It was a Challenge

You look at this quilt and think oh so simple, WRONG~~ it was a challenge for me. This is the first really really bright quilt I've done. I struggled with this and it was such a simple top. The pattern is called Mirror, Mirror by Cozy Quilt Designs. The pattern in itself was a joy to make very simple easy to put together, well the fabrics that were picked out for me to use was the hard part of putting it together. I've always worked with country/primitive colors, dk. muted colors or 30's reproductions even civil war reproductions because they make my soul sing & put a smile on my face. Well I figured out the problem, I had such a hard time to see contrast between the fabric colors since they are all so bright. It was good to get out of the box so to speak & work with other beautiful fabrics. I've love and appreciate those bright fabrics but never felt the need to make something with them until I volunteered to make a shop sample. So I learned watch what you volunteer for, LOL. I'm an glad I did since life is about learning, better yourself, and to grow as a person in all kinds of areas.

Thread Catcher & Retreats

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

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

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~~

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??

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

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??

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~~

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~~

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~~

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

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~~
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Another Quilt Retreat Done

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

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~

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~

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--

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

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

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

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~~