Purple Quilt Photos and More...

Well, we have had a busy couple of weeks! We have been babysitting our GBaby Lily quite a bit, and she is so entertaining to watch!! She is crawling and pulling up, so I imagine she will be walking before we know it. We had some friends from Austin come stay with us last night and it was really good to see them...they are expecting a baby boy in December...yes, another baby quilt will be forthcoming for that big event!

Ah yes...Purple Quilt Photos...and here they are!! This was a fun quilt to make...love making pinwheels! I have a few extra pinwheel blocks, so I will have to work them into an "odd patch" quilt (you know...a quilt where you just throw in all of your leftover blocks and make it work!)

This past week I got back to applequeing on my Pirate Quilt...which has been sorely neglected these past months. I am on the final block...the Pirate himself...and am getting pretty excited about how he is turning out. Not sure exactly when the quilt itself will be finished...slowly I quilt...stitch by stitch...!!

Working on a commission quilt now, but so hot in the sewing room most days it is difficult to work on due to the "sweat" factor! It is currently getting up to 100 degrees outside and about 90 degrees in my sewing room! I would have to get up at 0-dark-thirty and sew in order to be cool in the sewing room! Oh well...somehow I always manage to get quilts made during the summer months...heat or not!! How many of you quilt during the summer? How many of you switch to other craft or sewing projects during the summer? Just curious.

BTW...I have a 1937 Singer Featherweight 221 that I am putting up for sale on EBay next week...if you have an interest in it, please post a comment and I will send you more photos. The going price is $275 + S&H. (See photo at the top of this post) The machine works great!

Have a great weekend and Happy Quilting and Sewing!! :)

P.S. -- Here is a little something to make you smile!!

Sizzling Summer Quilting!!

Well folks, it looks like spring is over and summer is with us! Temperatures here are supposed to soar to 103 degrees on Saturday...yes, already over 100 degrees! Can't imagine what it is going to feel like come August! Summer is not the best time to quilt because of the heat, but I still manage to quilt! Summer is a great time for making tops and then when winter arrives you will have plenty of quilting to do. If I were a more logical person, that is how I would do it...but I'm not, so I tend to quilt all year. Due to the heat, I am having to switch my time in the sewing room to early morning because our A/C is not working upstairs (yep...you guessed it...where my sewing room is) and by afternoon it is upward of 90 degrees upstairs. I am trying to get enough done to be able to go downstairs later in the day to do whatever handwork needs to be done...in the cool part of the house.

Oh...and by the way...the Purple Quilt is finished! Photos will be forthcoming! So glad to have finally finished this quilt...and I think it looks very nice!! Right now I am working on a quick little quilt for my Grand baby Lily...just a cute one piece top and one piece back...not too big, but a good nap quilt. I found some Bazooples fabric at Hobby Lobby (www.hobbylobby.com) and it was so cute that I knew I had to make a little quilt for Lily! The next lap size quilt that I have lined up for commission will be a rail fence quilt using batiks that my customer likes. I am pretty excited about this quilt, and will try to get it finished quickly.

Tell me what projects you are working on this summer...or do you just hang up your needle for the summer and go outdoors?!!

Until next time...Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Fusi Boo Review

Happy Weekend Everyone!

In this post, I have another great Product Review!! Yeah!! Still working on the Purple Quilt and should finish quilting it today...hopefully, it will be ready for delivery next week! Photos coming soon!

This past week was a really good week for us...rather laid back! We had a fun day with our Grand baby yesterday...she is getting so big so fast!! You forget just how fast they grow!!

Product Review - Fusi Boo

I used Fairfield Fusi Boo fusible batting in the Purple Quilt this week and, as promised, I wanted to let you know how it works! In my opinion, Fusi Boo is a really great product and worked just as the package promised. Lay out your quilt sandwich, set your iron on wool with steam and press for several seconds all around the quilt top, starting in the center and voila...your quilt is basted!! Yes, folks, it really is just that simple! No kidding! I had a lap size quilt basted, start to finish, in just over 30 minutes!!

Below are some things I about this batting that I learned and wanted to share with you:

1. Once you have pressed the quilt top to the batting, flip your quilt sandwich over and press from the back too. This gives you the opportunity to press out any puckers or "bubble" spots, and helps the batting to adhere better.
2. Do NOT get the fusible stuff on your iron (and I am speaking from experience!) It isn't too difficult to get off your iron, but the best scenario is to not get it on your iron in the first place.
3. You can, and might want to, double this batting up. It is a little thinner batting than I expected, and while I typically use 100% cotton thinner batting (such as Hobbs) it was even thinner.
4. When pulling this batting out of the package and unrolling it, it does tend to stick to itself...so use your muscle!
5. The package recommends washing the quilt once it is finished to remove the fusible stuff. I agree with the manufacturer on this 100%! Definitely wash your quilt to get the fusible stuff out, otherwise the quilt tends to be a little on the stiff side.

So run out and get some Fairfield Fusi Boo and baste your quilt quickly!! If you have a bad back (like I do) and can't bend over for a long period of time to pin baste, then Fusi Boo is definitely your product of choice!!

