Quilt Along...

Wow, I'm running a little late to this party (quilt along).  But that's okay because this is a great pattern & is going to be tons of fun!  If you'd like to join or find out the specifics just click here.  I've decided to use Prayer Flag by April Cornell.  Now on to cutting...

CGQC May(?)/June Goals...

 I'm a little behind so I'll just focus on June, I have a few things I'd like to complete/start:

1. Red, White & Blue pillow case.  I need to go through my stash to find the right fabrics.  This is for Carol of Brown Quilts.  Carol had a real touching post & if your interested in making a special kind of pillow case, you can check it out here.
2. Bind Scratch made of Chic or Treat.
3. Start on the Log-A-Load t-shirt quilt...needs to be completed by the first week in August.
4. Get a jump start on the Carolina bag!  This is one of Kim's, of Sherrod Studio, patterns.  You can find more of her patterns here.

Even though I've listed my goals, I reserve the right to add or change my list...lol! Have a great weekend!

ps...if you haven't listed your goals, you can click here.

CGQC January/February Finishes

My first completed quilt in 2011 is for an Etsy customer of mine...Ms. Texas.  She was a real hoot to work with and funny.  I've had 3 other customers (Ms. Arkansas, Ms. Arizona & Ms. New Hampshire) before her and didn't really blog about it.  I don't know why, I guess I wanted to make sure they were happy with my work before I opened my big mouth...lol!  But I have to admit, the t-shirt quilts I have done were really fun to make.  And while I was making them...I wondered what all the stories were about - behind each shirt.  Like Ms. Arkansas had the quilt made for her daughter that just went away to college.  The daughter was a princess/tennis pro.  Then there was Ms. Arizona, her son is like a super smart/musically talented/church socializing kid.  This young man played at Carnegie Hall in NEW YORK!  How cool is that?  Oh, and then there is Ms. New Hampshire...her husband is like an avid runner/marathon guy.  He had all these shirts from the same event that spanned over like 10 years.  It was exciting to make those quilts.  Consider this a reminder...save those shirts...just in case you might want to make one down the road.  I know I am.

And here is my second finish for 2011.  I just finished this quilt yesterday.  It's for my sister's BFF.  My sister picked this fabric out at Hancock's in Biloxi.  She did good on the color choices.  I used black for the backing.  It turned out real nice.

Charming Girls' Pincushion Swap 2011

Kris of Dandelion Quilts is calling on all Charming Girl members...to announce the Pincushion Swap 2011 event.  She will be hosting this swap.  You have until Feb. 18th to sign up but you can click here to see all the details & sign up.  It should be tons of fun!!!

CGQC Theme for January & February...really for 2011

This is our theme:  Word Up!  This is what Kelly said in her post: ' So, for our theme this month - I'd like for you all to choose a word that you'd like to see reflected in your life in the coming year - a word to visit periodically, and to focus on throughout the year!'  And it got me thinking...what word would I pick to enhance my year?  So, I'm thinking...I'm thinking ...I'm thinking...(flash back to the scene from Night of the Museum...lol!)  and I think I got it - it's:

Savor

part of speech: verb

defined: delight in, enjoy

And thanks to Kelly - I'm writing it down for 2011 so I make sure I savor every moment

(fun & not so fun). 

Because you never know when you'll be called home...

Holiday Traditions...

 That is our theme for the CGQC...there are two I would like to share.

1. I used to put the Christmas tree/decorations up the weekend of Thanksgiving but it really put a strain on me.  Between the cooking, visiting & shopping - it can get CRAZY!  So for the past 2 years, we've been putting our tree up the weekend before Thanksgiving.  This has made the holiday time more fun & less stressful.

2. On Christmas Eve, we let our little guy open one present.  The catch, we are the ones that pick the gift (wink wink) and wha'da know????  New PJ's!!!!  And those Christmas morning pictures come out a little sweeter when he's in his new pj's.  I wonder how long before he figures out the system is rigged...giggle!

