Quilting in Ohio

Thread Catcher & Retreats

2012-01-27T14:58:00.002-05:00

Here is another one I made today, which is a pincushion thread catcher. I've got a few more cut out to take into the quilt shop to sell. I may make some modifications to the pattern. Basically going to tweak it some.

So I decided to start my list for the February Quilt Retreat to bring list. I'm so like my Mom who was the master list maker. She labeled & made lists for everything. She has taught me well. :-) I'm looking forward to see the gals since I didn't make it to the one on New Year's Eve retreat. We are doing a bullseye swap, so I'm hoping to get some to swap with the gals. I'm not sure what I'm taking yet, but I usually end up bring a few projects in case I get board. I'm going to some things of fabric to sell if they want to buy, with the monies going towards an embroidery machine or another retreat. We've added a few more gals to the group which has worked out wonderful. They are so drama free, laid back and lots of fun. I love spending time with gals that quilt, you would be surprised how much you have in common since you have a common bond. Most of the gals I've came across can cook amazingly, love to have fun & laugh, and are such givers. Now I have came across some sour pusses, which love to have everything about them ( so much drama), and so on but they come & go. But 98% of the quilters I've met are some awesome people, so glad I love quilting because it has brought some great people in my life.I"m so blessed for the wonderful quilting friends I have in my life, you gals know who you are!!!!

Another Sample Done

2012-01-22T14:11:00.005-05:00

Here is one of the quilt shop samples I got done for the class I'll be having at the quilt shop. it is called 10 minute block quilt. This one is so cool to make up and quick. I'll be having a class on it in february.

The next one is pick up sticks made by me from Kathy Brown's book. I'll be having a class on this one as well. Should be a great way to use up those 2 1/2" strips. this is made using the 90 degree double strip ruler from creative grids.

Now I just need to get them quilted out to hang them on the wall at creations sew clever quilt shop.

New Sewing Room

2012-01-20T07:20:00.012-05:00

I moved my sewing room from the finished little garage on our property to the house after my son moved out. Which let me tell you has been a chore in itself. The bad thing is the husband got to see all of my quilting and dollmaking stuff first hand. That was scary.... he didn't realize how much I had and to be honest I didn't either. So we brought in the cabinets, miz gracie, my cutting table, bought a new cabinet for just my KT fabric ( yes it needed it's own place) and most of my storage containers, some new some old. I'm still working on transfering items in the new space. So as I'm slowly sorting items I'm going to be selling A LOT of items, the money to go towards either an embroidery machine, larger throat machine for miz gracie or something else. I've got a lot of fabric, some notions, primitive dollmaking things, quilt tops, and so much more. Here are some pictures of the new space, still have more to do, like putting up my large shelf my Dad made to put up things that people have given me or make me smile, some things need to put on the walls.

Here is my sewing thread, mini quilt I made, this all sits by where I sew so if I want to watch TV.
My Bullinton board holds a lot of my favorite pictures, cards and things. The shelf holds container of quilt kits or blocks to be put together.

Here are my Cabinets filled with fabric, seperated by color or style. On top is baskets filled with patterns or small kits. The drawers have 1" - 5" squares cut out in them.

Here is my Machine Thread Holder my Dad made me, hhhmm looking kinda bare.This one of my shelves, it holds a picture of my Mom & me, the quilt is one I made her, she stitched on it and was one of her favorite things. I love this, my brother made the shelf for her so after her passing I got it. Such a treasure to me.

I'll post more later of the sewing room. :-) Have a blessed Day~~~

Welcome 2012~~

2012-01-06T19:18:00.004-05:00

Hard to believe it is now 2012, which I hope it is better then 2011. It was a rough year last year with my son's accident, losing my mom & battling with my step family over my mom's things. So I'm hoping & lots of praying that this year will be so much better. I'm finally getting back into quilting, which is such wonderful therapy.

My son Josh has flown the coop he now has his own place & loves it. I'm dealing with it, but the best part we moved my sewing room into his old bedroom. So I think I got the best deal. He is missed but it is time. I love having the new room, but I can't fit everything in there so I've been getting boxes from the quilt shop & loading them up to have a huge Yard Sale!!! I'm putting the money made to go to my new quilting machine or embroidery machine fund. I've been copying patterns from books, filing them away in plastic sleeves in binders so I can save on space. Some of the books I've bought over the years only have one or two I love so I'm getting rid of the rest.

I've came across a bunch of "what the heck was I thinking" fabric let alone a few other crafty things. I asked myself was I on drugs or PMSing at the time?? I must have been so depressed I didn't care what I bought type fabric. So I've measured it out and put a price on it, out the door.

My husband finally got a glimpse into my "stash" needless to say he was amazed~~ That is putting it lightly, LOL. He brought in my fabric cabinets, which didn't include the other fabric places stashed on the shelves, in baskets and forgotten places. I'm so busted was my first thought, but he handled it quite well. He didn't pass out or anything, I was so proud of him. LOL. He just said wow honey you have lots of money out here, I replied yep that is my retirement so when I'm old I can still play with nice fabric. But on the serious side I didn't realize just how much I did have. My eye were opened~~

Thanks to Margaret for the challenge to get back to blogging, which I've neglected, so I'm back baby~~~ Yea!!!

What do you do??

2011-09-10T16:45:00.002-04:00

So what do you all do with Fabric you don't no longer love? Do you give away? Do you sell it? I'm curious. As you all know I started revamping my sewing room once again. Today I pulled out a ton, I mean a ton of homespun fabric I used in dollmaking/quilting that is taking up much needed space. I've got plaids and solids as well. Then I started on another drawer of country colors filled up two huge paper bags of scraps, fat quarters & large pieces. Then I filled a leaf garbage bag filled with large pieces of batting. ( why I was keeping all of that I have no clue) Next I tackled one of my craft making drawers, another bag filled to the brim. I piled my extra sewing desk, plus the table that holds my copier high with stuff I really no longer want, which got me thinking what to do with it. Should I ebay it? Etsy it? give away to someone in need? yard sale it? Tomorrow I think I'll try to tackle my patterns/books. I look at some of this stuff and wonder why did I spend my money on that.. ggeesh I must have been out of my mind. Give me some idea's ladies... who know I may send something to someone if I love their idea...

Have a blessed day~~~~

Back To School

2011-08-24T09:25:00.002-04:00

Caleb is back to school & I now have my afternoons to myself when I'm not at the quilt shop. Since I'm on a simplifing kick, I started back on the sewing room. I have a bunch of homespun fabrics, a ton of primitive dollmaking stuff from old vintage handkercheifs, lace, vintage pillowcases and a lot more, that is boxed up for either to give away or sell haven't decided yet. But it felt good to box it all up. I'm going to hit my shelf wall today and declutter it all. I'm so tired of looking at everything & thinking well you never know I may need it. I decided if I hadn't used it in the last year outta here with a few execptions of course like fabric, patterns and books that I still love & smile when I see it, the rest is gone~~~ So if anyone is interested in stuff like that above shoot me off an email, I'm in the mood to deal.. I'll take some pictures this afternoon and post. So be sure to let your quilting friends know. :-) We're Dealing baby~~~

Many Blessings to you & yours~~~

Where did summer go??

2011-08-13T14:36:00.003-04:00

Okay where did the summer go?? I missed it all I guess. This has been the most busiest summers ever I have had in such a long, long time. I did however got a long weekend getaway with the ole man and Caleb. We headed over to shipshewana Indiana for a nice relaxing long weekend. We stopped overnight in Auburn Indiana which was very nice. We ended up at the bass pro shop in Portage, Indiana, then road down a bunch of backroads to visit the Amish country Indiana and overnight in Shipshewana. I had a great time visiting some off the beaten paths of shops. Hit some antique places, quilt shops, variety shops and hunting shops as well. We ate that evening at the Blue Gate Inn, I highly recommend it!!! It was wonderful!! We ate family style it was oh so good~~ The place was packed but worth the 15 minute wait. We stayed the night in Shipshewana visited a lot of shops there, had planned on staying the night again there but decided we would go back over to Auburn to the hotel we stayed at the beginning of this trip. The hotel we stayed at was not the best, since they had paper thin walls & the neighbors were not the quietest I was out of there. But overall we had a great getaway~~

Now it is August & it almost 1/2 way gone. Caleb will be starting school on the 22nd & I can't wait. I think us parents are more excited then the kids are when the date approaches. I know I am~~ It seems I get more stuff done at home when they are away him and the ole man. I did start cleaning out closets, cupboards and packing stuff in boxes to either have a yard sale or goodwill. I just wonder where all of this stuff comes from at times. I mean I've got bowls without lids, way too many plastic items and clothes I no longer where or like. So my plan if I had used it or worn in last 6 months or year ago it is gone, no questions, gone out of here. It sure does feel good. wonder if I can apply that to my sewing room??? hhmmmm NOT!!!

well off to take some cookies out of the oven~~ Stay cool & enjoy the last part of the summer. Many blessing to you all~~

Carolyn

Heading to Another Retreat~~

2011-06-15T13:04:00.002-04:00

It is time for another retreat~~ Oh I need this so bad, nothing like some sewing/quilting to get a much needed break in life. Still trying to deal with mom's passing some days better then others. Leaving tomorrow and won't be back until Sunday. A great bunch of gals, lots of good food, and my sewing machine with some fabric ( prefer Moda please) , I'll be a happy camper. Now I need to get some projects to get packed, hhmmm what to pull from my stash, what patterns to get started with or should I just grab some kits blind eye style. I did pick up a new book by Kathy Brown from the Teacher's Pet called Strip Smart Quilts, using a cool ruler from Creative Grids called 90 degree Double Strip ruler. I'm stepping way outside of the box with this baby, but oh it looks like a winner to making some awesome triangles especially with the patterns in the book. So I'm packing it for sure & giving it a whirl at retreat. I'll take some pictures at retreat to let you see how it goes, fingers crossed~~ Well off to make some potato salad, bake some type of dessert and find me some project to sew.

A Sad Day~~

2011-06-01T07:44:00.002-04:00

Saturday May 21 2011 I lost one of the most important people in my life. My mom ( Juanita Kay McGuire) passed away so peacefully that afternoon. She went to be home where she was longing to go. She passed away so gracefully and at peace. She will be so missed, beyond words can describe. She had taught me so many things about the love of God, how to be kind to others, how to be a strong person, how to a good mom and so much more. I will miss hearing her voice most of all talking for hours on the phone and almost every day. No matter what she was there for me and others as well. She freely gave herself & didn't complain. Inspiration to us all & how someone should treat others plus ourselves. She always supported me in whatever I did, even when I made a mistake. She loved others so freely, unconditional and accepted others for who they were on the inside. She stood by her beliefs no matter what and for those who didn't accept her, she would say "oh well their loss". She said you will not be accepted by everyone, and that is okay. But if you agree with everyone, you will not be happy on the inside. Stand for something or else you will be walked on by everyone. Certain people come into your life for a reason, some stay & some go, but you can learn/appreciate something from them all. She taught me a lot. God received one of his best angels back into heaven. She was a wonderful loving person~~ Love you Mom~~~

Raffle Quilt~~

2011-05-18T08:41:00.004-04:00

This is the quilt that the Stitchin Babes (http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=31605&team_id=923066).
Is raffling off during Relay for life at the Ross County Event June 10 & 11th, 2011. The person who wins the quilt will be drawn on the 11th at the event.
I made the quilt and was quilted by Wanda Stivison from Union Furnace, Ohio. This quilt is a work of art~~ If you'd like to purchase raffle tickets they are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00 the proceeds go to the Relay for Life - Stitchin babes group. If you'd like to purchase any you can contact me via email or send me something through my blog. You can send the money through paypal & i'll send you the receipt/ticket stubs. If you'd win I'll mail the quilt to you via ups with insurance~~ Your more then welcome to join us at the event which starts at 6 pm on friday. Our motto is "Stitch by Stitch we can cure cancer"

Publish Post

Welcome Rita to Blogging

2011-05-17T15:15:00.004-04:00

Welcome my friend Rita to the blogging world. She is the owner of Creations Sew Clever in Chillicothe. She also does demo's for creative grids, is a published quilt author and tons more. Here is her blog so be sure to stop over and say Hi, welcome her to the blog world. Here is her blog creationssewclever.blogspot.com.
Ohio's Weather is crazy~~ after teasing us with warm short/capri weather we are back to jeans and jackets, plus throw in rain gear. We've had so much rain I'm going to have to get my dad's pontoon boat just in case needed. Good thing I have lots of quilts I can snuggle over if it gets too cool out. Keep warm~~
.

Another Quilt Retreat Done

2011-05-10T15:17:00.002-04:00

The Annual OhioQuilters Retreat is finally done~~ It was so much fun this year. We laughed till we had tears in our eyes & our sides ached. There was some great wonderful ladies there this year as always. We had some good food, both brought by the gals attending and the cater. The things everyone was working on was very inspiring to say the least. That is one great thing about a quilt retreat is charging your quilt inspiration batteries so to speak. We have such across the board quilters from some working on batiks, flannels, 30's reproductions, novelty and kansas troubles, in all kinds of patterns. I can't wait till the next one in 2012. I was really thinking of no longer putting this retreat on since I've done it over 10 years, I was getting burnt out but this year was so great, no drama, no stress, and it reminded me of why I do the retreat. I hope everyone else had a great time as much as I did. Now I'm looking forward to a get together with some close friends in June then onto Knoxville Quilt Show. I was debating whether or not to go there this summer since we had to replace my son's car since his was destroyed in a horrible accident. Then I found out this is the last year it will be held there, in the beautiful state of Tennessee ( one of my favorite states). It will be held in 2012 in Michigan. Closer to home but still...not the same. My goal this summer is to get most of my quilt tops sewn & bound, which I need to work on my binding skills. Binding is not thing I just don't enjoy it. I wish there was a good binding tool out there to make it easier and I can use with my Janome.

Amish Shop Hop

2011-03-31T09:56:00.002-04:00

I had such blast with the stitchin babes up at the Amish Shop Hop. There as 11 of us that gathered together to start the shop hop & cuisine. 6 of us decided to stay up there overnight on a Friday plus do some additional shopping before the shop hop officially began on Saturday. We started out in Charm Ohio at Grannie's Kitchen to have lunch, which I had some of the best meatloaf, sweet potato fries and green beans. Then we headed over to Somewhere Sewing Quilt Shop. She is new to the area just outside of Millersburg. Well needless to say you gotta get over to there. She has a ton of fabric, lots of notions, plus they are so friendly & helpful. So be sure that is one of your stops if coming up there. The shop hop was fun. We hit around 6 shop within 6 hours, not much shopping time but that is okay. Then by 3:30 we had to be at Kidron for the ending which we saw the quilt that we received patterns to make from the shops plus we got to taste the food from the recipes we received also. We laughed, giggled and had made some great memories. Now I can't wait until the OhioQuilters Retreat at the end of April~~~ Heading back up there with coupons in hand, projects packed, snacks ready and praying for great weather. Doesn't matter because we always have a ton of fun. Now off to finish my sample for Creations Sew Cleaver & to work to repair a quilt for them. Have a blessed day

Busy ~~~ Love it~

2011-02-18T09:21:00.002-05:00

Has been a busy couple of weeks. My Dad had his shoulder replaced so I was playing nurse since my brother & one of my sister works. All went great, giving the praise to God for it.

I recently got a new book in the mail called Civil War Sewing Circle, The: Quilts and Sewing Accessories Inspired by the Era. I absolutely fell in love with this, talk about getting my quilting juices flowing. So I'm breaking out some of my reproduction fabrics to get started on something this weekend.

