I don't know about you— but i am not a big fan of binding. I find myself all humped over if i am sitting …eventually my head is in my lap.   Because I bend over the binding.  Do you do that?

So…..this weekend I decided to just hog up the kitchen table with my balloon quilt Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I don't know about you— but i am not a big fan of binding. I find myself all humped over if i am sitting …eventually my head is in my lap.   Because I bend over the binding.  Do you do that?

So…..this weekend I decided to just hog up the kitchen table with my balloon quilt and finished the binding! weeeee. 

It's not the most comfortable place to sit and bind for a bit of time….but it does keep the quilt free to move around and not weigh me down. 

for some reason i miss-calculated the binding length and have quite a few strips hanging around extra……hmmmm.

Do you have a favorite spot to bind?

Tonight a few of us– Julie and Angie hung out at sewed for a few hours in the evening. Boy it was nice! It has been awhile since i have had a little bit of a sew-a-thon.  

I worked for a bit a new quilt top {i totally know i have others to still work on}

Tonight a few of us– Julie and Angie hung out at sewed for a few hours in the evening. Boy it was nice! It has been awhile since i have had a little bit of a sew-a-thon.  

I worked for a bit a new quilt top {i totally know i have others to still work on}

no, this isn't what the ground looks like right now- try, covered in snow!  But i finished all the blocks AND put them together! Just needs a skinny border + another pieced border and then into the quilt top pile it will go.  

I think though that it will be quickly quilted and not long on the waiting list

So, after thinking about what i could do this year as my constant— 2010- Focus Fridays, 2011- Trunk Show Tuesday….I thought why try to do something new when you have a TON of quilting to get done this year!!!  Remember this post?   I'll quickly recap for you—got the pile of quilt tops out, with a new Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> So, after thinking about what i could do this year as my constant— 2010- Focus Fridays, 2011- Trunk Show Tuesday….I thought why try to do something new when you have a TON of quilting to get done this year!!!  Remember this post?   I'll quickly recap for you—got the pile of quilt tops out, with a new wholesale roll of batting and cut, cut, and then counted. 30 quilt tops– not counting ones that were hiding.

There you have it…..it's a done deal. Let's start this year with Quilt Top Roundup!! yeeehaaah!

I am thinking this will be a monthly event– there is no way i could keep up on my quilt tops weekly.

Let's start this month!! the fourth Tuesday of each month…… I am determined to get these done this year! No more piles….I can't handle it anymore!

See this is my pile:

and serioulsy there is more because I keep sewing new ones! lol

That means i have 2 weeks before the fun starts {and so do you}….so get crack'n on the quilt'n

If you'd like to play along do–

* grab a button

* share it on your blog

* leave a comment with a link to your blog post so we can all take a look at the finsihed quilt you have!!

I'll remind you in the newsletter too about the post so you can see all the other quilts being finished up.

So, no scrapbusting, no ufo's……just get those quilt tops quilted! lol

Row #1 by Becky

Row #2 by Caron

Here is the newest quilt pattern coming soon to a store near you!

Tag

Finished size 44" X 44"

It of course incorporates the 'cranky' method of piecing…… just a little bit. Not too cranky.  Plus of course there is raw edge applique and my new favorite– black thread machine drawing!

Here is the newest quilt pattern coming soon to a store near you!

Tag

Finished size 44" X 44"

It of course incorporates the 'cranky' method of piecing…… just a little bit. Not too cranky.  Plus of course there is raw edge applique and my new favorite– black thread machine drawing!

It actually makes up pretty quick and is a great pattern for beginners.  Can you see the kitty counting? lol

The little counting kitty is an extra addition to the pattern— I just couldn't resist.

The pattern is being sent to a few local quilt stores {I am going to make this a better habit!} + the pattern will be in the next issue of The Sewing Cottage.  After that it will be available online to purchase on it's own {the better deal being the magazine issue}

quick look at the quilting and backing.

so on my list last week was to dig out the christmas quilts that were supposed to be done for everyone last year and cut some batting for them…..what that turned into was a –let's dig through everything and find ALL quilt tops that are ready for some stitching fun!  wwwoooaaa Nelly.

