Deb Sews Quilts

Burp Cloth Pattern

2010-01-11T19:53:00.003-05:00

I was asked about the pattern for the burp cloths. I can't find the email address for Eileen so I am answering you in a post. The pattern I use is a free pattern from New Conceptions Sewing Patterns. The pattern is a Baby Burping Cloth. I have used this many times and they have always been well received. You will really like it. Good luck!

Projects this week

2010-01-10T22:17:00.004-05:00

I have completed 3 burp cloths this week. I love how they turn out. What I hate is dragging out the embrodiery machine. However, once it's out and chugging along, I love the finished project. These are being mailed to my sister for a new baby at their church.This is my newly started project this week. It is the beginnings of a rag quilt. I have all of the blocks cut and sewn. I am ready to start them into rows. I had to buy more fabric to make the pillowcase and to add a few squares. I didn't know how much I needed so I bought the rest of the fabric. I am not the only one buying that fabric this week and I was afraid that they would be out of it before I determined what I needed. Fortunately, I still had a coupon. I will start putting the rows together as soon as I get the borders on the Take 5 quilt (2 of them) that I promised a friend that I would finish by next weekend.

This week I have used 2 1/2 yds. I am not counting the fabric for the rag quilt until it is completely sewed. So YTD I have used 5.75 yards. I have purchased 6.125 yds for a net loss of .375 yards. I am going backwards toward using 100 yards of fabric this year. Good thing that it's still early!!!!

1st Christmas Gift for 2010

2010-01-03T21:01:00.003-05:00

I have my first finish for a 2010 Christmas gift done!!!!! Most importantly I have used 3 yards of fabric from my stash! Actually, I bought this fabric on sale (cheap) several weeks ago and it was easier to make the pillowcases as opposed to find a place to put it in my sewing room where I could find it before next Christmas.

100 Yard Dash

2010-01-02T19:42:00.002-05:00

I have decided to participate in the Stashbusters 100 yard dash. This is where you use 100 yards of fabric (what did you think that I was going to be running???!!). This is my first finish for 2010. It is 2 sets of snap bags along with 7 tissue covers. So far this year, I have used...hold on I have to get the calculator.....I love these fractions.... I have used 1.675 yards so far. Only 98.375 yards to go. I did buy 3.22 yards of fabric today so if I was netting out then I would be in a negative number but this if for my next rag quilt project that will be started later in the week. Look for lots of finished projects in 2010!!!!!

Fleece Cat

2009-07-26T19:07:00.004-05:00

I have finally finished the fleece cat. I had some issues with skipped stitches. Fortunately I got some good advice from a quilting board - Backporch Friends and it worked. I also changed from the walking foot back to a regular foot and viola a finished quilt. I still have to cut the edges but I will get that done while watching tv. I have a new computer and am trying to learn to post pics so here it goes......

little project

2009-06-17T20:30:00.004-05:00

I like to make tissue covers and there is a wedding that is coming that needs them for the bridesmaids luncheon. Green gingham check matches the men's ties. However, the fabric is flimsy and I am not able to do any special stitching on it. I would like to incorporate some eggplant on it but I tried stitching some purple hearts but the fabric pulled...what a mess!!!! I think that means that monogramming the back is out also. Sister, what do you think? Should I look for some different fabric and forget the gingham check. I want these to be sweet so I need some help.

Making Progress

2009-05-10T06:01:00.002-05:00

The top is finished for the prayer quilt and will be at the LA'er by tomorrow. I am going to have it stitched in the ditch around the big blocks just for stability. Am requesting for her to write the words to Jesus Loves Me in the border. Then it will be ready for tying. The yellow thread on the blue strips really makes it pop. It is not perfect but perfect for Robin.

I am thrilled that I am learning to use the embroidery machine. I have had this Bernina Deco for over 4 years and this was the first time that I actually changed the bobbin. Maybe this machine will be more functional than I thought.

I have decided to make a pillowcase to go with this. This line of fabric is old but I knew that the LQS still had some. When I went to get it yesterday it was no longer there. How exciting it was to find it on the 50% off rack. Fortunately they had 1 yard left of the border fabric - just enough for the pillowcase. Just another blessing.....

Working on getting the back together before church this morning.

Happy Mother's Day to you all!!!!!

Prayer Quilt

2009-05-03T21:34:00.006-05:00

I am attempting to make a prayer quilt. This is the top that I am finishing...made with April Cornell's sunshine jelly rolls. This is for a Christian friend that is in need of prayers due to her medical condition.
I am going to put inspirational scriptures in the dark blue areas of the quilt. I am finally learning to use my embroidery machine. I am amazed to find out tonight that I have numbers on the machine. Maybe this machine is not the waste of money that I have felt like it has been.

As I am praying for my friend, please pray for me that I am able to finish this project so that it may help my friend feel the peace and comfort that passes all understanding. God is good all of the time. All of the time God is good!!!!

It's been too long!!!

2009-04-26T20:28:00.002-05:00

You know that it has been too long when you can't remember your password to your blog and you have to have it reset. I haven't been blogging because life has happened. I haven't been sewing much because I have been distracted. I had some medical issues and it has freaked me out. I pray that is all behind me. So it's time to get undistracted. I have finished a rag quilt and will post pictures soon. I am working on finishing a flimsy that is laying around. The plan is to get some things to the LA'er soon as I have been squirreling away a few nuts so that I can get some done. It's not as much fun to make tops unless you are getting them quilted also.