I look forward to reading what everyone else has to share.  Have a wonderful weekend!!!

CGQC Nov & Dec Goals

This is our theme for the CGQC for the next two months.  I have a couple I would like to share but I'll do that on a later post.  As for goals, I'm only listing one goal for November and that is to make my secret Santa person a different gift.  I originally made the Christmas Wreath wall hanging but I don't think it fits.  So, I'm going to start on a different project.  I'll have an update on that project soon.  As for December, I'm not going to make any commitments.  Whatever I work on will be what I work on...stress free & having tons of fun this holiday season.

Secret Santa Update...

I'm done! WHOHOO!  This really is a neat pattern and I had fun making this.  Thanks to The Calico Horse for sharing it.  You can find the pattern on the Moda Bake Shop Blog.  I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend...talk to y'all later

Secret Santa

I'm not waiting anymore!  LOL!  I started working on the Christmas Wreath Wall Hanging that's on the Moda Bake Shop blog.  I've wanted to make this ever since it was posted.  I'm working on it with the intention of making it for my secret Santa partner but once I find out who she is I might change my mind.  I mean, I would like to give/make something that will fit her taste.  So I'll be doing some chain sewing in the next day or two!!!  I can feel the excitement pulsing through my veins!  Oh, if your interested in joining the Secret Santa Swap, just click the picture on the right side and it will take you to the post where you can sign up - the deadline is Oct. 8th.  You don't have to be a Charming Girl member...anyone with a blog can join in on the fun.  But Joan has all the details so if you want to get your Christmas on - this might be for you.

ps...I've got the t-shirt quilt and the backing loaded.  I plan on quilting it on Saturday.  Since it is a big quilt, I want to be able to take my time & not be rushed in quilting it.  Talk to y'all later...

CGQC Sept/Oct Goals

In addition to listing our goals, our theme is 'Quilting the Quilt' and Kelly has asked us to share any tips/suggestions for completing this process.

Well, 'Fall' is the most bestest season (for me) and I would like to make a little something special for Halloween (my most favorite fall event...then it's Thanksgiving...lol!).  I will be making a Schnibbles - Scratch (small) with Chic or Treat (LOVE IT!).  I happen to get a jump start on it last month so I'm hoping to get it done within the next week or two.  I even took some pics during the process - thinking I'd do a post...lol!  I'll have to show you later.  I would also would like to quilt the Decoy top that I just finished.  I'm only going to commit to 2 projects because this is such a fun time/season (after the heat leaves) to be outside and I just want to be able to enjoy it and do what I want to do.  Oh and when the weather starts acting like fall - make some homemade vegetable soup....smile.

Now about quilting the quilt, I hate to say it but I can't think of any suggestions - at this moment.  One might come to me later and then I'll do another post but for now - nothing.  I will say that I prefer an overall stippling on quilts.  Yes, it's simple but for me I prefer the quilt top to be the focal point.  The pattern, fabric line, piecing and placing of the colors/fabric is what's most important to me.  Hey, I'm a gal that only wears mascara - less is more.  If I'm hitting the town...I might wear lip stick!  I know, very exciting! LOL!  Don't get me wrong, I love seeing quilts quilted with beautiful designs on them.  I might even (down the road) get the urge to try something that fancy but for now I'm on the path I want to be on.  And thanks to Kelly & Darlene, I used a pantograph for the first time.  I might try that again...down the road.

I'm looking forward to the next 2 months!

Christmas in August Sewing Party!

445pm update...

I'm just starting to sew - between now and the next party I'm going to get me a sign that says 'NO BOYS ALLOWED!'  LOL!  Anyhoo, my DH wants to install a new router so just in case something happens, I might not be able to do an update until it's running - whenever that is.  Hope to be back soon...PARTY ON!

2PM update...

