Just Plain Jane Quilts

Back from a Breather

2012-01-23T23:42:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the long absence.

My last post was the first part of December and with the busyness that comes with the holidays, I had decided to take a short break until the chaos had ceased. I believe that every blogger takes a little down-time from time to time. Before I knew it, it was already half way through January!

So I told myself that I had to come back. Too much time had passed already and I need to get back into the blogging routine again.

Currently, I'm starting a hexagon (grandmother's flower garden) quilt. I had seen a photo of this particular quilt but I don't remember where I had seen it. It may have been on pinterest or flicker. It even looked as if they had used the same fabrics as mine! I had fallen in love with the quilt and I would acknowledge the quilter if I knew who had created the original quilt from those photos.

I had used the Nancy Halvorsen fabric scraps from two of the quilt-tops that I'm working on (they are almost finished!!).

I had initially purchased the fabric for the Bee Attitudes quilts (I'm naming mine Jordan's Lessons) and used those scraps in my Reminiscence quilt. And now, with the little bit of fabric that I have left,
I'm using it with another quilt.

I am planning on making two flowers with each fabric. Each flower will have a different center so that each one will not be identical.

This will not nearly be enough to complete the size that I am wanting, so I'm looking forward to visiting the quilt store and getting more Nancy Halvorsen fabrics!!

I'll post more details of my new quilt soon. I still have to post some projects that I had worked on during my hiatus.

Jane <3

Frustrations

2011-12-01T12:53:00.000-06:00

Frustrating...

Have you ever worked on a project and it didn't work out the way you wanted? Putting a lot of work and creativity into it and having nothing to show for it?  At least not the initial result I was wanting...

Let me explain.

I was working on project that was to be entered into a on-line contest. The prizes were impressive, so I diligently picked fabrics that I thought would fit in perfectly into the official rules. I tried to make my entry original, to attract the attention of the judges, so I spend a lot of my time (in between basketball practices and games, Cub Scout meetings...) on it. It turned out very cute and I am proud with the finished product. I had taken the photos and then tried to upload them into the website to officially enter them into the contest...

And that is where the trouble began. It seemed at the last step of entering the contest, the screen just went blank. Nothing. I tried at different times of the day with the same result. I was still trying to upload the photos right up to the deadline time. Still nothing. My photos never appeared in the photo gallery of the other entrants' projects.

Now I have a project that I'm not sure what to do with. Since I wasn't able to vie for the prizes that I was hoping to win, I just want to complain and moan about it! I know that I have several quilts that I've never finished because it didn't turn out like the vision that I had in my head.  But this seems different.

I had emailed the website with the problem I had and I'm hoping (hope, hope, hope...) to still be able to enter. That is the reason why I'm not going to show a photo of it. I'll just tease you with this one.

But once I know for sure that it is too late and they are unable to do anything for me, I may just have to have a giveaway. Passing it on the you just might make it all better.

I'm going to keep my fingers crossed although I have a feeling that my heart will be broken in the end. Once I know that the first round of judging has passed and I haven't recieved some resolution from the e-mail I sent them, I'll post some photos. And perhaps you all can help me figure out what I should do with it!

Boo hoo hoo...whimper, whimper, whimper...

Jane <3

Excitement with Elm Creek

2011-11-07T23:52:00.000-06:00

Now that the Halloween costumes are past me, I have the opportunity to work on my Runaway quilt. With Elm Creek's next book now out, it has inspired me to finish the quilt-top from one of my favorite Elm Creek books, The Lost Quilter.

Excerpt from The Lost Quilter: One night she finished her Birds in the Air quilt--large triangles and small, each pointing north to freedom. In whispers after the other slaves had fallen asleep, Joanna traced the quilted images with her fingertip and told Hannah their secret meanings...

And I have been thinking of making Sarah's first quilt that she had made, with Sylvia's instruction, from The Quilter's Apprentice. But I promised myself that I CANNOT start anymore new quilts, so it will be placed in my "to be made later" stack, which is getting bigger and bigger!

The Runaway quilt is piecing together fairly quickly. I've overcome the hurdle of making the points of the triangles near perfect. Soon, I'll have to chose a border fabric that will fit with civil war era prints.

But once this quilt-top is finished, what to work on next? Hmmm...

Jane <3

Charity Project

2011-11-06T22:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I participated in a charity project at our local library. Me and five other lovely ladies, including our wonderful library director, helped make chemotherapy caps.

We had made a total of 60 caps which will be delivered to cancer patients at the local hospital. I was able to make 11 in the time that we had allotted. Here are some photos with examples:

I had enjoyed this experience very much, to sew items that will help other people. I had met some new people and I was surprised to find out that some that I did all ready knew, also knew how to so. I was under the impression that a very few people knew how to sew or use a sewing machine.

I'm looking forward to the next "Sew-In."

Jane <3

Halloween Costumes Done!

2011-10-30T01:06:00.000-05:00

I had finally finished my younger son's Halloween costume Friday morning. His school was having their Halloween party on Friday, October 28, and I hated to know that he wouldn't be in costume because I didn't get it finished. So I stayed up ALL NIGHT, imaging myself in an episode of Project Runway, to make sure he would have it.

And here he is...

Goku from Dragon Ball Z Kai!

Although Dragon Ball is a favorite with my two boys, I'm not that familiar with the cartoon series. But Goku (a main hero) was who my son wanted to be. This was the illustration that I used for the costume. There was no pattern so I had to use an old pattern that I had used two years ago. By altering the size a little larger, I was able to make a costume that he was happy with.

I used my applique skills to place a symbol on the back and a smaller version on the front. Just to prove to you that I'm not familiar with Goku, I had sewn the symbol on the wrong side. Both neither son noticed until I had shown them.

So now, I have some relief that the all the costumes are done and promise myself that I will start earlier next year. They are already thinking of new costumes for 2012. Until then, I can dive back into my quilting!

Jane <3

Yummy Mummies

2011-10-28T19:11:00.000-05:00

I had made these treat holders for our Cub Scouts recently. They were made from Pringles canisters (the smaller version). I wrapped them with gauze (painted the canister white prior to wrapping because the graphics were peeking out) and glue two googly eyes. So simple!!

Jane <3

Pre-Halloween Success

2011-10-26T21:53:00.001-05:00

I thought I was a good idea to give each of my son's friends their costume before Halloween. In doing so, all three had worn them to school the last two days! Their plan is to wear them everyday until it is officially Halloween. I guess they like them!!

I was able to get a quick photo of them today.

Gotta get back to stitching!

Jane <3

New Elm Creek Is Drawing Near

2011-10-26T00:10:00.000-05:00

I had recently read that the next Elm Creek quilt book, "The Wedding Quilt," is coming out soon! That's just one week away!

Jennifer Chiaverini posted on Facebook:

"If you are a Elm Creek reader who is curious about:
1.   Whether Sarah and Matt had 2 boys, 2 girls, or one of each,
2.   What happens to the love triangle of Summer, Jeremy, and Anna,
3.   How Bonnie and Hinano's long-distance relationship unfolds,
4.   What becomes of the Civil War landmark Union Hall in the present day and/or
5.   If the villainous Gregory Krolich (who wanted to tear down Elm Creek Manor in
      THE QUILTER'S APPRENTICE) ever get his comeuppance.
...then you'll want to pick up a hot-off-the-presses copy of THE WEDDING QUILT on November 1st!"

Isn't that enough to make you want to drop everything you're doing and start reading!!

It has been some time since I had read a book from this series, so I had been trying to do some catching up on the story line. I've had to familiarize myself with the characters again, mainly the new ones that had been added to the quilt camp crew.

Although the new book seems to be based in modern time, the first book I picked up was "The Runaway Quilt." I know this book is based in the past, but it is my favorite book out of the series!

I am done with my older son's costume(s), and I'm slowly progressing with the younger son's. Since there isn't a pattern to help make his costume, it can be quite frustrating. So I took a quick break to rest my brain. I pulled out an old project - my Runaway Quilt, like the one that was featured in the book.

I worked on it for a while, just enough to get myself excited for next week. But I've got to set it aside before I get too distracted from the important job I have to do. My baby will be so upset with me if his Halloween costume remains unfinished!

Now I've got to get back to costume making! Hope to have some photos soon.

Jane <3

Halloween Is Just Around the Corner

2011-10-21T11:27:00.000-05:00

I have been wanting to post another entry but I'm been diligently working on...

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!

This year, I've got to make four costumes.

My older son had an idea that involves two of his friends and here is a hint on their costumes.

My younger son has an outrageous costume idea that does not come with a pattern. I am having to manipulate another pattern and I hope it ends up pretty close to the character he is wanting.

I'll have the boys pose for photos as soon as the costumes are done.

Jane <3

Documenting My Quilts

2011-10-13T23:55:00.000-05:00

...or at least a way of helping me remember just how many UFOs I have!

All of you quilters or fiber lovers out there - there is a website you need to visit.

Just as ravelry.com is for knitters and crocheters, seamedup.com is for us who love fabric (especially quilters like me!). It is a place where we can track and share our projects with other quilters and sewers.

By taking advantage of the site, I had started to enter my quilts into my "sewing room." Before long, I had quite a collection. I enjoyed seeing my quilts grouped together. As I continued gathering my list, I noticed that there were more unfinished quilts than finished quilts. And the unfinished group kept growing larger and larger! And I still had the UFOs in boxes in the garage that were unaccounted for.

This was a wake-up call. I knew I had a lot of unfinished quilts but I didn't know it was to this extent.

Along with the quilts in my "sewing room," I am going to start a new blog to help document my quilts. It will be a companion blog that will connected to this blog.

I need something to show me exactly how many unfinished projects I have. By seeing the huge number of unfinished quilts, I hope it inhibits me to start any new projects. And as I finish a quilt, I will be able to add it to the "finished" list.

Yet, I may be too embarrassed to share my gloom. I may have to keep it private, just for my eyes only. Only time will tell.

I am currently constructing the blog and I hope to be able to share with it with you soon.

Jane <3

I Can't Add to My UFO Dilemna

2011-10-09T21:48:00.000-05:00

I am the first one to admit that I DO NOT need to start any more new quilts. But there is a great surge of excitement when I start a new quilt! I think it's similar to a drug, consuming my every thought. The search for the fabrics is spell bounding. The tedious chore of cutting out the pieces is enjoyable. Piecing them together is gratifying because you know the quilt is on it's way to being completed.

But somewhere along this journey, I get disinterested. I get tired of looking and working on the same project. That when a new idea creeps into my head and I HAVE to start another quilt!

I think that where my UFO problem started. I have no self control. And now I am having to hold back on all new quilt ideas until I can get this pile down to a controllable level.

An idea that I'm having to hold back on is optical illusion quilts. I would love to find out if the illusion will translate the same way on a larger scale.

My quilt, False Impression, was started when I helped my son with a Cub Scout project.

The illusion is that the center square is the largest square and the others gradually get smaller out toward the edge.

I am not quite satisfied with the result of the illusion. I think if I hadn't placed the smaller squares so close to the seam, it may have worked out better. But I'm not going to redo or make another one anytime soon.

And I have more ideas to try.

Another optical illusion I'd like to try is another black and white quilt.

You may have to click the image above so

that illusion will work on a larger size

You need to stare at a white circle on the quilt and, in your peripheral vision, the surrounding circles will have a black dot in the center on them.

Another idea is more complicated illusion, from the book "Op-Art Quilts" by Marilyn Doheny.

I'm not quite finished designing this one. I am trying to make it look like an undulating nine patch quilt. I think that I may putting too much into it. Less may be more in this example. It 's not working the way I am wanting it to.

These are just a couple of ideas that I am stashing away in my idea file. I hope to be able to experiment with these to see if they actually work one day!!

Jane <3

My gift from Gail Pan

2011-10-07T23:33:00.000-05:00

My giveaway prize from Gail Pan arrived today! They are so adorable. They're small and compact. The packaging size is even cute!

They are both perfect projects that I can take with me on the go. Something different from quilting, when I need that break from it.

