Where to Put the Trash

Not too long ago, I purchased a 30-gallon plastic flip lid trash can for my sewing room.  You know the kind that you can't see inside of, but is tall enough to store a lot of fabric scraps?  I put all those end pieces and  project fabric strips into it for the day when I have nothing else to do and decide to crochet a rug or piece a strip quilt together.  I mean, seriously, I probably need one even bigger waiting for that day, but then who knows when that day will come, so I must be ready, right?

My wonderful, husband, who is so good about emptying all the trash cans the day before trash day, did his duty one night and yes, you guessed it, emptied my 30-gallon fabric scrap  trash can along with all the other trash.  You can only imagine and yes you would be right, how shocked I was, but it was then that I realized maybe that wasn't such a great idea after all and now I leave my fabric trash outside the door to my sewing room on trash day; it's healthier for our marriage and saves the poor guy from thinking, to take or not to take.  I mean, really was that a blooper on my part or what? 

Speaking of trash and scraps.  I have several quilting friends who have been drooling over my bag that hangs on the edge of my table when sewing and have decided today is the day I will finish two I started some time ago.  So, it's off to the scrap pile (yes, I have built it back up) and the sewing machine to finish those cute little trash bags.  I'll post the finished pictures to remind us all that one person's trash is always another person's treasure.  Lesson learned - creative storage needs a label and maybe a trash can isn't such a good idea? 

Great Giveaway

I just love giveaways, don't you?  How about this one at Fave Crafts.  An entire package of pens and supplies from Sakura worth $75.00.  Better hurry and get signe dup for this one.  All sorts of pens, stickers, glue and supplies and all in a very nice box too.  Whether you can use these supplies for crafting, scrapbooking or quilting, there's something for everyone in this fabulous giveaway.  Sign up for your chance to win at:  http://www.favecrafts.com/sweeps/August-Sakura-Gift-Basket-Giveaway 

Go ahead there just has to be something in this package you can't live without and besides who can resist a free giveaway?  Not me.

Straight Out of Line

Here is another topper made with the Creative Grids Karla Alexander ruler.  This one is called the Straight Out of Line and it makes this modified 4-patch design that appears to have curves in it even though you only have straight lines.  The ruler is simple to use and the result is this easy 4-patch design that appears to be curvy.  I'm working on another one using just two colors and will post when finished.  This first one is from a fat quarter combination that just calling out to me yesterday, so I made it first.  Want more information on the Creative Grid rulers?  You can find them all at: http://www.creativegridsusa.com/  Take a look and see what's new and available. 

Happy Quilting!

Curved Slotted Ruler Quilt

I recently purchased two new rulers from Creative Grids that I'm excited about.  The first is Karla Alexander's Curved Slotted Ruler.  The concept once you do the cuts is the same as her stack the deck process, but instead you are working with curves.  Not a fan usually of curved quilting, but this one is very easy to put together.  Here is a pic of the blocks in progress.  Can't wait to see how it finishes up.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think.

Lone Star Quilt

Finally finished this Lone Star quilt for a friend.  Once I actually got into the process it wasn't so bad.  It was made using Quilt Smart fusible interfacing and it went together pretty smoothly.  It's nice not to have to worry about those pesky points.  Only thing is...I forgot to take a picture of the finished quilt.  I quilted a feathered heart design in the triangle backgrounds and in the big corner squares.  She loved it and that's what matter, right?  One comment I have if you're using the Quilt Smart.  Some of the registration lines for lining up the fabric weren't there, so you have to be real careful.  Otherwise, it was a great way to make a Lone Start and surprisingly (well, I guess it's suppose to work this way), all the points match when finished and well, I just might do another one for me now.

What do YOU think?  Leave a comment.

New Year New Projects

Well, it's time to add some new items to the post.  I'm working on the cutest cell phone carrier and make up or quilt/sewing case.  The zipped case could also be used as a make up case and the small size will fit nicely in a purse (my reason for making the first one for me)  They are fat quarter friendly and so quick and easy.  I'll post pics when they are finished.  Hopefully today.

Snow in New Mexico

Well, we went up to Denver, Colorado for the holidays and no snow.  We come home and uh huh, snow.  1-2 inches of snow doesn't seem like much to those who may live in higher elevations, but to us here in the south end of New Mexico, it is a novelty.  Our dogs loved it and it was perfect for that winter snowman we used to make when we were kids.

It was also a perfect day to stay inside, knit by the fire and just enjoy it.  I'm looking forward to the new year and what it may hold.  The New quilts I hope to be making, and more new patterns to find and make.  I'm trying to finish a Lone Star quilt now and will post when it is finished. 
Happy New Year everyone and enjoy it wherever you are.   

Christmas Bag

I finished this bag this morning for a friend for Christmas.  She loves oriental fabrics and this just suited her perfectly.  I used three different fabrics (pockets on the inside are third fabric) and put the brown handles on  using tabs.  I quilted over the geisha girls with gold metallic thread and also used gold metallic thread along the top edge where the fabics change from brown to gold and to topstitch the top edge.  The directions were a bit challenging to follow, but I think it came out nice and know that she will like it.  Now, on to another Christmas gift.  Whew!  It's really busy around here - must be Christmas.

