Sew Diva Diane

Movie Monday 1/30/12

2012-01-30T21:23:00.001-05:00

Monday again. And the last one in January! Already!

This video is just a down and dirty way to make your own labels. It is neat because you don’t need special transfer or photo fabric stuff (mind burp alert! I can’t think of the proper name!)

Enjoy!

Very Funny-and True!

2012-01-28T21:46:00.001-05:00

Lauren just sent me this. It is perfect!

Classes at Mission Rose

2012-01-27T19:08:00.001-05:00

I am teaching a couple classes at the shop this winter. Here are my samples:

This is a table mat using reversible quilted hexagons. It is the same technique I used for this little purse.

I have really been wanting to teach a hand piecing class so I came up with this wall hanging:

I have a renewed interest in doing handwork. I am working on another hexie project. I will post more on it later.

Happy Sewing!

I Have Had a Very Hard Day!

2012-01-26T21:46:00.001-05:00

(By the way, Buddy brought the elephant with him-we did not put it there!)

What Time Is It?

2012-01-26T09:33:00.001-05:00

Time to show you my new clock!

Isn’t it too cute? Mimi got this for me for Christmas. I finally got a picture of it the other day. I love the way its eyes and tail move!

So Where Have I Been?

2012-01-25T21:34:00.001-05:00

Actually it is kind of embarrassing. A friend gave me a computer game- Seven Wonders ll and I am terribly in love with this game. It is just a jazzed up Bejeweled Blitz. It has several levels and I have been stuck on one level for about a week now! Another friend calls these games “time-suckers” and that certainly describes this game. I have to wean myself off…

In the meantime, I have been doing a little sewing. In fact I have the baby quilt on the frame. I don’t want to show too much, but here is a peek:

It will actually be done before the shower!

I will post more pictures after Karen receives the quilt.

Movie Monday 1/16/12

2012-01-16T15:03:00.001-05:00

I remember watching Billie Lauder on Alex Anderson’s show (was it Sew Many Quilts? I can’t believe I don’t remember!!).

I think Eleanor Burns does the same trick. Either way It is still neat.

Enjoy!

The Owls Have Landed!

2012-01-13T12:38:00.001-05:00

A New Project for the New Year!

2012-01-12T18:49:00.001-05:00

My niece, Karen is expecting a baby girl this coming April. Last week we went to Mission Rose to pick out some fabric for her quilt.

We picked out Terrain by Kate Spain for Moda (I love this line!). Karen’s theme is owls. I found a picture we both liked and I started it today.

This is how far I got today. I want to sew down this layer before adding the momma and baby owl. I am loving it already!

The quilt is going to be a variation on a Chinese Coins pattern. (I got the idea from a quilt on Moda Bake Shop) This will be part of the center of the quilt.

Karen’s shower is Feb. 11. Will it be completed in time? Stay tuned!

Movie Monday-make that Thursday

2012-01-05T19:47:00.001-05:00

Oh I hope you like this as much as we do!

Michael and I went to Katie’s on Christmas morning to watch the boys open presents. We got Dylan a guitar and this is part of his first concert.

In case you don’t recognize the song, I only know it as “The Tractor Song” by Jason Aldean.

Enjoy!

Dylan’s Guitar

This Better Be Good

2012-01-05T18:23:00.001-05:00

So at 3:00 I decided to look for something to cook for dinner. I found a recipe and surprisingly I had all the ingredients. I defrosted the turkey tenderloin( I lied-I had to sub in the turkey for chicken tenderloin) and at 5:00 I started cooking.

I guess I should have read directions along with the ingredients. 45 minutes later this was ready to go into the oven:

It is a potato crusted chicken and veggie casserole. It has to cook 45 more minutes.

This is what my kitchen looked like:

What you can’t see is the bottle of Kahlua that fell and broke inside that corner cabinet. I don’t drink Kahlua, I don’t like Kahlua, I don’t know why there was Kahlua in that cabinet.

So I have more than enough time to pick up the kitchen before my casserole is done.

I will let you know how it turns out.

Happy New Year

2012-01-05T10:29:00.001-05:00

Yes I do realize that it is January 4. I have been thinking about this post for a while.

While reading other’s blogs I have made note of resolutions, changes and plans others have for the New Year.

I asked my husband what his resolutions were for this year. He informed me, “I don’t have any. I am already perfect.” (well, OK he is darn well near perfect, except for… oh, never mind.

I have broken several New Year’s Resolutions through the years, but I will share a couple of goals I have for 2012:

1.Losing Weight. This is everyone’s goal isn’t it? I have the tools and a good start on this one. I did gain 2 pounds between Thanksgiving and January 1, but I did manage to make some good choices over the holidays and now that the cookies are all stale (That is right! I did not eat them all this year!) I am back on track. In July I said my goal was to be 50 pounds thinner next year at this time. My doctor and I agree this is a healthy goal that allows me to be satisfied at the end of a meal. Again, I hope to be 50 pounds thinner next year in January.

