-zag setting, inspired by one of Bonnie Hunter's gorgeous projects.

After making 6 blocks, and having some pressing problems with bulk, I realized that when making the large corner HSTs, I should press to the LIGHT, and the construction is much easier, more exact, and it lays flatter.
Below is the back, showing pressing direction. In order to get those geese points to lay flat, I clipped the seam allowances to near the seam line and pressed them IN. That solved a second pressing problem.

As usual, I am using what I have on hand - a never ending supply.

Sausage Pillow Cases

2011-09-25T19:39:00.000-07:00

Quilt Guild asked for pillowcases for foster kids - something they can take with them when moved from one place to another ... that part is just toooo sad.

The one on the left, has the plaid as the header and frogs as body. The one on right is the opposite.

These are made via the Sausage Pillow Case method, when all the seams are inside. The measurements are 23 in. (WOF) for body, 13 (WOF) for top hem, and 2 in. (WOF) for the accent. If you have two fabrics of one yard each, that coordinate, you get two decent pillow cases, each one opposite one another. Easy! The video is on Youtube, and it's called what else, Sausage Pillow Case! I made two more for girls, but no photo.

Today I went to JoAnns, who was advertising their Queen $35.00 package of Warm and Natural for $12.99 with my coupon, and no limits. I only wanted ONE package, but when I saw other ladies loading their carts up with that bargain, I picked up THREE! GREAT bargain! I also hit Walmart for tulip bulbs, fertilizer, with hopes for spring loveliness. Now, to get them IN THE GROUND!!!

Diamond Strings

2011-09-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

This is just finished this morning, after taking out 4 blocks of quilting in the black. I had several events of poor tension, then poor thread choice, and twice I didn't like what I'd quilted, so for now, there is NO quilting in the black pointy parts. The backing is light, while those black zingers caused a LOT of show-through, or maybe you call them "pokies".

This quilt is a little bit more vibrant than the photos - it IS vibrant!

For months, I had been slobbering at Amazon.com over a book called String Revival, and this was the cover quilt. Wow, I pressed my clicker so fast whtn I saw it! It was backordered for MONTHS!!! In the meantime I prepared my fabrics, foundation paper (phone book pages), already had my strips cut, so when the book FINALLY arrived, putting it together was a snap. The black starts as a template that come to a point about 1/2 inch inside the intersection, so it's on target every time. When the book arrived, it included 30 minute DVD as well, with some video of making 3 of the projects. THAT was a nice surprise.

I quilted the borders differently. The first inside border was a geometric squares/rectangles, the next was loopy with occasional flowers, and the last wider black border was a kind of innie/outie replicating (IMHO) what I had done in the interior. This approach adds to the scrappiness and also helps to keep up my quilting skills.

I quilt is on a DSM, a Janome 6500 MC.

.

"Stats", and latest BOM

2011-09-18T09:32:00.000-07:00

Blogger "Stats" is very interesting -- have you checked that feature out yet? I suppose all that info has been available for a long time -- I only recently found it when I updated my Blog Design.

Yesterday we resumed our Guild Meetings - I always MISS them over the summer break! After the meeting I came home and in just a few minutes, while still full of energy and enthusiasm, whipped up this 9 inch BOM for next month. Cute! When I put it on the table, look how pretty it looks next to my bouquet!

While in town, I met a friend (the infamous Jody Godess) who helped me choose the final fabrics for our 2012 Serendipity (Raffle) Quilt. I tend to get so excited with all that fabric, thread, pretty colors, doo-dads, it's difficult for me to stay on track!! Thanks Jody, for keeping me focused. Wow, I spent money that wasn't even mine! Even with generous discounts, making a large quilt, then having it quilted is VERY expensive.

... and I REALLY want to show what I'm making, but cannot - this project is why I'm not posting a lot.

I had ICE on the deck early this morning. 8-(

Still here

2011-09-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely magazine, at the checkout at my LQS, that I just grabbed - they were on sale, although I didn't bother to look at the price. I DID notice my bill was a little higher than expected.

My word - look closely -- $12.99!!!

That will teach me to NOT be so impulsive!!! I bought it for $6.50, half price.

I'm still working on and off with this String Quilt. Here is what it looked like before I removed the paper. BTW, phone book paper is THE best foundation for this type of project. Much of it falls off by itself, it's free, it's entertaining reading the names I recognize, the straight lines of type are handy for keeping blocks straight, you don't have to measure when using strings on a given size of foundation. I use close/small (1.5 on my machine) stitches and a size 12 needle or 14 if you have an old one. The small stitches is the key. Yes, it took me about 4 hours to remove the paper, and makes a mess.

Between working on a secret Guild Raffle Quilt and this project, THIS project is taking me longer to finish than I prefer.

Correction to earlier comment about points not matching

2011-08-30T17:58:00.000-07:00

In an earlier blog post, I grumbled that my points were impossible to match with this design. Well they ARE impossible because they were not supposed to match! Gotta eat my words, unfortunately. They form a very nice shart point, AWAY from the corner. So much better!

Below is my border plan, but I've run out of black - oh dang it, back to my LQS!

This quilt will be about 60" x 76" when finished.

I have a LOT of paper to remove and already there is a LOT of it all over my sewing studio, the living room, trailing some into the kitchen, that has has fallen off on it's own. We'll just have to grin and bear it - it's going to get worse before it gets better. LOL

Totally unrelated to this post ... do you know all those bloggers who respond to "What's on your Design Wall? .. my version is "What's on my Design Floor"! 8-))

A HUGE thank you to another Blogger who gave all sorts of assistance getting this new layout laid out correctly. If I gave out her name you ALL would be calling on her! 8-)))

Hard to believe but -- I changed my blog's appearance!!!

2011-08-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

Yes, I improved/modified my blog - first time since it began! I am NOT a modern gal!!! And I see I've lost my links to other bloggers. Good thing I copied the template first! And I'm not sure I like what I changed it to, but that's what learning is all about! That header photo is way too large as well -- don't know about you but I get aggravated waiting for a giganto photo to show up, when a small one will do. So now I have to figure out how to make it smaller. 8-))

HTML questions, and Strings Backing Find

2011-08-28T11:10:00.000-07:00

SOLVED!!! Thanks Paula!!! 8-))) (I upgraded IE - easy peasy.)

Can anyone tell me what/how to get my sidebar back up even with the text on my blog, in Internet Explorer? It rolls all down waaay to the bottom. It's OK in Firefox. What should I be looking for? (I'm not remembering any changes that I saved -- apparently I goofed!

Yesterday I made a LQS run, because of their sale. I did some damage to my frugal nature purchasing quality backings for 3 quilts, all at $4.00/yd. One backing is for my current diamond string quilt -- can you imagine there could be such an excellent color choice available, and on sale? Lucky me? Colors are right, it's playful style is right, Q stitches will blend with my planned thread of tans, creams, etc. On the way home the public radio station (The Splendid Table) was discussing Mexican food, on and on and on, so that by the time I arrived back in town I was so hungry I just HAD to try a new Mexican restaurant for lunch! Delicious!!!

Cleaning up Strings

2011-08-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

I've been working on these strings for a whole 3 days. Once you get going, they go fast. Frugal me -- I'm using telephone book pages, that I cut to 6 inches.

When you cut your foundation to size, there is no wasted time measuring strings - that is a real time saver. Also, on this design, the teensy pointed ends are NOT going to match - I'm seeing this already, unfortunately.

I have 2 more rows to make, and the color combination of these strings is almost gone. Gotta start filling in, without making too many MORE strings.

As usual, I have toooo many colors - it's difficult for me to stick with just a few. MORE is better -- and that part about giving the eyes a place to rest??? NOT! LOL

I started with the black, and put a dab of glue under each one to hold it in place - better than pinning.

Quilt gathering is tonight - we're working on the Guild Serendipity (Raffle) Quilt. I'm not "allowed" to show it before the eventual unveiling next June.

At Last, Something to Show!

2011-08-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Like many others in the USA, it's been too hot to do much of anything, but I've been plugging away at this simple quilt.

I ventured outside my boundaries a little and made rings in 4 of the 12 blocks. Not sure if I like them or not but this project DOES have all the wedge seams butting perfectly. If you want the rings to show, using the same strata, you need to have an odd number of strips, and the middle strip will stand out as a ring. I used (finished inches) 2, 1,1,1,1,1,2 for my strips.

I have another quilt this size (below), 12 blocks, and while different colors, it's one of my favorites, and well used.

This blue/white/ tan one is about 60" x 76" It's leaning towards nautical - those little figures on light tan or little sailors, at the helm. Cute! I'm thinking waves in various forms but I DO like to vary the patterns - can't stick with one idea in my head! LOL

The border decision was a no brainer, after a friend suggested it to me! 8-)) Thanks Jody (Goddess). They all mitered perfectly.

The garage is nicely swept out, thanks DH, so maybe this weekend will be a basting day, but only if it cools down

For someone else

2011-08-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

I don't usually do this but, having an infant grandson die waiting for a heart transplant, I learned there are LOT of people with tragic stories in their life. And yes, it's often not easy to read about it, but I'll try to do what I can here.

I received this e-mail from a blogger. You really don't have to do much to be of help.

