Summer Stitching



When I've had a stressful/hectic day - nothing calms me more than a bit of hand-work - especially hand sewing quilt binding.  Something so restful about taking my time to finish a quilt with some stitching.  I may machine piece my quilts and send them out to a long-arm quilter - but, for now, I still hand stitch the bindings down.  It just feels like the right thing to do. 

 

Notes:  'Four Corners'  made for my brother and his wife.  Started  Fall of 2014 and finished Summer of 2015.  ( I like to stitch - didn't say I was quick about it )

 



Late Summer Stitching

 

Swap blocks for September Guild Meeting

and, no I didn't win a set of these blocks - but, I did win some goodies

from OK Quiltworks later in the meeting - sweet !

 

As requested, I also stitched up two banners for our Guild Quilt Show in October - -  

 

 

then made 5 more this past weekend.  So cute, quick and addictive.

I will be making more of these real soon.

 

 

 

  

 Also, for the Guild Quilt Show - quilted pillow stitched with scraps from

the Michael Miller Challenge.

 

Note:  Sea Glass is finished and I love it.  More later

 

Sea Glass

I have a basket on my sewing table, filled with fabrics and patterns - projects all sorted and ready to for me to begin stitching.  There are more than enough 'to do'  projects to keep me busy.

But, flipping through a new quilting magazine last weekend, I saw that pillow up there on the left.  Its name is Sea Glass.  Those lovely colors of Kona Cotton were purchased, washed/dried and pressed - I"m ready to stitch (this weekend I hope).

My sincere apologizes to all those other projects, waiting in my basket.  They just will have to wait a little longer.  Sea Glass is calling my name.

Projects: 'low volume' and 'gypsy prints'



My 'low volume / shabby chic' quilt is finished. 

I love it but also feel a little bit guilty for keeping it, 

For so many years, every quilt I made was for someone else.   

A new baby our large extended family,

(or a friend from church, or co-worker's first grandchild),

one (or all) of our 6 grandchildren, a friend facing weeks of chemo - - -

the list for quilt was always long. 

 

But, my mind was eased by my husband. 

After seeing the quilt all bound and finished, he took one look and said 'it looks like you'.  

And, so - with no more guilt - I've accepted that pretty quilt belongs to me.

 

Of course, there were no doubts about the 'Six Fat Quarter Bag'  --

stitched up at our last Guild Sew Day. Yes, that big, loud,  gypsy print bag -

just right for toting quilts (and other large projects) -- is mine !!

 

PS - No header picture today. My new computer and Blogger are currently not communicating very well. I'm hoping they can find some common ground and come to a more productive working relationship soon.  4/17/14  Willie Jay (my personal computer wizard) has convinced my new computer to play nicely with Blogger. We shall see if the truce will hold.

Quilts - low volume and cats

This quilt has been in back of my mind for years - pale colors, pretty florals and prints.  Who knew it was actually a 'low volume' quilt !!   Piecing the backing was done a week ago and I delivered to the long-arm quilter yesterday. After years of making quilts for others - this will be the first quilt made just for me.  I'm thinking a pretty pale blue binding -  it's double stamp weekend in honor of National Quilting Day which just might mean a trip to my LQS on Saturday.


It's a different story for the quilt  below - it hasn't been in the back of my mind for years - it's been tucked away, half finished, in a box for years (15+ years I think).  Began before learning about rotary cutters and the importance of 1/4 inch seams. It's not perfect and the cat fabric that was so cute in the 90's is so very old -- it will probably be back in style again soon.  But, it has a lot of memories stitched into it - and it deserves to be completed and used and loved.  Sewing up the pieced backing and adding some old embroidery I can bear to part with - I'm thinking of quilting this one myself or maybe even doing some 'big stitch' quilting.  One thing is for sure, the grandkids will love it.

 



I became an 'exhibitor', received a gift, and stitched some 'love'

 

My guild, OKC Modern Quilt Guild, exhibited at the local Winter Quilt show -- and, I was there. Actually all I did was help dismantle the amazing display of quilts by guild members.  But, I did get my very own name tag, which was really cool.   