2. Projects. We call them, UFO’s, WIP’s and the albatross around our necks. I would like to believe I will finish one a month or that I will finish one before I start a new project but will even that make me happy-or whittle down all those unfinished projects? I like to create, I like to experiment, and I like to make pretty things! Sometimes Things I start don’t always work out as planned. So I give myself permission to finish those things I want and to gift or get rid of things I know I won’t finish. And it is OK to start a new project!

3. Fabric. Yes this is a problem-and I work at a quilt shop! But this will be a resolution. Stop buying fabric when bored at work and double check my stash before shopping. Stop “stocking up” and use what I have. JoAnn’s and the fabric stores will survive the economic crisis is I don’t buy interfacing until I need it!

4. OKAY, this is the biggy and this comic sums it up quite nicely:

http://www.gocomics.com/grand-avenue/2012/01/04

I do worry how others view me and I am always looking for approval on everything I do. I know that I drive my kids crazy worrying that I might have said something that was taken the wrong way. I APOLOGIZE WAY TOO MUCH! Sorry about the caps, there…

Anyway…let’s work on this mantra: I can’t change other people. I can only change myself and how I view others. And they are not all angry with me or judging me constantly!

Sewing pictures, later!

Digital Christmas Story

2011-12-24T16:59:00.001-05:00

Please click on the link below for an interesting take on this wondrous story. Have a joyful and blessed Christmas!

Digital Christmas Story

Movie Monday 12/19/11

2011-12-19T08:14:00.001-05:00

No tips today. Just a fun video from the 30’s predicting fashions in the 21st century. I love the men’s fashions. And the cell phone holder is spot on! Enjoy!

A Christmas Miracle!

2011-12-17T18:26:00.001-05:00

Yes I finished a Christmas project before Christmas!

Okay, I started it for last Christmas…but it is done!

I made a tablecloth for my table. No batting, quilting or binding makes for a quick finish.

I found 60” wide fabric that I think was intended for a tablecloth so I used it on the back(the border stripe was on just two sides)-so it is reversible!

It feels so good to finish something!

Christmas is Coming….

2011-12-17T16:38:00.001-05:00

Buddy does not like to get his picture taken. It is that or I just take lousy pictures… But we love him so much we just keep trying!

We were holding cheese to get him to look up!

Happy Holidays | Carlson School of Management

2011-12-13T09:45:00.000-05:00

This is really cool. Enjoy!

Happy Holidays | Carlson School of Management

Where Did Monday Go?

2011-12-13T08:31:00.001-05:00

Yesterday was Movie Monday wasn’t it?

This weekend went by in a blur and then yesterday was Monday. Adrienne was home for the weekend and we celebrated out family Christmas. Yesterday as I was heading out the door for work Katie called: she had hit a deer with the car taking Dylan to the doctor.

I won’t post a picture of the deer.

I picked up Dylan and took him to my house so Adrienne could watch him. In the car we talked about what happened and Dylan said “Sometimes things happen but we are all okay.”

I think I will try to remember that.

The Stockings Were Hung….

2011-12-10T20:21:00.001-05:00

Adrienne, Joe and Leonard are here this weekend. We are going to have our family Christmas tomorrow. Do you know what that means? I get to open a present! Yes!!

Here we all are decorating cookies last night:

It is wild and crazy-and noisy!-when we are all together but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

The Kindness Of Quilters

2011-12-10T20:01:00.001-05:00

This is a post that is long overdue. I had a very favorite pattern that that I used to make –by hand- when I first started quilting way back in the late 80’s. I usually made it as a pillow to give to very special people. The pattern was designed by Linda Brannock.

I went to find it a while back and it was gone. I searched for it frantically. I did several web searches and I even found a kit on e-bay but I did not win.

So I did another search and learned who had made the pattern and I found her website. I sent her a note asking if the pattern was still available.

I got a lovely note from her daughter. Karmen said she was going to visit her mom and she would check out the pattern. After several searches, Karmen found ONE copy of the pattern and sent it along to me.

Please visit Karmen at her website A Quilter Awakens. She does beautiful work. Thank you Karmen for being such a nice person!

Sneak Peak

2011-12-06T21:20:00.001-05:00

I have been doing some embroidery over the past couple of days.

I will post another pic in a few days when it is done.

The Latest from Japan

2011-12-05T16:02:00.001-05:00

As many of you know, I have a love affair going with Japanese books and fabric.

This is my latest book:

Not much from the cover, but look inside….

It is a book on reversible quilted projects. Of course they are all completed by hand although I suppose that it could be adapted to machine sewing. Here is my first project:

It is (to me, at least) the cutest little pouch made from just 3 hexagons! I just love it! It took me an evening to HAND SEW it all together. The folding took me longer-the first hexie took 45 minutes but then it got much easier.

This is the next project I want to make:

The purse is on the left. The two bigger pictures show the piece before sewing it into shape.

