Suburban Stitcher

the never-ending quilt

2012-01-26T06:00:00.001-06:00

This is the now infamous quilt that I’m making for my neighbor’s daughter (on commission).

I’m using the Sugar Dish pattern by Cluck. Cluck. Sew and it’s been going together wonderfully. I love the way that it showcases the fabrics, and it’s very very easy piecing.

I’m down to the 6 blocks of dresden plates…and I don’t know what it is about them…but I’ve been procrastinating on them…for too long.

Maybe this weekend I’ll get her plated up and ready for the quilter.

sick day

2012-01-23T13:49:00.001-06:00

Today I got the phone call from daycare that I always dread. “Your son is sick; please come remove him and his sicko, contagious, oozy-gooey self from the premises.”

Of course that’s not what they actually said…but doesn’t it feel like that’s what they mean?!?

So…instead of working…I’m hanging out with my Jack-Jack and doing a bit of knitting.

madelinetosh tosh dk in filigree. age of brass and steam kerchief pattern found {here}.

If you need me…you can find me washing all the sheets and clorox-wiping everything that isn’t moving in the house.

I hate pink eye.

Progress

2012-01-22T07:05:00.001-06:00

A bit of progress on the Summer Sampler

Finally able to start on the Chatelaine – Deep Blue Sea (Mystery XV) now that supplies are starting to show up

A bit of new stash at my LNS annual January sale

fabulous cross-stitching happening here

2012-01-14T08:02:00.001-06:00

Many of you have been reading me for years (thank you!)…and for those loyal few…you know that my first love in life (other than my husband and coffee) is cross-stitching. A dear friend and her mom taught me in college…and well…the rest is history.

Blackbird Designs freebie sampler – finished ~2008

Over the last hand full of years, my stitching has taken a bit of a backburner as I explored quilting and knitting. I love these new arts, but cross-stitching is definitely still my passion.

Country Cottage Needleworks “Geranium House” – finished 2009

Imagine my joy when all of a sudden…cross-stitching is becoming en vogue for us young crafters out there! What?!?!

Alicia of Posie Gets Cosy has stitched for many years, creating patterns such as her Daisychain ABCs Sampler that has so many people in love with embroidery…and she’s working on a new cross-stitch sampler that is yet to be released.

Amanda of hey porkchop! has a sweet little cross-stitch design company called The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery and she has started a dessert of the month club. For only $16.95 you get 1 sweeeeeeet little dessert pattern per month…what a deal! There’s a flickr group that is dedicated to these sweet treats, and there are some amazing things popping up in there!

Every year for the last 6 or 7 years, I start a new cross-stitch project. This year, for reasons that I can only attribute to complete and utter insanity, I signed up for a Chatelaine Designs Mystery. Martina creates the most beautifully, stunningly, most intricate designs that you’ve ever seen for cross-stitch! The amount of thought and artistry in each design is astounding! I am going to be working on the “Deep Blue Sea” Mystery Design (a section is released each month). I’m still waiting on fabric and silks for this one, but you can rest assured that I will show progress pics just as soon as I get my supplies!

So, with the new, fun, and MODERN designs popping up out there…what’s holding you back now?

disclaimer: I have not been paid by any of these lovely ladies/companies to promote their designs. I purchased each chart/pattern I discussed here with my own hard earned money. I’m pretty sure that none of them even know who I am…

Summer Alphabet and a bit of yarn stash

2012-01-11T08:27:00.000-06:00

If I can’t be experiencing Summer right now…well I guess the next best thing is stitching it.

Lizzie Kate’s Summer Alphabet Sampler…started last year…and here’s today’s progress:

I went to a new-to-me yarn store in Houston last weekend called Nimblefingers. They actually carry needlepoint and yarn supplies. I purchased a bit of madelinetosh lace…in a gorgeous pinky/purpley color…

Now just to decide what to make!

finish

2012-01-10T17:11:00.001-06:00

I was able to finish up the Peacock Burberry-esque cowl last night while watching the LSU/Bama football game.

Needless to say I had plenty of time to knit as the game was horrible (well…if you’re an LSU fan!).

This cowl was a very easy knit. The pattern was easy to memorize. The issues that I had came from not following the directions (well…not on purpose…I guess I just “ignored” the Provisional Cast On at the beginning!), and also from this being my first time doing cables. I felt like I was fighting the yarn doing those…but maybe it gets easier?! Hopefully because I like it a lot!

As you can see above, the cables just give it an overall slouchy look. It’s very warm, slightly itchy (because of the yarn I chose) but very fun and lovely.

see more details about pattern and yarn {here}

Burberry-esque scarf

2012-01-07T08:14:00.001-06:00

This morning I’m enjoying a few of my very favorite things: knitting {pattern and info found here}, fresh coffee, reading, and playing facebook games (guilty pleasure!).

How are you planning to spend your Saturday?

I’m finished, Sweetie Pie

2012-01-04T18:13:00.001-06:00

Finished with the Sweetie Pie hat, that is!

Such a lovely knitted hat, and very easy. The hardest part for me was the last 6 rounds or so, when I had to transfer from the circulars to the DPNs in order to finish it up.

I’m still very much a beginning knitter, but this was a lot of fun. The baby cables were easy to execute, and I feel quite confident to attempt something with more cables…or larger ones.

The best part about this project…I didn’t even block it! Just put it right on my head today and headed to work.

Project details {here}

New Years Knits

2012-01-03T06:26:00.001-06:00

Sweetie Pie Hat Pattern found {here}

Sublime Yarn in Gray purchased at my LKS

LSU sock yarn purchased at my mom’s LKS

Basic Ribbed Sock Pattern found {here}

What did you work on for the New Year?

lazy busy day

2011-12-30T17:08:00.001-06:00

If that title isn’t an oxymoron, then I don’t know what is!

Josh had surgery yesterday, so today was to be a lazy, hang around the house day.

I unpacked the knitting…getting ready for the laziness:

but then I get a call from IKEA…my couches are being delivered today?!?! SURE!

Exciting times here…we’re making a very big shift in how things look…color and style wise. Think lighter and brighter…

So what was once this (not bad…just very brown and very heavy-feeling)…

is now this:

Next up for the living room? Painting the walls a shade darker than they are now, replacing the curtains with something lighter, and new rug…I’m thinking sisal…any opinions?

Also…something I’m LOVING in my new room…my new quilt rack designed and made by my brother-in-law…the Air Force pilot. It has adjustable rails so that you can change it based on the thicknesses of your quilts that you hang here. I love it…and feel completely spoiled!

Perhaps tomorrow…an actual crafting post!

my how time flies

2011-12-29T21:57:00.001-06:00

I swear it’s been just a minute or two since we spoke last.

Except it’s been since October 31st. Oops.

Since October 31st I’ve trick-or-treated,

finished a knitted cowl

made a quilt for the woman who has worked in the nursery at my church for almost 30 years…signed by hundreds of the children that she rocked as infants)

decorated gingerbread houses

and rocked out on with the brand new gifts that Santa (aka the coolest mom and dad EVER!) left.

(as an aside…christmas began at 5:15 am this year for us. 5. 15. yikes.)

It’s been a very busy but wonderfully blessed 2 months! I hope that you all have had wonderful times…and I’ll be seeing you again…hopefully sooner rather than later.

Houston Quilt Market 2011–part 2

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Like so many others in the quilting world this weekend, I spent many long hours in downtown Houston over the last several days. The International Quilt Market and Festival is held every fall in Houston, and I am so lucky to live close to be able to experience it.

This year, for the first time, I attended schoolhouse sessions on Friday, and I learned SO MUCH! I attended the Blackbird Designs session, and this year they were showing their new stitchery book, and had all of their samples to show.

As many of you know, I was a cross-stitcher before I was a quilter or knitter, and it’s definitely still my first love. It was truly a pleasure to see these ladies in person with their lovely designs…and get to see a bit of what I love so much…stitching!

Next I was at the Fig Tree schoolhouse…another treat!

Joanna didn’t have a booth set up this market, but she did allude to a new book that will be coming out soon…so yippee for that!

At the Minick & Simpson schoolhouse they showed this amazing all cream quilt that was called “V” for victory…(I believe!). I love how the placement of the navy fabrics create the v’s…

Patty Young’s new line is called “Lush” and it is so bright and beautiful! She has some new infant clothing patterns on the horizon, and I cannot wait!

I got a chance to meet Linda lum DeBono while waiting for a book signing, and she was such a treat!

I had an amazing day, and it was so much fun to see everyone and everything. Next year cannot come fast enough!

Houston Quilt Market–part 1 (and Sunday Stash Report)

2011-10-30T15:28:00.001-05:00

Before we begin…I’d just like to say that doing a stash report during market…aka after SAMPLE SPREE is humbling.

Very very humbling.

Now that that’s out of the way, here’s what I left with:

Basic Grey’s new line Hello Luscious for Moda. Luscious indeed.