 

 

All the members volunteering at the quilt show received a 'thank you' gift made by a Guild Member (thanks Shir!!)   Such a cute and clever idea.  I just might need to copy this for gifts this year !

 

I took a deep breath and did my first paper-piecing this month - a LOVE block to honor Valentine's Day.  I won't say it was easy, but with my dyslexic brain, the process sort of made sense.  Of course, if you look close enough you can see an extra piece of background fabric that was needed (lower left corner).  Trying to paper-piece while watching a 'Walking Dead' marathon is not a good thing!

 

 



 

 

Now to do something with this block: 

mini-quilt, a pillow, the center block of a baby quilt -- lots of choices.  

Small Bag Swap - (v.v.happy)

First bag: cute with that pink elephant but, it's very small and has many mistakes.  But, it's already been spoken for by my youngest grand-daughter - she loves it and that makes me happy.

 

Second bag:  used strips from my scrap basket for the body and fabric ends on the zipper making the installation much easier.  Like it a lot - and it will most likely go into my 'gift drawer' for one of my grand-daughters.  The stripes and bold colors make me happy -- but, still not quite what I'm looking for . . . . .

 



 

Fourth bag:  Fold Over Clutch - completely off track and happy that it was a quick/easy project  -  but again, not what I'm wanting  . . . . .

 

 



Ta Da !  

 

Fifth Bag:  using pattern for 1st bag, adjusting the height and using fabric ends for the zipper installation - this bag was ready for my Quilting Guild Small Bag Swap.  I was sitting next the to member who drew my bag and she was delighted with it -- color me 'very happy'

 

 



 

O my !   The bag that came home with me -- seriously cute and it will come in very handy in my knitting project bag.  Very very happy indeed !!!!

 

 



Low Volume & Zippers

 

Low Volume: after seeing it all over the quilting blogs these past few months --  I thought would try my hand at it.  Below is a little sample of my idea of 'low volume' and after cutting and sewing up a few blocks decided it was more 'drab/dull volume'.  Must buy more fabric with a bit more contrast (think more 'shabby chic' than 'low volume').  Updates to follow

 

Zipper Pouch construction:  lots of practice on zipper installation for our Guild's zipper pouch swap this month.  In the past, zippers and I did not play well together -- but, with a little more 'one on one' time together - we are developing a good working relationship. (I just love that pink elephant!)

 

 

 

 

Summer: little projects ( or 'Hats and Hen')

Knitting has been sparse thru the hot summer months - definitely not wanting to have a lap full of wool, even in an air conditioned environment.  Which meant little projects or to put it simply: baby hats for charity.  Very simple roll-brim hats, the kind you can knock out in a couple of evenings. I'm telling you, there's nothing cuter than a baby in a teensy hat with a top-knot.  Picture below shows just two of the many hats cranked out this summer (excuse the sprinkler shot in the background - with even/odd watering days and shorter daylight hours in the  evenings, it stays on the lawn - at the ready to be used on the correct days).  Now to get all those hats delivered -- there will be baby heads needing to be warmed before we know it - at least I'm telling myself that the 90 degree weather will go away.  

 

 

This is what happens when the heat affects your brain -- silliness occurs.  
Don't know what my terra-cotta hen was thinking, those hats are so not her size !!!

Hex-ed !!

I've always loved the look of quilts made using the English Paper Piecing method -- especially the Grandmother's Garden quilts.  Those quilts were loved and admired from afar by me -- too many little pieces and then there's that fiddly paper thingy that you stitch fabric around -- so not my 'cup of tea'.

 

A few months ago, I started seeing projects on Pinterest ( why yes, I do know it's a total 'time suck' - but, I'm addicted and don't care who knows it! ):  so many projects for sweet little hexagons to be stitched into tote bags and pillows and table runners.

 

And, then at our Guild 'sew night' last month  -- there at the table right next to me --  was a woman stitching large hexagons in pretty quilting cotton.  Perfect hexagons that she just kept stitching and stitching.  I walked over and after talking to her for just a few minutes, I was a 'hex-ed'. 

 

Hexagon templates were purchased and the cutting/stitching began. Behold, my new lunch-hour stitching project --and my after dinner/watching tv stitching -- and my watching the morning news stitching too. 