I did however finish up my mystery quilt, going to post some pictures once I get my camera all charged & ready to go. How did you gals doing the mystery quilts turned out?? I'd love to see some pictures.

I'm also in the middle of getting ready for a quilting getaway a couple of friend are doing. I can't wait, need a break from life, LOL. I'm hoping to get some quilts quilted out so I can bind them there, and the way it looks I'll be doing some small quilts as well. I'm thinking of doing a muted pink & brown quilt, a scrappy one, and even maybe a kansas trouble one as well. I love decorating with small quilts, I use them with my primitive dolls, on top of my singer treadle, on top of tables, and hanging on the walls.

Have a blessed day
Carolyn

Sewing Today I hope~

2011-02-03T09:55:00.003-05:00

Today I believe I'll be sewing I hope. ;-) We've had some snow, rain and ice. Typical Ohio weather but I do love the snow, watching it out of the window & the birds. Just seems to make everything so peaceful, beautiful and clean looking.

I've been reading some mystery books lately by the author G.A McKevett, I do like her sense of humor. So I haven't been sewing much, but I've been tucked under a quilt, cat on each side, enjoying a good book which isn't so bad huh??.

But sewing related I've been working on the 10th annual Ohio Quilters Retreat stuff. When I first started doing the retreat geesh 10 years ago, it was so hectic doing everything myself. Then I got some great gals to help, with a few bumps, some have came & gone that has help, a few tears, I'm finally got everything down pat & running smoothly. I've got90% of the same wonderful group of gals coming back year after year, which makes it so much easier. I've had to tweak some rules, but over all it has been a blast. I have a really good feeling this year that I'll be the most relaxed ever this year. I've even hopefully, keeping my fingers crossed, got a couple of surprises this year for the ones attending. The hardest part is getting things for the goodie bags and the raffle we do, but in the end so worth the time & effort to pull it all off. Oh did I mention the food we have there, we have a Mennonite lady come and serve us wonderful, wonderful food. Plus some of the gals that come bring the best snacks and lunch stuff. There are not too many Quilters I've met that can't cook something yummy~~ Nothing beats being surrounded by beautiful landscape, great people, wonderful food, laughter, sharing, friends and quilting. Life is good.

Today I got the first donation to the retreat from Honey Fork Fabrics. Ellen & her staff are so wonderful, plus those gals are quick on shipping. She sent us a book, some fat quarters, and some business items to hand out. Thanks so much Ellen!!!! I would recommend them to anyone for quilting needs, plus she has neat quilt shop out in the hocking hills of Ohio. So if you out that way be sure to stop by & say Hi~~

Have a blessed day & stay warm~~~

Carolyn

The Winner is--

2011-01-31T15:39:00.002-05:00

The winner is from the jar of name from people who commented on the mystery post~~~

Congratulations Margaret~~~ You are a winner.... pop me an email to get your mailing address...plus we have a 2nd winner of a gift card from Joann Fabrics to Lewcrese so please both you ladies email me your address so I can get these in the mail by the end of the week.

Thanks to all of those who posted and followed along. I still need to finish off the borders, life has just came in to play this past week. Have a great week & stay warm

Many blessing to you

Carolyn

Mystery last part

2011-01-25T19:03:00.008-05:00

So now are the last steps of putting this quilt together. So go get your Fabric #1 ( Background) squares they were I believe 2" in size plus get those forty strips you cut out of the Fabric #4 ( Border fabric). They were 2" x 11 7/8". You will make five of what is show in the picture. Begin with a square and end with a square.
Then get your 16 blocks and assemble the middle just like the picture. :-) I'm not sure how to tell you how to do this except I sewed the remaining strips from Fabric #4 ( 2" x 11 7/8') on the sides of the blocks as shown then I put the above strips on the blocks from top to bottom.
Now you'll want to get your fabric #4 that you cut earlier the two was 53 1/2" and you want to attach them to two opposite sides of the quilt center. Pin and ease as needed. Press the seam allowances toward the borders. Then take the remaining Fabric #4 the two sized 60" long and attach them to the remaining two sides of the quilt. Press seam allowances toward the border.

Okay now we are doing the pieced borders next to the last step.
This is a preview of what the finished quilt will look like, notice the different fabrics ect. I'll post my finished quilt tomorrow. This Ohio weather is hard on my arm with r.s.d so it has taken me longer then usually to complete. I can't wait to see your ladies quilts. I hope you all had fun doing this. next time I'm doing a smaller one.
Many Blessing to you all~~~

Mystery Borders

2011-01-24T13:09:00.004-05:00

Here are the cutting requirements for the borders, so be sure to break out your border fabric & also your focus fabric as well for this step. Then tomorrow I'll tell you how to assemble it all together. Now this is the cutting part only so don't get nervous. These will go with the nine patches we have plus the squares we cut out earlier from the background/light ( fabric #1). In one part tells you to refer to the photo well, you won't see the photo's till tomorrow, so relax a little. You can click on the instructions below to get a larger view, click again on them and get a larger view. Figured this was better them trying to type them out & explain them to you. *** When it talks about the fifth fabric that is your Border fabric. You will have only one more cut and it below the picture instructions which uses the rest of your Fabric #3 the Focus.
Fabric #3 ( Focus Fabric)
Cut the reserved border panel of fabric #3 lengthwise into four - 3 3/4" wide borders. Trim two of them to 53 1/2" long. Trim the two remaining border panels to 60" long. You will use these tomorrow when assembling the quilt top.

This is such a neat quilt top and so worth the work. I do hope this hasn't been much of a hassle.
I'm doing the drawing this weekend for those who post a comment under any of the mystery quilt posting. Got some goodies to mail to you.
Many blessing~~~
Carolyn

Mystery Piecing

2011-01-15T16:39:00.008-05:00

Okay we are going to start assembling some blocks now. Make sure you gather your blocks from the previous step. You'll be making the main blocks now.

Out of your Fabric #1 ( Background/light) cut one strip 6 1/2" x width of fabric. The cut this strip into sixteen 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" retangles.

Cut two strips 2" x width of fabric ( yes out of fabric #1 also) Cut these strips into twenty five 2" Squares. ( set these aside to use later)

Take your fabric you just cut from your fabric #1 the 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" & sew it on both sides of the unit. You'll make 16 of these. Look at the picture. When pressing press towards the fabric #1. Look at the picture to make sure you have the right blocks to sew too.

Take the other units and sew them onto the above 16 blocks on both sides to complete sixteen "Chicago Pavement" Blocks. Press the seam allowances away from the middle. I aligned the focus fabric ( #3 fabric) to match seams to sewn on the other blocks to center it. I hope that made sense. Note the bottom picture I have the block turned, so don't let that throw you.

The squares etc will be posted later what to do with them, after that only one more step to complete the quilt, which I'll tell you what to do with those nine patches. any problems please email me. Make sure your trimming those blocks as your sewing. I hope your enjoying this process, can't wait to see the finished quilts. Sorry this was posted late but had a malware on my computer that took awhile to get off of it. Will post another step later on this evening before the last step putting everything together. Have a great evening. BTW Yes I know I need to change the date on my camera, I pull the batteries to switch them & it changes the date, I just forget to fix it to the right date. Thanks for those who let me know. :-)

Many blessing to you~~

Ripping?? Yep I am..

2011-01-13T13:04:00.002-05:00

Well I spent hour ripping out some blocks all 60 of them!!! I hate it when I'm sewing along, jamming out to some music, just humming along.. Then bam.... I run out of bobbin thread a few blocks back. Darn it~~~ So I then clean the bobbin case out, put in some new bobbin thread ready to roll. Nope I dbl check the picture & layout, well crap, I sewed all of them backwards!!! Yep I did it. So much for a relaxing evening of pressing them all to sew today. Nope I turned the machine off, gathered them all in a pile & left the room. I figured I'd deal with it later. That was today. So turned me on movie, grabbed the blocks & my handy dandy clover seam ripper ( which is my favorite by the way) , let the ripping begin.

** *Note to one self, keep dbl checking the picture of the pattern your putting together***

*** Be glad I like miss Rosie's Quilt pattern, remind myself how much I love the finished product***

Pray this isn't contagious or happens for awhile, I'm humble now....

Many Blessings

Carolyn

Mystery Step 2

2011-01-07T12:38:00.014-05:00

Well are you ready for the next step??? I hope all is going well. :) So here we go, now remember which of your fabric is #1 ( Background) #2 ( Medium or accent to focus fabric) #3 (Focus Fabric). Which is very important not to get them mixed up. Let's Begin

*** Remember all strips are cut the width of the fabric, 42-45" Wide****

Fabric #1 ( Background) Cut five 4 1/8" wide. Then cut those 5 strips into 48 4 1/8" squares. Cut those squares twice, diagonally, to make four quarter-square triangles from each square. To get a total of 192 triangles. See the picture.

Fabric #1 ( Background) Cut Two 2 3/8" Strips. Cut these strips into 32 2 3/8" squares. Cut these squares once, diagonally, to make two half square triangles from each square. To get a total of 64 triangles. See the picture.

Fabric #2 ( Medium, Accent to focus fabric)

Cut Four 2 1/2" strips. Cut these strips into 64 2 1/2" squares.

Fabric #3 ( Focus Fabric)

Cut two 6 1/2 strips. Cut these strips into thirty two 2 1/2 x 6 1/2" rectangles.

NOw the fun part putting these babies together.

Step #1 Sew a quarter square triangle fabric (fabric #1) to the two ends of each of the thirty two Retangles ( Fabric #3) ** Make sure you put the triangles the way they are positioned in the picture shown Press seam allowances toward the rectangle. TIP: When placing the triangle in position the tip will extend 3/8" beyound the rectangle at the bottom. Don't ease this in and try to make it match at the seam line, doing so robs part of the seam allowance from the next seam.

Step #2

Sew the remaining quarter square triangles ( fabric #1), to two opposite sides of the sixty four squares ( Fabric #2) Align them as shown in the picture. Press seam allowances towards the triangles. Next Sew a half square triangle ( fabric #1) to each of the above 64 units on the bottom as shown in the picture. Press seam allowance towards the triangle.

Step # 3 You need to get those units from the previous Steps we done last week. , so go get them. Sew half of the triangle units from above step #2 to the Units from last week. You will need to make thirty two of these. They are shown in the picture below. Press the seam allowances in the direction shown by the arrow.

The last part of this you will use the remaining units from step #2 and #1 to make thirty two sections like the one in the picture below. Press the seam allowances in the direction show by the arrow.

That's it for now, next week we will finish up only two more steps left and you will have a completed quilt top for yourself or gift. I hope to see some gorgeous picture when they are all put together.

Email me with any questions. I hope the pictures help you out & I'm writing directions as clear as mud so to speak. Remember to post your name and if your friends are joining in make sure they include your name in the comment section to get in the jar of name for a drawing of some cool free stuff. I'm still putting things in the box as I'm out shopping. Happy Quilting~~~

Many Blessings~~~

Sewing Step Part One

2011-01-01T12:53:00.006-05:00

Make sure you use an accurate 1/4" seam on all sewing. Take your fabrics #1 & #2 which was cut out earlier. Those were the 2 1/2" strips width of fabric in size. ( we will deal with what you've cut out of #3 fabric shortly )

First Set You will make two of these sets sewn together just like below is stated ( one top of each other like strip piecing, in the order below, medium #2 fabric in the middle)#1 light (background)#2 medium ( 2nd accent)#1 Light ( background) See picture below

2nd Set You will make 6 of these sets sewn together just like below is stated one top of each other like strip piecing, in the order below, light #1 fabric in the middle)#2 ( medium (2nd accent)#1 light ( background)#2 Medium ( 2nd accent)After those sets are sewing together pressed to the dark.See picture below ***** Make sure when you get ready to cut these out you have your sets laying vertical like stripes going across**** I hope this makes sense.

Out of the first sets of ( #1, #2, #1 sewn together) You want to cut 2 1/2 wide across the sets to come up with 32 pieces measuring 2 1/2" wide by 6 1/2 long . see picture below
Out of the 2nd sets ( #2, #1, #2 sewn together) You want to also cut 2 1/2" wide across to come up with 96 pieces that will measure 2 1/2"wide by 6 1/2" long.

Okay now your going to make 32 nine patches with some of the above leftover for the next step so set those aside. See the picture above.

Your nine patches should look like the following:

#2 #1 #2

#1 #2 #1

#2 #1 #2(the medium fabric which is labeled #2 will make the corners and center)

Make sure you press seam allowances away from the center . They will measure 6 1/2" square nine patch.

Part 3 Sew the retangle ( 2 1/2 x 6 1/2) of fabric #3 ( focus fabric) to 32 of the sections That were cut from 2nd set of fabric ( the #2, #1, #2 sewn together above) to make 32 of these types of blocks.

That is it for now until next thursday or Friday to see the next set of cutting and sewing.

Mystery Cutting steps

2010-12-30T17:12:00.002-05:00

Here is the cutting instructions to start the first step which will come late tomorrow or saturday. I'm putting the cutting instructions for each step to make things a little easier to keep up. So you don't get confused and neither do I.

Strips are cut across the width of the fabric, making them about 42" long ( after you remove the salvage)

Fabric #1 ( Light)
cut 10 2 1/2" strips
Fabric #2 (Medium or 2nd accent piece)
cut 14 2 1/2 strips
Fabric #3 ( accent fabric or dark)
cut 2 6 1/2 strips then cut these into 32 Pieces that measure 2 1/2 x 6 1/2"

If your doing scrappy you will have to wait to cut and piece your strips/squares when we start piecing. Which is the next step. But a hint in fabrics one and two if your doing scrappy break out your 2 1/2 squares. :-)

Enjoy your evening~~~Remember to put your name in a comment section.
Carolyn~~~

Online Mystery Quilt

2010-12-29T13:27:00.002-05:00

I'm doing an online mystery quilt for the ohioquilters group so I decided I'd post it here as well for those who want to join in. The quilt will measure 88x88" in size. You can do this scrappy following dark/medium/light in colors or 2-3 coordinating fabrics. Here is the beginning of the mystery. I'll be posting the steps starting late friday/early saturday. Then the on Friday the following week until it is done. If you keep up you can have a quilt top done by the end of January!! What a start on the 2011 year!!! This would also be a jump start on a gift for someone too.
Here is the first part:

2 Yards of Light ( Background, neutrals, light in colors.) #1 fabric
1 1/2 yards ( 2nd accent Like a medium colored in fabric) #2 Fabric
2 3/4 yards ( Focus Fabric I'm using a dark colored) #3 Fabric
3 1/2 yards ( Primary Accent, this is what is used as the outer border, you can wait till end to match it if you'd) #4 fabric

Now I'm doing it somewhat scrappy, controlled scrappy is what I call it. I'm using tan as my background, the focus fabric I'm using the dark colored like black or navy , and the other fabric I'll mix in some green, red and gold all in Kansas Troubles Fabric. I've got a ton of this in my stash that is one of my goals is to used up a lot of it in the upcoming year. Since i've got a lot, I mean a lot of scraps I need to reduce.