I could use some encouragement. So if you have any happy thoughts or words of wisdom, please send them my way!!!!!

Bees Are Swarming

2009-03-01T20:37:00.003-05:00

I don't cross-stitch very often but when I do I remember how much I enjoy it. These are the eight bees that I have done for our Ladies Day at church. Seven flew away last Sunday for finishing. I don't know what they are going to do with them but they go with the theme for the day. I got signed up to do this while I was out on medical leave. Unfortunately, I didn't feel like doing much while I was off. You know how it goes, had a long list to do and got nothing done. Someone at work told me that I made a list like I was going on vacation as opposed to recovering. Anyway, these are done and I am going to look through my things and find another cross-stitch thing to do in between the sewing. I am working on some baby quilts that I hope to post pictures on later this week.

The List

2008-09-01T18:32:00.003-05:00

Well it is time to check in with the list. I did not do everything (or anywhere close) on the list but it did keep me on target. One thing that I forgot to add to the list was another Halloween fabric basket. What I have accomplished: 6 Gator tissue holders, all borders on 4 scarecrow tablerunners and the top to a different style of a tablerunner. I don't have any pictures to show because the tissue holders and the basket have already been given away. The tablerunners are a work in progress so I will hold off until later in the week and I have more to show. I see some success in making a list so I will try this again!!!!

Labor Day Weekend List

2008-08-28T19:59:00.002-05:00

I want to get alot accomplished this weekend. This is what needs to happen:

1. Make 5 Gator tissue holders.
2. Do borders on the Sunshine quilt (it would be nice to do binding also.
3. Get borders on 1 Halloween wallhanging.
4. Do the first border on scarecrows table runners.

I seem to see a pattern of borders here. I have been cleaning up in my sewing room. I can almost walk in there. Of course, in order to accomplish this I am having to take over another room in the house for fabric. But that is another story. I am going to be accountable to my list. I'll let you know on Monday night how it turned out (or learn how to delete posts on a blog LOL!!!!)!

Fabric Baskets

2008-08-24T21:21:00.004-05:00

Someone mentioned on one of the Yahoo groups that I am (I believe it was Stashbusters) about a tutorial by the Pink Penguin http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html. It was great! The top one was the first one. I am not a real sewer but I really learned some things from this that I can use. The 2nd one went much faster (about 5 hours for the 1st one and 3 hours for the 2nd) The fleece batting is much stiffer on the 2nd one. It was a learning experience. I have decided that the next one will not have as many different fabrics. I used 4 (the tutorial suggested 3) but I think that I will use 2. They are small squares so you don't see much contrast. These are cute little things to put Halloween candy in. It was great fun. Check out the tutorial and see what you think!

On a roll......

2008-08-22T19:01:00.005-05:00

This is my finish for this week. It's a wall hanging. The pictures do not do the colors justice. The lime green, orange and purples are just so bright. I love it. This is the most I have done on small projects and I am feeling a great sense of accomplishment. I have another panel like this but can't decide what to do. I don't have anymore green with the purple spiders which I think just make the inside border. Anyway this was a fun project and I just love it!!!!! Now we'll see what member of the family stakes a claim on it!

Is it Fall yet?

2008-08-17T12:21:00.006-05:00

I have not been blogging but I have been sewing. It's so hot down in sunny Florida and since I am ready for some fall weather, the only way I can get it is to make it "sew".

This is a pumpkin table runner that I had the top made but needed to sandwich and quilt it. These tablerunners are a maiden voyage in learning to do some machine quilting. Since I can't afford to send everything to a longarmer, I am just going to need to learn to do somethings myself. This one is probably going to Kentucky.

This table runner is the first of many. In other words, I have leftover fabric so I am going to do more of them to use it up. I have one pieced that is much larger than this one but should be a good size to go on top of a piano so I am going to start quilting that one soon. Hope everyone likes scarecrows!

Last but not least is a wallhanging that is done. This was mostly to use a cross-stitch piece that I have done with the cutest charms. The Halloween fabric is several years ago but has a real old-fashioned look. I am so pleased to have actually completed some projects. I will get back to blogging more regularly but now I have actually some things to show! So bring on the cooler weather (but no hurricanes)!!!!!!

Back to Quilting

2008-06-22T16:11:00.004-05:00

It's not that I haven't had anything to post but it wasn't very quilty. I have finally finished school. Yes, I am a college graduate!!! YEAH!!!!! I now have extra time on my hands and I have great plans on what to do with it. Haven't started any of them yet ( not really) but hopefully soon. Mostly I have started catching up on my sleep. Don't know how I am going to make up for three years but my body is trying! I have some pictures to share.

This was the ring bearers pillow that I made for my niece's wedding. I was so pleased with how it turned out. I used more beads than I have ever used but it was beautiful. The wedding was incredible and we all had just the best time!

I have been wanting to make a bag since I have seen so many of them on other blogs. This is my first attempt. I gave it to my sister as a very small thank you for all that she did to help me through school. Whenever I make something I try to make one for her too. I am working on my bag next.

I read so many interesting blogs and I have decided that I need to sew more so that I have more to blog about. So I'm signing off and getting started on the first redwork project (that I am doing in blue) that I have ever tried. I'll post a pic soon!

