Ocean Waves Quilts

Eye rolling invited...................

 This quilt was made by my friend Peggy,(lady of the evening) for her adorable 
granddaughter Emily. I just love how well it goes with the color of the walls and the curtains! Peggy also made one for Emily's sister Brooke. Maybe she can send another pic. Peggy makes so many beautiful things, and gives them away  so quick, i don't usually have time to post them! I also see in the background, the "Tooth Fairy Pillow," made from my original pattern. Great job Peggy, Emily is a lucky girl!

Table runner kick...............

I have been on a kick of making these table runners. It is the simplest pattern. I have been using all different Christmas fabrics. I have experimented with different fancy threads, and practiced some machine quilting. it is easy to try new things on a piece this small.

 Paired with some pretty candles, this is a nice gift. I have also used a table runner as the focus for a Christmas basket, adding some cookies, and hot cocoa mix.  Trying to get some Christmas spirit by just "doing". Put up some decorations, wrap some gifts. I cannot, however, take the Christmas music this early! I am also knitting away on another Nantucket whaler hat. Pics soon! I hope you all are having some time to sew,  If you are making any gifts...please share! Christmas is coming....stay tuned............

Thanksgiving..............

I love Thanksgiving...the holiday is just about "giving thanks". I try to do that all the time, but especially today. I am thankful for health, most of all, because without it, there is nothing else. I am especially thankful for the people in my life. Family...that HAVE to put up with you...and friends. Friends, after all ,are just family that we CHOOSE. Real friends are hard to come by.  My mother always told me I would know who they were at the worst times in my life...was she ever right. She was ALWAYS right...unfortunately,lol.

I am thankful for the roof over my head, and my life. I am respected, cherished, and listened to by the man in my life. I am ever thankful to have a hobby that I love, a hobby that has brought me a bunch of those "real friends". A job that I have been doing for , ahem, 38 years, and I still love what I do. so..theres my "thanks". I hope you all have a wonderful day, giving thanks.

Good gift idea............

We picked up  these cute gift baskets at yankee candle the other day. One is a snowman theme, and one is a Santa. They come with candle holders and candles. I thought it would be "Instant decorating", if I added a hand made table runner. I thought they came out very cute. Simple to do. I made the table runner reversible to a solid red. Do you have any gift ideas to share? I think everyone right now is realizing Christmas is around the corner!  My readers and I would surely appreciate any ideas that you have! I will share any that I come up with. Stay tuned....................

making lemonade..........

I got my mojo back...Here is the block of the month...in the correct size!
Here is the too small block, made into a nice Christmas pillow!

 You know that saying, "When life gives you lemons make lemonade?". Well, as I told you the other day, I had a block of time to make the easy pieced block of the month, using Thangles. I grabbed the wrong size, and made the block 2 inches too small! Par for the course last week. I took the too small block in for show and tell at "Ladies of the Evening" last week. Kathie said "Well that would make a nice Christmas pillow. See? Lemons-lemonade! I have a friend whose birthday is coming up, I think this pillow will make a nice addition to her Christmas decorating!

I hope you all are having a nice weekend, and getting in some time to sew! Christmas is coming fast upon us. Stay tuned.......................
 

A mini quilt show for you!

Here are a few of the quilts in a local show, made by the "crazy Quilters". Is this not the cutest quilt you have ever seen? Our friend Peggy, (Ladies of the Evening). Made this delightful quilt. below is a close-up...can you believe she even put blueberry juice on his hands and mouth! I love it Peggy, great job!
 
This is a beauty, called "African tulips, made by a crazy quilters memeber.
Above a close-up to this gorgeous quilt, made by Mary Rys, a guild member. Just beautiful.


A talented group, I hope to get more pictures to show you.

 I have to show you other quilter's work this week, because I haven't been doing so good in the sewing department. I cut out and sewed the #7 "EASY" block  for the pieced Christmas quilt that I am doing block of the month. Well....using thangles, it is usually quick and easy, instant gratification. I grabbed my thangles, and got it sewn in no time........2 inches too small......................... Wrong size thangles.  Oh well...what can I say? I will sew another block out of similar colors. The too small block will make a pretty Christmas pillow as Kathie pointed out. When I am done with the new one, I will show you both. .I am beginning to think I need a keeper. Kathie suggested I Take a sewing break, probably so I won't hurt myself, lol! Stay tuned....if you dare......................

When you shouldn't pick up a rotary cutter......

Last week, everythingI tried to sew, I screwed up. I got this block done...you remember the one, with over 70 pieces in it... I  even got it hand quilted. The I take it down to my mat, and square it .....1/2 inch too SMALL. Did you hear me at your house?? The words were not nice, I promise you. I decided, since it is on the right side, I removed the embroidery on that side. I will put the embroidery further in, or maybe just leave the wording as is. I will have to cut all the blocks on that side a 1/4 inch smaller, or fudge it with the sashing.

 What I really felt like doing at the time is running a nice sharp rotary blade through it until it turned into confetti. You know how it goes, lol.  I restrained myself by admiring the blocks I have done so far...6 down, 6 to go...over the hump.