If you post on here your following along, I'm going to have a drawing end of next week for those who are participating. Plus if you have friends join in and mention your name in the comment section you'll get an extra name put in my jar to have my son pull out a winner. Come in and join in the fun~~~

Last post of the year

2010-12-27T18:33:00.002-05:00

Well it has been almost 2 months since I posted last of the year. This year has flown by with get togethers with amazing friends, retreats, fabric shopping and quilt shows. Well since my last post I was involved with a great nine patch Kansas trouble fabric only swap. We swapped out nine patches with only Kansas troubles fabric, great way for us to use up our scraps, Lord knows I need that done so I can make room for more. So ended up with over 60 some 6" blocks, of all colors mixed in with tans/creams. They are sooo pretty. So I think I'm going to put them on point with some tan squares in between the blocks. Not sure on the border yet, was thinking of doing a scrappy saw tooth border but we will see. I'm working now on a sampler style quilt for my sister she is wanting a lap quilt. Hopefully I can get that done next week. :-)

Christmas has came & went, now onto the new year. I'm debating on doing a list of things to get completed this year or goals. There is always so much I'd like to get done, and I work better off of a list. I'm already planning on a few get aways with the girls, going to the knoxville quilt show again, not sure what else. I'm trying to nail down a place to go for vacation with the family, not sure where yet. I may make up two lists, one for the home ( honey do's, what I want done etc.) and one for sewing/quilting ( sewing room, quilts to complete, some primitive items made for the home etc)

Happy New Year everyone~~~ I wish you lots of happiness, love, friendship, kindness, tons of fabric, and lots of quilting time.

Awesome Christian Concert

2010-10-30T16:20:00.002-04:00

Last night was awesome~~~ My son Caleb & I went to Make a difference Tour over in Dayton, Ohio. It was one of the best concerts. Started out with Jason Gray he done an acoustic set which lasted around 20 minutes, then Toby Mac came on and we danced, jumped, waved our arms for over 45 minutes straight. Toby was very entertaining to watch. Then Next thing we knew lights went up in the middle of the arena there stood the lead singer of Third day (Mac Powell) and Michael W. Smith singing. They were keeping us focused while moving the sets around. Then Toby comes up as well. Michael is singing by his self. Third day comes on and rocks the house with some southern rock Christian style. They played also around 45 or more minutes. We were singing, praising God, dancing and feeling the spirit. Max Lucado also spoke while the were in the middle of arena, and he along with world vision came on while Michael W. Smith's set was being set up. Michael Came on & boy if you didn't feel the spirit then, you better get yourself closer to God, cause at one point almost everyone was lifting there arms praising God or tears coming down their faces. Finally All of the singers came on to sing together How Great is our God!! It was an awesome night. There is nothing like a good Christian concert to get your heart singing. I recommend it to everyone.

Oh back to quilting.... I've got two quilts to get on miz gracie next week and start on Christmas goodies for the craft mall.

God Bless you all~~~

Tackled the Sewing Room

2010-10-24T17:59:00.002-04:00

Today I tackled the sewing room( aka the lil garage) after church. What a way to spend the afternoon away. Turned up the radio, and away I went. I've been such a slob lately since I've had 6 retreats, working on things for craft mall ( check out my booth if you near chillicothe, Ohio @ Chillicothe Craft Mall, sorry couldn't resist the plug.), plus helping my dad with 2 huge yard sales. Did I mention my family everyday life, nope, well enough said on that...cause you all know how family life can cut into your sewing time. Oh plus things going on with Church..

I cleaned off my crafting table first, then put away all of my fabrics, blocks, patterns and sewing stuff that has been piling up on my tables and shelves. I had my sweet husband put up a new design wall. ( well the old flannel tablecloth had seen better days.) He also brought out the shop vac from the big garage so I can sweep the concrete floor, suck up those pesky cob webs, I mean I know it is halloween time in all but I wasn't decorating with them on purpose. I wiped off all of the tables, sewing machine(s), even cleaned off miz gracie as well. I did get a pile of "it is out of here" stuff to bring to my family's quilt meeting on Sunday. Hopefully they will take most of it off my hands.

Tomorrow is going to be such a joy to head back to the sewing room, to quilt out a couple quilts for a couple of people. Plus I'm going to start some new primitive ornaments as well..

Anyone else doing a clean up in there sewing rooms??? Or do you even bother?? LOL

Many Blessings to you~~~~

Last Retreat of the Year

2010-10-15T13:04:00.003-04:00

I'm finally back from the last retreat of the year. Had such a fun time. The weather was beautiful the leaves has started turning, so the backdrop of our retreat was wonderful. We had lots of interesting conversation and laughter, which all started with our steak(s) dinner on Thursday & lasted all weekend long. Some one evened got their sewing machine tolet papered!!! Nothing like fun with great friends. I even got some sewing time in. I completed a sampler Kansas Troubles quilt, a small wallhanging, and a purse. Plus sewed up some blocks too.

My friend Bianca completed the Ohioquilters yahoo group's BOM the picture is on her blog here http://atmyhouse-bianca.blogspot.com/ . I just love those color she used, which would look great in my home. :)

Now it is time to get started on christmas gifts which will be here before we know it. I'm not sure what I'll be making yet. LOL.

Off to make some homemade vegetable soup to have this weekend. I've got to make some homemade cornbread to take to a weiny roast tomorrow night. Someone is bring homemade beans/ham, smores, hot dogs/sauce, cookies, chips, and more. Should be fun, one of the best things about fall is the cool air, sitting around a fire & enjoying friends/family.

Happy Fall & take time 4 U~~

2010-10-06T07:10:00.002-04:00

Well I believe Fall is just about here, been in the mid forties in the am and low 70's in the afternoons.. I just love fall all of the beautiful colors, so rich looking. I'm not much into Halloween but more in to the autumn of pumpkins, indian corn, mums and all of the colors of the leaves. But it is a reminder Christmas is right around the corner... oh the very thought of that don't do much for the spirit. I think I'll just enjoy day by day here.
Well finished a friends quilt for her, which is very pretty. She made for a friend whose husband was killed in a fishing accident. I hope it brings her much comfort.

I'm heading to my last quilt retreat a year, hhmmm lets see that makes 5 I went to this year. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful husband/family that truely understands my need to have a relaxing weekend with some great ladies. I know Clyde says I come back home more relaxed. I've only have 4 next year scheduled so far, but next year isn't here yet, LOL.I packed all of my projects to work on while I'm there, wonder how many I'll get done. I always over pack but you never know what you might want to work on or in the mood for. We are going to be roasting marshmallows & making smores in the fire place they have, already have the menu's worked out, some yummy chili & fixins one night. Another night Italian Sausages & fixins for it as well. Not including the desserts or the snacks we all bring way to many. One thing with this group we can cook, no ones goes away hungry. Oh did I mention the breakfast meals one of the gals make, they are 5 star all the way. We so pamper ourselves there. :) But we all deserve to be pampered every now and then right? I know we do, we are wives, mothers, sisters, and care takers. Life is too short to put ourselves on the bottom of the list all the time. If you haven't moved yourself up to the top then do so!!! You deserve it. God made you special too and worth while to be #1 on the list. I'm sure God has you #1 on his list, and if you are good enough for God then your good enough to do that for yourself. God wants you to enjoy life, just don't be selfish about it. ;-) So take some time out for you and do so by honoring him as well. He will truely bless you~~
Have a great weekend everyone.
Many Blessing to you
Carolyn

Fall is coming

2010-09-22T11:35:00.005-04:00

.

Even thought it is near the 90's today fall is coming, the leaves are turning early & was remind by Clyde Deer season is this saturday... Can you hear the joy in my voice, LOL.

Here are some things I made up this week that went to the local craft mall to sell I hope. Fall gets me in the sewing mood that is for sure. I have one retreat left this year which should be lots of fun, then off to christmas time. I found a couple of cool patterns to start some new quilts I bookmarked. I'm seriously considering getting back into selling on ebay/etsy and do some shows, I found out this past weekend I miss it. I think I miss the talking with people, so I stayed up late last night looking online for some great shows here in Ohio. If know of any give me a buzz. I love ones with true primitives, handmade stuff, not import stuff. Off to reorganize a couple things in my sewing room and get some pillows made up to sell.. Have a great day & let me know what you think of the punkin heads.

Great Secret Sister & pumpkins

2010-09-17T17:39:00.008-04:00

I just had to post what my sweet secret sister sent me in the past two weeks. This is such a great group ladies, plus we all love KT Fabrics. Mine has spoiled me this month~~~Nothing like a Jelly roll that will cheer any person up. Then she really out did herself with a pincushion plus the "booklet" that holds thread, needles and things. How cute is that!!! My husband made the comment " now you can stop putting the needles in the sofa arm" too funny. I hope the girl I send to likes hers as well. I always worry about stuff like that.

Here is a picture of the latest wallhanging I made. I love sitting and doing buttonhole stitchin while relaxing. Just so easy and give it a nice touch. This baby will be going up for sale as soon as i finish quilting it out. Any takers??? She is selling for $60.00, very big in size 44"x24". I love those pumpkins so primitive.

Have a great weekend, fall will be here before we know it.

School has begun

2010-08-30T15:37:00.002-04:00

Another school year has begun, just glad is is not me... My baby Caleb is starting big ole 7th grade, so far he loves it, now I'll be asking him that question around April of next year and see what he says then... One good thing with Caleb in school, Clyde at work, I can finally get my routine back. I'm hoping to squeeze in going to the YMCA to hop on some machines to help get my AC1 back down & lose some more "baby weight" ( I call it that cause I didn't get like this till I had kids, it is all their fault I tell you!!!) finish up my house work in the am to leave the afternoons for sewing/quilting/rug hooking/doll making or whatever I want to play with in my sewing room. Things just run a little more smoother when they are gone for the day, plus then I can spend the evenings with them doing fun stuff.

I've been busy here canning dill and garlic dill pickles. Plus salsa & tomato juice here at the home front. I'm pretty much done with that project, Yea me!!!. It sure does help out on our grocery bill, we go through a lot of salsa/chips, soups in the winter time, Now if I could just find a way to get me some microwaved or regular popcorn cheaper, I'd be set for winter, let the snow fly!! I started baking some breads ( banana today) to freeze for the winter time, plus I'm getting me a new upright freezer next week, I'm so excited~~. Next week we'll be shredding some more zucchini for breads and cookies.

Since Christmas will be here before we know it, I'd better get started on some sewing/quilting just not sure what yet. I'm soo last minute. Anyone gotten started on Christmas gifts yet??

Great Weekend, yep another Retreat~~

2010-08-16T08:28:00.002-04:00

Yep you read it right another retreat.... Gosh they are so addicting but I guess when you have such a great group of gals, wonderful cooks, lots of laughter, throw in some shopping and some sewing, how could you not want to go on every one you can... I just love all of the sharing we do, plus getting in some major sewing time. Having "Girl" time is so important I think especially now with everyone so busy anymore. Got to make time for yourself, plus just being around some wonderful people makes a big difference. A few girls couldn't make it one was having a major tooth pulled, and one other (I'm assuming) had family stuff come up, they were missed but hopefully can make it to the next one. Everyone seemed to be extemely relaxed, less stressed and the overall atmosphere was great.
I did sew 3 table runners, 18 sets of 4 coasters, bound 2 wallhangings, cut out one more wallhanging, and started another purse. Now we did a little bit of shopping I was a good girl only purchased 10 yards of muslin, 8 yards of fabric, a couple of pictures and a couple of autumn style ornaments.
I think today I'll quilt out those table runners and get them bound so I can put them in the craft mall ( BTW if your in Chillicothe, I'm in the craft mall on high street, very nice one, I'm in the first row.).
Can't wait for my last one of the year which will be in October, then start getting ready for 2011 ones!!!
Well Laundry is calling my name, man I need a maid so I can sew more, LOL.
Many blessings to you all..

School Supplies!!! yea~~~

2010-07-27T18:29:00.002-04:00

Who doesn't like to see shelves filled with new school supplies at some wonderful prices??? Me, Me, and Me~~~ I was always like a magnet with school or office supplies.
Well after visiting Wal Greens today getting some good deals on school supplies for Caleb PLUS getting some for me as well. Nope not going back to school but to use in my quilt room.
Great deals on the following at area stores.
Binders great colors to use to store patterns, magazine patterns ( cut out and throw/donate the rest of the magazine), or articles. Plus a lot of the sleeves to put them in on sale as well.
Mechanical Pencils Yep a whole package for $1.00 great to use in the sewing room.
Glue Sticks - nothing like the washable glue sticks for Paper piecing.
Tracing paper to use for paper piecing and applique pieces as well.
Paper nothing like stocking up so you can print out those great patterns/articles on the web, then stash them in the binder you just bought
Calculators some in great flashy color that scream you, to do those math/measurement problems.
Notebooks nothing like using them to write your dream quilts to do, make a list of the books you have so you can make sure you don't buy another one. How many of us have done that.. plus they come in some neat designs/colors/sizes. I know one gal glues snippets of fabric in a small notebook to keep with her in case she finds something to go with it..
Post it Pads great for marking magazine patterns/ideas you want to go back through, or on in a book, or to use on tops to make their measurements so you don't forget.
Dry Erase Boards great to use to doodle machine quilting designs.
Totes great time to find some cool colors to store projects in, fabric, and lots more.
Labeling Gun label those totes and binders so you can quickly find that project.
File Boxes use to store patterns in there under purses/applique/seasons etc.

Am I missing any more???? Any other ideas???

Please feel free to share them, I'd love to hear some more...

Playing in the sewing room

2010-07-21T12:33:00.004-04:00

Well been piddling out in the sewing room. I'm getting back to sewing and dollmaking. I hate being in a slump. Since I got a booth at the local craft mall, mostly to get my creative juices flowing & get me back into dollmaking. I miss the creativity of it all. Plus after going to the quilt show really give me the umph to sew....
So here is something I finished up today. I thought she turned out kinda cut. The quilt picture is one of the kits I bought in Tennessee, cut out and sewed together in a couple of days. I made this for my husband Clyde as a thank you for letting me have a week with some wonderful gals at the quilt shows. Now I just need to quilt it for him. This is the 3rd or 4th deer quilt I've made him. He loves to hunt deer. I'm lucky to have such a supportive husband, truely blessed.
Wonder what else I can get into later today before church tonight since dinner is in the crockpot. I love my crockpot, such a time saver especially when I'd rather sew something. :)

Home From AQS Knoxville show

2010-07-18T20:50:00.003-04:00

Got home early Evening yesterday from the AQS Show in Knoxville, Tenn. Had such a wonderful time spending with friends, sewing, going to some local quilt shows, and the Quilt show as well.
So lets start with the AQS Show. Very nice show, nicely put together. Lots of different type of vendors, would have like to seen some different designers or quilt pattern companies. I'd like to see some of the shops lower some of their prices as well. Yardages were around $9.00- $10.00, fat quarters were around $2.50,not a lot of "deals" going on. I like going to a quilt show trying to find something different, a deal or maybe see a sample and think "wow" I gotta have it. Which I did have a couple of "wow" moments but they were sold outta of the kits, on the first day!! Which shows they had some great samples made up. There was a great variety of quilts on display.There was a lot of "bling" on the them, but my heart tugs on the traditional quilts. I do wonder where the ones that are hand quilted, with a spin on a traditional blocks. I do get tired of the contempory ones. I can respect them, enjoy the creativity, and appreciate them but they don't make me want to make them.
The area quilt shops around seiverville / pigeon forge area was fun. We stopped at machine quilting by Iva. Very nice shop, friendly staff, great selection, and very clean. Lots of patterns, not a whole lot of books ( but I'm not a book person so didn't bother me), lots of purse books, and nice selection of different kinds of fabrics. Now they do have a dog in there to greet you. The gals were nice/friendly and lots of help. Lots of nooks and crannies to check out. Would go back in a heart beat.
Stopped in to Pappy's Quilt Shop in Marysville. Worth the drive. Very opened area, clean, lots of selections. Like the type of fabric grouped together. ( 30's, kansas troubles, black/whites), not too much on machine quilting thread, no biggie there. Nice selection of samples to drool over. Have a indoor/outdoor gray cat there, so just a note on that.Prices on fabric were very nice $8.00 and up. Some great strips they did themselves. The owner was there and was very friendly and her staff was fun and helpful. Really like it.
The other one is the Cherry Pit down in Seiverville. I have this in my Quilt Sampler so was excited to visit it. They had some wonderful samplers, great fat quarter selection. Hardly any thread just one kind. Different selection of fabric. I wasn't very thrilled with the staff, seemed kinda snobbish in a way, which might have been because they were a little busy. One gal wanted to take a picture of the shop, & the one gal said NO, almost in a harsh tone which I felt embarresed the gal with the camera. Then the lady went on in a very harsh tone, we don't let anyone take pictures unless you buy a kit & you take a picture of that only. After that I was ready to go. I did however buy some oranges for pumpkins. Their prices were on the $9.00 plus end. I don't know if I would return there or not, maybe change my mind in another setting or if wasn't busy. wait and see on that one.
I know I had a great time overall..... can't wait to go next year I hope to asked back. :)
will post more later.