The book also shows cathedral window shapes-but oh, the twist that has been put on them! I will post more on that later…

Movie Monday 12/5/2011

2011-12-05T14:27:00.001-05:00

Is everyone ready for the holidays? Neither am I! The house is decorated and I have wrapped some presents but there is still lots more to do. The girls and I made sugar cookies last Friday. This Thursday Adrienne and her family are coming home for our Christmas together. And we will be decorating the sugar cookies together. We will also try to make some more.

Today’s video is origami. I have done some origami in the past and I hope to try one of these snowflakes this year. It is a rather long video (20 minutes) but the directions are very good.

Please let me know if you make one-and enjoy!

By the way, I know I have been ignoring my blog lately and I have so many things to share! But sitting and updating everything just has not gotten done. I hope you will stay with me-I promise to post very soon!

Monday Movie- 12/1/11

2011-12-01T08:26:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know I Know I have not posted in a while. Yes I know that it is not Monday. I hope that if I post a video of my grandsons (and Buddy!) you will forgive me.

I have lots to post- I will catch up soon!

In the meantime, enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

Movie Monday 11/14/2011

2011-11-14T10:15:00.001-05:00

Good Morning everyone! Sorry this is a little late. I had some computer problems but I am now set to go.

This week’s video is a little self-serving but I am not getting paid or anything to show it. I thought you all might like to see how I-any many others-set up for machine quilting. While it may seem a little tedious-it takes me about a half hour to an hour now-it sure beats crawling around on the floor basting or safety-pinning my quilts! My set up is similar to Kathy’s-I just have a different version of the frame.

Enjoy!

Happy Birthday!

2011-11-13T20:05:00.001-05:00

So ends another birthday week. Katie and I are another year older. Below are a couple more pictures. Katie blowing out her candles and the beautiful flower that Mimi and John sent me. Thanks to all for all my birthday wishes! Also thanks to my brothers and aunt for a great Italian dinner today. Oh dear, I weigh in tomorrow!

29 Years Old!

2011-11-10T21:44:00.001-05:00

It is not as pretty as Katie can do but it is filled with love and pride for my Katie. We love you and hope you have a great birthday!

Movie Monday 11/7/11

2011-11-06T15:43:00.001-05:00

Sometimes things just fall in your lap. I was pondering what this week’s video should be when this one showed up on my Google reader.

Seriously, I have never mastered making a knot. I just skrunch up my thread, give it a tug and hope for the best. But I think I can master one now. This video will show you , too!

Enjoy!

by shinyhappywendi

Special Delivery

2011-11-05T19:26:00.001-04:00

My husband came home last night and told me there was a package on the front porch. I get a lot of deliveries but I was not expecting this:

Adrienne and Joe sent me an herb wreath for my birthday (next week). Right now it is hanging where my clock that hasn’t worked in years usually hangs. It was suggested that I hang it on the side of my fridge so that I can use as I am cooking.

Isn’t it pretty? Thank you Adrienne, Joe, and Leonard! I love you and miss you!

Pondering…

2011-11-03T09:48:00.001-04:00

I rarely get introspective on this blog but I am hoping that writing about this will help me feel better.

My feelings are very easily hurt. I have tried, with difficulty, to develop a thicker outer skin but sometimes I it doesn’t help. I try to cover it with jokes, which sometimes gets me into trouble. I say things to other people which makes me feel even worse. I suppose that is why I am always apologizing to people. I don’t want them to feel like I do!

Anyway something happened yesterday. To tell you all what happened won’t change anything. But, to make myself feel better, I ate 5 sugar cookies. Which only made me feel worse. Then I felt bad-and nauseated.

I AM NOT GOING TO DO THAT ANYMORE! (OK- I will try very hard not to do that anymore…) Since July I have lost 22 pounds. Of that I am very proud. I can’t blame anyone else for my eating habits but I can try to control how I react. I have always told my daughters, You can’t change other people; you can change how you react to them. Maybe I will take my own advice…

On a lighter note…Remember these?

Well, since I posted I have made 6 more! I included a key chain on a couple. They are very addictive!

Too Cute!

2011-10-27T16:09:00.001-04:00

I picked up this pattern by Valori Wells, Saturday, at the quilt show. The actual size is about 3 1/2” by 4 1/2”. Each one took about 45 minutes to make including hand sewing. I think they are just too cute!

I may have to invest in a snap gizmo!

Busted!

2011-10-27T16:03:00.001-04:00

The other night I could not sleep so I came downstairs at about 3:00 am. Surprisingly, Buddy was not sleeping in his chair. That is because he was in my spare bedroom!

(I left a couple things on the bed…he was able to adapt)

Movie Monday 10/24/11

2011-10-24T09:02:00.001-04:00

So sorry about last week. I was in Baltimore visiting my daughter and her family. (more on that later).

This week, how about something different? Saturday I visited the Candlelight Quilt Guild’s Quilt Show here in Baldwinsville. This is one of my very favorite shows. The members are all so talented-and vey nice!