A little knowledge....

2008-06-01T21:44:00.002-05:00

A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I have wanted for sometime to change the header of my blog. I want to come up with something but didn't have a clue where to start. In reading a blog there was a link to a vlog that gave instructions on how to do this. So off I went, totally unprepared because I didn't have a picture ready. I did have a picture of my baby Bea so I tried this. However, the picture is so big and I don't know how to fix that part. Some I guess that I am making progress but still have a ways to go. It's been a long time since I have posted but I will get pics up of what I have been doing. But now I have got to get back to my blocks!

Working on a Wedding

2008-04-13T21:01:00.004-05:00

It's good to be back to blogging. It's the same old story of where I have been...work and school. This week finishes school - graduation is May 3rd. It is finally here! I have been doing some sewing but I am not ready to show that yet. However, with school winding down the next project is the wedding for my niece Kathleen. My sister Kay and I are giving the bridesmaids luncheon. It is going to be soooo fun! I'll share details as they finalize. I wanted to have some kind of party favor so that is what I have come up with

It's a tissue holder. The pattern is from the Ami Simms site. I have to send in my donation to Stl Lukes for the privilege of using it. We are going to put on the invitations to bring their favorite story of Kathleen and Lane and we'll provide the tissues! The fabric is valentines fabric that has been marked down since it is after the holiday. Can't get any better than that! Now I am off to work on the ring bearer's pillow.....

Fallen off the wagon

2008-02-18T20:04:00.002-05:00

I have fallen off the stashbuster wagon. Glad that I am not officially no-buy because apparently I am a weak woman!!!! Stopped by Joann's yesterday to pick up some more border fabric and found the flannel on sale. Have I ever mentioned how much I love flannels and rag quilts? I bought most of it for $2.00 per yard. It took every bit of self control to only buy for 1 rag quilt. I really wanted more. Not that I needed that but I found some really cute pink and green flannel that I was able to find some coordinates. I will post a picture when I get it made up. I am still working on my Chinese coin quilt. It is taking forever! But I have discovered why....apparently my math skills weren't quite up to par when I was making the coins. I almost have the rows done and have figured out that I have enough for 2 quilts. Which is why I had to go to Joann's to get more border fabric. Sorry that I don't have pictures but I will as soon as I really have something to show. I have finals this week for school. I am down to only having to attend 16 more classes before graduation. Can't wait!!!!!!

Black & White

2008-01-21T19:34:00.000-05:00

This is my latest UFO. I am working on a black and white Chinese coin quilt. Most of it is fabric from stash. I did buy a couple more just to have some more variety. The red that you see on the edge will be the the sashing between the strips and the border. Joann's has had their calicos for 40% off so I went and bought the musical fabrics for the back. I plan to take this to the LA'er as soon as this is completed. Hopefully that will be in the next couple of weeks.
I have started back to school. Just two more classes and I will be a graduate!!! This term is managment science and will be over in 5 more weeks. The last class will be an economics class. I only have to attend 24 more classes! Yes, I am counting them down. Graduation is May 3rd. YEAH!!!!

Posting One Year

2008-01-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

One year ago today I started my blog. It has had ups and downs but I am glad that it was started. 2007 was a slow year for completed projects and sewing in general. But there will be big changes in 2008 which should give me time and energy to get back to it. I spent today unexpectedly cleaning up my sewing room. How can you sit at the machine or cut at the table if you can't walk in the room? Clutter does stifle the creative process!!!! However, you have to sew to cut down the fabric stash so the cycle continues. It does reinforce the "no-buy" concept. I need to reduce the stash before adding to it. I am getting ready to go sew something tonight...working on hemming the fleece throws. Does anyone have any other ideas on how to finish throws...other then hemming and fringing? Anyway, looking forward to a great 2008! May we have lots of creativity and sewing!!!!

comments

2007-12-28T21:03:00.000-05:00

Is there such a thing as blogger spam? I have gotten several comments on my blog that have nothing to do with my posts and appears to be some kind of advertisement. These comments aren't from anyone on the webring. How does this happen? I guess I will check into having to sign in to leave a comment. I don't like that idea because of family that leaves comments that don't have a blog. But....

Christmas trip

2007-12-17T20:07:00.000-05:00

Well I am enjoying my only vacation for this year. I am visiting my sister and her family in Lexington, Ky. It's FREEZING up here!!! It was 26 degrees this morning. I have already forgotten what the weather was like last week in Florida when it was in the 80's. But we are having a great time! I am trying to get my Christmas shopping done. However, since I have only been in the quilt store and at Hancock's this week it is difficult to be buying for other people. I hit a great sale at Hancock's today. Sure wish we had one!!! They were having a grand opening sale and when we walked in the store, they handed us a $10 gift card. Everything I bought was on sale 50% off and then we got an extra 10% off. I managed to buy 12.375 yards of fleece and fabric for $51.05. Isn't that great? I am so glad to find this now as I am going on an unofficial no-buy for 2008. I am too chicken to join but I am going to have to try. I have more fabric than I can hold in my small sewing room. In 2008 my goal is to sew more than I buy. This may be more difficult than the usual lose weight resolution! We will see how it goes....Hope that you are enjoying the holiday season!