Arrived in Tennessee

2010-07-13T05:33:00.002-04:00

So much has happened since I last posted. Let's see, I had a quilt retreat at the beginning of May with a bunch of wonderful gals from the Ohioquilters yahoo group. Shopped until we dropped at some great quilt shops, ate some wonderful food from some good restaurants ( plus our caterer we had at the hotel), laughed until we almost cried ( well maybe I had some tears in my eyes a few times) and just sewed our behinds off. I just love that retreat, nothing like it.
Then school ended for my youngest Caleb, he is moving on to the 7th grade. Yea him ended on the A/B honor roll. So I'm a very proud mom.
As you all know my step mom passed away in February, then my brother in law passed away at the end of May.
I've been helping my Dad go through all of my late step mom's sewing/crafting room, he decided he wanted to yard sale everything since he has no use for it. So down into the basement we go. Many days & tons of totes/cabinets/drawers/boxes later the yard sale finally arrived July 9 & 10th. After two days of bringing things up from the basement, out of the closets & cupboards it arrived. Just to give you an Idea of a portion of what we were dealing with, We ended up just in fabric 6 - six foot tables of nothing but fabric stacked up to my chest ( I'm 5'3")3 tables filled with assorted craft supplies from cross stitching, floral, dollmaking and tole painting. I won't even tell you about the books or Christmas items. My dad was very please with the outcome & so was I.
So after that is all said and done I leave with a friend to Seiverville, Tennessee on Monday. Had great traveling weather & traffic. Had to stop at a cracker barrel for some lunch, nothing like starting a vacation with either good food or a quilt shop. Unpacked my van with all of my stuff for the week & looking forward to the Knoxville AQS show come Wednesday. One of the funny things as I'm unpacking I run into a group of gals from Mt. Sterling here at the Condos we staying at.
Today heading over to Holloway Quilts, lunch & maybe the pattern place near the old mill. I'll keep you posted, hopefully I can upload some pictures if I can figure out how to do it directly to the computer without the card reader.
Pray for good weather and good times.

Retreat Next Week!!

2010-04-23T07:52:00.002-04:00

Retreat is Next week!!! Yea Me!!! I can't wait, have so much fun with some awesome ladies. We laugh, tease each other, share stories some with way too much information, LOL, eat some great food, oh yea even sew a stitch or two. I'm not sure what I'm bringing to work on for 3 wonderful days. I've got 2 quilts machine quilted out ready for binding to be put on, one quilt for downy's project, so I'm hoping to get another couple machine quilted so I can finish them up. I think I'll make another buckeye quilt, maybe bring some totes to finish up, not sure what else.. I always overpack, I don't think I'm alone with that problem.
I believe every quilter needs to go to a fun retreat, you just have so much fun, plus you get uninterupted sewing. You just never know who you might find a lasting friendship with that could last a life time.
I think the hardest part is figuring out what to take to sew on, plus not forgetting something. If it wasn't for my list making I'd forget so much. one time I forgot to pack socks, so I got new ones, I forgot to put my shirts in my van, so I had to get new ones cause I don't think I could wear the same one for the whole retreat. I guess there was silver lining in those "forgets". The sewing stuff was more important then clothes anyway right??? LOL
Well off to machine quilt some before I get me an hour massage today, love those makes my day, great way to start off the weekend!!!
God Bless

Beautiful April

2010-04-19T15:49:00.004-04:00

This has been such a beautiful month, my lilac bush is blooming, along with my tulips. Spring is here~~
Been crazy too, still going thru the my step moms stuff, lots of stuff is all I can say. Hopefully got through all of the fabric, now to start on the craft stuff, thread, and the rest of the sewing stuff. Glad dad is going to handle all of the wood stuff.
I'm getting ready for the Ohio quilters Annual Retreat next week. It is such a wonderful time spent with some great ladies, awesome food, time to just sew, relax and view some of God's Beautiful Country side. Trying to get all of the stuff I bring since I head it up, plus get all of my stuff cut out & ready to see. Saves so much time. I place all of them in huge ziploc bags with the patterns or in a plastic container. I usually take around 4 or so, incase I get bored. How many do you usually take?? curious minds want to know. I also have a check off list which makes things so much easier, plus I don't forget anything.
I still need to decide on what to bring for snackin?? Any ideas??? I love to try new recipes. especially quick & easy but oh so tasty.
Oh an update on my "babies" (kittens) they are doing so wonderful. They are all starting to walk & play with each other. I have one that is super vocal, one that is shy, and two that love to play with each other. I'll have to get an updated picture on here.
Have a great day...

Beautiful April

2010-04-19T15:49:00.001-04:00

April is here

2010-04-05T21:25:00.002-04:00

Spring I believe is here, have some tulips getting ready to bloom, daffodils are blooming, the birds are singing plus the spring peepers are peeping. I'll be leaving the end of the month for the annual Berlin, Ohio Quilt Retreat. It is so much fun reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones. Veggin' out just sewing, yacking, eating and tons of laughing. I already started my list of things to bring.

Been cleaning the basement for my dad of my step mom's craft/sewing stuff. All I can say I hope I don't leave Clyde with so much stuff to go through. I went through around 4 1/2 totes of nothing but fabric, counted 14 more to go, not including the rest of the craft stuff. Gonna take a few days to just go thru the fabric. It has been kinda fun listening and talking with Dad so it so worth the time being spent.

The kitten are growing, one has one eye opened, they are sooo cute~~~ Going to be hard to give them away.

Easter was awesome, I love sunrise service, just a wonderful time. It is such a great time of the year to be reminded what Jesus has done for us, and to give thanks to him for every blessing he gives each and one of us.

New babies & new bag~~~

2010-03-30T15:37:00.003-04:00

We got new kittens born on Palm Sunday, how cool is that!!! We had a stray cat that was dropped off, we needless to say she got pregnant very quickly. Saturday she came into my sewing room ( which BTW is a converted garage) looking all over the place, figured she was looking for a safe spot for her babies. So I got a box, put in some scrap batting, got some food/water/litter box all set up for her. Locked her in, checked on her before church on sunday, 2 were born, by 4 o'clock Sunday 3 more. She is such a good mommy. I put the box under my sewing table with some fabric to make it look like they are hiding. :) Now I've got to find good parents for them when the time is right, then off to get her fixed, no more kittens for us, we have enough stray cats as it is. So I'll do as bob barker says "get your pets spayed/neutered". LOL.

Today I decide to piddle around in the sewing room. Slowly getting ready for the big OhioQuilters retreat come May. Then boom, got distracted~~~ doesn't take much for me, LOL. So I made me a new wonder wallet, my old one was wearing out. I'm sure Clyde would say it due to my credit cards and money in that thing straining the seams, hehehe. I'm going to make another one just to put those store cards that you need to pull out to get points etc on. I hate trying to find them in my purse. Then I made a new what I'm using for a makeup bag. My other one needed replaced. I had a pattern from This & That, which I loved, so I sewed it up pretty quickly. I used some of my Kansas trouble scraps, and tweaked it a little bit. I really liked how it turned out, very easy to follow instructions which I appreciate. I'm such a visual person when it comes to putting something together.

Off to finish dinner and throw another load of towels in the washer~~~

March Long Month

2010-03-26T07:57:00.002-04:00

March was one long month. Usually a pretty good month, love to see spring peaking through the ground, making me want to get out my flower/gardening magazines to see what flowers I want to order.

Well my step mom passed away after a long battle with cancer towards the end of February. One good thing is I got to see such a tender side of my Dad taking care of her in the last week of her life. He stayed by her side, and wouldn't let anyone else take care of her, was just beautiful. She got saved before her time here on Earth was gone, God is so Good.

Next I celebrated my 40th Birthday. Clyde got me a new Kitchen Aid Artisan Mixer, silver in color. I told him black or silver back during Christmas. I just love that baby, making homemade noodles is so worth the money with it!!! I can't say enough about it, cookies are a dream, mixes very nicely. So now on the prowl to find attachments. :-) I definitely want the one to strain vegetables so I can make some tomato juice this summer. Needless to say he got an Atta boy award for it!!! Remember Happy Wife = Happy life!!! Well the fun stopped after that, had to do the 40 yr old mammogram, already had some before that so no biggy. So I thought~~ They found some clusters of cells that wasn't there in 2008 mammogram. Guess what got to experience my first biopsy. I will say this avoid it all possible. Wasn't' too bad actually, the two worst things is laying on your stomach for the whole procedure the other 1st initial "stick" to numb it, other then that was fine. I did get the results, all negative!! Praise God for it!!! So girls be sure to get your annual checkups, because you only get one pair. Unless you trade your old pair for a new pair!!!

I'll post tomorrow about the retreat I went to later, was such a blast & made a top plus a purse!!

Got snow?? I do~~

2010-02-06T16:22:00.008-05:00

Well we got hit here in southern ohio about 7 or so inches of snow between friday and saturday. It is so pretty. Makes me want to stay in put some homemade soup on the stove and sew all day which is what i've been doing. I have over 1/2 of my 24 blocks completed for a top except the boarders. So atleast some good is coming out of it. Our pastor Rich stopped over and helped plow our driveway which helped out a lot. Got some paths shoveled out to the garages, chicken coop and birdfeeder. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Suppose to be another snow front come in around Tuesday maybe i'll get some more sewing done. I think I'll work on the Ohioquilters Retreat Stuff since I"m getting the application and monies in, finalize some of the rooming list and then hit the waiting list. But I may not have to this year which I guess is a good thing. I must be doing something right if I have people coming back every year. I'm on my 10th year doing this & having a blast. Can't wait until May nothing like good friends, laughter, good food, sewing till your hearts content, sharing, and shopping~~ yep perfect Quilters weekend, not to forget the setting in the heart of Amish country in Ohio~~~ Stay warm everyone & be sure to share some kindness with someone. Kindness goes a long way.

February BOM

2010-02-03T15:07:00.019-05:00

Well here is the block I picked out for February. it is called Rosebud, how fitting for the "love" month. Now when you pick out your fabric for this block you can go 2 ways. (1) you can use 2 color fabrics OR (2) Use 3 color fabrics, like I did, i mostly picked 3 colors because I was thinking of a flower bud.
Still doing a 12" finished Block
Out of the Light fabric cut 2 squares size 6 7/8" and cut 6 squares size 2 7/8". **** Please note when I do triangles I bump up the next size because I have a problem with my triangles coming out right, then once they are sewn I trim them. Use your own way***
Our of the dark/Medium fabric cut 2 squares 4 7/8" and 4 squares 2 7/8". **** Now if your doing a 3 color ways which is what mine is done in the 4 squares need to be of a lighter color***
Take your light/dark 2 7/8" squares, put them RST (right sides together) mark a line from one point to another, you will have 2 extra light squares, set those aside.

you will sew 1/4" down both sides of the line you marked, cut those in half to get 1/2 square triangles. You will have 8 sets, Press and cut off the dog ears.

Now take the remainder of all of your squares and cut in 1/2 to form triangles. ( yes all of them all light dark/medium)Take the four light small triangles and sew them as posted in the pictures. press and trim.

then take the 4 7/8" dark/medium triangles and sew them to the smaller triangles. press and trim. Check out the pictures.

Take the large light triangles and sew them onto the "bud" to get a "block". You Should have four of
them. Then sew the four "blocks" to make one large block as scene in the picture. I hope you like this block, Next month promise no triangles. LOL.

One Quilt Down 3 more to go

2010-01-26T09:06:00.004-05:00

Well finally got one of the commissioned quilts done, the top that is. Going on the frame tomorrow for quilting. It started out just 3 quilts then talked to her yesterday and she asked me to do another one. She said just when I can get them done. Yea!! So here is the green one. Sorry on it's side but you get the idea. The other one I'm finishing up is blue and white. different pattern. They are for a couple little girls, one loves green one loves blue. This was such an easy pattern with four patches and 1/2 square triangles, 12 1/2" blocks with a total of 24 blocks, a 3" inner border and a 4 1/2" outer border. Now onto piecing the blocks for the 2nd one. I'm hoping this gets me motivated to sew more this year, plus going on 4-5 retreats this year should help out!! Next retreat is March I can't wait, nothing like fun true friends, great food, and beautiful place to sew.

January BOM

2010-01-12T20:33:00.002-05:00

Here is the January BOM. This is my first try at this so please be patient with me. Hopefully I explain it in laymens terms. Keep in mind use a scant 1/4" seam. Usually after I sew a section I measure to make sure I have that 1/4" seam.

First you will need 3 fabrics, one light, one medium, and one dark. This is great to use your scraps. It makes ONE finished 12" block.

Light fabric you will need ONE- 7 1/4" square, ONE 6 1/2" square and FOUR 3 1/2" squares cut out. Medium Fabric you will need TWO - 4 1/4" squares. Dark fabric you will need TWO - 4 1/4" squares cut out. Now the picture will say Medium but the Navy should be DARK fabric instead of MEDIUM. Sorry

Now you will need to take the 7 1/4" Light fabric and cut it into forths. Cut corner to corner to get 4 triangles. Both the Medium & Dark squares you will need to cut into forths. Cut corner to corner to get a total of 8 triangles out of each square.Next match up your Medium and Dark triangle to look like the picture. You will need to make 4 sets of each side. Make sure you trim off the "dog ears" and press them to the light side. Pressing and trimming make the blocks turn out nice.

Take your medium/dark triangles and match them up with the light triangles. Sew up one set of triangles do all four, press and trim. Then sew up the other set of triangles down the other side of the light triangles. Press and trim. Should have a total of 4 sets.

Then take 2 of the triangle sets and sew the 4 squares on the ends. Take the reminding two triangle sets and sew them along the large 6 1/2" light square.