It wasn't that hard to Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> so on my list last week was to dig out the christmas quilts that were supposed to be done for everyone last year and cut some batting for them…..what that turned into was a –let's dig through everything and find ALL quilt tops that are ready for some stitching fun!  wwwoooaaa Nelly.

It wasn't that hard to dig– they have been unpacked and sitting on a shelf {ok. a few shelves} out in the Sewing Cottage for a bit now… not sure if i can admit how long some of them have waited for this moment.

Isn't this the worst photo ever?!! Take a look at that scarry pile!! yikes.  I can't believe I ever let it go this far! ugh.  I used to be sooo good…..when i finished a quilt i quickly quilted it…that was even when I used my Janome sewing machine. Now that I have the big stitcher you would think I would keep up on these tops better. 

I drug my monster roll of quilt batting — it doesn't say how large it is, but is the super big rolls you see at the quilting places –wholesale is $100 or so.

Anyways– after dragging it out from under the quilting table….into the house….and laying each quilt out, cutting the batting and refolding it with the batting…I now have a MONSTER pile of quilt tops!!!

They are still hanging out in the living room, next to the EMPTY spool of batting.  Yup. The whole roll. Gone. Just like that. I am not sure where I am going to put these– they won't fit back on the shelves.

So— one quilt at a time, right? Right. That is the plan.  The pile includes 5 that are getting done for Christmas…so that will help. Won't it?

Are you dying to know how many there are in that big pile? I bet.  30 tops. I know! that would take over a year if i did 2 per month.

The next problem after they are all quilted— is what am i going to do with them all?! hee hee

So today is the fun day of the year when it is 11-11-11….weeee  so what in the world is eight doing at the end of it?

Well, that is what the youngest- Eliza is turning on Sunday.   That's right 8.

And you know what 8 brings in our family don't you?  A new Quilt!!! double weeeee.

So today is the fun day of the year when it is 11-11-11….weeee  so what in the world is eight doing at the end of it?

Well, that is what the youngest- Eliza is turning on Sunday.   That's right 8.

And you know what 8 brings in our family don't you?  A new Quilt!!! double weeeee.

 I let her suffle through all the unquilted quilt tops and she chose this one.

I think it fits her just great. Shoes— and a pet….so her!

A view of the quilting:

The back with a little tiny lable– at least i did one!

It's all folded up and ready for Sunday–

and- good thing she isn't into being nit-picky with quilts– other wise she would notice the big long black string behind the fence stitchery!  What a sloppy stitcher I am–

Pattern is by Angie of Quilting Melodies– go get yourself one. totally cute!

That is the question for this week— I have this here new pattern coming out:

"Tag"

and I am wondering — does it matter if the quilt on the front of the pattern is quilted? 

Not because I am a slacker– just that I could get the pattern out sooner, if i didn't have to Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> That is the question for this week— I have this here new pattern coming out:

"Tag"

and I am wondering — does it matter if the quilt on the front of the pattern is quilted? 

Not because I am a slacker– just that I could get the pattern out sooner, if i didn't have to wait for my quilting time frame {which right now is loaded with others quilts}  and I just wanted to know what you thought?  Do you cringe when you see a pattern in the quilt store that shows  a non-quilted quilt on the front?  I have both ways right now…and thought I'd ask.

This little 'counter' is going to be included with the baby sized quilt pattern.

I am starting to like this size of quilt!  It is so much easier to finish!

Super thanks for your opinions!!   and yes, the fabric is what i just bought last week! Couldn't resist whipping a new idea up!   I have a dog one too–just a bit different– oh yeah.

and– just for kickers in my pants….. how about the snowing weather this weekend?!  Where am i going to take my photos now?  The cottage door will be all wet…..

ok girls.  I have gone through the little survey and I have tried to answer all of them– some of them were the same, but even still I ended up with over 20 questions and answers.