I wish her patterns were readily available here in my area. I wouldn't be able to resist purchasing all her patterns.

I'm looking forward to searching for the perfect fabrics and getting started! Thank you Gail!!

Jane <3

So Sorry for Delay

2011-10-06T23:39:00.001-05:00

I was wanting to post another entry a lot sooner than this. I had started a new medication and it is draining all my energy - leaving me with no motivation to get anything done. It's hard to pick up some quilting when all I want to lay down.

But I've been using the meds for a while now and I am becoming comfortable with the fatigue. I just had adjust my daily routine - having to keep busy, start drinking coffee again, use exercise bike earlier in the day (well, maybe not)...

I have finally put the borders on my Henrietta Whiskers quilt. I think it finished off really cute. I still have to place some crow and star appliques to the borders and then I can call it a completed quilt-top.

In my exhaustion, I had made a few mistakes when I was putting it together.

I had cut the top and bottom rows a little too short...

I had to match the lines to help make it look seamless (I hope it worked).

I had done the same thing to the side borders...

I matched the print so it will look like it's one piece from a distance.

I'll have to remember: NO cutting when I'm tired!

While I was being lazy this last week, I did come up with some more ideas for future posts. So I can only hope, more posts coming soon!

Jane <3

Happy Dance!

2011-09-23T23:52:00.000-05:00

The day started out pretty good!

Got out of bed...

Woke up the boys...

Got them ready and drove them to school...

Checked blogs...

Did the happy dance!

I had visited Gail Pan's blog at gailpandesigns.typepad.com and found out that I had just won her latest giveaway!!

Go ahead and visit her blog and you will see just how talented she is. I think I've fallen in love with every quilt patern she's came out with. And I love to do handwork, so all the embroidery that her work includes makes me want to purchase everyone! But now she has given me that opportunity to work on her petite projects!

I can't wait until it arrives!

Jane <3

Tedium is My Medium

2011-09-12T21:52:00.001-05:00

I've going through my unfinished projects. Some of them have been so long ago that I don't remember precisely how I was going to finish them.

This is my sunflower sampler quilt that I think I'll call Sunflower Daze. I have appliqued 52 sunflowers on it. At the time, I had given myself a headache and was so relieved when I stitched that last sunflower. And guess what?! After looking at it again, about 4 months later, I have decided to add about 50 more sunflower!

I don't know why I do this to myself! I guess it's just the quilt addict in me. I just can't help myself! I have cut so many flower petals and centers and now the tedious chore of appliqueing them to the quilt top!!

I'm still working on the Henrietta Whiskers applique. It is taking me a little longer than I wanted because I am also cutting out the borders. It's close to being done so it should happen soon.

Now back to more appliqueing!

Jane <3

Quilt Reteat Fantasy

2011-09-09T01:12:00.000-05:00

To start with, I want to let everyone know that this is only a FANTASY. I don't ever see this ever becoming reality, but it's fun to daydream, right?!

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Over this last Labor Day weekend, we had visited the mother-in-law's new house. It is located in a small community in Kentucky so it was very peaceful and relaxing.

I wanted to give a small tour:

Outside view

(photo from my niece)

Just inside the front door

The living room

Kitchen and dining area

View of loft on second floor

Due to my job as a stay-at-home-mom, I'm too busy to attend a quilt class or to join a quilt guild. And I have never participated in a quilt retreat (though I hope to some day). I could envision my mother-in-law's log home as perfect location for a quilt retreat.

There are three very large bedrooms, one downstairs and two upstairs, large enough to fit three twin beds or two full\queen size beds. Each bedroom is accompanied with it's own full bathroom. And there is a loft area upstairs where there is some cozy seating for some hand-work can be done.

Downstairs, there is plenty of room to set up some tables for sewing machines and still have room for a couch to relax on. There was even electrical outlets in the floor, so it was as if the room was made for this!

View from back porch

View of the back of the house

(photo from my niece)

Although I have no idea about running a retreat, I could envision 6 quilters staying for a weekend. Just need a couple of people to take care of the meals and a couple of people for housekeeping. The only downfall is that there is not a local quilt shop nearby.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Now back to reality!

Trust me, I will be returning. My husband and boys will be anticipating the next opportunity to ride the ATVs, but for me, I'll be packing as many of my UFOs as I can and I'll take advantage of the peace and quiet of the country-side and tackle a lot of my quilting projects! Or, if I'm lucky, I might be able to get away by myself for my own private quilting paradise!

Jane <3

Holiday Weekend Yo-yos

2011-09-07T19:24:00.001-05:00

We had great Labor Day weekend! We visited my mother-in-law's new log home in Kentucky (which was fabulous) and all three of my boys (my husband and two sons) had a phenomenal time riding around on ATVs on their property.

(I will have photos of the new log home and some ideas I have in a future post).

Since I had most of the applique work done on my two quilts, I needed a project to take with me on this trip (it was a 4 hour drive!). I decided to make yo-yos for a quilt that was on the cover a past issue of American Patchwork and Quilting magazine.

I'd gotten a lot of yo-yos made but it is still only a fourth of what I need to make for the whole quilt.

Another item I took was another new read, The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I had finished the book today and I'm looking forward to see the motion picture at the movie theater (although I think I waited too long, the movie is no longer at our local theater).

I loved the story. Athough it had a happy ending, I had expected some twist and turns in the storyline that didn't happen. And every time I think about Mae Mobley saying "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." to Aibileen, it brings tears to my eyes. I hope the movie will be just as moving as the book was.

The last block of Henrietta Whiskers had just come out, so I'll be anxiously finishing Block Nine and I hope to get the rest of the quilt put together by this weekend (I'll keep my fingers crossed!).

More to come later.

Jane <3

A Quilt Top Finished

2011-08-30T09:28:00.016-05:00

During our busy weekend, I was still able to finish a quilt top.

I'm not sure just how happy I am with it. In my opinion, it didn't quite duplicate the drawing that I had made for it.

I haven't forgotten about the scalloped border. Not sure what color the binding should be- match the pink in the border or white, blue, green...?

I'm not going to be able to quilt it for awhile. So by that time, I hope that I'll see it differently.

So what to work on next? I have so many UFO's that it isn't a problem in finding a project. I think I'll look for some more quilts that still need their borders attached. And hopefully some quick finishes!

Jane <3

Busy Weekend

2011-08-29T23:27:00.001-05:00

I knew this was going to happen as soon as school started. I thought I was busy with one child with extra curricular activities. Now I have two boys who will be playing basketball this year (older son has already started) and the younger one will start his first year of Cub Scouts. I was lucky last year because they both were in the same school so I was able to attend school functions for both of them at the same time (holiday parties, Christmas program, book sale...). Now the older son is in middle school so I am having to juggle my time and try not prioritize one event over another.

And it happened this last weekend. One son had basketball and the other had Cub Scouts.

Speaking of Cub Scouts, my younger son had his first Cub Scout event. He raced in the Raingutter Regatta! More info at the bottom of this post.

Despite the running around we did, I was able to work on some of my quilts.

I had finished piecing the last sashing strip. Wheww! So glad that's done!

I should have been more careful when I was sewing it to the blocks. So anxious to get the top together, I should have taken the seam intersections (am I using the right terms?) slower so that I'd sure that the points came out perfect.

Example: these points don't even meet.

I still have the boarders to applique, but I think I'll set it aside for a little while so I don't get too burnt out on it.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back to my baby's Raingutter Regatta.

The Raingutter Regatta is a racing event that is sailboat equivalent to the Cub Scout's Pinewood Derby. A sailboat kit is required and the Scout with his parent are to assemble, paint, and decorate their boat as they choose.

Then, the boats are raced in a standard raingutter that is 10 feet long, placed on saw horses, and filled to the top with water. The boats are propelled by blowing into the sail. The boat cannot be touch by the hands.The first boat to reach the end of the gutter is the winner.

He said that he wanted a Darth Vader boat. So we found some scrap booking paper with Darth Vader and fussy cut it to fit the sail. He had painted it black (and he didn't make too much of a mess) and I sealed it with a high gloss clear coat.

And what a great outcome from his very first event as a Tiger Scout. Something for him to proudly remember and to help keep his excitement for Scouting!

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

I've finished another top this weekend. It is my Spring Bloomers quilt made with one of Susan Branch's fabric line.

I'll post those photos tomorrow...I promise!

Jane <3

Time Out from Sashing Work

2011-08-23T00:07:00.001-05:00

I have been diligently trying to finish the last sashing strip for my Reminiscence quilt. But it seems such grueling work when I'm this close to being finished with the top. I've had to set it aside for a short while.

I had recently looked over my Sunflower Sampler quilt. I still love the applique sunflowers I had put on it, but I still feel that something is missing (besides the borders)...?

upper illustration: quilt as it is currently

lower illustration: added more sunflowers

I had drawn up the quilt on my computer so I could experiment when the layout once again. Will adding more sunflower solve the problem but it that TOO MUCH!?

This what I ended up with. Borders and binding included. I'll let it stew a while since I have to go back and finish with that sashing. Can't you tell that I ready to move on?

Please leave a comment or some suggestions on what else I may try!!

Jane <3

Reminiscence - Finally Did It

2011-08-19T18:06:00.001-05:00

Twelve block all appliqued. I was at a point one time when I thought I would never be able the finish all of the blocks. It took me longer than I wanted, I'm happy that they are all done!!

Block One

Block Two

Block Three

Block Four

Block Five

Block Six

Block Seven

Block Eight

Block Nine

Block Ten

Block Eleven

Block Twelve

I had laid it all out on the floor to have a peek of how it would look like once the body is pieced together.

And a drum roll please...

And I then realized that I was missing a sashing strip that was going between the third and fourth rows! Aughhhh!

I thought I had planned, cut, and precisely counted all the pieces for each nine-patch. Obviously, I had done something wrong! : ( I've come this far and the last thing I want to be doing is to piece more sashing. It feels as if I'm having to start over again!!

A sneak peek before more sashing

I'm hoping that the piecing for the last of the sashing will go real quick. I'm wanting to get all the blocks together so that I may work on my Sunflower quilt.

Jane <3

A Good Morning Hello

2011-08-18T21:53:00.001-05:00

Every morning, I take my boys to school. But this morning, I had a bit of a surprise in my little garden.

The sunflowers I had planted are now about 5 feet tall. Two of them had finally opened up and was showing their bright faces.

It reminded me of a sampler quilt I had been working on a while ago.

It got me thinking about how I want to finish this quilt. I'd like to add some more appliqued sunflowers around the outside on the border.

But I need to get going on the Reminiscence quilt. I've got all the blocks finished now and need to combine them with the pieced sashing. I'm anxious in seeing how it comes together, so photos will be up soon!

Jane <3

The Squirrels Are Together

2011-08-13T20:42:00.002-05:00

I've watched a movie that was broadcasted on the Nickelodeon Channel named "Fred: the Movie" with my boys. In the movie, Fred is searching for a Pomeranian dog, which he has mistaken for a squirrel. I don't know why, but everytime I work on this quilt, I can't help to yell out "squirrel!!"

I had pieced the first two rows together.

Now I've got a better idea of how it will look together. And I still like it!!

The last row together, just missing the last block (September).

Now I have to get back to the Reminiscence quilt. I've got all the appliqued pieces pinned in place and all I need to do is just sew them to the backing. The end is almost in sight!! Still have the applique borders ahead of me, but I may have to save that for a later time.

Jane <3

Another Block Done!

2011-08-12T18:43:00.001-05:00

The latest block from the Henrietta Whiskers BOM was posted on the fifth of this month. I, on the other hand, got it early because I was wandering around on the internet very early, early in the morning (it was actually the fifth by then)!

This is Block Eight for the month of August.

Block Eight

Just one more month to go and the borders will be next.

A quick recap of the previous blocks:

Block One from January

Block Two from February

Block Three from March

Block Four from April

Block Five from May

Block Six from June

Block Seven from July

I'm planning to piece the first two rows together tonight and will try to post them tomorrow!

