I have finished up a few quilts– ok 6 of them this past week….take a look:

This one or three are for my aunt beth–

There were really 3 of them…but they are the same, so I am just sharing the one.  smiles.

The next three are for Janna— she is the favorite aunt who sends Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I have finished up a few quilts– ok 6 of them this past week….take a look:

This one or three are for my aunt beth–

There were really 3 of them…but they are the same, so I am just sharing the one.  smiles.

The next three are for Janna— she is the favorite aunt who sends them my way in the mail as a top and i quilt them and send them back.  they are memory quilts– the quilts are to be given to the 3 daughters of the gal who is no longer here with us.   The clothes were fun!  they are full of life colors– bright, happy, joyful colors.  Just looking at them there was a casualness of them.  Nothing too fancy here– I am thinking she smiled all the time…. a go-lucky kind of gal.   It was a true joy to quilt them.  Each quilt is made with the same fabric! They are just different patterns. I love that.

 Don't you just love them?  Janna did a wonderful job in picking patterns and sewing them up.

She delivered them today to the honey of the gal and he broke down and bauled.  He didn't think that her clothes could come out so beautiful….. he was truly amazed.  I feel so lucky getting to know these great people from their clothes.

Now– for the winner of the Hankie Doll!!! It Is

Debbie

She would be a very welcome addition to the rest of my fabric family.

I was so happy the number generator picked a low number— i have a head cold {not that the head injury was enough} so i was dreading counting the comments! Phewy— it must have known.

Debbie– look for the email! I need your address.

I finished up another quilt for Angie O.  {quiltingmelodies}

She has been one patient chic I tell you.  She has waited and waited for this little beauty to be all quilted and ready for her to take home….. and to think that I still have one more for her she has to wait some more Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I finished up another quilt for Angie O.  {quiltingmelodies}

She has been one patient chic I tell you.  She has waited and waited for this little beauty to be all quilted and ready for her to take home….. and to think that I still have one more for her she has to wait some more for! yikes.  Thanks for being such a good sport.

We did this as a little group sewing day together… her colors are so random, but i loved quilting it!  In fact if she really never noticed {which apparently she does} I would never return it…… i love the quirky combinations.

I did a feather in each churn…and a leaf and feather border….but after seeing Wendy's Trunk Show on Tuesday I am thinking I need some more patterns!

On a totally seperate, random note— I know that I had mentioned the next issue of the magazine was coming out this week– it is all finished….but.  {you were waiting for that but weren't you?}  I just realized that when you open up the file it looks beautiful. The photos, the layout…but….when you go to print it– it is one big black blur!!!!! the horror!!! Why are you girls so quiet on these kind of things?  I mean…for reals. Don't you think you could have mentioned that the most important thing about it was totally askew!  Right. So, I am going through what I have done and reformating everything so it will print just as lovely as it looks on the screen.  So, please forgive the tardines… i promise it is coming!  After that is released I will go back to issue 1 and redo that so– you can print it too.

Thanks for understanding…and being patient, just like Angie…{promise you won't have to wait as long}…. now back to staring at the screen and making things right.

UPDATE~~ I had the wrong printing setting…..ugh. don't you hate it when simple things like that make the life stressed? lol

Hop on over to Kari of Fresh Cut quilts for a Go-Baby Acuquilt machine!!! oh yeah. Winner announced sunday. hurry up now and go put your name down.

I sure don't!! I mean, I do alright, but seriously i need to look up this stuff and practice a few new things!  I have the swirl and curvey stitching down pat!  But is that really for a boy?  I don't know. Other than that, i kind of just stand and stare…..ummm..

I Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

I sure don't!! I mean, I do alright, but seriously i need to look up this stuff and practice a few new things!  I have the swirl and curvey stitching down pat!  But is that really for a boy?  I don't know. Other than that, i kind of just stand and stare…..ummm..

I only say this because I just did swirls all over a quilt for Janna– yes, the favorite aunt is at it again…but this time it is for her grandson. yes, he is a boy and his favorite color is purple.

Don't you just love the quilt though?  It has been stuffed into a box and sent off to the new owner…weeee.

So, suggestions?  links?  what do you know that you can share with me?

by the way– i am naming this one nebula {not sure what they are naming it…lol}  it toally looks like outer-space with all the swirls and purplie hews….what do you think?

This is what made it so-

I met some wonderful gals over at The Creative Connection.   Carol was one of them.  So what did she do?

Carol sent a little –ok fine, it was BIG- box of fabric on over…..weeeeee

a few favorite prints– all kind of kooky stuff.

She is a Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> This is what made it so-

I met some wonderful gals over at The Creative Connection.   Carol was one of them.  So what did she do?

Carol sent a little –ok fine, it was BIG- box of fabric on over…..weeeeee

a few favorite prints– all kind of kooky stuff.