Birthday Present

2007-12-05T06:02:00.001-05:00

Isn't this just the sweetest quilt!!!!! The friend that started me quilting had this fabric. Everytime I saw it, I just drooled. Of course, there was none to be found. She has had it in her stash and she just finished it. I was very excited for her. She found the flannel backing down on a guild bus trip to Rainbow's End. She stopped by the bank to show me all of her current projects. She pulled out this completed quilt. I was oohing and ahhing over it and noticed that she had put a label on the back. I started to read it and about fell over from the shock. My name was on the label!!!!!!!!!!!!! She made this for my birthday. To say that I was surprised in an understatement. It is so beautiful and I just love it!!!! I had no idea. Maybe she gave it to me because I had drooled over it so much. I have it on the back of my couch and me and Bea (my black cat) have already used it. It's warm and wonderful!!!!!

Flannel Fabric

2007-11-04T17:37:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love flannel fabric!!! Us folks down in sunny Florida need it desperately during those long cold winter nights. It is finally fall down here...it was 48 degrees this morning. Definitely sock weather!!!! A friend of mine and I drove over to Crystal River yesterday afternoon because the LQS newletter said that they had gotten in some new flannel. Seriously, flannel is not that easy to find down here because there is not a great demand. But I love it so we drove over and temptation just took over. Actually most of it was purchased with a gift certificate so I am not too broke but am thrilled over these colors. Bought the pattern Take 5 to make this by. You take 5 minutes, choose 5 fabrics and in 5 hours have made a fantastic quilt (quoting right off the pattern). Well it took longer than 5 minutes and I chose 6 fabrics and we'll see how long it takes to make. I am hoping that I have 5 hours next Monday on Veterans Day that I don't have to study or do housework so I can make most of this quilt. I even bought the backing so I am pretty committed. Please let me know if you have tried this pattern and what you thought.

My friend is borrowing my Turning 20 pattern to take on a retreat. Have any of you tried this? It says that it makes up in about 3 hours. Can quilt tops be made that quickly or am I just slow as molassess? And is it fun when you can churn them out like that? That's the quandry for me. I like the idea of getting a bunch of stuff down out of stash so I can alleviate my guilt of buying fabric when I already have so much. This may seem like post-buying remorse but I still love that flannel!!! I buy fabric like Halloween candy....just way too much!!!!

Have a good week ya'll!!!!

Hello

2007-10-28T13:46:00.000-05:00

Thank you Quilt Studio for not dropping my blog while I dropped off of blogland. I am back!!!! First let me show you a quilty thing

Now let me show you the back. Well I can't the picture to cooperate so the back is on top. This is a preemie quilt. I also have one in pink. They are precious. I found this fabric at the LQS for 75% off. So I paid approx. $2.25 per yard. I bought several yards but now what to do with it. Our local hospital does not have a preemie unit. The closest is at UF in Gainesville about 35 miles away. I don't know anyone there so I haven't pursued it. I would like to make some and donate them. If I knew any little girls I would give them away as doll quilts as I think that they are very old fashioned and sweet. In the meantime, I find that my cat has laid on them. Black hair really gives you away!

I will try to blog far more often. Life has been so crazy the last several months. The last term at school was the hardest ever. Mom had surgery. I have a new position at work. One thing will make you crazy but all of them combined almost sent me over the edge. I tried to keep up with other blogs but I didn't comment because I wasn't posting. However, new classes have started (and they seem to be better). I only have 2 more classes after this term. Mom is doing great. I am settling in at work.

I stopped by the local cross-stitch shop several weeks ago. It has been so long. I was so addicted to that for so long. I plan to have something to show from that trip real soon.

Have a safe and scary Halloween!!!!!

I want to quilt!

2007-08-07T07:49:00.001-05:00

I want to quilt! However, none of that is going on here. I have finals this week at school and I am having work done at my house. I have learned what a difference a word makes. I am having the house leveled. I am very excited about it. In talking about it I found out that my friends thought that my house was being LEVELED as in torn down. What I am having done is having my house re-leveled. My little cottage was built in 1948 and sits on piers. Due to water and erosion it has dropped in areas. It was like this when I bought it in 1998 and I have been wanting to have it done. It finally made the list. I guess that we won't be playing marbles for keepsies in the hallway now as the advantage is gone. So I am not sewing but am studying, cleaning and just trying to stay on top of housey things.

Hope that ya'll are getting lots accomplished!

All About Harry

2007-07-22T18:49:00.000-05:00

This weekend was all about Harry, Harry Potter that is. I ordered my book through Amazon who guaranteed delivery by 6pm on Saturday. That was best for me as I had to work Saturday morning and I know that I would have been reading it at work because I would have had no willpower. I got home by 1:30 and was desperately searching for a package left at my house. Mail had been delivered but NO book. I started to sweat. I went online and got the tracking number. When I went to UPS online, I got the message that the package had be scheduled for a later delivery date at my request. You could have peeled me off the ceiling. A quick phone call reassured me that my book was being delivered and that was a wrong message. 30 minutes later, Brown was knocking at my door and the reading frenzy started. What a wonderful book!!!! I would read and then stop because I was worried about what was going to happen to Harry. I am not going to give anything away to anyone that has not read but is going to read the book. I will say that if you have not read the series, then I encourage you to. I did not read them until the 6th book came out and I thought that I should start. They are wonderful, magical and greatly entertaining. I recommend them highly!!!

