Friday, December 30, 2011

Project Quilting

I'm still searching for more new years activities to share with everyone and ran across this one this morning.

Kim's Crafty AppleThis looks like a lot of fun and by looking at last year's projects - all I can say is WOW, great job everyone.  Go on over to Kim's Crafty Apple to read more.  And yes, there is prizes. : ) 

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Quiltboxes Giveaway

Quiltboxes: Is having a giveaway. The prize? This wonderful quilt block box.
Read more about it on his blog and look around at all the wonderful boxes he has while your there.

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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Another win and more fun links.

My  win from  Craizee Corners  shop arrived the other day and I just got around to sharing today.
Remember I won a 50.00 gift certificate to The Fat Quarter shop.  It was soooo hard to decide on what to pick as there is so many I would love to have had.  But I decided on Timeless Treasure's "Creamsycle Tonga FQ bundle.
I just love the fabrics in this bundle.  
Now to search for just the right project to put these into. : )


If you like swaps. Here is one from Malt Designs.
It's the disappearing Nine patch Block.

Sign up by Dec. 31st.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Off to a good start....or so I thought!

Today is warmer, the sun is coming out and I'm anxious to get breakfast over so i can get back to sewing on my Orca Bay Blocks.  I was all excited to show what I've done in step six so far.

I thought it was all going pretty good, UNTIL I noticed that all my light blocks have the center row (hour glasses) turned wrong.  Thankfully I only have 10 of them done.  Time to get the stitch ripper out.

Also, the points that make up the center square in each block (for example in the darker blocks, it would be the black square that forms around the blue center) - are off in almost all the blocks.  I just can't ever seem to get that right.  I try hard to cut precise, sew precise,  square up precise, but to no avail. They are still off at some points.  I have searched for some good tutorials on doing this and I can't find one yet.   Maybe I'll check out youtube for a video.   I learn best if I can see it being done.  I'm a bit disappointed but I noticed that when the blocks are all laid out, you really don't notice them as much.  So it will be ok for us or another family member.  After all, I am still a beginner per say, and this is hand made-Right?  I still have many years to keep improving and I can always look back on these and remember my starts. : )

It was pretty cold at nights these past couple weeks - down in the single digits. Meet Grass Hopper-A 3 year old, very energetic,Master Hunter (when the weather is to his liking).  He doesn't like the cold to much. 
When he's bored, he let's us know by doing mischievousness things around the house like throwing books on the floor, pulling things off shelves and climbing the curtains or attacking the furniture.
(He has a little mouse toy he's getting in these pictures). LOL

He'll be so happy when spring arrives...and so will I.




Sunday, December 25, 2011

2012 Activities Upcoming Continued.....


Crumb Along! Quilt Square Quilt Along 2012 over at Jo's Country Junction.  These are so very adorable, little mini quilts.  Starting DEC 30th - she'll be picking the first one for everyone to start.  You have all month to finish. Then there is a giveaway prize for those who finish to be entered in.  Click on the button to read more and join in on the fun. 

Planet Patchworks - Merry Mayhem New Years Day Mystery.    This is a ONE DAY mystery QAL.  Supply list is ready.  If you love mystery's - I'm sure you won't be disappointed in this one.  I have done two in the past years and loved each one.  Check it out over at Planet Patchwork. 
Erin  Russek over at One Piece at a Time is hosting another wonderful BOM this year.  Perhaps you saw or joined in last year for her "My Tweets" BOM?  Every year Erin puts out the most beautiful applique projects.   Here is a sneak peak and some tips.  Actual start date has not been announced, nor do I have a button to share....Yet!



Saturday, December 24, 2011

2012 Activities Continued....


Take a Stitch

I am still searching for more activities beginning in 2012 to add to my Mystery Quilts and More link page.  Follow along on this blog to keep updated.  Check my Mystery Quilts and More page for all the links that will be added throughout this coming year.  You'll never lack of activities to keep your quilting inspired.  Here are the ones I found to share today.

Take A Stitch Tuesdays 2012 - Begins Jan. 3rd. There is still time to sign up and you don't have to do a sample every week, just work at your leisure.  This is for all skill levels.  A new project is released every week on Tuesdays.  If you've always wanted to expand on your hand stitching, (Like me) - this would be a great opportunity for you to keep motivated.  More information about this challenge are posted here.

The Crazy Quilt Journal Project for 2012 is almost closed for sign ups.  You have until the 27th of Dec. and that's it.  So if you want to join in on this project, you need to hurry.  This is a great place to show of your skills and creativity.



How about some crafty felt projects every month? Check out the "Felt Fairy's" Monthly Make Challenge for 2012.  More information is on her blog.



