Home Is Where the Dog Is

Greetings Blog Friends,

Back in November, I switched gears from all those Christmas flannel quilts and turned my attention to a quilt for my dear friend Rena, who has lost two dogs in the past two years.  Each time, she has given her heart and both times she lost them to an illness that took their young lives.  She has since gotten another pooch, but nothing can take the place of those gone before.  I am hoping that this quilt, which was given at Christmas, will bring a smile to her face and help to mend her broken heart.  The quilt pattern and main  fabric is from the Home Is Where the Dog Is Collection by Henry Glass.  I purchased a panel and two coordinating fabrics for the borders, but pulled much of the interior fabrics from my stash of fat quarters and remnants.  Finished size:  60" x 74".  Here's a look at the fabrics and a peek of the panel.  

And here is the finished quilt, just before it was mailed off to Rena in California.

And, I was right, she loved it.  Here she is with the quilt on Christmas Day.  Enjoy, Rena, and remember...whenever you need that hug from me, just wrap yourself in this quilt, and I'll be there!

Wondering about all those Christmas Flannel Quilts....more on that next time!

Christmas Hearth Rug--Just In Time!

Greetings Blog Friends!

Merry Christmas to Everyone!  

Amidst the hustle and bustle of family gatherings, cooking and just enjoying the season, I was able to complete a new hearth rug made of Christmas fabrics.  It was finished just this morning, made of fabrics by Hoffman.  I actually bought the Jingle Pop jelly roll last fall, but never got the rug made, so it has been waiting with all the other projects.  But, it has been on the queue for this year, and yesterday it made it to the top!  Another stash busting project.  Yay!

I love this collection of fabrics, all have gold printed accents. 

One Family Christmas gathering has been and there is one yet to come.  My next post will detail some of the handmade gifts that were lovingly given and warmly received.  Till then...

In a Pillow Frame of Mind

Greetings Blog Friends,

I'm in completion mode and moving along quite well with Christmas gifts.  More photos next post!

I've made a couple of pillow covers as gifts.  These are both 20" size, a nice size for cuddling or napping.  You might recognize NAP from last year.  It is made of flannels from the stash.  And, yes, Packers is the same pattern, just with green and gold and a different embellishment.  Also with fabrics from the stash.  Both covers are removable for laundering.

This is my hearth pillow for Christmas.  I've had the house shaped doily for several years, and finally did something with it.  It is made with leftovers from other projects and fabrics from the stash.  However, I'm not sure if I like it on the cream background.  I'm contemplating a redo on this one and using a darker background so the house stands out more.  A redo, though, will require a bit of work and will have to wait until after Christmas is over.   

Flannel quilts are quilted and bound!  I'll share photos of those next post. 

Till then...

A Stocking for Dino

Greetings Blog Friends,

This week I am sharing a project I made for a very special little friend...our traveling mascot, Dino Sinclair.  Dino is a little green dinosaur and there is a story, of course, of how he came to join us on our travels.  Three years ago, Denis and I were traveling west to Colorado, taking the northern route through eastern Wyoming.  We stopped in Sinclair at Station #1, which is right next to the refinery.  When we went inside, we discovered it was more than just a filling station/convenience store.  It was also an adoption center.  There  were many little dinosaurs there waiting for a new home, but this one seemed special.  Our eyes met and we made a connection immediately.  He has been my traveling mascot ever since that day.  Dino has been to Oregon, Florida, Colorado, Italy...and is such a great little traveler.  Every time we look at him, he's smiling.  Here's Dino on some of our travels:

 Multnomah Falls, Oregon

 At scrapbooking retreat

 In Hamilton, MO at MSQC with Jenny Doan!

 Overlooking Lake Onalaska

Colosseum in Rome

I had been looking for a felt stocking to make for Dino for several years, but with no luck.  Then, one day, I found one on eBay and I've been working on it for the past month.  Here's the finished stocking with it's proud owner.  ( I think he's smiling extra big for this!).  Maybe it's because now both he and Morty (our sock monkey in residence) both have a stocking to hang on the mantle.

Till next time...

To Kit or Not...That Is the Question!!