Flower Sugar by Lecien (which I learned this weekend is pronounced Loo-shehn)

Folk Heart by Rosalie Quinlan for Lecien

Also in this week:

a little bit of Ruby {purchased here}

some 2 1/2 square samples from market, and block 5 in the 2011 FQS block of the month.

Used this Week: 0 yards
Used year to Date: 42.0 yards
Added this Week: 24.1875 yards
Added Year to Date: 92.2525 yards
Net Used for 2011: -68.065 yards

Linked up with Judy {here}

Stash Sale

2011-10-09T15:04:00.001-05:00

I’m going through my stash and listing some items that I know I will either never finish, or never start!

First is called America (O Beautiful) by Shepherd’s Bush. I purchased this kit brand new several (about 5) years ago. I started it, and never got very far.

The kit included everything required to stitch this design (chart, fabric, silks, and embellishments).

I am selling this kit AS IS for $35.

Please email me if you are interested…or leave a comment here, and I’ll be glad to email you back.

Sunday Stash Report, Week 40

2011-10-02T06:55:00.000-05:00

In over the last 3 weeks I had ONLY the 2011 BOM kit (4th installment).

Out over the last 3 weeks…any guesses?

Yep…block 4 from the BOM.

Used this Week: 0.50 yards
Used year to Date: 42.0 yards
Added this Week: 0.5 yards
Added Year to Date: 68.065 yards
Net Used for 2011: -26.065 yards

At least I’m using at the same pace, right?!!!!

Linked up with Judy {here}

a whole lot of crafting goin’ on

2011-10-01T15:46:00.001-05:00

Whoa I sure have been busy lately…mostly STARTING things and not too much FINISHING things.

But, I’ve been having fun!

Stella is getting’ her groove back, and I’ve got all of the geese cut for the tiny stars and up on the wall. (please excuse the odd angle. I was basically laying on the floor when I took this)

I’ve been knitting up a storm, and I’m so excited for fall!

I’m about 1/2 way through a cowl. This is being stitched using Cascade yarn in a gorgeous eggplant color. The pattern is a freebie found on Ravelry.

The most important little tidbit of information about this project is that it is being knitted using the most expensive needles I’ve ever purchased…Lantern Moon circular needles in a size 8.

I have to say that I really truly didn’t feel a difference…until I started knitting my next project using regular ole’ bamboo needles (which I thought were pretty awesome until now!)

This scarf is also from Cascade and I’m using size 8 needles.

The pattern is called candle flame and I found it online on a knitting blog.

The pattern for the candle flame scarf has about 40+ rows of pattern, and a 21 row repeat…which is very very very complicated. I’m hoping that I “get” the pattern a little better as it goes on, but as of now I’m looking at it for every other stitch!

This next yarn project is using some super cheap yarn that I got at Joann’s back in the day…mostly because it was 1/2 off and it was in my favorite color. It is also a block that I found online on a crochet blog, and it’s going together very easily.

Three blocks down…who knows how many left to go!

Last up is just a little something that’s been staring back at me for about a month or so. This fabric and these threads go with a ~~little~~ fairly big cross-stitch piece that I’ve had my eye on for over a year. I love the colors so much…and they’re very much out of my “normal” but I love the design (Halloween Rules by Lizzie Kate) and the materials so much I bet I’ll cave soon!

So pretty much the only thing that I’m lacking now is time!

Friday Stella Update

2011-09-23T16:31:00.001-05:00

Heather emailed me today and said she was posting today, and boy, that did remind me about good ole’ Stella!

I feel like all I do is cut cut cut cut cut…and barely any sewing!

Now I have 24 little stars all sewn together and 13 more “laid out” ready for sewing on the wall. That means only 12 more geese to cut and then I’ll be ready to sew the whole middle together! Woo Hoo! (oh and MAN do those 3 brown center stars stick out right now!)

Heather is working on hers too…and I’m sure with that GORGEOUS French General fabric it’s looking awesome! Check her out over {here}.

Sunday Stash Report, Week 37

2011-09-11T14:08:00.001-05:00

This was a good 2 weeks. I was motivated by my last report to keep things moving in the “out” direction! I worked on the 3 blocks that I’ve received so far in the 2011 Fat Quarter Shop BOM.

It was fun this year to see that the gals at FQS used some “all year” fabric, rather than Christmas Fabric as in years past. I love all things Fig Tree, so I’m loving this set so far.

Used this Week: 1.50 yards
Used year to Date: 41.5 yards
Added this Week: 0 yards
Added Year to Date: 67.565 yards
Net Used for 2011: -25.565 yards

Sunday Stash Report, Week 35

2011-08-28T06:46:00.001-05:00

I’m stopping back in today to catch up on my stash report. Thankfully, even though I’ve been purchasing some items lately, I’ve keep things relatively in check!

For the IN column:

2 charm packs (Lily & Will II and Ruby): 1.5 yards
7-1/4 yard cuts of various fabrics: 1.75 yards
Months 2 & 3 of the 2011 BOM: about 1 yard

Out:

Backing for the 2010 quilt: 5 yards
1 Plume charm pack for yo-yo quilt: 0.75 yards

Final Tally:

Used this Week: 5.75 yards
Used year to Date: 40.00 yards
Added this Week: 4.25 yards
Added Year to Date: 67.565 yards
Net Used for 2011: -27.065 yards

Stella Blue Friday update

2011-08-26T05:07:00.000-05:00

Wow…it’s been a while!

School is back in session here in TX, and boy am I glad!

I worked on Stella a bit the last few nights…getting some of those little stars put together. I have the first “row” of stars all ready to go, and a good portion of the 2nd row also. Here’s a close up of rows 1 and 2:

Here’s the whole thing on the wall:

Heather pulled her Stella out again this week too…maybe we’ll finish soon?

2010 Block of the Month FINISHED!!!!!

2011-07-22T08:43:00.001-05:00

I LOVE THIS QUILT.

I started this quilt in June 2010, and finished July 2011. I finished it before I finished the 2009 BOM

She’s already off to the quilter with the deadline of “anytime as long as it’s by Nov. 1.” I want to have PLENTY of time to thoroughly enjoy this beauty for Christmas this year.

blocks 11, 12 and middle finished

2011-07-11T20:35:00.001-05:00

Finally I finished the bulk of the 2010 Fat Quarter Shop BOM.

Block 11

Block 12

and all of the blocks together with sashing.

Stay tuned for the big reveal tomorrow!!!

Sunday Stash Report, Week 28

2011-07-10T08:09:00.001-05:00

I’ve actually done some sewing over the last week or so. It’s been WONDERFUL!!!!!

I finally got the last two blocks of the 2010 BOM completed (1 yard out).

I have everything cut out and almost finished piecing the borders for that BOM (4.75 yards…including sashing, cornerstones, etc. that has never been counted).

In over the last couple of weeks I have the latest installment of the Fig Tree Club (5.875 yards in).

Used this Week:        5.75 yards
Used year to Date:    34.25 yards
Added this Week:      5.875 yards
Added Year to Date: 63.315 yards
Net Used for 2011: -29.065 yards

I guess the good news is that my out basically cancelled my in!

Linked with Judy {here}

what I did on my summer vacation

2011-07-04T09:42:00.001-05:00

Last post I mentioned that I would be gone for a while on vacation…and I was soliciting ideas for what to do.

I did NO stitching/sewing of any kind. I’m a bit shocked myself.

I did however read 3 books (and start a 4th!)…all of which I THOROUGHLY enjoyed.

1. Marked by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast {pic credit from AMAZON}

2. Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton {pic credit from AMAZON}

3. Wither by Lauren DeStefano {pic credit from AMAZON}

and

4. Mercy by Jodi Picoult {pic credit from AMAZON}

We stayed at Henderson Park Inn in Destin, Florida. It is an “adults only” bed and breakfast…and it was every bit as AMAZING as I had hoped it would be.

This was our view from the room.

Here’s the room…and the wine and fruit that we received at check-in.

We loved every bit of our vacation! I would HIGHLY recommend this inn if you are looking for a place to vacation with your hubby!

Next time, I promise there will be something quilt-related on this blog…but until then…I leave you with two people happy on vacation.

projects for vacation

2011-06-24T14:47:00.001-05:00

I’m leaving for vacation tomorrow, and I’d love to take some projects with me. I was thinking either the hexagons or the yo yo project. Any thoughts on what would be better to work on while at the beach? I’m leaning toward yo yos so I don’t have to worry about my paper hexagon templates getting wet.

I saw this project on Purl Soho’s blog yesterday, and I’m having a really hard time not running out to get felt and jump right in! It would be a GREAT travel project, don’t you think?!!!

{photo credit}

Of course I’m bringing books to read…that is…if my Barnes & Noble shipment comes in today!

If you were going to beach what would you take?

stella blue update…

2011-06-24T08:50:00.001-05:00

Well…if you’re still actually reading this blog looking for Stella updates…you might be disappointed today.