Well, back to working on the Purple Quilt. Hope you enjoyed my Product Review!! If you have a product you would like reviewed, just post a comment and I will run out and get the product for review.

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Ah Springtime...

Yes, it's definitely springtime...the birds are singing...flowers are blooming...and the storms and tornadoes are in full swing! Last weekend, hubby and I went camping in Oklahoma and got back on Sunday night, just a day before the tornadoes hit there!! Whew!

It really was gorgeous when we were camping...temps were very nice! We went on a nature hike and saw this 100 year old pine tree...12 1/2 feet in diameter and 72 feet tall!! (see photo above) It was truly spectacular! A lot of flowers were in bloom (see photo above), and we saw cardinals and bluejays too! Lots of butterflies and some dragonflies were out catching some sun. The nights were chilly though!

Still working on Purple Quilt!! The top is finished and I have a back almost ready to go...just a bit of ironing and then on to the basting (not my fav part!). I am always happy to get a quilt basted and then on to the quilting part. For Purple Quilt I have bought some Fairfield Fusi Boo batting...just apply a hot iron to it and voila...quilt is basted! (okay...it may not be quite that easy...but almost!).  This batting is cotton and bamboo...and as you all know, bamboo batting is a "green" product because it is sustainable. I have used fusible battings in the past, and like them very much, but this will be the first time for Fusi Boo, so a product review will be forthcoming!!

Before hubby and I went camping, I did manage to finish my "Camping" quilt. It is a patchwork quilt with large patches, an old sheet for the back and minimal quilting. I did not bind this quilt, just used the sew and flip method to make it fast and easy. It was very comfy and fit the pop up bunk perfectly!! (photos will be forthcoming)

This week I have had little time to quilt, but plan to work on Purple Quilt today and hopefully get that finished...um...this month!! As I have two more commission quilts waiting for me to start, I had better get a move on!!

That's it for today! Let me know what you are working on! For next time, I would like to know how many of you embroider??!! I have some embroidery projects and will discuss embroidery soon.

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Ren Fair Photos & Other Musings

Well, hubby and I had great fun at the Ren Fair last weekend! See hubby's costume in the photo above (check out the hat and shirt!!). We drank mead, ate, and saw some shows...definitely got some exercise in! We may be going again, because now our daughters want to go!! Don't think I will have time to make them costumes, but we will see.

There is a nice cool breeze blowing today, so I am sitting here with the windows open letting the house air out. Don't you just love to air out your house?! I love having the fresh air come in and the stale air go out. It just makes the house feel so much better...less stuffy. Now, mind you, on really hot days the A/C goes on and stays on, but I think that the air gets pretty stale just recirculating like that.

Still working on the Purple Quilt...nearly done making all of the pinwheels. Once I am done making the pinwheels, the process should go a lot faster. I love making half squares to make pinwheels! What is your favorite block to make? I am chain piecing the pinwheels to save thread (sewing green!). How do you sew green?

I am getting in the "sewing mood" to sew some summer clothes...not just for my granddaughter...but for myself too! I told you about the 75% off sale at a fabric store near me...well, I went there again last Friday with hubby and bought more fabric! They just had some really nice fabric and at 75% off, I just couldn't resist going back!! So, now I am wanting to make some summer clothes with this beautiful fabric. Sew many projects...sew little time!! :)

Well...it's off to the sewing room for me!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Mad Hatter!

Happy Friday Everyone!

So this week, I feel like the Mad Hatter! Why, you might ask? Because I have been hatting my hubby for Renaissance Fair!! This has been a new sewing adventure for me!!

I actually cut out one hat and discovered that hubby's noggin is larger than the pattern (TIP: always measure first!!)...so I had to get new fabric and start over. Hubby came in part way through the cutting process and said he liked the brim from the McCalls pattern and the top of the hat from the Simplicity pattern! Hmmmm...okay! After resolving how to go about this dilemma, I got to work and with gritted teeth and a deep breath, and got the hat made! (Remember, I generally don't make hats!)

Anyway, as you can see by the photos (above) I made the hat and hubby was very pleased! The photos don't really show the color of the hat very well, but it is a green color...very foresty...and the lining is a lovely green that is a bit lighter green, but a very beautiful fabric. The top of the hat and brim are made out of suede. I was very fortunate this week that a fabric store nearby was having a 75% off sale, so I was able to buy the $27/yard suede for only $6/yd!! Now that's a great deal! I have fabric left over of both the suede and lining, so I might just attempt another hat! (I know...let's not go nuts!) The original hat that I cut out (the too small one) will get made...eventually, and then it will be for sale on Ebay!

The quilt I am working on now is the Purple Quilt...so I am working on the purple pinwheels! It has taken me a while to get started on this quilt because the client gave me several different fabrics to work with, mainly all floral in purple and blue. I was having trouble trying to figure out how to integrate everything into one quilt...but problem solved and I am moving along on the project now. I will post photos as soon as I have more done.

Well, it is supposed to rain this weekend, so more good sewing and quilting weather!! Back to the sewing room now! Let me know what you are working on this weekend!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Garment Sewing...a Slight Change of Pace

Howdy All!

