1, 2, 3...

There's really not much going on around here.  

Must be why I have not blogged.

(wow...it's really been almost 3 weeks?)

BUT...

I do - finally - have something to show you.

3 doll quilts.

For 3 little neighbor girls.

Each doll quilt measures about 18 inches square.  

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Thanksgiving is tomorrow.

I have much to be thankful for.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Time of Year...

It's that time of year!  You know, the time of year when you have far more on your 'to do' list than any one person could possibly imagine getting done!  

As usual, my list is too long.  Commitments to honor.  Christmas and birthday gifts to make and send.  I am plugging away at it and have actually been able to cross a few things off.  woohoo!!  I won't be able to show photos of all that I am working on, but I will try to remember to show those photos once things settle down at the end of the year.  

This is what I've accomplished recently...

Two outfits for Emma to model for my Etsy shop...

this has been done for awhile, but I had some finishing touches to make.

snails and text...what's not to love about this outfit?

  Pillowcases...

love the dots the best but they both make me smile!

these three were made 'envelope closure' style, so no pillow shows!

 Kleenex cozies...

always need to have some of these to work on

piano lining and choir fabric

see?  choir!  makes me want to sing!

 Doll quilt...

so not in love with this...not sure what to do with it now

Plans for sewing with corduroy and linen coming up this next week.  Hope things turn out as I envision!

What are you working on?

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Here's my sweet boy...oh, how I love him!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Mini Wonky Charms Quilt...and TagEButt...

 I love this boy...

the (brown) boy and his warthog...

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I finished quilting and binding this doll quilt.

It measures 15x18 inches before laundering.

front

 back

my label

That's all I have for today!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Hand-Pieced Quilt...

Back in January of 2012, Erin of whynotsew blog fame, started a quiltalong for a hand-pieced doll quilt.  Well, never having done hand-piecing, I was curious, so signed up for it.  I used all oranges with white as a background and sashing fabric. 

My plan was to hand-quilt this.  But, I didn't.  It sat around forever!  I'd pick it up and try some hand-quilting and decide that I didn't like what I was doing...then let it sit around some more.  I finally decided that I really needed to finish it.  The batting I used was given me by my lqs to try.  It is so soft and a much more lofty batting than what I'm used to (warm and natural).  I machine quilted it...each block its own pattern determined by the lines of sewing.  I made 2 rows down the sashings.  It's a bit poofy, but okay, I think. 

This little quilt measures ~20" square.

Here it is now...

For the backing, I used a piece of vintage fabric given me by a coworker...I had planned to do the quilting in an aqua or teal to match, but went with white thread when I decided to machine quilt it.

  

I am finally able to cross something off my list!  I seem to keep adding, but never subtracting from it.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Best Laid Plans and All of That...

This past week was the one where I was going to start - in earnest - working on making some doll clothes.  Yet, here it is, Saturday evening...and I have not made a single step in that direction.  Well, I guess that is not exactly correct.  I found a lovely pattern that I am excited about using.   I am in the process of tracing the pattern pieces onto pattern paper, and will start cutting and sewing as soon as I finish that process.  

(Pattern paper...the paper that patterns are printed on.  You know, like the patterns you buy at the store...Simplicity, Vogue, McCall's, Butterick, etc.  Only this is white paper and comes on a roll.  I had some years ago when I had another business and also used it when I had my rug hooking hobby/business.  I thought I had some left, but couldn't find it, so bought a roll a month ago.  What's nice about it is this...when a pattern comes in several sizes, I can trace the pieces I want in the size(s) I want and don't have to worry about cutting off a size I may need later.  OR, now that there are so many patterns available by instant download, it's nicer to have the pieces on pattern paper rather than on copy paper.  That's probably more information than you wanted to know, but there it is.)   

I procrastinate.  Big Time!  However, this week was more about laying low because I was bothered with headaches.  Not migraines, thankfully, but bad headaches nonetheless.  Every day this past week.  ugh.  First time since my retirement.  Not sure what is/was going on, but I didn't have one today, so perhaps the cycle is broken.

So, needing to do something, but not wanting to work on something new (ya know, where I'd have to think), I finished putting together some double hourglass blocks.  

I have a total of 76 of these blocks...they are so easy to put together.  The fabric collection is Fig & Plum by Fig Tree & Co. for Moda.  I received the fabric from Cathy a few years ago (you know, that supply of fabric from her that will never run out).  She had started this quilt...and I am finishing it.  It will make a very nice lap quilt for someone.  I just need to decide how to arrange the blocks and I will get the top put together.  But, oh dear, who knows when I will get around to quilting it!!?!!  