It's funny, on one of the other blogs I follow, she has been talking about giving handmade things as gifts. I thought of this quilt, and the ungodly amount of work it has been. I plan to hand this down in  my family as a family heirloom. I guess it will be a good thing that I will be dead when that happens, in case someone hates it,lol.  The woman writing the blog wondered... does anyone really appreciate the amount of work in these things we make? Or maybe do they think "Oh no, handmade crap again", lol. The general thread of the blog was that we, as the people who put so many hours work into these things, should either keep them, or give them to other quilters. Well, I have given so many things away. I like to think that maybe if they really don't "get it" now, they will when I am dead and gone.

 In any case, when I make something for someone, I think of them when I am working on the item, and hope they enjoy it. I put a part of myself in everything I make. Truthfully, it would be a lot quicker, easier, and usually cheaper to go to the store and just buy something. 

What are your thoughts on this subject? I always think of  a good friend of mine that knitted a gorgeous afghan . It took her forever to make it, and a lot of love  went into that afghan. Can you imagine how she felt when she saw it in the recipients dog's house???? Any feedback would be appreciated!

At it again....

I first saw this band in the 70"s. They were the "house" band for a place called "The Casino" on Cape Cod. The original place was torn down, they rebuilt it into a very elegant restaurant/night club. They  had this band back for a reunion last July, but Falmouth Heights on July 4th is not a place I want to be! Last night we got a group of friends together, went for a great dinner, and stayed  to dance our butts off! What a talented band..still doing what they love after 30 or more years!

So...I am back to feeling ooold today! My partner in crime was , of course, there, and she didn't even have to bail me out of jail, lol!!!

To keep this sewing related I copied this  from "The Quilters Gallery" newsletter. I have heard of a lot of ways to use up scraps. But, they involve saving small pieces of fabric that probably won't get used, and are just cluttering up our sewing spaces. In fact, Kathie, of "Ladies of the Evening" just mentioned this subject the other night. So, here below is the best idea I have seen to "use them up"!

Take an old pillowcase, line a wastebasket with it. While you are sewing, toss all of your scraps into it. You can also add those that are cluttering up your sewing room. When the pillow case is 2/3 full, sew the pillow case shut, and take it to your local animal shelter. These make great beds for cats and dogs, and fit the cages perfectly. They are 100% washable, and are nice and soft for the animals. Isn't that a great idea? If you have any ideas for "using  up" things in your sewing room, please post them. The scrap quilt in my last post is another great way to use up strips, and older fabrics that you have been saving forever, and don't know what  to do with. I have reduced my stash substantially this year, by shopping in my own sewing room first. It's amazing what you already have to use as backings, bindings, etc.

 I am having sewing withdrawal!  I just haven't had the time to be in my sewing room lately. So, hopefully, I will soon.  I finished the latest applique block from the "Twas the night before Christmas" quilt. I will  photograph that soon.Stay tuned.................

  

When all you can do...is make a quilt.............

This picture shows the borders..the outer border has more color than the pictures show.
Here are a few more squares. It is amazing how many different fabrics there are. We all tried to include fabrics that are Little Doris's favorite things...teddy bears, flowers, and cats. The pattern for this quilt  square is in the book called "scrap quilts" by Quilt in a day publications.

Here is the label, that I made. I took the picture of most of the group, and transferred it to fabric. I also added the names of those who were not present.

We have a long-time member of Ladies of the Evening, "Little" Doris. She was suddenly taken to assisted  living, a long way from all of us. We felt terrible that we didn't even get to say goodbye to her. Well, what do quilters do, when there is nothing  you can do? You make a quilt.

Each member that sews made a scrappy block. Some of us made an extra block for those that couldn't sew.  We chose pastel colors, everyone used their own leftover fabrics. In the center, we either signed our names, or wrote a memory to Doris. We wanted this to be a project that was quick, so we could send it off to her.  After the blocks were done, I put the top together, and got the borders on. It's kind of hard to see in the pictures, but I put a skinny border of white to break it up, then added a mottled pastel border. We bought some soft pastel pink fleece for the back.

Next, I brought it in to the weekly meeting of the "Ladies of the evening". Everyone tied it with different colored pastel floss. Then, Jackie took it home,  put on the binding, and hand sewed it. It is now on its way to Doris. We hope everytime she wraps up in it, she feels the warmth of our long time friendship. Stay tuned...

Best thing since sliced bread!

I am working away on my "Twas the night before Christmas" block. I look at the pile of backing fabric already cut for each square, and the joining strips, all nicely cut and pressed. Then I think...what the??? I never allowed for backing fabric for the borders!

As you know, I am doing this as a "quilt as you go" method. So having the backing is a necessity, to hide all of the joining. I especially picked it , as they suggested it be very "busy". Soooooo I call a local fabric store...that had it two weeks ago, because I saw it there. You guessed it....gone! Ok, so now I am thinking, I know what it looks like, but I have no idea of the manufacturer or the line.