The photos this week are of the Renaissance shirt I just finished for hubby. I used Simplicity pattern #4059 (http://www.simplicity.com/c-264-historical.aspx?pagenum=2), and I think it turned out pretty well. Hubby seems to be very pleased with his new shirt to go with his Renaissance costume! Yes...you guessed it, we do go to Renaissance Fairs and we do dress up!! The one that is on nearest to us right now is Scarborough Fair (http://www.srfestival.com//).  We are planning to go on a nice weekend...with thousands of others!! Do you Ren Fest and dress for it?? Post your comments and photos!!

Of course, I went fabric shopping the other day (hmmm...and today as well!!), and purchased some fabric to make hubby the hat from the same pattern. Found the fabric on the clearance rack!! (Tip: always check the fabric clearance racks FIRST!! That way you can probably find fabric that will work for your project a whole lot less expensive!) Not sure when I will have time to make the hat, but it doesn't look too complicated.

Today, I am cutting out fabric for a commission quilt...right now I just call it "The Purple Quilt", as most of the fabric is purple! I have finally located a quilt pattern for it that I am happy with, so time to begin sewing purple! Two other commission quilts are waiting in the wings, so I have a lot on my plate right now. Oh, and did I mention that I might...perhaps...start a consulting job next week if they select me. Which means more $$ for buying fabric, but less time to sew!! Sort of a Catch 22 situation for me!

We had our son and his wife and our Gbaby, Lily, over for dinner last night. We hadn't seen them in about 3 weeks and it was really great to visit. Lily is getting so big now!! She is about to start crawling (see photo). It is so much fun to watch her grow and learn...and she is just the happiest baby in the world!!

Okay...getting off my Granny box!! Well, I will keep you posted on the consulting job and sewing and quilting projects. I feel another product review coming on soon...so look for that!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

What's Under Your Needle??

Good Morning Everyone!

It's a beautiful spring day and I am loving this weather! I think I am just a spring person because I really enjoy the blooming flowers and the bright greens of the grass and trees, the mild temperatures, the birds singing in the trees...ahhh...spring is definitely in the air! Pollen is too, but for some strange reason the spring allergies don't bother me as much as the winter allergies!!

So, what's under your needle today?? I am always interested to hear about/see what others are working on. Currently, I am making a shirt for hubby to wear with his Renaissance Festival costume. Yes, we do enjoy Ren Fests and dressing up!! He has everything but the shirt, so that's what's under my needle right now!

This week I have to start on the commission lap quilt...finally chose a pattern! Of course, I will modify the pattern some just because that's what I usually end of doing anyway. I am torn this week between staying in and sewing and getting outside! Perhaps I will take any handwork I have to do outside and get both of my desires sated!!

Because it is spring and spring cleaning is on my mind, I was thinking of organizing and rearranging my sewing room. Of course, I think about this most every spring, but might actually do it this spring! How is your sewing room arranged? Do you have any particular tips and tricks for arranging and organizing your sewing room? Please share with me, and everyone who reads this blog, so that we can more effectively arrange our sewing rooms! Share photos too!!

I hope you have a wonderful day! Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Batting Review and Other Ramblings

Good evening all! The weather has been just beautiful this weekend, so I am hoping it persists. I love the nice temperatures and being able to open the windows and air out the house. Today, I have a review for you! (Exciting, right?!) And just some other things to chat about.

PRODUCT REVIEW

Today's review is on Bamboo Batting...specifically, Fairfield Bamboo Batting. I used the Fairfield Bamboo Batting for the first time in a baby quilt last week, and I have to tell you that this is probably THE most wonderful batting I have ever used! It is 50% Bamboo/50% Organic Cotton Batting, and has a soft, very silky feel. It is so easy to work with for machine quilting. It is light to medium in weight, about 3/16 of an inch thick, and can be quilted up to 8” apart. You can buy prepackaged, craft, twin, or full/queen sizes. I found it at my local Joann’s store, but you can buy it online as well at www.equilter.com. You can sew even Greener when using this batting because Fairfield donates a portion of the proceeds from their bamboo battings to support environmental and ecological initiatives. I just can't say enough good things about this batting, and will be buying more in the very near future!

This next week, for me, brings sewing and quilting projects. There is a lap quilt for a client to start and a Renaissance shirt for hubby to sew (this has been a "back burner" project for way too long now, so time to get it done!). Also, I have some cute fabric and patterns to sew little summer outfits for our GBaby Lily!! I am going to try to fit the sewing in around the quilting, as I have 3 client quilts on my plate right now. So, despite not having being employed, I seem to stay pretty busy! Hubby will be out during the day working the part-time temp job, which he was laid off from....and then they decided they needed him again!! Yeah!

The AQS Paducah Quilt Show is this month...wish we could go! But, it should be exciting to see the quilts online that win!! Always inspiring to see what other quilters do!!

Oh...we went to see "Alice in Wonderland" for the second time last night. I have really enjoyed the movie so much, and the costumes are absolutely wonderful!! Check out this site...http://alice-kingsley.livejournal.com/ for more on the costumes! I haven't seen any sewing patterns out for the costumes...yet...but I am sure they will be coming out. If you have seen any patterns, please let me know!!