Bible Totes

I made this first little tote recently for a friend's daughter.  Another friend saw it and asked me to make one for her granddaughter.  They both loved them.  They are simple, easy to make and can be personalized with embroidery.   I found them so much fun to make that I made one for myself in Christmas fabrics.  Of course, I couldn't just make a simple bag. Instead I elected to embroider each of them, but I think it adds a special touch to them and those pre-teens just love these.

These little totes are just the right size for your bible and the outside pockets allow you to carry small items, like cell phones, etc.  I found the pattern in my latest Better Homes and Gardens Creative Collection, American Patchwork & Quilting magazine, "More Fast & Fabulous Quilting Ideas."  I challenge you to make one - bet you can't do just one! 

If you click on the pictures, you will be able to see the details.

Quilt Retreat

What a great time we had at our recent Guild Retreat.  We spent four days in the beautiful mountains above Cloudcroft and sewed and sewed.  It was a wonderful get-away.  We laughed, ate, shared stories, laughed some more, ate and occasionally we even got some sleep.  I think the best part was the sharing of ideas, seeing other quilts come together and no phones, no t.v.    The registration blocks were fun to see all together and a mulligan stew that was also a give-away.  The secret gift was such a surprise and let's not forget that Friday night mugging.  How fun was that!  The tops that got fnished were out of this world.  I will post pictures  Two major events this month have both energized and exhausted me.  My mind races to the next project, while my body screams - rest!  I can't wait to get started on the next quilt. 

Sew Many Visions

I know, I know, it has been months since I last posted, but now that I'm back on my feet again, it's time to get back to keeping up to date on things and moving forward.

This weekend has been one of fun, sharing and learning, as our Guild sponsored a Trunk Show and Class with Vicki Arnold of Sew Many Visions. It was such a delight to have her as our guest and the project was so much fun. If you're looking for easy and fun patterns, visit her web page at http://sewmanyvisons.com She had so many great patterns to offer, I have to be honest, it was hard to decide which one to buy first and which one to make first. I'm currently working on the "Four Seasons" Fall version (the class we took this weekend) and when complete will post a picture.

Meeting Vicki Arnold is like catching up with an old girlfriend. She's down to earth, funny and such a great teacher. She also sponsors quilt retreats for those looking for a great place to just get away in the mountains of New Mexico. You can get more information on the retreats she offers at http://piecefulpines.com/

Pay It Forward

I received this wonderful, beautiful table runner yesterday from Emma of Sampguita Quilts. I was the lucky winner of her Pay It Forward in August. I feel so blessed to have this beautiful table runner in my home. Emma I owe you something special.

Sadly, no one signed up to get a gift from me from that Pay It Forward post in August. But, if someone wants to go back and read the post and then leave a comment, I will check back in a couple of days and you too can win a beauty from my quilting world.

VIPs or UFOs

For my birthday this year, my husband announced that he was going to start working on building the cabinets and storage for my sewing room that we had been discussing for ...oh, I don't know...some time. You can imagine how excited I was to hear that I would finally have nice storage for all the fabric, rulers, books, quilts, and quilting things I've collected over the years. I mean what girl doesn't want more places to store more fabric and quilting goodies? As with any other building project we have undertaken over the years, I knew this meant I needed to start clearing the room and do some serious Spring cleaning.

It was during this initial phase of sorting, identifying and clearing things from the room, that I realized I had more UFO's than I cared to think about. You know, those pesky little reminders of projects started, yet not quite finished. This got me to thinking (that can't be good). Why do we call them UFO's anyway? Why not call them VIPs or PhDs and give them more importance in our stack of things to do.. I mean, really now, you wouldn't ignore a VIP or forget being introduced to a person who held a PhD, would you? Imagine how few UnFinished Objects we'd have if we started thinking of them as Very Important Projects or Projects Half Done? So, I vowed that while hubby was working on his birthday promise to me that I would start finishing my VIPs and PhDs and get them finished.

How many VIPs do you have in your life? What plans do you have for them?

Cozy

Does your sewing machine collect dust? Do you find yourself having to clean it more often? Do you feel like all the dust bunnies in the neighborhood congregate at your house on your sewing machine? Why not create a sewing machine cozy?

I know, it seems my machine doesn't get turned off long enough these days to bother to cover it, but believe me when I say it is worth it to take time out and make a machine cozy. For example, did you know that you should clean your machine after every 8 hours of use? Now for me that's every day. With a cozy cover, it reduces at least some of those dust bunnies who love to gather around the top and sides. I still have to use the tiny hose and vacumn and clean my machine, probably more than most, but at least I'm not chasing dust every day. I made this one for my daughter and quilted it myself, but you can make them with pre-quilted fabric as well. The pockets are designed to hold whatever you want close at hand; scissors, etc., and the pattern is a simple one and soooooo easy to make. If you're interested in receiving this pattern, just place a comment and send me your email address and I'd be glad to send it on to you. I will try to put it into a PDF file so I can email the instructions. Think about how cozy your machine will feel if you wrap it in a quilt of its own. Wouldn't it be fun to coordinate your cozy with your sewing room? Ok, maybe everyone isn't as crazy as I am about coordinating everything, but you get the idea.