"Would you be so kind to (& tell your friends) comment on my BLOG ONLY (emails don’t count), for the Miracle Makeover fund drive. Charlie, 8 yr. old, & his story are fabulous. Every comment brings us a $1 for the next person that will be sponsored..

Have a beautiful weekend.

Hugs,

TTFN ~

Marydon

http://www.blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com/

Perhaps it will help some who must deal with a child's serious health issues.

One Thing Leads to Another

2011-08-09T16:16:00.000-07:00

The first time I learned how to make this simple block, I was electrified!

Like many other quilters, I was/still am a fan of Bonnie Hunter's www.quiltville.com and found her ideas thrilling - yes thrilling! My mind was reeling with ideas, plans, projects, colors, etc. I made my share of kids quilts using this technique, several Linus quilts, a sofa quilt, and one for the car trunk, all the time realizing this was one great use of scraps. I wonder if Bonnie Hunter realizes how responsible she is for ENERGIZING so many of us! Then, I realized this block had more surprises -- and it led me to projects made with smaller strips, larger strips, more strips, boxes of strips -- uhhh you get the picture.

Next, was THIS bargello project.

Again, I would not have had the courage to try it until I had the basic block (above) figured out. While it was not a complicated quilt, it LOOKED complicated until I realized it's relationship to that basic bargello block. My, my, what else is around the corner - more energy, I must say!

And then I realized how useful it would be for a border and I could use up the scraps from a quilt to make what appears to be a complicated border (NOT!). You have seen some of my use of this bargello idea on a number of my quilts I've shown on this blog -- here is another use for the same technique! I LOVE it when a great idea gives me mental energy!!! One thing leads to another...

(and now in reviewing my photos and projects, you can see what my favorite colors are! )

This post is about learning one technique even if you don't think you like it, because you never know where it might lead you ... sounds like a lesson in life doesn't it?

I have a sew day planned with a friend, and we're going to play "Bargello"!

Happy Birthday Kellan

2011-07-31T17:53:00.000-07:00

This quilt is on it's way the new owner. I'm hoping Mom doesn't see this post before the package arrives!

The colors are as bright and vivid as this photo below.

New baby in town - a niece's second boy. All are fine. Isn't he a handsome little guy? Boy babies are rare in his mother's family and he's the second boy in THIS family.

I used some leftover for the label. These are all Jan Mullins fabrics, purchased a while ago. The plan was to make them REALLY wonky, but while I made them very crooked, I just couldn't bear to cut off the "heads" of those geese! LOL. It was paper pieced, a quarter block at a time, and I just drew the pattern myself. It's so bright and cheerful - and was great fun making it. It's a generous size, and should be useful until he's a little kid.

Jacob's Ladder, Border, and Label ideas

2011-07-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

This hand-quilted pretty, "Candy Ladders" was made even before I had a blog, and I'm astonished it was never posted. The blocks are traditional Jacob's Ladder, 6 inch, yes 6 inches! It may be the last one I've ever done by hand, unfortunately. Many babies have come along, and I've given them 'ordinary' baby quilts, but I've seen that these days, new mothers don't quite understand the work that goes into a hand-quilted baby quilt, so I've hung onto it.

I'm posting it today because a blogger was asking for border suggestions. While this looks like a lot of work - well it IS, sorta, it certainly has been an excellent border. The squares finish at 1 inch. It travels well around corners, although you might have to fudge in the centers of the border, it uses up the scraps from the quilt, but you DO need ONE CONSISTENT color (white in this case), the same in every border block so the eye sees the flow going around the quilt. This was all based on Bonnie Hunter's, Scrappy Bargello at www.quiltville.com When I first started quilting a LOT, this simple block idea practically exploded in my head, with ideas, dreams, pictures, colors! LOLOL

Below is my favorite part -- the label is a pocket with a little Beanie Baby Bunny. What child would not LOVE that pocket with it's critter tucked into it. For a time, our LQS had Beanie Babies on sale for $2.00, and I bought a bunch, using the label/pocket in many kid quilts, and tucking a little critter inside.

Lady of the Lake, More Blocks for Raffle/Serendipity Quilt

2011-07-24T16:47:00.000-07:00

Six more blocks completed, Lady of the Lake. However, we live out here in Sandhills Country - no good lakes in this vicinity, so we'll have to come up with a better name for this quilt. I aimed for less fussy fabrics, dusty blues, no florals, so maybe even guys will like it and purchase tickets. "Dry Lakes", "Sandhill Lakes" "Blue Sky Lakes" how about "Sandhill Blues", "Dusty Blues" ? -- I'd better lose the word "Lakes".

I'm posting these blocks mostly for my mini-group in case they want to see what mine turned out like. I purchased 7-8 lights and 7-8 darks, so we planned to mix them up a bit.

Inspiration came from Bonnie Hunter's quilt (Quiltville.com) in Quiltmaker magazine, the latest issue.

Because of the heat I moved my sewing equipment that is altogether for quilt classes, to the basement where it's not so hot. Then between sewing blocks, I did laundry, played on computer, took a nap, cleaned bathroom, etc. Frankly, I kinda like it down here - DH??? not so much. I tried to stay upstairs this morning, but was "hit" by some kind of bug - probably related to heat - I don't do well in heat, and forget to drink, resulting in being unpleasantly ill for a while, but when I went back downstairs, recovered quickly.

New quilt - for 2012-2013

2011-07-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

10 blocks made - this is our Raffle/Serendipity Quilt for 2012-2013. I believe the block is called Lady of the Lake. Blocks are 8 inches finished and I saw a lovely photo of a quilt made by Bonnie Hunter, in one of my magazines. Our Guild has many excellent quilters and this one will be made by our local small mini-group. I wanted a quilt that was quiet, gentle, not too girly, and user friendly! Maybe something even the men would like.

More Quilt Show Eye Candy

2011-07-19T17:00:00.000-07:00

Barb and Anita with the Serendipity (Raffle) Quilt for 2012. I know others helped with making this beauty, but don't have their names. This quilt was 4 Storm at Sea kits from John Flynn - Barb said they needed 4 to get enough of the right colors - (not sure what that meant). When I saw this quilt folded up, it was beautiful, but when it was on the hanging rack, the complicated design pattern became visible. This is a quilt that you want to step closer to, i.e., "it brings the viewer in." Barb, the math teacher, explained that they made it in 4 quadrants, one quadrant at a time, so they could assemble the design correctly. It's another stunning quilt, machine quilted by Anita (Prairie Creations) with straight lines, following what appears to be curves, but are not. I really want to win this one! I seem to remember they are batiks.

Quilt Show Eye Candy, and a Surprise

2011-07-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Despite near 100 degrees, we had our wonderful quilt show.

Where does one start? My friend Chell of Creative Quilting with Love made this Kaleidoscope quilt a while ago and honored me by asking me to quilt it. IT IS A STUNNER! I couldn't get it all in the photo - it's a winner in my book.

And if anyone doubts machine quilting on a DSM is not "as good" as quilting on a long arm - this quilt should alleviate your wondering. If you think you want to do your own quilting, on your own machine, look at the closeups in these two photos. YOU CAN DO IT!!!! if there is one lesson I'd like to teach, it's that YOU CAN quilt on your DSM, and I'm preaching to you ( !! ) LOL, it's an enormously creative project as well. You simply need to practice for a while. I clearly remember it took me 22 hours to quilt it and I enjoyed 22 hours of pleasure. 8-)))

In my previous post I mentioned I was not looking for any accolades this year and not really even considering that my quilts might peak someone's interest but ... this was a total surprise - First Place, Medium Quilts. Talk about being stunned!!! I posted an entire view, and described this Scrappy Pineapple February 21, 2011. (And crud, I don't know how to link, saying find it "here" -- when I copied the URL, I received the "OOPS" from Google.)

That's all for now - I'm still catching by breath, and feel all energized again. Happy Day!

More photos another day.

Heat!

2011-07-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

(Wow - changes with Blogger - I'm getting tired of learning new things! -- I've edited it 6 times, and that's enough - still not like I wanted it. Wah, wah, wahhhh - Tooooo hot!)

Quilts for Kids (below) - finished and mailed off!

Quilt show this weekend - wouldn't you know, it's hot as hxxx, and the quilt show location, unfortunately, has no air conditioning. For years, we've tried to rectify this situation, to no avail. Each of the guild members are required to work for some time - this year for the first time, I've had to say I can only work at the Reception Table where not much effort expended-- It's just too hot. The Show is held in conjunction with Oregon Trails Day, a big event in the Nebraska Panhandle, with many events happening as well. We'll be in the upper 90s. Think of us hot gals while you are inside your Air Conditioning.

I am airing my quilts before delivery to the Quilt Show -- I'm not expecting any accolades but DO want to show these quilts. You never know when someone will be inspired. The small center item is a Challenge quilt by Jody (Goddess) who is unable to attend.

I spent a day with my friend Chell of creativequiltingwithlove.blogspot.com/ (can't figure how to do the link thing any more!),

and started another Kaleodoscope. The "ring" on the block is made by sewing it in the center of the strata, and the strata must have an odd number of strips, all of the center strips must be of equal size. My top, and bottom strip are wider.

Look at all the projects Chell has on that table!