I seriously love to talk bloggy things.  how to make it work for you- how to design, how to grow and Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> ok girls.  I have gone through the little survey and I have tried to answer all of them– some of them were the same, but even still I ended up with over 20 questions and answers.

I seriously love to talk bloggy things.  how to make it work for you- how to design, how to grow and reach others.  So, don't think you have sent boring questions. I love it!

Q- What is appropriate on the blog? A- Appropriate is up to you.  I find a balance is defnitly needed. If you have a craft blog don't have 6 posts in a row about your tight pants. You do need something different to keep your readers interested and know that you are not a robot.

Q- how do you prioritize your life?  A- This is a hard one for me.  Because I am a bit flighty, I go through phazes where I get into 'moods'.  I hide in the sewing room for a few hours or days and then nothing for a little bit.  I repeat this with computer work too.  

Q- How do bloggers/crafters connect in the community? A-  I attend 2 different quilt groups in town here.  There is so much around us- but connecting in real life is great.  Keeps you up on things, people, friends and sunshine in your soul.

Q- how to attract readers? color? how many posts?  A-  Photos are a great way to catch attention.   People are visionists.  They love pictures, visual things.  The photos stand out amoungst the words too.  Ammount of posting?  Well, if you are at the beginning of growing your blog– you need alot!  You need to keep posting -once a day- to keep things updating, fresh and to attract others.  The more content/posts you have the better chance you will have in getting on the first page of a google search.  You don't need to post more than once per day though….that is overdue!

Q- what is my first influence on sewing?  A-  my mom!  She was crafty.  Did bazaars with her friends, made us girls {2 of us} dresses and bags with ice cream cones on them. lol  She sent me on a bus when i was 16 and we had just moved to the U.S. to sewing classes. I knew noone! It was totally scarey- but I loved the independence and the fact that she wasn't there to correct my incorrect way of sewing.  I am a look at it and make it myself….what there are instructions?  That class was for knit wear- shorts, things like that. Nothing that I do now, but a great start with the sewing machine.

Q- What kind of posts encourage followers?  A-  I find that turorials are a great way to get the traffic started.  Giveaways, questions too.  They are great.  Ask a lot of them and encourage others to play along with you. 

Q- What kind of organizing tools do you use?  A- I have none! I use a tick list and try to keep things straight and know what I really need to do. Keeps me on task.  My goal is to be better at that!  But I really jump from project to project and so I am a bit flighty when it comes to keeping on schedule.

Q- how do you make time for it all?  My youngest is 7…so I have a bit more time because they are self managing.  {the kids}  I am not a big driver either, so I am home alot.  I am trying to find a schedule now though– not working currently, but i am trying!

Q- Why did you start blogging?  A- I started in 2008 and I did it just because.  I am always up for something new to try out.  IT looked fun and a great way to connect with others.  I have met some super people and love to make new connections.  My own pattern line and my creativity has actually grown because of it.

Q- What is your motivatoin?  A- I am a quick crafter.  Keep things short and sweet. I am also a bit nervous…so I love to have something in hand.  Either stitching, writing, drawing.  Something.

Q- Have you ever met anyone in person from blogging?  A- yes! I just met up with Heather from the sewing loft.  It was a bunch of fun to hang out.  A lot of connections start online and some of mine stay there…. because we live way to far away.  That's the beauty though.

Q- How effective is social networking?  A-  I am not a big social networker.  gasp.  I find it takes a lot of time and energy too.  Right now, everything I post on the blog gets updated on Twitter and facebook and linked in.  I love this.  Social networking definitly works.  It allows you to quickly connect with a lot of people.  Really though, you need them on your rss feed, newsletter or something that takes you into their email.