Hope your week is starting off well! Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Dallas Quilt Show Review & Catch Up

And a bright, sunny, spring afternoon to everyone! March was such a busy month for us...all kinds of things going on...it was pretty crazy, which is why I haven't blogged lately. Between hubby and I we had 2 parents in the hospital, we were both sick, and moved 2 of our children to different towns! Whew! Glad March is nearly behind us and looking forward to a calmer, more peaceful April.


The Dallas Quilt Show was marvelous! Hubby and I had a great time! (Well, I probably had a way better time than hubby). Anyway, I took lots of photos...click this link to view, or the link up above. http://www1.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=1964490012/a=102693306_102693306/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/.
I was sooo excited that the Salem Cutting Mat folks (see one of my previous REVIEW blogs for more info) were there and I was able to buy a bigger rotary cutting mat! Well worth the money. I also bought some fabric and lots of fat quarters (of course). The quilts were beauiful, and so inspiring. I was just getting over stomach flu when we attended the show, so we only went one day, instead of the usual 2, but I am fairly sure that we looked over everything! Can't wait until the next quilt show!!

I finished a comission baby quilt yesterday and delivered it today. I thought it turned out really cute, and it just came together so nicely. (See photos above) I especially love the fabric on the back...so cute! Anyway, now I have 3 more lap quilts to do on comission! But, unfortunately, those will have to wait a bit until I get our taxes done...yes, it's tax time and once again I have waited until almost the last minute! Oh well...once I am done with the taxes, it's back to the sewing room!


Also on my agenda...making some summer dresses for our little gbaby Lily! She is so adorable at nearly 6 months old! We had her for a "sleepover" (or as I like to call it "pajama party") last weekend and we had so much fun! Here is one of the latest photos...isn't she a doll??!!

That's it for now, but I promise to blog again in the next few days, as I have several reviews and other quilting/sewing topics to discuss.


Happy Sewing and Quilting on this lovely Spring Day!!

Dallas Quilt Show

Sorry I haven't posted for a bit, but we had a family emergency and had to leave town. While we were out of town hubby and I both came down with the most horrific stomach flu in history!! Just now feeling "human" again...and relieved to feel good!

Tomorrow the Dallas Quilt Show (http://www.quiltersguildofdallas.org/quiltcelebration2010/default.htm) begins and runs through Sunday. Not only am I very excited to be going to the show, but am also excited about feeling well enough to attend!! I promise to take lots of photos and post them later next week. I know there will be some beautiful quilts, but I am also looking forward to seeing what the vendors have to offer. I am always inspired by quilts that I see at quilt shows, and it renews my love for the craft. And it's not just the winning quilts that inspire me...it's the fact that anyone who quilts can enter their work, and it is all genuinely appreciated by fellow quilters.

Hubby will go with me to the show, as he does every year (yes, he is wonderful!). He loves the art quilts the best. But he also appreciates a lot of the "art" that goes into quilting and admires a lot of the hand applique and hand quilting too -- perhaps that's because his wife loves to do hand applique!! ;) He is always so patient with me while I take photos, look closely at the stitching, and stand in awe of some of the amazing quilts...oh, and while I shop the vendors!! We always eat lunch there and sometimes run into friends.

Well, I am really looking forward to the show and the goodies I will find there. Be back after the show to share with you!! Hope to see you there...in the meantime, happy quilting and sewing!

Sunny Quilting

Today is very sunny...almost blindingly so...and still a bit cold out. But it is so nice to see the sun! Even the kitties were excited!! I am getting over a cold and am feeling better today...I think everyone has or had the same thing in recent weeks, thanks to this bizarre weather we have been having.

Still working on the same baby quilt! Well, I kept my gbaby a couple of times last week and with not feeling well, I just didn't work on it much. I worked on the quilt yesterday, and just have to finish putting the back together and do a little more quilting, bind it, and then...voila..I will finally be finished! In the meantime, I have received a "rush" order for another baby quilt...so the lap quilt will be put on the back burner once again...but it is for the same client, so no big deal.

My camera batteries died, so as soon as I buy new batteries I will post more photos of quilts, gbaby, etc! The Dallas Quilt Show (http://www.quiltersguildofdallas.org/quiltcelebration2010/default.htm) is coming up this month...March 12, 13, 14...and I am getting very excited about going!! Not only do I love to see the quilts, but I love to see what the vendors bring!! I am hoping my favorite cutting mat vendor will be there...although I haven't seen them for the past several years. I have one of their mats that I bought probably 7 or 8 years ago and need to buy another mat right about now.

PRODUCT REVIEW - SALEM CUTTING MATS

http://www.hometownquiltsupply.net/Rotary-Cutting-Mat-s/53.htm

Salem cutting mats are, hands down, my favorite cutting mats for sewing, quilting and crafting. As mentioned previously, I have had one for 7 or 8 years and use it for everything. These mats are great because they are truly self-healing, you can pin on them, they come with our without grids and they last a long time. I want a new one, because I need a bigger one! You can roll up these mats and they will lay back out flat! They are thicker than other self-healing mats so you can actually pin patterns or fabric to them. I highly recommend Salem cutting mats to anyone who sews or crafts. Just click on the link below the picture and check them out!