Just a couple of comments: I tried to show close-ups of a couple of quilts-a couple were actually hand quilted! There was also an interesting display commemorating the Civil War Sesquicentennial. Finally please look at Jake’s quilt. He did an awesome job!

Candlelight Quilt Show 2011

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Movie Monday-Late! 10/12/11

2011-10-12T09:50:00.001-04:00

Wow! I worked all day Friday, ran all weekend and then worked again on Monday and Tuesday. Today and tomorrow I get ready for Lancaster and Baltimore and I leave on Friday-yea!!!

So better late than never (I hope!) here is my video for the week. Have you visited Superior Threads? Lots of great information! I also subscribe to their newsletter. I have spent mucho time perusing the site.

Fabulous Four

Enjoy!

Another Civil War Block

2011-10-08T15:01:00.001-04:00

The title says it all. I have also included a close-up of the center that I fussy cut.

Ooh-those corners don’t look very nice. Let me try pressing them again….

Spare Change

2011-10-08T14:56:00.001-04:00

So the name of this pattern is Spare Change. You can find the link here. Thank you Mimi! Oh! I think that the fabric is Patisserie by Moda. I remember when we were looking for it.

My Job is Done!

2011-10-06T12:19:00.001-04:00

Next week Mimi and I are meeting in Lancaster, PA. We will do a little shopping, some sewing and lots of talking. When my husband and I visited Mimi and John this past summer, Mimi gave me a top to quilt for her. I posted about it here.

I finished the quilting this past weekend. While I was quilting it I thought that it was a yellow brick road quilt but I don’t think it is. Have you been holding out on me, Mimi? What pattern did you use??

Anyway it is done. Here is a close-up of the quilting.

Now I can bring it when we get together and Mimi can practice putting on bindings. I think we both did a great job!

Movie Monday 10/3/11

2011-10-03T08:09:00.001-04:00

October already!

Let’s have some fun. Today’s video is from Quilt In A Day. 100 ways to hide your stash. If only there was one about hiding the credit card….somehow I always get found out.

Enjoy!

Another Finish?

2011-09-30T13:57:00.001-04:00

Yes! Scary isn’t it? (I think that is a double entendre…)

Anyway, here is a little Halloween wall hanging that I made. Just a panel with a border and prairie points added. We found the branch outside this morning so it is even hanging already!

Am I on top of things or what?

That Time of Year Again!

2011-09-29T13:03:00.001-04:00

A Dog’s Life

2011-09-29T11:13:00.001-04:00

He has the best life in the world! So why does he always look so sad? By the way, he is sitting in HIS chair!

Memory Jogger

2011-09-29T11:08:00.001-04:00

Last night I was talking to my friend Mimi and I told her that her quilt was on the frame and I would be bringing it when we get together next month in Lancaster. And she asked me, “What quilt?” She had no memory of giving this quilt for me to machine quilt.

THIS quilt, Mimi!

If you still don’t remember it, it is OK. I will keep it!

Cinnamon Sticks

2011-09-29T11:00:00.001-04:00

I love this quilt! It is in my favorite fall colors and I love it! I am even pleased with the quilting. The final border is a little wonky but it works. And now it is done and I can enjoy it. Now to find a place to hang it so I can stare at it at will.

Movie Monday 9/26/2011

2011-09-26T08:37:00.001-04:00

Already I am forgetting what I have posted about! I was surprised to learn I had not posted about Leah Day yet.

If you have not seen any of Leah’s videos yet, you are in for a treat. What she does with a domestic machine is amazing. Her link is on my sidebar.

Enjoy!

Leah Day

Lost and Found

2011-09-22T15:19:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I was looking for another project when I came upon this old quilt. I started it back in the mid 1990’s and the center is handpieced. The hearts are hand appliqued. At some crazy moment I decided to machine quilt the outer borders. I used stars and must have not liked it. (OK the quilting is not good…)

Last night I put a binding on it. I tried tea dying it this morning;it came out lighter than I anticipated but I really like the way it turned out.

Lost and Found also applies to something else about this quilt. In the mid ‘90’s I was a part of an online group of quilters called GEnie Pioneers. We had several swaps and exchanges. One of the last swaps I did was 6” finished Ohio Stars. My theme was woven plaids. The blocks for this quilt are from that swap.

Recently that group “re-formed” on Facebook. How nice to have found this quilt at the same time I rediscovered our group of quilters. It has been so nice to catch up with my old friends. Serendipity, wouldn’t you agree?

CSS

2011-09-19T19:46:00.001-04:00

I have diagnosed myself as having CSS- Change of Season Syndrome. Symptoms include feeling really lazy, hating all my current clothing and having no desire to cook any meals (it is too hot for this and too cold for that). Of course this means that nothing really creative has been happening in my house.