She is a fabric designer— her line is coming out Soon!!! watch for it. 

It took me  a long time to go through it and stare. restack. look again. stack again and then quickly make something up–

I just took a look at her website–  she's in a book. and has flip camera patterns! what a girl.  You can take a look at her fabric line on her site too– totally cute.

As if that box of fabric could be topped—- this arrived today~

Whoah nelly— talk about the but getting bigger! It's not my fault. Blame it on the EQ.

I have been saving up for this, and debated on getting an older version….totally cheaper! but in the end i got the newest one. It does tracing wonderfullly {which is what i needed for patterns, oh so bad} and plus it has like all of the quilt blocks in memory. no more drawing my own saw tooth stars!!! yahooooo-  {Reeze hooked me up}

to top it off- quilt group tonight. man it's a good week.

What was your happy happy joy joy this week?

That's right, I have gone and done it– a monthly online magazine or e-zine.  The Sewing Cottage

Just to fill you in {because you are the only ones that listen} I have always wanted this addition to my online workshops.  The idea has come and gone and it's back with a vengeance!  That Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

That's right, I have gone and done it– a monthly online magazine or e-zine.  The Sewing Cottage

Just to fill you in {because you are the only ones that listen} I have always wanted this addition to my online workshops.  The idea has come and gone and it's back with a vengeance!  That just means you are super lucky that's all.  I am not a pro– but the patterns will be fun and different and there will always be something new! I promise.

This month is Issue #1 and there are over 8 patterns stuffed into this beauty. 

the theme for this month is "Woodlands"

Just because you are the best– the Picnic Pack is FREE!!

Besides the sewing, quilting, stitching goodies- I have decided to add a few digital goodies too-

* Crafty Book Plates

* Monthly Calendar for Cd holder

And-

* Antique Patterns

* Sewing Q & A's

* Giveaway

I'm keeping the price small — $3 per month.  {heads up– the quick stitch patterns by themselves are $6/each} This is sold as a subscription and you can quit it at anytime!

Each month will be a 'theme' .  Next month of course will hit the Christmas Spirit–

All the patterns are new or re-designed by me- Becky of Patchwork Posse.  The patterns run from very beginner to semi-advanced.  Some will be whip it up quick, and others might take a bit more time.  This just makes sure there is something in there for everyone!

Of course there will be a gallery for you to load up photos and share your finished beauties + you can ask questions in the forum also.

 There is a preview is you would like to see inside here– The Sewing Cottage Issue 1

I finally got my machine up and going…..How? you ask did i fix it? Well, after the honey took a look and we noticed this pin shooting out and hitting an edge — I decided to stuff the end of the hole where the pin was with a bit of toilet paper. I know. I am Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I finally got my machine up and going…..How? you ask did i fix it? Well, after the honey took a look and we noticed this pin shooting out and hitting an edge — I decided to stuff the end of the hole where the pin was with a bit of toilet paper. I know. I am totally crazy, but after doing a few quilts I think it works for now.

So— I quickly finished a few of Marilyns quilts that had been waiting for a long time to get done {i know angie– your's are next!}

This first one is a panel–

Marilyn loves a bit more of the puffy batting, so it is fluffy and the quilting stands out more than usual.

This next one was  a panel challenge for one of my quilt groups. They gave us the panel {mine is still in panel state} and you add it and show it off. Because the big machine wasn't working, Marilyn missed showing off the quilting at the group. sorry about that.

Marilyn's daughter hopped into town and of course one day before leaving she decides that a queen sized quilt would be fun to make….um right. 

Remember this quilt?  The one that was queen size– and i was all complaining about it?  Well,– here we go again, but I really think this one takes the cake.

This thing was a thread monster!  10 bobbins full! oh. yeah. 9 hours of quilting.  with one day to do it.

But seriosly i totally love it! It is done by glueing or pinning the little squares onto the top and then sewing in straight lines across and down. I for sure got some great ruler learning time on this big girl.

I do have to say that if you are going to do this method keep it small.  That is why the pattern comes in a baby size.  Because it allows the sewers to do it on their own machine. lol

That is kind of a harsh title — but I am thinking it is the truth. At least for me.  I am thinking that the curved piecing is what i say– not for me.  I bought this as a kit.  So I am lucky that I didn't have to hand cut each apple core.  I for Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> That is kind of a harsh title — but I am thinking it is the truth. At least for me.  I am thinking that the curved piecing is what i say– not for me.  I bought this as a kit.  So I am lucky that I didn't have to hand cut each apple core.  I for sure would have passed that up!

I don't take my time when i sew. In fact there are a few out there that complain about sewing with me because the table shakes when the sewing machine is going…… but they stop complaining when i have finished all my projects and they are handing me one of theirs to work on. lol

Because I am a 'speed piecer' I don't pin…which doesn't really work in the curved piecing world.  I also didn't iron in between…and I can't remember if I snipped the valleys or the hills.