Well, that's it for today. Back to the sewing room to try to finish this baby quilt! Photos will be forthcoming as soon as I get new camera batteries.

Happy Sewing and Quilting! I hope the sun is shining wherever you are!!

Wacky Weather Great for Quilters!

Okay, so we had over a foot of snow week before last...this past Saturday we had our windows open because the temperature was so nice...tomorrow we are getting snow again!! I haven't seen this much snow since I lived in Denver!! This is truly wacky weather! But, I have to say, it is truly the best kind of weather for quilters. When it's cold outside, quilters are snuggled up with fabric and batting inside working on warm quilts!

This week, I am still working on the baby quilt that was supposed to be finished by now, but life happens and just didn't get it done. So, I will be working on that this week...except Wednesday when I will be babysitting my precious grandbaby!

I have another project waiting in the wings for another client and am having trouble deciding on a pattern. She gave me several different purple, light blue and muslin fabrics to work with, but I am not having inspiration about a pattern yet!! Typically I let the fabric "speak" to me and I can usually decide on a pattern fairly quickly, but this fabric is not "speaking" to me!! How do you decide on a quilt pattern to use?? I have been looking through books and magazines, but haven't found what I am looking for yet.

Still working on the Pirate Quilt...but haven't worked on it for a couple of weeks now. I enjoy doing my applique work in the evenings while watching TV with hubby, but it seems that the past couple of weeks I have just been too tired to work on it in the evenings. Guess I will have to work on it in the mornings instead, when I am not tired! If you applique, when and where do you work on yours?

Two events coming up in March that I am very excited about! The North Texas Irish Festival (www.ntif.org) and the Dallas Quilt Show (http://www.quiltersguildofdallas.org/quiltcelebration2010/default.htm). We really enjoy going to the Irish Festival, and our girls love to go with us. I guess one of the fun things about it is seeing a bunch of men in kilts and seeing others dressed up in Irish garb from earlier centuries...and then there is the Irish stew in a bread bowl...and the beer!! We always have such a great time!

I always have a great time at the Dallas Quilt Show and am really looking forward to it. Hubby will go at least one day with me...he enjoys the art quilts...but I usually like to go 2 days. Not sure how many days I will go this year, but we will see. I just love seeing the quilts and taking lots of photos and of course there is the shopping!! The shows are the place to see new fabrics and new items for sale that you haven't seen before. Typically, if there is a a quilt shop or two in your town, they are limited as to the fabrics and other things they can sell, but at shows you can see such a wide variety of fabrics and tools, kits, etc. Talk about inspiration! I get so inspired at quilt shows!! (okay, calming down now...) The show is still a few weeks away though...so I will have to be patient!

Well, back to the sewing room!

Happy Quilting and Sewing!!

Big Snowstorm Aftermath

After the Big Snowstorm the morning was clear and beautiful!

Well, from what I understand, this was the most snow we have gotten in over a century and there it was snowing in 49 of the 50 United States! Wow...now that is a whole lot of snow! I took lots of photos, since snow is rare here and because it was absolutely beautiful. The snow is melting now and it sounds like rain dripping off the roof.

Yesterday, especially with all of the white snow, sunshine and beautiful blue skies, was a wonderful quilting day. Although, I confess I only worked on quilting part of the day, I did get a lot accomplished. I finished cutting and sewing all of the blocks for my current project and after looking at measurements again, realized I will only have to make 6 rows instead of 7! The pattern is for just a regular size quilt and I am making a baby quilt, so the batting is just that much smaller. After nearly 2 hours of cutting, you can imagine my relief of not having to cut anymore pieces!! I mentioned the other day that this particular quilt was boring me, but I have made some changes so that I am much happier with it now...although, am not sure I will meet the deadline, as other things sit on my "To Do" list that must take priority! But, with all of the blocks cut and sewn, now it's just a matter of assembling the rows, sashing and borders...then basting, quilting and...yeah, I'm just not sure about getting it done by the end of the week! Fortunately, I have a very understanding client! :)

Quilting magazines...how many do you have? I have too many! I have been going back through some of my quilting magazines trying to figure out how to store them, how many to keep, etc., and haven't come up with too many good ideas. I have my favorite magazines, which I think I will keep all issues of, and then I have some magazines that might have one interesting article or pattern, but not sure I want to keep the whole magazine just for a page or two. Hmmmm...this is definitely something that I need a solution for. Any comments or suggestions would be quite helpful! What is your favorite quilting magazine?? I would love to hear from you!

Well, off to the sewing room to get some work done and try to stay warm!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Snow, Reviews and Great Quilting Weather!

Woke up to snow this morning!!

Ah yes, we woke up to snow this morning and it is still coming down! Now, I realize that for you folks in the North and East who are getting record amounts of snowfall, snow photos are like the last thing you want to see. But, for us Southern folk who don't see snow too often, this was a beautiful sight to see! Of course, we will be sick of it by nightfall when the roads start to ice over and everyone is having wrecks, but in the meanwhile...enjoy!