Jane <3

An Unwanted Break

2011-08-12T01:21:00.000-05:00

I felt as if I was making great strides in my applique projects... then I got a visit... from the in-laws!

No, it's not a bad thing!! They live in Florida and they don't get to come up here to southern Indiana very often. My boys love their grandparents and we tried to devote as much time with them since they were only here for a few days. Which meant that my applique was put on hold for a few days.

But my mother-in-law made up for it. She had purchased a Heartwood Creek figurine for me. She had picked out on her own. She said that she had to get it for me when she saw the angel holding a quilt block.

She knows me well!

I will continue to work on my applique pieces. The boys are back to school now, and I am looking forward to the piece (peace) and quiet during the day to sew and quilt!

Jane <3

Getting More Done

2011-08-03T00:03:00.001-05:00

I had gotten two more of the Henrietta Whiskers blocks finished. Just in time. I have two more days until Anne Sutton will be out with the next block!

Block Six

Block Seven

Oops! I realized, after I had taken the photo, that I forgot to stitch the crows feet.

Crow's feet

Blocks One through Six laid out together. Once I get the tiny red buttons and some more embroidery thread, I should be able to sew each row together.

I'm anxious in getting the Reminiscence quilt finished up. I'm losing my quilting mojo with it. I'm hoping that I won't set it aside to start on another UFO before all of its blocks are finished.

Jane <3

EUREKA!

2011-08-02T12:40:00.002-05:00

I had finally found the tiny red buttons! It wasn't at a physical brick-and-mortar store, but at an on-line location. Hopefully, I had ordered enough for some future blocks (if Anne decides to more necklaces).

After looking over my blocks, I had noticed that the sign at the top of Block Three had some shadowing on it (being able to see the darker fabric through the lighter fabric).

Before

Ughhhh! I've got to rip out the embroidery, place another layer of fabric between the background and facing fabrics, and re-embroider it again!!

After

But it does look a lot better once it's done! Don't you agree?!

Jane <3

Bunny Hill Crazy

2011-08-01T23:58:00.001-05:00

I have also been working on my BOM project Henrietta Whiskers. Isn't she cute!!

Block Six

I'm still working on Block Seven and Block Eight will be available on the 5th of August. I am hoping to have those two blocks up for viewing very soon.

On the other blocks?... Still have some issues to work out with those. Particularly the small 1/8" red buttons that I'm suppose to use for the birds' necklaces. I haven't found them yet. I know I had seen them somewhere but that could have been years ago.

I'm getting anxous to getting more projects into the "sandwich" phase so that I may go on to the next UFO!!

Jane

Where Did July Go?

2011-07-31T23:52:00.001-05:00

Time seems to fly. Especially in the summer when we're busy with the kids. I didn't realize that a month had gone by without a post.

Just a quick post on the applique I've been busy with.

Block Ten

Block Eleven

Block Twelve

Block Eight

Block Four

Just four more blocks to finish and the body of the quilt will be completely pieced. Then it'll be the borders and they also include a lot of applique! But it will all be worth it!

Be back tomorrow with more applique.

Jane

Ta Da!! Finally A Row Completed

2011-06-23T18:10:00.002-05:00

I do love applique! And I've found myself doing quite a bit of it lately.

Do you remember this quilt?

I have finally completed the first three blocks!

Block One

Block Two

Block Three

The first row pieced together. I love how the blocks work with the pieced sashing! It gives the illusion that it was a lot of work, but it was quite simple.

Some close-ups:

I have more blocks ready for applique, ready to take with me whereever I need to go. But what next?!

I've been eyeing my Baltimore Halloween BOM quilt that I had gotten about a year ago.

And I have yet to start on it - I'll just take it out from time to time and "uhh" and "ahh" over it! But I might give it a try. I have found a tutorial for appliquing using Elmer's glue sticks. I think it will work with the small applique pieces that is used in this quilt.

And now... off to more applique!! : )

Jane

Some More Applique!

2011-06-16T01:19:00.001-05:00

Summer seems to be the time of year that I do my applique. It is great to take it along with me whenever there is a baseball game or practice. But I usually take it with me when I sit at the back porch.

Here lately, I've been working on Henrietta Whiskers.

Block One - Finished

Block Two - I am planning on changing the color of the star at the top right. The floss I had gotten for the purple star, on the left, doesn't quite match, so I'll has to try another color. There will also be a necklace of teeny red buttons around the bird's neck.

Block Three - A button still needs to be placed on the scarf that is on the squirrel's neck and there's another issue of the purple on the acorns.

Block Four - A necklace of teeny red buttons still needs to be added for the bottom bird.

Block Five - Another issue with the purple on the acorn.

Block Six were just introduced alittle over a week ago and I am also working on that one. Hopefully, I'll have it to a point to show soon. Once the blocks are entirely completed, I'll be piecing them together into rows. I'll have two rows completed!!

I've been also working on the applique blocks from my Reminiscence quilt. I'm about done with the first row and I'm curious on how good it will look with the pieced sashing I had just finished.

I feel pretty good for myself. I feel as if I gotten a lot accomplished so far with the applique. Just have to keep at it and finish all the blocks without being distracted by another new quilt!! I know that will be difficult!

Jane

Quilt Show

2011-06-05T23:19:00.001-05:00

I was at a quilt show yesterday! It was organized by one of my favorite quilt shops, Quilts 'n Bloom. She usually has an outdoor show, but this year it was indoors. I was especially glad because it was excruciatingly hot and humid. She also had quilter and the designer of Kansas Troubles fabrics, Lynn Hagmeier there for a lecture and a trunk show. I would have loved to be able to attend the lecture but my son had a baseball game at the same time. The things us mommies do for our babies! ; )

I did enjoy seeing the quilts in the show:

An UFO that I'm working on, Dear Jane. I loved the way it looked, done in the original color-way. I think I may have to complete about ten more blocks of mine.

This quilt's colors stopped me in my tracks. I just love the tan border. And once I got a closer look at it, I could see that it was hand-quilted!

This quilt looked as if it was in 3D. At least to me it did. The stars and the 16-patches seemed to come out in front of the background. Hmmmm...I think I'm getting an idea for another quilt!

This another quilt from the same quilter as the above quilt. I just loved the machine-quilting. A pretty simple quilt pattern but it's quilting put it over the top.

Another quilt pattern like the above quilt.

This quilt has a chenille border. I couldn't tell if the border fabric was a pre-made chenille, probably was, but I loved the effect it created in the quilt.

I loved the redwork on this tablerunner. This quilter also made the Dear Jane quilt.

I have a blogger friend who had also made this quilt. I'm hoping to made one for myself one day.

This quilt was so adorable. It reminds me of Bunny Hill's pattern called Rabbits Prefer Chocolate. And we know how much I love Bunny Hill!!

And, of course, I had one of mine there!

I was hoping to have another available but quilting with the long-arm machine is going to take a little longer than I thought it would. I'm hoping to have some new quilts to bring for the next quilt show.

I had noticed that my husband was a lot more observant of the quilts that were exhibited. He could tell the differences between hand and machine-quilting. And he was very proud of mine because he knew that I had made mine from start to finish!

Jane

Diving Into Applique

2011-06-01T12:29:00.002-05:00

I'm feeling pretty good today! I would love to be able to sit outside and do a little sewing today, but the temperatures here in southern Indiana have turned morbidly hot. It is as if someone had flipped the switch on for August. It has practically skipped over my favorite parts of Spring. I am not looking forward to the watching to my boys' baseball games in the humid 90 degree heat. I'm hoping soon it will pass and be back to the 70-80 degrees that are normal for this time of year.

If I was able to stand the heat outside on my back porch, I'd be working on Henrietta Whiskers BOM for Bunny Hill Designs.

Block One - finished

Block Two - still needing hand embroidery and whip stitching around the stars

After working on machine-quilting for the past few weeks, I needed a little indulgence. I just adore Anne Sutton's designs. They are so cute that I could just eat them up. And I'm still going to need A LOT more practice with the long-arm machine before I'm going to be the proficient machine quilter I want to be, so I needed to work on a "feel-good" project to get my spirits back up. And Henrietta Squirrel makes me smile!!

I have Blocks Three, Four, and Five basted, pinned, and ready to take along with me, whether it's at baseball practice, library with the boys, or at the playground. Block Six should be ready by the 5th of the month and I can't wait to see what she has next!! I'll post photos of them once they are ready.

Jane

More Machine-Quilting Practice

2011-05-23T09:17:00.001-05:00

I've learned a lot from my practice lessons on the long-arm machine. The people who are professional long-arm quilters are TRULY talented people and I have a LONG way to go to be at that level!!

I had taken an older, less important quilt top to practice on this time.

I had marked some simple curves on it and I'm still very wonky.

I had finally decided to try some large meandering stitches on it and it looked quite good!

I gradually got smaller and smaller on the meandering. I still can't get the small stippling correct but a medium meandering is quite easy for me.

Now, I am a certified user of their Tin Lizzie quilting machine!! I still haven't witnessed the computerized Shirley Stitcher in action yet, but I think I'll wait for that until I bring in one of my quilts in.

Jane

Hand-quilter learns Machine-quilting

2011-05-11T10:13:00.002-05:00

I have three quilt tops finished. I also have two more tops on the verge of completion. Even though they are not completely finished, 5 quilt tops are a great accomplishment for me.

And now to the next step in the quilt journey: QUILTING!

I am a hand-quilter. I am pretty confident with my hand-quilting. I may not have the most perfect stitches, but I'm satisfied with them. But it takes such a long time to hand-quilt a quilt. I tend to use more complicated quilting designs and trying to fit it into my sons' schedules, it can be impossible to hand-quilt in a short amount of time.

I've had the hardest time machine-quilting on my home sewing machine so I'm attempting to quilt on a long-arm machine.

I'm working on a Tin Lizzie 18!!

At one of my local quilt shops, SewTech in Evansville, Indiana, had brought in some new quilting machines into their inventory. And it was good luck for me that Lisa and Terri, the sweet ladies at SewTech, are allowing customers to rent time on their Tin Lizzies.

This my view at the driver's seat!!

It'll be a long learning process and I've only one day under my belt. I am astonished on how some long-arm quilters can accomplish such beautiful work. And they can work they machine so easily and freely as if it is an extension of the own hands. I've got a way to go before I'm at that point.

Although the machine glides over the fabric, it seemed to run away from me occasionally. I need to get a better feel for the machine and get my self better positioned beside it. I was having a hard time standing along side of the machine, with my back and legs were giving me a bit of a problem. I've got to love the lovely ladies at the shop because they are ready and willing to help me in my learning process.

I think the quilt I brought in to quilt was a little complicated for my first time at the machine. I didn't much done but I'm coming back next time with another quilt that will have a simpler quilting pattern. I'm hoping to be better at ease with the second quilt.

I have to admit, it was a little frustrating at times. This is not going to be quick learning process and I've got to give myself a break and allow myself to make a few mistakes. But I've made myself a promise to not give up. I'm going to learn how to machine-quilt- one way or another!!

Jane

Baseball Geek Learns Something New!

2011-05-06T21:33:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow is our town's Opening Day for Youth Baseball. Our schedules will be busy with our boys' baseball practices and games.

I had made a baseball themed vest last year but I never finished it. I wanted to wear it tomorrow to their games but I hadn't put the buttons and buttonholes on it. And I HATE putting in buttonholes!!

Buttonholes are very simple to do. But if you shift the fabric a little, you can make a horrible mess on a very simple project. And then it's the horrible chore of ripping it all out and trying it again!

So I decided this morning to finally put the buttonholes in. I just happened to pull out my owner's manual and looked up the directions for placing buttonholes. I pulled out a few attachments I hadn't seen in a long time.

I located my buttonhole foot with its automatic buttonhole attachments. It was so easy to use, a no-brainer. Just pick your size and press down on your control pedal. But I wasn't satisfied with the finished look.