The last part is matching the seams and sewing the block together. The blocks is called Aunt Addie's Album. I hope you like the block, it is one of my favorites. Looks like a star. Let me know what you think. Have a great day.

bought fabric finally

2010-01-11T16:05:00.005-05:00

Well after a week inside due to lots of snow and Caleb not having school, it felt great getting out doing some shopping. Had lunch with a friend, ate way to much olive garden salad but went the healthy route with soup instead of one of their yummy lunch items. First started out at Joann fabrics, walked out with a magazine, yep that is it, good girl.... Stopped at Hobby lobby no fabric or quilty items bought, but did manage a wonderful smelling candle Carmel latte, almost could eat that puppy it smelt so good. I also got some items for a bracelet, might wear it tonight to women's fellowship meeting once I put together. Made another stop at the library, then thought hhhmm been awhile since I've been in the quilt shop one block up. ( Darn it for being on the street that heads out of town, the conspiracy) So in I go... Was greeted with hey end of the bolt sale this week. Buy end of the bolt and get 30% off well, gee thanks just what I needed to hear especially after I've tried being a good girl and use my stash first. I mean a sale is music to a quilters ears, makes her want to do a little dance or a cart wheel or two while saying "wwweeeeee". So I did very very good, I came out with 3 pieces of fabric, after putting down 4 more bolts. I thought well I don't get paid until wednesday so if they are still there they are mine, a sign right??? Here is what I got:

The green is a Kansas Trouble wildflower Serenade. The tan/greenish/blue is a Portabello Market by 3 sisters. The dark brown with the pink is Collection for a Cause. I had some of the brown/pink from an earlier purchase thought well just incase I can't get it anymore better get it now since at my LQS once it is gone it is gone from that shop. Headed home finally. Now tomorrow to work on some BOM for Ohioquilters group and do the January ones from my online KT group. oh to sew again, hopefully this year a lot better then last year. No mojo for sewing, just couldn't get into for some reason.

2010 new year New Start

2010-01-05T13:49:00.003-05:00

Finally the new year has came & boy did it. Our family was hit with an awful stomach virus right after we rang in the New Year. Atleast after one had it for 12 hours then another one got it, good thing cause we only have one bathroom!!!

So this year I decided to make some changes for one I want to blog more, get out more, and use up some of my stash. so I made a top 10 quilty resolutions or maybe as a dear friend of mine said goals. :) ( love ya Ann) Here are mine, what is yours?

1) Finish all 13 of my quilt tops that is below my quilt frame Quilted before June.
2) Make my Aunts quilts for her Grandbabies all 3
3) Keep my sewing room Cleaned & organized
4) Give away quilts this year without worry what kind of home they are going to. I'm so bad with this cause some have shown me in the past they don't care of time it takes to make it let alone the cost it can take, some fabric is up to $9.00 a yard. I hate to spend all the time in it let alone to use cheap fabric, not my style. They didn't appreciate it, that part sucks, hard to overcome that, but going to this year. :) Who knows maybe everyone will get a quilt.
5) Go on more quilt retreats/stores/ shows with my awesome friends & have lots of fun without feeling guilty leaving my family.
6) Only buy that I truely LOVE not just to say "I have some of that" & work out of my stash before I buy.
7) Don't let all of my tops collect dust without them being quilted first. ( I have trouble quilting them out I'm a topper I guess) 8) Finally get back to some weekly sewing. 9) Go thru my stacks/files/baskets of patterns, get the fabrics to go with them & "kit" them up so I sew up. Or get rid of them. 10) Get started on Christmas gifts sooner & feel good about giving them away. Review #4

I dropped alot of my yahoo groups I wasn't getting anything from, and joined a 30's fabric group to help me cut fabric, swap and use finally. I've been collecting 30's fabric for way over 10 years which started with my love of old quilts and the aunt grace collection. Time to use this stuff up. My worst fear is having my husband get rid of all of this stuff once I'm gone from this earth, not that I'm dying or anything but something has happened that reminded me how short life truely is. Just something to ponder I guess.

I hope everyone had a wonderful CHRISTmas and a great new year so far!!!

October Month

2009-10-30T19:38:00.002-04:00

Well Halloween is tomorrow, wow the month has slipped by once again. I can't get over how time is just flying by, soon Christmas will be here before we know it. Almost done with physical therapy done on my foot. The foot is doing really good and healing very well, but ( isn't there always a but in a conversation) the ankle is still getting very swelled and the tendon is not stretching like it should. Going up and seeing the doctor next week.

I did manage to go to a get together earlier this month. Was such a wonderful weekend. Sewed some, made a couple of large charm tote bags, put a quilt top together and laughed quite a bit. Ate some wonderful food, slept way to much and had the best weather. Can't wait till i can have another get together with a bunch of quilters, just revives you.

I did get commissioned to make 3 quilts for my aunt's grandkids. I'll take the extra money and put it towards vacation next year. I may start selling some of my tops, totes and table runners to put in my vacation funds. I haven't decided yet on where I'm going. Clyde & I talked about heading out to Montana and such for about a week OR going on a cruise with my mom & step dad to Alaska with Caleb. Clyde said he didn't want to do a cruise. Decisions, decisions~~~~ Either one I'll be hitting some quilt shops no matter where I end up going.

Now off to find a couple different quick and easy quilt patterns to get started.

Happy Halloween

End of month

2009-09-25T07:50:00.002-04:00

Well already end of the month. Time just seems to be flying by. I'm still not walking on my own yet, I'm partial weight bearing now which is a lot better then mashing the couch. I can't wait to get back to driving and doing things I want to do, LOL I'm looking forward to a get away next weekend. I need it, so bad, to be around some wonderful giving, fun ladies just hanging out, talking, relaxing, and just some plain ole girl time. I feel it is important for women to have time to ourselves being ourselves and turning off the wife/mother/sister/helper mode. The group of gals I'll be spending time with are truely wonderful ladies. They are such giving caring women. It is such an honor to know each one of them with their own personalities. We each have different backgrounds, lifestyles and personalities but we accept, appreciate each other, which is so nice. That is why I look forward to my 3 weekend getaways a year with them. Ladies if you are reading this, you ladies ROCK!!!

I'm not sure what I'm going to bring to sew on, but I'm sure will find something to do. Not like I don't have kits all ready to sew and do, hehehe. I'm hoping to get out in the sewing room this weekend. I've been doing some hand work on a couple wallhangings, lots of buttonhole stitching. But I'm sooo done with that, well once it gets done I will be. I can't wait to get to do some quilting on the frame. Maybe because the weather has changed to fall, summer is hard time for me to get into sewing always has been.

wow been a month

2009-09-02T19:50:00.002-04:00

well it has been well over a month since my last posting. geesh were has the time gone??? Well lets see I got my living room all done, new laminated wood floor, freshly painted walls, and all new trim. Looks so pretty. Well also my son Josh has opened up his own business right out of high school. they did an article on him in our local paper. I hope this link works. :) Here it is

http://www.chillicothegazette.com/article/20090831/NEWS01/90831002/1002/HHS-grad-opens-new-downtown-skate-shop.

He has done so well, I hope he continues to do so. He has worked so hard, plus working a part time job after working at the skateboard shop.

In the mean time, i had foot surgery on August 14th. Dr. Janis out of columbus, took out a bone chip, redone my ankle ligament/tendon, realigned my big toe (damaged after year of wearing heels) and cleaned out the cartiledge. So right now I'm in a cast until Septembe 15th then therapy. It has been a life changing experience. I've read a ton of books, stitched a santa wallhanging (lot of buttonhole stitching by hand) and watching mind numbing tv. Clyde has been wonderful since I can't walk on my foot, he has been fixing dinner, doing laundry and light housekeeping, plus Caleb has been helping as well. I'm sure he can't wait till I'm back to "my job" as a domestic engineer.

Now I'm stitching on a pumpkin wall hanging hopefully be done this week. Hopefully I can start back into posting. I'm also on facebook under Carolyn Detty Carl

End of July

2009-07-30T08:59:00.002-04:00

Well it is the end of July. Hard to believe the year is 1/2 over. I got my sewing machine back, she is all cleaned, timing back in tuned, and she has been put back on her frame to begin quilting. Ma & Pa Kettle did a wonderful job with her. If you need a janome or any other machine fix, your around frankfort, ohio area I would recommend them highly. they are in the phone book or google them.

Josh ( my oldest son) is offically in business. We signed the leased, got the licenses, banking accounts and things all set up. Josh's Skate Shop hope will be opened in a couple of weeks, the building was in a great shape so not a lot of work there. He is pretty excited. and so am I~~ So if your in the chillicothe area, be sure to check out Josh's Skate shop at 86 west water. He will be selling skateboards, accessories, and apparel.

Getting ready for a weekend getaway before I have my foot surgery on the 14th. Sooo looking forward for it, now I just need to get my exchange bag all filled up with quilting goodies, making a list of things to bring, and get some projects together to work on. I'm wanting to make up some more pillowcases, want to make a blue/cream quilt to go in my living room.

well we decided to redo our living room in mist of all of this chaos of helping my son with his shop, getaway coming up, and surgery. Woke up last monday to get husbands lunch ready for him, he said " start looking for some flooring for the living room" I about fell out of bed. I've been wanting to redo the living room for a long, long time. I've been talking with him on painting the paneling, so now we went gun ho~~~ We painted the walls in a "winter wheat", picked out some medium oak, laminated wood floor ( which is going in come tomorrow) and still going to pick out a large throw rug maybe next week. I'm so glad this is getting done & turning out so beautiful.

I'll post pictures once it gets done.

Where has the summer gone??

2009-07-20T07:44:00.002-04:00

So where has 1/2 the summer gone?? I mean geesh I just got back from a quilt retreat in May, my son graduated finally. He got top honors in the Business classes, Yea Josh~~ We are so proud of him. Now he is on his own adventure of opening up his own skateboard shop, we've been working very hard on the business plan, finances and figuring it all out. Looking to opening it up come August if all goes well, keeping fingers crossed along with lots of prayers. I haven't been quilting much at all, got into a major slump with it. I'm planning on getting away in a couple of weeks, so that is the motivation I need. I've cut out some 9" squares to do bulleyes blocks figured it would be a good way to use up some scraps, plus a few of us are going to swap out some blocks. One of my quilt machines bit the dust, well the timing went out on my Janome 1600 dbx, taking it to the doctor today to make it all better. I can't complain about her because she is going on 4 years old & has performed wonderfully.

What do you all do to keep motivated?????

Went to Quilt Shop & Lunch with Friends

2009-05-20T15:52:00.002-04:00

Well it has been a whirl wind since I got back from retreat. Between end of the school year and Josh's graduation coming up. We've been running almost everyday, whew~~ will be glad when I'm done and it starts settling down here. Well a couple of us decide to get together and head down to portsmouth to Lil's Quilt Shop where I planned on only getting a couple yards, well that thought left my mind once i stepped into the shop and closed the door behind me. Why is it when you step in there among the fabric, the samples on the walls, patterns calling to you, thread in all kinds of colors and we won't go there about the notions. Maybe someone needs to make one of those bracelets you where where you get shocked everytime you go over your "fabric" limit. Boy I would end up with some wild looking hair, from all of the shocking I'd get. I thought I did pretty good overall. I bought some yummy gutermann brown & cream 876 yards of thread for some quilting. I got some thangles in 1/2" and 3/4" size, perfect for making some mini quilts. I love them babies!!!! Well wouldn't you know it, she had some Kansas Troubles, I just had to see them, well then I had to buy some. I got a packet of 5" charms of Kansas Winter, in drooling colors/patterns of dark tans, blacks, oh the reds to die for and blues~~~. Plus 2 yards of tan paisley print from the season line of kansas troubles. But then I noticed another tan from the seasons line it had tiny black stars, got two yards of it as well. I mean at 6.99 a yard how could I not snatch it up to add to my stash. Recently I have fell in love with this cornflower blue fabrics coming out, saw some I just had to have ( I even put back a bolt of kt for this, LOL, I know pick yourself up off the floor please.~~ oh sorry for not saying spew alert) 3 yards of pattern #15795 from the Kashmir II by Sentimental Studios for Of course wouldn't you know it MODA!! I was done so I thought, then my GF Miz Nurse Nancy bought some 1930's fabric in DAISY's. I love those colors in daisys can't resist them, so I got a yard of it, also in blue and white. Good thing we decided to get some lunch. We headed over to the ribber for some wonderful BBQ. We all ended up with BBQ Sandwiches, chips and pickle. We decided to all order other things and share, we got onion rings, ribber fries, deep fried mushrooms and zuchinni deep fried. All was yummy. I ended up bringing leftovers back way too much they gave us. Perfect ending shared with friends, fabric and food~~~

I hope you all had a great day as well. now I just need to get back to sewing.

Home from Retreat

2009-05-04T20:56:00.001-04:00

Well got back from Retreat yesterday wore plum out~~~It was such a wonderful time, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. I made a new purse with help from Sue F, who was a wonderful patient teacher to us all. The mystery quilt looked so cool can't wait to make it, and the rag jacket the gals did are so beautiful. We ate great food, the chicken one night was wonderful. We laughed so much our sides were killing. Shopping was awesome I even went for awhile, thanks to my husband giving me some extra cash to spend. I even bought some new bunny patterns. I still have to put all of my sewing stuff back in the right spot, hopefully this week I 'll find some time. Lots going on this week. I can't wait to go back same time, same place and lots of the same friends. The gals there rocked this year~~~~

Leaving Tomorrow~~~

2009-04-29T06:59:00.002-04:00

Heading out tomorrow for retreat. I'll be leaving very early in the morning. For the most part I'm all packed. Going to cut out some things to work on for retreat and pack up all of the retreat stuff into the van tonight except my personal stuff. I'll pack all of it tomorrow before I leave out of here. I'm so looking forward in going, nice relaxing place, no cooking, lots of good food, great people, and nothing but doing what I want, LOL. Plus no kids or husband wanting you to do something or get them something. I think more women ought to do a get away more often, makes your family for one appreciate you more plus it is good for the soul. Sometimes we just need a break from everyday life and pamper ourselves. So today I'll be heading to town to finish up some last minute errands and pick up a few things. I wish the weather would be better, I"m kinda tired of rain.

3 more sleeps to go

2009-04-27T07:31:00.002-04:00

Well it is 3 more sleeps until I leave for retreat. I still have lots to do. I still need to cut out the mystery quilt and quilt some fabric to make bags. I need to gather some things for the quilters yard sale. I haven't even made my soup yet to take and share. Going to make some taco soup, love that stuff. But I could eat soup any time of the year. Also need to make some type of dessert/snack to share as well. Not sure on what I'll bring them. Cookies are always a good thing.

I won't even pack my clothes until that morning, since I was reminded on my last post I didn't include that. I even bought some new pj's to wear, a pair of hello kitty lounge pants and a pair of new pink slippers. So all set. I need to get a couple more rechargeable batteries for my camera, hate it when they die out while during show and tell.

Things for Retreat

2009-04-22T07:54:00.002-04:00

Since I've been getting ready for retreat I thought I would share with you my list of stuff I take with me. I'm such a list maker, always afraid I'm going to forget something.

My list: sewing machine ( that is a given), sewing machine feet, machine cords, extra needles, prewound bobbins, thread, small sissors, large sissors, needle threaders, hand needles, machine sewing oil, makeup eye brush ( i use this to clean the fuzzies out of my machine) , tape measure, small filing board ( great to use for sharpening needle or filing off a burr off of a needle), pattern(s), fabric for project, flannel backed tablecloth ( use it to put my blocks on, design board), tweezers, seam ripper(s), glue stick, pin cushion, extra flower pins, applique pins, rotary cutter with extra blades, masking tape, micro pins, pencils, marking pencils, small screwdriver, extension cord, surge protector, post it notes, pencil sharpener, ott light, small iron and ironing board, a couple of rulers and cutting mat, a foot stool ( great to put my left foot on to keep the pressure off my back), snacks, thread holder, and bandaids.

So what all do you pack that isn't on my list, that i might add???