Scrap Baby Quilt

2007-07-15T18:02:00.001-05:00

Finally getting around to posting. What has been holding me back is dragging out the camera cord so that I could post a picture. Of course, I also had to fold the laundry on the couch so it wouldn't show up in the picture. Yes, I know everyone has it but it doesn't mean that you want to see it. LOL

This is a baby quilt that I have played with this week. I feel like a Stashbuster. This came completely from scraps from the flimsy that I have done that will eventually get to my room (the shoemaker kids have no shoes ----I have no quilt for my bed). I am having a radical thought that I could possibly quilt this myself. I have a quilting sewing machine and am very used to my walking foot but have only tackled one baby quilt before.

You may be wondering why I am making a baby quilt. For several reasons, one - this is the rest of the scraps that I have and two - this is possibly for my furbaby Bea. She could have her own quilt (she has her own hand knitted throw) that matches her Mama's. We will see.

Nothing quilty to show

2007-06-27T05:33:00.000-05:00

Warning: A boring blog...ie no pictures to show. I am just too lazy to get the camera out and hook it up. I am down to putting on the last border on my Laurel Burch quilt. I have never ripped so much in my life! I was putting on the last border and got lazy and just sewed the first side of the last border. Then the stashbusters had a thread on wavy and wonky borders when you don't do it right by measuring down the sides and the middle. And sure enough, it was wavy. I thought of the wonderful lady that does my longarm quilting and abruptly ripped it out. I can't get the umph needed to git r dun. Therefore, no pictures. I have put it aside to work on something else that I need to get done. However, only 3 small blocks done so it is not worthy of a picture yet. So have I justified no posting a picture yet.
In the meantime, one term finished and a new one started. Now down to 6 more classes after this one. I have 4 more that I will take this year and then just 2 to go until graduation on May 3rd. YEAH!!!
I have started cleaning my house. I mean really really cleaning. I have way too much clutter except in the sewing room. I need everything that I have in there. It just needs more space. So Flylady here I come. Wish me luck ya'll!

Something Finished

2007-06-03T16:28:00.001-05:00

I have a finished flimsy!!! Is that the proper way to describe it? The top is pieced...have no idea when it will go to the quilter. I have a great feeling of accomplishment. This is my version of the Chinese Coins that I have seen on other blogs. I am calling it my version because I am not sure that it is exactly like everyone else's. The funny thing is how much I like it. I have said all along that I was doing this for the experience but these fabrics were not to my taste. They were a gift and I was using my stash. All this fabric I have had at least 4 years. However, now that it is done, I think that it is pretty. It will be interesting to see how I feel when I eventually send it out for quilting.

I wish that I knew how to place pictures on the blog. It is difficult to take out the camera and not take a picture of my baby, Bea. I added it second and it loads to the top. Not that she is not always on the top of my list but need to learn more on blogging. She is the sweetest thing. She is so tiny that I worry about her. I try to feed her up but she is not real interested in food.

Hope everyone is doing well and getting lots accomplished!!!

Meme

2007-05-20T22:04:00.000-05:00

I am still working on the Chinese Coins. I have to get as far as I can on this because I have decided that June and July is dedicated to the memorial quilt to Wayne. I have 86 blocks to make and I have 2 done. I have pieces cut out but I need to get that done. Not only for my friend Julia's sake but for me too.

Fran tagged me for the 7 things meme. That was quite exciting as it is the first time I have ever done one or been tagged. So 7 things.....(if I can think of that many)

1. I am left handed. Therefore, I am right-brained so I am one of the few of this world that is in my right mind. To me, it also means I am pretty uncoordinated.
2. I am the baby of the family. Pretty old and pretty big at this point to be the baby but it is what it is.
3. I have been in banking 25 years as of July.
4. I have been quilting for about 6 years. I have always wanted to quilt or at least I was intrigued by the idea for years. But when I turned 40 years old I had a small panic attack about doing all of the things that I wanted to do but haven't started. I wanted to weave baskets, make quilts and do a stained glass window. I have a few baskets that I have made. Most proud of the Nantucket baskets I have made. Have completed about 30 quilts. Plan to start stained glass lessons in January once I have completed school.
5. I love to cross-stitch. Have made some beautiful pieces. But like quilts, I usually give my work away so I don't always have a lot to show for it.
6. I live by myself other than my furry baby, Bea. Have never been married but have never given up the hope that one day I will be.
7. I am a horrible housekeeper but a great cookiebaker.

So Fran, thanks for tagging me. I found it very endearing to be included. Gives me hope that someone other than my sister stops by my blog.

Chinese Coins to be update hopefully by next weekend. I did 7 rows of coins and have 4 rows put together. I am thinking that I may have to make another row. It will be about 65 inches long so I need to widen it. I wish I could make smaller lap quilts but I always feel like I have to add to it just so it will be a little bigger. I am like the cook that can't make a small meal.

Hope everyone has a great week!!!

Something Finished

2007-05-16T04:11:00.000-05:00

I actually have something finished and delivered. The ring bearer's pillow is done and delivered...and before the rehearsal!!!

The other picture is my attempt at Chinese Coins from the stashbuster website. I was given the fat quarters from a Hoffman line at least 5 years ago. They have an oriental feel for me and that is not my usual style. Been looking for a way to use them for a while in some way. Hopefully this will all come together. I am not a naturally scrappy person so this is contrived scrappy. Will see how it goes.

