Butterflies, Birds & Blooms

Hello Blog Friends,

Since my last post, I've been diligently working on the quilt I started two weeks ago.  And, yes, to answer the question, I've finished before the deadline.

I've named this quilt Butterflies, Birds & Blooms for obvious reasons.  

Construction details:  borders were added around each printed panel block, strip sets were used for the pieced blocks, a flange was added between the narrow inner border and floral outer border, and the borders feature mitered corners.  I featured some leftover pieces from the printed panel and the border stripe fabric in the pieced backing.  

You can see the quilting pattern more easily from the back.  A cross hatch was used through the small green squares on the pieced blocks.  A stipple was used in the printed floral and butterflies block, and a simple outline was used around the printed border on the panel blocks.  A very whimsical, loopy large meander was used on the outer border.  

Finished size is 56" x 56".  Tomorrow I pass it on to my friend Sally, who will give it to her Mom on her birthday on Wednesday.  Happy Birthday Mrs. Childs!  Enjoy.

Next weekend I'll be at a scrapbooking retreat.  I'll share some of my finished work in next week's post.  

Till then...

Sewing on a Snowy Day

Hello Blog Friends!

I'm sorry I've missed the last couple weeks...a very nasty bronchitis got hold of me, and alas, I've been sick for almost two weeks.  There has been progress, but I'm told the coughing and congestion can last for awhile yet.  I pray for an early spring and an end to the sickness.

 Snow day today!  

It is a snow day today!  Here I am, at home from work on a Tuesday afternoon, it is snowing outside, and I've started my newest project.  It is a lap quilt with a spring theme...birds, bees, and blooms.  I've had this kit for some time, and I had planned to make it for my mother.  I am, instead, making it for a friend's mother, who has had a stroke and is confined to a wheelchair.  She loves bird watching out her picture window, and this quilt (I hope) will be a welcome companion this spring when the birds return to the feeder just outside her window.  Here's a sneak peak at the fabrics and panel squares that will be used in the quilt.  The lady's birthday is Feb. 24 (my deadline).  Will I make it?  

Stayed tuned for a progress report this weekend.

Happy Birthday Picture Board

Hello Blog Friends,

I've been busy the past week or so, working on a picture board for my oldest daughter, Kristy, who turned 40 on the 14th.  The party was yesterday, and here is the picture board that I made for her.  

You might notice that the top section has the dates 1976-2016.  Yes, this top board was made 10 years ago for a surprise party we had for her when she turned 30.  As I was choosing and printing pictures for this year's board, I asked myself "why re-invent the wheel?", ie, why scan and reprint all those earlier pictures?  So, I jazzed up the old, existing board with some glitter paper, and just concentrated on the printing pictures from the past 10 years.  I connected the two sections using a  pink glitter arrow with the words "FAST FORWARD" on it, pointing to the year 2016.  I think it came together very well.  

This week I will dust off the sewing machine, and get back to quilt making again.  More on that in next week's post.

Till then...

The No-Name Quilt

Hello Blogger Friends,

Earlier this fall (before the Christmas rush began), I made this cute Chenille/Flannel quilt for myself.  the flannels are feature fall theme prints (autumn leaves, etc.).  The white squares is the chenille.  It was an easy project, made from 8" blocks, sewn in rows.  A simple cross hatch quilting pattern was used.

Just one problem remains...this poor quilt has no name.  Does anyone have any suggestions to throw my way?

I'd love to know your ideas...

P.S.  Those are Denis' feet...he's my PA (Photographer's Assistant).  LOL

Holidays 2015

Hello Blog Friends,

Yes, it has been a very long time since I've posted.  I have been very busy, as usual, with Christmas projects, and actually did complete one project for me!  More on this one later.

Here is the hand/home made lineup for this year:

 "Laundered Money".  An money origami/scrapping project for my brother in law.

 Bingo dauber bag for my daughter Kim.

Circle purse for my niece Heather.

Sock monkey pillow cases for nephew Kurt.

 Doll closet and doll dresses for granddaughters.  Husband Denis made the doll clothes closet.

Minion pillowcases for daughter Kerri.  Guess who loves Minions???

Another successful Christmas in the record books.  Till next time...

Tissue Box Cover Up, Final Results!

Greetings, Blog Friends,

I'm happy to report that the tissue box cover-up is completed and in it's new home in our guest bedroom.  Here are the before and after photos:

This looks much nicer, don't you think?

And here is a close up:  I did a little meander quilting on the main fabrics, just to add interest.  This project was quick, less than an hour start to finish.

The next project on deck is a throw made with autumn fabrics.  It uses flannels from the Boundary Waters Collection by Moda, and some fun chenille fabric.  This quilt will be for my own personal use.

I'll post a progress report next week.  Till then... 

Minions and Mitts

Hello Blog Friends!

I'm happy to report that I am two-thirds finished with my quick projects.  Minion pillowcases and oven mitts have been added to the "finished" pile.  Here's a look at the finished pieces:

I chose to make the mitts with the red paisley on the outside.  Both projects were quick, easy and fun to make.

See you next week with the next progress report!

Til then...