But I am glad to say that I am starting to come out of my lethargy. I love fall in Central New York. The color changes that fall brings are a few weeks away but I already feel better. It is getting cooler and I am sleeping better. I am actually sewing again and I plan to get out the afghan I started last winter. I am hoping that cooking will become less of a chore and I can start making my comfort foods again (but I am looking for recipes that are a little better for me; I am down 16 lbs so far!).

Yesterday I started on a fall lap quilt. I just have to finish putting the borders on. It is a rail fence-very simple but oh I love the colors! I will post a picture when the top is done.

I will end this post with a few pictures:

Dylan found Michael’s old Halloween costume(sorry- it is a little blurry):

Michael drinking pepperoncini juice (don’t ask!):

My husband and Dylan chilling:

Movie Monday 9/19/2011

2011-09-19T08:32:00.001-04:00

I hope you all didn’t think that I made a video on binding odd angles. Oh no!! This is much better than anything I could do.

Enjoy!

It Is Done!

2011-09-18T18:36:00.001-04:00

I started this table runner way back in 2009. It is all hand pieced. Yesterday I finished the quilting and the binding.

Here is the deal. I have never put a binding on that wasn’t at right angles. Tune in to tomorrow’s Movie Monday to see how I attached the binding!

Movie Monday 9/12/11

2011-09-12T09:31:00.001-04:00

After last week’s example of how quickly people can create, I thought this week we might slow down.

This video shows a technique for starting and ending hand embroidery without knots. I am learning that neatness counts on both sides when doing hand work and this technique is certainly better than the one I use now. I am sure many of you already employ this technique but for you newbies to hand embroidery will appreciate this little trick.

Hand embroidery technique

Sometimes we need to s l o w down. Enjoy!

Where to Start?

2011-09-08T13:57:00.001-04:00

Actually I have had lots going on in the past couple of weeks.

I will start with a small family celebration. Last week my nephew visited from Philadelphia so my brother-in-law had a barbeque. This side of the family has not gotten together for a while so it was nice to catch up on all the gossip.

My nephew John and his girlfriend, Abby

Lauren and Jeff

Dylan and Marin

Dylan, Marin and Megan

I love watching the little ones interact. Our family is growing and I couldn’t be happier!

Monday, Kate and Lauren came over to can tomatoes. We got 29 quarts and 6 pints of tomatoes. Is it worth it? I like to believe that along with having tomatoes all winter but we also created some good memories. We also reminisced about my mother-in-law who taught me how to can. Now Katie is the expert, keeping us up to date on newer methods.

Finally, I am in the middle of making cookies. 300 to be exact! Shophop at Mission Rose starts next week and Kate and I are doing pineapples. (I do cookies-she decorates)

Just three more batches to go!

Movie Monday 4/5/11

2011-09-05T08:05:00.001-04:00

September already! The summer just flew by this year. It is true: the older I get, the faster the days fly by…

OK. Today’s video is outrageous, I admit it. But I was fascinated at how quickly this woman’s hand moved. If you have ever wondered how lace is made, you won’t learn anything. But you will be amazed at the process.

Lacemaking

If you are interested in making lace there are several tutorials out there. This site has a couple of videos of what sounds like a very young girl showing the technique. If only I were that talented!

Enjoy!

From this….

2011-09-04T09:59:00.001-04:00

to this!!

Well, it is not completely finished, but it is ready for me to machine quilt. It is basted and ready to go. Can I get it done this week? I hope so!

Also here is a little sample I made for the shop.

The pattern is “A Very Braidy Christmas”. The pattern calls for jelly roll strips but we have this fabric at the store. (This is the back of the runner)

I cut the strips apart and then just followed the directions. The whole runner took 1 1/2 yards-including the border, back and binding. We have a couple of similar stripes at the shop. I may make a few more!

Schembri Family Reunion 2011

2011-09-03T15:45:00.001-04:00

Last week my brother Frank hosted a wonderful party for my mom’s side of the family. Everyone brought food to share, lots of good stories and plenty of laughs. Family came from Michigan, Maryland, and (I think!) Minnesota. I took lots of pictures-sorry I took a week to post them. Check out Aunt Liz and her great-granddaughter- our oldest and youngest members of the family!

Frank, thanks for working so hard to make such a great party.We love you!

Schembri Family Reunion

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Movie Monday 8/29/2011

2011-08-29T08:25:00.001-04:00

Missouri Quilt Company

Have you visited this site yet? They have a lot of great quilting tutorials. I picked this one because you don’t have to buy a special ruler. Enjoy!

Movie Monday 8/22/11

2011-08-22T08:15:00.001-04:00

Today I have two videos for you! The first is a tutorial for a cute wallet from Thimble art. They actually have lots of tutorials on dimensional paper piecing. In fact I want to order a couple of the patterns. Really, check out this site!

Wallet Tutorial

This second video is not quilt related- just super cute. The dog reminds me of my Buddy-he is always happy when someone comes to visit!

I need to update some of my projects-hopefully this week!

Direct From Japan

2011-08-15T09:33:00.001-04:00

Before we left for vacation, I received a very nice surprise.