Retreat almost here

2009-04-14T11:44:00.003-04:00

Hard to believe I'll be leaving for the Ohio Quilters retreat in 16 days. It is so much fun. I've got a great group of ladies coming to this year. We do have so much fun. Last year was one of the best I've every hosted. It was so relaxing, no drama for once, no complaints. I love doing this but at times it becomes so emotional probable due to the fact I take too many things personal. I just want everyone to have a good time. For the past few years I've had some women I just couldn't have made them happy no matter how hard I tried. I guess they finally decided that I couldn't so they decided not to come anymore. But I didn't realize at the time until the following year, after a quite a few gals came up to me & said they were considering not coming any more because of the drama they created. Some of things I didn't even know was going on, talk about being in the dark. Which I thought was so sad to let others take away something that you enjoy. I mean to create drama that others don't even want to sit near you, how sad is that. So this year should be just as fun as last year since everyone is coming back except 4 gals who couldn't make it but are planning for 2010. We've got a rag jacket class, vera bradley style purse and a mystery quilt planned for the weekend. Not including fat quarter bingo which becomes so funny at times. If you've never been to a quilt retreat consider it, only bad thing is once you've been to a good one, you'll want to go to more. Nothing like it, I mean your food is catered in, you have endless sewing time, no time restrictions and sharing the passion that connects you to other women. Plus if you can do some shopping that is topping on the cake, LOL. How could you not like it, well I guess you could if your sitting next to a drama queen(s) that almost demand your attention constantly or whines/complains about everything. If that is the case move quick if you can, or put in some ear buds to zone them out.
ONe of the other hardest things about going to a retreat is figuring out what to bring to work on. I know I overpack too many projects, but oh well never know what tickles my fancy to work on. I haven't even started packing any projects yet!!!! Pray for me, LOL I did however get the goodie bags for the gals all ready, working later today on packing up the door prizes. Maybe once that gets done I'll start packing my own things, I hope.

Have a good day~~~

Retreat Donations

2009-03-23T08:36:00.004-04:00

I'm getting ready for the May Ohioquilters email group retreat. We've been getting some wonderful donations to use for door prizes, goodie bags and the raffle that will be benefiting the James cancer center and Ohio diabetic association. It is just like Christmas opening up what the ups or usps drops off. Once they all get here then in a couple of weeks I'll start going through to decide what goes where, get all of the goodie bags stuffed with items, name tags made and the rest of the endless tasks to be completed before I pack my van full of goodies to the retreat. I love going up there to Amish county in beautiful Ohio, so relaxing, great shopping and lots of fun with wonderful group of ladies. I've got a couple of openings if someone is interested in coming, just email me or check out www.ohioquilter.net for the information. We are doing a mystery quilt, a rag jacket, a vera bradley style purse, fat quarter bingo, show & tell, plus a few surprises. Everything is all optional to participate or not. Not to mention the wonderful food prepared by a great Mennonite family. Well heading out to the sewing room to work on a surprise for the retreaters. Hard to go out there when it is soooo beautiful outside, tulips are coming up, crocuses are blooming, maybe I'll spend a couple hours in the flower beds.

My new Bag

2009-03-13T08:37:00.003-04:00

Well this is the bag I did the other weekend. I just love it. Done with 5" charms. It is sooooo large and roomie. It has become my carry all bag. You see I always have a bag with me to take from house to van, to carry stuff. Since I got my arm damaged 11 years ago, I have a hard time carry things with that arm, sometime it just lets go & I don't when that will happen. So I started carrying a longaberger basket with me or a tote of some kind. I really love those environmental reusable shopping bags from sams club, because they hold a lot of stuff. Well a friend made this bag, I fell in love with it, so I had to make one. I use it all the time now. I can carry my library books, my stuff I have to drop off somewhere and then on the way home from town. i put all of my little bags of things I purchased in it, so I'm not carrying a bunch of stuff at one time. I'm planning on making me a couple more. I thought this would be a great bag to take on trips or on a quilt retreat ( which I have one coming up in May, Yipee!!). It measures almost 20" long and around 9" wide. The only thing I don't like, the pattern calls to make it with fusible fleece, well to me it don't have enough stand up on your own structure. So I'm planning on making my others with some peltex to give it a little more humph!!! Since it is quilted out would hold together so much nicer. I used all kansas troubles fabric. The other ones I'll also use Kt but have some fabric in pinks/browns I'm going to use too.

Finally Done something

2009-03-03T08:16:00.003-05:00

Well I did got my antique roses quilt done!!!! Yea~~~ I just need to add another border but not sure what yet. But so glad it is more or less done. I also got the rag quilt done all except the clipping. I'm so not looking forward to doing all of the clipping. I did up 2 pillowcases plus a purse/tote. Finally got some major sewing done. Gosh it felt so good to get somethings done. It has been a long time since I was sewing, way to long. Now I just need to put my sewing room back together. I'm collecting a laundry basket of things to get rid of so hopefully I can add to that today. clutter drives me nuts sometimes, just feels like you can't breathe. It becomes overwhelming to me when it piles up, feels like you don't know where to begin at times. So I try to keep it under control. I feel if you keep it under control you use less time keeping things organized, i have more time to do what I love or want to do. I guess it is a control thing with me, LOL. I hope you all are having a good week & doing some sewing~~~~

Cool Looking Purses

2009-02-19T06:29:00.001-05:00

I came across this ladies blog thru my grace machine quilters group. She has some awesome purses & bags for sale. Very pretty indeed. Here is a link to her blog http://www.bagsnrags.blogspot.com/ Here is a link to her etsy shop where you can buy them. www.gin1906.etsy.com A little bit of eye candy this morning, since it is 6:30 am here is windy ohio.

Sewing Organization - FABRIC part one

2009-02-17T11:54:00.001-05:00

Okay first thing we are going to do, you got a whole week to dive into it and try to get it done!!start with your stash, clean them out GF's. keep those fabrics that make your heart sing, bring a tear to your eyes, you just want to pet them, you love the look of them together, and so on. The ones you could do with out, this is the hard part. you can do a few things with them.

1) sew them together and use them for backings of quilts. I've seen some just as pretty as the front. Just put them in a certain spot just for your backing fabrics.

2) measure them out and sell them in yardages, fat quarters, 1/2 yards etc. Use this money from the sell to buy new fabric, storage items, or put it back for an upcomigng retreat you want to attend.

3) donate it to a place that make charity quilts or to your own guild if they do that. Knowing that someone will fall in love with that fabric you no longer love is a great feeling.

4) make some rag quilts or rugs from them. The rag quilts could be kept in your ( or a family members car) to be used if you get stuck in your car, take to a game to keep warm or maybe someone might need one you can give it to as well.

5) make some "blankets" for your local animal shelter, check with them for the requirements.

6) Do a barter system with your quilty friends, make a party out of it, do some trading, never know what your friends might want to barter for to have that fabric.

Anyone else have more ideas. Next week we will talk about storing that gorgeous fabric in various ways, this way it will give you some time to go thru it all, sort it. keep in mind, just because you bought it and no longer love it there is nothing wrong with us women changing our minds or preferences. Think of the sheer pleasure of unloading all of the stress it has on you. Have fun. Have some gals over to help you out. Remember once it is in the " don't love" anymore don't bring it back out UNLESS you put in the backing only pile!!!

Sewing organization part 3

2009-02-08T15:46:00.002-05:00

okay ladies we are going to hit up fat quarters ( 18x22" fabric) and 1/2 yardsThese are such yummy little pieces of fabrics that are so hard to resist. So lets start by going thru them. Get rid of the ones that don't appeal to you put them in a seperate pile. Now your Keeper pile, made sure they are all folded up nice and neat. you can seperate them by color or style or whatever suites your taste/needs.

Here are several options to store them babies.

cd towers/holders. These are great to use to store them in, stack them, heck you can hang them on the wall also.

Canvas Shoe Bag that goes into closets. great to use.

Sweater boxes/bags great to store under the bed or stack them.

Shoe Rack holder, cubby holder. aka grid cubes

Fat quarters and 1/2 yards can be folded into 1/4th's then 1/4th's again, which fit nicely into the Sterlite CD boxes on end, so you can see all the fabric in the box

Fat Quilter tote http://store. quilting- warehouse. com/083423. html

Fat Quarter organizer http://store. quilting- warehouse. com/084472. html

cabinet with drawers, placing them upright, way to fit a bunch in one drawer.

baskets you can roll them up secure with yarn or rubber bands

photo boxes, label the outside the colors/style inside

rolling plastic cart with wheels Look in your office supply store for a rolling cabinet. Often, the drawers are the perfect size for these cuts, plus you can pull it over to your sewing area when you're selecting your fabrics.

look for orphan drawers when you're shopping. You can stack your fabric in them and then stand them on a shelf or table. old sewing drawers are cool. make sure to label on the outside what is in the inside as in color, type ( nature, plaids etc)

This eliminates your time searching for that perfect piece. Give you more sewing time.Keep them organized

Avoid really large, deep bins as they are harder to sort through and can get heavy if overloaded

Think outside of the box, get creative and fun with it.Take your pile of i don't love anymore, sell them to buy your storage organizers, take them to your next quilt retreat to play fat quarter bingo ( cause someone might just love your i don't love anymore fabric), give them to someone who makes charity quilts, used them to line the inside of a purse or tote, or at your next quilt guild meeting do a fabric swap. Just don't let them mix with your keeper fabric.

anyone have any other ideas?? Pictures???

Sewing organization part 2

2009-02-02T07:35:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the delay but been without power for 4 days due to ice storm here in southern ohio.

Okay you ladies lets start on another part of your sewing room. Hopefully you all are finished with the magazines or atleast near the end.

Books and Patterns~~~Lets's start with patterns. I go thru my patterns every 3-6 months and dish out the ones that no longer "wow" me or inspire me. I've got mine in a square basket so when it get's filled up I go and get rid of the ones that i no long have an interest in. As women you all know our taste change along with our mind, which is what is so great about us. I also have some patterns that I keep in a hanging folder(s) in a file box that is labeled quilt patterns, doll patterns, rug hooking, purse patterns, and so on. You label them to what suites your taste. another idea for those patterns that has those applique pieces that you need to use over and over. I put those in a manilla envelope with the pattern taped on the front so I know what is inside. .

Places to store your patterns:file cabinet or file box ( the plastic kind that holds hanging folders)an accordian type file box,basket, plastic container, cardboard box just the size for those patterns, Mailing boxes , Binders with the sleeves

You can put your items for sale ( here on fridays), ebay, etsy, and so on, give to a fellow quilter or do an exchange with other quilters ( trade patterns) , put on local freecycle, give to senior citizen place where they have recreation director, or give to your guild as a giveaway. The main thing is purging, asking your self how many is a good number to keep on hand & stick to it. Are you really going to make it? Do I like it that much? How long have i had this? (i mean if you haven't made it 5-10 yrs since you bought it most likely you won't)Keep it simple and fun.

Books: This is going to be the hard one. That is why I'm starting it now and you all until this coming sunday to get them done. I really don't keep a lot of books I have maybe around 50 books. The reason is because I don't buy a book unless It has 2-3 quilts or items I want to make out of it, I just can't justify the price. Go thru your books, get three piles going, one that you are definely keeping ( prying it out of your cold dead hands keeping), ones why did I spend my money on this pile, and not sure of pile. After you go thru them all, place the keeping ones back on a shelf. the ones not sure of, go thru them, figure out why do you like them, is it worth keeping, can I do without them. If there is only one project or two in there, make copies of them and put in with your binders/sleeves. No sense of keeping them and taking up space you need. I keep a few reference books, I have 4 total. I don't keep that many because most have the same information in them.

You can make a spreadsheet if you'd like on certain things you want to beable to find quickly as in a reference to making 1/2 square triangles, flying geese or something like that. books you can resale, trade, giveaway, and so on. Just get them out and make some room for new things.

Okay girls lets get to purging. Show us some before & after pictures. Love seeing them

Sewing organization Part One

2009-01-22T06:35:00.006-05:00

Well lets get this party started on organizing your sewing/quilting room. Going to Start with magazines. 1st go around and gather up all of your quilting/sewing related magazines. Start thumbing thru them and tear out all of the patterns/quilts you want to make or articles you want to keep. Or make copies of them if you choose that route. The leftover magazines put in a recycling bin, give to senior citizen place, or give to your fellow quilters at your next guild meeting. Make sure you get rid of them no longer then one week. They have recycling bins all over you can throw them into, DON'T keep them any longer then a week. Or if all of the magazines is intact sell them & pay for your next subscription. Then take a regular 3 ring binders and some plastic sleeves (aka binder pockets), place all of the article/patterns you want to keep in those. Make sure the plastic sleeves have 3 holes to match the 3 ring binders. Now to save space use a plastic sleeve to hold 2 patterns, just put them back to back with the picture of the quilt on part facing out. If you have applique pieces or pattern parts, & they go to two different quilts, make copies for one of them. Then put them in the binders for safe keeping. My binders are sorted by, applique quilts, how to ( techniques), machine quilting, and so on. So when I need something I can find it quicker then trying to remember what magazine I saw it in, saves a ton of time. You can purchase your binders, plastic sleeves at walmart, office supply place, dollar stores, ebay or just about anywhere. They come in such fun colors now.

Now if you can't just part with those magazines, you need to get some type of storage system going on to keep it all nice and tidy. I recommend either making your own or buying Magazine files. Now I'm all for recycling if you can so here are a couple links to make your own, heck you can paint them, wallpaper them, contact paper them or glue fabric on them. http://craft-therapy.blogspot.com/2008/08/thrifty-magazine-file-tutorial.html , here is another one http://www.instructables.com/id/S4I65QLFBSYW7Z5/ or try this one http://www.ehow.com/how_4456046_magazine-file.html. none of those fit your fancy, just google making your own magazine file. After you get those ready or bought then put your magazines together by the type example: Quick quilting, mccalls patchwork, fons and porter etc. The find a spot to put them on a shelf. When organizing and not having a lot of space always look up along your walls with shelves, great way to keep stuff off the floor, looks nicer and you can always see what you have. Now the key here is limiting yourself to a certain amount of binders or magazine files. Seriously think of a number and stick to it. In our lifetime are we really going to make them all, nope didn't think so but you can always go back pull the ones that don't work for you and replace them with new ones from time to time. You need to keep it manageable size otherwise you will so overwhelmed & that is when the you get piles of stuff laying around.

While going thru your magazines keep these things in mind to help sort them: Is this something I'm really going to make? why do I like this? Do I have a duplicate pattern or article? Do i have the room to keep it all? This is cute but will I really use or make it within the next 3 years?

One gal told me she after the magazines come she keeps them less then a month, then rips out the things she wants to keep and recycles the magazine. She said the stress of all of the magazines laying around gets her stressed out, unproductive and lazy.

Okay will post another part come Monday. You have 4 days to get this part completed. After you done that sit back and relax. Remember just have fun with it~~ don't forget to post a link on your blog so you can be put in a drawing for something.

Organizing your sewing room

2009-01-19T17:57:00.003-05:00

We started talking on ohioquilters yahoo group about our sewing rooms, which really got me to thinking a lot about mine plus organizing them. I love to go in and organize things, for some people it is overwhelming to get rid of things, organize them, fun to see what you find, plus emotional. One gal is having a hard time getting motivated to get started, which I can so understand. So I decided to have a little fun here too. I'm going to post what we are to work on for the next two days into organizing your sewing room no matter the size. If you post me a comment with a before/after picture if you can on your blog, a link to where it is at. I'll put you in a drawing for some charms, fat quarters or pattern. I'll do this weekly on here. I'm also in need of doing some straightening up myself. I'll start this tomorrow. Some things you can do in a day or some may take a couple of days. Just remember to have fun with it~~

What a life~~~ I want it!!

