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?

Welcome new comers!! I am so glad you have hopped on over here to check out what is going on and to have a bit of sewing fun today!! Even after reading the bio and question/answer you still came! lol

Thanks to the Quilting Gallery for putting on this fantastic Quilt-Along too!  There have been Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

Welcome new comers!! I am so glad you have hopped on over here to check out what is going on and to have a bit of sewing fun today!! Even after reading the bio and question/answer you still came! lol

Thanks to the Quilting Gallery for putting on this fantastic Quilt-Along too!  There have been some great blocks!!!  What a collection and difference there are.  I love seeing that.

I have come up with the block– but to tell you the truth I have a hard time doing just one thing, so I have of course added a table topper or wall hanging to go along with it! So, if you want to just collect the block pattern and make it up for the Christmas Blocks quilt– or you can make a few extra blocks and whip up something that will be done- now! lol

Let's start with just the block….then we'll add the rest. ok? Fine.

The block is really something quick— there is a bit of trickery to it, but once you get it, no biggie. So just read and follow along and everything will be ok.

For each block that you sew up you will need:

Green:

4 –squares 5" X 5"

Background: 

2– 11" X 4"

4– 4 " X 2 1/2"

2– 12 1/2" X 2"

Brown for trunk:

2– 4" X 1 1/2"

Let the Sewing begin!

Step 1:   Sew 2 of the green 5" X 5" squares together

Step 2:   Lay the rectangle and make 2 cuts– shown in diagram.  You will now have a cone shape.  You can line up the bottom even with 0" and 5".  Right side: Cut matching the bottom corner and angling the ruler to the 3" line at the top.  Left side:  Cut matching the bottom left corner and angeling the ruler to the 2" line at the top. 

Step 3:  Cut the Background 11" X 4" piece and cut from one corner to the other

Step 4:  Sew one half triangle of the background to one side of the cone shape. 

Step 5:  Repeat with other half triangle.  Iron.

Step 6:  Trim the tree top to 5" X 9"  *You can make this a bit more cranky by angling the cut a bit.

Step 7:  Sew 4" X 2 1/2" to each side of the 4" X 1 1/2' trunk fabric. Iron

Step 8:  Trim the trunk piece to 4" X 9"  *You can make this a bit more cranky by not centering the trunk perfectly.

Step 9:  Sew the tree top to the trunk piece.

Step 10:  Repeat above steps and make a second tree.

Step 11:  Sew the two Christmas trees together- side by side.

Step 12:  Sew the 2" X 12 1/2" spacer background to each side.

Square up your block if you need to 12 1/2" X 12 1/2" square

Now that wasn't too 'cranky' was it?  No….you can handle it!

How about the instructions for the wall hanging–

finished size: 30" X 34"

Materials needed:

Background–  2– 25" X 2"

Border

2– 3" X 25"

2– 3" X 34 1/2"

Backing and batting:

34" X 38"

Step 1:  Sew a total of 4 christmas tree lot blocks for the center of the quilt.

Step 2:  Sew the background 2" X 25" to the top and the bottom of the center.

Step 3:  Sew the borders on first the top and bottom, then the sides.

Step 4:  Layer with the batting and backing and quilt!!

I have gathered all the instructions and put them into a downloadable file– yup. just for you.  Clicket click here to download–save and print.  {it's on the right side of the screen under free magazine patterns.}

Share your finished blocks or the wall hanging even in the flickr group for the Quilting Gallery.

How about a little extra goodie for everyone here— Until Friday you can use the code: 2trees  to get $2 off any workshop!!  Click on the workshops ————————>  right there in the sidebar and come join the fun!  {to use the discount code you have to login or register for the site– totally free}

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?

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

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}

Now girls, if you are in town and are thumping your fingers on your table not sure what to do– or need a break from the little ones come check out:

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. 

So, after a bit of debating with myself– yes, I bought the quilt so I COULD cut it.  But, come on.  Someone put their time in making this quilt.  {even though the batting is totally lumpy, there are wholes in a few spots and of course streaky stains} it is still a difficult thing…taking scissors to Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]> So, after a bit of debating with myself– yes, I bought the quilt so I COULD cut it.  But, come on.  Someone put their time in making this quilt.  {even though the batting is totally lumpy, there are wholes in a few spots and of course streaky stains} it is still a difficult thing…taking scissors to a finished quilt.

but then.  You grab the scissors and without any pause you CUT!!!  eeeeeeppp. 

After a few times, it becomes easier- and then all of a suddun you can't control yourself!  So, now I have a secret~

 Because of this cutter quilt courage I have a few newbies~

I know what you're thinking {well, not really} but seriously.  I am cranking a few new things out to get ready for the Re-Launch of PatchworkPosse.com Workshops.  I have been hopping back and forth from .com coding and set up to making up new pattern to sewing them up to writing them up…and tomorrow the first batch comes out! Don't miss it.

