Happy New Year!

I have an annoying cold, sore throat, cough "thing" going on.... and it's kept me pretty much on the couch all week. It snowed unexpectedly today, AND I have to scrape myself up and get pretty! Our friends are getting married tonight; a big, beautiful, snowy wedding. On New Years! I've never been out on the town for New Years Eve before. I'm not a complete home body, well, maybe I am ;o) I just never like the thought of freezing, and being worried about driving, and... well... I don't know, I guess I just like to cozy up at home with family, and eat take out, and watch the ball drop on TV. I also have worked the last 7 out of 10 years, so when I finally had the night off, I was happy to be at home. So here's to the New Year: Welcome 2010! I hope I am not a total drag tonight, and that I can keep the nasty cough, sneezing, blah, blah, at bay for the night.

Here's a look at my repro siggy swap blocks. I love 'em. Add this to the list of things to do! I'm going to stop worrying about UFO's, or WIP's, or whatever we call them. I enjoy starting new projects, I really enjoy buying new fabric, and I really, really enjoy all of the fun that goes into the planning, and finding just the right fabric. I'm not going to sweat it. That's my resolution for this year. Now I just have to find a new spot to stash the "new" stuff. 'Cause my husband actually gasped (out loud) when he saw it all in the cabinets in the basement. ****I should have known better than to let him help me search for a missing Christmas present. Ha!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! Since I like to post a picture when I can, this is my Winter wallhanging that I made last year. It's all basted and waiting patiently to be quilted. If you celebrate Christmas, I hope you enjoy your day and spend it with people you love.

Favorite Things!

Here a few of my favorite things... Lots and lots and lots of snow! I haven't yet opened the front door, and as you can see, we got a ton! (Well, really more like a foot, but it TON sounds so much cooler!)
Gingerbread house, all decorated. I'm a little sick from eating, I mean, using the icing, but it's my own fault for finishing decorating before eating dinner! I saw a sign while shopping that I should have bought- "Life's unpredictable, Eat dessert first!" I agree.
Our nutcrackers... There will be two more after Santa comes. I'm hoping to snag the floor size one on sale after Christmas. My kids love them, and look forward to adding to the collection every year.
The tree. With colored lights. How could I say no? Although, I kept the white lights on the mantle. I can't change all at once!

Still Knitting

I'm almost finished with one of my recently started knitting projects, and I'm very happy with how it turned out. I have to sew the lining in, and maybe add some ribbon or embellishments. It worked up pretty quick, and I have almost another ball of yarn left over. I'm thinking maybe another one will be great to have a present on hand.

Today is my son's 10th birthday! If I say it feels like time has flown by, that is an understatement! He is such a great kid, and I'm hoping the next 10 years go a little slower. Unfortunately, I know that probably isn't possible. Gotta go get ready- bowling, pizza, cake, lazer tag, and some arcade time for 12 rowdy boys is in my very near future... (like in an hour, who has the tylenol?).

Happy Thanksgiving!

One thing I always think about when Thanksgiving rolls around is football... I thought it would be fitting to show a picture of my "little" football player, and his dad (who also happens to be the coach). Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.It's my turn to work Thanksgiving this year, so no family time for me ;-( I do try to keep things in perspective, though. I am thankful for the ability to help take care of people who are unfortunate to be at the hospital during the holidays, and they certainly don't want to be there. At the end of the long day, I am thankful for my health, and thankful that I can go home to my family.

I saw this really cute wall hanging at the store- I think it was around Halloween when I saw it... I didn't buy it because, I thought "I can make that!" Well, the season has come, and now gone *gasp* and I think I should have spent the $10... Maybe it will be on clearance now???
Happy Turkey Day!!!!!!

Repro Siggy Blocks

Whew, I'm done! All 70 Signature Blocks are done for the swap. Just in the nick of time, I should add. But, if any of you follow me, then you know by now I always wait 'til the last minute! ;-) I am going to the post office to send them to Melissa. Looking forward to getting my blocks to see where everyone is from. I bought the Jo Morton book to use the same setting version. By the way, the seam ripper in the picture was no coincidence. LOL!!! I'm still getting to know my new machine...