Q- I can tell when businesses have a blog just for them. Can you tell?  Yes!  I can totally tell. That is why mixing up the content just a little will keep your readers interested and not think you are a robot spewing info about only one thing.

Q- Do you post for a post or a magazine style or what?  A- My blog posts are simply posts.  When I throw a newsletter I write the into which is totally new and seperate from the blog.

Q- Ads slow down the page and there are too many!  A- My ads are from Blogher who have a great system for compressing them so they don't hog up all the loading for the page.  When your own blog is slow to open….start removing those ads, extra links and find out the happy place for your blog.  To tell you the truth, if i don't see something on that page within the first 5 seconds I hop out! is that horrible?

Q- What kind of comments don't I like?   Really I love anything — except spam.  I even email a comment back!

Q- Starting inspiration for the blog?  A-  I didn't have one.  I just went for it.  I am constantly changing the page, so imitating someone is impossible for me! lol.  I find inspiration everywhere.  I look at trends, sketch often and try new things.  Currently I am drawn more to dolls and smaller projects. Even though right now I am working on a large quilt pattern.. Who knows!

Q- Do you make a liveable wage?  A- well.  Let's define liveable.  If it is about making enough to spend without asking permission or make an occasional car payment– I can do that.  If it is a full time job replacement- no.    I am trying to get it there– but you know. 

Q- What do you talk about on twitter?  A- I don't know!  I just hop on over every once in awhile and chat about whatever.  Patterns, give links, what I'm working on, food,  I ask questions too– I don't often have replys though.  A lot of just me chatting.  Talking outloud.  But noone gives me weird looks.  Are you looking at me weird now?

Q- how do you find designers? Patterns? A-  I hunt!!  I use google, watch what others on their blogs are talking about, I email to make a connection.  Some don't work out, but it worth the try.

Q- What is the most important or effective thing for a blog?  A-  At the beginning link building is totally important!  You must get out there and make comments, talk in forums, use twitter, facebook and join challenges, swaps, and link parties.  The only way for others to 'hear' about your blog is through the links you plant on the web.  If all the links are only on your blog you will not be found!  Whatever you can do to get those links in another space where different readers can find you.

Q- What about dry spells?  A-  Keep going!!  Try something new or force yourself to work on something or finish a project up.  Pick something up and do it!  This works for me.  Sketch, draw, read magazines, search the web, watch others…… repeat.

Q- Greatest blog challenge?  A- Keeping readership actively ingaged.  I am always talking to myself even though analytics says otherwise.

Q-  Greatest success?  A- Making partnership with someone I totally would be afraid to partner up with in real life!

Q- How do you stand out?  A- Be there.  Be consistant.  Be honest.  Show good pictures.  Write up interesting posts.  Share your talent.  Be you.  and keep it up.

Q- If you have a lot of ideas, How do you keep readers not confused?  A- Make categories to keep us readers straight.  Make it easy to find, search and read.  Be somewhat consistant.  Make a list of all topics and see if you can combine some so ti's easily managed for you and the readers.

Phew that was a lot!  Did I miss something?  Ask it- I'll answer

I will be posting my e-book:  how to boost your crafty blog tomorrow and will send it in an email, so sign up for the newsletter and you will get it right in your email box!

I mean, I realized this a long time ago, but when it has been awhile since you have 1– made one or 2- quilted one…you kind of forget.

So, this weekend during Labor Day I was quilting away for Janna…..and the clothes quilt that she made for Fred….or really Fred's wife.

After quilting this I also Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I mean, I realized this a long time ago, but when it has been awhile since you have 1– made one or 2- quilted one…you kind of forget.

So, this weekend during Labor Day I was quilting away for Janna…..and the clothes quilt that she made for Fred….or really Fred's wife.

After quilting this I also had to add the binding and a little label. Yes, forgetting again the super sized quilt all piled up on the table to add the binding onto it.

and forgetting that even though it is large— really is it that big that I cut wayyyy to much binding for it?