PRODUCT REVIEW:

I wanted to do a product review today for Mary Ellen's Best Press (http://www.maryellenproducts.com/home.php).  This is a nice alternative to starch, and comes in different scents. I LOVE using Mary Ellen's Best Press when quilting or appliquing! This product is also environmentally friendly...and works in nicely if you are "sewing green". You can also buy larger refill bottles and refill the spray bottle...which also makes it an environmentally friendly product. 

Unlike regular spray starch, this product does not flake or clog. It is an amazing product for anyone who sews, or anyone who irons! I even use it when I iron hubby's shirts (you know...those rare times!).  My favorite scent is Lavender Fields, especially when I am quilting baby quilts, since lavender is very relaxing...helps me and the baby!! Right now Hancocks has it on sale for $4.00 (in store only).

I have to get back to working on this latest baby quilt...which, by the way, I am not liking right now. The colors are boring me and the pattern doesn't seem to be working too well. So, back to the quilting room to figure out how to make it work!

So that's it for this snowy day! Stay warm and dry and just sew!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Pirate Quilt Update

It's late, but I thought I would give you a long awaited update on the Pirate Quilt. The photos above show the last 3 blocks -- skull and cross bones, Kracken, and the Pirate. (Please note; these blocks need ironing). And as you can see, the Pirate only has a head, scarf, hat and arm at this point, so I have quite a bit of work ahead of me. This week though, I have the baby quilt to work on, so Mr. Pirate won't be getting another arm, face or clothes this week! The Kracken block replaces the block on the quilt pattern of the black widow spider and web (not sure what a spider has to do with pirates!). I made up the block myself, and with the material that I chose, thought it turned out quite well.

I made a trip to Hancock Fabrics today and got some neat things on clearance. Of course, I just went over to find some muslin (can you really have too much muslin on hand?!), and naturally I picked up a few other things I just couldn't resist! One of my finds was a couple of yards of cute fabric -- $3.95 a yard -- that will make a cute baby outfit for my little gbaby, and hopefully have some left over for quilting! Yes, the fabriholic in me definitely came out today! My advice to you sewers and quilters is that if you can find fabric for $2 or $3 a yard...get at least a couple of yards of it...especially if you really like it. I have kicked myself before for not buying fabric that I really liked at such a great price! (I know...!!)

The weather here is cold and dreary, and frankly, I am just a bit tired of it. On the other hand, it is great quilting weather! I have washed and dried all of the fabric for the baby quilt...we'll call it the Nautical Quilt (hint: it has a nautical theme)...so tomorrow I will spend the day ironing fabric and cutting some test blocks for it. Hubby reminded me tonight that I should cut test blocks just to see how everything will come together. I admit that on a previous quilt I failed to do that and pieced the whole top together...didn't like it, scrapped it and pieced another whole top! Whew...talk about a whole lot of extra work and wasted time! Yes, I see great value in test blocks now! Live and learn...

Thank you to my new blog followers! I hope I can entertain, instruct and inform you about sewing, quilting, embroidery and applique! Thank you for your comments too! Keep them coming!

Good night to all...and Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Moon Shot and Sewing Green

Goodnight Moon

I just wanted to share this photo of the gorgeous moon I took one night last week. I got several shots of it, but this one was just the best...enjoy!

So, it's been a couple of weeks since my last post and I have some news to report. First of all, today I received another baby quilt commission from a friend of mine (must finish this quilt in just under two weeks!!). She came over and we had a great time going through fabric and looking at quilt patterns! My friend has now decided that she is interested in learning to quilt and has already picked out her first pattern for her first quilt. I mentioned that the Dallas Quilt Show (www.quiltersguildofdallas.org) is coming up in March and she said she would love to go with me! Naturally, any time anyone shows an interest in quilting, I get very excited!! I also plan to take her fabric shopping in a couple of weeks (yes, the fabriholic in me is coming out!). 

As usual, hubby and I went on our once a month excursion to Barnes & Noble (www.barnesandnoble.com) to check on new issues of magazines. I bought a very interesting magazine called GreenCraft (http://www.stampington.com/html/greencraft_volume1.html) and it is just chock full of wonderful crafting ideas for using recycled materials. There are some purse ideas, and flower pin ideas too. There was even an idea (that I want to try) for taking an old tablecloth (a cute one) and cutting it down to make an apron. In a previous post, I discussed "Sewing Green" and shopping at thrift stores and antique stores for fabric....so naturally, my first thought was that I must make another thrift store/antique store run to find some old table cloths and make an apron!! I thought this was a great Sewing Green tip and wanted to pass it along to you.

Grandbaby News ~ our little darling is sick this week with a cold and sinus junk, so we haven't gotten to see her this week. But, I did decorate a little knit cap for her. Hobby Lobby (www.hobbylobby.com) is a great source for inexpensive baby hats, caps and onesies to decorate, if there is a baby in your life and you have a Hobby Lobby near you. I have just been having so much fun sewing little flowers and cute trim onto these caps! I also ironed on some appliques to a bib for her, and plan to do a couple more...since babies tend to mess up multiple bibs in a day!