I have a few new pictures…but they’re less than impressive

I’ve been sewing, ironing, cutting and trimming brown geese

and working on the red geese

and I have two more stars up on the design board

I won’t be on the blog for the next week or two. I’ll be on vacation at the beach!

Sunday Stash Report, Week 25

2011-06-19T07:06:00.001-05:00

Nothing in, Nothing out. Numbers still the same.

Used this Week:        0 yards
Used year to Date:    28.50 yards
Added this Week:      0 yards
Added Year to Date: 57.44 yards
Net Used for 2011:   -28.94 yards

Summer Alphabet update

2011-06-18T05:22:00.000-05:00

I worked quite a bit on my Summer Alphabet cross stitching project last weekend, and here’s where she stands now:

I just love that little fishie!

Sunday Stash Report, Week 24

2011-06-12T08:09:00.001-05:00

I’ve missed a few of these, so there will be a bit of catch-up here.

Since we spoke last about stash I’ve gotten the last 2 block of the months from FQS (about 1 yard total).

I’ve received the first month and finishing kit for the 2011 BOM (about 9.5 yards).

I purchased fabric at my LQS to correct my silly mistakes in Stella Blue cutting (1.75 yards).

I also bought 1.5 yards online at The Quilt Shoppe’s closing doors sale.

In the USED column, I’ve used up 1.5 yards of that fabric for Stella, and I also used 0.75 yards for my Double Fat Jack.

Here’s the final tally:

Used this Week:        2.25 yards
Used year to Date:    28.50 yards
Added this Week:      13.75 yards
Added Year to Date: 57.44 yards
Net Used for 2011:   -28.94 yards

I’m definitely further away from 0…but I have ABSOLUTELY no regrets! Love it all!

Double Fat Jack

2011-06-11T09:19:00.001-05:00

Like everyone else at the end of April I was enjoying the buzz of activity involving the Royal Wedding and all things Brit. There was certainly a TON of Union Jacks being made in the quilting world, and I wanted in!

Lily’s Quilts posted a tutorial entitled Double Fat Jack, and that’s exactly what it is! A Union Jack flag block made from 2 fat quarters. Her tutorial was fabulous and I will be using it again to make at least 3 more of these. I’d love to have a 9x9 quilt from them…but that may be a bit ambitious for now.

Stella Blue Friday

2011-06-10T12:13:00.001-05:00

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted a progress pic.

Work is CAH. RAY. ZEE. right now…hence the LACK of blogging!

Last time we met I told you of my fabric debacle…cutting the wrong size and then having to purchase new fabric to make everything work. I purchased 0.5 yards each of 3 different Minick & Simpson creams (2 new patterns and 1 repeat) and cut them. I did a bit of swapping with some of the other creams that were already laid out so that I would have a more “evenly scattered” look. Then I set out to sewing together most of the 4 patches that I’ll be using and placing the middle blocks to get an idea of how they’ll look.

Here’s Stella as of today:

I love the secondary pattern that’s popping out right now! I think that I’d love to do a version of Stella similar to this…with boxes in the middle and just the big geese stars. I love the look of the of the modern-ish white box combined with the very traditional star.

Any way…I digress.

I started on the red geese for the small stars, and AGAIN I had cut the creams wrong! So, I cut all of the pieces down AGAIN and finally had everything ready to sew. The Open Gate ruler that I’m using makes PERFECT geese but there are quite a few steps involved…particularly when you’re making hundreds of geese…actually I think it’s 384…is that right, Heather?

but I definitely have many hours of work ahead of me for those! 196 red geese…and I’ve done 4!

All I can say is THANK GOODNESS that Heather and I are doing a sew along for this one…cause otherwise it would have been filed away as a WIP forever! Even though the time have to work on it is sporadic (at best) I’m enjoying the journey.

Check out Heather’s update today. I’m LOVING hers so far! We’re both using reds, blues and creams, but it’s amazing how they will have very different looks in the end! Heather’s is has a beautiful french country soft feel to it, and mine is very patriotic/americana.

stella update

2011-05-20T05:27:00.000-05:00

This week I was going SO. GOOD.

Famous last words.

I did manage to finish all of the blue and white geese for the large stars and get them in a proposed layout on the design wall.

I’m a few little square short on the right side…as you can see…but overall not too bad, right?

On Monday night I jump right into organizing the rest of the fabric that I precut…and I set aside the squares for the 88 blue and white border geese (the reverse of the geese I’ve already made). Easy peasy.

I then start pulling the fabric for the red and white geese (small inner stars) and realize that I’ve cut THE WRONG SIZE for the white! Between re-interpreting the directions for the pattern into the directions for my ruler…I cut square way too big…and now I’m going to have to cut them down…and that leaves me way short on the fabric that I’ll need to make all 196 geese! SO, I guess I’m going to be shopping for some more Minick & Simpson creams very soon! My LQS actually stocks a lot of their fabrics, so hopefully they’ll have something that will work and I’ll be back on track soon.

And not to be detered, I did sew together that one lone start that you see up there…and made a 4 patch for the middle of another.

I love where it’s going…just wish it was a bit faster!

Be sure to check in with Heather over at Quilt or Stitch? How about both? I bet she beats me in this little Stella venture!

crafting A.D.D.

2011-05-19T17:52:00.001-05:00

I don’t use that term lightly.

The A.D.D. term. I really think that I might have it for crafting. Or at least startitis…and believe me…it is VERY contageous!

I started a new cross-stitching project last week…called Summer Alphabet by Lizzie Kate.

I’m using the called for threads and stitching on an overdyed 35ct. fabric by Vikki Clayton of Hand-Dyed Fibers.

I originally saw the design {here} at Nicole’s Needlework. She’s definitely an amazing source for inspiration!

On the sewing front…other than Stella…there have been some hand work projects. Both of these will be lifetime projects…i.e. it will take a lifetime for me to finish them…but that’s OK by me!

I’m working on some hexagons using Lily & Will and Hushabye charm packs.

I fussy cut that bunny hexy…and it turned out so cute!

The next project is a yo yo quilt. I, like so many of you I’m sure, fell in love with the quilt on the cover of American Patchwork & Quilting. Well, I’ve started it using some leftover Plume charm squares, and I’ve got about 20 or so done. Only 389 to go!

The pattern called for using 5.5 inch squares, but I tried it with the 5” squares and it’s working so far!

I’ve been playing with/learning more about my camera (really trying to get it off complete auto setting) and today I worked a bit with the aperture priority setting. Look at this picture:

I love it when it works!

Happy sewing/stitching to you all!

Sunday Stash Report, Week 20

2011-05-15T07:39:00.001-05:00

Nothing in, Nothing out this week. Pretty boring…but at least we’re not getting MORE negative!

Used this Week:        0 yards
Used year to Date:    26.25 yards
Added this Week:      0.00 yards
Added Year to Date: 43.69 yards
Net Used for 2011:   -17.44 yards

Linked up {here} with Judy.

Sunday Stash Report, Week 19

2011-05-08T07:47:00.001-05:00

Back off the wagon again peeps, but I’m not sad about it at all.

In over the last few weeks:

1 yard of the Denyse Schmidt collection from JoAnn Fabrics (1/4 yard cuts)

2 yards (1/2 yard cuts) of Henna Garden…almost done with the whole line of colors for this one

Fat Quarter Bundle of Parisville by Tula Pink

Parisville and Henna Garden fabric purchased from Hawthorne Threads.

I also received that Sunkissed fabric in a giveaway a few weeks ago, and it hasn’t made it into the tally yet…so…

All of that leaves the report looking like this:

Used this Week:        0 yards
Used year to Date:    26.25 yards
Added this Week:      10.75 yards
Added Year to Date: 43.69 yards
Net Used for 2011:   -17.44 yards

Linked up {here} with Judy.

Stella Blue Update

2011-05-06T03:31:00.000-05:00

Every once in a while…you work on a quilt that wows you from the beginning.

The cutting and “prep” of this quilt is SO much more intense than I am used to…leaving my room looking like this:

And also if you remember, I had one block up on the design wall that looked like this:

Let’s call it the matchy matchy block.

As I looked at the pattern this week, I realized that I can’t really do the matching blocks…because the top geese of one row of stars sits next to the bottom geese of the next star? See?

So…it was going to have to be random layout. But I’d already made two stars worth of matchy matchies…and they’re not coming out. I’ll think of something clever by the end of the quilt to say the “reason” for the two matched stars is…but for now…you know the truth. It’s really because I was too lazy to unsew those geese!

Here’s what I’ve got up on the design wall so far…and please excuse the lighting. I took the picture late last night so that I could get a post up today for you guys!

I. LOVE. IT. See what I mean?! I think that it definitely has the WOW factor…even now!

I know this will be amazing when it’s all done…and today’s sewing has SO motivated me to keep working on this bad boy!

