New to Me!

My chartiy quilt was mailed last week. If I wasn't such a, such a..can't think of a phrase, I would have taken a picture before I folded it to fit the box!! Dah! Never the less, here are some additional pictures.

 Quilted not yet bound

The pieced back

                                                           
Super secrect project: Fabric Post Card (FPC) Swap. The postcard was mailed the same day as the charity quilt. I hope my partner receives it soon! SORRY, no picture to see here. Maybe later.

My "Quilty" resolution update:
  One charity completed.
  QOV fabric collection started and a little extra. I have my eye on a kit for a one in Quilty magizine.

New stash from my LQS (Colonial Quilts)

   Plan my closet organization for my March day off. Collecting wire baskets for the shelfs.

Storage basket with blackboard plaque

I am participating in two UFO challenges for 2014! The first is being hosted by Daisy of "Very Lazy Daisy Podcast". She talks about it on her blog. BTW, there is a Flckr link as well. Go check it out! Second, the "2014 Finish Along". There is a button on my blog that will take you the information. Check that out too. I finished my second UFO quilt for this 1st quarter!. One more to go and I will have finished my goal for this quarter.  I am planning my binding for my 3rd UFO for the quarter and also for Celtic Solstice. I hope to have both complete by the end of March. At least, that's my goal as of today! That could change at any given time!! LOL!!

A new to me technique using Elmer's "Washable" Schoo Glue to attach bindings to finished quilt tops! I gave a quick run down during the podcast. If you need the skinny, I have added a YouTube snippet. The version I watched was about 28 minutes long. You can probably search for the longer version. A little about the process. It is a little more time consuming if your follow her instructions exactly. I do recommend that you do follow her instructions. I will say, this is my best binding in my quilting history!! I will be doing this more often. I hope to get a little quicker at the process. Just so ya know, this is not a fast process no matter how many quilts you do this way.

Elmer's Washable School Glue

                  Sharon Schamber Video

Here is a picture of the quilt I finished using this technique. It was quilted by check before Lady G came into the picture! It was either done at Aurora Quilt Shop in Manassas, VA while living in VA. Or, it was done at MSQC while living here in GA. Either way, it's a nice all over quilting design. BTW, this quilt goes in my done pile and part of the UFO Challenge for Daisy and The Littlest Thistle FAL. Here is a link to my QTR #1 pledge: three tops to finish

Front

Back

My longarm practice is still in the planning phase. I have a rough sketch of the whole cloth design I plan to use. I will now plan it out on graft paper. But, before I get to the quilting phase, I will be using some of the yardage for practice!. My FMQ practice will be designs I have seen by Angela Walters and Lynn Durbin. BTW, Lynn Durban has a new FM design on YouTube!

 I have titled my hexies as my "little engine that could" stitching. Do you remember that engine? It just kept chugging up that hill until it made it to the top! After that, it was downhill all the way! In hexie speak, the top of the hill would be having all the flower done and downhill would be attaching all of the flowers. That will be some time from now. Until then, I'll just keep chugging.

My Hexie "To Go" Box

Until next time...........
 

Just Another Day

Unscripted conversation in this episode. Things I talk about:

*A finish: Scrappy Trips

*My bucket list quilt

*What's up for the long arm

*A little knitting*Back to reading

*Doggie Update

*Holiday Ball

Until next time......

The Big Move

WARNING: Wordy and Picture heavy!

What’s been happening with me since I last posted? Well let me tell you, a lot. If you happen to follow me on Twitter, you have already know some of what has happened.

Let me begin. I have made the big move! I now live in the peach state! I have been here now for a whopping 3 weeks. My youngest daughter helped me make the drive from VA. She was a big help. The drive took about 9 1/2 hours. Driving with 2 dogs is a new experience for me. Gizmo whined 75% of the drive down. He has been used to sitting and looking out the driver's side window. I know that's not a good thing to do!! So don't judge me. Jodi on the other hand, slept and looked out the back window. Not a peep out of him. For those who may have puppies, I will warn you, don't hold them while you drive. Start them out behind a doggie partition for your vehicle. Life will be a lot easier. Trust me. 

I spent 4 days sleeping on an air mattress before my furniture arrived. Let me just say, "backache". With the arrival of the furniture, comes boxes! I mean a lot of boxes! I am still going through boxes and probably will be for the next few months.

There are a lot of things in this state that I will have to get use to. Like, trash service and dry counties.

Since I have been here, my bank account was compromised!!! I felt so violated.  Somehow someone got my debit card number and made several purchases for more than $4500! Thanks to my bank, I have had that money placed back in my account. A warning for all who use online banking and make online purchases, check you account daily so you can catch any unauthorized purchases! 