Then I located the sliding buttonhole foot so that I can manually put in the buttonhole. The foot helps you to make sure the stitches remain straight.

The finished buttonholes!!

For all the years I've been sewing, I've never have used the buttonhole feet and its attachments. They make them SO much easier and faster! I have no excuses for unfinished projects due to those buttonholes.

So this is how I'll look tomorrow. I'm so proud of them. Each son has his own side. I have to show off my babies, gotta to embarrass them some how!!

Jane

16 Years and Counting

2011-05-06T16:24:00.000-05:00

"I love being married. It's so great to find the one person
you want to annoy for the rest of your life."
-Rita Rudner

On this day, sixteen years ago, May 6, 1995, me and my hubby, who was my fiance at the time, decided to make a quick trip to Las Vegas and "tie the knot."

I had met him 10 years before we were married, making that 26 years together. He is my best friend and still makes me smile everyday. He was my first love and is still the love of my life and marrying him was the best decision I've ever made.

I've told him that I'm planning on leaving a longggggggg life. And I want him right beside me when I'm 100 years-old and we're celebrating our 76th wedding Anniversary!

Jane

Teacher Appreciation Week

2011-05-03T13:56:00.001-05:00

At my boys' school, it is Teacher Appreciation Week. As usual, I dive deep into another endeavor...making gifts for the teachers.

I try to raise my sons to be bright, confident, and respectful young men. And I couldn't have done that without the help of the staff at our school. Plus, they take them off my hands for several hours everyday!!

This is what they took to school with them this morning. A pot fill with herbs: basil, oregano, and thyme.

Each year, the school designates a week in May to focus on a another country. The students learn about their language, customs, food, and culture. This year, they will be learning about Italy and I thought it was a good opportunity to incorporate the two together.

That is the reason why I really didn't get much sewing done yesterday. I had hand-drawn all the decorations in the pot!

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I had other gifts made for Monday morning, but in the hast to get to school on time, I had forgotten to take photos of them. That's very typical for us on Monday mornings!! I had made pocket tags that were made to be placed on water bottles. In the pocket was a Crystal Light packet of lemonade and note from one or both of my sons to the teacher. And written on the pocket was:

Thanks for all you do...

By "quenching" our kids'

"thirst" for knowledge!

They turned out very cute, done up in the school's colors. Wish I had rememberd to take those photos!

I'm not expected to make any more teacher gifts, so I'm hoping to get back to my sewing, back to that "quick" project that has taken me weeks to work on so for!!

Jane

A Little Peek

2011-05-02T13:29:00.000-05:00

Yeh, I know...I'm still working on that "quick project." It had gotten a little complicated and I had to set it aside for a while.

Although it is not yet finished, I wanted to give a peek of what I've accomplished so far:

I did it! I machine-quilted it! And it didn't turn out too bad. Learned that's it's a lot easier to quilt a small object than having to shove a queen-size quilt into the heart of my sewing machine.

Loved how it looked on the back side.

I'm about halfway done and hope to have the finished photos soon.

Jane

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow!

2011-04-27T09:25:00.000-05:00

No. I'm not a "Little Orphan Annie" fanatic. The title refers to the past week...7 days of rain!

A few times I have have seen short glimpses of blue sky- just like I did this morning when I took my routine trip of taking the boys to school. But the thick clouds would take over the sky again and bring thunder and lightning along with it.

But this morning...the weatherman had forecasted "Sun" for tomorrow!

It shouldn't be a big deal but we had SO MUCH rain in the last few days. Area schools have had to cancel because of all the flooding. We've been fortunate in our area and my boys are very disappointed that they are expected to be at school today!

I'm looking forward to some sunshine finally!

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With the past dreary days, I had been able to stay inside and finish "A Thread So Thin" by Marie Bostwick (third in the Cobble Court Quilt series). And the quick project that I had posted about more than a week ago is taking longer than I thought. But I'm still trudging through it. I think it will be a practically tool for me...we'll have to see.

The ladies at my local library were aware that my next reading endeavour was the "Twilight" series by Stephanie Meyer. Knowing that I was a quilter and liked to listen to audio-books while I quilted, they had gathered the three books for me. I guess those are some of the perks when the library director is the mother of my youngest son's bestest buddy!!

Now that I've got my ears busy, I have no excuse but finish that "quick" project!

Jane

Say Hello To My Little Friend

2011-04-15T15:02:00.000-05:00

Okay, I've watched "Scarface" a few times...

I finally found a camera to replace my sick one. It's a newer version of mine with some upgrades: such as more mega pixels, larger screen, but the zoom isn't as large (I hope that doesn't cause too much of a problem). This new camera is a little bit smaller in my hands so I feel a little awkward holding it. That will eventually change once I start using it regularly.

I've got a quick project I want to get started. I hope to get it finished tonight so that I can use my new camera for the next post!!

Jane

I'm a Winner!!

2011-04-13T12:44:00.001-05:00

I had just posted about my frustrations at the sewing machine.

Here's a photo of the quilt that was giving such headaches. I think I'm done with my pity-party!

After I posted my last entry, I found out the I had won a give-away from Annie Smith from Quilting Stash (simplearts.com)!

It is a book I've been wanting for a while and now Annie will be sending my one personally!! This makes my day so much better!!!!! It almost makes me forget about the problems before...what machine-quilting... ;-P !!

Now I will be anxiously waiting for new gift in the mail!!!

Jane

Frustration at the Machine

2011-04-13T08:42:00.001-05:00

I now have two quilts ready for quilting. I have another that still needs to be matched up with its batting and backing, another with the borders still needing placement. I'm feeling good to know that I'm making some progress!

So, two days ago, I felt the urge to try some machine-quilting. I practiced before I initially started. Didn't feel quite confident with it, but I realize that it will take time. Practice, practice, practice...

Ughhh!! On the second day, I'm still not getting it. I think that I'm expecting too much, it's not going to look like it's professionally done. But my stitches look like chicken scratches. I've ripped out some many stitches that I'm getting sick of it.

I can hand-piece and machine-piece. I can also hand-applique and machine-applique. I've even used curved- and Y-seams with no problems. I can miter corners, make my own bias tape for the binding, and then attach it to the quilt. I can make a quilt, from start to finish, pretty confidently. But I just can't seem to get the groove of machine-quilting!!

-Breathe, in... out... in... out...-

Hand-quilting is an option, but it takes so much time. All of my other quilts have been finished with hand-quilting, but I won't feel like a well-rounded quilter unless I can accomplish machine-quilting!!

-Count to ten, 1, 2, 3, 4...-

So on day number three, I'm planning to calmly fold the quilt back up and set it aside for a later day. No machine-quilting today. I'm going place the border, and I'd like to add that it will have a scalloped edge : ), on that last quilt... and feel good about myself again!

Thank you for letting me rant.

Jane

Do I Really Need Another Quilt Project?

2011-04-11T10:45:00.002-05:00

I had just finished "The Union Quilters." And as if any of Jennifer Chiaverini's slavery/civil war books, I loved it!! There were many times where I found myself crying while reading- glad I wasn't reading out in public! For those of you who are familiar to the story-line: I'm still looking forward for the time when Gerda and Charlotte have it out and tell each other how having Jonathan's love (of both women) had affected them personally.

Jennifer Chiaverini had printed 12 quilt blocks on the inside cover of this book. She had done the same with several of her books. Are these blocks from the Loyal Union Sampler quilt? I think it was on Facebook that Jennifer was asked about a pattern book with this quilt and she said that she was hoping to publish one.

So, before I return the book back to the library, I'm going to draft them out in my computer and have them saved for a future project. With so many quilts ahead of it , I don't know if I'll ever really get to make it. And this year is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It would be a great occasion to finish the Runaway quilt that I have started!

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I had some bad news from the camera doctor. The camera can be fixed but the price would be equivalent to buying another new camera. BUMMER! But there is always something bigger and better out there, they are constantly upgrading! So, I will be getting another new camera soon. Not just for this blog (hate posting without photos!), but I've missed out on tons of photos of my babies!

It's another rainy day and I'm planning to spend the day inside and get some work accomplished!

Jane

A Recent Project

2011-04-07T22:02:00.000-05:00

I'm bringing to you a few photos of a project that I made for this last Valentine's Day.

My older son wanted to give his lil' girlfriend some roses for a Valentine's gift. Knowing what the prices of roses were, especially during that time of the year, I was trying to think of another idea.

I had an idea to make the roses. When I was little, my mom would have made fabric roses/flowers and attach them to the dresses that she made for me. I could make that same kind of roses and attach them to a covered dowel rod!

And these roses don't wilt and die!

He ended selecting 6 for his girlfriend and my younger son picked one to give to his teacher.

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I will be taking my camera to the "camera hospital" tomorrow. So for the time being, I will have to post photos that are already on my memory card or just go without.

I hope that the repair will be simple and cheap! Hoping to get it back fairly quickly with the boys' baseball starting at the end of this month. Besides, I just want it back because I love my camera!!

Jane

Some Ninepatch Work

2011-04-05T09:16:00.001-05:00

I'm currently doing some tedious piecing for my Reminiscence quilt. It is an applique quilt that has great sashing using ninepatch blocks (it was one of the aspects that caught my eye). I had thought to my self "Real simple. What could easier than making ninepatches?" Right?....
-

Well, it may be one of the simpler blocks to piece, but I have to make 165 of them! I'm only at about 75 right now!
-

And it may be hard to visualize from the photos, but each block is only 1 7/8 inches square!

The first 50 were pretty fun, a no brainer. Then it just seemed very repetitive. There will be a total of 825 pieces once I'm finished with this step.

Once all the ninepatches a pieced together, I will be needing to add some half-square triangles to each side. The ninepatches will end up on point.
-

I'm forcing myself to finish all the ninepatch blocks before I go on. After all this tedious piecing, I'm going to have to move on to something different.
-

Jane

Quilt Springfever

2011-04-04T14:38:00.001-05:00

Quilt Springfever? What is it actually? For me, it's this time of the year, when the sun is shining, warming up the temperature. I just want to go outside and soak it all in. My senses are awaken, taking in all the sights and sounds that are associated with Spring (especially when we've been cooped up inside all winter)!

And with it, my eyes are open to new quilt patterns and fabrics (at least new to me!). It just seems like that it is always springtime that I break my rule of "not starting new-finish the old." With all my unfinished projects (and I still love them all), I really don't have the time to start anything new if I really want to able to finish anything.

But I have seen a few...

On the cover of "American Patchwork and Quilting" magazine, there is a yo-yo quilt. And don't ask me why, I just love it! And the simple stitch-in-the-ditch quilting would be so simple for me to accomplish by machine!!

I located this quilt (Pure & Simple by Sweetwater) while looking for another fabric. I love the colors and the simple square blocks. It just captivates me!!

And I just love-love-love this line of fabric from Moda. It's called Tangled Threads. I think it would make a real cute "quilt-theme" quilt.

I just adore this print!

I think I may know what it may feels like to an addict. Now, I'm having to fight the urge to purchase these fabrics! It would be so exciting to find all these fabrics in my mailbox! To lay them out and the see how the colors work together... and to roll arould on them!!!

I've got to hold back!! I know that I simply can't do that! To get the fabric will be crossing the line. Once I'm there, there's no going back!

Jane

A New Read

2011-04-02T21:44:00.013-05:00

I'm currently reading the latest of Jennifer Chiaverini's Elm Creek Quilt novels, The Union Quilters. I am a slow reader so I'm not any hurry on finishing it. I already know what book is next on my list, the nest book in Marie Bostwick's Cobble Court series, A Thread So Thin (#3 in the series).

And after listening to Mark Lipinski's podcast, Creative Mojo, he had Marie Bostwick as one of his guests. She had announce that her next book, titled Threading a Needle (#4), would be available May 31!! I wasn't in any hurry in any of my reading, but to finish The Union Quilters and A Thread So Thin by May 31.