As always…make sure you check in with Heather and see how she’s doing. I hear she’s got TONS of geese done!

we interrupt this blog with a brief announcement…

2011-05-03T06:20:00.001-05:00

I know that if I’ve read it…you’ve read it.

All of the blogs out there talking about Pat Sloan’s radio show with American Patchwork & Quilting.

Well, yesterday I just happened to figure out how to listen live on my iPhone…while waiting in the carpool line thank you very much.

It was GREAT!

It’s every at 3:00 CT (my time) and perfect for my drive home with the boys. I got to hear Edyta Sitar, Carrie Nelson, and then I missed the last segment, but never fear! I’ll be able to download it on iTunes today!

You should check it out!

Images used on this post found {here}. Even though I’ve said only positive things, I feel compelled to let you know that I was not paid to write this. All opinions are 100% my own. I just really enjoyed the show and thought that some of you might too.

creeping along

2011-04-29T03:31:00.000-05:00

Stella Blue and I have been creeping along together…slowly but surely.

All of the fabric is cut (some of it is wrong…but can be fixed. boo.)

I am using a flying geese ruler to make these geese…which means that the geese are less scrappy than the version that Carrie put together for the cover quilt. Her version of the quilt has two different blues for each geese block…so that each large star has 8 different blues…and lots of different cream backgrounds.

I think like the symmetry of every star “matching”…rather than my other option of having each side be a different blue. I haven’t made enough geese yet to test out that layout, but I certainly will before everything is sewn together.

So what do you think? Do you like the matched version, or do you think that I should go with something scrappier?

New fabric to play with

2011-04-28T06:03:00.000-05:00

I got some new fabric this week to play with:

(picture borrowed from Sherri’s site)

The best part is that I didn’t have to pay for it! I won it from Sherri at A Quilting Life! Perfect compliment to the two charm packs of Sunkissed that I won from another giveaway! Yippee!

Outside my window

2011-04-27T05:57:00.001-05:00

Many afternoons in between dinner and baths I have this view outside my sewing room window.

My ~~oh my gosh he’s still a baby!~~ oldest boy has gone from front yard baseball games to this:

a goofy game playing BIG BOY chewing on grass while holding down 3rd base.

With 2 loose teeth.

Sheesh.

Sunday Stash Report–Week 15

2011-04-10T06:46:00.001-05:00

This a report for the last two weeks. I had 2 yards of fabric in {all fat quarters and 1/4 yard cuts) and I cut up the fabric for the Stella Blue kit…so I’m counting it here. My report is finally headed in the right direction!!!!

Used this Week:        12.25 yards
Used year to Date:    26.25 yards
Added this Week:      2.00 yards
Added Year to Date: 32.94 yards
Net Used for 2011:    -6.69 yards

Stella Blue–week 1 progress

2011-04-08T03:31:00.000-05:00

So many of you love Stella Blue!!!! We do too…so really…jump on in! If you do, email me or leave a comment and I’ll be glad to feature your progress here every Friday too!

Week 1 for my Stella Blue project brought lots of ironing and cutting…and not a whole lot else!

I have finished cutting out all of the red and brown fabrics.

I have cut out the blue fabrics into strips…and they’re ready to be cut into squares.

Soon I’ll be cutting into the creams and I’ll be done cutting! Woo Hoo!!!!

I’m loving the colors of this quilt, and I know that it will be so worth it…but right now I’m completely overwhelmed with the amount of cutting, sewing, flying geese, etc. One step at a time, right?!

Pop on over to Heather @ Quilt or Stitch? How about both? to cheer her on too.

Cleaning out the Stash

2011-04-07T20:57:00.002-05:00

So my Josh {husband} and I have been participating in Financial Peace University {Dave Ramsey} for the last couple of months. It has already rocked our world…for the better.

Part of this process is selling stuff you have in order to pay down debt, start saving, etc.

So, I’ve pulled some things out of the ole stash pile to try and pass on some deals to you lovely peeps out there.

1. Red Lace by The Drawn Thread – kitted with fabric and silk – $25.00

SOLD!!!!

The fabric is white linen…32 ct I believe…and the silk is Cranberry Gloriana. I started this piece, but really didn’t get very far…as you’ll see in the photos.

2. Hillside Samplings Folk Art Sewing Roll Kit and Hand-painted Wooden accessory box – $50.00

This kit is completely unused. I have opened it to read the directions, and the box has been sitting in my sewing room for a few years, but other than that…completely unused.

3. The Cat’s Whiskers Birds of a Feather Ditty Bag chart, fabric and silks – $55.00

This is another project that I started and put away…for whatever reason. The linen is the called for Lilac linen. The silks are the called for Dinky Dyes and Silk n Colors. The chart has a crease in it from being stored, but other than that…it’s in very good condition and barely used.

All sales are final. Shipping is not included in the prices above. Please add $4.95 for shipping for your purchase. If you have any questions regarding any of the items, please feel free to contact me by commenting on this post or emailing me directly {see my profile}.

Stella Blue

2011-04-03T15:28:00.001-05:00

Heather {from Quilt or Stitch? How about Both?} and I have been discussing this particular pattern:

Stella Blue by Miss Rosie’s Quilt Co.

I love this pattern, and I won a kit from Kelly during a Christmas giveaway 2 years ago. Most of the fabric is from the American Primer line by Minick & Simpson.

Because I love this kit too much to keep it in a bag…and because I definitely could use the group support in making the approximately 8307 flying geese in this pattern…Heather and I are going to be posting an update every Friday.

I already owe Heather big time…cause I’m two days late on the first post. Things are already starting behind for me…as usual.

Anyone out there want to join us? Come on! The more the merrier…that’s for sure! And maybe…just maybe…we’ll all have a new patriotic quilt just in time for the 4th of July this year! {don’t you have a kit too, Kelly?!!!}

Oh…and check out my partner in crime’s post over {here}.

She’s actually on time with hers already.

Sunday Stash Report, Week 12

2011-03-20T07:48:00.001-05:00

Wow. Such a great week for new incoming stash.

I have no words to explain my complete and utter disregard for the stash report.

My only defense is that {they} are making too much cute fabric…which forces me to buy it all.

It’s probably a good thing I’m not an attorney.

In this week:

2 charm packs of Sunkissed won in a giveaway

2 yards of assorted Central Park and Sunkissed yardage

2 jelly rolls (Hullabaloo & Sherbet Pips) purchased {here}

Out this week:

0.5 yards for Block 10 of the BOM

Making my totals:

Used this Week:        0.50 yards
Used year to Date:    14.00 yards
Added this Week:      9.75 yards
Added Year to Date: 30.94 yards
Net Used for 2011:    -16.94 yards

I get by with a little help from my friends

2011-03-19T06:47:00.001-05:00

Blogland is so amazing. I have met some of the coolest, nicest, most wonderful people because of either my blog or their blog. Love it.

This week, I received two charm packs from a giveaway. TWO CHARM PACKS. Awesome. Vicky from LA Quilter gave away 6 charm packs of Sunkissed {2 packs to three different winners} and I was one of the three!

Yesterday I worked on a quilt from a pattern that I received as a lovely and very unexpected gift from another friend in blogland. Cindy from Hyacinth Quilts is an amazingly talented quilter and designer, and MAN is she prolific! I’m always in awe of what she accomplishes! In November, she posted a picture of a finish of her Root Beer Float pattern using Christmas fabrics. I commented that I loved her finish…and she mailed me the pattern! Amazing!

This is my version of Root Beer Float…well my test block anyway! I’m using Red Rose Farm by Elizabeth Scott.

I will say…I was a bit nervous to begin this quilt…because there is a lot of cutting and TRIANGLES! But, having completed one block…It’s SO EASY! I have never had flying geese turn out so lovely, that’s for sure!

So, thank you so much ladies for your amazing generosity! Today I’ll be testing out some more blocks and dreaming of what to do with those charm packs!

even closer

2011-03-15T19:57:00.001-05:00

I’m even closer to the finish of the BOM. I still love every minute.

Over the next week or so…you’ll be seeing some new projects on this blog. Some quilty…some stitchy…and some home dec related. But, hopefully, you’ll find at least one thing that interests you and keeps you coming back.

And on that note: just want to give a big virtual hug and big thank you to all of my followers and commenters out there. In this world of blogs with hundreds and thousands of followers…it’s crazy how going from 137 to 138 followers can make your day…but it can. I love hearing your feedback on what I’m working on…and love visiting your sites too. So, from this amateur blogger to all of you out there…whoever and whatever you are…thank you.

Sunday Stash Report, Week 11

2011-03-13T07:56:00.001-05:00

I’ve missed a few weeks, but I’ll catch up everything here. It won’t be hard…

In over the last three weeks:

I won one of the 2.5” Buttercup charm packs from the Moda Pillow giveaway on Fig Tree Quilts site, so that’s about 0.19 yards in.

I got my Fig Tree Club kit in, for another 4.5 yards in.