The new home has given me a new sewing space. Each area of the room is dedicated to a particular function. I now have a cutting/ironing corner, machine quilting corner, sewing/embroidery corner and TV/library corner. Can I just say, I love my new space. In the backgound of my sewing area is the closet. The previous family converted it into an office space. My PC and printer are located there. As you can see, I still have some work to do, I am good with the overall arrangement.

   

My first stash enhancement at my new address!

My quilty endeavors at the moment. I am NuBees quilt block swap for the month of June. It''s a Flickr group consisting of hives and each hive has 5-6 people. You are required to make one 12.5" block for each member using their mosaic color scheme. I found the information through Pinterest Here are 4/5 blocks I have completed:

I am participating on two online "Craftsy" classes, Stupendous Stitches (background) and Art Quilting 101 (Free Form Flowers):

 

Here is a pic of some hand stitching. I still have some more embellishing to do.

Also, I have been following Leah Day's FMQ project. Here is a picture of my "Wholecloth" mini quilt

progress.

 

Last but not least, my NY Beauty blocks. I am piecing the last block:

On my upcoming radar is Craftsy free BOM using Batiks and white BG (Kona/Moda),

I am not sure which I have. Also, I will be a part of the 8" String block swap through Swapbot (http://www.swap-bot.com/). The swap is being hosted by Katie (Quilted Magnolia) of Katie's Quilting Corner. The last day to sign up is June 30th. The blocks have to be mailed by the end of July.

I have been doing a little spinning using my "spindle" since I have been here. While the furry babies are running and chasing each other in the backyard, I take the opportunity to spin. They have settled in and thoroughly enjoying their new home. Gizmo is still fluffy and Jodi is now 11 lbs.

Well, I think that's enough for now. Until next time.......

FMQ'ing and A-Longs

A new year and what better way to start it by participating in free motion quilting (FMQ) groups and alongs! Nothing like having to be accountable. This will help me in my desire to improve my FMQ and to finish some of my UFO's and WIPs. As you may know, or not, have pledged to participate in the FMQ Challenge 2012, FMQ along w/Leah Day and the finish along being hosted by Rhonda of "Quilter in the Gap" podcast. Although I haven't finished anything this quarter, my first will be my "Sushi At Christmas" wallhanging. I am in the process of quilting it now. I am stabilizing the top first. In the white areas I will be meandering, in the green and red areas I plan to attempt feathers. Finally, the border will be a feather design as well. That's a very big step for a beginner to do. It won't be perfect, but I can say that I did it.

FMQ Challenge 2012-My Leaves

Let's Wiggle-Leah Day

** Just remember, I am learning.

I also purchased a DVD by Patsy Thompson for FMQing. The DVD is, "Fast and Free Vol 0.5". Can I just mention that I love this DVD so far. In the video she discusses machine set up, basic patterns moving into more complicated designs for the beginner. She does this by adding variations to the basic design. I will be buying the next two volumes in the series! If you are interested, you can get information here:http://www.patsythompsondesigns.com/

Here is a pic of the top I completed. It has a pinwheel block as a secondary design. You can find the find the information in McCall's Quilting, America Loves Scraps, Winter 2011/2012. The design is "Le Jardin Cerise", by Gerri Robinson. I used "1862 Battle Hymn" jelly roll by Moda. I purchased some yardage from the era for the backing. I don't have a name for my top yet..the jury is still out.

The Christmas Baltimore Album BOM has started. I am now tracing the pieces onto Steam-A-Seam Lite. I have to admit, I did toy with the idea of needle turn applique, but quickly changed my mind. I would like to finish this in my lifetime!! There will be a difference in the look of the blocks..the images will be reverse. The pattern was not designed for fusible applique, so the images were not printed in reverse orientation.

I have a knitting project to complete, 3x's a Charm Thermis for my sister. Completing the second buttonhole now. Then I will finish with a few more rows of 1x1 ribbing, cast off, add buttons and call it done. I should finish by this weekend.

I am also working on my HPKCHC assignment. I chose "Arithmancy" for which you have to knit a tessellating design. I saw a blanket made from fish shapes. So, that's what I am doing for January. The design is by April from OK. Here is a pic of my fish. I will make six and use it as some sort of pad/coaster.

Once I complete the fish, my plan is to attempt to make my first pair of mittens. I also plan to make a "Thorpe" hat. I'll see how that goes.

Appropriate for a ADD crafter, I am planning to warp an 8/8 design on my warping board. The colors will be burgundy and gold. One of my groups on Ravelry, "Warped Weavers" is having a pinwheel weave along. I just happen to have the current issue of Handwoven magazine. (I subscribe) In the magazine there are 8 drafts for a pinwheel design. I will be using option 2. I will be weaving on my Baby Wolf.