And, from the leftover pieces, I cut some 2" blocks.  Here's a sneak peek at the little quilt top I put together.  I think it's going to be the perfect size for someone's doll...

    
Those 2 quilt tops were easy for me to work on...as in, they required no (well, almost no) thought.  

Besides working on the doll clothes in earnest, I have a list of side projects to complete within the next month:
*1 Kleenex cozy done
*2 Halloween trick or treat bags for five month old babies (one boy and one girl...wait til you see what I am going to do with them!) done
*2 skirt linings
*1 custom carrycot
*strawberries (I just joined a strawberry pincushion swap that Erin started...go here if you'd like to join in)

It's nice to have side projects.  As long as they do not become distractions/diversions.     

And, in addition to all of this sewing stuff going on, I am editing 3 volumes of poems for a friend.   I am almost done and hope to get everything sent off this week.   

I have yet to think about Christmas...and I absolutely refuse to think about it for another month or so.  I may be sorry, but I need to set some priorities.

So.  If all works out, I should have some fun things to show you by next weekend.  

In the meantime, have a great Sunday and a great week!




"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.". Jeremiah 29:11

Swapping...

Remember this little quiltie?  I posted about it here...

Well, Erin loved it.  Absolutely loved it!  You all know Erin, right?  Her blog is why not sew? .  She and I did a swap 2 years ago...the 'we double rock swap' (click here and here).  Because she loved this little sunshine star quilt so much, I sent it to her and told her we could do another swap.  So, we did.  Just the 2 of us.  That's the name of it...'just the two of us'.  Cuz it was.  Just the 2 of us.  Nobody else.  Two.  Us. 

Today was my lucky day...I received the quilt that she made for me!  And, you know what?  I love it!  I absolutely love it!  It is perfect!!!  Totally me!

I snagged the photos off Erin's blog...her photos are gorgeous and show off this precious quilt so well...

The fabric is Sonnet by April Cornell for Moda.  It measures 16.5 inches square.  My colors.  Exactly!  Perfect in every way.  Thank you so very much, Erin!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

Sunshine Stars Doll Quilt...

 Another finish.

I am very pleased with how this turned out.

I put together this sunshine star doll quilt with

scrap pieces from my large hexagon sunshine quilt

(that has yet to be finished!)

and Kona cotton solid in White.

Wonky stars are easy - and fun! - blocks to make...

you'll find the tutorial here.

I quilted in a very small meandering pattern

up to the edge of each point of the stars.

I did not 'stitch in the ditch' around the stars

to outline them as originally planned.

The stars themselves are very poofy.

After laundering, this measures ~20.5 inches square.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10

Birthday Celebration!

Yesterday was Kaylynn's birthday party.

Julie and I had a lovely time in the company

of my sons and their families!

Kaylynn was crowned

Princess Kaylynn

and loved being the center of attention!

Here is what I was working on last week...

Not quite square, it measures about
19 x 20 inches after being laundered.

I used Kona solid in White

with scraps from the quilt I started

last summer for Kaylynn.

I guess I'll need to get that one finished!

Go here to see the Paris Park quilt top.

Princess Kaylynn loved her new doll quilt...

 It was a great day!

1800's Vintage Quilt

It's midnight...but I wanted to post this before going to bed.

I just finished this little quilt top...measures ~20.75 inches square.  Each of those little squares measures 3/4".  There are 193 colored squares. 

The instructions for this 1800's Vintage Quilt can be found here, at the Moda Bake Shop.  A bunch of us over at the Small Quilt Talk Yahoo! group are working on this pattern.  I used all reproduction fabrics, shown here.  Plus, Kona cotton solid in 'snow'. This was a fun and easy little quilt to put together.
 

I had all the little 9 patch blocks put together and had the setting squares and rectangles cut out before today.  So, all I had to do tonight was piece all the little blocks together into bigger blocks and put it all together.  It needs a really good pressing, but I'm pretty happy with it.

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10

Regaining Self...

At last.  I have some energy!  The pneumonia cleared within 2 weeks, but the fatigue has been making me crazy...it's been a long time regaining my energy/stamina.  After 5 weeks, I am finally feeling more like my (old) self again. 

Today is craft day.  Lots of projects to catch up on.

I've been very undecided about how to quilt the 2 dqs9 quilts I am making.  Made a decision this a.m....on one of them, anyway.  I stitched in the ditch around the center blocks and around the black borders.  Then, I quilted straight lines on all 4 sides of the green border.  Still need to bind it...will use Half Moon Spots (black with white spots).  Here's how it looks thus far.  It makes me smile.