New Movie... New Moon

I went today to see IT! What was it, you ask? Why, New Moon, of course! I love all of the Twilight books, and was not disappointed today, the movie was great! Even better than the first, I might say, and I also found out that the author of the books, Stephanie Meyer, has posted another version of Twilight on her website called Midnight Sun. Look under the Twilight Series tab. It is written from Edward's perspective, instead of Bella's. The unfortunate part about the whole thing, is that someone actually leaked an unedited version of the story, so that is how it came to be posted. It really saddens me that there are people who will try to profit or benefit from stealing someone's work. I just hope she keeps writing the story, because it is sooooo good. Go check it out. Really. It's good....and worth it. ( I guess I already mentioned that.) hehehe

Knitting along...

Still no quilts to show, since I can honestly say I haven't sewn a thing! My family priorities have certainly taken the forefront of all of my time and energy. For a while, I didn't even have a second to miss it, but I'm really feeling it now. Got to get that baby cranking!

I have been knitting a bit, and I always seem to gravitate to wools and needles this time of year....my scarf is halfway done. I started it to wear to the kids games- it's their team colors. Since the season is now over, I am not as motivated to finish it. I figured I'd start something else... so I started a purple sweater, and ripped it out, and restarted it. Currently working on the the third version, and I'm hoping the saying is true, because I'm getting really tired of starting over!

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you to all of the men and women who serve our country, God Bless America!

Where does the time go?

Happy to be Home!

We're back, and happy to be home again. Atlantis was beautiful, and very relaxing. The Bahamians were so friendly, not to mention, they always seemed so happy! The weather might have something to do with it, 90 degrees and sunny every day while we were there. I hope to bring the kids with us next time, I know they would have a blast, too. The water park is great for kids of any age... including me. We also went to the dolphin encounter, and I kissed our dolphin "Jill", she was an amazing animal.

Now, it's back to reality. I guess while I was away Fall made it's arrival in a big way. The leaves are changing, and there is a definite chill in the air. As I catch up with everyone's blog, I am missing my sewing machine and my stash. I did a little cleaning and organizing before we went away, and you never know, there might actually be a post about a quilt in the near future... This is supposed to be a quilting blog after all! :-)

Vacation... All I Ever Wanted.

This is where you'll find me, with a drink that has a little umbrella.... Hubby and I are traveling to the Bahamas for 6 days to celebrate our anniversary!!!! There won't be any quilting, or internet... I'll catch up with you all when I get back.

Mini Summer Quilt.

I forgot to take a picture of my mini summer quilt before I hand sewed the binding down. (Forgive the pins please) I decided to use the fabric I purchased for the snippets, but I only used a few at the water's edge. I also changed the sand fabric to the lighter color batik. I layered it with angellina fibers, and a few tiny shells from a trip to Florida we took a few years ago. Then I layers the entire piece with tule, and quilted the waves, sand and sun rays. You should be able to enlarge the pictures if you click on them. I think the light color made it a little difficult to see. I had a lot of fun making it, so much that I might make another one to keep! :-) The quilt is off to its new home, where I hope it will be loved...

Off to see U2... WOW!

Heading out to the U2 concert! So, so excited.... I've never seen them before. Thanks to my friend who thought of me when another person backed out! What were they thinking...

I'll be back tomorrow with some pictures of my summer mini quilt, I worked it out the kinks, and I'm pretty happy with the end result. Also, I've been dealing with a BAD case of poison ivy. ***trying not to scratch as I type*** I'm on antibiotics, and started steroids today, yuck! All this mixed in with the start of school, pop warner football and cheerleading... which my husband and I both coach... yes, we are crazy! I'm hoping soon to get back to my routine, and devoting some time to my severely neglected blog. Not to mention, I owe myself some serious sewing time.

Introducing.... Quilt Expression 4.0

Here it is.... and it is so awesome!

Well, I've only sewed a few stitches, but it's love at first sight! There are most of the same features of my 2056, and then some!

The throat space is bigger by 2 inches... the bobbin drops in... there is a automatic thread cutter!!!!! I'm sure I could go on and on, but I need to get back to sewing something. ****happy dance inserted here*****

I really need to work on my mini summer quilt. I have a new plan, and it doesn't involve using the little snippets of fabric. Cute idea, and the sample I saw in person at the LQS was very nice, but it's just not coming together well. I do get a little nervous about online swaps sometimes, I want to make something that I think the recipient will really enjoy. (And something that I am proud of too.) Are you ever worried about something you are sending for an online swap?