That's it for my search this morning.  Have fun and if you know of more quilting related activities (or crafty even) that are starting in 2012, PLEASE let me know by leaving a link to the page in your comments below. : )  Have a GREAT NEW YEAR!


Friday, December 23, 2011

More Fun for 2012!

Wow, 2012 is going to be a really, really fun year.  Here are more activities to join in on.  Remember to check my Mystery Quilts and More page for links to a listing of more.  

The Sew Happy Geeks QAL
Fabric Requirements are posted now.
The QAL starts in January.
Oh yea, forgot - there is also a giveaway.
Check it out.


SewHappyGeek


It's another year of Rainbow Scraps over at SoScrappy.  I tried to do a few blocks last year, but kept 
changing my mind, so got lost in what my ultimate goal was.  I still want to do something Rainbow.
This year thing might be a little different, so here is the link button to keep updated on the rules.


SoScrappy

And lastly, not an activity upcoming but I wanted to share with you all that there is hope in entering giveaways .  I entered quite a few of the blog hop giveaways this year due to finances being in a crunch and my fabric stash, and other supplies diminishing to an all time low.  Plus I am a fairly new quilter and still needed things, like rulers,  etc.  So I entered those giveaways that offered fabric, tools, notions, and other things I might need this year. Plus a few that had offered things i probably didn't need, but would make things easier in life or just to be enjoyed (like goodies to eat) - lol.
 So far this year I have won two fabric bundles and a Great Quilt Calendar for 2012.

This week I received notice that I have won a cute Crypton Super Fabric shopping bag  from Green Bag lady.   Many of our stores are going to start using the BYOB  (Bring Your Own Bag) rule this year and if you don't- you get charged extra for their plastic bag. Even though that charge isn't a lot, I can see it adding up over the year.  I'm trying to cut more expenses, not add to my expenses this year.  So since  I didn't have one, didn't want to buy one, and don't want to get charged extra every time I buy groceries, I  figured I would need to sit down and make several pretty soon.  Hoping I had enough supplies so that I didnt' have to buy anything extra. So when this giveaway came along, I just had to enter as this was a soon to be "need".


They are so cute, and look like they are really well made.  I think when I sit down to make a few more, I'll see if I have some fabric that will coordinate with the color of bag I receive.  Then I'll have a set.

Well, long enough post.  Have to get moving this morning and get chores done so I can go Sew.  : )


Thursday, December 22, 2011

What's New for 2012

I try to keep my followers up to date on what activities they can join in on - linked from my Mystery Quilts and More page.  If you haven't ever went to that page - you should check it out.  This year we have some Wonderful, Great, Fantastic, QAL's, Challenges, BOM's, and Much much more to check out, and here are some more I ran across this morning that I want to share with you.


About The Quilt | Just Takes 2: If you've loved seeing some fo the red/white quilts exhibited back in March 2011 from the American Folk Art Museum - you may want to take part in this mystery. Gay and Brenda are going to be sharing a mystery sampler featuring some of the blocks from many of the quilts at the exhibit. Check it out by clicking the link. Also, don't forget to read the next part (link at the top of their page)




2012 New FO Challenge and Monthly Giveaway.  Have you been saving up project idea's that you have been dreaming of getting started?  Well, why not plan to get those new projects started in 2012 and at the same time enter to win monthly giveaways.  Check out this Great challenge over at Cat patches.



NewFO2012


And how about a Quilt as you Go, Free Motion Quilt Along. This quiltalong offers a range of options for the super fussy and not so confident (Basic beginner skills are required). Check out the details over at Quokka Quilts

http://www.quokkaquilts.blogspot.com

I'll have the links available on my Mystery Quilts and More link page as well as the buttons on my side bar, so if you forget where the links are - just come back here and you can easily find them.  Better yet, why not follow this blog and keep updated on new activities as they come along throughout the year?  Then you'll always remember where I am. : )

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

2012 UFO Challenge



2012 UFO List:

I am going to try this again this year. I only got two of my UFO's done last year, maybe three - can't remember for sure, but this eyear I want to really get on the ball and get these tops done. I'll set up a new page on my UFO link (tabbed above). Hope you'll join us in the fun.  Don't forget to add your link here if your participating.

'via Blog this'

KoolBeenz: Give-Away #23 - Who wants to WIN a $25 shoppe credit?

KoolBeenz: Give-Away #23 - Who wants to WIN a $25 shoppe credit?:

'via Blog this'Enter to win a $25 gift certificate to the fat quarter shop. Who doesn't need more fabric.

