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.

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!

Why Oh Why?

This is probably a rhetorical question and believe me, not at all quilt related. Why is it that you see people's true colors come through when it comes down to a major family issue? Why do you have to see the ugly side of them? Why can't it all just fade away in a time of pain? I truly just don't get it. In talking with my dad, I asked why he hasn't talked to his brother since 1969? Oh because he got mad at something his brother's wife did. So you aren't going to talk to you brother....ever? Nope. Same thing on my husband's side. I really don't get it. I don't understand the human mind and why it won't let go and move on. Why do things have to be held in hearts and then spewed out when everyone is hurting?

Again I say rhetorical. No responses needed. If you need to, email me directly.

Overwhelmed

I'm here although I feel like I've really neglected this poor blog. Things are just a bit hectic right now. I took a trip to Ohio to visit my dad. He's 86 and has Parkinson's along with a few other age related issues. My trip was quick but it was fun to be able visit with him. We got to drive 2 hours to visit with my uncle and my cousin and his wife. While away I got a call saying that my husband's grandpa had passed away. So this week we are preparing for all of the out of town visitors and the service.

Hubby's birthday is on Halloween and I was hoping to be able to celebrate with him on Saturday, but I don't see that happening this week. Hopefully I can give him a rain check and take him out a different Saturday night.

Since I have nothing to share, I will share Halloween pictures of Grace. We were playing on Picnik.com.

Crystal Ball Grace

Ghost Grace

Scary Movie Grace

I'm hoping I can sneak away to the girl cave this week.  Maybe then I will have some quilty pictures to show.  Have a great night.

Naptime

I drive by this man taking a nap everyday after dropping off at school. Today I couldn't help myself and lent him a quilt to use.

Greetings Earthlings

I feel lost in space for some reason. Can't seem to focus on any one project. My design wall Monday post didn't come together because I couldn't find my camera. Oh well. Here are a few photos of things I've started this weekend.


I've lost a picture, but I'm sure it will mysteriously appear tomorrow.  Anyhow this is my interpretation of a Blue Underground pattern that I saw.  The small square fabric is CRAZY.  Reminds me a Kaffe Fassett, but it's not.

 This is a pattern that Mary came up with on MaryQuilts.com.  She used her GO cutter.  I did too.  The fabric is Urban Angel.  Very cool.

This is a little fall table runner using charm squares.  Just need to sew it together.

My Ladies Night Out was a flop.  I think that's probably why I started sewing so many new projects this weekend.  The embroidery machine just didn't have the same appeal to me.  I am going to work on some quilt labels and t-shirts for the kiddo this week & weekend though.

Well, I'm off to bed.  This change of season is kicking my hinny.  I can't seem to stay awake.

Have a great night.

Little Beauties

I just realized that I haven't shown the two little quilt tops that we made back here.  They are officially done and hanging on the wall.  Angela quilted them for me.  I  know you are thinking why would you let someone else quilt you stuff when you have your own machine.  As I've said before, I'm a pantograph quilter, not a front of the machine artist.  I stand on the front of that machine and my brain goes blank.  Anyhow, I love these little beauties.






Well I'm off to the girl cave to fire up the embroidery machine.  Ladies Night Out is this coming Thursday.  Hope to see you there.

Have a great weekend.

Photographers

First and foremost, I must share that I have the BEST photographer in the Kansas City area.  Brandi has taken pictures of Grace since she was a baby and before.  I did maternity pictures, so Brandi took some seriously crazy belly shots.

I want fun Christmas card this year, so I've decided to have Brandi do them for me.  I love the double applique designs that Anita of Five Star Fonts makes.  Grace had to wear 3 shirts that I made, which didn't start out well.  The shirts were scratchy, so she didn't want to wear them.  Then she wasn't in the mood to smile.  And so on and so on.  As you can tell, Grace and Brandi got it all worked out.  I can't wait to send Christmas cards this year.

Thanks for letting this proud mom share. 

Have a great day!

Ladies Night Out

I have been so busy getting ready for the Ladies Night Out Event on October 7th, I haven't had much time to anything else.  If you live in the Kansas City area, come see me.  It's a great time with lots of free food and adult beverages.  Lots of shopping and just all around fun.

Bank of Blue Valley

13401 Mission Road

Leawood, KS 66209

913-234-3000

Come for a night of shopping and fun!  Over 30 vendors and tons of door prizes.  Admission is FREE!  Hors d'oeuvres, wine and desserts will be served.  Bring a friend and start your holiday shopping early.

Just a Little Quilting

So I did a little quilting this weekend. Managed to quilt 5 baby quilts for Caitlin, who needed them in a hurry for a craft show. The material she picked is so stinking cute. Made me riffle through all of my charm packs looking for something easy to put together. Alas, I put all the charm packs back in the cabinet and vowed to finish something that's already been started. I shamelessly stole this picture from Caitlin's blog since I was too lazy to take pictures of my own.

I also quilted another Cherry House quilt for Chris  who is a non-blogger.  She was so excited she came right to pick it up right after I got it off the frame.  Suffice it to say, it looked almost exactly like the one I quilted back here.

Off to finish folding clothes.  Darn laundry fairy forgot to show up today and now I have to do all the folding and putting away.  I suppose I can forgive her this time.  :-)

Have a great night.

Did You Know...

You can feel your heart beat in the tip of your pointer finger?  How do I know this you ask?  Well I just ran the sewing machine needle through mine.  The needle broke and my brave honey had to use pliers to pull the remains from my finger.  UGH.  I feel like I just passed my rite of passage into the club.  There's got to be better ways to get there.  The only funny thing I can share is I had a piece of yellow thread going all the way through my finger.  Front to back.  I probably could have put an earring in the hole and I would be officially pierced.

Heed the warning on the allergy medication box - DO NOT OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY UNTIL YOU KNOW HOW YOU WILL REACT TO THE MEDICATION.  Guess I need to find a brain somewhere.

Design Wall Monday and Other Stuff

Here is the braid top I'm working on.  This is from the Accuquilt Go tutorial I attempted.  Slow going, but I like how it looks so far.  Lots more sewing to do on it.  My dad asked for a new quilt, so I'm hoping to have it done before I head to Ohio in October.

I Spy another I Spy Quilt top.  I'm just randomly sewing scraps right now.  I like the look so far.


These aren't on the design wall, but I have to share.  I'm getting ready for another Ladies Night Out event.  This is one that I participated in last year and had pretty good success.  So I'm back at it again this year.  I'm decorating all sorts of towels for the holidays.  Starting with Halloween.





The feet just make me laugh.  I don't know about you, but I've gone to work with 2 different color shoes on.  I'm a gal that likes what I like, so when I find something I like, I buy several pairs in different colors.  Enough said.  This poor witch suffers from my same disorder.


Ragweed this season has been horrible for me.  I finally had to make a trip to the doctor today to ask for help with new allergy medications.  The Claratin just isn't working anymore.  In order to breathe this weekend, I had to sleep sitting up in the recliner.  In the old days doing that really didn't bother me, but today I feel like I'm about 100 years old.  Guess that  means I'm getting older (don't tell anyone that though).  So I'm off to take some new medication and call it a night.

Have a great night.