I knew I had heard about a missing fabric site...I found it. www.missingfabric.com. This site is unbelievable!!! You take a digital picture, send it to them, they post on their website, and within hours you have an e mail telling you where the fabric can be bought! It may not work as quickly for older fabrics, but it is possible, as people read this board, and may have some of that fabric you are searching for. They scramble your e mail, so no spam robots can take it. The site is free, you can make a donation if you want to. I may have spent the next 6 months looking for a fabric if I hadn't found them! The fabric is on it's way to me...and on sale! It doesn't get any better than that! Stay tuned................

Sewing away.................

I told you all I had working "behind the scenes". I made the quilt above. It is a generous "throw sized" quilt.It has a lot of my favorite fabric line in it, "Lakehouse Fabrics". I made this quilt, and had some of the fabrics left over. I added other fabrics, and made this quilt below! they are both machine quilted by me.

 I hope  you didn't hear the swearing as I was doing it. I must say, it gets a little easier each time, as I learn a few more tricks. I think the biggest help has been a big enough sewing table, so That the left side of the quilt is supported. I didn't realize that ANY pulling on that quilt will distort the stitches.

 I have been avidly reading blogs to get different ideas as to what makes machine quilting easier for people. One thing I could not machine quilt without is June Tailor fusible quilt batting". It holds both surfaces down so that there are NO puckers. I also do not roll my quilt. I have found that "puddling" it where I am working, works best for me. I also do  (gasp of horror here) my binding BEFORE I quilt. I read this tip many years ago...and truthfully thought the quilter was nuts. But, her theory is that the outside edge is now stabilized. I cant tell you how many quilts and wallhangings I have machine quilted this way with great results! Oh...and with using the fusible batting, you dont have to start in the middle. You can start and quilt wherever you are the most comfortable!

I think you a lso have to find what "works" with YOUR particular sewing machine. Mine  balks if I dont have the same thread in the top and the bottom. I also get skipped stitches  if I use a normal needle, and forget to change it to a quilting or topstitch needle. Each machine has it's own quirks I guess.

I have always done hand  quilting, but, the older I get, I realize I won't get too many done that way. Also, you don't want to put the labor of hand quilting into a lot of projects. So...I persevere, stay tuned...................
 

Makes me feel old...really old....

 Last night, we got a spur of the moment invitation to go see an oldies band called
The spellbinders". They had as a guest, Lenny Baker, of Sha Na Na. He looked SO old, but, when he blew that horn...I was sent back 30 years to when I first heard Sha Na Na do "At the hop"!

This is one of my very best friends Donna. We have had so much fun, and so many good times together over the years. She is one of the most fun people I have ever known. Have you ever heard this... A good friend will come and bail you out  of jail....a TRUE friend will be sitting right beside you, saying WOOOOOhooooo wasn't that fun!!!!!! Every time I hear that...I think of Donna! She also has been  right there beside me..through some of the WORST times in my life. Like I said...a true friend. You don't get too many of those in your lifetime.
  
This was a benefit for the Lions club. It was so much fun to dance to the oldies. We danced  almost every dance for hours! We saw many people we hadn't seen in years, it was a blast! Then we left there, and went and listened to friends of ours in another band. I felt like I went through a time warp...oldies to present day music fun fun fun!  I can barely lift a needle to sew, lol!!!

Another bag done.................

I made another bag! This one I made a bit bigger than the last ones. It will hold just what you need to run out to the store, or go walking. These bags are a great gift for most anyone. I got the  simple pattern in the fall issue of "Quilts and More".

 I have been working on perfecting my machine quilting skills.....and man do I have a long way to go! I realized that "practice makes perfect" is definitely true when you are  learning machine quilting. I can make my hands do most any sewing, but arguing with my machine, and yards and yards of fabric stuffed under it, isn't easy! But, I am trying hard! I have tried to do something different, other than the same old stippling, or loop de loop! If any of you are good machine quilters, could you post any tips you have for making  it easier? I would appreciate it, and so would  my readers! My friend Mickey sent me this 

http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com website, called 365 days of freemotion quilting. It is amazing how many designs this girl comes up with!  I bet she has had a LOT of practice. Check it out, and stay tuned....I will show some pics soon, but dont expect any of those designs, lol. 

Hey little pumpkin!!!!

I just got this picture today of my nephew Cayce, he sure is getting big! Looking forward to seeing him soon!

Eye rolling invited..................

I wanted to make a reading/tv organizer that would be suitable for a man. I had this great sea side print. A half yard of fabric makes the front of the organizer and two pockets.  I edged the pockets with a tan/brown pin dot fabric, and used the same for the backing. I used a sturdy batting to give it "body".

There are two large pockets on the left, and two smaller ones on the right. The smaller ones are great for your remote and your glasses. Books and magazines can go in the large pockets. The top edge can be slid under the mattress, or over the top of your couch. The measurements are pretty much the same as I gave for the "kiddie" organizers. I am going to add a new book to this, or a gift card to a book store, and a booklight. Another Christmas gift done. Roll those eyes Peggy and Kathie, lol.

