Spring Sewing and Cleaning...

"Redwork Rhymes" that I am doing in Bluework!

Well, Spring is here! Seems like we had a long winter, so I am glad that spring is here...even though it is a chilly 54 degrees and rainy today, it will be back in the 80s by the weekend!

What projects do you have going for spring? I mean...besides cleaning? Yep...I have started spring cleaning around here too. The other day I started cleaning out my closet...trying to get rid of things that don't fit anymore or are just worn out. I set aside things to go to Goodwill and things that would make good quilt fabric. Then I sat and watched movies while I took the potential quilt fabric clothes and took off buttons, cut out seams, cut off sleeves and collars and made stacks of good usable quilt fabric...now that is sewing green! You don't realize just how many clothes in your closet you can reuse and recycle into quilt fabric!! I have to admit...it was pretty exhilarating! I now have a button jar going and some zippers to reuse also! Oh...and I had several blouses that had embroidery on them, so I cut out the embroidery to incorporate into other clothing that I will make for summer!!

Right now, I am working on a double nine patch wedding quilt...the colors are sage green, black and white. I didn't realize when I chose this pattern just how tedious it would be to put the nine patch blocks together...plus, the pieces are 1 1/2" x 1 1/2"...pretty darn small! I have 10 larger blocks put together now and need 25 in all...so I have a way to go, but am making good progress!

And suddenly, I had the urge to embroider! So, now I am also working on an embroidery quilt project. The pattern is called "Redwork Rhymes", but I am doing Bluework instead...just because I like bluework better than redwork! There are 3 panels with 4 blocks each (for a total of 12 embroidered blocks)...I am nearly done with 1 panel. It is going pretty quickly and I try to work on it every evening during our TV watching. I will post photos as I get the panels done. Although, I am not sure what fabric I will use in the quilt...I know it will be mostly blue!!

Another baby quilt will be in the works just as soon as I can find some motorcycle fabric for a baby!! Some friends of ours are having their second son and he will be born on April 8...so I am hoping to find motorcycle fabric very soon and get that quilt made...in a hurry!!

Well, that's it for now! Time to head back to the sewing room!! Let me know what your spring projects are...and share your sewing green ideas here!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Dallas Quilt Show 2011

Yesterday hubby and I went to the Dallas Quilt Show and saw some beautiful quilts! Please view my photos at the link above or in the upper left corner of this blog. They are loaded into Snapfish, so if you don't have an account, just register for free and then view the photos. Especially check out the Best of Show quilt...it was all hand pieced, embroidered and quilted!! Now that was a truly amazing quilt!!

I always get excited to go to quilt shows, because that is where I get inspired and my quilting urge gets renewed! I especially enjoy the Junior category for quilters 18 and under...very inspiring to know that our younger generations will carry on the quilting tradition!!

One quilt stood out for me, only because they were truly sewing green...check out the quilt made out of Lay's potato chip bags!! Now that is re-purposing at its finest!! Also, it made me laugh! :)

Off to my sewing room! Enjoy the photos of the Dallas Quilt Show!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting! :)

Baby Panel Quilt and Fiskars Snip Review



Back of Baby Panel quilt



Baby Panel Quilt



Close up of Baby Panel Back




Close of of Front



Happy Sunday All!

Just wanted to post some quick photos of a Baby Panel quilt I finished yesterday (see photos above and at end of post). This was a very fun, fast and easy baby quilt to make! I just added a border (green dots) to the baby panel, used fusible batting that I had left over from another quilt project; quilted it around the blocks on the panel, in the ditch and in the border; then sewed the binding on! I normally hand sew the back of the binding on, but for this quilt I sewed the binding on the back of the quilt by machine and then sewed the binding down on the front by machine...doing it this way made it so fast! I think it turned out very cute...oh and check out the back...cute bunnies!! This quilt would be great for either a boy or a girl, because it has bright colors and the back bunnies are pink and white on a blue background. It is always so fun to get a quilt project done quickly...very gratifying!