Giveaway: Race to the Finish Line | MALT designs

Giveaway: Race to the Finish Line | MALT designs:

'via Blog this'Enter to win a beautiful fq bundle of Northcote Range Petite by Cabbages and Roses

Confessions of a Fabric Addict: It's Giveaway Time!!!

Confessions of a Fabric Addict: It's Giveaway Time!!!: You have a couple days left to enter for a rotary blade shapener.

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WOW - Wednesday

 Look What Arrived in my mail box yesterday.  This is the Erin McMorris Weekends Fat Quarter Bundle
Aren't they just yummy!
I entered the giveaway over at Cat Patches and WON!  Wow, I hardly ever win anything - so this was a Wonderful Surprise.  Thank you to Barbara Stanbro for including this package in her giveaway.
Then I got another email saying I won another prize.  WOW, I can't believe it-two wins in one week.
My second win is a 50.00 gift certificate to the Fat Quarter shop.  I ordered a Timeless Treasure bundle.  I'll share photos with you later when it arrives.  This Giveaway was put on by Sharon Pernes over at Craizee Corners.  Thank you so much Sharon for the great giveaway.







Now for what I've been doing the last few days.
I'm working on Step 5 of the Orca Bay Mystery, put on by Bonnie Hunter over at Quiltville . Here are 300 units sewn together for step 5.  There are suppose to be
350.  How did I lose count?  I thought for sure I had 350 of those half square triangles, and I thought I had 700 of those triangle wings?  How did I do this?  Anyway, I cut and sewed some more yesterday and now I have a few more then I needed.  I decided to make sure I had more because I had a few that were iffy where the wings meet at the center.  Some are probably only an 1/8th inch at best where they cross.  And so I may not be able to use them without re-cutting more triangles to fit properly.  I really tried to cut them accurate, but for some reason I still seem to have problems in this area.  Could it be that my cutting matt is warped?  LOL  It's like cutting over rolling hills.  Today I ordered a new one from Joann's while they had a 50% off coupon.  Even with shipping, it still made it cheaper then running 50 miles to the nearest Joann's and back.

I'm still working on the Heart's Desire corners.  Have three more that need flowers attached, then on to the rest of the border.  I wanted to finish up this weeks clue to Orca Bay first, so that I didn't get behind.  now that it's done, I need to work on Peaceful pathways to catch up on the last BOM that was released last week.  I'll  work on Hearts Desire in the evenings while watching tv.  That is what is so nice about hand applique work.  You can take it to a nice comfy chair and work while you relax.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Want to play along???

Blue Nickel Studios » Blog Archive » pay it forward!!:

I signed up and got in on a pay it forward from Blue Nickel Studios... and now I get to give something handmade out to 3 of you!!
If you are are regular reader…then you get first shot!!

1. I’ll make something handmade for the first 3 people who comment on this post. What I make will be a surprise and will arrive to you when you least expect it. Doesn’t everyone love a surprise?
2. I have 365 days to make and deliver it to you. But there’s a little catch, to get a handmade giftie from me, you have to play too! This means you take the pledge to send something handmade to 3 of your blog readers. It doesn’t have to be a quilt, just something handmade! Easy right?
3. In case it wasn't obvious in #2, you have to have a blog.
4. Once you comment here, you have to post about Pay it Forward on your blog and keep it going!  You can copy and past these instructions to your page if you want.  I got mine from Blue Nickels page.
So leave a comment and get ready for the gift :D
I will email the first 3 commenters for your addresses, then post them on the wall in my studio…and sometime in the next year send you something handmade by me!
Thanks for stopping by!!


'via Blog this'

Embroidery Work Day

Today was a catch up day for my embroidery testing.
Don't you just love these Koi?  

All designs are of course from Linda Angevine - Ace Point . Ace Point Designs Found Here and Here.



These would be great for beautiful table linen as a Silver Anniversary gift. Or for a wedding.  


And Look at these quilt blocks


This last one is super nice to stitch out as its only two colors.  You can start your machine stitching and then go do something else. I was pressing more leaves for Hearts Desire.  Then come back change to your second color and go press more leaves. LOL  All are really great designs. I had no problems what so ever in stitch out.   I'd love it if you'd share your idea's with me on what you'd make with these designs. 

Monday, December 12, 2011

Orca Bay - Step 4

Orca Bay Step 4 in Blue.
Still need to remove my paper but isn't it looking Great!
Want to join in on this mystery quilt?
Just click the link at the left side of my page "Orca Bay Mystery".