On the Other Side of the Studio

2011-07-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

DH and I share a small "Studio." If we both pull our chairs back at the same time, we bump. He gets threads in his boats, I get wood shavings in my quilts. We get over it.

This is one of the latest boats my DH builds. This style of boat is called a "Pink" -- don't remember why, but one unusual characteristic is that the bow looks a lot like the stern. (The stern is on the left in the photo.) We didn't include sails on this one - kinda glad as that ends up my job. He puts several hundred hours building each boat. They are as close to accurate as he can fathom, and I know he's IN that boat, running around, checking to see that all is shipshape. Many of the decking parts are removable so one can see down inside the hull, which he's also designed as accurately as he knows.

This is my favorite detail on the boat, below. See that round hole on the stern, over the rudder? Just guess what that is for! Whew - what a ride that could be!!! So much for privacy!

Trails West (not End!), and a Rainbow

2011-06-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

(OK, July 3, I edited my title, from Trails End (where did that come from?) to Trails West, the name of this newest quilt.)

This lovely view was a few days ago, after our usual late afternoon "heavy storms with hail and possible tornado" warnings, but nothing serious happened - just this lovely rainbow.

Tonight I finished the binding on my plaid "Trail's West". My husband loves it, I love it, but I have no idea what to do with it. It's about 64 x 76 inches. In my hurry to get it quilted, one corner still has some paper in it -- I heard it crinkling. LOL That's me! 8-)))

No more Nest Watching

2011-06-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dang it - we watched that dove nest for weeks only to find a neighbor's cat hovering over the empty nest.

What are these things?

2011-06-26T13:41:00.000-07:00

These things were given to me by a woman who may have used a treadle machine. She was over 95 a few years ago. The first item says 9-S. (My photo skills are D+.)

Can anyone tell me what they are? Are they usable for an old sewing machine? The two wood cylindrical boxes both say $2.75, and "Boyle". I also have several more containers with sewing machine needles in them - (flat on one side.)

Buckeye Beauty, Masculine Quilting

2011-06-24T14:51:00.000-07:00

Despite having more pressing issues, I couldn't resist quilting this scrappy Buckeye Beauty. My thread is a quiet beige/tan, and this design is called Innies and Outies, from http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/. If you want to learn some techniques for quilting on your domestic sewing machine, her DVDs are THE ticket! I spent some time on YouTube today and she also has 3-4 free sample videos, each one over 6-7 minutes long. Try it, you might like it.

This pattern tends to look good on guy quilts - like a topographic maps. This is similar to Dwirling, but smaller in scale, as I don't have a lot of room for hand movement on my machine. It DOES use a lot of thread.

The fabrics are from many shirts I've made over the past 20 years, current shirts for husband, shirts from brothers, maybe even my Dad who passed away in the '70s, and some Mission Shirts, ala Bonnie Hunter/quiltville.com.

We are under yet another severe storm warning. Usually every time it rains/storms, we get hail with it, and gardens take a beating! I only have hostas, that have made it intact, so far anyway. The floods are not affecting us in our town, but are a problem farther east and south of us near the Platte River.

Downside of paper piecing

2011-06-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

The downside of paper piecing/foundation piecing is removing the paper. This is the border of my recent Buckeye Beauty, and I'm getting ready to baste it. BTW, I no longer need regular glasses, now that my eyes are all clear again, and only needed reading glasses from K-mart for about $12.99. Nice! Those are "readers" and I look over the top of them for anything other than close up. Now I understand why people (little old grannies) love them!

I DID manage to get it all off (telephone book pages) in about 2 1/2 hours, sitting there like a slug, trying to be entertained by TV -- ugh! DH sneaked up with the camera, trying to be cute! That's my corner, pile, nest, mess. 8-)

What was I thinking? I ordered not one, but TWO quilts for Kids (State level) and one is almost done, with a lot of quilted swirls. Instructions said to quilt it a LOT. Contrary to what one might think, free-form swirls on a DSM are not difficult -- they are easier than free-form straight lines! I was almost 3/4 finished in the center, in less than 2 hours. I decided to stop and stretch my bod.

Blog has still more surprises - I updated to a newer version and am starting all over again, wondering what some of these buttons are! Too lazy, too rushed, to figure it all out.

It's been over a week ...

2011-06-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

Hey, when trying to comment, what's with the endless circle of entering my name and e-mail on Google, in order to leave a comment on MANY of the blogs! Irritating - I take time to comment, sign in under my Google profile, and it returns me to the Google sign in, and round and round. It's not me, I've checked! When I do a Preview, the comment box says I'm Anonymous, but since it never really "takes", no matter.

Buckeye Beauty String Border

2011-06-13T19:34:00.000-07:00

Oh great - I updated Blogger and it took me 4 tries to get this photo to appear.

Anyway, here is my Buckeye Beauty/aka/Blue Ridge Beauty variation/ as well as various other names. I'm loving the border. One more side to sew on. Maybe I can get it sandwiched this weekend. 8-)))

My plaids and shirt plaids are still waaaay out of control!

Buckeye Beauty, String Border, Dove on the Nest

2011-06-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

Finally, the scrappy top is done. Homespuns are thready, but this time my light fabric is quality, thicker and hopefully won't show the errant dark threads that insist on meandering under light fabrics. Next, ON TO A BORDER!

This is sometimes called Jewel Box, or a version of Jacob's Ladder, Railroad, or more, and uses the same units as Quiltville.com Blue Ridge Beauty. My blocks finish at 6 inches.

Below is a border suggestion I loved when I saw it on another blog. However, these two fabrics are not doin' it! The sample I saw was shorter more squarish, in stronger colors, reds and blues with a consistant light, that looked like a ribbon, twisting back and forth. Great idea, but it's not working here, and I needed it to be 6 inches.

How about this scrappy string block? By gosh, I'm liking it! My numbers are not adding up correctly, so I'll have to do some trimming or fudging but they are going to work.
Have you ever noticed that quilts made of even amounts of very light and very dark kinda leave you somewhat unsettled? I found that when they are equally light and dark, somewhere along the construction, usually in the border, you might need to really make a lot of LIGHTs, or a lot of DARKS, unbalancing the "evenness", in order to decide which way it should appear, light or dark. I wanted this one to appear dark. That's my tip of the day. Anyone else agree or disagree?

Below is our dove's yearly effort at a nest, right off the deck - easy to watch. This makes for good photos, if the squirrel doesn't move in and destroy the eggs. I've never seen the eggs hatch.

Mesa Verde - The Ancient Ones, Ruins

2011-06-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

After a day on the Durango-Silverton narrow guage rail ride, the second day of our "package" linked with Mesa Verde ruins. There was an option of riding a bus with no personal guide but I had smarts enough to plan a smaller group with our own archeologist, Denise. We were thrilled with her knowledge, suggestions, theories - an almost-private archeologist. There were only 3 other people on our tour. She even had a picnic lunch planned for us. I can't count the bottles of water we each consumed!!!

Mesa Verde is in the southwest corner of Colorado, almost into Utah, Arizona, New Mexico. Unless you looked closely at the canyons, you would not see these ruins.

The inhabitants left the area about 900-1000 A.D., for parts unknown -- still a big mystery. Theories are they lost water seeps, or they used up their wood, or drought, or collapse of the civilization due to too many people, or a cosmic event. It is estimated there were, at one time, 50,000 inhabitants in this 4-corner area.

This is a kiva, a living space, that would have had a roof over it. They had an excellent command of fire drafts, air flow, baffles built into the sides of the kiva, all to make their space comfortable. We heard wild turkeys in the scrub. Turkeys, beans, squash, corn were a staple in their diet, when they began farming.

I decided to walk down into one of these ruins, while DH and the archeologist stayed above, studying other areas. This was very strenuous for this ole gal, no handrails, uneven stones, some places, only ancient toe holds, and by the time I had to haul my sorry butt up the last two ladders, I thought I'd met my demise! There was no other way out, no backtracking, no elevator, no helicopter, and 30 people behind me (also huffing and puffing). My attention was on my feet and NOT going over the edge, so photos are few! I was the oldest and probably the tiredest! But I DID it. It took my legs 6 days to recover. The rest of our group later went on another walking tour, but I just could NOT go another step, so DH and I did the people-watching thing.

I will let the photos speak for themselves. Just LOOKING over the ledges is astonishing - you don't need to take the walking/climbing/gasping tour. The area is honeycombed with sites. If possible get a tour with an archeologist.

NQR - Vacation: Durango-Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad

2011-06-01T18:54:00.001-07:00

Over the long weekend, we took a spur-of-the-moment jaunt. For years, we've talked about finding a Narrow Guage train ride. The result of our Internet search was the Durango (Colorado)-Silverton narrow-guage railway, starting about 10 hours from home, in the southwest corner of Colorado. Our trip expanded to include a package (there are MANY optional packages) but this post is only about this portion of our trip. There is nothing 'quilt-y' about our trip -- just a really nice RR ride.

This is the view behind our motel - right next to the Animas River, where we spent time simply sitting and enjoying ourselves. That lovely walking/biking walkway you see, went on for miles. Kayakers and rafters, including dogs wearing life jackets who were joining their humans, were taking advantage of the swift river. Because this trip co-incided with the "Strong Man" bicycle trip, there was also a LOT of Spandex and buns of steel on that walkway!