PRODUCT REVIEW

Today, I thought I would review a product that I use ALL the time when sewing and quilting. In fact, this product is one I highly recommend and I wouldn't sew or quilt without it! The product is the Fiskars Short Cut Snip (6.5") and it retails for under $10. These snips make super quick, tiny clips and are great for cutting random threads, snipping thread after sewing a seam, even ripping out a seam! I don't use seam rippers any more, I just use my snips! My snips live next to my sewing machine so they are handy for any project I am working on. Fiskars makes them, so they are top quality! Snips are small and very portable, so you can take them to class or throw them in your portable sewing bag. They also come in handy when doing hand embroidery. Get a pair and you will use them everyday!

***Don't forget...March 11-13 is the Dallas Quilt Show!! I am getting so excited and can't wait!!

Well, that's it for today. Enjoy the photos and I hope the product review is helpful to you! Let me hear your comments!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Close up of Baby Panel Quilt

Baby Patch Photos and Janome Foot



Baby Patch



Label

Back of Baby Patch Quilt



Close up of Baby Patch





Close up of Baby Patch binding

Man, oh, man...can you believe how fast February is flying by?? I think I blinked and missed most of it!! But, March holds some exciting things! The North Texas Irish Fest is March 4-6...always fun...lots of beer...and interesting vendor booths! Then the Dallas Quilt Show is March 11-13!! (very excited about that!) Hubby has some sort of plastic model show happening the weekend of March 19...so March is going to be pretty busy! Also, I will be working on at least one commission quilt in March...just bought some more fabric for it today. It is a wedding quilt and I think I have finally settled on a pattern for it!! :)

Finished the baby patchwork quilt...yes, for the baby that was born in December! (See photos above) It was a fast and easy quilt to make....mainly fast because it's small, and easy because I used 5" squares! No borders...nothing fancy...but I think it turned out quite nice! I am going to try to make several more to save back...you never know who will have a baby next!!

FYI...my new Janome is working perfectly, however, finding a walking foot for it was a bird of a different color!! I had bought a walking foot for it...only to find out it was the wrong one, and the store doesn't take returns...it is currently posted on EBay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260741530344&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT. It is for a Janome Memory Craft machine...which I don't have! Anyway, we ended up going back to Hancocks, where hubby bought the machine, and they didn't have a walking foot to fit...so we ended up going to another sewing machine store and finally bought the right foot! Whew! That was a lot of running around to buy one sewing foot!! So, long story...short...I got the correct walking foot...quilted the baby quilt and life is good!

Well, back to the sewing room for now. Enjoy the photos and keep those comments coming! Another Product Review is coming soon!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Baby Patch Quilt

Dallas Quilt Show Next Month

Just wanted to let everyone know that the Dallas Quilt Show, sponsored by the Dallas Quilters Guild, is in March....specifically March 11, 12, 13...so mark your calendars!  Here's the link http://www.quiltersguildofdallas.org/quiltcelebration2011/default.htm. Tickets are $8...$7 for seniors over 65. I really enjoy the Dallas Quilt Show...so many quilts and love the vendors! If you live in the area, or can drive or fly in for the show, it is really worth it. I always take photos, but the Guild is really good about posting photos of the winning quilts on their website shortly after the show.

That's it for now...a show and now I have to go and get some things done!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Jammin' with My Janome...

Yes, I have been jammin' with my Janome...because I can't really call it sewing on such a fun machine! I was putting together a quilt top for a baby gift (for the baby born in December!) and am still amazed at how quiet the Janome is...I just can't get over it! One of my favorite features is the thread cutter on the machine! I know...I know...it is a simple thing, but I believe that I am saving lots of thread by using it. And, of course, using less thread means that I am sewing green! The quilt top that I put together today is a scrap quilt...so again, sewing green by using up smaller scraps.

The weather...after the past two weeks deep freeze...was almost balmy today. We are supposed to get up into the 70s by Wednesday, and....cross your fingers...it will stay that way for a bit. Still nice quilting weather, but makes me think about other sewing and embroidery projects.

That's it for today...good night..or good morning all!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Quilting in the year 2011...and Janome review!

First Snow 2011

More snow!

Well, so far, 2011 has been a rather unique year in several ways. Last week we had a record deep freeze and most businesses and schools were closed 4 days in a row...this is just unheard of in the south! And to top it all off the Super Bowl was in town with some major hiccups...not sure it will ever be held in Dallas again!! On a personal note...I have completed 2 quilts this year already and am working on a baby quilt (I won't mention that the baby was born in December 2010!), and getting ready to finish some quilts that were started long long ago!