These little guys are the start of a workshop called:  "Cutter Quilt Class"  {that's origional enough isn't it?lol } Oh, hey. I just thought of another one. How about "Scissors & Quilts"  See what I mean. I really don't do so well in that arena. Any suggestions? 

Anywhosies– these are the start and of course there will be some more 'most wonderful' projects added to the class.  I will have a preview trial workshop before the big launch date….. still working on that one!

Did you take a look at the site?  What do you think so far?  Have any suggestions? 

Today we are joined by—

Q is a wonderfully talented quilter.   This is what she says about herself~

JAQS Studio is my creative outlet.  I work a full time job as a software developer, my husband works full time and we have 2 very active little boys.  My life is crazy active and my Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

Today we are joined by—

Q is a wonderfully talented quilter.   This is what she says about herself~

JAQS Studio is my creative outlet.  I work a full time job as a software developer, my husband works full time and we have 2 very active little boys.  My life is crazy active and my Studio keeps me sane.  JAQS is acronym for each member of our family – Jeff (husband), Asher (older son), Q (me), and Silas (younger son).  Even though my main focus is quilting and fabrics, I do sneak in random sewing/craft projects – whatever is going on in our crafty life .  My family inspires and motivates me to do more than I would ever do alone.

Blogging has turned into a normal thing in my life now.  It is my way to share ideas and designs with like-minded people.  I have been blogging for almost a year but I have been sewing and crafting practically my whole life.  I am grateful that there is such a great community out there that is supportive, ultra creative and full of very nice people.

The Theme that Q has brought for us is Quilts and Design. Enjoy~

Child's Play Kahona

Red Poppies

 Celebrate Seuss- Pillows

Christmas Pillow

Sewing Room Apron

What is Q up to now?

Spring Wheels Quilt Progress

Quilt Kit Cutting

Sewing Room Redo

Thanks Q for sharing your talent with us!  For more Visit Q~

Blog

Shop

Tutorials

For more Trunk Shows and to find out how YOU can be the next show off–Click here

This week we have the awesome Laurraine of Patchwork Pottery showing off her Trunk!! 

This week we are joined by Amy of Diary of a Quilter.  Don't you just love that name?  I do. I mean really it is sort of our diary isn't it?  Our track record of who and what we are and of course sew!  I am a bit jealous of Amy — she is Finish Reading This Interesting Post[...]]]>

This week we are joined by Amy of Diary of a Quilter.  Don't you just love that name?  I do. I mean really it is sort of our diary isn't it?  Our track record of who and what we are and of course sew!  I am a bit jealous of Amy — she is teaching at the sewing summit.. Me. No. sniff sniff. I guess I'll have to take classes and sew like a fool!

A quick introduction and get to know you before we start shall we? 

I learned to sew from my mom when I was young, but didn't start quilting in earnest until I had my first baby and craved a creative outlet. That and something in my day that STAYED finished. Now I have 4 kids ages 4-12 who still keep me busy and my sewing still keeps me sane.  My husband and kids have learned to adapt to my mess and are usually very patient with me, but I try to make them feel like they're my first priority. Because they are.  I've been blogging about my sewing craziness for over 2 years at www.DiaryofaQuilter.com.  My favorite part of blogging is the chance to meet lots of other younger sewers like me – both online and in real life.  I love all of the inspiration to be found in blog-land.  My least favorite part of blogging is the already limited time it takes away from my sewing machine. Someday I need to get up the courage to take a cyber-break and really get caught up in my sewing room. In the mean time, I continue to be a little bit frantic trying to squeeze everything in what time I do have.

Today we get to see some of her favorite quilts~ {she really did pick them! I am not just typing that}

front and back of a modern quilt~

Flag Quilt~ front and back

Red Aqua, and Pink~ front and bed

Hope Valley Bricks~ front and tree

Modern Quilt for a friend~ front and grass

What is Amy up to recently?  She does things I would like to— but haven't…there is still time. right?  Love the ricrac edging here and of course, who doesn't like hexagons?  that was retorical, put your hands down please.

Clickety Click here for the post

A few of her links:

Amy's Blog~

Thanks Amy for hauling those out of the trunk and showing them off.  I especially loved the backs on those too!  Anyone have any questions or comments?

Miss a Trunk Show?  Check them all out here. 

Would you like to show off your trunk?  Contact me! It is easy, quick and totally fun for the rest of us! come on. Share your goodies. Oh hey – Just thought of this….do you want to 'tattle' on someone?  Want to see someone else's trunk?  Send me a not saying who with their link too– Thanks!