So this is what I have. 

I have a small table topper sized apple core quilt…which is a bit warbly.  Some corners— perfect.  Some corners— um. Not so perfect. 

I don't have any plans in the future to repeat this quilt. I am good with this little one.   But, who really knows right?  My friend Marilyn said she vowed never to do one….and what has she done? 3.  One being a queen size I believe.   That is not a happy thought for me.

Has anyone else made theirselves this lovely quilt?

Dear batting,

I know I have had you around for over a month now.  I know I have left you there. In the basement.  In the dark.  Still rolled. All alone.

I figure if you are there in your protected case, the cat won't scratch at you and the water won't soak you.

I promise I am making Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

Dear batting,

I know I have had you around for over a month now.  I know I have left you there. In the basement.  In the dark.  Still rolled. All alone.

I figure if you are there in your protected case, the cat won't scratch at you and the water won't soak you.

I promise I am making all efforts to use you.  I have many new ideas written, drawn, and ready to be sewn….if only I didn't have this new home that is a wreck.

ps. Same goes with you Little Miss Fabric Piles

pss.  I am the only one who has posted a photo of the Round Robin. yikes!  Next border will be posted on Monday. {totally free too}

Market was spec-tac girls!! There were so many there from utah I really couldn't believe it. What a small world we really do live in.

I volunteered and was a door person at the food court. That is what i did last time it came to salt lake. and it is fun and all– but Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> Market was spec-tac girls!! There were so many there from utah I really couldn't believe it. What a small world we really do live in.

I volunteered and was a door person at the food court. That is what i did last time it came to salt lake. and it is fun and all– but really you are only looking at the same 4 booths or aisles the whole time! What a drag. They wouldn't let us walk the rows and chat it up with the goodies… you know I would totally chat it up!

I do have to come clean here and admit something.  I was standing there– and all of a sudden i was a little vaclempt. lol  I got a bit teary eyed.  Not because I was surrounded by these wonderfully talented people.  Not because of the wonderful goodies my eyes saw. {though these are perfectly good reasons for tearing up}  but because I am fooling myself. 

I was thinking to myself– why aren't i here?  Besides being a door person.  Why aren't I walking the halls, rows and chatting with the good people of Market world?  What is my issue?  Why don't I have a business licence? I don't I have my workshop site up and running again?  What the H E double toothpicks am I doing?  I shouldn't be getting giddy over volunteering for the show and seeing a tiny corner and be all happy about that.  I should be mixing it up and spreading my patterns and workshop site like a bad cough.

Has this ever happend to you?  It was sort of the wakeup call.  This time I am hopeing that i will not hit the snooze button again.

So, this leads me to some big decisions and some big moves.  By the end of this month the plan is to have things in place so I can properly market, sell and grow. 

I don't have any photos from market–only market meetup and just 1-above-  but I am sure there are some great ones out there! I did go to Market Meet up though and met some wonderful girls there!!

Clickety click here for more photos— and kind of like waldo can you find me? I am in 3 photos– boy i get around!  hint:  i am wearing the loudest orange shirt i could find. lol

Quickly I ran into Joe of Where Woman Create {she remembered me from our tour!}

Green Fairy Quilts, Diary of a Quilter, Fridas Hive,  Robin Quilts, Amy's Creative Side, Praire Grass, handmade by Alissa,

There really was sooo many girls there though– for the massive list clickety click here.

So, I have been busy just a bit with a few quilts– of course for others. Maybe some day I will get to do my own. Someday. lol

This cute thing is Marilyn's– she is still busting them out girls. Off to the finish line on the pile of projects.

Besides Marilyn doing Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> So, I have been busy just a bit with a few quilts– of course for others. Maybe some day I will get to do my own. Someday. lol

This cute thing is Marilyn's– she is still busting them out girls. Off to the finish line on the pile of projects.

Besides Marilyn doing her sewing work– I quilted one for Angie.  This is her new pattern will be be on display at HMQS!!!  There is going to be a display just for her Chocolate Quilts and a few her new patterns.  Lucky girl.  {she is letting me put some cards on her table– thanks angie!}

I do really love quilting on others quilts. It is inspiring– the colors, shapes, and ideas for settings. borders….so many great things!

Sadly enough it isn't mine– but I'll still count it. ok?

Getting that darn table into place was the biggest pain! No instructions. Going off of memory that is 4 months old on how it really was. After that though……good to get something quilted.  A few hickups, but nothing worth crying over.

Take a look:

A few Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> Sadly enough it isn't mine– but I'll still count it. ok?

Getting that darn table into place was the biggest pain! No instructions. Going off of memory that is 4 months old on how it really was. After that though……good to get something quilted.  A few hickups, but nothing worth crying over.