Have you ever thought about dollmaking? Well, I made a soft doll for our little granddaughter last week. Now you would think (as did I) a doll...small, easy project...not so much! It took me hours to make a doll dress! Okay, okay...I used a pattern for a 20" doll on an 18" doll thinking "sure, it will fit...maybe even be too big"...wrong! After struggling with the dress for quite some time...ripping part of the neckline to get it onto the doll and having to modify the neckling...I finally got it made...*whew*! So just remember...as I didn't...measure twice, cut once...on any project you attempt! Lesson learned!! :)

JANOME REVIEW
Since we were snowed/iced in last week...I finally got a chance to sit down with my new Janome and give it a whirl. Hubby bought the Janome 8050 for me several months ago, but I have been so busy with commission quilts that I had not had the chance to play with it. Let me tell you...it is GREAT! I LOVE it! It has so many features and stitches on it...wow! Oh, and sooo much quieter than my Singer! Don't get me wrong...I still love my industrial Singer, but the Janome has so many more features on it that will come in handy. The Janome has over 40 different stitches, including 3 blanket stitches for applique...these stitches will definitely come in handy! I love the drop in bobbin and the fact that it has a see-through plate so you can actually see how much thread is on your bobbin. I also like way the Janome winds the bobbins...it is fast, and simple and you don't have to remember to push anything in after you are done winding the bobbin. It did take me a while and a good reading of the manual to figure out how to change the top thread tension...it wasn't real obvious at first. Oh and FYI...the manual is well written and easy to follow with some great tips. Always keep your sewing machine manual handy...even if you think you know your sewing machine inside and out...there will always be that one thing you forget or didn't realize, but it will be in your manual. Now, I know that with Singer sewing machines you can download the manuals for the various machines...I don't see anything like that on the Janome website http://janome.com/, so I recommend making a copy of your manual and putting it in a safe place (like your file drawer, or other place in your house) in case anything happens to your original manual. Hubby bought my Janome at Hancocks http://www.hancockfabrics.com/ and this Janome is specific to Hancocks, but I believe that if this particular machine is made and works well, then all of their other machines would be made with the same quality....I know that is true with Singer and Brother sewing machines. Bottom line...I am delighted with my new Janome and recommend you run out and get one for yourself!

Well, today happens to be a beautiful day, so I am off to run errands with hubby and soak up some Vitamin D from the sunshine!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting...and stay warm my friends!!

Texanese Quilt Done and More Winter Fun!

"Texanese" Quilt

Boot Block

Texas block

Prickly Pear block (the original Yellow Rose of TX)

Longhorn block

Back of "Texanese" Quilt

At last the "Texanese" (Texas themed with Asian fabrics) is done, delivered and Japan-bound! Photos are above..enjoy! For some reason this quilt was a tough assignment and I wasn't altogether pleased with during the designing, piecing, quilting process, however, it turned out okay...I think! My customer seemed very happy and excited about it...so I will consider it a success. (BTW...I used Fusi Boo fusible batting on this wall hanging...my favorite fusible batting!) You might notice that I used smaller Snowball blocks in this wallhanging!! Now onto the next project!!



There are several quilts in my sewing room that need quilting, so I may take some time to just work on them...after I finish another baby quilt for a friend of mine...a little late, as her son was born in December!! Oops! Oh well, as long as he gets it before he is college bound...right?! :) I also have quilts rolling around in my head which I need to produce so they can free up space in my brain. Ah....and then there is the Pirate Quilt which needs finishing...so much more work to do for me!!

When I was hand sewing the binding on the Texanese quilt (I always do my hand sewing in front of the TV), I saw a fascinating show on PBS called "b organic" and I was instantly hooked. Their website is http://borganic.net/ and they have projects, how-to videos and all sorts of things. Check out the website and let me know what you think!! The episode I caught was how to repurpose old sweaters, and how to make garden chaps...I know!...I was really excited!! Talk about sewing green...this show is a must see for all of you that love to sew green! Plus, the hostess of the show was sewing on an industrial Singer very much like the one I use!! So you see, this show has all kinds of things that got me excited! I plan on trying some of the projects from the show, so I will keep you posted.


Oh...another one of my projects is to make a soft doll and doll clothes for my GBaby Lily. I have everything I need to get started, so hopefully I can post photos soon. I have never made soft dolls before, but I am intrigued by how to make them and how they look...so many different kinds with so many different looks!