The "Ladies of the Evening" have most of their squares done for the comfort quilt for our friend "Little Doris". The messages are great. Some people wrote sayings, and quotes. Some simply signed their names, with "I miss you" messages. Today I made a label with a picture of all of us on it. After our meeting this week, I will show update you on this quilt. We are planning to back it with fleece, so it will be warm and comforting to her. I hope you all had a good halloween and a good weekend! Stay tuned..............
 

Happy Halloween!!

I made this photo quilt in halloween fabrics, and used pictures of my two granddaughters and my two nieces dressed up for past halloweens. I designed this pattern. It is super simple, and looks so different depending on the fabrics and the pictures used. I have made it with beach pictures, and water/sand fabrics. I also made a cute birthday hanging with all pink cupcake fabrics. This halloween quilt is hanging in my shop right now. The customers get such a kick out of it! The closeup picture is of Riley(4). She had a false eyelash stuck on her lip, lol. I sed a halloween variegated thread to quilt it with. Fun to pull out at this time of year! Stay tuned..................

Note to Trisha and Mickey.............................

Well thank you both:) I needed that. I did not have a pattern or a tutorial. This art folder really is easy to make! It is just a long rectangle(40"x12") with batting inside, and pillow turned.Sew close to edge  all the way around.  A pocket of matching fabric(6" x 10" is added on to the right side with lines sewn down (3/4 of an inch apart) for holding  pencils or pens.  A square of chalkboard fabric is zig zagged on, as well as a small notebook pouch (available in the stationery dept.), on the left side. Then fold both these ends in to form the pockets to hold a sketch pad or notebook,( sew on wrong side) A button and small piece of 1/4 inch elastic will make a closure for the art. folder. The chalkboard fabric is available at Nancy's notions.

Any other questions, e mail me. And thank you both for commenting so that I don't feel as if I am mumbling to myself.......

A little sewing going on....................

 
 
 
I did the consolation block that came with the  applique block  of the month!  It is a quick and easy one, makes you feel as if you have accomplished something!  I am now halfway though the pieced blocks. It is nice to think that next Christmas, I will have all the squares done for two Christmas quilts!

I also made this art folder for a young girl on my Christmas list. It has a pocket for a notebook or drawing pad, a chalkboard cloth piece, and a pocket to hold the chalk and sponge. On top of the pocket for the notebook, there is room for crayons or markers. This young lady likes to write and draw in her "journal", so colored pencils seemed just right!

I am machine quilting a pretty blue and soft green quilt right now. It is bordered in gorgeous lakehouse hydrangea fabric. Each time I machine quilt, I seem to do it better, and easier. I have found that the slider sheet on my machine bed works wonders. This time I combined some stippling with a loop- de- loop in the sashing, and 9 patch squares. It's looking pretty good. I have to admit, it's not my favorite thing to do, right now my neck is tied in knots, lol. Pictures soon.....

I hope you all had a good weekend, and maybe you managed to get some sewing time in.Are any of you making gifts for Christmas? We would love to hear about what you are making, or planning to make. I saw Trisha on TLC stitches is knitting some gorgeous socks.

Ladies of the evening are all working on their squares for "Little Doris". This is for the comfort quilt we are making to send to her . We decided to go for pastel "scrappy" blocks, with a white strip in the middle to write her a message, or just sign our name. Mine will have some strips with cats on it. There is  a reason for that! I will tell you my cat story with Doris when I get my block done...so stay tuned.......
 

Keeper...for sure....................

This has been "one of those weeks". Not enough time, not enough sleep...too much stress. You get it. I came home last night to this....... beautiful flowers, cookies from the italian bakery....and a new quilting magazine...oh...and a love note. Is this guy a keeper or what? he gets up at 4 a.m. to go to work, sets my coffee for me... and leaves me 7 post it notes around the house today. Yeah...he's a keeper allright:) Thanks Bill, a million years will never be enough. xxoo

Ladies of the Evening..............

Peggy and Mary, working on their projects.
Here is "The other Doris" finsihing a very cute fall wallhaning. Doris is doing a great job of clearing up her UFO's!!
Mary has just completed this great Christmas stocking for a grandchild. Great job Mary!
Here are Rosemarie, Frances,a nd Florida Barb cutting strips for our blocks. Sorry about the butts, but at least they are tiny butts, lol!!!! 

 I went to meet with "The ladies of the evening"last night. Everyone is busy, as we are planning a lap quilt for one of our members. "Little" Doris is having some memory problems, so she has gone into an assisted living facility. We wanted to make something to remind her of us. We decided to make an easy scrappy block, with a center white strip, so we can write her a message or sign our names.  Our friend Kathie was not with us last night as she was out having a birthday dinner with her hubby. We all hope she had a wonderful birthday.Here is  Jackie perusing a book of sayings,  looking for something to write on her block. Soon I will have pictures of how we are coming along. Stay tuned...................... 