Sunday, December 11, 2011

Occupying My Sewing Room

I am very grateful for Barbara putting on this Occupy Your Sewing Room Challenge.  I got more done this week then in two weeks of normal work.  And I'm going to occupy my room again today.  I unfortunately had some interruptions along the way and haven't gotten any further then I was in my last post on Friday - but today I will prevail.  Still lots to do and I'm excited to get back to work.  Check out what everyone has been doing this past week while Occupying their Sewing rooms at Cat Patches.

To read more on my Occupy Sewing Room projects, scroll down the page.  They are scattered all along. LOL

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Friday, December 9, 2011

Occupying my Sewing Room

I was able to occupy my sewing room longer today then at first thought.  We changed our errand day to next Monday and just ran a couple local errands today.  So I spent most the day working on Orca Bay Mystery.  I'm almost finished with clue no. 4 and will share photo's tomorrow evening.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Where I'm at Wednesday - Occupying my sewing room.

I posted this last wednesday for my Occupy sewing room challenge, but I haven't gotten any more done YET... Today is another day to work on it.  Anyway I want to share with everyone from Esther's groups what I've accomplished so far on Hearts Desire. 


2:30 a.m. -  Wednesday morning I awoke from a dead sleep to think I needed to cut more applique pcs.  That I forgot to mirror image the vines coming out of the basket.  Thinking that maybe the came out each side of the basket and I had only cut and ironed enough for one.
  Realizing what time it was, I  forced myself to go back to sleep and awoke again at 5am.
I went immediately into the sewing room to check out  the pattern to see if I need to cut more pcs.  
WHEW, I had done it right -- must have been having a nightmare. 

 I've been working hard in my sewing room - Honest.  But I don't have a lot of photo's to share. The process is very time consuming, moving along (it seems) at a snails pace.   Wednesday I stitched the center of the quilt to the border.  (I know the directions said to wait until the border was appliqued), but I wasn't sure how that border was going to fit, or how to miter the corners, or how the blue part of the border was going to fit....(worry, worry, worry).    
It took me most the morning to get it all fit in and stitched, but I got-er-done -- YAY!!!
  Here it is, baskets pinned- center stitched to border.

Today I continued....
Applique, pin, applique, pin... All baskets attached (not handles except one) And one vine attached.  


See the little yellow note pinned to the upper rt. corner?
It tell's me that I drew my placement design for the vines and flowers in reverse - so I need to spritz it with some water, and re-draw it on.  If I don't leave myself a note, I'll get engulfed in the applique process and totally forget.  LOL
More errands again tomorrow.  It's 50 miles to town and 50 miles back so once again I'll be gone at least half the day.  I enjoy living in a small time, but it sure can be inconvenient at times.  Seems no matter how hard I try to only go once or twice a month, something else comes up and we have to go again.  I just want to stay home and quilt!

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Occupy My Sewing Room

It's Tuesday, but first, let me share what I did Monday. 
 I cut out ALL my border pcs.  And I turned the edges on the basket, flowers, and some of the leaves.
Lots of leaves still to go.
Now for what I did today.  I didn't want to get behind on Orca Bay
so today I worked on Clue no. 3 so that I made sure I stayed on track.
Over 300 HST's in black/white (neutrals).  All done, with the exception of
clipping off the rest of my dog ears.   
Now with that out of the way, I'll get back to Heart's Desire tomorrow.  


Sunday, December 4, 2011

Occupy My Sewing Room

After breakfast, and household chores I occupied my sewing room by 9am this morning.  
By first break I had my Hearts Desire borders basted to the backgrounds and the edges pressed to prepare them for applique.  

I continued to work on Hearts Desire on through lunch, non stop.
All my little pcs. leaves, flowers, vines, basket parts, etc. are all traced on wax paper now and ready to be ironed onto their fabrics tomorrow.  After that I took another break (still skipping lunch) but grabbing a brownie to munch on.  I added a small dk. blue border to my Hearts Desire Center, (I think it's called a flang???).  Anyway, I quickly hung it all on the wall with a couple of my border pcs. pinned in place to get an idea on what colors I want to use in the details of the border tomorrow.
I'm really looking forward to tomorrow and adding the details to the border.  Unfortunately I have an errand to do first, which will take me at least half the day.  But I should still be able to get at least some of the detail applique pcs. cut pressed and in place on the border before end of day.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

It's Occupy Your Sewing Room Time


Occupy Sewing Room

It is occupy your sewing room week.
Check it all out over at Cat Patches.
 Prizes will be awarded and rules are posted.

I will be getting a later start today since this is my day of rest. 
I will get a few hours in after sunset and then hit it hard again tomorrow morning. 
Goodie Goodie Goodie, I can't wait to get started.  I have so much to catch up on.  

Are you occupying your sewing room this week?