It has been a while since I have done embroidery and I am thinking the doll project will help me get back into embroidery. I have been missing it. Again...all sorts of projects in my sewing room that require embroidery!!


The weather has been really nice the past few days, but it looks like we are in for another freezing spell for the rest of the week...maybe even snow! I am not a fan of the cold or snow, but I like the fact that it is the best quilting weather!!

That's it for now! What are you working on this winter? Have you finished any quilts in 2011?? Post comments to me with the links where your quilt or embroidery projects reside!! I love to look at your work!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!



GBaby Lily dressed to party!!



Snowball Blizzard!



Snowball quilt

  

Butterflies on Snowball quilt




Back of Snowball quilt



Close up shot





Well, I delievered the Snowball quilt (photos above) yesterday to a very happy customer! Yeah...I love those happy customers! Since the snowball quilt was a hit, and I really enjoyed making the snowball blocks, I am currently making a snowball wallhanging...it's a snowball blizzard in my sewing room!! This snowball wallhanging has been rather interesting to design...my client wanted "a Texas themed wallhanging using Asian fabrics"...oookay...!! I had to really put on my thinking and design cap, and consult my graphics designer hubby to come up with this one!! The top is done, now the quilting is underway on this unusual wallhanging. I used 4 1/2 inch squares combined with 1 1/2" squares to make the snowballs...yes, I have lots of tiny little triangles left over. I did some hand applique and used some Texas graphics and fabrics and voila...a wallhanging that is going to Japan!! Whew! Photos will be posted before delivery.

There are some projects I am itching to make, so I am hoping after the Japan-bound wallhanging is delivered I can begin some of my long awaited projects. One project is to make a soft doll for my granddaughter...I actually found a cute pattern in a quilt magazine and I have gathered all of the necessary supplies to put it together! My youngest daughter is due a quilt from me...fabric is gathered, now I just need to design a quilt and put it together...poof...a quilt will be born!!

Lately, hubby and I have been in "cleanout" mode...trying to clean out closets, etc. I have found so much good fabric this way! I have clothes to cut up and stash...yippee...more fabric!! :) Actually, I have also decided that a button jar...box...whatever...is in order. Do you realize how many buttons you can recycle...or repurpose from old clothing?? I really hadn't thought about it until I started cutting clothing up for fabric. You can actually cut the zippers out and repurpose those. I have seen those great flower brooches that you make with zippers and might give it a try! Sewing green...saving the earth...you gotta love it! Have you found any great fabric sources? I love to repurpose and reuse stuff...it just makes me feel good!

Now it's time to get to quilting!! What projects have you completed in 2011? (I know its early in the year, but maybe you started something last year and finished this year!!) What are you currently working on?

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

More butterflies!!

Snowballs Without Snow and a Little Japanese

Japanese themed wall hanging

Our GBaby dressed up

Back of Japanese wall hanging

Butterflies on Japanese wall hanging

Our sweet little GBaby!!

Gosh, I am soooo sorry that I have not blogged for so long! I have been fairly busy...trying to start a business or two...keeping our little GBaby, who is growing fast...and quilting! Can't belive that 2011 is nearly upon us, and I have so many things to finish for 2010!

Currently, I am making a quilt using the snowball block. This is a block I have been wanting to try out for a while now, so I am pretty excited about how it is turning out! It has been fun to make, and I think the quilt is going to turn out really nice. Here is a link to a snowball block tutorial http://www.straw.com/quilting/articles/snowball1.html... I hope you enjoy making these blocks as much as I have!!

The Japanese theme wall hanging is finished and delivered and another one is on order for February! The Japanese wall hanging (photos above) was a real challenge for me...but one that I really enjoyed in the end. Any time you challenge yourself to do something different, you end up learning so much in the process. For the wall hanging I used an art quilt pattern, but didn't follow it exactly. I tend to use patterns as a starting point and then make the project my own by doing it just a little (or a lot) differently. Are you a strict pattern follower? Or do you use the pattern as a basis for your own designs?

Our GBaby is growing quickly! Our kids are all grown so we tend to forget just how quickly they grow!! She has molars, top and bottom, and can chew most things fairly well now. She is getting tall too!! We just delight in her and love to keep her.