And I am getting myself psyched up because I was wanting to read the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyers (form the very popular movie series (Go Team Jacob!)). I've told my son that the books are SO much better than the movies and I was wanting to read all the books before the next movie before Breaking Dawn (the last in the series, I think) comes out in the movie theater.

Now that may be too much! I'll just have to read one book at a time and just enjoy the ride!!

Jane

Addicted to Red and White

2011-03-30T18:24:00.025-05:00

My attention has been taken hostage by an exhibit that is being held at the Folk Art Museum in New York City. The exhibit is called "Infinite Variety: Three Centuries of Red and White Quilts."

http://www.folkartmuseum.org/infinitevariety

(there is a Flickr link on their website)

I've been working on my red and white Drunkard's Path quilt (top is almost done!) and have fallen in love with it. I have been inspired by seeing the hundreds of red and white quilts showcased at this exhibit. Each one simplistic in their two color arrangement. Their blocks may not have been too complicated but the red and white placement makes them each magnificent in their own way.

I'm planning on spending the rest of the evening drafting up some of these quilts, so that I'll have then available for some future projects. I don't know just how many I'll be able to accomplish, but it's still fun to fantasize!!

Jane

Camera Working?

2011-03-25T21:15:00.009-05:00

Not sure if the camera is fixed yet. I had purchased a brand new (very expensive) battery for my camera. Once it was charged, I placed into my camera and I was able to turn it on : )! I was able to take a few photos : ) and then...it suddenly turns itself off again : (.

For the time being, it still refuses to turn back on when I needing a photo, even with the new battery.

But I was able to take a quick photo of the baby blanket before we took the gift over to the new mommy-to-be.

Then I realized that the new computer, that my dear husband gave to me for my birthday, had a few upgrades that the older computer didn't. One being that I do not need to use my camera when downloading photos from my memory stick. He's so clever! Gotta love him!!
By using one of those upgrades, I'm able to bring this photo. It's the optical illusion quilt that I had mentioned about in the post from a few days ago. The top is finished. I need to mark the top for quilting- planning to machine-quilt. The backing fabric has been purchased and is patiently waiting its turn to join the top.
I have another quilt close to completion and I hope to be able to bring some photos of it...if the camera feels like working for me. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Jane

Brrrrrrrrrr!!!

2011-03-24T11:45:00.002-05:00

Boy, is it cold today! And I mean COLD!! When I woke up yesterday, the temperature outside was already at 70 degrees! Couldn't have asked for better! But when it was time to get up this morning, I found that it was a chilly 36 degrees. We had gone from beautiful May-like weather to February-like weather within 24 hours. What a shock!

Since I'm not going to find myself doing anything outdoors today, I think I'm going to start reading the next book in the "Elm Creek Quilts" series, The Union Quilters. Today will be a good day to curl up with a book.

I had just finished a baby quilt for my next-door neighbor's daughter. She will be having her baby girl on Tuesday (will be induced) so I called it really close in finishing it, time-wise. I can remember when the neighbors moved in and the daughter was still in elementary school. Where did all that time go?!

And again, the camera refused to work properly, so I wasn't able to get a photo of it. I made it with a minky/plush lime green fabric and edged with a pink binding. And with the same fabric from the binding, I had appliqued the baby's name on one of the corners in 3 inch letters. A simple yet personalized gift for the baby. I thought it turned out really cute and I hope she and her new baby will enjoy it.

Gonna have to keep warm today!

Jane

Spring Is Here!

2011-03-21T11:44:00.007-05:00

Good bye Mr. Snowman! Hello Springtime!!!

Today is the first full a of spring! And I can feel it in the air when I step outside. Currently, the sun is shining and the temperature has reached seventy and it's not even noon yet! It couldn't be better! But in a few days, we will be slammed by a cold front that will bring some cold air back into our area and the temperature will plummet to the 40's again. YUCK! Hopefully, it won't stick around for very long.

During the time I was away while my old computer was down, I had started reading again. The latest "Elm Creek Quilt" novel was not out yet, so I decided to dive into the Marie Bostwick's novels. I started out with her first "Cobble Court" novel, A Single Thread. As a bid fan of the "Elm Creek Quilt" novels, I didn't have high hopes, but I was wrong. I was very pleased with the storyline and enjoyed it enough that I've just finished the second novel A Thread of Truth. Two books in just over a month is incredible for me!

One of the quilt top I had finished was the optical illusion quilt. I love the idea of it being an illusion. but I'm not sure it it works on such a large scale. There is another optical illusion I'd like to try out as a quilt, but I just might wait until this one is totally finished.

*Was planning to include photos with this post but now it's my camera that's giving me problems. I hope that it's a quick fix (unlike the fiasco with the computer) and will be back to business soon!
EDIT: a photo of the optical illusion quilt can be seen in the March 23, 2011 post.

Jane

Happy National Quilting Day!!!

2011-03-19T10:28:00.006-05:00

Well, it's not a Hallmark holiday, but it's still one of my favorite days of the year.

My plans for National Quilting Day (which is designated as the third Saturday of March) is to visit my local quilt store for their annual sale!! And then to come back for a day filled with more quilting (good excuse to tell the family to take care of dinner tonight because "I'll be busy!!")

Regardless of what day it is today, I hope that you are able to set aside a day for yourself and fill it with what you love to do.

Jane

I'm Back Again!

2011-03-13T23:18:00.002-05:00

It's been a while, but we feel that there is light coming from the end of the tunnel. I should be back really soon again. We've got the nasty viruses out of the computer and will have the new updated, faster computer up and going in no time.

Meanwhile, I'll be getting my photos up-to-date so that I may be able to show off some the projects that I been able to accomplish while on hiatus.

So until then, I'll be back soon!

Jane

Taking a Break (not by choice)

2011-02-08T14:07:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I will be away for a while. My computer is very sick and my father-in-law's magic fingers (he is a computer whiz) hasn't remedied any of its symptoms. We may have to send it to a "computer hospital"!

But just in the time since I have been away, I have been able to complete a couple of quilty things as well as some other non-quilty items. So I should have some photos when I'm able to come back.

I hope to be back real soon. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

Jane

A Surprise For Me!

2011-02-01T00:26:00.013-06:00

Well, kinda! I had mentioned before that my beloved sis is a crocheter. I love to crochet but her skills have well surpassed mine. I love the projects she can create and I can't believe how quickly she can complete them. Now, that's what I call "an accomplished crocheter!"

And even though it isn't quite my birthday, just yet, she sent me an early birthday gift. She insisted that I open it ASAP because she wanted to make sure I'd be able to use it.

She had made me a hat and a scarf to help keep me warm and toasty this winter. The winters here in Indiana are less than predictable. Just this weekend, the temperature was warmer than usual (Sunday was 50 degrees!) and sunny... forecasted for tomorrow is rain which will be cold enough to change to frozen rain overnight. With the upcoming weather, I will be putting them to good use!

It looks as if she combined two yarns (a light cream color with a variegated colors of turquoise-green-blue-purple) to help create a thicker and fluffier result (she'll correct me if I'm wrong!)

And if you notice the cupcake, she had used both yarns individually. It was a perfect accompaniment to the hat and scarf. You could call it the"icing on the cake!" ha ha ha- I know, pretty dorky!!

She has just started her own blog at fadfabulouscrochet.blogspot.com. She has posted a few projects that she has done already and I'm looking forward to what she's planning to make in the future! Please, go on over and visit her!

Thank you so much Sis. Love you so much. You are the greatest!

...now what can I make for her that would top this?! ;p

Jane

A Drunkard's Path Reviewed

2011-01-28T19:36:00.008-06:00

My little guy was home with me today. He was running a fever last night and he had stayed home from school. Even with him home, I was still able to work on my quilts.

I've gotten some of the blocks pieces of a Drunkard's Path quilt together to give me an idea of what the quilt top would look like once it was done.

A version of another Drunkard's Path quilt.

Once I had the Spring Bloomers quilt on the floor for viewing, I wasn't satisfied with how the colors are working together.

I had purchased the fabric first and then had designed the quilt for them. I knew that I had groups of red, yellow. green, blue, and pink fabrics but I didn't realize that there was such a difference in tones (light-to-darkness) among each color. The drawing really doesn't match the quilt too well. It looks mismatched and not cohesive.

I have an option of making another quilt with colors that are more carefully picked... but really, let's be realistic. I would love to make a quilt that would match the drawing but I'll just have another unfinished quilt to add to my pile. I'll continue to finish this one and hopefully it will grow on my and I'll change my mind.
Jane

Two Drunkard's Path Quilts

2011-01-26T18:54:00.010-06:00

Even though is seems slow going, I've been trying to get these UFO's finished and out of the way. I need to get them to a quilt-top stage. I feel that they are no longer UFO's when they are that close to being quilted.

I've been working on my Round the Block quilt and I remembered that I also had another Drunkard's Path design quilt stashed away.

Round the Block is machine-pieced and arranged in the traditional setting. It's made as a two color-way in red and white.

Spring Bloomers (it's preliminary name so far) is hand-pieced (applique) and set in a floral-like setting (or at least that was how I was wanting it to look like). It is made with Susan Branch's fabric named Tea Party.

To compare the two methods of construction, machine-pieced and hand-applique, I enjoy both.

Machine-piecing seems to go a lot faster but I can get bored with all the chain-stitching. I can't stand doing the same thing over and over and over again.

With hand-appliqueing, I like the idea that I have some hand work while I'm watching TV. Although I am still repeating the same step over and over again (applique, applique, applique...), I seem to tolerate it a lot better than sitting at the sewing machine.

If time permits, I'll have some more piecing done and some photos taken of them.

Jane

Problem Solved!

2011-01-25T13:00:00.009-06:00

I feel so proud of myself today!

I had sat down on the couch, after taking the boys to school, to work on some hand-applique. I was working with my magnetic pin cushion and I really didn't have a place to keep my needle. I usually just stick the needle in the sticker/paper covering the top of the spool. But eventually, there are so many needle pricks that it either falls into the spool or the paper shreds to pieces.

I couldn't place my needle into my magnetic pin cushion because it would become lost with all the pins.

I had to make a needle cushion - something that can hold the needle I was using and keep it near the spool of thread.

Ta Da!! It was so easy to make!

One problem solved and it's so cute to look at, too!

I have seen these before and I have wanted to make one for a long time. It's made with a golf tee so it can fit in the spool.

I have another quilt that I'm having to applique two different colors of squares onto. I'm going to make two more for working on that quilt. Maybe I'll use some pretty ribbon for that petal for a different look.

Jane

Fabric Searching- Can You Help?

2011-01-25T00:00:00.000-06:00

I was hoping you can help me find some fabric. I'm needing some fabric from Red Rooster's Canterbury line. I'm have started the quilt a little late and it is very hard to find the last fabrics. I'm wanting to make mine identical to the sample shown in the instructions, if possible.

I am needing:

1/2 yard of "Dark pink flower swirl" (#18176-RED1)

1/2 yard of "Light pink flower swirl" (#18176-PIN1)

1/2 yard of "Gold flower swirl" (#18176-YEL1)

example of "flower swirl"

_______________________________________________

1/2 yard of "Dark pink lattice weave" (#18173-RED1)

example of "lattice weave"

_______________________________________________

1 1/2 yards of "Pink paisley" (#18174-PIN1)

example of "paisley"

_______________________________________________

1/2 yard of "Blue scrolls print" (#18175-BLU1)

1/2 yard of "Green scrolls print" (#18175-GRE1)

example of "scrolls print"

______________________________________________

If you can help, please email me at justplainjanequilts at frontier dot com. I would love to be able to buy it from you.

Jane

Heartache Generates Some Creativity

2011-01-23T21:15:00.005-06:00

I'm feeling a lot better now about the tournament result. My son is taking it a lot better than my husband. Instead of grieving about it like a little baby, I had to steer my feelings into another direction.

All of the boys' families usually purchase shirts (basketball themed with school's name) to wear at the games. I had an idea a few months ago to make a jacket with the owl (school's mascot) on the back of it. I came up with this drawing.