Mini Quilt Summer Swap....Hmmmm

I've never posted a picture of something so disappointing. Actually I don't think I've ever made something SO not how I imagined it would be. Oh well, you can't hit a home run everytime, I guess.

I spent last weekend trying to put the mini quilt together for the summer quilt swap I joined. I must say, it it not looking like the picture, or how I imagined it would. I think I have some fixin' to do today. Has anyone ever worked with this?



I think I'm doing something very wrong. It is supposed to be an iron on adhesive powder... not working out so well...might be time to switch to a spray adhesive. I am also contemplating loosing the snippets and using batiks cut to look like the water. I better get to work. It's got to be mailed by next week. I'll hopefully post the new and improved version, once I figure it out! LOL

In other big news, I have decided to trade in my machine. The part was STILL (can you believe it's been 3 months) backordered last week, and my warranty runs out at the end of the year. I'm just worried that since the 2056 (my model) is no longer being made by Pfaff, every time I need something repaired that it will take forever. The new machine has more throat space too, and that I definitely something I've been wanting/needing.... I decided to go with the Quilt Expression 4.0. If you have a second, go check it out here.

I'm A Winner

Even though I haven't been sewing much, or posting much for that matter.... I still lurk... and comment... and look ... and drool over... everyone's lovely projects... I happen to have won a little something, too! From Carol's Crafty Creations... I dare you to try to say that 10 times fast! Thank you so much Carol, I love the patterns and the extras!

Cousins and Cannonballs!

This is what we do everyday that I'm not working.... we love to swim in the pool, and try not to get sunburned in the meantime. Sometimes it's not easy when you are 7 years old, and you have red hair, and don't like sunscreen, but we make it work somehow. Those swim shirts are the best invention, ever. My niece is 4, and such a sweet little girl! My kids just love having her over.

The machine saga continues... waiting for the "base tray" part, and it's backordered from Pfaff. Not happy about it, NOT AT ALL! I'm sure you remember me saying I wouldn't mention it again, but I want to say my sewing mojo is with my machine, so that explains for the lack of post about sewing anything, I guess. Having this great weather and swimming has certainly cut into my sewing time too! I didn't realize that I was this much of a slacker in the summer, and I am okay with it. Summer is way to short in New England not to be ;-) I think since I'm new to blogging this year, I never have really documented my (lack of) progress before. Dudes - Stay cool! (the beach bum in me desperately wants to get out!)

Vintage Goodness

My great blogging buddy Serena sent my a yummy bag of vintage goodness to go along with the crazy swap quilt she sent me, and I just had to share a picture of them. We both started blogging this year, and I feel so lucky to have made a connection with her. Thanks again Serena- you are too kind! I can't wait to mix them in with what I already have!

My plans for the fabric is to add it to this pile of 30's....

And make a whole bunch of these!...

Truth be told, I am using a plastic template called a Quilt-Patti. It's pretty easy, no paper to remove after being sewn together. If I'm being totally honest, I bought them at the LQS, when they opened... well, probably 5 years ago. But, I have been hoarding, I mean collecting, these fat quarters since. I think there's enough now for a nice mix of colors and patterns. Not even going to think about what color to set them with. Maybe another row of white, and then a solid purple? TBD at a later date!

Feeling blah!

I have been a very bad blogger this week. No posts since last Sunday, and none for a week before that. Granted I was away, but I haven't had much sewing time, and I think the blogging and the sewing go hand in hand for me. I get excited to show new things I'm working on, or even dare I say... things I have completed. My sewing mojo will return, I'm sure of it!

My blogging buddy Serena gave me a friendship award that I have to post about: Thank you Serena- I have enjoyed becoming friends via blogging and email... You have so much energy, a beautiful little girl, and another one on the way, I don't know how you do it all! Plus, you are always posting about creative and thought provoking things. So thank you, my fellow quilter, I truly appreciate it! I'm also supposed to pass it along, but I just tagged a bunch of you with the honest scrap award, and I don't want to go overboard with the tagging thing. I know you all understand. I want to take this time to acknowledge those of you who visit me and leave comments. I look forward to reading them, and I think it's one of the best parts of blogging!