Well that's about it for this post.

Until next time..............

PS: Not sure what's up with the Font sizes..can't seem to correct it. I have tried several times, oh well.

The Purpose of 3

I had a good week. My "SewEzi" table was delivered on Wednesday. I purchased 2 plexiglass inserts. It was easy to assemble. This will be the home of my Brother Nouvelle 1500. Unless I need to use it for travel. Here is a pic with the machine in place.

So now that the Brother has a home, it completes my quilting needs. One machine for piecing/embroidering, one for sewing binding/travel/as a backup and one for FMQ'ing.

"The Purpose of 3"

I have tried a new technique, new to me anyway, of spray basting a quilt. The technique is by Patsy Thompson and it is called "wall basting". If you own your home and plan to live there for awhile, here use of ceiling tiles is the way to go.If not, you can do what I did as a renter. I used push pins, in-expensive flannel backed table cloth, and can of 505 for basting. Here's a pic of my wall.

I saw the video on You Tube. Here's the link of the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwV8tUkhxUM

Join me in the FMQ Project 2012, hosted by SewCalgal. There will be a different FMQ tutorial each month, presented by different host. If you complete the assignment each month, you will be entered into a drawing. Go over to her site. You can find it here: http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/

I continually increase my stash, whether it is fabric, quilting tools or yarn. I think I need to join Katie in here diet commitment. I scored a Stack N Stitch Thread Tower at JoAnn's, buttons for my neck warmer and a 6x12 cutting mat for my AccuQuilt Go. I receive promotions, not only by snail mail, but email as well. This particular promotion has several coupons. One of which was a 60% off coupon in addition to $ amounts off. I used my coupon plus an additional $10 off. I saved over $30 bucks. Just could let that 60% off go to waste! Here's pic of the neck warmer and thread tower:

"Pardon" the thread snippets on the carpet, right side of the packaging, Works are in Progress!!!

I completed my DeJavu Neck Warmer, made from luscious Malabrigo worsted weight yarn. I can't believe it only took me a week to do! Now my daughter wants me to make her one. Her color choices are black's, grey's and white. I don't know why that child likes those dark colors! 90% of her wardrobe is black, grey, white and occasionally a pop of red. So, I purchased yarn to make her a Thermis Neck Warmer. I will admit, her yarn choice can be machine washed and dried! I don't need her to felt yarn that is a little more costly than big box store yarns. I also completed my "Twist" table topper/wall hanging-still have to add a label, if nothing other than quilt name, my name and a date.

Table topper:

That brings me to what I am working on now. Three knitting projects, Nikki's neck warmer, the Weekend Shawl and the 10 stitch circular blanket. Yes, I said circular! After 3 tries at the rectangular version, I decided the circular one was easier.

Last but not least, I have quilted my Mug Rugs for the swap. Now just need to ad a little binding. I hope to get them out before I head out of town this week. Pics to come soon.

Until next time...........

Rainy Day=Progress

Today, my inspiration is brought to you by a lazy rainy Sunday morning.

On the knitting front:
I decided to update my Ravelry notebook with some recent photos of what I have been working on. I have completed by "Slip Stitch Delight" socks by Terry L. Ross. I do wish I had the ball band for the yarn. I have no idea what yarn it is. I thought is was Socks That Rock light weight. One of my group members told me it wasn't spun tight enough for that yarn. So back in the land of unknown I went. I do like how they turned out!Must admit, I am still slow at knitting socks! Pic of completed socks:



Spinning:
I spun 8 oz of Ms Babs merino/tussah silk/bamboo blend fiber. My initial attempt at plying was very, very loosely plied. I purchased "The Gently Art of Plying" by Judith MacKenzie, after watching, discovered I could reply my fiber. I have to admit, that didn't occur to me! Dah! I don't own a bobbin winder, so I used my trusty B&D drill. It worked like a charm I had 2 bobbins of spun singles I decided to ply together. They are two different colorways, I don't remember where I purchased them from, but I do know they are 100% wool. I REALLY have to work on my documentation! Here are some pics of my process and most recently completed yarn:









Quilting:
I have been a quilter since the late 80's and had not quilted since I started knitting in February 2009. Recently I was bitten by the quilt bug again after listening to a knitting podcaster who also sews and quilts. Soooo, I went to my messy craft room, dug through my "UFO's, pulled out some unfinished tops, found completed blocks that had not been put together and started sewing.

Here are some pics of my finished projects before knitting/spinning took over my life:





Here are some of my UFO's:





An antique quilt and from my Designer SE (Viking) machine astitched embroidery design:


Enough rants for today. I have to now divide my time between three of my favorite creative outlets!!!