I never got it on the back of a jacket and I soon just ran out of time. But I could make a wall hanging out of it! I thought it would be the perfect outlet to get my feelings out on!

I initially had drawn it on an 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of paper, so I had to enlarge it.

And keeping the basketball theme, I thought I'd add a basketball in the background. I'm wanting to make it subtle. I'd like to make the background white with a beige or cream ball.

It kind of gives you an idea of what it will look like. I had thought of making another one to donate to the school. It could have the coaches and players names on it and perhaps they could sign their names on it. But that's two that I will make to make! And I'd have to make it before the end of the school year!

Not sure exactly when I'll actually get the fabric for it. Will I really make it? I may not, but I really enjoyed drawing it up.

Jane

Dream of Championship Shattered

2011-01-22T13:41:00.009-06:00

I apologize for this unquilt related post. I admit that I am the furthest example of a sports fanatic, but I had to put in my opinion...
_________________________________________________

We (specifically my son) had our school's basketball tournament. Our boys and their families and friends were walking in with the taste of victory already in our mouths.

Our team had won our first game and we were looking forward to playing the winning team from the prior game. Our boys and coaches were on confident since we have an undefeated record this year (12-0).

During this last game, which was going to determine the Champion and Second place winners, it was looking good at half time. We were up 9-19. We knew that we were playing against a pretty good team because we had never had such a low score at half time. But we were still holding on strong.

Then it was, as is, a switch was flipped in the fourth quarter. All the phenomenal baskets that were made earlier just wasn't happening anymore. I felt our defense was strong but that doesn't matter if the ball can't seem to go through the basket. With 3 minutes left, we were up 22-27. At 36 seconds, 26-27. We were finally defeated at the very end at 28-27.

This is how I feel about this:

I agree with competitiveness, teamwork, and sportsmanship when it comes to our children. Every team who plays has an opportunity to win or to lose. But the team we played against in the championship was from another school district and county. We never had played them during our season. And now they are taking the Championship trophy with them to who knows where. I would have felt better if one of our schools (district or county) had taken the trophy, but I'm having a hard time knowing this team came from ???.

We did acquire the second place trophy and I understand that my opinion is very biased. I am proud of our school and I love our boys. But perhaps I just don't understand how the teams are picked for tournament or just how the whole organization works. And it's more that just "if they weren't here, we would have won." At this competitive level, that Championship trophy should have stayed in our area and the boys who had cut down that basketball net after the win, should have been the boys who worked, practiced, and played at those same nets.

But that's how I feel about that!

I promise more quilty goodness to come!

Jane

BOM Revisited

2011-01-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

After I had printed out the first month's instructions for Henietta Whiskers BOM quilt (from Bunny Hill Designs), I hadn't realized that I had forgotten to finish printing out the last three months of her 2010's BOM quilt, Snowbound. And it sparked my interest again.

I had to find my instructions to see where I had left off and then I started to play with the fabric.... you know where I'm going with this don't you??!! I just had to work on some piecing on the non-applique blocks. I can still call it progress, right?

Rural Jardin from Moda fabrics

drawing out the sewing and cutting lines

pinning the strips prior to sewing

layout for the block

center nine-patch block

progressing along

almost done

1,2,3..... 13 finished blocks!

I'm not sure when I'll start on the applique blocks. Perhaps I'll try machine-applique since I've very used it on a full size quilt. And perhaps it may go along quicker than hand-appliqueing it.

Jane

More Snow

2011-01-21T01:04:00.004-06:00

We've just had another snow storm blow through yesterday. Just when the snow from the last storm had finally melted away, we were blanketed with a new coat. The schools are closed for today and tomorrow, and there is another chance of snow early next week. The last day of school has already been pushed back two days into Summer Break!

My older son is scheduled to have his basketball tournament this weekend and there is a chance of a postponement because of the snow.

I'm so proud of my son and his team. They have done so well this year! They are undefeated after playing the surrounding schools and this tournament will proclaim the Champion! Our boys are very proud of their own achievements and confident of our next tournament game. And we're looking forward to watching an exciting game!

GOOD LUCK my buddy!

Jane

Another Snow Day

2011-01-12T22:53:00.008-06:00

We were stuck at home today. The boys were home from school, again, due to the wintry weather. And I was determined to get something accomplished.

We had a movie day. They seemed to be content and occupied watching their DVD's. And it was perfect for me to do some mindless quilt marking.

Although my Round the Block quilt is coming along well, I still need to add more rows to it. During the movie, I could sit with my boys, watch/listen to the movie, and mark-out the quilt pieces for the blocks. Once they are marked, I'll cut them out, pin them together, and get them to the sewing machine sometime in the near future.

It's pretty simple work. I'm using my handy dandy plastic margarine lid templates, again! I just marked the fabric with square grids for the templates to be marked in. Both parts of the block are marked in each square. It was the best layout, with the least waste, that that I could think of.
Even though winter has pretty much just started, I am already sick of it. I'm ready for the approaching warm weather... I can look forward to that in about three more months. Three months of wishful thinking! Oh, boo who. I'm just so pitiful!
Jane

No More Snow Days!!

2011-01-11T23:14:00.005-06:00

Here in southern Indiana, we've had another snow storm. Nothing tremendous, but enough to slip and slide along the roads and the kids had to stay home from school.

I had just a little time to myself today. With both of them home, I've had to make sure they were busy with something, otherwise they will find each other and start pestering one another. I just don't know if it's the age difference (the older thinks the younger is a big baby, the younger thinks the older is bossy- both are right!) or if that's the way brothers are.

But wouldn't you know, it was announced that we have another school cancellation for tomorrow. I think we will do something productive, such as cleaning their room, sweeping the floor, so I can feel like I'm actually getting something done tomorrow!

I'm really going to try to fit in some quilt-work for tomorrow, one way or another. Just breathe, just breathe!

Jane

Love My Followers

2011-01-10T22:58:00.004-06:00

I enjoy visiting other blogs. To see what they are working on, the photos of their projects... I have a long list of my favorites and I feel as if they were my close quilty friends.

And so I'm very flattered to see that I actually followers that actually visit my blog. To think that someone is enjoying seeing what I am up to.

Recently, I had noticed that I had a new person added to my followers list. WOW!! YAY!!! I had noticed that she was a crocheter. Now, I've have been doing a little bit of crocheting lately- I repeat "a little bit." I was feeling a little stressed. I was going to be a big disappointment to this new follower- I'm a quilter!

After all the worrying, I found out that the new follower was just my sister! She is on the process of starting her own blog and I'll be visiting hers also. I'll be her biggest fan!!

Jane

Christmas Show and Tell

2011-01-06T00:48:00.003-06:00

I had started crocheting a little bit here lately. It's a great break from my quilting when it becomes mundane. I can still be creative, keep my hands busy, and have a finished product in the end.

My sister, who is a crocheter, had gifted me a crochet book for Christmas. How tempting!!! It is "Crochet It. Love It. Wear It." from the Crochet Dude, Drew Emborsky.

I love the cardigans shown in this book. They would be very useful in this cold weather now! And there is a pattern for a "little black dress." I can't believe a crocheted dress could be so sleek and stylish! There is also a pattern for a baby doll shirt that I can really see myself in! Now, I really don't how long it would take me the actually finish a large project like these. I have to be realistic and start small.

I love vests. I have made several quilted versions but I have never made a crocheted one. I think I may have to start with this one. Not sure on the color or the yarn, yet. Perhaps a nubby sage green or a flannel-like grey????

I can get myself all enthusiastic about this project until I sew the difficulty level.

Intermediate

(definition- projects using a variety of techniques, such as basic lace patterns, mid-level shaping and finishing).

I'm pretty sure I'm not quite there yet, or perhaps my sister has great confidence in me!! But when have I really done anything easy. I love a challenge! I'm just going to have to familiarize myself on all the crochet abbreviations and terminology so I can follow the pattern.

Thank you so much, Sis!! I have already started researching other wearable crochet items. With her help, my yarn stash will be growing larger pretty quickly!

Jane

Block of the Month Obsession

2011-01-05T20:44:00.017-06:00

I just can't resist a good Block of the Month pattern... especially when it's free. What could be better, a new block every month!

It's only the first of January and I had already found two that I just fell in love with!

The first one is from Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs (bunnyhilldesigns.com). She has done other BOM's in the past: 2010's Snowbound (great for fans of snowmen) and 2009's A Tisket A Tasket (just for basket lovers). This year's BOM is named Henrietta Whiskers.

It features a cute little squirrel. I just love Anne's design style and her applique work. This is her third free BOM that I have printed out and I'm sure this year will surely be equally impressive.

The next one is from the The Quilt Show (thequiltshow.com). Now, I apologize. The Quilt Show is a membership site. You have to pay a fee to access special aeras in the site (such as this BOM) but there is still a lot to see even if your not a member (I love their Daily Blog!).

2011's Ruffled Roses is The Quilt Show's fifth BOM. Sue Garman has been the designer for each one (looovvve her work!). I've printed out their 2008's Bouquets for a New Day and 2009's Stars for a New Day and I even I even attempted to start Stars for a New Day. I have most of the fabric purchased but there is just one fabric that I cannot locate. I didn't start this quilt right away, so a lot of the fabrics that were used in the quilt has vanished by that time.
I'm not sure when I'll start either one of these quilts. I love the start of a new quilt project (the fabric searching, fabric cutting, the piecing...) but I've got to get those UFO's out of the way!!!! For now, I'll just print out the patterns each month and stash them away for later- maybe get some fabric from time to time ;p!
Jane

Just Testing

2011-01-04T22:28:00.007-06:00

I've been testing out some quilting designs for my Square- Or Is It? quilt. I thought it would be pretty easy because its blocks are a simple square shape. But some of them have one or two smaller squares appliqued to them and I had to figure how to work around them.

With a little bit of experimenting, I came up with this:

Just test driving it a while to see how I like it. What do you think?

I found it very easy to trace the image from behind the light fabric, but it was very difficult to see through the dark fabric. Even with a bright light behind it. So devised a template that can be traced from the top of the fabric.

I had used my handy-dandy plastic margarine container lid. Once I had traced the pattern on the lid, I cut out an approx. 1/8th inch slit where the pencil marking was. It is in these slits that I'm going to mark my fabric.
I'll try it out for a while and once the quilt-top id finished, I'll have to mark each and every 225 square blocks!!
Jane

Did You Miss Me?

2011-01-03T22:21:00.014-06:00

I'm back!

It seems like forever since I've been here!! I mean, it was last year since I last posted! But seriously, it has been just over a week and 2011 is now upon us. It is this time of year that I make my resolutions.... here's just a few...

Take better care of myself. I'm sure I'm not the only one - I tend to care for everyone else and I forget about ME. So I'm planning to exercise (yoga) and do some light-weight training 3 times a week. Drink more milk. Take my vitamins like I'm suppose to.
In connection to the above resolution, to get myself back into shape so that I may recuperate quickly from my next knee surgery. I'm scared to death and I've been postponing the surgery. I need to get it over with.
Be more patient with my boys (and that includes the hubby!). I need to let them act like "brothers" sometimes (but not all the time!) and just let a little chaos happen.
Get myself more organized. Not sure exactly how I will start this. Working on it a little everyday, it may be a year long endeavor.
And I need to get these quilts finished!

I can't just give them up. I look at them and I can still see the masterpiece that I saw when I first started them. And now that the quilt shop will enable me to used their quilting machine, I'm hoping to quilting process will go a lot more quickly. I've got about 4 to 5 packages of batting ready to go.

My Square- Or Is It? quilt is almost done. Will need to figure out the quilting design to use on the square blocks and I still need to purchase the backing fabric. I'm envisioning a curvy-swirly print.

I'm also trying to get my Round the Block quilt completed. I already know how I want it quilted and I'm wanting to use a check fabric for the back. If I can get it done pretty quickly, I can get it on the quilting machine once they are ready.

Now back to work to better myself and working on these quilts!!
Jane

Christmas greetings

2010-12-25T11:14:00.003-06:00

Ho Ho Hoping everyone is having a jolly Christmas!!