2009-01-12T15:19:00.003-05:00

Don't I wish I had her life. I laid out some rows of my rag quilt I'm working on well went off to fold some laundry, put some more in the washer, came back , look what I saw~~

I guess after Miz Night Vision after messing up my layout, she decided to take a nap. What a life, just all fun & games to her. I want it, no more laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting, or mopping the floors. Hopefully once I get a few more things done I'll cut out some more 6" squares and do some more rows completed. I was hoping to get it done this past weekend but I got some books in the mail, so I made a pot of soup, baked a pie & yeast rolls, then laid around the living room reading a whole book. I hadn't done that for a long time, felt kinda good. So today I thought I better get caught up laundry, mopped the kitchen floor, did some dishes, and some cleaning on the bathroom. I still haven't figured out how a house with 3 guys ( two boys & one man) can't seem to keep a tolet clean, I mean it isn't like the hole is only a couple inches round to pee in, geesh. I think I'll go back to put the cleaner in the bowl so next time they have to go they can clean the darn thing, LOL.

Back to Sewing

2009-01-09T08:06:00.003-05:00

Well I started on the blue rag quilt, I sewed 3 strips of 13. Each square is 6" wide, doing 13 squares across to get one strip. Not sure on how long just yet, going to play it by ear so to speak. I cut out 100 batting squares so far, but should go thru them pretty quickly. The weather man is calling for freezing rain, rain all this weekend so hopefully will get it completed to take to the laundry mat to wash & dry on Monday. I don't think I want to deal with all strings with my washer/dryer here at home. I don't know if I like sewing flannel yet, pretty slippery stuff. Having to pin it to keep in place is a pain in the butt. I believe I'll do a checker board style pattern. the dark blue playing off the white is pretty contrast, using variegated blue thread to sew the X in the middle. The light blue is pretty as the backing. I forgot I had that light blue paisley, found it looking in my stash of flannels. Wonder what else I've got in my stash, LOL.

Here is a picture of the fabric I'm using. I tried to find some other blue to use but couldn't find the right shade so settled on white, which does make it pop in blue color.

The Winner is~~~

2009-01-05T18:01:00.002-05:00

Well the winner is........................Shasta!!! Congrats and thanks for the answers.

The kids are finally back in school, husband back to work after being on vacation, I've got the whole house to myself again. Yea!!! Could almost do cartwheels in celebration but hadn't done that in 20 years, if I tried I might hurt myself or someone in the process.

Had a wonderful lunch today, went to a cool Mexican place, got together with a couple girlfriends to discuss the upcoming OhioQuilters Sit & Sew Retreat. They have been wonderful helpers to me with this great quilt retreat. I know it will be here before I know it. So many things to do. We picked out a simple yet all level skill mystery quilt, a rag jacket, fat quarter bingo, and waiting on one gal to get back to me about doing a purse. These are all optional which is nice, you can do what you want there.

Got about 100 pieces of warm & natural batting cut out for my rag quilt, hah finally in the mood I think. Tomorrow while doing laundry ( i still wonder where all it comes from) I'll cut out the blue paisley & white, hopefully will get the back done as well. Then let the sewing begin!!! Watch out it is going to very cold in Ohio if you know what I mean, :o) I'll be sewing. I thought about using some decorative stitching in the X part of the square but once that thought came in my lil head, then it screamed are you nuts do you know how much thread that would use, let alone the time, LOL. I guess when I start you'll find out what I decided. I think it would be a pretty added touch hhhmmmmmm.................... I do have a lot of blue thread, just sitting there on my shelf.

End of the Year

2008-12-31T16:22:00.003-05:00

Well it is finally the last day of the year. I couldn't believe I didn't post anything since I left for the beach back in October, shame on me. Well no sewing here, did quilt out 3 quilts on miz gracie and that is it!! So sad here. No motivations what so ever, sad, sad.

I did visit a couple of quilt shops in Wilmington, NC & was so disappointed. Heck one of them I felt I had more fabric in my sewing room then they carried, but they had enough Bernina sewing machines to hook up a small country. Once they figured out I wasn't there to buy a machine, needless to say, I was left completely left alone to look around. The second was the gals were very nice but not a whole lot sung to me, I did manage to buy a yard of batik that was too pretty to pass up. The rest of the trip was a bust on quilt shops. Planned on stopping on some on the way home but when you have a 11 yr old with stomach virus, nope not happening, just wanted to get home at that point.

I did manage to get to a joann fabric this past Monday with Friends. Which was so needed. We shopped, which I bought some pretty blue flannel in paisley print to do a rag quilt in. Which I've never done one before but thought my son's girlfriend would like, plus I get to use up 2 totes that are crammed full of left over scrap batting. We went to lunch at Olive Garden, which is one of my favorite spots to spend time with friends. I had the chicken parm, oh yummy, let alone the salad which I could just eat till I get sick, LOL. So now I have a project to work on, like I don't have enough to keep me busy for the next 5 years. Which I know all of us have right??????

So what quilty item(s) did you all get for Christmas?? I made out with an ott light, and a $100.00 check to buy a quilt kit of my choice, a neat cross stitch picture, kt fabric, a small vacuum and a $25.00 gift card from Joann's. Now I did make out with a new 10 piece set of rachel ray cookware, a new hand mixer with dough hooks, and I get to pick out a new kitchen aid mixer when I get around to it. Most of my stuff except cookware is sooo old i believe around 20 yrs old now, LOL. My hubby loves to buy kitchen stuff & I don't mind he is darn good at it.

Any quilty New Years Resolution??? I plan on blogging more often and with pictures. I plan to quilt up my 11 tops before March and no buying until the May Quilt Retreat in Amish Country. I want to use up my some of my stash. anyone who post their new years resolutions by January 5, I'll pick a winner and send some fat quarters to~~~~ Let see them ladies~~~~

down to the wire

2008-10-13T16:13:00.002-04:00

We are getting down to the wire to leaving for the beach, Yea!! I've already have some quilt shops lined up while I'm down there to check out & maybe get some "memory" fabric. Bet your wondering what memory fabric is well it is fabric you get on vacation to remember the memories with. LOL. I cut out a bunch of chocolate/tan/brown fabric to make some cathedral windows lap quilt out of along with pink prints of various shades. I'm hoping this will look good plus it will keep me busy with some handwork too. hopefully I can find some fabric to go in with it. I'm also doing an "adult" i spy so I'll be on the look out for some good things too. I found some with a little playing a flute ( I played it in the band), volleyball, a sexy outdoor man one, one gal gave me a sexy fire man, plus some other awesome ones that brings up some cool childhood memories. This should be a neat looking quilt once I get completed LOL hopefully by the time I retire from life.

My goal by the end of november is to atleast complete 4 quilt tops all quilted out. hopefully i can stick with that goal. what is all you wonderful quilters goals????

Getting ready for the beach

2008-10-02T08:48:00.003-04:00

Will be heading down to the beach before long can't wait. We are going to be staying at holden beach. Hopefully i can find some quilt shops along the way. No too far off the beaten path. I'm planning on taking some type of hand work, not sure if it will be cathedral windows i'm wanting to make a pink/ brown scrappy one, lap size. Or maybe do some redwork. Anyone else have anyother handwork that is portable??

So looking forward to a break, the boys are going with me but hubby is staying home because it is hunting season. So it will be my mom/stepdad, my sister maria, her son tommy & boyfriend, my sister lisa, my brother jimmy & his wife kelly. we are hoping my neice Brenda will go, my other niece will drop in for an overnighter & maybe my nephew will drop in as well.

I'm going to take the laptop so hopefully i'll post some pictures and updates. well off to sewing room & put some dinner in the crock pot. I'm thinking some chicken parma tonight, better get the sauce in the pot to cook all day.

For sale/cleaning out sewing room

2008-09-30T10:32:00.003-04:00

Well I started cleaning out my stash & all of my craft stuff. Things have settled down with my mom & i'm really wanting to simplify my "stuff" so I decided to get rid of some of my stuff. Plus this is my son's senior year, we got the information for his senior trip, pictures and stuff so i'm going to start using this money towards all of that stuff.

Everything is on my webshots the prices is under the picture in the caption part. I'm selling a bunch of 1930's charms ( the pictures are just samples, you'd get an assortment), fat quarters and doll making stuff. i'm going to be doing this off and on this week so be sure to keep checking to see what i might put up. the webshot link is on the left side of my blog~~

Have a great day.

were have the days gone

2008-09-29T08:04:00.002-04:00

Geesh were have all of the days gone by? I mean seems like the boys have just gotten off to school now September has slipped right by me. time is sure flying by. I haven't been quilting much, besides making some bags to take on vacation next month. Well we are leaving on October 17th. Looking so forward to it, need a break. I have been going thru my stash to reduce it, since there are some gorgeous lines coming out. Got to make some room!! On a sad note, we got our garage/storage shed broken into last week, ( I have a feeling it will get worse) but the blessing was nothing was taken. Yea!! The shed didn't have a whole lot in there but the lil garage is my sewing room converted over. The door lock was busted off but nothing was taken or damaged, thank God. I don't know if they just didn't want my 3 sewing machines, fabric, patterns etc, they didn't even want the chocolate stash in my lil frig. I praise God he was watching over us. The big garage they couldn't get in. So I don't know if it sad they didn't want my stuff or sad they broke in. LOL

My goal for the rest of the year is to finally get those tops all quilted out, don't know what I'll do with them, where to put them but I really want to get them done. heck I might give out some for christmas presents.

Back to School & More

2008-08-26T09:56:00.003-04:00

Well School has finally started here in the hills, Thank You God!!! I mean I love my boys but boy I do love having my routine plus my time. Josh has starting his senior year, so one of my babies will be leaving the nest before long. So far he is enjoying it, dealing with a new girlfriend, yearbook club and going to every school function. Caleb has started his 5th grade year, last year of elementary school. They grow up so quickly. He is plannng on joining band this year instead chorus. He loves to sing. Hopefully I will be back to quilting soon.

Well God likes to throw you a curve just when you think you have it all planned out. :) Here I thought finally time to myself, maybe get caught up on some reading, get those quilt kits sewn up, well Nope nada not now.

Last sunday my mom fell in her yard, yep seperated her shoulder. The Blessing is that it wasn't broken and she doesn't have to have surgery, so I give God Thanks for that. Then my sister broke her hip soooo................ So much for quiet life right now, LOL.

What is that saying " Want a laugh, Tell God your plans " Boy that is so true. ONe good thing is I've been catching up on some reading. One book I've been reading is The Facts of Life & other lessons my father taught me by Lisa Whelchel. I use to love watching The Facts of Life on TV while growing up. So far the book is pretty good, she shares parts of her life & how much God is in control. Very good read~~~

Well Time to get caught up on my housework.

Cleaning Day

2008-08-08T13:27:00.002-04:00

Well I started "fall" cleaning, LOL on the sewing room. I haven't done any primitive folkart dollmaking in such a long time, I figured it was time to go thru that whole wall of stuff I've collected over the years. So I'm downsizing it considerable. Not sure what I'm going to do with all of the stuff quite yet. Wiped everything off, vacuumed the floor and rearranged things too. Spent over 2 hours doing that, but boy do I feel so much better. Now i'm going to work on the cabinets that hold all of my fabric. Have you ever bought some fabric then after a year or longer, and wonder what the heck was I thinking when I bought that??? Was I nuts?? Must have been on sale.... or maybe I was in deep dark depression was hoping shopping made me feel better. Atleast looking at it, it better have made me feel better cause it sure doesn't now. I'm hoping to rearrage things there & also do some downsizing on some of it. Are you Shock?!!! I know a quilter getting rid of fabric, is almost a sin.... hehehe. Well I want to make some room for maybe some new fabric. I know when I'm heading down to holden beach come october I'll be driving by Mary Jo's in north carolina, plus a couple other shops so who knows what I may come home with this time. I better get this done this weekend so I can get started on a pink/brown block swap that i'm hosting come october. I hope to make a nice lap quilt out of the blocks. I love that combination. well off to the sewing room.....................

Inspiration Winner is.......

2008-08-06T07:26:00.004-04:00

Well I finally got some sewing/quilting done over the weekend. I've had a quilt I've been sewing over a year, I've taken it to any quilt retreat I attended. I mean geesh it had 90 light snowball blocks and 74 dark snowball blocks that used 5" squares and 1 3/4" corner squares . So it is finally put together, I just need to put a border on it. Once that is done I'll post a picture. It was done with charm packs I bought and scraps I had on hand.

There was some great comments from some fabulous quilters out there with lots of different ways to get inspiration to jump start quilting again. I hope I'm not the only one that gets something from this then me.

The winner is Regina~~~~ yea, congratulations!!! Here is her comment she wrote.

I value my online quilting buddies -and their blogs -they really help keep the momentum going for me. When I find a slump, I pick an evening and say "well, I will just sew for an hour tonight" and go from there -sometimes that one hour kick starts me again, and sometimes I stay in the slump a bit longer.

Thanks for all that had posted, was fun reading them. Happy Quilting.

Summer Gone, Need Inspiration!!

2008-07-22T10:26:00.004-04:00

Summer is just about over, school will be starting soon ( august 19th, Yippe), and hopefully things will be back to "normal". This summer has been so busy with doing things with the boys, keeping up with daily house crap, church things, but no sewing. :( I just can't seem to get in the mood these past few months. Don't know what the deal is hadn't been in a quilt shop for awhile, went into joanns last week first time since may!! I didn't even get to go to the NQA show this past June. You'd think I was having withdrawels by now, but none.

What do you do for inspiration?? What keeps you motivated? Do you go shopping? Hook up with other quilters? Retreat? Leave me a comment & I'll send someone 4 fat quarters in their color choice. I'll do this for a couple of weeks, say the end date is August 4th. I'll do a random number poll for the winner. Please leave your blog address so I can get in touch with the winner & post a link to my blog on your blog as well. If you leave your blog address & a link ( because I'll be checking, LOL) you might get an additional gift. :)

wow June is almost over~~

2008-06-24T08:29:00.009-04:00

Where is the time going to?? Geesh~~~ Time is sure flying here in Ohio. I haven't quilted much at all seems like this whole month running the boys here and there. Caleb joined an after school program for the first two weeks, well the boy went up to cosi, the aquarium is Cincinnati, paints baseball game, swimming, Tecumseh, and lots of other places. He sure had fun those two weeks.

We made it thru vacation bible school which was fun over 100 kids showed up this year. What a blessing that is.

Josh starts his summer job at school next week, yea~~~ He got his four wisdom teeth pulled yesterday which he seems to be doing fine so far. Fingers crossed here. We've been planting the garden, and flowers. Have all of that done. We had a heck of a rain storm a couple weeks ago which flooded my sewing room in half of it. thank God it was the half that wasn't the cabinets with my fabric. The rest was fine cause they were all in totes on the floor which kept them water free. :) yea!!

Hoping to start quilting next week, on Miz gracie I really want to get these tops completed. Missed NQA show this year, so happy to hear they are keeping it in Columbus another three years. They were discussing it going to st. Louis cause Columbus hadn't signed a renewal contract with them.

I've posted some pictures of my flowers and finally my dad's fish quilt which is sooo green!! but he loved it and wanted it that way. LOL.

Hope your having a great summer.

Wow End of the Month

2008-05-27T06:21:00.002-04:00

Hard to believe it is end of the month already, this year is flying by. Before long Christmas will be here & then singing in the new year.