This is the car (named "Alamosa Parlor Car") we were scheduled to board. We chose to ride the last car of the train, wanting to see the engine ahead during the winding trip. This car also included "Dave", a guide/waiter/attendant/barkeeper - he was a retired schoolteacher -- an unexpected bonus on this ride. I particularly enjoyed the morning's Rusty Spike, and the complementary cinnamon buns.

Above is one of numerous views of the Animas river, moving swiftly due to massive snow runoff.

Below is one of the views of the engine. The track curved so sharply, we could see it often, one of the benefits of our car. Of course, many of the mountain views were just plain spectacular!

Below -- can you see the guy in the red jacket in the tree? One of the options of this trip was taking advantage of numerous zip lines. That sounded pretty fun to me, but the activity was more geared to the macho/younger men. This guy did some acrobatics before he came to a stop in the tree. The zip line went from mountain to tree to mountain to tree. I think they had to "unhook" and then "rehook" along the way. The photo op went by too quickly.

Below is the inside of our car. We were free to change seats if space was available. And of course, that bar helped to calm nerves, when there appeared to be nothing holding up the train tracks.
I mentioned earlier that the "Strong Man" bicycle event was also in town. That crowd of bikes left Durango for Silverton 15 minutes before our train left Durango, a 54 mile trip, and when we were almost in Silverton, we looked waaaay up on the ledges/highway above us, and could see dots of bicycles coasting downhill, into the town.

When we got off the train and walked near the finish line, we saw one guy who "pedaled" his specially-made bike with his arms, as his legs didn't work. What a loud uproar there was when HE crossed the Finish Line. I still get goosebumps thinking of his determination.

And below is the front of the train, disappearing around the curve. One option of the trip was to take a bus back down the mountain, but we chose to ride both ways. Our guide "Dave" taught us about narrow guage railroads, mining, American history. Wildlife included deer, elk, and 2 bears/bares. The second "bare" was some guy who mooned us! LOL

We both felt this was an economical and educational trip for families. Each RR car was a slightly different fee, depending on it's purpose. We visited the RR Museum (no entry fee), a wealth of information. I believe our cost for the day was $169.00, although we paid extra for special drinks. "Regular" drinks and cinnamon bun were complimentary on our car. We purchased a simple lunch in Silverton, now, a small tourist town.
Above is a final view of the engine disappearing around the bend. This was an exceptionally pleasant, relaxing trip.

Our "leg" tomorrow will be Mesa Verde cliff dwellings, with a private archeologist leading our way.

Albino Robin? and Buckeye Beauty, Jewel Box

2011-05-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

I saw this very light colored robin in our front yard and took the photos through the front door AND the storm door, so it's not clear. This guy was so pale, I do wonder if he/she was albino. It behaved like other robins.

Below is about 60 blocks of my Jewel Box pattern, 6 inch blocks, aiming for 8 x 10, or 80 blocks. I'm calling it Buckeye something or other, as it's so masculine. One of you bloggers gave me the inspiration with a small sample of Jewel Box plaids that were more bright and sunny. If it was you, feel free to let me know. Isn't it funny how the gentlest of inspirations can get us moving with enthusiasm and energy?

Many of these plaids are very thready. I'm going to starch the backs of them, hoping to glue the darker threads in place so they don't wander into the light areas. I used a consistant "light" and it's good quality, so maybe wandering dark threads won't show too much. So far, I've spent little time arranging them, other than with no same fabrics together. I've been saving shirts for too long - time to use them! Thanks to Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com for the brilliant idea of using shirts for fabric.

One Down, One to Go

2011-05-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

I’m back from cataract eye surgery #1, with excellent results. Thank you all for many kind comments and words of encouragement. I don't think the positive energy quite "took."

Cataract surgery is a booming business. The organization of these eye surgery clinics is fascinating to me -- I like the idea of the PROCESS. Patients come in one door, get processed, prepped for surgery, surgery is done in minutes, and out they go through another door, with a new lens in the affected eye, a patch over it, and instructions for eye drops, and then 2 more follow appointments. It is truly efficient and miraculous. No one has to wait long in the waiting room - waiting is inefficient!

I was stressed, anxious, fearful, despite many reassuring responses from friends and internet bloggers. The nurses were so helpful, patient, with lots of encouragement and touchy feely hands on, explaining everything they were doing (I think), they helped to keep me calm (well they tried anyway!).
At one point before surgery, I was on a gurney, with IV attached, and felt like taking a nap, so I’m guessing they had sneakily given me some anesthetic through the IV where I couldn't see what they were doing. Next thing I knew, off I went rolling down the hall to “the operating room” ...when I entered that room, what I remember, is "I wanted OUT!" although I was too attached to that gurney with tubes, IV, and blankets (even typing about that room now, gives me a stomach ache!) My husband was planning to watch the procedure through the VIEW window, and he said at that point, they closed his view window, but he saw me thrashing about, kicking, etc. through a gap in the window. Oh my, how embarrassing, but I have no memory of that. Next thing I remember, I woke up with a patch over my eye, sore throat, nurses hovering over me, giving me a drink of water, feeling a bit shaky, but I was done. As information eventually straightened out in my brain, I learned they had intubated me (correct word?) because the anesthesia was not working well enough to keep me calm. So that’s why I had the sore throat.

DH is having a great time at my expense, dropping true or untrue bits of my embarrassing reaction to the anesthesia, but the last straw was when he said I was snoring!!! He'd better straighten up or he won't be allowed to watch eye surgery #2!

The first 24 hours following surgery at home were slightly uncomfortable, with sore throat, some nausea and headache from the anesthesia, and minor discomfort of my scratchy eye. I didn’t sleep much that night, but the next day, after a cup of coffee, I felt well, and off we went for a follow-up appointment, where I apologized to the Dr. He kindly assured me I didn’t swear at him, nor call him bad names while in my agitated state. Jeesh – embarrassing, but he also said he would be prepared for me next time. Apparently, regular anesthesia does not work normally on me. LOL I am wondering if my name might be written on the surgery room wall, warning to the staff, "watch out for Elaine Adair!"

After the first follow-up appointment, (day after surgery) I went to work. My vision has improved greatly in that eye, but of course my glasses aren’t correcting my vision very well at this point. The work I did at my office on Wednesday was a breeze, but when I returned Thursday morning, I saw many, many mistakes. Apparently, I wasn't thinking so clearly.

I don’t know what percentage I fall in, in that my anesthesia administering wasn’t as expected, but they were ‘ready’ for such anomalies. I had definitely slowed up their production line with my antics! LOL

Eye #2 in a few weeks, and while I'm not eager to get is done, I'll be glad to know what to expect. The eye doctro will be really glad to know what to expect also.

(Absolutely NONE of these activities happened to my husband when he had HIS cataract surgeries. His WAS a breeze! )

My mother loves to remind me that when it was time for my routine kid innoculations before going to grade school in the fall, my folks called the VET to administer the shots, as he was used to handling uncooperative animals!

The Worst Part is ...

2011-05-08T10:44:00.000-07:00

I am scheduled for eye surgery (cataract removal #1) this week. While I AM a big chicken, I have been assured by everyone that this procedure is no big deal. Oh Yeah, right, when it's not YOUR eye! Everyone has told me what to expect, but NO ONE told me this part ... "wear a short sleeved shirt" uhhhh, does anyone out there, with bat wings even OWN A SHORT SHEEVE SHIRT??? and even worse ... this is the worst -- "NO MAKEUP".

I am scheduled at 7:00 am - that means we have to leave home before 6:00 am. Can you imagine what I'm going to look like at THAT hour with NO MAKEUP!!! 8-(((

(Today, -- just in case I die of fright before I endure surgery -- I have done laundry, fed the birds, vacuumed, took a walk, enjoyed my small garden, cooked, sewed a bit. mmm, maybe I better do a closet as well -- ya know -- just in case...)

Eureka - The Lost has been Found - ME!

2011-05-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

After many months of being slow, depressed, unmotivated, exhausted, cranky (yeah, read my cranky posts!) I had chalked it up to issues of AGE/OLD. However, I couldn't understand know how I got OLD in a matter of months.

Last night I watched THIS movie. Now, I don't often watch a DVD, but remember that nice room I made for me last summer? Well, there's the new TV with built in DVD player and it was nice and quiet, so I visited the library and just randomly pulled out this movie.

Good grief, how can things happen this way??? The EXACT thing a person NEEDS landed in my hands. This is a lovely, quiet, simple movie, not sexy, not crashing and flying autos, no guns, nothing offensive except some expected language, but it was exactly what I needed. It was mostly something about 'finding oneself' -- not losing sight of who you are -- Hey, we all spend a LOT of time trying to please others, and somewhere along the way, a person can get 'lost'.

That's all I'm saying, but holy smoke, do I feel wonderful, full of energy, enthusiasm, goals, dreams, curiosity, again. THAT's who I really am! 8-)))

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

Oh yes, one more thing. Thank you Jane (a lady at church) who said such kind and complimentary words to me, I had to hug her! And to the members who visited me at work, asking for my assistance with some problems, because they knew I'd be able to help. I am human again!