Got my August Bee Addicted 3 blocks done for Liz.  She wanted square in a square blocks.  With only her fabric...Route 66 & solids.  I messed up on this one...measure twice, cut once?  Oh, okay.  Next time, for sure!  Wanted to do blue all the way around.  Well, Liz can change it out if she wants.  

 

Must keep on truckin'. 

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10

Upcoming Projects...

I need more to do.  

Actually, I had a gaping hole in my time

(yeah, right...ha!)

because I quit the simple sampler quiltalong.

No particular reason. 

Yesterday, the Small Quilt Talk yahoo! group

I belong to was just buzzing.

There is a challenge AND a quiltalong starting right now.

The challenge is from Kathy Tracy...a star block doll quilt.

Here's the fabric I chose for my stars...

The fat quarters are Luna Notte by 3 Sisters for Moda...

coming to quilt shops near you this month or next.

I'll have to pick up a bit of yardage once it arrives...

for the sashing and backing and binding.  

And, there is a quilt along starting...

the 1800's Vintage Quilt on the Moda Bake Shop here.

This is the fabric I'll be using for that.

I'll be adding in some odds and ends that I have

left over from the Pioneer Sampler BOM.

I bought the fat quarters that are shown...

the 3 on the right side I had in my stash.

Lots of nice reproduction fabrics

I can use for more doll quilts. 

So.

I'm thinking that will keep me busy for a bit.

What do you think?

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might. - Ecclesiastes 9:10

Fresh Scrappy Doll Quilt...fnsi

Here's what I did with my Friday Night Sew-in...
I put together this little doll quilt.
It's made with scraps of the Fresh fabric line
(still more scraps left from this quilt)
by Deb Strain for Moda and with
Kona solid cotton in white.

Just cut & sewed strips
and joined them together.
Easy peasy.
I love the crisp look of it.
So, I haven't washed it, yet.

I quilted in random lines with

a green variegated thread...

barely shows on the back,

but I like the look on the front.

This will go in my etsy shop later today.

A New Adventure.

Remember when Cathy

from Quilting on Turtle Hill

sent Aubrey to me?

That most precious of dolls?

Well, a few weeks ago,

Cathy asked if I'd be interested in making

carrycots and doll quilts.

She doesn't have time,

but her customers are asking.

She would send them to my etsy shop.

Who could say no to that?

So.

Here's my first completed set.

A carrycot measuring 10 x 16 and with 5" sides...

quilted, with handles for carrying.

A mattress measuring 12 x 17.

A pillow and pillowcase measuring 5 x 8.

A little quiltie measuring 12.75 x 12.75.

I'll be listing it in my etsy shop tomorrow.

I hope to make these, as well as separate doll quilts...

and keep up with my own stuff.

I am very excited to see where this takes me!
It's a new adventure!

DQS9...Another Little Quiltie!

The middle section was done almost a month ago...just haven't gotten back to it. Until yesterday. I've taken little bits of time these two days to get the little bit of it - that there was left to do - done. Measures about 15" square.

Having a lazy Sunday. Usually, my Sundays are spent trying to get everything done that I didn't get done Friday night or all day Saturday. Knowing that I don't work tomorrow sure has a way of changing my outlook, ya know?

Or, maybe it's cuz I don't feel good.

DQS9...

I am patiently waiting to hear who my partner is for this doll quilt swap round.  I participated in dqs7 & dqs8 and had a blast!  It was great fun to stalk and plan and reveal sneak peeks and finally...to send off my quilt and await the verdict.  Then, to await - with some trepidation - the arrival of the quilt someone made for me!  So far, my partner has gotten me spot on!  But, ohboy...it'll all start again very soon.  

I have been busy over on my Flickr account making galleries to put my faves into.  What fun that is!  For sure, I could mark many quilty things as faves, but putting those into galleries is a great way to show why I like what I like.  Whether it be for the design, the color combination, the quilting technique...whatever.  All nice and tidy and with lots of room to explain why a specific fave is a fave.  I don't have that many...there are some who have hundreds of faves!  I guess I've been a bit too selective because of the various reasons I like what I like.  Now...more freedom.  YAY!  

It sometimes takes a bit of time for me to come up with the perfect plan...the perfect doll quilt design for my partner.  I'll not be able to reveal who that partner is, but I will definitely show you all sneak peeks as I work on the quilt. 

Have a great Sunday!

edited to add:  got my partner...YAY!  I have a ton of ideas...now to begin the plan.  {grin}

My Friday Night Sew-in Results!