Nantucket Whaler baby hat....................................

I saw these  "Nantucket Whaler hats" when I was over on the island visiting my family. I had to make this for a special baby boy. They are cute as a button, made in the traditonal Navy/white , the Nantucket High School colors, and very cute made in powder blue/white! The only part I hate is when you get to the top of the hat, and have to switch to 4 needles. I feel as if I have ten thumbs! I do think that It's worth it though, for the cuteness factor!.

 I actually had time to SEW today! I made a cute art folder for a Christmas gift, and made the quickie  Christmas block that comes once a month. Pictures soon......
 Stay tuned..............................

Another one bit the dust!

I finished this 2 weeks ago, and forgot to post it! This is block #5! I am now working on # 6. Each time I get this block of the month in the mail, I think "I must be NUTS". I have cut 50 pieces to this block so far, and there are MORE!!!! I am determined though, lol.

 I think I am going to put a label on the back saying...."This sucker was a LOT of work" When I am dead and gone, and this quilt is passed along in my family, I want  them to know it should be treasured, simply because  it took so darn long!  It has been yet another rainy lousy sunday on Cape Cod. Great sewing weather though! I cooked a delicious roast chicken dinner, and now am sitting in front of the football game watching the SNOW!!! Thank God it is rain on the cape. I hope you are all having a nice relaxing day, and maybe having some time to sew, or do something you like to do. Stay tuned........................

Eye rolling invited..........................

 I saw a picture of this reading organizer on "One more Moore's" blog. I didn't have a pattern to make one, so I just measured some canvas about 15"x30" I doubled it, to make it stiff enough to hold the books. The part above "read" goes under the mattress. The pockets are 9"x15" (bottom), and 12" by 15",(top). I trimmed the pockets with a soft pastel print. I used the letters to say  "Read", as she did, but you could put a child's name as well. I added a book light, and a book, great Christmas gift! (eye rolling Kathie and Peggy).

I thought it would be nice to make an "adult" version. I used the same measurements, and used pre-quilted fabric. This book organizer can always be put over the back of your couch as well. It would be great to hold sewing items, your glasses, and your book. A new quilting book or sewing item would complete this gift! Stay tuned..........................
 

Quilt show!

Kathie,(lady of the evening) was kind enough to send me some pics of the "Seaside Quilt show" that went on on Cape Cod this weekend. It's always nice to see quilts, and get inspired...so here ya go! I love the 3 d effect on this quilt!
The woman who was making this quilt evidently died, so her friends finished it for he, and gave it to the son!
What an amazing sampler quilt!
I just loved the lady bug on the flower!
Great wildlife quilt!
What nice soft colors!
I think this quilt is broderie perse, I like the border too, a nice addition.It looks as if the quilt below may be done by hand...a dying art these days!

I love black and white and one color, this looks great! Thanks again Kathie for sharing the show with me, and my bloggers!

Peeking in on "Ladies of the Evening"

"Florida" Barb , who is a long-time member of our group, has made a commitment to herself this year to  finish all her "ufo's"! She has been doing an unbelievable job of getting them done! She said she put all of her projects, with everything needed to finish them, in a "kit". She has then been doing one at a time.

How about this great jacket she made from a sweatshirt!!! Very stylish, and a great job!
  
This is an embroidered halloween wallhanging. She only had the binding to finish...........
 Here is her finished bluework lighthouse. Another ufo finished...and a beautiful job done! We look forward to seeing what Barb does this winter when she is in Florida, while the rest of us are freezing our butts off, lol!
 
   

Izaya came to visit....................................

Don't you love watching the recipient of one of your quilts really enjoying it? Well, actually Izaya was really more interested in chewing on the little dog, or anything else in sight, as he is teething, lol!  He was so cute, looking around at everything with those big blue eyes.

This is my great nephew , he is just 6 months old! He came to visit yesterday with his mom and dad Adrian and Janelle. This quilt is identical to the one I made for my new nephew, Cayce. I loved the first one so much, I made 2! Perfect quilt for little boys. This fabric grouping actually came in a pink colorway as well. Peggy (lady of the evening), used the pinks to make a quilt for her granddaughter.

I ddn't get the greatest pictures, as I neglected to turn on the flash...oh well...hey I am a quilter NOT a photographer, lol!

It has turned out to be a beautiful day on the cape, I hope you all are out enjoying it. Stay tuned..........................

Quick little bags..............................great Kindle carrier

I found this pattern for a  small bag in the latest issue of "Quilts and More". It really is a quick project, and the best part is you can use fat quarters or scraps.  You also can use up pieces of batting. You just need some cotton webbing for the strap.

The finished bag size is approximately 10"x11". It makes a great carry bag for my Kindle.(electronic book) . This bag protects my Kindle in it's case, and allows me to throw it over my shoulder and go. I can listen to audio books as I walk!

 I think teens would love it as well. It's big enough to hold your wallet, keys, etc. Great Christmas gift idea! Eye rolling by Peggy and Kathie is invited:)
  

There was a girl from Nantucket.................................