A friend of mine just had a baby boy, so on my design board is a baby quilt...now if I can just find the time to put it on my sewing machine!! The quilt is just a patchwork quilt using 5 inch blocks...a charm quilt of sorts. These are fast and easy to make...and bonus...you use up lots of scraps!

Before we have discussed "sewing green" and lately I have seen a lot of articles on the subject. I get so excited to read these articles, because reusing and repurposing things is a great way to save money, and the environment. Recently, I bought several twin and queen size flat sheets (new and unopened) at a thrift store for $5 each. Sheets are a great source of large amounts of fabric and can be used as quilt backs, cut up for blocks, or embroider a nice design on the sheet and give it as a gift. You can typically find sheets still in the package at thrift stores for a very reasonable price. Thrift stores are a great place to find other sources of fabric...dish towels, duvet covers, bedspreads, long gowns, etc. One article told of a bride who had and all "green" wedding...she made her wedding dress out of a duvet cover, and her decorations were all made of repurposed materials! Wow! How are you "sewing green"? Have you found any good ways to repurpose or recycle everyday materials?

Well, back to the sewing room! I have lots to do, and fortunately it is cold and rainy outside, so it is a great time to be inside!!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Fast and Furiously to the Finish!



Close up of panel quilt.




Panel Quilt finished a few weeks ago



Back of panel quilt. Love this batik!



Our GBaby trying on Nana's glasses!

Whew! It has been a busy last few weeks, and I am still working fast and furiously trying to get a couple of quilts done that are due this month. I am working on a blue/gray/white one and an Asian wall hanging. I would ponder the beauty of this last one, however, I haven't the time.

Once again I was not able to attend the Houston International Quilt Show...you either?! Well, not to worry! I just spent a pleasant half hour reviewing photos of the winners from this year's show... and you can too! http://www.quilts.org/winners.html

Hubby and I had a plumbing leak a couple of weeks ago, which forced us to purge some things from one of our closets...mine! Anyway, despite the wet dog smell of the carpet until it was dried out, it was good that it made us look at things that had been stored away for years...things we didn't even realize we had, and things we knew we had...somewhere. We have vowed to finish cleaning out the closets, and as a bonus I have found several items of clothing I plan to cut up and use in quilts....sewing green! My daughter-in-law also gave me clothes from our little granddaughter's first year (I know...time has gone by so fast!) to make into a quilt. That will be a fun project...when I have the time!

Time to quilt! And, is there ever not a good time to quilt?!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Another One Down...and Several to Go!

Yes, that's right! I finished another quilt today, ready to deliver tomorrow! Go Quilting Sue!! Not that I am finished by any means...I have several more orders to complete before the end of 2010! But, that is good for me.  It is always very satisfying to be able to check another order off my list...oh yeah...and to get paid for it...even better!

Currently, I am searching out gray fabric for the next quilt. You would think gray fabric would be easy to find...but, it's not so easy. I spent most of yesterday searching through my stash for gray fabric and only came up with 3 fat quarters that I think will work well. And by the way...I rearranged some of my stash to reveal floor space in my sewing room! Wow, if I keep this up, I might be able to actually walk around in my sewing room!! Anyway...gray fabric...not easy to find...so shopping I must go! Fortunately, most fabric stores are having sales this time of the year...so I am hoping to find some nice gray fabric to add to the next quilt project.

Fall is definitely here...my favorite time of the year!! We have had the windows open all day long...very nice! Good quilting weather for sure.

Well, I am off to bed now.

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Polyester Fusible Batting??!! -- Review

So, on the quilt I am finishing up now...as in today or tomorrow...I used polyester fusible batting. Why, you might ask? Well, I have found fusible batting to be a lot faster than pin basting, plus you don't end up with all of those pesky pins weighing the quilt down and pricking your fingers. BUT...while I have used cotton and bamboo fusible battings in the past...Fuis Boo being one of my all-time favs...I am not really liking the polyester fusible batting as much.

There are a couple of issues I have with the polyester fusible batting: 1) it makes the quilt REALLY stiff and hard to push through the sewing machine, 2) well...it's polyester...not a fun medium to work with in the first place, 3) it is a little tougher to needle through, and 4) lint, lint, lint...it produces way more lint than either the cotton or bamboo fusible batting, so I have to clean my sewing machine a lot more often. There...I have vented and feel so much better!! Have any of you ever used polyester fusible batting? What is your opinion of it??

