This is what I'm working on

Tutorial found here at the Moda Bake Shop.

I'm using the same Fandango fabric. There is not one print in this line that I dislike. Nope, I love 'em all! I have doing one extra row so that the quilt will be longer. My borders are a different fabric than the one pictured and I think I will cut them an inch wider than suggested in the tutorial.

Okay, back to work!

Praise - College Girl and her boyfriend had safe travels today.

Prayers - for the time College Girl spends with family friends and College Boy.

I love me some weekend sewing

I actually made this late yesterday afternoon for College Girl's camera.
I used this tutorial found at Moda Bake Shop. Moda's Bliss charms leftover from the baby quilt that I made recently.

Then I started cutting up some soft pink Kona solid and part of the charms from an Aviary charm pack that I won.
Today I'm doing the sewing. I'm working towards something like this. I don't have enough for a border but that's just fine as it is for the newest little girl born into our church family.

I have no idea why I love weekend sewing when all of my days are pretty much the same, but I do. I did run to town this morning (which is such a time waster in my opinion)to get some Kona solid for a binding and some off white flannel for the backing. I guess my stash report is not going to be very impressive this week.

Break is over, back to the machine.

Praise - Joanne's surgery was a success! She is recovering in ICU now.

Prayers - that Joanne would avoid infection and that her pain would subside. Also for hubby and College Girl, that they would be safe while playing in a volleyball tournament today.

March Pillow Party - in pictures. Lots of them.

Nothing like waiting until the last minute to get my entry posted for the

Well seriously I DO have a few more hours, so in my procrastinating mind I am way ahead!

The story of this pillow begins back in October 2009 when I saw THIS tutorial by Alison at Cluck Cluck Sew. I loved the pillow and the tutorial and made one for College Girl to match her sophomore year quilt. But I knew I wanted to do more with that same method. The mug rugs that I made recently were branching out from that pillow, using the free motion quilting to applique the shapes on to the background fabric. I liked giving the pieces some texture with the quilting stitches.

My idea for this month's pillow starting brewing back in January. I knew that I wanted a cherry blossom tree for March. My first rough sketch.

Yeah I sketch in a graph paper spiral notebook. I also draw out quilt blocks, quilt layouts, figure measurements for yardage and even cookie designs.

My refined sketch;

Notice how I can't even commit to an entire page? When I sketch the graph paper means nothing as far as size of the finished project, it is just paper.

I was determined to use what I had on hand for this pillow since I AM trying not to purchase fabric unless absolutely necessary. These are the Kona solids that I had in my stash that would work;

Although in my head a lighter, shimmery, sheer pink would have been lovely.

I didn't trust myself to draw the tree and sloping grass covered ground backwards onto the WonderUnder so I drew it out the way I wanted the end product, made notes on it and then flipped it over and traced around it on the WonderUnder.



I decided to use a pale pale pink Kona solid 'cloud' under all of the petals so that most of the area seen between petals would appear to be pink petals and not sky.


College Girl wanted to help so I set her to work with my Sizzix die cut press to cut out all of the petals. Neither one of us counted how many she made but I used them all. In fact she made one petal backed with WonderUnder and then I decided that was not going to work but late last night I ended up pulling the backing paper off and using that petal as well. I arranged them and rearranged them. I too pictures to see the placement from a different viewpoint. I used a Elmer's Washable School Glue Stick (in Disappearing Purple)to glue each petal down. I pulled up a few of the glued down petals and relocated them. Then I let it all sit overnight. I wanted to see if I would like what I saw in the morning.


I did! So I got to work with the free motion quilting. What I had envisioned for the grass didn't work out so I just started moving the fabric and this is what I came up with.

The tree bark was easy. I had done the trees on my mug rugs and really liked how they turned out so I just went with that same style. I used black thread to make the bark appear darker than just the brown Kona.

Free motion quilting of the flower centers;

I just went from blossom to blossom and cut all the threads when I was finished. MUCH quicker that way.