Greeting Blog Friends,

I'm still working with flannels this week, only I've changed the pace a bit with this next project.  These flannels were from a kit and were originally meant to make a quilt.  Only that's not what I decided to do with them.

This is one of those times where you buy the kit, it sits in the stash for a few years, and when you finally get it out to make it, you find that you don't like it.  Has this ever happened to you?  I'll bet it has.  This doesn't happen to me very often, but this time it did.  I didn't like the quilt pattern that came with the kit and the fabrics in the kit just didn't seem to go well together (for my taste) So what to do?  

Well, there were two large pieces of flannel, enough to get two pillowcases from each, and fabrics for the accent (cuff) and flange.  So, out with the quilt and in with two pair of pillowcases that I can live with. Even now, looking at the cases side by side, I still can't see these fabrics coordinating together.  I'm glad I didn't make the quilt.  What do you think?

I have something different to share with you next week.  A gift for my little traveling dinosaur pal, Dino.  Till then...

Vintage Christmas Flannel Quilt

Greetings Blog Friends,

I have finished Flannel Quilt #4, and this one actually has a name, Vintage Christmas II!  Fabric is from the Christmas Kitsch line by Cloe's Closet for Moda.  The prints are primarily in primary reds and greens and have a definite vintage 1950's feel.  I have a quilt in my collection from other fabrics in this line.  These fabrics were printed approximately 6-8 years ago, so this fabric has been waiting awhile also.  I have enough for the quilt top, backing, binding and a couple of pillowcases.  

I purchased the fabrics because I like the collection, but never did have a definite pattern in mind for it.  I was searching around the internet for suitable patterns (simple piecing was a "must" to keep bulky seams in check) and found this one on the All People Quilt website.  This pattern is called "On The Fly" and I adapted it to use have 4" x 8" finished rectangles instead of the 3" x 6" called for in the pattern.  I wanted to showcase the vintage prints a little more.  

I used the stripe for both interior blocks and also for the sashing.  Instead of cutting one long strip for sashing, I cut strip WOF (width of fabric) and sewed them together end to end, matching the stripes.  The seam lines are virtually invisible. So, a few alterations and voila, my version is as seen above.  

I made this quilt with random (or not??) fabric placement for a scrappy look.  

More to report next time.  Till then

Flannel Quilt Project #3

Greetings Blog Friends,

Well, it is still cold outside and still warm in my sewing room, so I have another finished project to share with you.  This one has a story attached to it...I bought these fabrics as a kit from Jeri's Quilt Shop in Norway, Michigan.  (A great little shop, one of my favorites!  I get there several time each year when we are in Iron Mountain visiting my husband's brother and his wife.)  It was packaged as a quilt using Churn Dash blocks.  I love the border print, printed panel images and other coordinating fabrics.  I am not so much a fan of the Churn Dash block, however.  That must be why I haven't made it.  And, in my opinion, I don't think that block lends itself well to flannels.  Too many small pieces and seams, which creates a bulky mess!  

I found a pattern that suited the fabrics well from Mary Quilts.com called Happy Blocks from Charms.  I altered the block size to fit the panel images and also added an outer border, so I could use that gorgeous border print on the front.  I just didn't want to hide it on the back.  It is what I love most about this quilt.  

A word about the border...the quilting gods must have been smiling on me, because the yardage I had for the border was just long enough on the sides to match up to the blocks, but not long enough to match up to the top and bottom borders.  So, I made four corner blocks to make up the difference, and here is the finished top:

Meanwhile, it's back to the sewing machine for me.  Till next week...

Flannel Quilt Project #2

Greeting Blog Friends,

So sorry about the late post this week.  Blogger has been having some technical issues, mostly with pictures, so I haven't been able to complete this post.  And, what good is a post without the pictures?  They tell most of the story.  

I've been working in the sewing room and with weather like this (this morning, Nov. 6!!) who can blame me?  

 Last week, I completed Flannel #2:

This is another Thimbleberries pattern named "Tree Farm Throw" and I've had the flannels and the pattern for a long time.  The pattern and the flannels were printed in 2007.  These flannels by RJR are so soft!  Now that winter looks like it is here to stay, this cozy quilt will help on cold nights in front of the fireplace.  I can't wait to snuggle up in it!  Again, this is just the quilt top, waiting for quilting and finishing the week of Thanksgiving.