Been tagged by Fran for a "meme". Another first for me. Will get that done as soon as I quit agonizing over this take home test that I am putting off (blogging instead of testing - imagine that)

2007-04-29T17:08:00.000-05:00

It's been waaaaayy too long since I have last posted. I have just started sewing again a couple of days ago. This past term at school was tough and I couldn't even think about quilting other than reading some blogs. Fortunately, the term is done and I made it through. Unfortunately, the next term starts tomorrow. However, there is a plan that possibly I can be finished by December. Then I could get back to a regular life. Anyway, I will have a picture of my stress relief (latest project) by next weekend.

My youngest niece

2007-03-29T04:27:00.000-05:00

My youngest niece will be here Friday night with her Mom and Dad. She is almost nine. She wants to make a quilt. So between work and school, we are going to make a quilt. I found the cutest Debbie Mumm cat fabric that I am going to use like a cheater quilt and the greatest cat head fabric for the border. I have to go to the LQS on my lunch today to get some black and white for inner borders. Hopefully, we can get this done during the week she is here.

National Day of Quilting

2007-03-17T18:40:00.000-05:00

National Day of Quilting has mostly been all day sleeping for me. Long work and school hours have caught up with me. However, now I have caught up on my sleep, I wanted to make a new block today in honor of National Day of Quilting. I had to some some green in for St Patrick's Day. Nothing like two celebrations in one. Of course, Bea is always right in the middle of it. These fabrics are ones that I bought in December for 40% off. I love them. Looks like this will be Bea's Christmas quilt. I hope to get a few more made before I start working on the term paper that I need to get done this weekend.

2007-03-13T06:16:00.000-05:00

Just checking in. Nothing to show as I am cutting triangles for My Blue Heaven. It takes a bunch!!! I can't wait to start sewing but need to have about 400 more before starting. Hopefully will have pictures soon!

WIP'S

2007-03-04T18:32:00.000-05:00

I am working on finishing the binding for this Can't Cut It Up quilt. When I get a new pattern I try to make more than one to get the hang of it. I have another one posted earlier. I still have a pink one that needs to be sent to the quilter. Hopefully, I will be able to have that quilted in the next couple of months. This may be for my spare bedroom. The pink one will actually be the first quilt that I have made that will actually be for my bed.

Here is the ring bearers pillow that I am working on. I am still adding beads. It is still about 3 weeks away from being finished but the wedding is not until May and my goal is to be finished the middle of April. It is also giving me ideas to design a very special pillow for my niece that is getting married May 2008. Her pillow will have to be over the top. If anyone has any great idea, please share!!!

Back to school this week. Am ready to get started. The more I attend classes then the closer I become to finishing. The fact that I might be able to graduate in December inspires me. I am tired. I am ready to be done.

Hope everyone has a great week and get's what you want accomplised!!!

Ring Bearers Pillow

2007-03-01T06:29:00.000-05:00

Just a quick check in. I have been a slug this week since I have a week break from school. Finals were last week and I am excited to say that I earned an "A" in Managerial Accounting and in Investments. Registered for the next term that starts next week. I will be taking Human Resources Management and Strategic Management. In speaking with my advisor it is possible that I may be able to graduate in December. I have been on cloud 9 ever since. I am really tired of school...it really gets in the way of sewing.
This week I have been working on a ring bearers pillow. Will post a picture when it is completed. I have forgotten how much I really enjoy cross stitch. Went to the cross stictch shop last week and renewed old acquaintances. I am going to have to do some more stitching I can already tell. Besides I bought a new Just Nan snowman pattern that I am just dying to start. I am excited about starting the ring bearers pillow. The wedding is not until May and I am over half way done. This will be a first! Too many times I have been making the pillow right up until the wedding rehearsal. Maybe I am getting too old to procrastinate that much.
Nothing quilty going on. Should be working on My Blue Heaven but I have stalled. Hope that you are having a good week.

Where does the picture go?

2007-02-19T12:58:00.000-05:00

I am looking at my last post and my picture is gone. It is just a red X. So where did it go? Can others see the quilt and this is just to aggravate me? I have not had a blog long enough to be somewhat tortured as others have been by blogger. Maybe it is just my turn.
Nothing quilty to show today. I have finals at school this week. So any time sewing should be spent studying. However, in my breaks, I have cutting the pieces to My Blue Heaven and have cut out strips for the binding on 2 quilts. I am trying to get prepared to power sew next week when I have a break from classes before the next minimester begins.

Finished UFO

2007-02-14T21:23:00.000-05:00

It's finally finished...YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had this "Can't Cut It Up" quilt waiting on the binding for almost a year. Just couldn't bring myself to start it. Cut out the strips last Sunday and just started stitching it down when I got home from school the last few nights. It was completed tonight. Of course, it was with the help of my instructor who had to cancel class tonight at the last minute (oh darn - does that sound sincere?) so I had more time tonight to git r done.