Lastly I got my Block 10 for the FQS BOM…approx 0.5 yards in.

So my grand totals are now:

Used this Week:        0 yards
Used year to Date:    13.50 yards
Added this Week:      5.19 yards
Added Year to Date: 21.19 yards
Net Used for 2011:    –7.69 yards

Phew! I need to get working this week!

Snow Garden Finished

2011-03-04T20:25:00.001-06:00

Last night I was able to put the last few stitches into Snow Garden.

My anniversary is in January, so I used this first block as the Brown Family block. I put my husband’s initials on the left, the year we got married, and then the first letter for my name and the two boys. I had to stitch the year over one because my spacing was SOOOO tight there!

As much as I complained about this block at the beginning…I am very happy with how it turned out.

I think that this tree is my favorite part!!!

I had started the border for block two already, so I’ll leave you with a shot of everything as it stands tonight.

I know what I’ll be working on this weekend. What are you sewing/stitching?

My first crochet project

2011-03-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

Since I own up to being a knitter and crochetter {is that how you spell it?} in my blog profile, it’s probably about time that I finished a project and showed it to you, huh?!

This project is not only my first finished CROCHET project, but it’s also my first project using REAL yarn from a yarn store. And I will say…I’m definitely sold on the superior-ness of that yarn store yarn. FABULOUS.

Hat stats:

Pattern is the Inauguration Hat found on www.ravelry.com. You do have to be a member, but it’s free and a completely amazing wealth of knowledge. I stitched this pretty much exactly as the design called for, with the exception of increasing to 7 dc in between posts. The pattern suggested only up to 5 or 6, but I thought it seemed too small to fit my head. In actuality it turned out a bit big, and I had to dc down to 6 to get the length in the hat. So pretty much that means that the designer knew exactly what they were talking about and I should have listened…but you know…me and my big head…{btw…that just completely exhausted my knowledge of crochet…in that one single description of this hat and how I made it}

Yarn is a red wool bought at a fancy yarn store in Sugar Land, Texas.

No I didn’t save the type or color or do anything smart like that. I didn’t really think that far in advance. I’m actually fairly certain that I threw my bubblegum away in the label that came with this yarn.

For the sake of posterity…I feel compelled to express a few things at this point:

1. I hate taking pictures of myself. Particularly at the end of a day when I have no makeup on.

2. The bow on the brim of the hat really doesn’t seem that big in person…but then again…I’m not looking at myself when I wear it.

3. It takes an embarrassingly huge number of really bad self portraits to come up with 1 mediocre one of a completed red wool inauguration hat. All I want to know is…where am I SUPPOSED to look when taking a self portrait in a mirror?

And in the spirit of this post…I will leave you with a few of the outtakes…photos that didn’t quite make the cut for the “official” inauguration hat picture.

Happy stitching/crocheting/knitting everyone

Ohhhhhh so close to a finish

2011-03-01T19:21:00.001-06:00

I haven’t posted in over a week. I even missed my regular Sunday Stash and Monday Design Wall posts. Yikes.

Today I’m showing you a progress picture of my Snow Garden stitching. It’s oohhhhhh so close to being done…and next time you see it…it will be!

{oh, I couldn’t decide which of these pictures I liked better…so I’m including them both}

I need to finish up that peacock and then finish the personalization and it will be done! I think that this will be the first cross-stitch finish that I’ll have to add to the list since 2009!

Sad news today. Lisa of The Primitive Needle passed away today. Definitely a loss to the stitching community. Click {here} for her blog and {here} for her website. I know that these days most of my readers are quilters and may not know of Lisa or her designs, but she was an extremely talented woman, and obviously loved by her family. My prayers go to her husband and children during what must be an amazingly difficult time.

Design Wall Monday

2011-02-21T05:58:00.001-06:00

I’ve got a couple of things up on the design wall today.

First is the BOM…this week…completely caught up!

I love my aqua wall peeking out at the top…it makes me SO happy And since my sewing room also does stunt gigs as a guest room…this will make a very happy guest Christmas quilt in this room. I just have to make sure that someone doesn’t walk off with it!!!

Also I pulled out a one of my oldest quilt WIPs. I have 4 blocks done, and everything is cut out. I guess I just got busy or found better things to work on.

That’s what’s up on my design wall…and going on in my sewing world. What’s happenin’ in your world?

Week 8 Sunday Stash

2011-02-20T06:57:00.001-06:00

The last BOM block arrived this week, so that’s 0.5 in and I finished it. Out I have the yardage for all 3 remaining months for the BOM that are out…making me COMPLETELY CAUGHT UP with this BOM! Yippee!

Used this Week:        1.50 yards
Used year to Date:    13.50 yards
Added this Week:      0.50 yards
Added Year to Date: 16.00 yards
Net Used for 2011:    -2.50 yards

I looked at this…and I thought…wait…I had 2.5 yards in the red last week and I KNOW I used a net of 1 yard this week! Well…my math for weeks 3-7 was wrong…YIPES! It’s corrected now…and I’m still at 2.50 yards in the red

Linked up {here} with Judy at Patchwork Times

Design Wall Monday

2011-02-14T06:04:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I finally was able to work on…and finish the blocks that I had left to complete to be caught up on my BOM. Of course as soon as I finished them, the next one came in the mail…oh well!

I completed blocks 5 and 6, and worked some more on the sashing, so today my design wall looks like this:

I couldn’t be more thrilled with how this is turning out! I love each and every block…and I’m so excited to have this one done this year!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

linked up {here} with Judy @ Patchwork Times.

Week 7 Sunday Stash Report

2011-02-13T20:20:00.001-06:00

Very very boring this week. Nothing in, nothing out. But I definitely will have some busting happening next week.

Used this Week:        0.00 yards
Used year to Date:    12.00 yards
Added this Week:      0.00 yards
Added Year to Date: 15.50 yards
Net Used for 2011:    -3.50 yards

As a bit of an aside, I have noticed that nearly every person in this challenge reports a bit differently. So, in the interest of clarifying what my version is…my red type (and the negative sign) both indicate that I have negative usage…i.e. purchased more stash that I’ve used.

Linked up {here} with Judy at Patchwork Times.

stitching update

2011-02-12T08:52:00.001-06:00

I’ve been stitching this week a bit on my Anniversaries of the Heart sampler. Here’s where it stands today:

If you’ve seen pictures of the sampler on various blogs around the net, then you’ve probably heard about the woes of stitching the very very very very light block number 1. I actually had to start on the border for block 2…just to motivate me that it will get better! I’m finally stitching some things with color in block 1, and it is becoming more and more fun. I would love to say that I could finish this soon…but I just don’t stitch so much anymore. I’m just enjoying the time that I do stitch, and this is going to be SO nice when it’s all done.

Another stitching project that I pull out from time to time is the Sweet Treats sampler from CCN. I’ve done about half of the outer border now and I’m into the 3rd block. I still love how “sweet” this one is.

I tried to iron these before I took the picture, but obviously with very little luck getting out wrinkles. They have overdyed threads, so I don’t use water or steam. How do y’all get out wrinkles for pictures…or finishing…when overdyeds are used?

Stripping my life away…

2011-02-09T07:20:00.001-06:00

I’ve been sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing…

And I finally have something to show for it.

All of my strip sets for the postage stamp quilt along are finished.

My iron and I are pooped.

{and I bet you thought this post was going to be dirty}

Baby Quilt Finished

2011-02-08T06:14:00.001-06:00

This weekend I finished the baby quilt for my friend’s baby.

The backing is made from some extra yardage, and the quilt tag (my first ever) is white fabric edged in some coordinating fabric from the front of the quilt.

I don’t know that my method for the label is conventional, but it’s definitely OK in the end…I think.

The quilting is free-motion for the entire thing. It is the first time that I’ve done an entire free-motion on my own. Well…the first time to do a quilt of this size. I can see how it could be VERY addicting.

And in the interest of being completely and totally transparent here on this blog I will reveal a deep dark secret about this quilt.

I messed up. And kept it in the quilt. On the front.

After I sewed the binding to the front and was flipping it to the back, I realized that there was a strip of fabric that didn’t make it under the binding. It was too short. So, I just did a decorative stitch to hold it down, and left it. I mean, shoot me, but I wasn’t going to undo the whole thing…

especially when you can’t really tell in the end result.

Week 6, Sunday Stash Report

2011-02-06T06:38:00.001-06:00

Nothing in Nothing out. Very boring report this week.

Used this Week:        0.00 yards
Used year to Date:    12.00 yards
Added this Week:      0.00 yards
Added Year to Date: 15.50 yards
Net Used for 2011:    -3.50 yards

Happy Super Bowl everyone. You can bet that I’ll be enjoying those commercials.

Design Wall Monday

2011-01-31T08:05:00.000-06:00

These have actually been on my design wall for a week now. I’m almost caught up with the blocks that I was behind. I only have two left to do before I have finished blocks 1-8 of this BOM. Love each and every one of these!