I'm currently working on Flannel #3 (which is really cute, by the way). I'll show you next post.  Till then...

Pie Anyone?

Greetings Blog Friends,

Here is a quick project I did for my good friend Ann.  She is on a bowling team, which is sponsored by a local gluten-free bakery called Happy Bellies.  (Their baked goods are to die for, especially the cupcakes!)  Each member of the bowling team is dressing up in a bakery theme...one is a cupcake, one is a long john donut, one is the baker and one is a slice of pumpkin pie.  Ann asked me to make the pumpkin pie costume.  Here is my version of the pumpkin pie slice (thanks to Denis, who kindly agreed to model it for me). 

About $20.00 worth of felt and velcro and about 3 hours of crafting time, and Voilá...Done!  

I love the big dollop of whipped cream...that is what makes this dessert the best!!

Flannel Quilt #1

Greetings Blog Friends,

I have been able to get some sewing done in the last week.  Here is my progress so far, Flannel Quilt #1 top is done:

It is a Thimbleberries pattern named "Street Scene".  I've had the flannels and the pattern for a long time.  The pattern and the flannels were printed in 2007.  Talk about a long time to be sitting and waiting in a stash!!  I don't know why I waited so long...these flannels by RJR are so soft!  I love them!

I'm currently at work on Flannel Quilt #2.  I'm planning to work on the quilt tops first, then quilt them all at the same time, probably over the Thanksgiving weekend.  

I'll show you Flannel #2 next week.  Till then....

It's Flannel Season!

Greetings Blog Friends,

Autumn is now upon us, bringing with it cool days and falling leaves.  It's time to light up the fireplace and get out the cardigans.  Autumn weather is also a great time to get some sewing on flannels done (my favorite fabric!).  Here is my stash of flannel projects waiting to see the light of day.  

This fall, I'm concentrating on several Christmas flannel quilts that I've had for a number of years.  I'm hoping to clear most of this shelf by autumn's end.  My goal is to have them finished in time for the Christmas decorating season.  

I'll keep you posted on my progress.  Till next time....

Autumn Decor, Take 3 and Done!

Greetings Blog Friends!

Yay!  I'm finished with autumn decorations.  Yes, that means that I finished the wool candle mat for this fall.  As with the summer mat, this came as a kit from Shabby Fabrics and is all hand stitched.  A nice addition to the decor, don't you think?

I've also got a couple of new pieces to show you, to add to my existing decor.  Each year in October, local artisans and small businesses come together to showcase their handiwork in what is known as Rural Arts Roadtrip through Calumet County.  Antiques, ceramics, yard art, fabric goods, candles, farm produce goods, and more.  One of our favorite stops is Abler Art Glass, just south of Kiel.  They have hand-blown glass pieces and glass blowing demonstrations.  I picked up the larger orange pumpkin last year and added two smaller pieces this year.  Aren't they lovely?

For more information about the Roadtrip, go to www.ruralartsroadtrip.com

Up next...cold weather sewing for....you guessed it....cold weather!  Till then...

Autumn Decor, Take 2

Greetings Friends!

Since last week, I've completed the three throw pillows and the table runner I had planned.  I even got an "extra" done, a smaller table runner.  Here is what I accomplished last week:

The fabrics are all from the Sun Kissed Harvest Collection by Connecting Threads.  You'll notice that the fabric on the pillows coordinates well (and even matches!) "Aspen Autumn", the quilt on the back of the sofa.  The quilt was a kit, also from Connecting Threads.  Besides the quilt kit, I also purchased a fat quarter bundle to make coordinating items.  I really liked the colors and the prints in this bundle.  These items were offered in CT's fall catalogs in 2013!  So, these fabrics have now finally seen the light of day after 6 years in the stash!  Out of sight, but never out of mind...I thought of them often.  

Sadly, I did not have a chance to finish the wool candle mat last week...it is in process for this week.  More on that next week...

Till then....

Construction Update...Finished!!