(It never hurts to compliment folks! -- it comes back ten-fold!)

Dear Dritz

2011-04-20T19:52:00.000-07:00

I recently purchased your product Sew On Painted Treasures. However, your product gave me a great deal of grief and exasperation. While it printed well, and photo result was acceptable, removing the paper was absolutely awful. No way was that paper coming off in anything but shreds. Even tweezers didn't loosen it in anything but shreds, nor did steaming over the teakettle.

Searching the Internet and my Quilt Guild, friends, and Local Quilt Shop gave me no solutions to this problem. Your instructions on the package are clear and concise, but do not mention possible problems, such as this.

Only my own blog post gave me an answer, which was, "heat the printed sheet back up with a hot iron, and this would loosen the paper. Perhaps including this suggestion on the package as well as "add several score lines across the back" would be very helpful to your sales, product development, and marketing people. Even with the heat, I wasn't able to remove all of the remaining paper in one action.

After days of frustration, I hardly think the product was worth the effort.

Exasperating!!!

2011-04-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

I bought Printed Treasures Inkjet Printable Fabric Sew-On to copy photos onto fabric. My first effort was a test was with a few labels only and while the print quality was OK, removing the paper was a nightmare. It's supposed to peel off, I'm presuming something like Contact Paper. NOT!

Just like directions say, I printed it, then after one minute (per instructions) I scored the corner and started peeling the paper off, only to have it pull away in shreds.

A SEARCH on the Internet indicates that people love it or hate it for the same reason. Uhhh, what makes the difference? My test sheet says to me, "Don't do that again!" but ya know that package costs $19.99 with 5 sheets, and could I have done something wrong?

I tried steaming it over the teapot (iron is well past it's steaming years) with nary a difference, except burned fingers.

Yes, I live in a dry climate -- can that be the difference?

I tried it again, thinking I'd score it numerous times, seemingly to make the removal easier. No luck. I'm really frustrated and angry. What a mess!

The instructions give no indication of possible problems My Quilt Shop did not have an answer.

I've spent almost $100.00 on this Challenge project, and it looks like it's getting the best of me!

Solutions??? HELP!!!

Two finishes, QOV Rebuilt Log Cabin, and Kaleidoscope

2011-04-17T08:48:00.000-07:00

I've shown this Rebuilt Log Cabin in process, but it's DONE -- DONE -- DONE! This is the quilt that I had quilted the borders in an overall leafy viney pattern and the result was awful! The organic thing didn't "go" with the patriotic style, and was too eye-catching. So I took out all the border quilting - not as hard as it sounds as my tension was terrible on the back, very loose, making it less difficult to remove. I redid quilting between the borders as plain Stitch-in-the-Ditch, a vast improvement. Next is a short wash to eliminate holes from previous stitches.

Again, you've seen this kaleidoscope quilt but it's all quilted and full of texture. I LOVE it and it's intended as a gift.

Both of these quilts were made from stash. I DID purchase batting.

Jody Barrows Presentation

2011-04-10T18:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon/evening I attended a Jody Barrows presentation of her Square in a Square sewing technique, family history, novels, quilts, rulers, DVDs, and fabric lines. This gal is a dynamo and entrepaneur - I had no idea she was doing all these things! Additionally, all those talents are intertwined in her family, novels, quilts, and fabric. Do you think I had a good time? 8-))) Her husband Steve and CEO (Carrying Everything Out) helped load and unload stuff.

This program was organized by Country Quilts of Scottsbluff - thanks Mary Eldridge!

While my photos are in reverse order, as soon as I walked in the room, I knew I was in trouble - quilt trouble! Many of the quilts featured in her Instruction books, and in her novels are already kitted up and ready for you, with her new fabric line. I came home so inspired. If she travels near you, take the time to see her stuff - you'll like it!

Square in a Square Technique.

Twisted Sister, Practice Block

2011-04-09T08:27:00.001-07:00

Next week I'm taking a class with Ami Simms, Twisted Sisters, so this morning I made a practice block. Works for me! I especially liked that dimensional center! Yeahhhhh. All my colored fabric has bits of light or white, so this looks good to me! But I only have 1 yard of this white/cream background. I'm going to town today, so I can get several yards of another creamy white.

The purpose of my trip today is for yet another quilty event -- Jody Barrows (Square in a Square) is demonstrating her rulers, also in town. ("In Town" is 120 miles round trip!)

Another Kaleidoscope!

2011-04-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

My colors are much prettier than this photo shows. I've used up 4 bobbins so far. I spread it out on the floor - oh yeah, for self gratification, but it's also fun to see how far I've gotten, and I also check for 'holes' -- areas that have been accidentally left unquilted. My usual method is to start at a corner and move along one border, the move back the other way, eating up another expanse of space. I don't see why one should start in the middle if it is basted well, but I don't push THAT rule too hard and try to get to that center before all the sides are quilted. No sense asking for trouble!

I began the machine quilting this morning for an hour or so before work. For those who don't know, this is done on my Janome MC 6500, that's a regular DSM, (DSM = domestic sewing machine), no stitch regulator. Those stitches and swirls make me feel good. This one will be a surprise.

Done

2011-04-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

This one is DONE and I'll be mailing it off soon, as a QOV. I removed all my leafy/viney quilting stitches in the border - it was OVERDONE and inappropriate. Some of the stitch/needle holes were still visible so I spritzed it heavily and hung it out to dry. Looks pretty good now. I did a simple stitch-in-the-ditch between 2 of the borders. This is much simpler and more in keeping with the stripes. I couldn't believe I actually had this backing in my stash - 4.75 yards. How perfect is that!

Washed just fine!

2011-04-01T17:31:00.001-07:00

Despite my worries, and some evidence of a maroon fabric bleeding when the quilting lines were spritzed, it was time to wash this big quilt, finished over 2 years ago. Size is about 86" x 104", and I only had my home- made detergent when I got the urge to wash the dang thing! Yes, I know I should use Orvus and with all the horses around here, you'd think I'd have some but no, no Orvus, just plain old homemade laundry detergent.

I had absolutely NO problems washing it, on cool, and even the original bleeding problem disappeared. Drying it (dryer) left it so nice and crinkly - Whew - one less thing to worry about.

Looking at the photo, I see a wrong block, in the lower right on the inside of the border. Funny! Even a wrong block looks kinda interesting.

This is called Pinwheels and 4-Patches, or similar. Bonnie Hunter of Quiltville.com had one, Better Homes and Gardens had one, Mary Johnson (Heartstrings) made one, and I found one in one of my books, so I don't know who should get the credit. Anyway, if you look closely, the quilt is made in rows, pinwheels and 4 patches (or 16 patches) then the next row the pinwheels go the opposite direction as well as the 4-patches. The 4 patches, have a light in one row, upper left, and the next row is dark in upper left. Can't get much easier, or simpler. Do you see the bright blue? I was hesitant about using it, but when finished, that bright blue, which "doesn't go", gives the quilt spark.

"Surprise" - another Kaleidoscope

2011-03-27T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you stare and stare at your fabrics, and can't make up your mind. OK, a vision -- another Kaleidoscope! Yes, I've blogged about this block before. (NOTE - NONE OF THESE WEDGE SEAMS WILL BUTT UP TO THE NEXT WEDGE SEAM - that's another project).

Sew a bunch of strips together, various widths. I particularly like the appearance of dark to light values. I wanted mine to be at least 9.5 inches in width. The first and the last should be wider strips, 2 to 2.5 inches. This allows for some options with ruler placement. A narrower strip at top or bottom might almost disappear in the seam allowances. Some of the strips are even pieced.

Then, I used my Marilyn Doheney 45 degree ruler (others are available) to cut 8 wedges from each strip set. Most strip sets gave me an extra 9th wedge, a bonus!

I LOVE this technique because look what happens! A SURPRISE! These are not yet sewn together. You can keep all 8 together, or, in my case, one of the blocks was too pale, so I exchanged 4 from another block that was too dark.
Starting from the wide side of the wedge, sew them together towards the center, ALWAYS with the SAME (either the light or the dark) on top, sewing towards the small point, paying particular attention to getting those tips to butt up tightly. Press the wedges open, and from the back, that seam should go clockwise. Sew the twosies to foursies, and keep the point perfect! Press clockwise again (from the back).
Now sew the foursies into one unit. My particular example is a little not-perfect from the back but the point is perfect!
The important part of this block is the center. If you pressed those points FLAT, and all pressed clockwise, your center is close to perfect.

But there is one more step to avoid the center LUMP! See those 3-4 vertical stitches (marked purple here)? Remove them - don't worry - nothing falls apart. Remove those 3-4 vertical stitches from the front and from the back, then open the block, and "twirl" that center open, mashing it with your finger, and the pressing it FLAT. All the seams are twirling around the center.
I have 5 blocks made and maybe I will finish the rest in the next few days, then add corners. I've made 6-8 others Kaleidoscope quilts -- it's a wonderful block/pattern for using up width-of fabric strips. Years ago, I even tried using UGLY fabric, pushing common sense, only to discover they worked out nicely as well!