 

What am I going to make with all the hexies I'm stitching ?

I'm still 'researching'  -- and, stitching hexies !



Snapshots . . . . . long weekend

After the all the 'shake rattle and roll' weather last week - 

I think everyone in Oklahoma was ready for a very quiet long holiday weekend. 

I did remember to fly my little flags for all those who serve their country.

WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan - where ever or when ever they served.  

 -- they were honored with a little bit of red, white & blue blowing in the Oklahoma wind. 

I did a bit of tidying up in my little sewing corner  (it was way past due)

A bit of sewing happened: 3 pairs of sleep shorts and one twirly skirt.

Those bright flowers remind me of the 60's -- and make me smile!

Discovered the series 'Longmire' on our streaming Netflix -

and watched 5 episodes from the first season back-to-back.  

How did I miss this show last year ?

Good storylines and I'm getting very attached to these characters already. 

Need to watch 4 more episodes before the new season begins next week. 

It was just the weekend I needed

My therapy . . . .

ther•a•py

n., pl. -pies.

1. the treatment of disease or disorders, as by some remedial, rehabilitative, or    curative process: speech therapy.

2. a curative power or quality.

3. any act, task, program, etc., that relieves tension.

This bag of  'therapy'  supplies was purchased two weeks ago from my local yarn shop. I spent a couple of hours, petting and fondling the yarns, talking knitting with the shop owner and her staff.  I drove home, did some weekend chores and a bit of creative sewing and the yarn was stashed in my knitting bag and forgotten.

And, then this past week I had need for my little bag of 'therapy supplies'  to perform an  'act, task, program, etc, that relieves tension'.   The absolutely senseless bombings in Boston, the poison laced letters mailed to a Senator & our President, the defeat of the gun bill in the senate, and, the news of an explosion that ripped through the little community of West, Texas.  Like most of America, I felt bruised, battered and my heart ached. 

I  clicked away from the constant news channels and onto a DIY home improvement show.  With the television volume on low, the skeins of yarn were wound into balls, needles chosen and stitches cast on -- I so needed that gentle rhythm of yarn & needles, working together.  Knitting to me is a form of meditation - my mind clears and my spirit lifts.  The needles make a soft clicking sound that is music to my ears - my body relaxes and my hands seem to perform the motions required almost on their own.  And, as the yarn and needles make cloth out of strands of yarn  --  I think of all those in need of comfort and strength -- and, my meditation turns to prayer.  

Wonky, colorful and entertaining . . . .

Being the daughter of a 'Depression Baby' and living through a few Oil Busts here in Oklahoma has taught me a thing or two about 'making do' or 'upcycling'.  The thing is I have a hard time throwing away fabric scraps --

Which brings me to this project -  not bad for my first attempt with t-shirt yarn - I give it a 'C+' -- mainly because the knit t-shirt scraps were used and not pitched into the trash --  it was a fun/quick project  -- and it's actually being used -- although I may have misjudged the size needed for our very plump cat, Libby-Lou!

Libby's very colorful cat rug/bed was crocheted with  'Yarn'  made from  cotton t-shirt scraps   
using this tutorial:  http://mousechirpy-polkadotpineapple.blogspot.com/2008/03/tutorial-t-shirt-yarn.html 

The only change I made to the tutorial was using my rotary cutter and mat to make the first cuts, then using scissors for the diagonal cuts to create continous strips.  As I wound the strips into balls, I tugged on the strips until the edges rolled creating a nice 'yarn'.  Using a size K hook, I crocheted  an oval out of double-crochet stitches to the size I thought would work, then continued hooking (with a few decreases throw in) until I had a shallow 3-inch edge and called it 'done'. 

It's a bit wonky but I'm happy with it and Libby seems to like laying on it - which means less cat hair to vacuum off the carpet --and, the project kept me entertained on a cold and dreary Saturday! 

Sunday Afternoon

The house is quiet except for the hum of the washer/dryer.

Willy Jay and Libby are down for a nap.

A mushroom quiche is baking in the oven. 

I've read the paper, sipping a Sonic Diet Vanilla Coke.

Stitched a few 'grannys' - inspired by Lucy.

