Somerset Star Ornament

Once again in my blog reading / hopping adventures this morning, I found a link to this ornament.  I'm sure we've all seen some variation of it.  After looking at it a couple times this morning, I realized it could be completed using my Accuquilt Go cutting system.  2 1/2" blocks, 4 1/2" squares.  The only thing is the circle.  It might not be a die size, but I'm not as familiar with my circle die.

http://www.sayyestohoboken.com/

You can go here for the tutorial / instructions.  I think this might be a good way to use up some scraps from the scrap bin and decorate your Christmas tree at the same time.

Have a great day.

Happy Holidays ... Merry Chaos

I am alive and kicking. This holiday season has taken on a life of it's own. My little embroidery business has picked up and I've been completing all sorts of jobs for various wonderful people.  I wish I could remember where I set my camera down to share pictures.  Once jobs are completed that will be my first official task - find camera.

I must share this because it truly is a new use for brussel sprouts. At one point, I thought I liked brussel sprouts. Then I tried them again and changed my mind.

While out blog surfing this morning, I discovered this beauty.  If you are so inclined to decorate your Christmas table with a tree, this one might be just for you.  You can instructions here.

I can hardly wait for next week.  I work 3 days and then will be off work through the New Year.  My goal, if not blown or diverted, is to get some projects finished. 

Have a great day!

Nit Pickin'

Literally. No sewing yet this week for picking through the small child's hair. Rite of passage for the kid, rite of passage for me as a parent. Yuck Yuck Yuck.

Here are my shows from the long weekend.

Binding is on, but not sewn down.

Going to live to live with a little girl in KC, Missouri

...back to our regular program schedule.

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.