There will be corners to these blocks, yet to decide. I expect to make 8 blocks plus using the bonus wedges, and then add borders. I urge you to try this very easy pattern. There is no stress, only a few rules, great stashbuster, all of mine have been successful. This pattern came from M'liss Rae Hawley (several books) when I attended her class at the Nebraska State Quilt Guild Convention in Chadron about 4 years ago.

Crummy quilting, and Raw Edge Applique BOM

2011-03-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

My first inclination to quilt the borders was to Keep It Simple Stupid, with straight in-the-ditch quilting between each of the 4 borders, which were designed to replicate the log cabin strips. I should have listened to myself. Even as I was machine quilting, I didn't really like it, but 'something' took over my common sense and made me keep going, until I was finished, only to discover it was NOT GOING TO 'do'! The quilting thread is too dark in the light and too light in the dark, and just too plain busy! I spent 3 long TV evenings, taking it all out, and you all know what a mess that was! (Note to self - "Listen to your own good advice.")

I'll let it sit for a few days, then mist it, to reduce all the danged needle holes. grrrrrr! and then will quilt in the ditch.

Below is our Guild BOM for April, a raw edge applique. I wasn't going to do them but a friend gave me some squares to start on, and what is a friend going to do in return? She'll be checking on me, most likely! So Anita, here are my 3 blocks! And as you said, they WERE great fun.

Workshop, Rebuilt Log Cabin

2011-03-20T09:02:00.001-07:00

My Guild asked me to teach/hold a workshop on my Rebuilt Log Cabin. Here's a bunch of us, sharing a large beautiful library room with another class. We have so many members (138) that we frequently have 2 classes planned, instead of just one. This meeting was local and many of the gals car-pooled but I only had to travel 5 minutes! THAT saved ME the usual 2 hours of driving. Happy Day!

My post of March 12 and March 15 shows one version of a nearly finished, Rebuilt Log Cabin.

I'm embarrassed to see I didn't get everyone in my photos! Jeesh! I also see the value of understanding how to make a slide show instead of individual photos.

Salmon Trawler, Incognito?, and Rulers

2011-03-15T17:21:00.001-07:00

I took my husband's boat down to dust the shelf and had no where to put it except on my basting table. Uhhh - hey, where did it go???

This is how he describes this boat.

34 ft, "Courageous" named for xxxxxx, with health struggles, patterned after the Bud Galli Book, The Little Boat that Could. Monterey type salmon trawler, San Francisco, Fisherman's Wharf. Circa 1908 to 1934. 30' x 9' x 3', 7 ton, 10 hp Hicks engine, scale 5/8" = 1'-0" Billings model, modified, 126 hours, 6 glues, 2010.

When planning my recent Log Cabin variation, I decided to give the June Tailor ruler, Shape Cut, a try. Holy Smoke - for Log Cabins, or any kind of strips, if you have a table large enough, this ruler is better than sliced bread! I've always had issues keeping my strips the right size. This eliminates THAT issue, because you are holding down the entire piece of fabric with the ruler and there is NO slippage. This tool totally eliminated my eye strain. Even if you have excellent vision, I DO recommend this tool if you cut all your fabric at one time. I DO think it's cumbersome for cutting bits and pieces at a time. The slots are for your rotary cutter. I am using Olfa rotary cutters - my Dritz does not work. I used a coupon and I think it was about $25.00. It's large enough so you can fold your fabric twice (4 layers). The slots are at the half inch. You can zip through cutting so quickly, it's easy to get carried away - be careful with your math. Again, check your rotary cutter to see if it fits.

The smaller ruler, "Quarter Cut" (below) remains unused -- perhaps someone can give me hints as to the best way to use it. It has quarter inch markings, which sounded like a good thing at the time, but it's not large enough to cut WOFabric. Maybe it would be more useful if you just cut SOME pieces at a time. ??

Back in the Studio

2011-03-12T17:15:00.001-08:00

Despite unsettling days, sadness, and looking forward (NOT!) to cataract surgery in the next month or so, I've managed to get this quilt top together. I can't say I'm too perky though.

On National Quilt Day, (March 19) I am teaching/leading a workshop on this quilt. It's a bit wild, but I am sure quilting helps to blend the values. The corners are mitered, and I used those strips in the border, thinking of "repitition", "rhythm", and "continuity." My thread is a soft smokey blue, not too dark, and I will quilt it a LOT. Most likely it will be a QOV, for a female soldier. You can see it's VERY scrappy. Nothing except batting was purchased for this project.

I am waiting for another Quilting DVD to arrive, this one from the Pajama Quilter. If a person just uses 1 or 2 ideas from these kinds of quilting DVDs, then it's worth it!

My friend Chell who always perks me up, joined me last week for a Sew Day. She's making delicious progress! Click on the link for the direction she's heading! Stunning!

On Leave for a While

2011-03-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

Due to health issues of family members (not me, nor husband) I need to take a blog-leave for a bit. Too much is happening these days. I'm still trying to visit your blogs, and still sewing to keep me somewhat grounded. We've all been there. Life, death, health, family squabbles, time limitations, etc.

I'm giving a quilt workshop in a few weeks, and am hoping that pleasant event will pull me back into my 'normal' stride.

Comedy of Errors

2011-02-27T18:01:00.000-08:00

This is the cabinet that slides under my Robert's Sewing Desk - I LOVE it. It's made very well, on wheels and the 3 drawers are just right for a lot of my 'stuff', and I tell you it IS stuffed! The top is good for either a cutting mat or my small ironing board.

For the past year, that bottom drawer has not wanted to close the last 2 inches, so finally I decided it's time to solve that problem. I dragged out all the 'stuff' - I know there is fabric behind the drawer that became squished out of the stuffed drawer. But I can't get behind the drawer, space is too small, drawer doesn't come out, etc,. etc,. The back of the cabinet is there to STAY -- no screws.

OK, a wire coat hanger - they are getting hard to find. But it's too stiff, and didn't catch anything, and I barely could get it back out.

Next great idea -- a tube turner - you know that clever little wiry thing with the hook on the end. I wrangled that behind the drawer and ... dang it - I dropped it back there as well. 8-( (I wonder what it costs to replace one, these days?)

OK, next greatest idea, I have a small vacuum cleaner for small areas, that one hooks up to the big vacuum. That should do it. I was smart and did NOT put any fancy attachment on the hose head - didn't want THAT to get lost too. Fiddle, fiddle, uhhhh what the heck - the dang thing came unattached at the other end and now THAT's behind the drawer. Ain't no way that drawer even comes close to closing now. And to add insult to injury, I'm going to have to ask for help!

That cabinet is made well - I cannot find any way to open it. Finally decided to empty it ALL - you know, all the junk that we keep, 'just in case'. It ALL had to come out, all the threads, fortunatey the thread drawer was neat and in baskets. DH and I turned the cabinet upside down (it's HEAVY!) and finally found 4 large screws holding the bottom on. Out came those screws and voila, there is my black/white 'moo' cow fabric, a yard of smashed interfacing, my tube turner and the vacuum hose. 8-)) My Mother would say, "That's what you get for being so messy!"

Award, & Pineapple Quilt is DONE

2011-02-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

First, I have been given an award from Elsie Montgomery at http://www.elsiequilts.blogspot.com/. Thank you Elsie, along with your kind words. Don't we all just have the best time, playing and coloring and cutting? I think we may all have become 'stuck' in Kindergarten (which I never got to attend!), only now we have grown up girly toys! Now, the rules say I must pick 3 of you to give it back .. oh my, I must give a few days thought to that ... you ALL have given ME so much in the way of ideas, support, inspiration entertainment and more! I'm thinking I know who it will be, but ... wait a few days.
For the longest time I've had nothing to say -- at the moment, my mind is bursting! (When it rains it pours!)

Here is my final decision for the corner treatment on this Pineapple Quilt. (edge is straight, photo is crooked!)

And here's the whole, DONE, and a closeup of some of the quilting.

Two thousand three hundred fifty-seven (2357) to the best of my counting ability! Including the backing and scrappy binding. It finishes at about 62 x 74.

I definitely wanted the center to blend into the border. Those boxes are actually HSTs, inserted into the border between the quilt center and the border strips. They were faced with fusible interfacing, and then pressed and appliqued down. That was easier than cutting all those separate parts, but still was time consuming. This is the second time I've used that technique - easy peasy! That particular box of strips is empty. And for those of you who get 'stuck' on matchy-matchy, I used all lights and all darks in this quilt, no mediums, and I was NOt PARTICULAR in my choices. And the pieces that I thought would not 'do', were the pieces that gave it life -- a bright blue, and some light yellow! The blocks are about 6 inches finished. I also did a scrappy binding.

Paper piecing is the way to go with small logs. My machine has knee lift and auto-thread-cutter, both amazingly efficient tools for this project. I just pressed the button to cut, and start again, with no thread snarls. Sweeeeet!

Valentines Day, Strips, and Pineapple Quilting

2011-02-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

A lovely early Valentine surprise.
Below are some poor photos of various layouts of a Strips that Sizzle (Margaret Miller) technique. Laying them on that floor don't help much! Playing with the setting takes much more time than sewing them! And I KNOW a border will perk them up, as well as white batting! A person can get dizzy thinking of new ways to lay them out.