Happiest Time of the Year

2010-12-23T16:38:00.006-06:00

Just two more days until Christmas. I'm feeling the holiday preparations almost done, but there always seem to be one more. I finally got the final gift purchased (I hope it's the last) and now to wrap them all. The kids will help bake cookies for Santa tomorrow.

I'm wiped out. For me, this time of year is such a frenzy (but I know that it's like that for everyone!). Just had two birthdays and I am anxiously awaiting the priceless expressions on the Christmas faces! I'll know then that it was all worth it.

I had just finished making some Christmas gifts today (cutting it pretty close, I know).

I had made some easy candy jars for the kids' teachers, one for the hairdresser... you get the idea. They were so simple to make and the turned out pretty cute. I had gotten this idea when I was browsing other blogs a few months ago (so sorry, I couldn't locate the blog name). It's made from a coffee drink bottle, some Christmas themed fabric, ribbon, and card stock.

I had made these lil' Scrabble pillows, too. These turned out so adorable, they turned out to be pretty addicting. I had made them to spell out the names of the recipients. The pillows are only 8 inches square or they would have be wrapped up in a huge box otherwise. I would like to make some more of these for my future Etsy shop. Perhaps I would make them in several sizes.

I'm finding myself taking a short break tonight before I'll start on the Christmas yummies tomorrow.

I wish everyone happy holidays and a whole year filled with joy!!

Jane

Gonna Get Quilting

2010-12-03T23:23:00.006-06:00

Been busy lately. At this time of the year, I've got the Christmas to-do lists, like everyone else. But in addition, I have two birthdays to take care of. Yes, both of my babies were early Christmas gifts. : ) I feel like I've been running around with my head cut off - lots to do that doesn't seem to involve quilting.

While I was doing some Christmas/birthday shopping the other day, I stopped by one of the quilt shops. They had started selling quilting machines. They had mentioned that they were planning to let their customers rent time on a machine to work on their own quilts. My dream come true!!

I hate to admit it, but I am not enjoying the quilting process on my sewing machine. I know that it can be done, maybe I just don't have to patience.

One of the associates at the quilt shop gave me a peek at the machine and a quick demonstration. I was in awe!! The machine moved so smoothly over the quilt, she was able to move it with just a few fingers. The stitches were perfectly even with its stitch regulator. And the hum of the machine was so relaxing.

I wanted to start right away, but the classes won't be starting until the first of the year. I hope it's enough incentive to finish those quilt tops, that are almost finished, so I can get it on one of those machines. Although I love to hand-quilt, it just takes me too long to finish a quilt.

January can't come soon enough!!

Jane

Trying Another Look

2010-11-27T21:34:00.002-06:00

Found another template that uses different backgrounds. I happened to find one using blueprints. Not sure if you can tell what it is. But I think it's better that the other "blueprint" template idea I had before.

Now, I just need to figure out how to place my photos in the banner! More work to be done!

Jane

New Look

2010-11-27T19:04:00.001-06:00

Just messing around. Trying to make my blog have a "blueprint" look. Not sure if it is working yet.

A Note to Sis

2010-11-24T12:22:00.009-06:00

My sister was feeling under-the-weather this last weekend, so I had given her a call a few days ago, to see how well she was doing. She is now doing so much better. She had told me that she was crocheting when we were talking and coincidentally, so was I!

"You see, I really was crocheting the same time you were!!"

I was making some Santa hats for my two boys. For our Christmas cards, each year I dress them up for a photo. I know that they might be a little too big for that now, but they are still my babies!

I'm working on a mustache and beard to attach to the hat for the full Santa effect.

I can't believe that Thanksgiving is right on top of us again! Where did the year go? I am currently cooking up a storm to prepare for tomorrow's get-together. I will wish everybody a Happy Thanksgiving today since I'll be busy with the festivities tomorrow!

Jane

Applique Update

2010-11-19T22:35:00.009-06:00

Now that my son is playing basketball, he is very busy with practices. That was one reason I started my Reminiscence quilt. I needed something to work on while I sat in at practices. But I've been doing more watching than appliqueing, so my progress has been quite slow.

Here's a quick peek at where I am now.

Finished with:

block 3

block 11

Still working on:

block 1

block 2

block 4

block 5

block 12

Little by little, stitch by stitch, it will get done.

Jane

Momma Made This: I'm A Slow Poke Quilter

2010-11-14T23:31:00.002-06:00

Momma Made This: I'm A Slow Poke Quilter: ""

Congrats!!

2010-11-05T21:55:00.004-05:00

Just recently got back from the Fall Festival at the kids' school. The boys had a blast with their friends and enjoyed a little independence while I volunteered to work at one of the tables.

I didn't win anything at the raffle or Chinese auction, nor did my older son, but...

my baby had won a gift certificate for his apple-pumpkin! He was quite thrilled! Of course, Mommy wouldn't allow him to cut the pumpkin but he did a great job with the painting and gluing. Great work!!

Now, we have to out-do everyone and win "Best Over-all" next year! It's never too early to start planning!

Jane

More Pumpkins??

2010-11-05T15:48:00.004-05:00

So, what's with the pumpkins??

Our school is having their annual Fall Festival. It is a PTO fundraiser that the kids always look forward to. Inflatable bounce house and obstacle course, games galore, cake walk, raffles and auctions, and the food... fun for both kids and parents!

As part of the festivities, they have a pumpkin contest. So, of course, my kids are participating:

My older son's pumpkins.

He's such a boy!

And my younger son's pumpkin.

Prizes will be won, and we hope that we will one of the lucky ones. After all, the money that is raised is all for the school and the kids! It's all worth it!

Jane

As Autumn Fades Away...

2010-11-03T09:30:00.008-05:00

The cold weather is slowly approaching us. The temperature is dropping and as my younger son puts it, "I hate wearing my big fat coat!"

The leaves, that were once on the trees, are now fallen to the ground. We now have half-naked trees.

Yet, I'm still wanting to make some autumn quilts. With all my UFOs, I'm going to have to put them on my wish list.

Jackie Robinson's "Tessellating Leaves" -

love how every leaf is the same shape and fit right next to one another

(from Keepsake Quilting catalog)

Susan Probst's "Haunted Hill" -

love the batiks used, just three different colors

(from the front cover of Keepsake Quilting catalog-Autumn 2007)

I don't know the name of this quilt.

It was shown in some information about the

Shipshewana Quilt Festival, advertising the

Little Helper's Quilt Shop -

love the color gradation of the leaves, they seen to shine!

I can only hope to get more of my quilts done, so that I won't feel so guilty to start one of these!

Jane

Diversity of M&Ms

2010-11-03T09:03:00.006-05:00

"I have always liked M&Ms;

the most diverse, multicultural, integrated candy in the world.

You have red, yellow, orange, brown, green, and blue;

all in one package, all co-existing TOGETHER.

One color doesn't think that it is superior to the other.

All colors look different on the outside,

but have the same ingredients on the inside.

M&Ms all have the same flavor, and they all taste GOOD.

Wouldn't it be nice if all people were judged by what was

inside rather than you see on the outside?"

If we would all follow their example.

I came across this saying recently and it stuck with me. As I am teaching my younger boy about GOD had making everybody on his earth in different colors - my older boy about differences in languages, culture, and religion in our world: we are all still the same.

It should all be as simple and easy as M&Ms.

Jane

It's a Little Bit Late But...

2010-11-02T00:01:00.006-05:00

Candy corn is typically a candy for Halloween. Unfortunately, I don't like candy corn but their colors and the shape of them make so adorable. With my love of homemade pincushions, I thought they would make a perfect pincushion or mini pillow, but I couldn't find a pattern like the one I was seeing in my head.

So I had to make my own pattern!

They were so fun to make, I made multiples.

This is usually what I do, especially with pincushions. I have to make more than one. Although Halloween has already passed, I couldn't help myself. They turned out so cute!

I hope you enjoy the photos! I hope they make you as happy as they made me! : )

Jane

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-29T20:42:00.006-05:00

How great would it be to be a child again. To have one night to dress-up in cool costumes and go to neighbors', friends', and families' homes (and they are expecting you!) to receive a boat load of candy!

view of my front window - I hope it isn't too dark

To have a night like that when you're grown-up! To go to other people's homes to receive, perhaps in may case: fabrics, matching threads, pins and sewing needles. Just one night isn't asking too much, is it?!

But back in reality, we try to make fun and happy memories with our children. We have the inside of the house decorated and the jack-o-lanterns placed on the front porch.

I hope you and your families have a fun and safe Halloween!

Jane

Einstein Has Arrived!

2010-10-28T21:02:00.008-05:00

Done at last! I know I could have finished a week ago, but one thing that I hate to do is buttonholes. There is five buttons running down the lab coat. Buttonholes are fast and fairly easy to do, but the slightest mistake can make them look really funky. So, before it got too late, I got down to it and finally got the buttons and buttonholes done.

Then I added some straight-line stitching to the upper pocket so he could add a pen and a memo pad for a geeky look!

The school was having a Halloween Walk this morning. The students, all in costume(along with the teachers who were also in costume!), were to walk up and down Main Street businesses to collect candy. The temperature this morning was a chilly 38 degrees! Quite a cold walk for all that candy!

Next year may be the time that he decides that he is too big to go trick-or-treating! Until he realizes that might mean he doesn't get any candy!

I can't forget my little one. He had to have the "purchased" costume. : ( But he promised that he would allow me to make his costume next year!!

We're gonna be busy this weekend with Halloween. We've got more trick-or-treating to do as well as carve some pumpkins!

Jane

Quilt Labels: Part Four

2010-10-23T15:24:00.008-05:00

At last, the label is finished. I am planning to use a red and white check fabric for the backing of my Round the Block quilt. I think the bold red border on the label will stand out on the back of the quilt.

Once the quilt is quilted, I usually applique the label to the lower left hand corner.

Some other information that can be added to a quilt label is name or names of other people who helped construct the quilt, name of the quilter (if it isn't yourself), or the source of pattern of your quilt.

For example, in my Granny's Garden quilt, I had added the name of the quilter and the name of the quilt I had copied it from (I wouldn't necessarily use the word "copy." The pattern was in an issue of Quilter's Newsletter). I had embroidered that information half the size of the other letters.
I used fabrics that I had used in the quilt top to border the label. The ladybug was added because I had appliqued ladybugs to the quilt top. And the heart was added for Granny. I will miss her.

Brye Lynn, from her blog/pocast Sew Stitch Create (sewstitchcreate.com), she had mentioned adding your maiden name on the label. I had never thought of it and I think it would be a great idea. With my married name, history will not link it to my maiden name family, nor will it link it to my mother's family. So, perhaps, I might start adding my extended name on the label:
Jannie _______ Stamper (____)
That's gonna take up a lot of space on a label!
Halloween is just around the corner and I have to finish the lab coat my son will be wearing. I still have to think of a way for him to have the fuzzy eyebrows and mustache.
I'm gonna have to get back to sewing.
Jane

Quilt Labels: Part Three

2010-10-22T01:39:00.009-05:00

Once the front-facing fabric is securely pinned to the aida cloth, I can start on the letters.
Please excuse the appearance of my hands. Once the photos were taken, I couldn't believe how my hands looked. I should have gave myself a manicure beforehand.

I may not use a hoop, but some people may feel more comfortable with a small hoop.

I can either work from the back using the marked letters as my guide.

Make sure to flip it over to the back side, to make sure there aren't gaps between the stitches.

Or, I can work from the front, This way, I can have a good view of the result. I will need to take a peek at the back to see where the stitches should be placed. *this is the method I prefer*

The holes in the aida cloth will show me exactly where to place my needle.

From the front, I make sure they are no gaps between the stitches. I'll place the needle in where the last stitch ended.

The letter "n" with gaps (what not to do).

The letter "n" without gaps.

The finished hand embroidery. I decided underline the name of the quilt to make it stand out more.

I should have the border placed in the next post.