I am still working on quilting My Quilt (which is only a temporary name for it). It is a much larger quilt than I am used to quilting, so I am struggling just a bit with it...but since it is for me, I can take my time with it. It won't be perfect (there are, admittedly, a few puckers on the back), but again...this is for me and won't be gong to any quilt show!

As it is already the month of February (!!), I have decided that I had better get cracking on making some summer dresses for our Grandbaby! Found a cute pattern for a summer dress, bloomers and a hat, so I want to make several of these outfits for her to wear during the hot summer months. In Texas, hats are so important for the little ones to wear, because it just gets so blistering hot here and babies' heads are so very tender.

Well, that's about it for now. If you have any Sewing Green ideas, please post your ideas and comments to share...quilting tips too!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Thrift Store Finds

Good afternoon quilters and sewers! Today's topic is finding fabric in places like thrift stores, antique shops and other venues that you might not think of when shopping for fabric.

Hubby and I love to roam thrift stores to see what kinds of great deals we can find, so this past weekend when we were roaming around the stores I started looking at different types of fabrics one can find in them. Not only can you find evening dresses, wedding dresses and prom gowns (think yards and yards of fabric), but you can find drapes, curtains, blankets, towels, shirts, and sheets! Not to mention, by shopping this way you are "sewing green" by reusing and repurposing fabric! (Green and cost effective...great combination!)

Now, I know that you might be thinking that a lot of these things will just be worn out and unusable, but that's where you would be wrong. For instance, for $1.99 I found a white flannel baby blanket in very nice condition...that's a yard of cotton flannel for under $2!! I also found satin sheets and pillow cases (think crazy quilt fabric) for less than $4. Curtains are also a great fabric source, and these were all less than $2 each. In this economy, with $8.00 - $10.00 a yard fabric, why wouldn't anyone want to save some money on very nice usable fabric?? Flat sheets make great quilt backs, and I even found some that had never even been taken out of the package...$4.00!! Another great source for cotton fabric is men's Hawaiian or dress shirts...especially the larger sizes.

Of course, you won't be able to find all of the fabric you want/need in a thrift store, but you can greatly reduce the cost of your fabric and add to your stash by shopping this way. Another great source is...believe it or not...antique stores! You can find vintage table linens and vintage fabrics for not much money in antique stores. Vendors in antique malls often have regular sales, and shopping the sale booths is a great way to save even more. Vintage clothing can even be bought for little money. All of these venues are great fabric sources, and if you are a Fabriholic...like me...then you will definitely want to check these sources out!

Ebay (www.ebay.com) is also another great source for fabric and vintage fabric, however, keep in mind that you will usually have to pay some type of shipping and handling costs, and then wait for it in the mail! Although, admittedly, I have bought and sold vintage fabric on Ebay from time to time.

Do you know of other "alternative" sources for fabric? Post a comment and let me know!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

A Few of My Favorite Things

Ah, the weekend! Isn't it great? Sleeping in late, staying up late, no big plans...except for sewing, quilting and embroidery!! :)

I was just thinking about all of the tools quilters use and how much money we can spend on them...whether they work or not! So, I thought I would review some of my favorite products and let you know that these tools really do work. My plan it to do periodic reviews of quilting/sewing/embroidery tools for you, so that you will know what works, and what doesn't. Please note that when I review products, they are products that I have used and used a lot, so by my estimation they either work well or don't.

Sue's Reviews

Clover Thread Cutter Pendant
Keep on a ribbon around your neck or on top of a spool for easy thread cutting with no sharp edges.

What a great gadget for quilters, embroiderers, and anyone who sews! I bought one of these cutters after the 9/11 airline restrictions on scissors. Even though they have eased the restrictions somewhat, I still use my Clover Thread Cutter Pendant when I travel. I hang mine on a matching chain, and it makes a lovely necklace. This would be a great gift, and for just about $10.00, a very affordable one too!

John James "Sharps" Applique Needles, size 10


I have used a lot of different types of needles for applique, but these John James "Sharps" are my absolute favorites. I use them all of the time, and keep a good supply of them on hand. I highly recommend these needles because they last and are truly high quality needles.

Needle Grabbers

The first time I used these handy Needle Grabbers was in a quilting class. After the class, I went out and bought a couple of packs of them. I use them when doing hand quilting, and I won't hand quilt without them. These are a must have for hand quilters, and are under $2.00 for a pack of 2. I just throw them on top of my hand quilt project and use them as I need them. They are rubbery, so they stay where you put them.










Well, I hope you enjoyed the reviews and learned something along the way. Have product review suggestions? Just post a comment and I will review the product and let you know if it is a good tool or not!
 
Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Quilting Thoughts

Happy Tuesday to everyone!


