Matchy Match?

It's beginning to look like Christmas in our house.  I'm curious if you are a "matchy match" (my very own made up word) or do you go with what you like even though it doesn't match?  Just curious.  Seems like I always have this conversation with people at work around this time of year.  I definitely am a go with what I like.  Our Christmas tree is a mish mash of ornaments that all have some sort of story.  Grace is finally getting the hang of the stories this year.  She made me laugh tonight with a few of her own made up stories about ornaments she has received as gifts or made through her 6 years.



I've met several people along the way that definitely have to have everything that matches.  I guess that's what makes the world go around.

T-Shirt Quilt

Happy Thanksgiving.  I feel like a stuffed tick.  Everything was so good though.  All I had to make was green bean casserole.

I've been busy but just haven't felt much like blogging about any of it.  Tonight I will share a t-shirt quilt that I quilt for a first time quilt maker.  She was so excited about her quilt that she literally called me 7 times.  When she came to pick up the quilt she gasped...LOUD.  I finally figured out it was sheer excitement at her quilt being completed and not something horrible.






The cream colored satin is from a pillowcase that her son had as a small child.  My guess is he won't think it's too cool that it made it into his quilt.



Good luck with any Black Friday shopping you might have planned.

Sewing...Finally

Finally finished a quilt top.  I'm pleased with the way it turned out.  Hopefully I will get some time to quilt it this week.  I had 2 people help me obtain t-shirts.  One hit a Target and Wal-mart.  The other hit the local thrift store in Tempe.  Unfortunately I've been out of school way too long for mine to have survived.

Arizona State University Sun Devils

 The craft show I did Friday was a bust.  I did manage to finish binding on a quilt and ripping stitches on another.  So I guess I can't complain too much.

Have a great week.

Must Share

There are days that people really scare me.  Tonight I had a "scratching  my head" kind of moment.

So tonight was the semi-annual homeowner's association meeting.  My neighbor is the social chairman and decided that it would be a great venue for a vendor show.  She contacted everyone that she knew had a home based business - me with my quilting and embroidery.  I set up a small table tonight to show my treasure.  I made 2 flyers explaining rates and had my business cards ready to hand to anyone and everyone.

Here's the scary part.  I had a lady approach me with a pained look, like she really needed to ask a question.  I greeted her and asked if she had any questions.  Here's the conversation:

N:  So let me get this straight.  You take a bunch of little pieces of fabric and sew them together, right?
Me:  Yes
N:  So how does that turn into a quilt?  I just don't get it.
Me:  Well all those little pieces become one giant piece of fabric.  You know like on your bed?  It could be a patchwork or very fancy design.
N:  Ummm, ok
Me:  So then I add the batting in the middle.  You know the stuff that makes the quilt nice and warm when it's all done.
N:  Yes
Me:  I have a very large sewing machine and I sew the front to the back with the batting in the middle.  That big machine helps me do all the fancy stitches.  After that I put the binding on, which is what makes the edges of the quilt nice and finished.  At this point, I give her a HUGE smile.
N:  Holy crap that's a lot of work.
Me:  Trying not to roll my eyes.  So would you like to buy a quilt from me?  I have several more that I can show you.
N:  Ummm, thanks.  Walking away

I told my husband that I really do take handwork and sewing for granted.  But as a learned tonight, there really are people out there that don't have a clue or have never been introduced to it.  I never really thought I would have to explain what a quilt was or how to make a quilt.

Have a great night.

This and That

Wow, I seemed to have lost track of time.

I've been busy with embroidery things lately.  Backpacks, sports jackets and photographer bags were the top of the list.

Karate Team Jacket with Name

Names embroidered on the top of the front pocket

My office is going to have a craft show next Friday and I decided that I wanted to participate, so I've been trying to make things to sell.

My neighbor is the social chairman for our homeowners association and has been politely hounding me to get involved in a vendor fair that is being held before the meeting.  I didn't want to participate but then go to thinking what a great way to get my name out to my neighbors and let them know what I do.  Thankfully I won't be selling things, but I really need to get busy and make a couple flyers explaining what exactly I'm about.

I did get a quilt quilted for Miss Caitlin last weekend.  Didn't take long and I think turned out very cute.

Quilted with Daisy Swirl

Then there was Halloween in the midst of all my chaos.  Husband's birthday is that day so we made him a cake.  Grace did all of the decorating.

I think he might have been a little afraid to eat the cake because there wasn't any sugar left in the halloween shaker when Grace got done.

Well I'm off to the girl cave to finish up a few embroidery loose ends.  Have a great day!