Okay...all vented out now...time to go back to hand sewing on the binding of current quilt. And by the way...I am really liking the way this quilt is looking! The quilt is a panel quilt (no piecing)...so it really has gone together fast and easy! Hubby and I happened to find the perfect backing for the quilt and then digging through my stash...I found the perfect binding fabric...how perfect is that!! :)

Back to sewing.

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!

Quilting Marathon

Lily rides Grandpa!




Lily in the dirt!



Well, yesterday I had a quilting marathon day! I quilted for 6 hours, pretty much non-stop!! But, I got a twin size quilt all quilted, made the binding and sewed it on...now I just have to hand sew the back of the binding on...and voila...another quilt to deliver! But man, do my shoulders hurt today!! Note to self...when doing a quilt marathon, get up and walk around more and exercise shoulders!!  I have two more quilts to finish in fairly short order, so I know that more quilt marathon days are in my future. How many of you have quilt marathon days?

I started cleaning out my closet the other day and decided to only donate clothing that I couldn't cut up for quilt fabric...sewing green! Now where to store the clothes that will be kept for this purpose??! We are trying to clear our house of things we don't need or don't use. This is going to be a long process for sure!



My what a big stick you have!



So, our little GBaby Lily turned 1 this week! Seems like she was JUST born!! Anyway, we took her and her parents, our youngest daughter and her friend to the park for a picnic (see photos above). We had a great time and despite her bath previous to the picnic, Lily played in the dirt and got rather dirty!! Oh well...babies wash up pretty well!! :)



I am having trouble designing a quilt for a customer...Japanese theme...any suggestions or comments??!! Help!! The quilt is due in November, so it feels like I am running out of time....!!



Lately, I have had an urge to embroider and have a project or two waiting in the wings. Perhaps I will wait for really cold weather to start my embroidery projects?! Just seems like it has been a while since I have done any real serious embroidery...even though I have combined some embroidery in a few quilt projects.



Well, time to get back in the sewing room!! It's beautiful weather...so maybe I will get outside today.

Happy Sewing and Quilting!!





Such a sweet face!



Two Quilts Delivered and More to go...



Ouchita National Forest

 

Satisfied Customer!! :)



Back fabric is called "Punk Princess"



 

Pinwheels & butterflies





Batik Quilt - Railfence pattern




Border fun!



Baby Lily-almost 1!

Well, it has been a while since my last post, but I have been pretty busy! Lots to tell this time...so bear with me.

We have been keeping our GBaby some and now that she is walking...well, let me just say, Whew! Chasing her around is a full time job when we keep her, but she is just too cute for words. She will be a year old on Tuesday...she has 8 or 9 teeth...she says "Hi" a lot...and she is on the move! It has truly been a blessed year since she was born.

I did deliver 2 quilts yesterday to, what I believe, is a happy customer! (Photos above) The batik quilt was the more fun of the two quilts...went a little nuts on the border quilting, but had so much fun with it. Currently, I am working on another quilt for delivery soon...and then have 3 more lined up!

Oh...and I almost forgot the best news! Hubby bought me a new Janome sewing machine!! Yep...It is one that has 150 stitches!! I haven't really gotten a chance to play much with it yet, since I have so many quilts to get done...but soon I will have a "play" day!! I am just dreaming about all that I can do with it!!

We have discussed sewing green here before, and my thoughts tend to take me to how to sew green quite often. I am not sure if this is due to the many trips hubby and I take to thrift stores, or the poor economy, but my mind is all over the subject. What are your thoughts on sewing green? How do you sew green? Because I just got a new sewing machine, I will be selling one of my older ones...now I consider this part of sewing green because someone else can get many more years out of using my old machine, instead of it ending up in a landfill. Do you follow my thought process on this one? So, I was thinking of all of the other things in our lives that can be recycled...clothes, shoes, plastic, paper, etc...and was wondering how many of you recycle or repurpose. I saw a sign in an antique mall today that said "Shop vintage and recycle"...how appropriate! I will delve more into the sewing green aspect in a later post...so give me your thoughts on the subject.

We went camping with our daughters a couple of weeks ago...gotta love fall camping...and it was just gorgeous. We had fun and drove through the beautiful Ouchita National Forest in Oklahoma...now who knew Oklahoma was so beautiful!!