Blue Heaven

2007-02-11T19:33:00.000-05:00

I have finished and delivered the FSU fleece and am trying to resist the urge to go by more. It's was a fun, quick and inexpensive project. But I have other things to work on. I am putting my string blocks aside for the next month as I extensively concentrate on my next project. Have all of you seen Bonnie's new pattern, My Blue Heaven? I am going to try my best to make this. I have never attempted something like this but I have to do it. I spent most of the day yesterday with a good friend Julia. She lost her husband unexpectedly last year. She is broken hearted and all of us are broken hearted with her. Wayne was a very good man and I considered him to be a friend. You are not always friends with your friend's spouse but I think that I was lucky. I offered to make a quilt for her out of his shirts. Our friend Deby describes it best as it is our way to have his arms wrapped around her. We went through his closet yesterday and picked out some shirts and then headed to the quilt store(s) to find some sashing and border fabric. Julia is not a sewer but got into the groove very quickly about whether the fabric speaks to you or not. We came home empty handed (well 1 small yard that would do). I went to show her on Bonnie's page about string quilts and we saw the Blue Heaven quilt. It spoke volumes. After all, we had just picked out Wayne's blue shirts. We had 2 tan ones also. We both knew at the same time that this was the quilt to make. I am not a real experienced quilter and I am hoping that enthusiam will make up for any skills that I lack. This is not about doing a beautiful quilt for me but for having something that will bring comfort to a dear friends heart. And isn't that what quilting is all about? I pray about what is important to me so I am praying that this will be. Will keep you updated. Please wish me luck!

Something Finished

2007-02-04T19:54:00.000-05:00

I finally have something finished. Granted it was just a small thing to do but it is done. I bought 2 of these fleece panels before Christmas. The plan was to bind them and give them as gifts. I don't know why I buy things 2 weeks before Christmas to make for presents because they never get done. But I digress......I did not how to put on the packaged binding that I bought for this so I took these down with me to the LQS to ask my friend. She had no idea but liked the panel so I shared one with her. The lady working at the quilt store suggested that I hem it with a specialty stitch using my walking foot. What a great idea!!! I did get the binding out and realized that it was only 3 feet long which meant I was going to have to buy 2 more packages (making the binding more expensive than the fleece). So I hemmed it using a fancy zig-zag stitch and it came out great. Took it down to my parents house so that Mom could see. This is my Dad holding it up so that I could get a picture. Plan on giving this to my brother if he likes it. So Rick if you are reading this, you need to claim it. Before Christmas there were bolts and bolts of this fleece. Now there are none. Since the Gators have won the national championshp everything Gator is at a premium. The funny thing is that I was able to pick up some FSU fleece at half price. I picked up 3 panels for my friend and I bought one for a neighbor. Sure would like to find a fleece panel for the University of Kentucky. (blatant hint for my sister who reads my blog) Anyway, it feels good to have something finished even if it is a small thing!

Bea

2007-02-03T20:30:00.000-05:00

I forgot to add this shot of Bea before ending my last post. I have been trying to get a closeup of her face. She is now sprawled out snoozing on my new fabric so I guess they are keepers.

Storms - New Projects

2007-02-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

Prayers and blessings go out to all of the people that were effected by the tornadoes that hit Florida on Thursday night. I live about 20 miles from one of the areas that was hit. We received about 6 inches of rain and feel pretty waterlogged which is nothing compared to families who have lost loved ones and their homes.

Went to a LQS with a friend today. Glad that I am not on the no-buy program. She had most of these homespuns picked out for a rag quilt before I even got there! (have I been megged?) I love the make rag quilts and snuggle up under them. There were a great deal at $4.80 per yd. I also found minkee on sale for $8.00 per yd so I picked up some leopard skin for a backing for a jungle kit that I have not even started. But at half-price, I could not pass it up!

I have 34 blocks of my string quilt done. But I am getting bored. I want to put that down and start on something else. This is how I have so many UFO's and no so many finished projects. We'll see what happens. I have 2 tests again at school this week so I should not be sewing much and will be studying lots!!!

WIP

2007-01-31T07:41:00.000-05:00

I am still working on the string blocks. I have 23 completed and 25 to finish. At least all of the strings are put together; I just have to add the corners.
School is going well this week. I got my test grades back from last week...96 in Investments and 95 in Managerial Accounting. YEAH!!!
Hope that everyone is having a great week.

Trying to post a picture

2007-01-28T19:35:00.000-05:00

If this actually posts, this is my baby, Bea. As a proud Mom of this furbaby, I will be posting more pictures of her pretty face. She is a black Persian that will be 2 on Feb 5th. She likes to watch my sewing to let me know if I am doing it right. These are the blocks that I am working on. I am sure that you all recognize Bonnie Hunter's string X pattern. I am using patriotic reds and blues with a white fabric with stars. I have a great red for the inner border and I am going to have to find something for the outside border. I don't have anything and I have not found anything in the LQS that I have checked in. I can't decide on the size to make. Being a large person myself, I always want to make large quilts. Do you think there is a connectiion there???? :). I have the strips made for a 3 by 4 and the blocks are 14 inches. Do you think that is big enough? I have no plans for this quilt other than I wanted to do some string blocks.

On another note, I had 3 comments. That is so encouraging!! Thank you so much for taking the time to post something. I was asked if I was a student. I am a 46 year old student. I decided several years ago that I needed to finish my degree after working in the banking industry almost 25 years. I am a senior pursing a BS degree in Business Administration - Financial Management. I still plan to stay in banking. Also, thank you Sister for your anonomyous comments...I think that it is cool that you stop by to see what I am up to.

Hope the picture works as I plan for it to be the first of many!!!