Well, I am making some headway on my Pirate Quilt! (Photos coming soon) I finished the Kracken block and am working on the final block...the Pirate...aaarrrrgghh!! I was looking through my stash for the perfect fabric for the Pirate's face and arms...think, tan! Anyway, after much searching and coming up with nothing (yeah...I know...hard to believe) I decided to take a piece of unbleached muslin and tea dye it to come up with something that would work, and it turned out great! I used hot water, tea bag, bowl and fabric. Put the fabric in the bowl with hot water and one tea bag and let is soak for a couple of hours, then rinsed it with cold water and dryed it in the dryer to heat set and voila...tan fabric! This will make great "skin" for my Pirate and I was so excited that it didn't cost anything but a tea bag to get!


So this got me to thinking about using other natural berries, plants, etc for dying fabric...hmmmm...lots of things stain fabric....hmmmm. Then I decided to research the subject, because, let's face it, we need to do all that we can to save money in this hard economy! Anyway, I found this website http://www.pioneerthinking.com/naturaldyes.html and it explains not only how to dye fabric from natural plants, but which plants produce certain shades of color! Now, I have never been much into dying my own fabric, but all of a sudden I find the whole concept rather exciting, especially if I can use natural plants and berries to dye fabric with! I'm not talking about bolts of fabric, but smaller pieces...say fat quarters...when you can't find that exact color that you are looking for. And, bonus...this can be done in your own kitchen with things you probably already have! How much more economical does it get?! I believe this definitely warrants some more experimentation on my part. Have you tried dying fabric before? What were your results? I would love to know!


Oh yes, and I am also working on...finally...a quilt for myself!! I made the top a couple of years ago, so it's about time to finish it. We have had such a cold winter here that I have been using hubby's quilt and thinking, "hmmm...I wish I had my own quilt to use instead of using his quilt all the time!" And then I thought, "hey, I can have my own quilt! All I have to do is take a finished quilt top and quilt it, then I will have one for myself!" So, I have started quilting it! Yep...photos to come shortly!


Have a great day, and Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Just a Little Beauty...

Happy Freezing Weather! But, this is GREAT QUILTING WEATHER!!


I just wanted to add a little beauty and warmth to your day...so here is a photo of my sweet beautiful granddaughter!!

Ahhh...I feel so much warmer now...don't you??!! :)


I haven't quilted these past few days, but have been pondering about what my next project is to be. I have several quilt tops that need to be quilted and several quilt projects that I would like to start...oh, and then there is my Pirate Quilt that also needs finishing! Sew many projects...sew little time!!


How do you prioritize projects? That seems to be a sticking point for me, as sometimes I am not sure how to choose from so many projects to work on. Do I start with the oldest unfinished project? Do I work on something totally new? Something that I am in the middle of? Does it matter?? I just get into a tizzy thinking about it! Should I prioritize by what brings me joy to work on or money when I sell it? Ahhhh...money is a great motivator, but I like to work on projects that make me happy too. Decisions...decisions...I think I will sleep on it and decide tomorrow!


Stay warm! Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Another Year, Another Quilt and How Do You Measure?

Welcome to 2010!

It is hard to believe that another year has flown by so quickly!! But we had a lot of things happen in 2009 -- some good, some not so good -- so I am excited to see what events unfold in the upcoming year. Funny to think that hubby and I were watching 2010: Odyssey Two the other night...and here we are in 2010!! I was also excited to get my 2010 calendar from Irish Quilting Magazine (www.irishquilting.ie) just in time to hang it up on Jan 1. It is a beautiful calendar and I am looking forward to looking at it each month throughout the year.

I have been madly quilting in effort to finish another commissioned baby quilt (photos above), and actually finished it 2 days ahead of schedule! Hubby was quite impressed and tells me that I am getting faster. This baby quilt went together so fast, and was fairly simple to make. I used chain piecing, which not only speeds up the process, but saves thread and makes it more economical. I was very happy with the results and plan on making the same quilt to keep (since I have enough fabric left to make another one).

How do you measure?
This thought came up when I was cutting out the pieces for this baby quilt. I, probably like many of you, have several different types of measuring tools for rotary cutting fabric. I have the standard rectangular measuring ruler, several sizes of measuring squares, etc. What I noticed is that they are all different brands (as I generally just buy what I need when in quilt shops), such as Olfa, Omnigrid, Dritz, etc. Now you would think that an inch is an inch is an inch, however, if you start out measuring...oh let's say 5" squares...and you are using your handy Omingrid square, then you switch to perhaps your Olfa ruler, you run the risk of not ending up with the exact same 5" squares. I am not sure why...maybe someone knows the answer, but the important lesson here is if you start out using one measuring tool, stick with it! I have also noticed that if you are using a cutting mat for measuring, over time these become slightly inaccurate...again, not sure why, other than warpage through use.

My cutting mat is made by Salem (www.hometownquiltsupply.net) and is about 6 or 7 years old. It is getting quite worn after many years of use and is slightly off if I use it to measure with. Again, if I start using my Salem mat to measure with, sticking with it through the whole quilt project is a must. I love my Salem mat (right now they are on sales!) and purchased it at the Dallas Quilt Show, but I have not seen Salem mats at the quilt show for several years now. They can be purchased on line...I highly recommend them!

Well, that is my thought for the day. Enjoy the photos and please leave your comments regarding quilt measuring tools!

Happy Sewing and Quilting in 2010!!