The finished pillow - Cherry Blossoms.


I left it on the couch after College Girl and I both took pictures of it and when hubby came in from work he said "CUTE PILLOW!".

I'm going to link up with amylouwho's Sew & Tell too.

Praise - for the new baby girl born into our church family!

Prayers - continued prayers for Joanne. She was to have surgery yesterday and her husband has not posted an update yet.

Daisy's Bliss

We got new snow!! I even went OUTSIDE to take some pictures today. New snow and sunshine, how could I resist?

This to me is TRUE Bliss - snow and a quilt using Moda's Bliss. Have you seen the peeks of Camille & Bonnie's new line? RUBY looks like she would play quite nicely with Bliss.



Quilt was made using Elizabeth Hartman's tutorial that was featured on Sew Mama Sew.

Linking up to Quiltstory for Fabric Tuesday and also Made By You Mondays.


I decided to sew the binding by machine. I used the same method that I used for College Girl's mug rug. Tutorial found here. I actually combine Jennifer's method with Sharon Schamber's binding method (which is my favorite). I'm thinking I will do the machine binding on baby quilts from now on. Not only is it much quicker but I think it will be more durable and hold up to multiple washings and whatever else might get thrown its way.

Praise - for SNOW! For College Girl's safe travel back to school and for College Boy's safe weekend and travels.

Prayers - for the best friend of one of my nephews. Grant is a senior in high school and is now in a coma. Doctors aren't offering up much hope right now. Pray for God's will in this situation. Of course we would love to see Grant's health restored.

Recap for part of July - LOTS of pictures

I just can't seem to get back in the blogging habit. Maybe I will get points for lots of pictures in a post and that will make up for lack of consistent posting. Maybe.

Jodi at Pleasant Home had a drawing for goodies she collected on a trip she took oh wayyyyyy back in June I suppose. I won the drawing and here is what she sent to me.

There is a bottle of Oregon water (dubbed as VIRGIN water that has never been touched by the earth...hmmmm), assorted candies that I DID NOT SHARE!, a cute little sewing kit from the Venetian (in Las Vegas) and a charm pack of Bliss! I have already made something with those (sometime in August) so I will show that to you eventually. Actually it isn't even finished yet but hopefully soon.

This is Alena's quilt, made with Moda's Snippets. I used the tutorial for the Charm Pack Baby Quilt by BubbaChic. The back was white flannel.


I found some Mingle yellow with white dot at the local craft store that I used for the binding. I wasn't sure of it for the longest time but when all was washed and dried I decided that I loved it.


A doe and her fawn crossing the creek;


Christian's Charming Baby Log Cabin quilt. Pattern by Threaded Pear. I decided not to add the borders or the prairie points. I actually made the top for this quite awhile ago but just finished it up in early July to give to the new baby.


I did some loop-de-loop and star quilting on this. Not THRILLED with it as it was my first time but it was 'okay'.


The backing is a very soft navy flannel.


I love a striped binding. Maybe even more than a dotted binding.


Christian's father called after church to tell me that they loved the quilt and had hung it up on the wall over the baby's crib! Oh my. I told him I would've have been thrilled if they threw it on the floor and let the baby lay on it there. I just want the quilts to get used and loved.

Praise - all of our summer travels were safe! So many miles covered by all four of us in a few months. For College Boy's involvement with Campus Crusade for Christ as well as InterVarsity. He is the new bass player for InterVarsity worship!

Prayers - For College Girls travels back from visiting her brother for the weekend. Continued prayers for College Boy, that he connect with some Godly young men that have similar interests (biking, hiking, fishing).

Up for air

That's how I feel, like I'm coming up for air and just a quick one. I know that I haven't posted in awhile but this past week I was trying to get so much done. College Girl even asked if I was wearing my SUPER MOM undies!