The house block, which is number 8 I think, is really crooked! I’m just choosing to think that it will add to the fun quirky nature of this quilt. Kind of Seussville…right?!

a bit of catch-up

2011-01-30T20:15:00.001-06:00

Phew! It’s been one heck of a week! The stomach bug really grabbed me and my family, so I was down for the count for much of the week. So, please enjoy a very quick recap in pictures of my week.

Sonic Sprites…to help the tummy

And because I was drinking Sonic…it only felt right to read this book.

{as an aside…does anyone else think that it’s so funny that Sonic and Camille have the same favorite colors?!}

My amaryllis bloomed.

New fabric stash.

Even through the sick…it was a pretty good week. Here’s to another great one this week.

Week 5, Sunday Stash Report

2011-01-30T08:03:00.001-06:00

Out this week I’ve got yardage for 1 block of the BOM and two jelly rolls for the Postage Stamp quilt along. In this week yardage from a going out of business sale for local store.

Used this Week:        6.00 yards
Used year to Date:    12.00 yards
Added this Week:      7.00 yards
Added Year to Date: 15.50 yards
Net Used for 2011:    -3.50 yards

Still in the red, but I’m really pleased with the purchases that I made this week. Based on {this} blog post by Cluck Cluck Sew, I focused on good stash building purchases rather than frivolous purchases…at least that’s what I’m telling myself today!

Linked up {here} with Judy at Patchwork Times.

Week 4, Sunday Stash Report

2011-01-23T09:45:00.001-06:00

I sewed a bunch this week…but still didn’t quite even out the stash report. I do plan on making sure that the reports looks MUCH better next week!

Out this week was the yardage for the borders, backing and binding for the pinwheel baby quilt. Also out…2 blocks for the BOM! Woo Hoo!!!

In this week was the yardage for the Postage Stamp Quilt along, as well as one white Moda basics jelly roll.

Used this Week:        3.75 yards
Used year to Date:    6.00 yards
Added this Week:      7.75 yards
Added Year to Date: 8.50 yards
Net Used for 2011:    -2.50 yards

Looking at these numbers every week DEFINITELY makes me more accountable! I was SO GOOD at the quilt store yesterday because I kept thinking about my report today!!!

Linked up {here} with Judy at Patchwork Times.

Sugar Pop

2011-01-19T06:01:00.001-06:00

The name of this fabric is Sugar Pop!

GREAT name.

I’m a bit late joining, but this will be what I use for the postage stamp quilt along that Rachel at ps I quilt is hosting. I have wanted to make one of these quilts for so long, and even if I don’t get in for the drawing…it was a good reason to use some stuff that I already had and make the quilt! The Sugar Pop Jelly roll is from my LQS. The yardage and Bella Solids Jelly Roll is from Burgundy Buttons.

Join us? Are you already in?

If you’re not in…but still want to lurk {smile} here’s the link to the flickr pool. Really amazing stuff in there…

Design Wall Monday

2011-01-17T15:57:00.001-06:00

Technically it is on my design wall…but it’s also technically a finish.

I still need to make the backing for this one. I’ve got some yardage from this line, It’s a Hoot, and some leftover pieces. I like the look of a scrappy back, and hopefully the recipient will too!

Linking up to Judy’s Design Wall Monday here.

Week 3, Sunday Stash Report

2011-01-16T18:47:00.001-06:00

The streak is over Not by too much though. My BOM from Fat Quarter Shop came in…the one that I’m EMBARRASINGLY behind on. So all together:

Used this Week:        0 yards
Used year to Date:    2.25 yards
Added this Week:      0.75 yards
Added Year to Date: 0.75 yards
Net Used for 2011:    1.50 yards

Still in the positive…but just barely. I definitely need to get sewing this week…cause my fingers did some clicking online…

housekeeping

2011-01-13T17:51:00.001-06:00

Hello all.

If you’ve been around the blog today…I do apologize for the bits of maintenance that you’ve seen.

Hopefully I’m done now…but boy do I hate messing with blogger.

So, if things look different every time you’re here for a while…well…it’s cause they are different

Monday Design Wall

2011-01-10T18:20:00.001-06:00

Up today I’ve got a picture of my design wall. I’ve completed all of the blocks for the pinwheel quilt for my friend. I’m trimming the blocks down…quite a bit. One column is sewn together already (see left). I’m hoping the middle all done and ready for borders by this weekend.

Fabric is It’s a Hoot by Moda.

Week 2, Sunday Stash Report

2011-01-09T15:06:00.001-06:00

This was a easy week for the stash report…nothing in, nothing out. I’m still working on the quilt top for my friend. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll have a good progress pic of that.

Used this Week:        0 yards
Used year to Date:    2.25 yards
Added this Week:      0
Added Year to Date: 0
Net Used for 2011:    2.25 yards

I’m linked up here with Judy.

the tv saga

2011-01-04T18:55:00.001-06:00

I really wanted a tv in the sewing room.

So I installed one.

After living with it for a couple weeks, I realized that it was WAY too high.

WAY.

So I moved it.

Much better.

The end.

Week 1, Sunday Stash Report

2011-01-02T08:43:00.001-06:00

Judy at Patchwork Times hosts a Sunday Stash Report party (is that the right word for it?!) where you report how much in yardage you have purchased that week, and also how much you have busted (used). As one of my goals is always to use more, buy less…I figure that this is a really great way to keep me honest!

This week (yesterday) I started a project for a baby quilt. I’m using one It’s a Hoot charm pack and one white Moda Basics charm pack.

Used this Week:        2.25 yards
Used year to Date:    2.25 yards
Added this Week:      0
Added Year to Date: 0
Net Used for 2011:    2.25 yards

I am loving this so far…of course…this is the easiest week of the year!

I am linked up to Judy’s Sunday Stash report post here.

Goodbye and Hello

2010-12-31T10:31:00.001-06:00

2010 was a fabulous year for the Brown family.

My word of the year for 2010 was “forgive”…and in many ways…I have. (necklace from The Rusted Chain)

I completed 17 crafty projects (see my sidebar for the complete list). Click HERE to go to my flickr set of all 2010 finishes.

I took a new position at work. (I lost my summers…but gained a substantially better environment to work in)

I moved the boys to one room with bunk beds (best. decision. ever.)

I took a vacation with my husband. With no children.

My word for 2011 is going to be “refresh”. I love the ideas that this word invokes.

From Merriam Webster: to restore strength and animation; to freshen up; to restore or maintain by renewing supply; to update or renew.

My goals for 2011 include:

Making more quilts for my family…of a useable size (large lap size minimum)
work on boys’ bathroom (paint, new shower curtain, accessories, etc.)
Finish one complete cross-stitching project
Finish one crochet or knitting project
Use more stash and purchase only when necessary (I think that this is always a goal. Considering I bought new fabric yesterday…I don’t know if there’s much hope!)

Check out this 2011 goal post from Karamat Designs. I love how she set her goals.

Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you all are able to keep to your goals for 2011…no matter how official or unofficial they are.

Merry Christmas from us to you!

2010-12-27T08:22:00.001-06:00

Phew! Christmas just flew by this year, didn’t it?!

Here’s a few pics from the event at our house:

That’s a late night “after Santa closed his workshop” picture

And here are the next morning (aka 4 hours later) pics:

And before you start developing all sorts of new crazy opinions on me based on the fact that my children are in matching button-down shirts and khakis…

Here’s my secret.

Those are the outfits that they wore the night before to Christmas Eve church.

They fell asleep in the car on the way home, and Santa had WAY too much work left to do to risk waking them up just for pajamas.

So that’s our Christmas in a nutshell. Hope that yours was just as filled with family…and with fun.

what do you think?

2010-12-22T11:57:00.001-06:00

A second post today.

I know. The planets must have aligned overnight…or something.

I’ve spent time with my design wall this morning laying out a sample layout for the Siggy Swap 1 blocks that I got…oh…WAY earlier this year.

There are only 97 blocks, and that doesn’t divide well. My solution is to do a basic 10x10 layout, but center my block in the middle as shown above. Any thoughts? Anything stick out as way out of place? I’m open for suggestions…and thanks in advance!

Oh…while you’re really thinking about it…any thoughts for binding on this one? I’m going to try and find a cool multicolored back…but not sure what direction I want to go in for the binding.

Shirley’s Pinwheels

2010-12-22T02:00:00.000-06:00

It is so strange to be writing this post.

This is a quilt that I knew I would show you, but it was never intended to live permanently at my house.

This is the sneak peek that I showed you last week:

Before I show you the full quilt, I want to share a story. This quilt was started (and finished) with the singular purpose of going to my grandma. She was diagnosed with cancer right after Christmas 2009. Immediately I knew that I wanted to make a quilt for her. The blocks of this quilt are from the pinwheel quilt-a-long by Rachel of ps I quilt.