Hadn't done too much quilting this past week or so, this darn weather is havoc on my fibro. Been sleeping a lot, plus body been hurting. I'm going to have make an appointment with a massage therapist, I've been reading that is does help with fibro so going to give it a shot.

The boys last day is this Friday so been trying to get them all finished up, report done & handed in, studying for finals, plus other "fun" things going on for them. It is fun for the kids but not the parents I think sometimes.

Been cleaning out my sewing room in between everything else, so got a huge pile of things to sell on ebay or somewhere. Trying to save up some cash when I go down to Holden beach this October, gotta hit Mary Jo's on the way, wouldn't be a trip without that. But that darn gas keeps creeping up which takes some of my fun money away, darn those oil guys don't they realize they are messing with mama's fabric cash, shame on them.

Hope everyone is sewing for me, the orange crush mystery is sitting nicely in it's container waiting for me to put it together, along with the other 18 kits i have waiting on me, LOL.

The Winner is~~~

2008-05-19T09:07:00.003-04:00

Well we've gotten a winner~~this has been so much fun. I used a random number picker to be fair.

Simply put, this script will generate a random integer between 0 and the number you enter.
Enter an integer here
63

Here is the result

So the person that was the 25th seperate posting is the winner, which is Pat, from Wisconsin. I'll email you pat. This was so much fun.

I know if I would happen to have $50,000.00 just laying around I would build me the perfect studio with lots of storage space, then a nice long arm then me and a friend would head to some quilt shows & load it up & move the fabric/notions etc out. I would stock up on kits, I love kits, moda especially kt fabric.

thanks for all that posted a comment I had so much fun reading them. I hope you all did too.

Giveaway~~

2008-05-14T15:22:00.003-04:00

Okay since I've past 3000 people have checked out my blog since I started I'm celebrating a giveaway. Plus it is raining once again in Ohio, sooo we need a pick me up. I've got 4 fat quarters, patterns and something else that will be a surprise. I'm planning on going thru my quilting room this sunday soooo who knows what I may throw in the giveaway blog. Okay here is the rules: ( isn't there rules to everything in life, hopefully these won't be too bad. )

1) If you were given $50,000.00 to spend on yourself Plus your very bestest friend ( only one) . You have to spend all of it on yourself & bestest friend Only!!!! Because your family, kids, pets ect have everything in the world they could possible need/want. It could be anything you would do /buy, plus include atleast ONE quilt related thing in there. Sky is the limit, well atleast $50,000.00 worth. Post in the comment section

2) Place a link from my blog on your blog, plus include your blog link in the comment section with your above answer.

that is it, wasn't so bad was it. I'll be pulling a winner come Monday May 19th~~~~

Retreat Raffle Quilt

2008-05-13T10:29:00.003-04:00

Here is a picture of the Raffle Quilt at the OhioQuilter's Retreat. Kathie Crabtree is the winner of it, she is on the left & on the right is me. Isn't it just beautiful!!! Congratulations to Kathie!! I know she will treasure it, for a very long time!!! Don't you love the binding which is done in Prairie Points, so pretty.

A Quilting Day

2008-05-13T07:19:00.002-04:00

Well today spending the whole day out in the quilting room in between loads of laundry. There is always something going on in the house. I've got my dad's fish quilt done, he wanted something simple well he got it. :) So today I'll be loading it on the frame & quilting it out today. Not sure how i'm going to quilt it but will think of something i'm sure. He is not picky at all but I still want it too look nice. Going to give it to him for his birthday on Friday he will be 64~~~ I made him a quilt about a year or so ago, well come to think of it was about 2 christmas ago when I gave it to him, but he said he was too short didn't cover his feet, LOL. I made a lap, but he was using it in his camper when he stayed down at fish camp. So he wanted to just to sew along the bottom a 10" piece of quilted flannel, now how tacky would that be!!!!! I"m surprised he didn't do it himself. I told him nope wasn't going to do that I'd make him a longer one. So I pieced a simple design, made it 86" long and 66" wide. He didn't want a too big of one cause it was for the camper, getting kinda picky in his old age, but I guess he has lived long enough he can. I'll post a picture once I get it quilted out today.

Miranda Day Bag Done

2008-05-09T09:41:00.003-04:00

Well this is the bag I done at the Retreat last weekend. I thought it turned out so pretty. I can't wait to do another one, now that I know what I'm doing, hehehe. There was quite a few of us doing it at the retreat around 10 or so of us bought the patterns & worked on them. There were some pretty ones. So here is mine. I think the next one I'll do with straps instead.

a neat blog to read~~

2008-05-08T07:26:00.003-04:00

Well I'm usually reading a blog or two while eating breakfast, during chatting, or when I'm bored. This is one I love to read~~~ http://quiltingcowgirl.blogspot.com/ a very nice site, and fun to read. She has posted she has had her 300th post, way to go!!! that is so awesome. Congratulations to her. Be sure to check it out.

Retreat is done Yippee~~

2008-05-07T08:05:00.002-04:00

Well Retreat is finally over, what a weekend. I laugh so much~~ it was such a great atmosphere this year, lots of laughter, renewed friendships, some new friendships, there was such comfort 7 joy being passed around it was amazing. There was no stress/drama at all which is such a blessing. Lot of stuff being sewed and lots of talking.

I got my dad his fish quilt done except for the borders, a miranda day purse, and binding put on a quilt. That was a lot for me cause I'm usually yacking my head off trying to catch up with everyone's life. We had some bad news on some of the gal's lives but we all rallied around them, showed comfort to them & said many prayers. Isn't God good~~~ I know it was a comfort to a few of them.

I posted some pictures, I have a lot more to post in my webshots album at http://community.webshots.com/user/ohioquilter2.

So today i'm going to put everything back into it's place in the sewing room, that might take me all day. Have to make up some mushroom bags for my FIL to take mushroom hunting next week too.

I'll post some pictures of my miranda bag today too. Now I can get back to "normal" LOL. Hopefully I can get some things quilted on the frame this month that I keep putting off, then I need to decide what to do with them after they are quilted~~~~ Have any ideas???

Staying busy

2008-04-17T07:22:00.003-04:00

Well right now I'm working on stuff for the retreat so staying super busy with that. I'm making the nametag badges out of some beautiful fabric which I'd love to show you all BUT that would spoil the fun for the gals coming to retreat, sorry~~~~ will post a finish picture after the retreat. Also working on a giveaway which are turning out so cute, they will match the nametags as well. Oh then I have to work on my Miranda Day Bag by Lazygirl designs. A bunch of us bought the pattern to work on up there, I voluntered like a crazy person to make a sample pieces for us to follow, what was I thinking.

Now I have to go thru all of my stuff to figure out what I'm taking, that part I believe is the hardest. hhmmm how many projects to take, what to take.

Then I've got to decide on what kind of snack to bring. I know I'm bringing the fixins for some taco soup to put in a crock pot, love that soup. hhmm should i bring some chocolate surprise cupcakes, or maybe some pineapple upside down muffins. Heck I might stop at an amish bakery & pick something up there, take the easy route. LOL.

I'm still behind on the orange crush mystery over at quiltville, maybe play catch up at the retreat with it. I'm thinking of doing it major scrappy or civil war reproductions just can't make up my mind.

Friendships~~

2008-04-11T16:22:00.002-04:00

Well I was tagged by Phyllis which was so cool~~ so here is a few things about friendship some quotes I like

"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being."

"Give others freedom to be themselves. Appreciate the differences between their ways an yours

I have lots of girls in my circle and decided that they all needed to know that someone cares about them and appreciate the difference they make in my life. If you are here it may be because I tagged you as one of the girls in my circle! If I didn't tag you , no offense intended. Tag! You're it! Consider yourself tagged.
***Phyllis
Nancy
Ann
***
Wanna let your friends know you love them and appreciate the difference they make in your life? Go here to learn how.

A Free IPod Giveaway & Great Cooking Site

2008-04-04T09:47:00.002-04:00

Well while surfing blogs I came across this really neat site called. Cooking By the Seat of My Pants. I love cooking so I will checking out this place off and on. Looks like it could be a keeper. She is doing a giveaway of an IPOD nano so here is all of the information. Good luck~~
http://www.cookingbytheseatofmypants.com/ipod-touch-giveaway/

A neat baby Quilt

2008-04-04T06:48:00.006-04:00

Well I got the baby quilt for a friend of ours that is due the end of the month. they are expecting their first son, after 2 girls which the youngest is I believe 10, talking about starting over. You'd have to put me in the loney bin for sure if that happened to me, mine are 6 years apart which was bad enough. I believe God thought it would funny and me get pregnant again especially since I was planning on getting "fixed" in June ended up pregnant in January. Oh well Caleb has sure been a blessing to me. Here is a picture of him, isn't he so cute~~ You just want to pinch those cheeks dontcha?

Here is the quilt I was talking about at the beginning. It is made out of flannels and minkie style fabric for the ears & paws. This sucker is huge in size. It is rag style. So fuzzy, soft and warm. I heat & bond his nose & eyes down then buttonholed stitched them down then embroidered his mouth. I just hope their ultrasounds are right he is to be a boy, LOL. If not the lil girl will have to like doggie stuff. We are taking it over to them come this weekend after we Hopefuly, fingers & toes crossed, of picking up a new car. Well not new but new to us. A friend called and said his dad is selling off his paper route car, which is a 2001 hyundia elantra, giving us a great price on it, well kept, little high miles but hey only used in a paper route. I hope when i get his age which is in his late seventies I'll be going like him.

Ohio Quilt Retreat for May 2-4th, 2008

2008-04-03T10:10:00.002-04:00

If anyone is interested in coming to a retreat this may in the heart of Amish Country, Berlin, Ohio please let me know.
you can find the information at the ohioquilters.com website near the bottom of the page.
we will have show & tell, raffle table, giveaways, mystery quilt, fat quarter bag class, snacks, fat quarter bingo, dinner provided by a mennonite lady which is awesome!! plus lots of laugher, fun and more.

I've got a few openings due to a couple gals had to drop out due to personal things, so come & join the fun you and a friend~~~

Have a great day

Paula Deen chinese Salad~~~

2008-04-03T08:17:00.002-04:00

Okay I'm making this today to munch on. I love her recipes she is so good & such a hoot~~ I read her biography book it was wonderful I loved it, would be so cool to meet her. She is one of the few people on food network that I enjoy watching, some are too "who is going to fix that" stuff, I'm just a country gal so that is probable why i like her and a few other shows there.

Here is her Chinese Salad.
1 head Napa or bok choy cabbage (I'm using shredded cabbage in a bag cause I have it on hand)
3 green onions ( chopped these up pretty thin)
1 (3-ounce) package ramen noodles with seasoning pack ( using chicken flavored)
1 (6-ounce) package slivered almonds
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1/2 cup vegetable oil ( using olive oil here)
1/4 cup sugar ( using some splenda)
3 tablespoons white vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Preheat the broiler.
Tear the cabbage and slice the onions, and place in a large salad bowl. Crumble the noodles into a broiler pan, add the almonds, sesame seeds, and broil for 2 minutes, being careful not to scorch the sesame seeds. In a jar with a tight lid, combine the oil, sugar, vinegar, and salt with the contents of the seasoning pack. Cover the jar and shake well to blend the dressing. Pour the dressing over the salad, add the toasted sesame and almond, and toss to combine

Let me know what you think~~~

No March posts~~~

2008-04-03T07:55:00.005-04:00

Well March really got away from me. Let see I celebrated my 38th birthday on the 9th with my brother who turned 43 on the same day. I was his birthday gift to him when he turned 5. He just loves that. :) Then my oldest baby finally got his driver's license which took a new girlfriend in his life to get his butt in gear. He turned 16 back in august & just now got them. So a new set of emotions have set in, so we've been car shopping for over 2 weeks now. Which hasn't turned up anything within our spending range, everyone wants to sell us a new car with low payments up to 84 months ( 7years, oh they do up to 8 years if you spend enough) or we are lied to on the car's history/problems. ( We carfax them, lol) soo good thing we aren't in any hurry. Josh is driving the jeep cherokee, clyde the truck & me the van so no biggie right now. we are just wanting something for clyde to drive with better gas then the jeep, the Ford truck has 260,000 miiles on it so we are limiting it's driving. Oh well God will set me up with exactly what I want & in our price range, I just have to be patient.

HHmmm as too quilting, I was suppose to go to a Quilt Retreat the beginning of March for my birthday well Mother Nature decided to dump 14 inches of snow the friday I was to leave, no needless to say Nope didn't happen. Here is a couple of pictures of it.

Don't this look fun~~~ LOL we went thru almost 15 lbs of bird food that weekend. My cats loved looking out at the window at them & meowing~~

I'm still working on my ufo's Getting ready for the 8th annual OhioQuilter's Quilt Retreat in Berlin, Ohio come the first week of May. We've gotten some great donations, working on a couple of giveaways, finally got the menu we'd be serving finalized ( we have a great caterer that is a mennonite lady, OMGosh she is wonderful), working on the demo's & the mystery Class. So if you think you'd be interested in coming give me a hollar I've got a couple rooms left.

Well off to work in the sewing room today. Have a great one.

"When Love and Skill work together expect a masterpiece" by John Ruskin

Favorite Friendship Quotes

2008-02-28T18:38:00.002-05:00

The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~Elisabeth Foley

A true friend is one who thinks you are a good egg even if you are half-cracked. ~Author Unknown

True friends stab you in the front. ~Oscar Wilde

Good friends are like fancy chocolates - it's what's inside that makes them special.

A true friend warms you by her presence - trusts you with her secrets - remembers you in her prayers.

One good reason to only maintain a small circle of friends is that three out of four murders are committed by people who know the victim.-- George Carlin

An old friend will help you move. A good friend will help you move a dead body.-- Jim Hayes

A friend drops their plans when you're in trouble, shares joy in your accomplishments, feels sad when you're in pain. A friend encourages your dreams and offers advice--but when you don't follow it, they still respect and love you.

Great Weekend & End of month

2008-02-28T18:20:00.004-05:00

well finally the end of the month, well tomorrow is anyway. :) Had the most wonderful time last weekend a few of us friends that got together last sept for a mini retreat decided to do it again. it was so much fun, from someone getting stuck in ditch because of the snow & Ice, to the hhmmmm handy dandy wreaker man ( we don't even go there) that needed a set of suspenders, pushing cars in the snow, fish tailing up the hill to the retreat place ( yep that was me, was fun) and once we all got there we didn't leave. Well a couple gals ventured in to town for a fabric fix & picked us up pizzas she had 4-wheel drive. We had a snow/ice storm come in on a thursday, but us quilters didn't let that slow us down, we are hard core quilters. Or maybe more like we really really wanted to get a away from home. :0) We had fabric, food, fireplace, fun and friends what more could we ask for in a weekend.

Here is the top I got put together still needs a couple borders they didn't get on that weekend cause I didnt' bring the extra fabric. It is called Indian Summer It was in a quilt sampler magazine. going to put a small navy border and then a larger red border.

One of the gals had the quilting fairy visit her and kept bringing her lint rolling brushes, those were mulipling like rabbit, then they all ran away and then showed up again before she traveled home. I leave next weekend for another retreat which I'm sure will be just as so much fun~~~ if you can ever get away to a sewing retreat do it, is lots of fun with friends. Heck just invite some friends over to just sit & sew if you got the room, you'll be so glad you did.

2008-02-20T10:46:00.004-05:00

We do not love people because they are beautiful

They seem beautiful to us because we love them

~~~Russian Proverb~~