Three of the baby quilts were delivered at church on Sunday. Enjoy this photo of all the pretty bindings;

The first one is the Lydia quilt. Pattern is Allison at Cluck Cluck Sew's Modern Irish Chain. I LOVED making this quilt and I can't wait to make my next one. All prints are scraps from my stash,including Amy Butler,Heather Bailey, Moda, Sandi Henderson. The backing was a piece leftover from the quilt-along quilt I made last summer!

Scrappy binding;

(thanks for that input, Rene!)

A closer view;

Yes, I know the pictures are not well lit. We've had rain, rain and more rain here. GREAT quilting weather. Great weather to avoid doing the weeding and planting outside. Stinky weather for taking pictures of quilts.

A view of the entire quilt;


This is a close-up of the Megan quilt;


Tutorial by Natalia of Piece N Quilt. Fabric is Moda's Birdie, the binding is not from the Birdie line but I don't remember what it was. I forgot to put the flower appliques on.


A close up of the Patience quilt;

Tutorial was found at Sew,Mama,Sew! and had been submitted by Elizabeth of Oh,Fransson!
Fabric is Moda's Sleepytime and some prints I found to match at JoAnn's. The entire quilt;


We came home from church, ate lunch, and then I got busy with the next baby quilt.

Stay tuned!

Praise - for all the lovely little babies that have been born into our church family this year. Five precious little girls.

Prayers - for the safe delivery of the sixth baby - a boy, that will most likely be born on Friday, the 11th. The mother is in labor and has a C-section scheduled.

Ready,Set, SEW!

The sun is shining for a few minutes so I ran up and took a picture of my fabrics for tonight's project.


I'm going to be making the Charms Squares Baby Quilt by Elizabeth of Oh Fransson! that was featured on Sew,Mama, Sew!. I've seen a few different quilts on Flickr that used this tutorial and they are really cute. This particular charm pack does not have enough charms so I have the extra prints there to work with.

I hope everyone else is either sewing already or about to get started.

Have fun!!

Modern Irish Chain

Inspired by this post at Cluck Cluck Sew. I got her pattern and then spent a couple of days this week working on it. It goes together so quickly and I just love it!

I think the longest part of the whole process was choosing the 18 fabric prints. I have trouble with that 'random' thing. I used some Amy Butler's Lotus, Sandi Henderson's Farmers Market, Heather Bailey's Fresh Cut, some of the Posh leftovers and a print from Tina Givens. I am debating the small white borders. Yes or No??

I am also working on another baby quilt using Natalia's tutorial. Mine is going to look very much like hers. I don't have any pictures yet but I have my four nine-patches done.

I KNEW that all these babies were on their way. What I don't know is why I've waited until they were born to start the quilts!! Insane! Not all of the mother's knew what they were having so there is a small excuse for my procrastination. Okay, off to sew some more!

***HEY! Come back Monday because I am participating in the;

that is going on over at Sew, Mama Sew!

Praise - My son is finished with high school!! 13 years of homeschooling and two semesters of college courses - FINISHED! Thanks be to God for his leading in that endeavor.

Prayers - For hubby and myself - we have nursery duty at church tomorrow and there are a LOT of little children now! That we would be patient and loving towards all of the children (and that they would be well behaved!).

Progress Report

Three of my February projects are FINISHED! Not having a lovely model here is frustrating, you'll have to use your imagination.

This apron is for a friend. Fabric is Halfway Cafe by Cosmo Cricket for Andover;
Again, this was using Jona's tutorial found here.

Hello Kitty apron and potholder. I realize the photo isn't great but how am I going to take a picture of a teeny apron with no model? I just love how it came out though and I had just enough ric rac to frame the skirt.

I used Meg's tutorial for the Montessori Child's Apron at her blog, Sew Liberated.

A picture of the other project has been sent to Kelly.

Praise - that I have made good use of my days off of work!

Prayers - another mid-term for college girl today.

Final Finish for November

This is for a friend that loves cardinals. Her birthday is in a couple of weeks. I used Jona's Apron in an Hour Tutorial. I have a fat quarter left so I might make a hot pad or maybe trim a kitchen towel to go with the apron.