Greetings Blog Friends,

I have wonderful news!!  Our construction project is now complete!  The new room addition is move-in ready and the deck is user-ready.  Here's a photo of the new room (before and after).. That's Denis standing about where his desk and chair will be.  

The new washer/dryer came in two weeks ago, and we moved Denis' desk in on Sept 21.   In the meantime, he has finished up a floor-to-ceiling bookcase.

Here's an outside shot with the new deck.  Landscaping is next and will be completed before the snow flies later this year.  

Happy, Happy!

Autumn Hearth Decor

Greetings Blog Friends!

Well, last Monday was the Autumnal Equinox, so now it is time to decorate for Fall.  I've been busy in the sewing room, working on autumn-themed items for the house.  I'm happy to say the living room hearth is now dressed for Fall:

I've made a new jelly roll rug in fall colors, using the Giving Thanks Jelly Roll from Robert Kaufman Fabrics.  The AUTUMN bench pillow is from a pattern by Shabby Fabrics, using all fabrics from the stash.  I quilted the pillow background in a diagonal cross-hatch pattern, then fused the applique shapes, securing them with raw edge applique.   I like it and think it turned out really cute!

On tap this week is more seasonal sewing, as I have some pillow covers, a table runner and a wool candle mat in the queue.  I'll report on those next week.  

Till then...

Scrapping Retreat Report - Italy Pages Done!!

Hello Blog Friends!

Remember the pile of scrapping stuff I took to the retreat:

Well, here is the end result of all that stuff plus 4 solid days of scrapping time:

A stack of pages (6" high) 144 in all.  I completed 125 pages at the retreat and the rest in the days since I've been home.  I had so much fun putting all these pages together and having premades is responsible for that!  Some of the pages have been in my stash for a number of years, just waiting for the perfect subject.  And, the papers and sentiments seem to have blended so very well with the places and things we saw.  The photographs just don't do the papers justice, some have metallic elements that really pop off the page...I wish all of you could see these in person!  I used my Cricut machine, too...for both cut and print images and for letters for titles.  I'm still working on doing some journaling and placing a few titles, but should finish that up in about a week.  Next, I'll have to find a couple of albums to put all these pages in!  Time to go shopping!!!!

Some of my favorites:

 Going to Europe.  This started with preprinted layouts that I added elements to.

 Frankfurt airport.  We had to go through the main shopping area when changing concourses.  Fun!

 Venice.

 Enroute through Tuscany from Venice to Florence.  Papers were perfect!

 Pisa.  Layouts are so colorful!

 At the Academia in Florence.  I created quite a stir with the ladies with this layout!

 Galileo Museum in Florence.  The colors are so rich and vibrant on these pages.

 Cathedral in Florence.

 Street scenes in Florence

 Grand Flora hotel in Sorrento.  The floral design carries through the hotel, from lobby chandeliers to flooring and light fixtures in the rooms.  It was our favorite hotel.  And the papers compliment the subject perfectly!

 Amalfi coast.

 This is a cute little laundromat we found in Sorrento, just steps from our hotel.  This is the oldest layout in the group...about 8-9-10 years old!

 The Coliseum in Rome.  Again, the papers were perfect!  These layouts I had to create myself.

 Yes, I scrapped our Hard Rock collection!  

The journey home.  I especially love the photo of the screen showing us out over the Atlantic ocean.

There were a number of other specialty pages, too.  I did a two page layout on a stop along the Autostrade going to Rome, one on vehicles we saw in Rome, one on food we ate (and photographed LOL), one on the souvenirs we bought and one on our tour guides.  In addition to our main guide who was with us throughout the tour, we had local guides in Venice, Rome, Florence, Pompeii and Amalfi Coast.  I also included a fun two page layout on the photos that weren't quite perfect and some were just downright funny.  I call it "Bloopers."  The back page is still in process and is called "Parting Shots".  It features a grid filled with the images from photos that didn't quite make the first cut, or that just didn't fit in.  I'll also add the original trip itinerary as well as travel documents in page protectors in the back.  It was a fantastic experience and one I will never forget, worthy of the time and effort to scrap it. 

Back to sewing next week!  Till then...