In October 2010, I took this quilt to the long arm quilter…knowing that I needed to get it finished up quickly. As soon as I got it back from the quilter, I rushed to get the binding put on (sewn on by machine for ease and speed). Unfortunately, by this time, my sweet grandma was already in a coma, and she died a few days later (December 13, 2010). She never got the quilt, but it is being loved in our house…it’s unexpected permanent home.

The making of this quilt was very cathartic for me. In the piecing stage I was constantly thinking of my grandma. In the quilting stage, I was worried again for her. As I sewed through tears to attach the last bits of binding, my thoughts were with her…even then knowing that she would never see it.

It is during times like these that I am so grateful to have quilting as a hobby.

early mornings

2010-12-21T14:15:00.001-06:00

One of my favorite things in life are the early morning hours…either before the boys get up…or right after.

I get to enjoy a cup of coffee by treelight.

Today Jack woke up after I’d been awake for only a few minutes. Thankfully he was still very peaceful and enjoyed a movie before his brother woke up.

I made sure that the stockings were “hung with care” this morning. We thought that we had lost them this year. I was frantic…but finally they were found.

Nicholas woke up and went straight to the computer. I didn’t mind…because it allowed me a few more minutes of that precious morning peace…

I truly enjoy my time off at Christmas time, and I love getting to perfect my role of momma/homemaker during these precious days. What are you doing to enjoy your time during these days of the Christmas Holidays?

Really finished a Schnibble

2010-12-20T08:30:00.001-06:00

During the Year of Schnibbles…I had great intentions.

I finished I think 5 or 6 of the months…flimsies that is.

But none of them were TOTALLY finished until today.

I’m so that this was my first.

I love Fig Tree fabrics…they were my first entrance back into quilting a couple years ago.

This is the Sunday Best schnibble pattern by Carrie Nelson, using Mill House Best fabrics by Joanna Figueroa.

The post in which I say thank you

2010-12-13T17:21:00.001-06:00

I love this quilty/stitchy/crafty world that we have here.

I mean…where else would you see pictures of all the cool stuff that we see all the time.

AND on top of it all of those same people with the cool stuff take time to look at little ole’ blogs like mine. And say such nice things and give advice and all of the wonderful things that you do.

For that I am grateful.

So in the words of a former employer…THIS BUDS FOR YOU:

Since I’ve posted last, I’ve actually been in my sewing room.

Shocker…I know.

I bound a quilt, and cut out two more bindings.

So, thank you all again, sweet readers. Both the commenters and the ones who read faithfully through their readers. I am gratefully back in the sewing room, and slowly and definitely feeling a bit more normal these days.

Deciding what to do

2010-12-04T09:16:00.001-06:00

I’m really behind on projects.

REALLY.

BEHIND.

My design wall hasn’t changed in 3-4 months.

My sewing machine LITERALLY has dust on it.

Even the new fabric I got at quilt market hasn’t been enough to pull me back in.

(Sweet Broderie by Rosalie Quinlan)

(Red Rose Farm by Elizabeth Scott)

(Central Park by Kate Spain)

I’m 3 (almost 4) months behind on my beloved block of the month from Fat Quarter Shop.

Have you ever been in a

REALLY

BIG

SEWING

FUNK?

What did you do to get out of it?

shop updated

2010-11-01T16:55:00.001-05:00

Just another quick little note today that I'm updating my etsy shop with goodies!

Market blurb

2010-11-01T13:31:00.001-05:00

Here's a quickie blurb just to say that market was AWESOME & more than I expected! Loved every minute! I'll be back soon with a recap of my experiences, & of course...a giveaway!

For now...I'll leave you with a shot of "some" of my loot!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

See…what had happened was…

2010-10-26T06:10:00.001-05:00

I feel like I’ve been MIA. Probably because I have been.

In my defense, I present the following excuses:

First…Jack’s 2nd Birthday.

Second…Neighborhood Halloween Costume party.

and all that means that I’ve had very little time for this…

I hope that changes soon…cause I’m headed to QUILT MARKET!!!!

I’m very excited and NERVOUS about going, because it’s a HUGE leap of faith for me. Sort of admitting to the world (and to myself) that I’m committed.

Or I need to be committed…either one.

So, if there are any of you out there that still read…are there specific things that you’d like me to make sure to take pictures of, or see, or bring back for you? I’d love to hear from you!

Layer Cake Quilt Along

2010-10-20T09:08:00.003-05:00

Anyone else jumping in for this one? I've got a couple of layer cakes to choose from, so I'm thinking really hard about it! Click here for all of the details...

lower price

2010-09-16T20:12:00.001-05:00

Just a quickie little note to say that I’ve lowered the price on both of the cross-stitch kits that I have for sale.

Price is now $25 each…

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dbbstitch

a day of fun

2010-09-12T06:00:00.000-05:00

I had a good day in the sewing room yesterday.

And of course I had to make one block…you know…to make sure that I liked it…

And I do. Like it, I mean.

Phew.

I also played around and made a House’s house block.You can find the pattern…and the story behind the block…here. It was SO easy and very fun to put together. I definitely see more of these in my future :)

I also rehung my design wall. It’s been down since I painted the room…but momma needed that space again!

I find that when I have things up on the design wall, I’m more likely to stick with the project. Anyone else find that, too? And this sucker is BIG! About 90x90, so I’ve got plenty of room without having to move things around too much.

This weekend

2010-09-11T09:19:00.001-05:00

I woke up to this…both boys sleeping in Jack’s bed.(this was the cuteness…before the complete craziness of a weekend morning!)

I plan on spending lots of time working on this…schnibble in Meadowsweet.

I’ve already begun the cutting…and I’ve been through 1 cup of coffee.

On to the piecing…and more coffee!

It’s going to be a good day. It has to be, really, because when you start with coffee in a pretty mug and pretty Meadowsweet fabric…how can it not be a good day?!

(coffee cup from Home Goods…cause I know that someone will ask)

What do you have planned today? This weekend?

a big finish and some destashing

2010-09-07T13:05:00.001-05:00

Hello all! My labor day was spent at home relaxing and finishing my Imagine Big Schnibble! Woo Hoo! I’ve said this before, but this is for sure my new favorite!This sucker is HUGE! It takes up most of the floor space in the sewing room!

I’ve been trying to decide on a backing…and it’s definitely going to be from the “Bliss” family. What do you think…flannel or cotton back?

Next up…I’ve done some more destashing…and there’s some good stuff in here :) Shipping prices will be determined at the time of payment, but I definitely do not charge more than what the actual shipping is.

Glace by 3 Sisters fat quarters. 10 total FQs, 2 of the light blue paisley print, and 8 other unique prints. I’m asking ~~$20.00~~ SOLD!!!

Flutterby by TULA PINK (very OOP and hard to find). Charm Pack & 4 fat quarters…including the illusive ladybugs. ~~$20.00~~ SOLD!!!

Just Nan HOP kit (limited edition release from 2008). Kit is complete but has been opened. Also included are two pieces of linen/evenweave that I purchased for this project. Price for both kits (tin and needlebook) $32.00

Just Nan SIZZLE kit (limited edition release from 2008). Kit is complete but has been opened. Price for both kits (tin and pinwheel) $30.00

If you are interested in any of the above items, please visit my etsy shop by clicking HERE or emailing me directly.

Well, that’s about it folks! Hope you all have a fantastic day!

stitchy update

2010-09-04T16:43:00.001-05:00

One of my cgqc goals for the last few months was to finish at least two of the squares in the Sweet Treats cross stitch project that I’ve been working on. Well, I’ve done it.

I’m still plugging away at my Imagine big schnibble using Bliss. The middle is together, 3 of the 4 inner borders are on, then it’s just the outer pieced border left. That always seems to take the longest for me. Anyone else feel that way too?

So, since I don’t have any quilt pics to tempt you with, I’ll show you a few other treats. Have you seen this cute new fabric…Wee Wonderland by Moda? Love. It.I have a feeling that this will become a quilt for my friend who is having a baby in February. I think that the bold colors will be perfect for boy or girl, don’t you?

I also played around a bit with my camera this morning. I caught some bees who were busy working…

and I caught some leaves with fresh raindrops… I hope that you all are having a great weekend…whatever you’re doing!

Christmas in August

2010-08-29T12:09:00.001-05:00

For my first sewing party, I’d say that I was relatively successful! I had so much fun keeping up with everyone’s progress throughout the day, on Kelly’s blog. I only posted twice…my first post and my progress post. The day was a busy one… But even with only 1 post, I did manage to win a prize…and I didn’t even know that there were prizes! Carol gave away a copy of the Fast & Furious Holiday Quilt as you Go by G.E. Designs.

This was on my wish list so I’m extra thrilled to have won a copy. Thank you so much Carol!