My husband’s intern was traveling in Japan for a month. Before she left, my sweet dear gave her some money and asked her to bring me back some fabric. She made some wonderful selections!

I think this bird fabric has some linen in it- I can use it with my daiwabo fabrics.

This fabric below is a mid-weight cotton.

The two fabrics on the left (below) are a lighter weight but I know that I will use them-in fact I bought a package of 3” hexies in VA that will work perfectly with them!

This little guy will have a special place on my shelf to remind me of lucky I am to have such a thoughtful husband!

Movie Monday 8/15/2011

2011-08-15T04:40:00.001-04:00

Hello Everyone!

This past week my husband and I were on vacation. We spent 4 days with Mimi and John in Virginia and then overnight with Adrienne and Joe in Baltimore. We had a wonderful time. Of course I have lots and lots of pictures to share. I will be posting them later this week.

I am in a foldy kind of mood. Here is an interesting way to make Cathedral Window blocks. You may recognize the same technique I used to make my folded bowtie block but it goes one step further. Enjoy!

Movie Monday 8/8/2011

2011-08-07T20:49:00.000-04:00

Here is a nice video featuring quilter Anita Shackelford.

Enjoy!

Hexagons: Part Two

2011-08-06T17:21:00.001-04:00

As promised, I will show you how I sew my hexies together. Thanks to my daughter Katie, who took the pictures for me.

OK-in this first picture I am holding 2 hexies right sides together. I start right in one corner and pick up a couple of threads from each hexie, avoiding the inside paper.

I do a whipstitch across the top of the two hexies. You are just skimming the tops of each hexie, just picking up a few threads of the fabric. If you hit paper, you are going too deep into the hexie.

Do you see how the green hexie is peeking out from behind the red one? That happens sometimes. After you do a couple stitches, pull the shorter hexie a little so that it is lined up at the end and continue sewing. They will ease together and then play nice at the end!

Here is another picture showing how I whip stitch the two together.

When you get to the end (see how nicely they meet up?), take a couple stitches but don’t cut your thread!

Here are two hexies sewn together.

Now we are ready to add the next hexie.

In the next picture, I am sliding the needle through the top of the hexie to get ready to sew again.

Imagine that the red is the center of your “flower” and the green hexies are the “petals”. In the next picture I am sewing the two green petals together.

At the end, take a couple stitches…

You will have something that looks like this:

Now take the hexie you just attached and line it up with your center hexie…

…and continue sewing.

Take a couple stitches at the end…

Two hexies attached! Continue in the same manner, and add another hexie,

add another.

One more to add,

and you’re done!

This is what the back looks like:

I tried to get a close-up of my stitches.

Remember the hole we punched in each paper?

Just stick your scissors in the hole…

And pop out your paper to use again!

Remove the papers only when you have sewn all around your hexagon. This occurs when you are sewing several pieces together

I am planning to make this little flower into mug rug. I will give it a good press, carefully take out the papers and attach it to a piece of wool felt. I will show it to you when I finish.

Oh! Look for Movie Monday on Sunday this week. I will explain later!

Something Old….

2011-08-01T17:42:00.001-04:00

I have been feeling lazy lately so I pulled out a project I started two years ago. It is an English paper-pieced (EPP) table runner.

I thought that I would highlight how to make them with this week’s video, but none of the videos I looked at showed the way I do them.

So here is a tutorial!

EPP is ridiculously easy but here are some hints(I have learned along the way) to make the process go more smoothly.

Two good notions to have are a paper punch and straw needles. I love the straw needles! they are comfy in my chubby hands and long enough to use easily. Much nicer than sharps. Use the paper punch to pop a hole in each of your papers.

You can make your own papers; this site has several sizes available. You can also buy your papers (there are several sites-and your local quilt store; I won’t list them here). I use card stock. They are reusable; also since I don’t sew through them, they are more stable (this will make sense in a bit!)

I have cut fabric to shape but now I use squares of fabric. Hexagons are measured by the side. A one inch hexagon is 1” on each side. That is the size I am using. I cut a 2 1/2” square for a 1” hexagon.

OK! Let’s start!

Center your paper hexagon on your square of fabric. I angle mine a little to give me more wiggle room. Pin the paper to your fabric through the hole. This allows the paper to float free.

Thread your needle with thread-but not too long! 18” is good. This is a good time to use up that old thread. Unless you use very dark thread on very light fabric it will not show through.

Fold the fabric at your first corner under and take a stitch.

Do not go through the paper! We are only basting the fabric. I take two stitches at each corner; one would probably be enough but my luck does not always run that way..

Go to the next corner. Fold the fabric under and take a stitch.

Remember-just go through the fabric! Can you see the basting stitch between the stitches (sorry about the thumb!)

Stitch the next corner…

…and the next..

2 more stitches…

You’re done! I take 3 stitches on the last corner and then just cut the thread.

Next time I will show you how I put the pieces together.

Oh! did I show you this yet?