The last photo is my quilting start on my recent Pineapple Quilt.

I've fallen behind in blog reading - life kinda stepped in! Don't give up on me, please.

Baby Shower, and How Big was THAT Chicken?

2011-02-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, two friends and I attended a baby shower for a friend's daughter, a country girl, and first-time, beautiful Mama to be.

One of the baby gifts was this tiny pair of leather chaps and spurs! 8-))
Ms. Mama-to-be also raises free-range chickens (watching carefully for coyotes) and she brought a bunch of farm-fresh eggs, that most of us quickly snatched up. Returning home, I HAD noticed the egg crate didn't even close. I placed one white store-bought, "large" egg next to the farm-fresh eggs. How big WAS that chicken that laid the egg on the right??? It's even wrinkled! Ouch!

Pineapple Quilt, still a WIP

2011-01-31T18:27:00.001-08:00

Finally, it's all together, but I still have to fasten down the triangular units in the semi border. After all the handling adding borders, all those seams need pressing AGAIN!

I LOVE how you can't tell where the quilt top ends and the border begins.

DH (below) thought the last border should have yet another triangle on the corner, but it would have to be very large to fit in with the style of those previous triangles. I thought it should not be there at all. I put that little rust swatch on the outer corner, not what he had envisioned. I don't like it there either but ... Opinions? I DO like the rust color though.

I may have to wait for a warm spring day to actually baste and quilt it, or else haul in the basting tables from the garage through all the danged SNOW!!!

The blocks are 6 inches finished - the quilt is about 62" x 72".

Now, suggestions needed - what kind of quilting?

Linus Quilt. Streak of Sunshine

2011-01-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

I've NEVER had problems with binding, that is, the sewing the two ends together, and had no qualms about trying a new method -- the one where you overlap the two ends, the same about as the width of your binding -- LOL -- a slight mistake -- I twisted it, but I DID like the method.

Next time I will quilt it in the ditch, or diagonally. I did swirly balloons, (one circle inside another) and am not thrilled but... it's done.

This "Streak of Sunshine" from quiltville.com, is simple, quick, and effective. I've had that purple quilt-y fabric for years -- LOVED it, but could never think of how to use it.
''

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, that backing! Looks like 60ish fabric, doesn't it?

New and Improved

2011-01-26T11:18:00.000-08:00

Warning - NQR -- ranting!!!

I used to think I had some "smarts", using computer office applications. I have recently 'upgraded' to Windows 7, and installed Office 2010 on a new office computer. Well, I didn't actually install it, because that was too complicated, too frustrating, too unmanageable, too non-understandable. And as usual, I'm thinking, "It's my fault", "I'm too decrepit to learn", "maybe I have Alzeimers", "it's time I really retire"! We've all been there, so my words are the same as you all have said, each time you get computer equipment that is "new and improved." Let me tell you, this it taking all my energy, sleepless nights, nightmares, to learn even the basics, all over again.

My instruction book is 1297 pages, much too heavy to read in bed, for gosh sakes! Where do I even start? Because it's "Not like it used to be", maybe I should start on Page 1?

Then, just when I thought I was gaining some proficiency back for my day's work, something wierd started happening. I wasted 6 work days trying the usual System Restore, Repair, Uninstall, reinstall, uninstall weather program, additional virus scans, etc., etc., etc. All to no avail. I called in our "computer" geek-member helpers and it took THEM several days, frustrations, hair-pulling, downloading a new program from Microsoft, going through the uninstalling, reinstalling, activating, re-activating, product keys, licensing, and again, same problems. Finally, after much trepidation, an important file was deleted on the REGISTRY -- always a NO-NO! but voila!!! I'm up and running, again.

Some kind soul had donated the computer and programs, so I am so very grateful for their gift -- just NOT grateful to Microsoft. But am extremely grateful for our diligent computer helpers!

Maybe I can get back to quilting now.

... I feel a little better!

The Road to a Friend's House is Never Long

2011-01-23T09:11:00.001-08:00

Is 90 miles one way too long? My friend Chell moved from my area, but found a location more suitable for them and their horses, and country/western life. We decided we'd try a "Sew Day" every few months, between meeting at Quilt Guild.

This is my amazing, spacious view on my drive. I started my life living in Chicago -- what a change in scenery, but I DO love it.

Finding my way took written directions and a hand-drawn map, and also discovering that the phrase "Oil Road" was a good description for the locals, but I missed it. Chell had warned me that if I hit the Wyoming line, I'd gone too far. Oops, there's the Wyoming State line! OK, turn around, and with one telephone call I recovered and found my way.

Chell was working on a strippy Kaleidoscope Quilt, and I was working on a Sizzlin' Strips. Surprisingly, we each managed a lot of progress, as well as good conversation, a delicious lunch, and warm friendship. I LOVED watching the horses outside our window, gamboling about, maybe thinking of spring!

I had my strips cut ahead of time for another Sizzlin' Strips. My colors are very bright and vibrant, although some appear kinda wishy-washy, maybe they look that way against the carpet. One thing about making Sizzlin' Strips is that one never knows how to arrange them - there are a million possibilities! For now, this is a first random layout.

I LOVED having someone else fix lunch, an incredible chicken tortilla soup, and dessert (foggy photo) of an apple spice dump cake -- we DID consume a good portion of it. I could have had yet another piece, but then would have needed a nap instead of sewing. LOL Can't WAIT for our next "Sew Day."

My drive home was mostly in the dark and wow, did I ever learn the importance of a thorough headlight cleaning! I could barely see and had to follow the headlights of the vehicle ahead.

Pineapple Border, Fiddling

2011-01-16T16:36:00.000-08:00

What on earth is THAT? OK, I'm wanting to continue elements in my pineapple quilt, into the border. I've used this technique before, and while not perfect (yet), I like it! Rather than piecing the border in hundreds of pieces, I'm adding the insert, those triangular pieces that are not hard to make. However I DID graph it on paper, just to be sure. (It's amazing how clear things become when I first draw them!) They deliberately finish taller than my first cream border, because I wanted the effect similar to how the blocks are looking.

All the paper has been removed. This photo shows the pieces basted to light-weight fusible interfacing, then they are turned, pressed on a Teflon Pressing Sheet (an amazing invention!) and inserted. Later, I will fuse them down well, and then use invisible thread to sew them down with a blind hem stitch, and THEN, do the quilting.
With all the colors in this quilt, I wanted those corner units to be a consistent green and coral. They are visually obvious in the finished quilt top, so I wanted to repeat them in the border. If you try this, the side inserts are green and coral, while the end inserts are coral and green - be sure to check before completing them all. I have one side to add the cream border to make - maybe this week. Then border #2, etc. They will be easier and quicker.

This last photo shows how the triangular unit will look inserted, and overlapping the cream, going INTO the green (or whatever color I put next). The green is just for audition only. I plan on having 4 borders in all, and at the corners of each border, I will add a quick corner, again copying the element from the quilt center.

I've had fun making this one!

Other Side of our Studio

2011-01-09T10:15:00.001-08:00

From time to time, I post what my DH is doing on the other side of our little "Studio." Usually his projects are boats, but this wagon appealed to him.

This is a Conestoga Wagon and literature says these wagons originated in Pennsylvania (U.S.A.), in late 1700s, and were pulled by a selected breed of draft horses, called Conestoga horses, often 17 hands high, a breed considered extinct. This wagon was capable of carrying 8 tons of stuff, through rugged territory. They were used for commercial purposes and also by early settlers, until the advent of the railroads.

He built the amazing undercarriage on this wagon, exactly like it would have been built, in reality. This entire project took him 95.5 hours to complete. The wheels (to me) are the most impressive, and were made one spoke at a time, in a special jig, with a metal band outside the rim. I made the (easy) feed sacks and bedrolls (inside), and canvas cover.

One side of canvas was left open for viewing. That's a feed trough hanging off the back.

Our Studio is small - if he rolls his chair back while I roll my sewing chair back, we bump. And lately, I even have my sewing desk expanded, taking up even more room! We need a bigger house to hold all these projects!

63 Pineapple Blocks - DONE

2011-01-04T18:42:00.000-08:00

OK, paper piecing IS messy. I let it all go to the floor, and don't worry about the mess, then vacuum each evening.

I only used what was in the strip box - and I wasn't particular with my choices - they only had to be very light, and very dark.

My machine has an auto thread cutter and then I can just start another seam - there is no fiddling with the threads, they don't get jammed, I don't have to pull out a few inches to keep it from tangling. Between my knee lift, auto thread cutter and then just starting on the next sewing, this paper-piecing goes fairly quickly. I don't know if I'd like paper piecing without these gadgets!

Here's the beginning of the last block!

Because many of my blocks were so scrappy, the larger corners did not always look so good next to one another, and I wanted some way to coordinate all the different fabrics. I used a same rust and mossy green on the corners, alternating them.

Look at the improvement! I cut those little quick corners at 1.5 inches.

Most of the rows are together and I'm letting the whole top 'cook' while I come up with a good border.

Blizzard - I shoulda stayed home!

2010-12-31T18:24:00.003-08:00

We had plenty warning - our NOAA weather alert went off 2 days ago that we were going to get "hammered"! Paula, the Quilter, who lives west of me, in Colorado, also sent me a warning e-mail! 8-))) Yesterday, I stopped for bread and milk, but the store was well-picked over and nearly OUT of milk!