I didn't get as much done as I thought I might, but I am very pleased with what I did accomplish.

You saw this yesterday...another tote bag. 

You didn't see this...a doll quilt made with scraps that were in the giveaway box I won from Cathy of Quilting on Turtle Hill .  This sweet quilt measures about 15 inches square.  I love this color combo! 

I spent some time trying to get this perfectly matched.  This is the backing for my large whirlygig quilt.  I wanted the backing to be one huge gorgeous piece of floral fabric.  Not pieced.  As you can see, I am just a teeny tiny bit off.  I think that once it's quilted and wash/dried, it won't be at all noticeable.  (click on photo to enlarge)

That's all, folks!

Have a great weekend!

This n That...

I was planning on doing a post yesterday...a big long post...baring my soul and all of that.  I got so busy getting things done, though, that I never did sit down and write it.  Now, this a.m., it seems totally inappropriate.  But, I do have a lot to say, so sit back and relax and enjoy the ride (read).  

Today is a special day for celebrating motherhood...

Happy Mother's Day to all!

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I had my 3rd injection of synvisc on Friday morning and am so pleased with the results.  No pain!  Well, an occasional twitch here and there, but nothing like I have had for so long.  

Friday was kind of an off day for me.  Will spare you the details.  Suffice it to say that I was feeling sorry for myself.   So, on my way home, I was having a good talk with myself...so what if I don't have this or that or so what if my life is different than what I thought (30 years ag0) that it would be.  Were it not for what has gone by, I would not have what I have now.  And, I did have the next 4 days off work, after all! That's gotta make one feel better, yes?

God has such a way of showing me what a doofus I am.  Ya know?  And, He apparently thought that I needed a BIG message.  There were 3 fun things waiting for me when I got home.  2 packages and a wonderful friendship card.  It was like being slapped upside the head..."are you paying attention, now?" 

The card, sent just because...from Kelley of With Hook & Needle.  I wish we lived closer.  Thank you so much, Kelley.  It sure warmed my heart.

A package from my sister, Joyce, in Alaska.  Had no clue what she sent.  Not my birthday and not any other celebration.  WOW!  It's a calendar...she buys me an Iditarod calendar every year...but for Christmas...not this early in the year.  BUT, what's this?  A 2011 Alaska Quilts Calendar.   Ohboy...this is such an awesome calendar...a collaboration of quilters for a special project to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Alaska statehood.  Here's a photo of the back of the calendar...if someone reminds me, I'll post a photo at the beginning of each month.  These are so awesome and I LOVE this!  Be sure to click on the image to enlarge it.  Thank you, Joyce! 

The 3rd fun thing...a package from Cathy of Quilting On Turtle Hill.  Now, I've mentioned Cathy before...I won a giveaway...a box of scraps.  Well, not really scraps, as there are some large pieces in there!  I made the 'love is in the air' quilt and a pinwheel quilt and a fabric basket and now, the doll quilt (more on that in a bit).   A few weeks ago, Cathy started making dolls and they are just the cutest things I've seen!  Each one having different hair style & color and eye colors...different clothes...they are too adorable for words!  Please be sure to click on the link above and see these too-cute-for-words dolls!  Well, I've been very vocal in my comments on Cathy's blog.  About how much I liked them.  Last week, Cathy asked for my address.  When I sent it to her, I asked if I was getting another box of 'scraps'.  She said that I was not...that maybe her dog, Brodie, had bought a new toy for Tag!  So, I really had no clue what was in that box.  The box wasn't very heavy, and when I picked it up, something inside kinda flopped...so I was thinking that she really did send a new toy for Tag!  Well, I opened the box and about fell over on the spot!  She sent me this...

A 14" doll of my very own!  Isn't that just the most adorable doll ever!  I mean, really!  EVER!!!!  She is posing here with a little quilt my gram made for my chatty cathy doll a bazillion years ago.  She definitely needed her own quilt.  So, I made one for her!  Here it is...all washed and dried and crinkly soft...measures just over 13" square.

The squares finished at 1"...itty-bitty squares.  I did no pinning on this one...and was happy that the points all lined up so nicely.

 We had a photo-shoot this morning...

 ...and Tag helped (?).

 She tired out quickly...

That's all I have on that.  Except that she needs a name.

edited to add:  she now has a name...Aubrey Lynn.  Thanks, Janer!

Ya know...I don't have a lot...but what I do have is precious to me.  That very definitely includes all of the very nice, wonderful, creative & talented, and generous friends in my life.  Those I've met in person and those I've met online.  I thank you all.