Simple Challenge

It was a challenge for me to finish this little quilt, but it is finally done. For some reason, my brain just can't "keep it simple" when it comes to my quilting. I have done simple, easy to do quilts before, so why did this one challenge me so? Maybe because it was a special order for someone? Maybe I was trying to be too orderly? I mean, after all, what is random placement? It should have been simple to just place whatever came next. Not me, I had to arrange and re-arrange the pieces until I saw order in their placement, and yet, I wanted it to look random.

Ok, it's time to go back to therapy and do another quilt from a brown bag again. I remember the time I placed the pieces to a quilt I was making in a brown paper bag and told myself, to take whatever piece came next and just use it. I had such a hard time with that concept. It's suppose to be a freeing experience, not having to think about placement. Not for me it wasn't. I struggled to make myself use whatever came out of that paper bag, each and every time. I felt compelled to evaluate its placement. But, alas, I did make it through the bag and finished that quilt and it really did come out beautifully. So, there really is something to be said for random placement and letting go of the need to put it all in some kind of order.

I mean, I'm a fun gal, I like spontaneity so why not in my quilting. Ok, I shall challenge myself to do that once again on my next project. Let go, let it freely come together and..now, where did I put that brown bag?

Finished at Last

Today, I finally get to start my quilting for Valentine's Day.. yes, Valentine's Day. It's not that far away and I need to get some things made fast. Over the holidays, I finished up three quilts for our prayer quilt ministry which will be given to the recipients tomorrow. I am always touched when I hear how appreciative the recipients are of these quilts of love and their gratefulness for receiving one. I am thankful that I have the ability, means and support to make a quilt of love for someone else. When I think about my own trivial problems sometimes , and then get a request for a quilt for someone who is really in need, I am humbled and reminded that my world is blessed, and thankful that I have the ability to get up each day and make another quilt or something quilty. Here's a picture of the two latest ones. I did the one on the left and the 0ther one was done by another member in our ministry. Her pattern was a simple 9-patch believe it or not. It's one of those cut and reassemble blocks that I just love doing. She'll be teaching the group how to do it at our meeting in February.

Change is Good - Right?

Today, I've decided it's a New Year and change is a good thing. I'm a Patriotic girl at heart and since most of my quilts and quilty things are also Patriotic in nature, I've decided on some changes for my Blog. Hang in there, I'm still a work in progress, but eventually I will decide on what to change and what to leave alone. Besides, it's more interesting when you see different things each time...right? I mean blogs are like fabric, the more I see the more I want....LOL The more I have the more I can create.

Music Please

I view and visit all these wonderful blogs and wonder...how do you all do it? Where do you find things like the beautiful music, the christian sites, etc., etc. I would love to "dress up" my blog a bit, but don't know where and how to get these great things. Anyone?

New Year's Resolution

Well, it has been so long since I last blogged, but my New Year's resolution is to get blogging again and be consistent. It has been such a busy, but wonderful December this year. My husband sang in the Living Christmas Tree production at church this year. It was the 13th year for the Living Christmas Tree and I do believe it was the best ever. All the performances were FABULOUS. Last I heard there were more than 4,000 who attended this year. I helped decorate the tree this year and when I had to get inside to put in the decorations, I had a much better appreciation for the tight space and how hard it must have been for each of the singers to stand for so long. WHEW!! I know I could not have done that.

Two winners from my blog have been sent gifts for participating and I do hope they have both received them by now.

Our Prayer Quilts ministry has grown so much, it's amazing. We have completed 14 quilts, 100 military prayer squares and more than 500 pocket prayer squares since October. These women have become such a part of my life and their quilting and frienships are truly treasured.

Last, but not least, I was elected the President of our Quilting Guild for 2009. I will do my best to bring new ideas and interests to the guild and feel so honored to have been nominated. This is a great group of quilters that I have enjoyed being a part of now for more than 3 years.

So, as we begin a new year, fresh with new possibilities, new ideas, new friends and old, may 2009 be a blessed and wonderful year for all of you.

Quilt Ministry

It has been way too long since I last posted and hopefully this week I will try to catch up. We have been getting our Prayer Quilt Ministry off the ground and going and it has been a quilting, praying marathon this past two weeks. We are so excited to be members of Prayers and Squares International. We can't wait til we get our registration back and can start applying the labels to the quilts in progress.

Prayers and Squares is a quilt ministry that provides a quilt to someone in crisis. The motto is "It's not about the quilts; It's about the prayers." Our church womens outreach ministry decided that this was a good program to join as we have so many in need within our own church and community. Quilters and non quilters alike have joined together to make pocket prayer squares, military prayer squares and lap quilts for those in need. We are very excited about this ministry and where God will lead us. We have already completed and delivered two lap quilts and have two others currently in progress for prayers and then delivery to recipients.

So, this week, I shall begin designing and preparing yet another lap quilt for someone some day who needs our prayers and to be wrapped in love.