This morning I did manage to finish sewing and ironing all of my blocks. I will say…1/2 square triangles are not my forte…as so many of these are not the right size, so it will be interesting to say the least when I go to sew them together!What do you think? I’m really tempted to cut them all down from 9” to 8.5”…

christmas sewing party

2010-08-28T08:24:00.001-05:00

Update #1 @ 2:11 pm:

I’ve been to the library and the grocery store, washed sheets and made the bunk beds

and I’ve sewn the next step in the directions I’ll have blocks at my next update! Woo Hoo!

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

8:20 am ---soooo…this is my first sewing party, and i think that i’m already breaking the rules! i’m not going to be working on a christmas project. but, it will be a quilt that will probably be used at christmas time by guests sleeping over…does that count?!

i’m going to be working on my bliss quilt…it’s a big schnibble. can you tell which pattern? totally loving this so far!

On a sort of unrelated quilty note…one of my 20 or so LQS (gotta love HOUSTON!) was featured in Quilt Sampler magazine! Quilters Emporium in Stafford Texas is actually one of the shops that I frequent quite a bit. I bought my machine there…Janome 6600. I have to say that one of the things that I love the most about this shop…has nothing to do with fabric or selection! I love that they have just about every kind of staff person there. Men and women, and even a young man with a nose piercing! He’s got a fantastic eye for color, and is so knowledgeable (is that spelling right?)…and totally not like your “average” quilt store employee!

So that’s my two cents on my LQS…and also my beginning glimpse at my Christmas in August project. See you later today with an update!

to sum up a day

2010-08-26T06:12:00.001-05:00

It begins something like thiswith a little of this in between and a bit of Bliss thrown in at the end of the day.

cherry delight

2010-08-25T05:43:00.001-05:00

Sewing with Fig Tree is such a delight. I’m loving how this quilt is turning out. I think that my center is a bit crooked. But, I can tell you it will just have to stay that way! Not getting unsewn now :) Only about 10 more layers to go, and it will be done.

today in the sewing room

2010-08-21T11:17:00.001-05:00

Have you seen my cute sewing room accessories?Even my the “trash” in my big trash bowl matches :)All those little snippets from this project…And what is that you ask? Well…it’s the sashings for the 2010 Fat Quarter Shop BOM. I’m not waiting to the last minute like I did last year.Up next you ask?

Probably something that uses these: Bliss layer cakes from Karamat Fabrics! Tammy’s customer service is outstanding ;)

Still waiting on a new home

2010-08-17T19:24:00.001-05:00

I have this kit for sale…it’s complete, new, and only opened for me to take the picture. $50 is the original price, and I’m lowering the price to $25. ~~Comment or email me if you’re interested.~~ SOLD!!!!

photo credit

been doing a bit of sewing

2010-08-15T16:08:00.001-05:00

I feel like I’m getting my groove back a bit.

I got a new camera, a Nikon D5000 (DSLR). I’m really bad at it so far. It’s so easy to get sucked into the fairy tale of pictures that people post on their sites that are SO gorgeous. Mine are definitely no Pioneer Woman photos yet, but maybe someday :)

photo credit

Soooo, what does a new camera for me mean for you? Posts that have decent pictures again!

Woo Hoo!

My CGQC goals were pretty simple this time around, and even though it’s not quite deadline time, I’ll share my progress.

1. Finish making the two pillows for my future sleeper sofa in the sewing room. :) ONE DONE, ONE TO GO.

Apparently Jack really needed to get in the chair! He’s my best helper :)

2. Keep up with the Fat Quarter Shop blocks of the month. Block 2 just arrived and I’m hoping to get it out of the way pretty soon. DONE! I’ve completed blocks 1, 2 and 3! Oh, that last picture…yeah, I didn’t crop it on purpose. Crazy angle I caught there, straight up from the ironing board. Yes, those are my fat ankles…but my toes are clean and painted blue :)

3. Go see Eclipse with girlfriends. Definitely didn’t happen :(

4. Paint and put together the bunk beds for the boys’ room. This will be “officially” putting the boys to sleep in the same room. DONE DONE DONE!!!…more pics on this in the next post.

5. Finish two sections of my cross stitching project…Sweet Treats. DONE!!! Two out of 6 sections done, and some of the outer border too!

SO, all in all, not too bad. 3.5 out of 5. I’m pretty pleased with that! I still have a couple weeks to finish that last pillow, but I don’t think I’ll have the time to squeeze in a flick. Oh well. I’ll get it on Netflix!

All that sewing and crafting has left my sewing room in quite a mess!I guess I know what my next project is…CLEANING UP!!!

Until then…happy stitching :)

Two stitching charts for sale

2010-08-09T18:35:00.001-05:00

BOTH CHARTS ARE SOLD!!! THANK YOU!

First is Family Sampler by. Shepherds Bush. Complete original kit for sale including shipping for $40.

Second item is Quaker Turtle chart by With My Needle. Brand new...never used. For sale $10 includes shipping.

If you are interested please leave me a comment.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

a little bit of clean up

2010-07-30T11:01:00.001-05:00

Have you heard about the project that Vanessa over at V and Co. is hosting? It’s right up my alley…

I cleaned out my kitchen cabinets last weekend, and I’m donating a TON of stuff to goodwill that I just don’t use anymore. I mean that set of dishes has been up there for 3 years, since we moved into this house and I’ve never used them even once! Clearly I used to LOVE that yellow and blue combo of the late nineties… My kitchen cabs are SO MUCH happier now that they have more breathing room. The next victims of this cleaning are definitely going to be the random hardly ever/never ever used utensil drawers. There are 3 in my kitchen…and really truly I could do with 1-2.

A few nights ago, I was attempting to make some updates to the ole’ blog, and boy did I mess it up! SO unhappy with this new blogger designing thing, and it’s pretty much convinced me that I need to give up blogger and QUICKLY move somewhere else! It also has convinced me that I need to work on a permanent blog design…i.e. pay someone to come up with a custom layout and design for me. Any suggestions?

The last clean up item that I’m going to address today will be fun for you…my readers! This will apply to both stitchers and quilters, as I know that I most assuredly have both types of followers. I am cleaning out my stash and I’m going to have some giveaways, and some deep deep deep discounted items that I’ll be selling. Here are the first two items:

The 1st item(s) are my left over fabric from the quilt I made for my niece. It’s all from the Eden collection by Lila Tueller for MODA. There are 12 complete layer cake pieces, lots of scraps, and several larger pieces of yardage…a couple of which are at least 1/4 yard or even larger. ~~I’m asking $15 for the whole lot~~. SOLD!!!The 2nd item(s) are charts by Lizzie Kate. They are the 12 Flip-It Stamps that came out several years ago. They have never been used, and they still have the buttons included in each chart. Each chart retailed for $4, ~~but today I’m selling the whole lot for $10.~~ SOLD!!!

If you are interested in either of these items, please leave a comment here and I’ll respond. First come, first serve…

charming girls goals…

2010-07-15T13:12:00.001-05:00

I love the way that Kelly is doing the club now. It’s awesome…don’t you think?

My goals for July and August are the following:

1. Finish making the two pillows for my future sleeper sofa in the sewing room. :)

2. Keep up with the Fat Quarter Shop blocks of the month. Block 2 just arrived and I’m hoping to get it out of the way pretty soon.

3. Go see Eclipse with girlfriends.

4. Paint and put together the bunk beds for the boys’ room. This will be “officially” putting the boys to sleep in the same room.

5. Finish two sections of my cross stitching project…Sweet Treats.

New projects

2010-07-02T20:20:00.001-05:00

For the past few weeks I've been working on a secret project. Unfortunately I still can't reveal it!

Once I got that done, I was able to finish up my BOM block 1.

A few days ago, ~~Oh Fransson~~ Hyacinth Quilt Designs posted a pic of a pillow that she designed fom the cover of the May Martha Stewart Living. I too had loved this pillow, & set out to create it as well. Here's my version:
edited to add: OK...big oops/egg on the face here :( I saw this not on Oh Fransson!, but rather on Hyacinth Quilt Designs blog...here. Today, she actually has posted her tutorial for the pillow here. Her dimensions are a bit different than mine. Her colored (my blue, her red) strips are 2"...mine are 2.5". Other than that...very close! Please forgive the big oops! :)

Of course it's still a flimsy, but it won't be for long!

My next project is a Fig Tree one from the Summer 2010 Quilts and More.

Can't wait to get this one going!

- Posted using BlogPress from
my iPhone

I’m a winner!

2010-06-08T17:14:00.001-05:00

I still can’t believe my good luck with this one :)

Bobbi had a giveaway, and I won. The best part? It’s something that she made herself! In all my giveaways, I’ve never gotten something “made.” And the OCD in me truly appreciates that the notepad matches the binding and quilt fabrics :) (edited to add…I’ve never gotten a QUILTY handmade gifty!)

Let me just tell you…this MADE. MY. DAY. I’ve got some form of laryngitis/sore throat/cold. And, I have a kid with pink eye and another kid with vomiting and diarrhea.

Thanks Bobbi :) I love it!