Well, it's getting late, so I will sign off for now.

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Quilting Thoughts

Just thought I would take a quilting break! I have been going gang busters on a commission quilt...trying to get it finished. There is so much joy for me in getting a quilt finished...also a lot of relief! I am always so happy when I can start removing the basting pins and start making the binding. Piecing and binding are my favorite parts of the whole quilting proces...except for maybe shopping for fabric!! What is your favorite part of the quilting process??

I forgot to mention in yesterday's post about last week's thrift store run. In a previous post, discussing "sewing green", I had listed shopping in thrift stores as a great way to purchase fabric for cheap. Well, last week I found a 100% linen long dress for $4, minus hubby's senior discount of 25% = $3! I am talking about 2 yards of nice linen fabric for $3!!

What is all my excitement about? Linen fabric, even with a discount, costs anywhere from $5/yd to $50/yd. I have several projects which require linen fabric, so this find was like gold to me! So don't forget to check your local thrift stores for great fabric finds, especially for specialty or upscale fabrics that are expensive in the fabric store! For instance, a long women's evening gown made of silk or some other specialty fabric will yield anywhere from 2-5 yds of very nice fabric for a fraction of what it would cost in the fabric store. Most thrift stores offer a senior discount one day a week...don't be shy, just ask for the discount when checking out...you might be pleasantly surprised. Men's shirts, dress, casual or Hawaiian, are excellent to buy at thrift stores....they will generally cost between $2-5 each, but will yield between 1-2 yds of fabric a piece (depending on size...I say get the XL or XXL...same price, more fabric). The fabric can be used in any sewing or quilting project. Save money and sew green! Post your comments about other green sewing tips!

Well, back to the sewing room folks! It's been a nice break!

Happy Sewing and Quilting!

Summer Sewing Projects

Baaaa...just thinking of landscapes!

Hi Everyone and Happy Summer!

I know it's been a while since my last post, but I am hoping to keep up on a more regular basis. Some things that have been happening lately: My Mom had a heart attack and surgery...she is fine now; our granddaughter took her first steps and has 7 teeth now (!!); hubby and I celebrated our 9 year wedding anniversary; and I got my first issue of my subscription to Irish Quilting (http://www.irishquilting.ie/Irish_Quilting/home.html)!! Yep, that about covers it!

What are your summer sewing projects? I finished a quilt top, basted the quilt and actually started quilting! Received orders for 2 more quilts and if I hurry I plan on entering the Keepsake Quilting (www.keepsakequilting.com) challenge that ends this month! The challenge is a landscape challenge, and since I really love doing landscapes I thought this was perfect! I have the fabric and the idea...now for the execution and timely shipment!! (That will be my REAL challenge!)

The really HOT part of the summer is here now...and when I say hot, what I mean is 100+ degrees! Today, for example, is 106 degrees here!!! Short of frying an egg on the sidewalk, there is not much that can be done outdoors in this kind of heat...so, I try to stay indoors and sew or just sit quietly and try not to make myself any hotter! It is tough to think about quilting in this kind of heat, much less actually sit under a quilt and work on it!! But, quilt I must! I have an embroidery project in mind, plus I am still working on the last applique block for the Pirate Quilt!

Recently, I have been going through my old quilt books and magazines and trying to weed out the ones that are either duplicates (yep, I tend to buy the same thing twice sometimes) or ones that I know I will never use. This is quite a tedious process since I have to look through everything and then I get interested in something and forget that I am "weeding out". Does anyone else seem to have the same problem?? How do you deal with all of the magazines and books you have on a certain topic like quilting, embroidery, sewing, etc? I would love to hear your ideas! Post your comments.

We have been keeping our granddaughter some this summer and it is amazing to watch her grow and learn. Our kids are all grown up now, so we had forgotten just how amazing babies are to watch and help them learn...the whole world is new to them and everything is so wonderful. To be able to see the world through a child's eyes again is truly awesome and inspiring. We just love the experience...although, keeping her always reminds me that I am no longer in my 20s and Nana has to rest up after a day or two with GBaby!! Hahahaha...that's why child rearing is for the young, not just the young at heart!!

Well, back downstairs where the A/C is working and it's cooler!!

Happy Sewing & Quilting!