Just finished cutting (FINALLY), I went ahead and cut out a second set of background fabric for the 2nd Decoy quilt I do.  So, I put Viggo on pause and helped my guys bring in the groceries...

 

You know FALL is coming when you find pumpkin stuff at the store!!!!  I LOVE FALL!  Ok, my guys plan to grill burgers for dinner so after smoozing with them for a little bit, I'm going to start to sew.  Hope everyone is having a good time...

Arrival time 930am...

 

When Kelly first mentioned this event, I went to the calendar and marked it...AND made a special announcement to my guys that on the 28th I was spending it ALL DAY with the girls! LOL!  So this is what I'll be working on...

And just a little shout out to - VIGGO MORTENSEN (and Patrick)...God Bless America!   What a BABE!!! LOL!  Oh, and I just love how Kelly is using Mr. Linky for all of us to post our updates on so we don't have to surf everyone's blog to see if they updated - GREAT idea Kelly!

LET'S PARTY!!!!

Between Charming Quilt Along - FINISHED!!!

I just hate how the picture does not do the colors in this quilt justice...ANYHOO!  Well, I ordered the 'Double Bubble - Petite' pantograph and after I got done with it - it should be called 'Double Square' LOL!  This is the first time I did a pantograph on Bessie.  For now, I can say - been there done that.  And besides this being one great pattern, I was really excited about the thread color I used to quilt this baby!  I used a purpley variegated thread on top & a lime variegated thread on the bottom - very exciting!

Thanks to Kelly & Darlene for a SUPER DUPER fun quilt along.  I loved how you had the choice between a small or big one.  I can't wait for the next one!

CGQC July & August Goals

 Kelly has shakin' some things up at the club.  If you hadn't had a chance to see what the changes are - click here! The theme for July/August is:

 

You can check it out here.  I have a few things to share but I'll get to that sometime soon.  I also need a couple of more days to think about my 1. My & 2. Family priorities...I want a little more time to think about it.  Well, come to think of it I can at least list MY goals for July & August:

1. Plan C (small) Schnibbles - quilt & bind it before the contest deadline (July 30th???)
2. McGruffey (big) Schnibbles - making it from scratch, hope to complete it in time for the contest deadline.
3. Wiscasset Flag - quilt & bind & then mail it - ASAP.
4. Between Charming Friends Quilt Along (small) - quilt & bind it.

CAN I GET FRIES WITH THAT? lol! Okay, that it's for now.  I want to get some sewing in tonight...hehehe!

Quick update...

Hope everyone had a fun & safe 4th!  We did!  I just wanted to share a few tops I finished.
With this first top, I was inspired by Lisa - Crafty Little Mama. This one needs to be quilted & binded then mailed out asap:

 

This one needs to be quilted & binded.  Just wanting for the panto:

 This is my CGQC quilt that I need to quilt & bind.  Too bad the picture came out a little dark - it's much prettier in person.  The lime color reminds me of that song...You put the lime in the coconut, I said DOCTOR...anyhoo...

I finally finished my Astor Manor scrap bag baby recipe...it's a very fun & simple pattern.  I love it!  You can find it on the Moda Bake Shop.

Then I couldn't help myself & went ahead and did one in Nautical & Nice.

Verna...

When my sister saw the quilt I made for my little one & our Mom, she said she would like one.  I was a little surprised because she doesn't seem like the quilt type.  So after emailing her tons of different fabric lines/patterns for her to look through, she picked a few & then I made the final pick.  I mean it will be a birthday present so it has to some what be a surprise...right?  Luckily, one of the patterns she picked was the pattern on the Moda Bake Shop, and it's a simple pattern - YEAH!  This should be an interesting month because I have 2 birthday quilts to get done! So here it goes...

CGQC January Project - DONE!