Last night the wind picked up and by this morning, it was zero degrees outside, wind of about 35 mph, and snowing, blowing, with about 8-12 inches on the ground, with huge drifts. Uhhh, ok, I'm Swedish, I can take this. Get the fireplace going to take the morning chill off the house. (God bless the makers of Electric Blankets!)

I still have work at my office that must be done - uhhh, my car was purchased when I lived in a warm clime and it doesn't function on snow -- too low, too light. No problem, DH has 4 wheel drive, except this morning, it won't start, expressing itself with bizarre noises from under the hood!

This is the view from my front door.

OK, now we have a problem. DH insists he has to do the snow blowing. Hey, we've been senior citizens for several years, the weather is frightful, it's easy to get disoriented, drifts can hamper normal balance, and we can't get anyone to the Dr. or hospital if there could be an injury - let's rethink that snow-blowing thing.

After much nagging, he promised to NOT haul that machinery out.

OK, I have to get to my office, really only blocks from my house, so I can walk. Bundled up, wind was at my back, had my cell phone and promised to call home the minute I made the 15 minute walk, only this time it took 25 minutes - husband was getting ready to call Emergency to find me, thinking I'd gotten lost under a drift. (I didn't tell him I really DID fall down in a drift!), but managed to arrive in one cold piece. It's hard to SEE your footing during a blizzard, when you can't tell the road from the curb, or yards. The roads were terrible -- forget using sidewalks! There is no one at my office - it's ME this week! The door was drifted shut and I could barely get in, which made me question my decision making ability.

There had been no auto-rescues for my husband's vehicle at home, so when I was ready to leave to walk back home I called him to watch for me, just in case. This time, the wind is in front of me, and a person gets very cold very quickly! When I covered up my face with my scarf, the condensation from my breathing fogged my glasses so I was nearly blind. Whiteout conditions did not make things easier. I was hoping someone would pick me up, but oddly, no one offered! By the time I walked the entire 3 blocks (yes, that's all!), and trudged through the drifts in my own front yard, I was totally exhausted, and DAZED, mentally confused and had a horrible headache. I truly did not know what day it was!!! How did people ever live in this weather -- however did the native Indians manage as well as the early settlers? Remember, this is the climate with not many trees for firewood!

I'm glad to be safe and sound and even found some chicken and noodles in the freezer.

We are still a little concerned about no usable transportation/cars at all - this is a new experience! Kinda scarey!

"Hey, babe, turn on the Electric Blanket!!!"

Separate subject -- 53 Pineapple Blocks on the Floor. Guess I am staying home for a few days and going to sew. A kind Anonymous neighbor snow-blew the entire block so that issue is taken care. of. 8-))

Happy New Year 2011 Everyone - thanks for all your kindnesses, advice, visual stimulation and friendships! 8-))))))

Forty-Two Pineapple Blocks on the Floor, Forty-two Pineapple Blocks

2010-12-26T17:22:00.000-08:00

I added quick corners on the blocks - they seemed to be a bit too dark. The melon/green helps (IMHO) to coordinate the overabundance of fabrics. Adding the corners means 37 pieces per block. I'm liking it! My original border idea was to make Lazy Gal words in a wide border, but I'm rethinking - maybe something curvy, roundish would be better after all these sharp angles. Speak to me, quilt!

The top row, that is not all in the photo, is already sewn together - I couldn't wait to see what it looked like!

42 pineapple blocks on the floor
42 pineapple blocks
Sew the strips, sew some more
43 pineapple blocks on the floor

(Corny, but I can't stop singing it!)

"Detours" - Done

2010-12-26T14:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, Christmas Day, I finished this Split 9-Patch. It's named "Detours" -- you never know where a detour will lead you. Sometimes you like the side trip, sometimes you don't. The colors are more vivid in person. I LOVE this simple Split 9-patch block - - the possibilities of settings seem limitless.

Hope you can see the slim red "flange" - is that what it's called? against the binding. One problem I had with this quilt is that the black inner border, raveled, and while I thought the white border was thick enough to hide the possible black threads, it did not. Then, I tried pinking sheers (thanks Colleen) to try and eliminate the ravelings - that didn't work either and offered opportunity to cut something I didn't want cutting. I did the best I could with that problem, and left it unquilted, hoping the poof you see would slightly camouflage the frequent threads. The black was thicker in weight and would NOT press the other way. Live and learn!

As you see, we don't have any snow - in fact it's been unusually mild.

I wish I had been there!

2010-12-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

Turn sound on

29 Pineapple Blocks on the floor, and a great book

2010-12-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

My bunch of pineapple blocks is growing - I still wonder how many I should make in order to make ... uhhh ... something.

Now, the reason for the basket (one of 4 nested baskets, made by the Amish Troyer family in Iowa) on the quilt is .... ta ta ...! It is empty!!! That was just ONE place I had been hoarding scraps - digging down, it went back over a year, but they are gone. Notice the area where the basket meets the handle - another kind of log cabin configuration.

Trimming the pineapple blocks means that most of the scraps actually get cut OFF and finally go into the trash - NO, I am not resurrecting any of them.

Twenty-nine pineapple blocks on the floor,
Twenty-nine pineapple blocks,
Light and dark strips, piece some more,
Thirty-one pineapple blocks on the floor!

Thanks Vivian for that little ditty that I plan to change each few days! (yes, I have 2 more on my machine, not shown, for those bloggers who actually count! LOL )

As my quilting skills have improved, I AM purchasing fewer and fewer books and had passed this one up many times - yawn, "same ole, same ole" I said to myself, but one day, I bit, only to discover it's a great find. There are NO patterns, only log cabin AND ....PINEAPPLE BLOCKS IN MANY VARIETIES AND CONFIGURATIONS!!! 4 SIDED, 5 SIDED, 6, AND 8 SIDED -- numerous examples of turning the blocks producing amazing new patterns and settings. It's been out many years, so you may be able to find it discounted. This was just one more inspirational incentive to get started with MY pineapple blocks.

Twenty-Two PP Pineapple Blocks, On Point

2010-12-15T17:44:00.000-08:00

This is not speed sewing! 22 made so far, and in this photo, I set them on point. I have no idea how many are needed nor for what purpose. Oops, photos is a bit crooked. These finish at 6 inches.

The corners are kinda drab. mmm maybe some bright quick corners? I'm brightening up the blocks themselves with pale yellow, blue, green, melon -- the needed some 'sparkle.' The centers are alternate red or dark.

Paper Pieced Pineapple Blocks, and MQ on R/W/B

2010-12-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Friday, I dashed home after work, full of energy and inspiration, and dove into sewing Pineapple Blocks - little ones - these finish at 6 inches. Paper had not been removed in this photo. What will I do with them? LOL It took me about 40 minutes per block, and after doing 5, (with breaks between) I cleaned up the mess on the floor, then started again on Saturday, then ..., and by Sunday I had 15. Once again, it's just left-over strips. Of course, there is no diminishing of stash amount that I can tell. Guess I'll keep working on more. The turquoise blue perks up the sedate fabrics.

I had gotten bored with machine quilting on this red/white/black quilt and needed a break. But, here is an example of one area I quilted, with a scroll-y design.

Christmas Tree Skirt - Done

2010-12-04T09:46:00.000-08:00

Instead of a binding around the center circle, I chose to add a fused facing. After panicking for a few hours, I realized this is just like the facings I used to put around collars, back in the days of garment sewing. I dug out my 'professional' compass and marked the line, then remarked it bigger, then smaller! LOL Then I sewed - I seem to remember the term "staystitching"-- the line in preparation for cutting out the circle.

(Oh crud - I added these photos using a new method and they don't leave me room under the photos for text. I know you can figure it out but it's a little confusing.)

I opted to make a slit in the skirt, as opposed to a center hole only, but that DID leave a very acute angle to bind, something I've not done before. However, a bit of fiddling, and some hand holding by fellow quilters, sent me in the right direction which ended up with satisfactory, pointy points.

Done, and ready to mail - with optional ties. It's about 54 inches on widest points. No pattern, I just made it up, starting with a basic star block. Any blocks with a single diagonal line can be made log cabin style. That left it square, and I wanted to have 8 sides, so I added the 4 Log Cabin sides (with triangles in center along seam line.)

Itsy bitsy bit of thread

2010-11-28T17:44:00.000-08:00

This morning I was awake early, full of enthusiasm, wanting to get to quilting the Christmas Tree Skirt, but my normally dependable machine would NOT cooperate. Thread nests, pokeys, snarls, threads not laying flat on top. And I had put in very good, expensive thread, both top and bottom. Changed threads, re-threaded, changed feet, and nada, nada -- even tried a second new needle. Then I got out a flashlight and looked as well as possible into the tension area. I could not discover any method to remove the cover OFF to look closer, but I DID see just a bit of extra threads in there. Sure enough, with my tiny tweezers, I pulled it out -- a small fuzzy, knotty wad of thread. Voila - problem resolved.

I always have the feeling there is still a small bit of invisible thread in there. Anyone know how to remove the cover from the tension disks, on a Janome MC6500?