Take a look:

A few Close Ups~

This quilt was a bit past my comfort zone.  Wasn't really expecting to see a landscape! Queen size too!  But i kept to simple quilting.  Swirls in the sky, lines in the land, grass pokies, tree trunk swirls and lots of pebbles in the rock. 

For being my first massive landscape quilting I like it.  Don't you? Please?

I have 3 more on the docket….. So far it looks like others will be ticking off their quilts for the year list.

Me.  No such luck.

I got a call last week from someone who was looking for a quilter. Why, yes. I quilt.  Yes, I have the big machine with me.  Not set up, but not in storage either.  What? It's an emergency?  Oh. Fine. Twist my arm. So, it's not my fault it has to be set up. Really.

Now girls- Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> I got a call last week from someone who was looking for a quilter. Why, yes. I quilt.  Yes, I have the big machine with me.  Not set up, but not in storage either.  What? It's an emergency?  Oh. Fine. Twist my arm. So, it's not my fault it has to be set up. Really.

Now girls- I am fully aware of the condition of the home. I am sure she was agast…but you know what? It didn't stop her either!

The honey– he's not too impressed, but really. Did I ask him? No. Ok. only for a bit of help. But again. I am blaming it on her. hee hee

So, of course when you walk into the new, unfinished..totally torn apart home. This is what you will see– the big machine and maybe Daisy too.  The neighbor missionaries stopped by and both boys stood there and asked– what is that? funny.

It's loaded and ready to go– had a bit of issues with the table. I had all the supplies, but the assembly instructions of course. Love that.  After setting it up twice and adjusting once, I think I have it down. So far, so good.

And while I am at it, let me just mention a few things about this quilt—* queen size.  * she chose fleece for the back.  * extra loft batting.  * the front is an applique scene– with many fabric layers and a few different kinds of fabrics.

While it is a nice looking quilt top {show off when finished of course}.  These aren't the really quilter friendly things.  So much for an ease back into it. Let's just go for it shall we? Oh yeah.

And…. Apparently the quilting word has been spread, it's magic like that.  While quilting this big queen sized thing… someone called asking — are you ready to quilt yet?

Oh– they joy. 

Quilting on Marilyns quilts has been so much fun! She has moved me beyond the 'meander' and has let me touch her quilts.

Sometimes quilting is hard to do- especially since I am not a true professional quilter.  I mean, yes I have a big machine. Yes, I quilt quilts. But they are my own.  {i keep Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> Quilting on Marilyns quilts has been so much fun! She has moved me beyond the 'meander' and has let me touch her quilts.

Sometimes quilting is hard to do- especially since I am not a true professional quilter.  I mean, yes I have a big machine. Yes, I quilt quilts. But they are my own.  {i keep myself busy} So, for someone else to think that you are good enough for their lovelies is a total compliment.  Because of her there have been others who have joined her and now I have a tiny clientelle.  Sadly enough we are moving, and the big machine will be boxed for a bit of time…..waaaaa!!

So I did 2 of these quilts for her.  I know. 2.  yes. 2   They are the X O X O pattern from Quilt Soup.

really a horrible photo– but sometimes i just have to snap it before they are picked up- in the dark. ugh.

We are signing documents tomorrow!! yay!!  Finally, the wait is over…….  

 Last Friday me and a few of my wonderful friends {they are that because they tolerate my bossiness when I tell them – hey we are going on a field trip!}  got to hang out with Jo Packham from Where Woman Create. 

Can I just say that when I was there I didn't Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

 Last Friday me and a few of my wonderful friends {they are that because they tolerate my bossiness when I tell them – hey we are going on a field trip!}  got to hang out with Jo Packham from Where Woman Create. 

Can I just say that when I was there I didn't have much to say– I was on eye candy overload!!! There were so many things to look at.  To touch. To stare and of course to photo that I was kind of a bit quiet.  {I know. something totally new for me}

Jo was seriously the best hostest ever!!! Her 2 assistants shared their space with us for a few hours.  They gave us a wonderful welcome with hot cocoa, marshmellows, the best cupcakes -eva!! and other goodies.  I couldn't believe their generosity, really.  

The conversation was wonderful.  We asked questions. They shared.  They were wonderful.

 We had the best time. Ok. Really I don't care if they did. I TOTALLY HAD THE BEST TIME!!!   As if shmoozing wasn't enough- we went shopping with Jo and the other girls.  Oh yea.  She came with us to show a few stores on 25th street {ogden}.  Totally cute. I bought a few goodies for me….. saving for christmas presents…to myself.

Did I mention that after we closed our mouths and stopped druling they gave us a bag from the women's connection convention they had in sept and a few beautiful magazines inside for each of us?  Oh, my goodness. It was a good day girls.

Would it be weird if i thought that jo was my new best friend?

pst- If you missed the swap, but want the pattern for the grundle. You can buy it here.