 

  

Granted I completed the quilt top this past August, I am excited to say that it's done!  It measures approx. 59 x 66.  I know I've said this before but I'm going to say it again...I just LOVE 3 Sisters. These picture don't do it justice but for all of you that have taken pictures inside know what I'm talking about.  So I'm happy to say I've met my CGQC goal for January, with a day to spare!  Now on to Verna...

Valentine Sewing Party...WhoHoooo!!!

UPDATE 1/27/10 @ 11PM

DONE! What a party!?!?!?!

UPDATE 1/24/10 @ 1130PM

Ok, Brett & the boy's didn't win but that's okay because the best team won...I'll be rooting for the Saints in the SUPERBOWL!!! So during the game I was able to load my quilt & I just finished quilting it about 15 minutes ago...who could sleep after a game like that?  Anyhoo, at least that part is done & I will be working on my binding when I get home from work tomorrow...speaking of work, I need to go to bed. Hope everyone had a nice Sunday...

UPDATE 1/24/10 @ 4PM CST

I got the border on and it measures 43 x 54.  I ask my DH what he thinks and he says 'It would look better if you could add a pink & green outer/inner border.'  He took the words right out my mouth! I'm going to get over it because I'm not getting online to find the fabric & then wait about a week for it to get here.  I'm hoping to get it load on Bessie before Brett starts playing. I can't wait to get this one done!

UPDATE @ 10PM
I would have posted an update 2 hours ago but there was a storm & we lost internet access.  After Open Range I put this movie in...

And ended up sewing all my blocks together...

All I have left is adding a 4 inch, white border and I'm done.  I'm hoping to finish it up by tomorrow.  It has been one AWESOME PARTY! Thanks to Kelly & Joan!!!


UPDATE @ 3PM

I'm liking the baby sized quilts...makes me feel like I'm getting something done! Now I'm going to sew it together.  On this quilt, I hope I did a better job of using the ruler better to trim the blocks...we'll see.  Hope everyone is having fun...haven't hear of anyone wearing a lamp shade yet! LOL!

UPDATE @ 1145 AM CST

Now I'm on to pressing & trimming...oh, and just finished watching 'Sleepless in Seattle'.  Got the iron heating up & putting in 'Open Range'...Kevin Costner is HOT!!!  Not to mention that the movie is visually a beautiful movie...I'm having FUN! Hope everyone is too!!!!

 Hey everyone..LET'S PARTY! I thought I'd get some of my fabric ready last night...I thought wrong.  That's ok though because I'm going to party ALL DAY LONG!!!  After my coffee, I will be starting on this...

Valentine's Sewing Party

I'm getting my fabric & supplies ready!  I am hoping to make another baby sized Valentine's quilt...this time in pink & green.

But tonight, I'm hoping to get the binding on my red & brown Valentine's quilt.  If I do, I will post a picture of it tonight.  See you at the PARTY! 

CGQC January Tag

Well, Kelly has tagged us and it's a good one!  We are to show how we decorate our quilts/sewing things...I found this quilt rack about 2 weeks ago, it holds 3 quilts.  For now, I just have one quilt to put on it.

I found this Star thread cabinet about a year ago.  And let me tell you, I was EXCITED!  I found it during my lunch hour, on my way back to work I called the girl's at the office to meet me outside to see my wonderful prize.

I finally found a use for the crystal fruit bowl & cake plate my aunt gave me 10 years ago.  I know...as soon as I can I will be making a runner for this cabinet.

I have been having fun looking at everyone's decorations and have been inspired to decorate even more.  Hope everyone is having a good week...and I'm looking forward to the party on Saturday!

CGQC January Project

Like I was telling Kelly & Joan, I'm having a problem with left over UFO's.  I think I have about 6 (no rolling of the eyes -please) UFO's and would like to get them completed.  So, I am only making one commitment this month.  It's to complete the Simplicity quilt.  It was one of the first quilts I quilted on Bessie. There are several spots that need to be fixed - tension problems and it needs binding.  If I happen to work on other items, so be it.