And, clicked my way through my favorite blogs

It is true that the little things in life can make you happy

Flannel + stitching + clipping = Fluffy !

Find a box full of flannel prints (left overs of pajama pant making for the grandbabes)

Can't bear to throw out or donate - cut into 10 inch squares. 

Stack two squares (wrong sides together)& sew an X through each set of squares.

Lay out squares into rows & stitch together in random pattern, using 1-inch seam allowance.

(I added a half-square to each row to off-set the seams)

Stay-stitch around entire quilt, 1 inch from edge.

Clip all seams and edges while watching Downton Abbey.

Throw in the dryer for 15 minutes.

Result:  Fluffy Ragg Quilt -

perfect for movie nights at MoMo & Papa Bill's!

Size:  65"x74"



On another note:   I barely knew which teams were playing yesterday -

but, I did contribute to the Super Bowl Sunday madness.

Purchased at my local quilt shop during their Super Bowl Sale -- 30% off !!

My little space . . . .

For the life of me, I have never understood how those lucky enough to have a large craft/sewing studio - keep them neat and tidy.  I see all those beautifully organized work spaces in quilting magazines - fabric folded and tucked away in a antique hutch or stacked in custom-made shelves draped with swags of hand-made bunting.  All that organized/labeled glory simply takes my breath away -- but, then I realize they might be just like me -- creative and messy -- just on a much larger scale!  That all those studios aren't always that pretty all the time.  Which means I feel better about sharing these pictures of my little space - before & after.

Here's what it looked like last week - all the sewing/crafting/knitting leading up to Christmas had taken it's toll.  Which led me to take a few organizing ideas from those magazine studios I've been admiring.  Ideas that will help me keep the space more 'user friendly' and ready to use whenever I have a few minutes to create.

 
My weekend was spent sorting and purging - gaining a bit of control over the 'stuff'.  Some works-in-progress were put in large zip-locks and stored in the large black plastic tote that now sits on my sewing table. My current project (using only stash flannel - more about that when it's finished) is waiting for me in another black tote under the table - ready when I am.

Other WIPs were abandoned - fabric returned to stash or donated - what matters is that they are gone.   And, I'm telling  you - it feels good to have my space all neat and tidy.  It may not be 'magazine' pretty - but, it's my little corner of the creative world !

Note:  Large plastic tote on table: Target $7.99 - Large plastic bucket tote under table: WalMart $4.84 -- both are very sturdy and hold lots of 'stuff' !!

Weekend Stitching

The only place where housework comes before needlework

is in the dictionary. 

~Mary Kurtz

Over the weekend . . . . .

laundry was finished (we had to have something clean to wear),

the cooking/washing-up was done (eating is also important)

but, I admit other household chores suffered. 

Instead, I cut, and stitched, and pressed --

and, enjoyed it immensely!

Making Progress

Christmas Sewing Season is in full swing - things are getting messy (but also getting finished too!)
Two quilts delivered to the long-arm quilter and one 75% done. 

Still on the 'To Do' list : 

• lap quilt
• baby quilt
• quilted potholders
• hum-bug bags

Must focus on above list and not start any new projects (and keep repeating that sentence over and over to myself !!)

Granny-ing Along

It's been so hot this summer that knitting with a lap full of wool yarn has not be high on my list.  But, I've still managed to create with wool - just on a much smaller scale. 

Granny Squares that will hopefully become a lap blanket soon.  Began as a way to use up my left-over Berroco Vintage Wool yarn -- that only lasted for a few Grannys -- so far I think I've purchased at least 9 skeins. Each Granny is approximately 7 inches and I'm thinking of doing 7x7 rows which, with a border, should make 50" square.  But, then again, my skill with math has always been an iffy thing - which means I'll stitch until it's big enough or I get thoroughly tired of the Grannys.   In the mean time, the Grannys are keeping me well entertained !  

Sunday Sewing

Sitting in my little corner

Sewing strips of 'girl' prints together

Hearing a Mocking Bird sing through an open window

'Oldies' playing softly on the radio

Sunday afternoon doesn't get much better than this !

Finished lap quilt top - pinned to window blinds just to see how pretty it is with the sun shining through.