It is a placemat I crocheted last month. I got the pattern from Purl Bee, but I changed the edging row.

Movie Monday 7/31/2011

2011-07-31T06:30:00.004-04:00

This is a favorite video of mine. Ricky Timms shows a one seam flying geese technique. The fabrics he uses are beautiful, but then, aren’t all batiks?
Enjoy!

One Seam Flying Geese

Movie Monday 7/25/2011

2011-07-25T07:03:00.005-04:00

Today’s video shows traditional patchwork from Korea. The technique is called Jogakbo. It is a folding technique similar to Cathedral Windows. The music is a little annoying but the direction are pretty good. Enjoy!

Catching Up…With a Mocha Latte

2011-07-23T13:59:00.001-04:00

This will be one post with several items. I hope that you will find something that you will enjoy!

First, our guild had our annual picnic this past week. Since the theme was summer garden, I brought these to share:

I baked and Katie decorated. Delicious!

The boys were having some fun and decided to put on each other’s shirts:

They are showing off their muscles. They are too goofy!

Do you remember the sashiko I was working on during the trial? (And I don’t want to talk about it!) I finished one and started another. The new on is white and I am using variegated thread.

Michael took a picture of my latest finished top. It is a striped fabric from Marcus-very quick to do:

It is a little blurry-sorry.

Finally, I have learned to make a decent mocha latte-with only 3-or less weight watchers points.

I make a pot of coffee-10 cups with enough coffee for 12 so it would be stronger- and I stick it in the fridge to cool it down (hot coffee never gets cold enough no matter how much ice I add).

To make the latte I fill a 16 oz. glass with ice and fill it 2/3 with coffee. Then I add 1/2 cup skim milk, I T. chocolate syrup and sugar (or substitute) to taste. I thought it tasted pretty yummy! If you decide to try one, let me know how you like it.

Have a great weekend and I will see you Monday!

Four Patch Posies

2011-07-19T20:55:00.001-04:00

I finished this quilt top:

It is very busy. Very busy!! It is really out of my comfort zone. But I will definitely finish it. I have a plan in mind-and it is very do-able on my frame.

Look for updates!

Another Finish!

2011-07-18T10:31:00.001-04:00

The quilt from you know where is finally done. As I quilted it I kept saying, “I really hate this quilt!” ( Cue Dylan in the background saying, “Momo! Don’t say hate!”)

So now it is done. After it was bound and washed I looked at it and said “I guess it really doesn’t look that bad…” There are some lovely mistakes quilted in but overall, I am pleased and I am glad that I did not give up on the quilt. What do you think?

Movie Monday

2011-07-18T07:37:00.000-04:00

I thought it might be fun to share videos that I have found on line each week. Some may be instructional; some may be just for fun or some, like today’s may inspire you.

Meet Diane, a quilter from Texas. I almost didn’t watch it but now I am glad I did. She has a great attitude. Surprisingly she became a quilter AFTER she lost her sight.

Blind Quilter

Finally…Finale

2011-07-16T21:22:00.001-04:00

Today my husband, my grandson Michael and I went to see the final Harry Potter movie. Michael and I prepared by watching Part 1 (and the Yankees) last night.

It. Was. Awesome.

When I finished reading the last book (and, by the way, I have read and or listened to each book at least 3 times) I was disappointed that the series was over The movie, although dark and somber at times was surprisingly uplifting. The short scenes of comic relief were appropriate and not at all forced. I was concerned the last scene (the characters as adults) would be cheesy, but it was very well played.

As a child going to the movies, I remember booing at the bad guys, cheering the heroes and applauding at the end. We showed our appreciation of a good movie. Many people at the theater showed those same reactions today (although Michael told me he thought that no one clapped as loud as I did).

I have started listening to the books again on CD. (Do yourself a favor and listen to the great Jim Dale reading this series.) Hopefully when I finish all six books, the video for this movie will have been released and I can enjoy it all over again!

P.S. Look for something new on Monday!

Happy Birthday Leonard!

2011-07-04T19:15:00.001-04:00

Adrienne, Joe and Leonard visited this weekend. Friday is Lenny’s birthday (one year old already!) so we had a party yesterday. Of course we also celebrated the 4th of July!

Yesterday we had beautiful weather for a party. All the kids (and some of the moms and dads) enjoyed swimming and we had lots and lots of food. A good time was had by all!

Katie made some cookies and a cake. Don’t they look delicious? Lauren made a trifle-it was too yummy!

Surprise! A red white and blue cake!

Lenny is eating his special cake, made by mom Adrienne.

Amanda and Lenny-Amanda is Lauren’s boyfriend’s sister.

And now, Adrienne, Joe and Leonard are back in Maryland. I miss you all but we will see you in August!

Something New

2011-06-19T12:57:00.001-04:00

We just can’t work on one project at a time, now can we? Although I could be finishing up LOTS of things, I chose to start something new.

I have a four patch posie (the correct spelling is posy, but I like ie better) pattern. You cut 4 exact repeats of fabric, layer them and then cut squares.