Close-up of the front and the back….did a meander in the white border with a chicken track star in the center of the log cabin. There was sooo much interfacing and the seams where fat– so i totally had to stay away from the seams.  Interfacing was used because some of the fabric was knit shirts, ties, and other stretchy fabrics.

I love clothes quilts. They are so personal and wonderful. You see what their style is…kind of interesting that way.  Janna says she has 3 more coming for christmas finishes……lucky for me they are twin sized!

do you?  I find that they are big! Too Big!! When piecing them, they seem even bigger.  I know that there are a lot of applique quilt blocks out there in the 12 inch range, but for me—- no likey likey.

I made a few– and I don't like them. They look a bit weird to me.  Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> do you?  I find that they are big! Too Big!! When piecing them, they seem even bigger.  I know that there are a lot of applique quilt blocks out there in the 12 inch range, but for me—- no likey likey.

I made a few– and I don't like them. They look a bit weird to me.  not sure why. It hasn't done anything to me…… i just don't like it.

I prefer the 9 inch block…….they just look right. You know? 

So, 9 inchers I did— finished center. Still working on the border.

The name of this here quilt is going to be — "Knitters Sampler".  I know I always have weird ideas….and quilts….but they are ok aren't they?

What do you think? Have an opinion on the perfect size of block?  What is your favorite? Or what is the one size you absolutetly Don't Love?

Quick update on the button making.  Here are mine–

The pan was over taken by other little workers of course……they thouroughly enjoyed themselves though. Take a look at all the goodness!

pst–there has been no new photos for the Round Robin!! Come on girls– get something in there….. I will be drawing a winner! 

I shook off the fraidy-cats, took a deap breath…. picked up my copies…folded and loaded into clear baggies…and…… sold them to a real quilt store!!! phew.

I am really not sure what took me so long! What was it girls?  Do you know?  I have been sewing patterns online in the cyber world for around Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I shook off the fraidy-cats, took a deap breath…. picked up my copies…folded and loaded into clear baggies…and…… sold them to a real quilt store!!! phew.

I am really not sure what took me so long! What was it girls?  Do you know?  I have been sewing patterns online in the cyber world for around 3 years now— and just this week I have my very first pattern in a real person store!

Now, I think I am addicted to it….. I have been brainstorming as to what quilts, what patterns…and of course designing some new ones– just to have a few more to sell to them!

What was I thinking waiting this long?  Yea. I haven't the faintest either.

pst— pattern is only available in the store right now. Coming soon online…..

My favoritest aunt- Jana sent on over another quilt that needed to be finished in a week……and I did it and bound it and mailed it right in time!  I love it when the stars all align- don't you?

This was a clothes quilt for someone who has passed away.  This is a love-hate thing.  Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> My favoritest aunt- Jana sent on over another quilt that needed to be finished in a week……and I did it and bound it and mailed it right in time!  I love it when the stars all align- don't you?

This was a clothes quilt for someone who has passed away.  This is a love-hate thing.  I mean, really.  They turn out so beautiful in their own way…but to do that they have to move on and leave everything with us.

I'll just share what I have seen and felt from this gal's clothes.

The quilt was packed with variety.  There was felt, flannel, thin, sweaters, hat pieces, and jeans.  She was one comfortable gal.  She felt in charge of who she was and could wear anything colorful, spirited— but most of all comfortable.  She wasn't afraid to use a few wild cards- hats, and thin shirts with a few layers underneath.

At first you notice that there is alot of darker colors— but then watch out for those punches of color.  I gather that she experienced a bit of both in her lifetime, don't you?  I am in love with the pattern for the quilt. Jana did a wonderful job with that one.

For the quilting I stitched a simple flower pattern in each block and then a leaf design in the outside border.

Look at another quilt I did for Jana– Mr. Adventure

My life if full of boxes girls– I am afraid that things will be a little slow. again. Sorry! I will return!! I have got things to say, I tell ya.