 Yesterday we made a trip over to Nantucket to see my family, and to meet new nephew Cayce! It was a lousy day, rainy, and quite choppy going over on the boat.

 Above you will see the diaper cake I made for Cayce, just before I put it in a clear wrapping bag.  It is made with lots of diapers, handmade burp cloths, bibs, and lots of essentials for the baby. The quilt and photo pillow I showed you last week were a big hit with the new mom and dad. I will try to get a picture of Cayce on his new quilt!
 This is my niece Jadelen modeling her Halloween shirt and headband that I made for her.
Above is the new mom Rachel, and new dad Kelly (my brother).Jadelen is holding the baby in the middle.
Here is Auntie Kim(my sis). That baby  just knew she was the mother of 4, and snuggled right in to her!
Here is the little guy looking quite perplexed when he woke up and saw me holding him, lol!
 Here is the scene when we were leaving Nantucket. It's still so beautiful over there, even when it's a lousy day! It was a very quick trip, but still good to see everyone, and spend a little time with them. I have been doing a lot of sewing this past week. It was a slow work week, so I got more time than usual. Pictures soon, so stay tuned...................
 
  

Cute little Halloween shirt......................

I bought a little black T shirt. At Jo Ann's I found a half yard of halloween fabric that was just little patches of Halloween cute things. I cut it into some into squares, and backed it with  light Wonder Under.I ironed the squares onto the shirt. I then zig zagged around each patch with an orange variegated thread. Voila..cute t shirt for a cute girl! I added this little halloween headband. I think it makes a cute outfit.

I went to the "Ladies of the Evening" last night. Mary was working on a beautiful batik quilt. Florida Barb has almost completed a gorgeous redwork wall hanging. Of course I forgot my camera, but Kathie saved the day by having her camera with her. I hope she will send me the pics so I  can show you...hint hint... Stay tuned...............

Weighted lap pads for Autism.............................

Weighted  lap pads.

Halloween headbands for the kiddies.

A table runner made from a panel.

Have you ever heard of these? One of my friends is making these per directions from an occupational therapist. The lap pads weigh about 1 1/2/ to two pounds, depending on the requirement of the individual. They are used not only for autistic children, but for a wide variety of disorders. Not only are lap pads made like this, but blankets as well. The blankets are heavier, and usually weigh between 4-8 lbs, again depending on the needs of the child. They are weighted with special poly pellets, and are completely  machine washable and driable.

It is quite amazing to hear the testimonials of people whose children are helped by these lap pads and blankets.  I am taking orders for lap pads, large lap pads, which are also shoulder wraps, and small blankets, 36x36, and 36x54. If you are interested, e mail me for details and prices.

I had a stay at home afternoon. It is a rainy old day on Cape Cod. Good day for sewing though! I made a couple of the lap  pads, this table runner for a gift, and some halloween headbands, a really productive afternoon! I hope some of you had a sewing day, or just some time to relax and watch the Pats. Now it's time to watch a movie, and do some stitching on my "Twas the night before Christmas" block. Stay tuned................

 

The quick block.....................

This is the latest "quick block" that comes each month along with the intense applique' Twas the night before Christmas block. I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I get this one done, as the other one takes me most of a whole month. I never have been fond of piecing, but with the use of "Thangles" this one is simple and easy.

It has cooled off on Cape Cod, thank God. This week had a few warm and muggy days. A customer informed me that Christmas is exactly 8 weeks from today. YIKES! I am usually way more organized, and have at least half of my shopping done. This year, I think gifts will be very practical, and probably gift cards.  Are any of you making your gifts this year? Any ideas? I think everyone would appreciate hearing about what you are making. This new blog I discovered has an amazing selection of handmade gifts. Give it a look. I hope you all have a great fall weekend. Stay tuned...............barb

http://thirtyhandmadedays.blogspot.com/

Storage and a new table runner.............................

Ok................ so everyone that knows me,

well, knows I am  organized...there are a few other words they may say, but lets just say organized, lol .I have used many things to organize the stuff you keep near your sewing machine, and discarded them all for one reason or another. I happened to see this at Nancy's Notions, and I love it! $18.99. It had a lot of slots that were made for pens. I did want some of them for pens, but some I needed bigger. I just used my trusty seam ripper to cut the thread between some of the pencil slots, to make them twice as wide. they now are wide enough for sewing machine needles, etc! On the other side, there are bigger pockets, for rulers, and notepads, etc. I filled it fast!

The table runner........ I adapted a pattern I had, just made it quicker and easier. You  cut one 10 3/4" square, cut across once, for the two end triangles. Then you cut 7 rectangles 5 1/2" x 14 1/2". Sew all the rectangles together, add a triangle  to each end. Layer with a backing and batting,  do some machine quilting, bind, and you are done! I should have shown the back, i used a pretty fall fabric, it is fully reversible too! I can see a Christmas table runner with this easy pattern too! Stay tuned..................Barb

Last day of summer:(

Someone mentioned that today is the last day of summer. Wow! Where did this summer go? Probably because it didn't get hot till  August, it seems way too short. Or maybe as I get older, I am minding the winter more than I used to.