The only thing left on my November list is NOT going to get done. It isn't even going to get started! I'm pretty pleased with the progress made this month and I'm already thinking about what I want to work on for December.

We had a great visit with College Girl. It was a short trip for her but she will be home again in two weeks for Christmas break. All of the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone now so I guess I need to start cooking again tomorrow.

Praise - college girls travels were safe and she is back at school and already busy studying.

Prayers - for my son and the final day of deer hunting season tomorrow, that he would be safe.

Surprise projects reveal

Now that college girl has celebrated her birthday and opened her gifts I can show two of my finished projects. I sent Kelly the pictures of the fabric and patterns for these so that no surprises would be ruined.

College girl LOVES Hibiscus flowers so some comfy, flannel jammie pants were in order. She probably put them on soon after opening them since she said she had had so many cupcakes. She had lots of friends making her day special.


Here is the pillow that I made using Allison's tutorial. All those leaves are made from scraps from the quilt that I made this summer for college girl's dorm room.


I feel like I've made good progress on my November goals and I hope to sew today too. Monday and Tuesday were a bust as far as sewing goes. I'm trying to decide which project to work on next. Decisions, decisions.

Praise - College Girl had a GREAT birthday and was showered with love by so many of her friends and family.

Prayers - For a man at church waiting and hoping for a diagnosis for what ails him. That a doctor that knows what needs to done will be made available to him. That he and his wife would rest in the Lord.

Those 3 little words

I know that I love to hear them. I am going to shout them from the rooftops tonight. I really don't need to post this, because she already knows, but I'll bet that she loves to hear those three little words too. I am not talking about THOSE three little words. I am talking about these three little words - YOU WERE RIGHT! The thing is, she KNOWS she was right. In fact, she probably thinks she is ALWAYS right. I am talking about Des at Quilt Taffy's Taffy Talk and her tutorial for the Invisible Closing Stitch, also known as the Ladder Stitch. Did you happen to notice the date of that tutorial? Yeah, July 2008. So I'm slow. And stubborn. I didn't want to learn a hand stitch! I hate to hand stitch! I could just fumble along with whatever it was called that I did. I should have listened to Des way back in 2008.

The thing is, I was coming across the Ladder Stitch over and over again. It was kind of like one of those weird recurring dreams. Each time I saw it there were more images. Images and explanations that made it clearer and clearer to me. Like here at Craft Apple. Here at Turning*Turning (although she likes to call it the Invisible Mamma Jamma Stitch :D ). The final straw was when I watched these videos by Sharon Schamber. In the final video she uses the Ladder Stitch as the final step in attaching her binding to her quilt. Okay! I cried "UNCLE!" and decided to give it a try.

I *HEART* THE LADDER STITCH! LOVE IT, I tell you!

Although at least one of the sites mentioned that this was a slower stitch, that did not hold me back. What I found was that it was much faster than the no name stitch that I had used before. The Old Red Barn Quiltalong Quilt had about 9 yards of binding to sew. That is a lot of hand stitching. You know what? I don't think it took me that much longer to do the Ladder Stitch on the ORB quilt than it did to fumble my way around the Neptune Windmill Baby Quilt that I finished up in early June. Seriously!

By the way, I used the Sharon Schamber method, found in the three linked videos, to attach the binding on the ORB quilt. It takes some time to do all of the steps but #1)this was the first time I was able to join the ends of the binding so smoothly (seeing the method rather than looking at photos is what did it for me),#2) there are no pins or clips to deal with while hand stitching and #3)the binding was in place and smooth looking while I did the hand stitching. A bonus - I learned about this method while back to school supplies were on the shelves and Elmer's Washable School Glue was 25-30 cents a bottle! I stocked up. I am going to use this method again and again.