Jane

The Next Book

2010-10-22T01:22:00.004-05:00

I had just got a phone call from my local library that they had just received the latest Elm Creek Quilt series, The Aloha Quilt. I feel as if I still have tons of things to do, but I'm gonna have fit some reading in there somewhere!

Jane

Quilt Labels: Part Two

2010-10-20T22:41:00.007-05:00

On my quilts, the information I like to include is:

quilt name
my name
date finished
my location

I hand embroider my labels using 14 count aida cloth (used for cross-stitching).

Using a grid, I'll draw out my lettering.

Since it will be centered on the label, I have to count the squares in each line and then divide that number in half. This number will be the center point of that line.

Using a 6 inch square piece of aida cloth, fold it in half to find the center. Mark the center line and lines with a pencil.

The only awkward thing now is to draw the mirror-image of the lettering on the aida cloth. This will be the backside of the label.

I will use a 6 inch square piece of white or off-white fabric as the front-facing fabric of the label. Securing the front-facing fabric to the aida cloth with safety pins, I'll start embroidering the letters with DMC floss. Remember, the letters will be embroidered backwards on the back so the front side will be legible.

Part three up be up soon!

Jane

Quilt Labels: Part One

2010-10-20T22:20:00.016-05:00

I really don't know when I started to put labels on my quilts. I know that my earlier quilts don't have labels. At that time, I guess I didn't think it was that important. I may have started when I was entering them into contests.

But what to name them?? I was clueless and sometimes, even now, I'll have no idea to what to name my quilt. In my first quilts with labels, I made it easy. I named them according to what was going on in my life, at that particular time.

When I was working on this quilt, which I named Sandy's Journey, my aunt had died from cancer when I was finishing it. I was thinking of her journey through chemotherapy and the hardship the family had gone through.

In this next quilt, which I named Jordan Fishies, my son, who was only two years-old at the time, would run his little fingers over the shapes and call them his "fishies."

There are unlimited ways to label your quilts. In my next posts, I'll show you how I, personally, make my labels.

Jane

Elm Creek Quilt Series Update

2010-10-15T23:53:00.005-05:00

I'm still into my Elm Creek Series books although I am doing more listening to audio versions than reading with book in hand. I can get more done with housework or quilting, with the earphones in, than sitting on the couch and doing nothing but reading to myself. But don't get me wrong, I am old-fashioned. I would prefer to read each and every one if I had the time.

I had read all but two of the series. I have yet to read New Year's Quilt and The Aloha Quilt. Both are in modern day time version verses the historical version, which I enjoy more. The author, Jennifer Chiaverini will another book out early next year. I'm not sure of the title. I'm looking forward to it very much.

I have an audio version of The Aloha Quilt on order at the library (through the Interlibrary Loan Program because our library doesn't have it) along with Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It was a classic book and Jane was a quilter, as well. I've been told that it may be difficult to read so I thought that if I had someone reading it to me (audio version) may be easier.

As I wait for these book to come in, I am in the middle if listening to The Girl Who Stopped Swimming by Joshilyn Jackson. It is a mystery and the main character is an art quilter. So far, it is pretty good. It's hard to stop listening to it sometimes. I'm be listening to it while I working on the lab coat. It should be done for the next post.

Jane

p.s. I had just visited Jennifer Chiaverini's website: elmcreek.net. It is announced that her next book will be titled The Union Quilters and it will be released February 2011. You can read the first chapter on her website (I will doing this soon) and it looks as if it is based during the civil war era. YAY!! I've loved the other books during this period. I hope this one will be just as good!

Deadline Among Us

2010-10-15T20:59:00.010-05:00

Although, Spring is my favorite season, Autumn follows a very close second. I love the cooling of the temperature. I love jacket weather.
-

But most of all, I love the color change the tree demonstrate this time of year. I have lived in California and Florida, which are both known for their favorable weather, but neither can compare to the beauty that we have here in Indiana this time of the year.

After school yesterday, my sons and I drove around town to take some photographs of the colors outside. I'm feeling a bit of urgency because all the leaves may disappear the next morning, if we should have some sort of wind storm come through during the night.

Just recently, I have come across some interesting information about trees and their colors.

During the spring and the summer, the function of the leaves is to collect sunlight with their chlorophyl, which is the color green we all see. During autumn, as the temperature drops, chlorophyl production also drops because the tree will soon become dormant when winter's snow and ice arrive. As the green chlorophyl diminishes, we see the true color of the leaves: the yellows, oranges, reds, occasional purples and peaches.

It seems a little unfair that the Lord only allows us the enjoy all these beautiful colors for such a short period of time! It feels as if there is a hidden deadline. We are never sure when autumn will end and the winter weather will unofficially arrive.

And speaking of deadlines, me and my boys have just successfully met a deadline. At my husband's work, they produce a safety calendar, that they pass out to their employees, using their children's artwork. Specific categories are specified for each age group - such as "slip and fall safety" or "poison/chemical safety." They have done this each year that my husband has worked there and my sons have participated each year.

We are usually given a good month before the deadline to work on their drawings. But this year, my dear husband had brought the entry forms home this last Tuesday. And just guess the deadline, they needed to be turned in by the following Friday! That's just 4 days! (he says that he must have missed the memo announcing the contest and brought the forms home when he found out) And combine it with school, homework, dinner and showers, there isn't much time left over. In the short amount of time, we did finish them on time but I had to help them a little bit. I'm hoping that it isn't too noticeable that Mommy had to helped them this year. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed. The expression on their faces when they win is just priceless!

Next, I'm planning on working on a lab coat for my son's Einstein costume. I'm hoping that it won't too much time, it look simple enough. Will have photos of that once it's done.

Jane

Another Applique Quilt

2010-10-11T21:54:00.011-05:00

A while back, I was browsing through some quilting blogs and I located this beautiful quilt - Reminiscence designed by Lydia Quigley. I fell in love with it and it wasn't long after that I had the pattern home with me!

A close-up of the sampler blocks. Not sure what I like better, the block style itself or the color scheme that was used??

My older son will be starting basketball practice next week and I had thought that some applique would be perfect to take with me - if I should decide to sit in during his practice.

Block 11 almost done.

Still need to baste Block 3.

I am using some of Nancy Halvorsen's fabric that I had left over from another quilt top. I still don't have enough of the greens and tan/browns, so I see another visit to the quilts shop in my future.

I didn't know it at the time, but this same quilt was at the at the 2009 AQS Quilt Show and Competition in Paducah, Kentucky and it was featured as a second place winner in the magazine.

See, I'm not the only one who fell for this quilt! ; )

Jane

Crochet

2010-10-11T21:27:00.002-05:00

I had intended to just crochet a small sample and look what happened...

I purchased some new yarn (since there wasn't enough of the white) and started again. I just couldn't stop! I had finished this scarf in just two days! I know that it's a very simple pattern but I was so surprised on how quickly it came back to me.

I need to thank Rebecca for helping me, though. She is a crocheting WHIZ! I may know the very basics, I still don't know how to connect the yarn from one skein to the beginning to another or what do you do with the tail once you are done?? She had shown me what to do so that I was able to finish my scarf. And now, I will be visiting Jo-Ann Fabrics soon to purchase some more yarn to make a hooded scarf next time. I'll probably be visiting Rebecca some more!

Crocheting would be a great distraction from those times when I get into a quilting block. I can start on a crocheting project. They seem to go pretty quickly - perhaps I won't have to many UFO's. Or I may have to designate another part of my house for my new yarn stash. Just what I need! More stuff!!

Jane

Stash Buster Project

2010-09-27T12:01:00.008-05:00

I have come up with an idea...it may be an outrageous idea, but I'm going to give it a try. I'm hoping that it may end up with a small cash profit, if not, it'll help expel some of my creativity. I'm not going to tell you too much until I know that it will work.

Now, the project isn't crocheting, but just a small snid-bit of it. It has been close to 20 years since my last major crochet project. I had made a afghan while I was in college. It was great for relaxation.

My mother had taught me how to do some very simple crocheting when I was about 8 years-old. Picking up the crochet needle was just like riding a bike. Soon enough, I was going along and not even have to think about what I was doing.

I honestly don't know just how well I'm doing...I'm just having so much fun with this part of the project...so please don't laugh and be nice with your criticism! ; )

Until later,

Jane

What's Going on??

2010-09-23T17:33:00.006-05:00

Slowly but surely, my house is coming together. I've got rid of a lot of crap and it's looking so much better. I feel as if I can breathe again!! With my earlier knee pains, I surrounded myself with the items I needed: remotes, quilting items, magazines, phone... I had kept things within arm's reach so I wouldn't have to get up very often. Now that a lot of that pain has been reduced, I'm not needed to do that anymore.

Besides getting my house in order, I've been making some extra $$$ doing some clothing/garment alterations and mending for some people around town. And you know me, I still make time to work on a quilt.

I've been taking the kiddos to the local playground to play with some friends and I've taking my optical illusion quilt (still unnamed) with me.

I didn't know it if it would have the same optical effect on a large scale. I had taken this photo at about 10 feet away and it does kinda work. If you spot the safety pin (which is the center of the quilt) and move your eyes to the left, towards the edge of the quilt, do you notice how the center block seems to be the largest and the other get slightly smaller as they go out??

I can see it more clearly in this smaller version. Perhaps, once it's hang up at a quilt show and people are able to see it at a greater distance, it will be more obvious.

We are approaching the end of September, and what does that mean??!! Here at our house, it means *Halloween costumes*!! My little one is wanting to be Darth Vader this year. I cannot think of a way that I can make the helmet/mask of Darth Vader, so I may have to purchase his costume this year. I've convinced my older son to be Albert Einstein. I am planning to make a white lab coat for him and spray his messed up hair gray and add a gray mustache. I think he will look pretty convincing!

I'm getting pretty close to completing the optical illusion quilt. Can anybody help me think of a name? Hoping to have a photo soon and then to add it to the pile of other quilt tops. I've really had to get this machine-quilting thing going!!

Jane

More Treasures Found

2010-09-07T22:36:00.006-05:00

While clean-sweeping my house, I had found some miniature quilts that I had made years (about 10 years?) ago.

I had made them when we were living in Florida and we had moved into a house that had a true laundry room. The home prior to this one had the washer and dryer in the garage. With a laundry room, I wanted to decorate it in a quilty theme, so I made these quilts.

I had hung a thin burlap rope upon the wall and hung the quilts on it with miniature clothes pins above the washing machine.

I just happened to seek a peak at the quilting on the back of the quilt. Back then, I used long quilting stitches. I was just needing to tack them together so I could display them.

I had finished my quilt lamp. Once the quilt cover was placed on the lamp, the navy blue and gold fabrics looked like black and brown (yuck!). I loved the fabrics (from the Kansas Troubles) but it didn't quite look as good as I envisioned. Then I decided to add a maroon binding along the top and bottom to brighten it up a little more. It helped some.

I'm still quilting, but not as much with the cleaning. I will have to update soon.

Jane

So Cute

2010-09-02T21:37:00.005-05:00

Some more digging turned up some of these cute Halloween treat bags.

I had made these a few years ago for my older son's Cub Scout den. I think I may have made about 10-12 bags, one for each scout and extras for lil' brothers and sisters that may have tagged along to the den meeting. I'm surprised that I had any left over. I had forgotten all about them!

I'm a little sad that there will be no Cub Scouts this year. I've got an idea to make some pumpkin Jack-o-lantern treat bags but I'll have to save them for next year when my younger son will start his first year as a Tiger Scout!

My older son had told me that he already has plans for one of the bags. He is wanting to give one to his girlfriend (oh my gosh) and fill it up with her favorite candy for Halloween. Well, I don't know...we have a couple of months for me to think about it.

Speaking of Halloween, it about that time of year to think about what my boys will want to be for Halloween. I would still love to make my older son a costume as Flint Lockwood from the movie "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." I'd make him a white lab coat and and mess up his hair like Einstein. But who knows what he'll think up...and there's the little son, too!

Jane