 Here is the wall quilt I hang up every summer. It depicts what the beach looks like on Cape Cod in the summer....and below, turn the quilt over, the tourists are gone! This quilt is my own original design. I had fun with adding a few miniatures, such as a popsicle in the little boy's hand, and an actual newspaper that the man is reading. It is completely hand done, appliqued, and quilted! I realize when  I look at the picture, that it was a lot of hand quilting!  It is sad to turn it over, but time for the fall quilts! I hope you all had a good summer, and are looking forward to fall!

And the winner is.........................................

The hairy armed name drawer has done his thing.....

Congratulations Mickey!!!!! I hope you have a spot for this little quilt! Maybe it can be a consolation prize for your upcoming hand surgery!

Quickie table runner.............

I bought this panel on a recent "Shop hop". It is called "classic garden" by Northcott fabrics. I liked it in the store, and had no idea what to do with it.  A woman piped up, and said "It would make a great table runner". I loved the colors, and of course the hydrangea fabrics! I simply squared it off, backed it with a gorgeous all over hydrangea print, and practiced my machine quilting. I think it looks so pretty on the table. Think of all the panels that are available now, and make a table runner soon! Stay tuned......Barb

Easy Southwestern Chicken Soup..........

1 1/2 lbs chicken (leftover works fine) or cut fresh boneless breast into chunks.

1 onion

minced garlic to taste

2 cans seasoned diced tomatoes including juice( I used the mexican seasoned ones with mild green chilies)

1 1/2 cups frozen corn, or as much as you want.

1 pk taco seasoning, or cumin coriander and oregano to taste

1 small can sliced black olives

2 cans black beans (rinsed)

1 jar prepared salsa. Heres where you can adjust the "heat" I used medium salsa, you can use mild or hot.

 You can add water or V-8 juice to thin soup, if necessary.

Saute chicken in a couple of tablespoons of oil, add garlic and onions till done. Place chicken in slow cooker, add all other ingredients, can be simmered on low for 8 hours, or high 4 hours. If you use a regular pan, just simmer till it tastes good. Great served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh cilantro on top. Also a couple of tortilla chips on top looks good too. Enjoy! Freezes well too!

New baby.............

Shhhhhhh, I don't think the new mom reads my blog, so it's ok to show you this before she sees it! I have a new nephew, named Cayce. When you have a new baby in the family, he has to have a quilt!  This is another of the disappearing nine patch pattern. The fabric has tiny frogs in  a lime green, and soft blue, great for a little boy!

I loved this picture that his doctor took of him right after he was born, so I made a matching photo pillow. I love making the photo items for babies, after all who wouldn't love something with their new baby's picture on it! Another cutie patootie in the family...welcome Cayce!

Cutie patooties came to visit..........

Here is Riley, working so hard on her "Beach Doll" She even painted the toe nails, using pigma pens. Too funny! Above we have Raelynn working very hard on her dolls necklace. Below we relaxed with a rousing game of Candy land. This game is especially fun, because Gramma always loses, lol.   These are the completed beach dolls that Riley and Raelynn worked on.  They even drew their own faces on the dolls with pigmas pens. Riley wanted PINK eyes on her doll.  Can you believe these kids drew the faces themselves? Adults usually mess up with those pens,lol!

Giveaway..................................

 I found this wall hanging at the bottom of my "quilt trunk". I dont have any where in my house that this "goes". I had gotten the pattern in Amish country. It is hand appliqued and quilted.  If you leave me a comment , telling me your favorite quilting tip, I will put  your name in the hat to win this amish hanging. I will draw a name on sunday September 20th. Let the quilting tips begin.....................

Quilt as you go....

I guess I should have given better directions to find the great picture tutorial that "Welsh quilter" has on her site. Click on the link I gave you, then  go back to the 2008 posts. It is a feb.27th 2008. You probably could type it into her search box at the top of the page. She did such a great job showing it clearly, I couldn't duplicate it. As Mickey suggested, I will add her to my places to visit. She has a great page. Mickey, thank you so much for always letting me know you are enjoying the site! Been working my butt off this week , but stay tuned.......

Quilt as you go....

I attempted to do a tutorial on the "quilt as you go"  method. My backing is so "busy", you couldn't see how it went together. Below you will find a link to "Welsh Quilter". She did a great step by step tutorial on how to put the blocks together after you have quilted them.

The only thing I did differently is I increased the size of the joining strips. I made the top strip 2", and the bottom strip 3 1/2". (folded in half, and pressed). I wondered if I would have to add a pie ce of batting in between, but with the thickness of the top strip, and the double thickness of the bottom strip, it didn't seem necessary. I really am enjoying this method of quilting. I wonder why I never did it before! Quilting one square at a time is portable. As a result, I can bring it everywhere, and more gets done, since we know I am a gallivanting fool lately, lol!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://welshquilter.blogspot.com/

 

Do you remember the first day of school?