A few other things that I learned from the videos, the third video to be exact,
Needle the thread (instead of thread the needle)- hold the thread tip between your index finger and thumb of your left hand and with the needle in your right hand, slide the eye of the needle over the thread. I seemed to have more control doing it that way and was successful on the first try each time.
To have a slip knot on my thread - GENIUS! I don't know how many times I had to re-thread my needle on previous binding excursions but this time, only when I was starting over with a new length of thread!
How to tie a Quilter's Knot. I had seen this before on Heather Bailey's blog but for some reason it didn't click then. I must have been in the right frame of mind when I watched these videos.

So there you have it. A post with no pictures but lots of links to some pictures, tutorials, videos. Maybe you knew these things already. Just like Des. ;) Maybe you're smart like that too.

Praise - My son has started his fourth week of school and he is staying on task and even asked for some nudging from me. So far he is able to keep up with school and his part time job.

Prayers - College girl is packing up her stuff. Today is her last day of work. Prayers for her to stay on task, get things on her list crossed off and remain calm during it all.

Well I HAVE been productive

But I just wasn't bloggin' about it. Seems like this week has flown by. WOOOSH and it is Thursday night. If you keep track of my projects, listed over there -----> on the right, you might notice that I moved a SOMEDAY up to the QUILTS TO DO list! I ordered the layer cake, yardage and pattern to make this:



I have loved this quilt since seeing it in a QUILT MARKET photo in the Thimble Blossoms booth. I've been waiting and waiting for the fabric to hit the stores. Well my package arrived on Saturday but I didn't get a chance to open it until sometime Monday. I have got to say this is the quickest a quilt has gone from obtaining the fabric to having the quilt blocks sewn. I wanted it to be exactly like the photo but I did end up making some changes. The first one was by accident (but I'm not telling) and the second one was to give a different variety to the fabrics used. I mixed it up just a bit. I didn't even start to cut the layer cake blocks until after 4pm on Tuesday and I am sure I had to stop to make dinner, but it is all a blur now. I got right back to the quilt and sewed away. I decided I was not going to bed until the blocks were all together and that was before midnight. My plan was to iron all of the blocks last night and then trim them to the uniform size. Is that what happened??? Noooooooooo.

I had been watching this blog for her Christmas gifts tutorials to appear and yup, there was the first installment and it was a doozey! Something cute and easy and fun! The checkbook cover! The selvedge one is ADORABLE! That Amandajean is so creative :D You have got to check it out. She added a new tutorial today for little storage basket/bins. I wrote down the directions and headed upstairs. Sheesh I spend so much time trying to decide which fabric scraps go with which other fabric scraps. Go ahead, roll yer eyes. I will wait. I really wanted to use Cotton Blossoms but I haven't cut my borders or binding yet so I didn't want to chance not having enough of that. Dig, dig, dig. Turns out then I had TOO many choices. Finally I went with some Metro Blue and went to work. It went together so nicely and quickly. Everyone had gone to bed so I had no one to show it off to. I proceeded to cut out fabric for 3 more! If you make any of these, let me know!

Then I ironed all of my Piece of Cake blocks. They look so pretty! I also cut out the fabric for the tote featured on the cover of the fall issue of Quilts and More. A gal that works at the LQS had made a few and was telling me how easily they went together. The reason I haven't sewn it already is this, we have been house hunting! Hubby decided we needed to get serious about downsizing sooner rather than later.

Sorry no pictures of my projects yet. Hubby was out hunting and he took the camera with him. I will try to take pictures tomorrow and get them posted. If the blocks are not sewn together by then I will take a picture as I lay them out and decide on their placement. I am thinking very seriously of getting a layer cake in the other colorway from this line. The brown with reds - mmmmmmmmmmmm. I am thinking I might give the one I am working on now as a wedding gift. I am thinking that I would keep the other one for myself. :D

Prayers for wisdom in the hunt for a new house. It is so emotional and exciting. Prayers for our pastor and his wife as they travel to Wyoming to visit family. We miss them so much when they are gone (and she is my gym buddy). Be well!