School

2007-01-21T18:35:00.000-05:00

I haven't posted or done a whole lot of quilting this week. School is officially back and it is kicking my behind!!!! 4 nights a week in classes and homework is tough when working full time. I know that I have signed up for the classes and this is necessary so I can finish before I am 50 but it takes a toll. Enough whining about that....back to quilting. To keep on track to feel like I am doing something, I am incorporating the Flylady method of spending 15 minutes a day in my sewing room. I finally have all the strips cut out so when I go in, I am only sewing. 15 minutes goes by quickly and I find myself not as tired as I thought I was when I went in so it stretches to usually about 45 minutes. So progress is being made. What I haven't accomplished is reading the manuals to the digital camera so I can take pictures of my progress for the blog. Goals for this week: I have 2 tests so I want to make good grades, work 15 minutes in my sewing room everyday and have some pictures loaded to the blog by next Sunday night.

Sunday night

2007-01-14T18:38:00.000-05:00

Well it is Sunday night and I am in my usual panic mode of it's the end of a weekend and I have more to do than what I have gotten done. Don't you remember that from school....Sunday night with nothing to wear to school tomorrow plus you don't have your homework done? That would be me. Except tomorrow is a holiday and I feel extra pressure in not making good use of my time.
I am working on my first string quilt. Of course, I am using a pattern from Quiltville (thanks Bonnie). It is the Sting X Quilt and I am using patriotic fabrics with a white star background. I am using my stash (don't quite know how I have patriotic stash when I have never made anything patriotic but I do). I did have to buy my background. I am using foundation paper that I bought from Joann's. Do I have to remove that? It feels so much like interfacing. Can you tell that I am trying to do a shortcut? But I don't want to regret leaving it in if it will cause a problem later.
I purchased a digital camera from Circuit City so that I can start sharing photos with you. My first one will of my baby "Bea". She is a furbaby but she is my baby. I am reading all the manuals so hopefully I will be up and running on this soon.
I have enjoyed reading everyones posts and am starting to make comments. There are many talented people on this ring and I am awed by your work.

Gators

2007-01-10T19:12:00.000-05:00

How about those Gators???!!!! We are celebrating in Florida!!!!!! National Champs both in football and basketball. It's great to be a Florida Gator!!!! I have got to get the binding on my Gator fleece throw for my brother. As an alum I know that he is besides himself with joy.
Enough about football, let's talk about something serious....sewing. I am handstitching the bottom of the monogrammed pillow that I finished this morning. I really think that I will work on the binding for the Gator fleece. It would be a quick project to finish up. I am in the mood to work on projects, get them finished and keep my sewing room picked up. Since it's been cleaned up, I have enjoyed going in there to work. Let's see how long it stays that way.

UFO's

2007-01-08T06:04:00.000-05:00

The sewing room is cleaned up. Or it is better to say that it is the best it can be with all of the "stuff" that is in there. I have listed my UFO's. There are not as many as I thought that there were. However, that is only because I have not counted the kits that I have purchased but have not started. So here is the really true confession: BOM's that are all there but never started: Santa - Throughout the Year, Snowman - Throughout the Year, Monster Quilt, Kansas Troubles, LQS Christmas BOM. 3 of these are applique which I have never done before. Then I have 14 kits that have not been touched: Green chenille, Cream chenille, Safari kit, Crazy Quilt, Gators Too, Chenille Cuddler, Jack O Glory, Cat Scratch Kit, Great Pumpkin tablerunner, Cheniller, Raggedy Hearts, Redwork piece, Snowman felt purse, cell phone holder. Whew!!!! It's good to get that off my chest. Now that is behind me I feel like I can move on. My goal this week is to make a mongrammed pillow for a new friend and to start my rag quilt. Those are both fast and fun which I feel like I need to have a sense of accomplishment. Hope that you are getting accomplished what you want to have done!

To shop or not

2007-01-05T18:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I haven't finished cleaning up/out my sewing room. I keep finding more and more stuff in little plastic bags. I had forgotten so many things that I have purchased. Many times I have wondered which I like more...quilting or buying things to quilt. Makes you go, hmmmmm. So I said, No more shopping. 2007 would only bring fabric to finish items not start new ones. I have made it to the 5th of the month. Then I got the call. A quilt store is going out of business in Dunnellon (about 20 miles away) and everything is 30% off. Do I go or stay home. What's a girl to do????

Sewing Room

2007-01-02T21:14:00.000-05:00

I am not starting the New Year off sewing but in organizing my sewing room. What a chore!!! I am grateful at this point that I don't have pictures to show because I would be mortified! However, maybe that would be my motivation to pick it up. I did go out and purchase 2 new 5 drawer organizers along with 2 more bins to help stash everything. I have started on my list of UFO's and projects still in the bag (I like the term PIGS - projects in grocery sacks) so I can decide which project needs my attention first for the year. So how many UFO's do you have? And does the number bother you? Maybe UFO's are like weight....it's only a number unless it bothers you. Just more of life ponderings....

1st Entry

2007-01-01T17:50:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that I setup a blog account. After months of lurking on other quilters blogs I have taken the plunge and have gotten started. My first New Year's resolution has been completed. Now on to other victories..... It will be a while before I start posting pictures as I have to buy a digital camera and learn how to work it. I am looking forward to learning and being inspired by other quilters. Happy 2007 to all!