This what I worked on for the ocean breezes quilt. I only have a small bit done, and I still have to topstitch the the corners over to make the curves. It really is a neat technique, and I love how it gives the pattern movement. You can see the curve in the bottom right hand corner. I can't wait to show you more... hopefully soon!

Home Again!

We are back from vacation, and we had a great week! Weather was nice, and the ocean water didn't give me the instant numbing pain either, so although I wouldn't say it was warm, it was tolerable. Anyone who has been in the water off the coast of Maine knows what I am talking about! Feels so good to sleep in my own bed though. We have a king, so sharing a double bed takes a lot of getting use to!!! I wasn't able to get my laptop working in the hotel, so I was reading and commenting from my husband's computer, but I couldn't load pics, etc., so I decided to take the week off from posting. I have a lot of catching up to do, but I was working today, and when I got home tonight my husband had finished ALL of the laundry!!! I mean piles of it! He's the best, and he even folds it all. He's way better at completing things in a timely manner than I. Enough blabbing on...

I did not stitch one bit all week. Had those 3 block prepped, and well...Nuthin'...Nada...Zilch. Not even worried about it though. However, I did buy the most awesome things at a antique quilt store while on vacation. I go to her shop every year, and I want to buy so much more. There is so many beautiful, stunning antique quilts there. It takes my breath away to see them all in one place. A little warning, all of the completed quilts are priced way, way out of my range. But, I always manage to find a great deal on a top or block that I just can't pass up! All of them are anywhere from circa 1700-1940. I bought this. 1940's... 74x90... feedsack arcs... and the pink is WOW!!!! I bought some binding fabric on sale, and a great backing, photos of those another time...


Here's what else I bought. I am going to put them together as a wall hanging and do a little sashing between or something. It makes me sad to think of all the beautiful things that people put so much effort into, and they are just UFO's for decades. Here's hoping I don't leave a ton of the same for my kids to discard someday!!! I'm looking forward to catching up on everyone's posts, tomorrow. I'm beat! Off to bed.....got to catch up on a little thing called....sleep. :-0

Pincushion Swap and a Few Blocks

I sent out my pincushion to my partner yesterday, and mine came in the mail as well! I love it, and it's so nice! It's a felted wool flower in the cutest little garden pot. I think it's a neat coincidence that I just started needle felting, and then I received this beauty! Thanks to my partner Linda, she has a great blog that I have added to my list. I forgot to take a picture of the pncushion I made, oh well. I sealed the package and then said, oops!

These are my blocks from the class last night. I don't love the green on the darker blue, I'm going to switch it out to orange or red I think. Not enough contrast for my liking... The class was fun though, and I haven't sewn with my friend Chris in a long time, and she's just a fun person to be with. Thanks to Barbara for all of her tips on the technique! I can't wait to get more blocks sewn, so that next time I can do the topstiching. That is what makes the blocks look like they are curved, and gives it lots of movement. I am on vacation next week, so I might not be posting... I'll see how the connection is, etc. I'm looking forward to some relaxation and fun!!!! ;-)

Baby's Quilt? Check!

The wee play quilt is all done! I love how it looks, and I hope they do to. It's so little and cute, if I do say so myself. The binding fabric is from the same wee play line, it's called peas and carrots! Really, can it get any better? I think not. I did a simple grid quilting 1 1/2 inches apart.



That's all folks, off to cut my fabrics for my Ocean Breezes class tonight. Have a great day!

Well, well....

So I do have something new to show. All of those packages in the mailbox have become something. I've been admiring all of the wee play quilts out there in blogland, and I was dying to find something to make with it. Then I found the cutest pattern called State Fair- it's one of the Schnibbles patterns by Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.

So I took 2 of these.....




And then cut them up like this...



Cut my background fabric like this...




Sewed them together like this....



Squared them up and they looked like this...



Put them all together like this...



Then added the borders like this....



And found the perfect backing fabric, this....




Well, this has been a productive day and half. Just needs to be basted, quilted, and bound. It's a only a little guy 31 x 31. And yes, I WILL have it ready for the baby shower on Saturday. Yippie* I hope they like it. Perfect for a girl, or a boy!