 I used to love the first day of school! I loved the new clothes, and pencils and crayons. It was so exciting to meet the new teacher, and see what kids would be in my class that year.

 Today was granddaughter Raelynn's first day of first grade. The next picture shows Raelynn with her sister Riley. They look very cute in their new outfits. I love the shoulder routine, lol. Below is baby Camden,showing you his "tough guy" stare. Too funny! Looks like a great start to the new year!

Not much sewing going on....................

It has been a great weekend on Cape Cod! We sure did deserve it, after the last couple of weekends! We have had sunset bonfires with Pizza dinner, and marshmallows for dessert. Saturday was the most gorgeous beach day! We went at 9 a.m., and stayed till it started to get cool.

    Sunday we took a long ride down the cape. We brought a picnic lunch, and stopped at a dog park to eat, lol. This weekend they had a crafter's flea market going on there! Many gorgeous hand made crafts. Our friend Cynthia from "Kwilts and Krafts" had a booth set up there too!

    In between, we had our "Bye bye summer" lobster roll. Not much sewing going on, but I did get the last of my Christmas blocks hand quilted at the beach. Now it is a matter of getting some time(if I would stop gallivanting, and I didn't have to work, lol) to get those 4 blocks put together. I intend to do a tutorial on that "quilt as you go" method. The next block is in the mail, so I need to get it in gear!

    I hope all of you have enjoyed this great weekend. before you know it, the weather will change, and there will be lots more sewing time! With that...I am headed out...............Have a good holiday everyone!

Special girl............

This young lady did a very good deed today. This is Jamie. She is 16 years old. She has grown this gorgeous hair for 2 years. She had to have at least 10 inches in order to donate it to "Locks of Love". Not only did Jamie grow this hair for so long, just to have it cut off, she also took exceptional care of it, so it was in top condition to donate.

     "Locks of Love is an organization that uses human hair to make special wigs and hairpieces for children that lose their hair, due to illness. Thank you Jamie, you should be very proud of yourself!

visitors at work today..............

"Lady of the evening, Doris, came in for a haircut today, and very kindly brought her wall hanging for me to see. She recently made this for her granddaughter's birthday. She did a great job on it! I especially love the wide pink ric rack on the edges. Thanks for bringing it by!

Beautiful Hydrangeas............

Can you believe this year we only got 3 hydrangea blossoms? Considering we have 6 bushes, that was a really sad showing! However, these two were so beautiful, I cut them before the storm. I thought they looked rather nice on my easy pieced table runner.

The weather was lousy this weekend, so I did some hand quilting on the Christmas blocks. I have one to hand quilt, then I will be caught up. I have all four hand appliqued and hand quilted. This week sometime, I need to tackle trying to put them together with the "quilt as you go method". I have to say, I am really liking quilting one block at a time, rather than a huge quilt on my lap. Of course, I haven't see how it will be to actually link them together, lol. So, stay tuned..

I am a sicko.................

 Doris was sititing there very innocently tonight, working on her doll. Can you imagine stuffing those tiny fingers? Can you see how I posed the finger?  I think this doll would come in handy...when you've had that kind of a week. that the finger expresses it all. I forgot to ask Doris what kind of a head goes on this doll. After making her give this rude gesture, I can't imagine her to be a sweet doll. I think she should have a face like maxine, lol.

    You know. womens groups are a wonderful thing...you can come in, talk about your problems, and not only do they understand, they commiserate, and make you laugh. Thanks Ladies!!! Happy anniversary Kathie and John, and many many more.....stay tuned.......

Doris just finished this quilt top................

  Doris brought in this quilt top she just finished. She did a really nice job on it. The colors are really much brighter, hard to see color well with those fluorescent light. Nice job Doris!  Thats Mary, looking  over to see the quilt.

"ladies of the evening.......................

 This is Jake! He is Florida Barb's grandson. Here, he shows us the quilt that his grandmother made him. Florida Barb  did a wonderful  job on it! The quilting of the waves and sand are great, the colors are so bright and colorful. Jake loves fishing, and Cape Cod. This quilt will always remind him of the fun he has had  here with his grandparents. This kid has the cutest dimples I have ever seen!

Another one bites the dust!!

 The children were nestled all sung in their beds......Look at that snow on the windows, damn it looks cool:)  I really don't like this heat and humidity we have been having, can you tell?  I think the only person I know who actually likes it is Kathie. I complain, and she will remind me when the snow flies, and it is below zero, that I complained when it was HOT.  The one thing this weather is good for, is I can sit in the a.c., and get some hand sewing done.................

    This is block # 4 done, this one got done in record time. I have now started to  quilt the first block. For the first time, I am going to try the "quilt as you go method. I have never done it before, usually just getting the whole thing together and quilting it. This seems like not only a more managable way to do it, but I can also be quilting in between doing the applique. I would like to be able to enjoy this quilt done before I am old, lol

    I have also been sewing up a storm in my sewing room, so stay tuned.........................