This is the fabric I chose:

And here are some of the blocks:

I found fabric in my stash for sashing and posts between the blocks. See, I am using my stash!

By the way, Happy Father’s Day to my wonderful husband and sons-in-law. You have all brought me-and my family- great joy. I love you guys!!

A Dog’s Life

2011-06-18T00:06:00.001-04:00

Starting Over…Again

2011-06-17T11:55:00.001-04:00

I have been trying to quilt this:

As I said, I am not pleased with this quilt. I decided to do an overall stipple and Katie looked at it and said, “You always do the same thing…”

So I picked out three rows of quilting. I had an idea to do a kind of feather idea but to get the effect I wanted. Unfortunately, the border was too wide and I picked all that out…

Difficult to see but imagine LOTS of little threads and holes on the quilt top.

So I am going to meander-but smaller- the borders and put a little design in the blocks. Sorry Katie, but it is going to look the same.

I am beginning to hate this quilt…

On a brighter note, I got some fabrics for my civil war quilt!

Can I tell you that each quarter cost me about $1.50 and the total shipping was $4.50? I am very pleased!

Look What I Can Do!

2011-06-11T19:56:00.001-04:00

Craftgawker

2011-06-10T08:31:00.001-04:00

No pictures today but I tried my hardest!

I originally found Craftgawker as an app for my ipad. It is a free app that shows lots and lots of links to all kinds of projects on the web. I spent mucho time looking at lots of links last night! The I found the website:

http://craftgawker.com/

So even if you don’t have an iphone or ipad, go take a look!

More Blocks

2011-06-09T14:08:00.001-04:00

I guess I am slowing down. I only have three more blocks to show today. I decided that I need more fabric (!) for the blocks so I am now searching for more.

I am not too sure about the top block. Any two of the three fabrics are all right together, but all three….I don’t know. The third block is paper pieced.

I am finding that she uses the 25 patch often (as in the middle block). I am going to make some templates to use for these blocks to use with my rotary cutter. I may do that with the 7 x 7 grids also.

It is very hot here; 95 degrees yesterday and about 90 degrees today. Today there is a little breeze and it seems to be less humid. The upstairs is very warm so I have abandoned my sewing room. Of course tomorrow is the day we are having central air conditioning installed. Yay! After 30 years!

My Little Secret

2011-06-02T16:21:00.001-04:00

OK-this is a little embarrassing but I have a confession to make.

I am glued to the television watching the Casey Anthony trial. Today Katie and I had to run out to run some errands and it was very difficult to leave the house. Thank goodness for Nancy Grace and Dr. Drew! I can get updates on what I miss. There are also a couple websites I visit.

Why is it so compelling? I wish I knew. Maybe I am trying to understand her psyche; how she could continue to lie even when presented with her inconsistencies. Yes, I believe she was somehow involved but I doubt we will ever know the real truth. One reporter/commentator stated that he believes that everyone in the family is lying about something.

So that the time is not completely wasted I have been sewing-in my sewing room until it gets too warm and then in the afternoon I watch while working on this sashiko project I picked up in Baltimore.

The fabric is light blue and I am using white thread. Of course I looked up directions after I started. Traditionally, you work in rows, starting at the out side edges. So I guess that that almost completed flower was done incorrectly. I also do not have the finger thimble I have seen in several pictures. Oh well-at least it looks like others I have seen!

Have you tried sashiko yet?

Three More Blocks

2011-06-02T15:58:00.001-04:00

I have 3 more Civil War quilt blocks:

So far, they are coming together fairly quickly. The third block in my pictures is not symmetrical to me but I did follow the directions. The measurements have included lots of 1/8” increments but they have not been too difficult to do.

On the Frame

2011-06-01T22:13:00.001-04:00

I put this quilt on my frame the other day.

I loved the fabric when I bought it. The background fabric is actually white with mini dots of the same colors in the blocks.

I liked the pattern, too. It went together very quickly. It is also big; it fits well on a queen sized bed.

But now I really don’t like the quilt. I put the piping border on incorrectly (long, boring story) so it is uneven in spots. I made the borders 10” wide to accommodate the blocks I put in the corners, so I can’t use the quilting pattern I wanted to use won’t work (I only have a 7 1/2” throat on my sewing machine).

So I am going to try to make the best of it. I am going to try using a pantograph to quilt this quilt. I have not used pantographs yet; I mostly meander or quilt through tissue paper patterns. I am a little nervous but I really want to learn to quilt from the “back of my machine” (i.e., using more all over pantographs.

I will keep you posted on my progress!

Civil War Blocks

2011-05-31T09:46:00.001-04:00

Here are the first three blocks:

So far, so good. The blocks finish at 6” and in some cases I oversized parts of the block and trimmed them down. The outsides of the middle block are on the bias, but I starched them up so I hope they don’t stretch too much.

Wow! I only have 118 more blocks to make!

Civil War Quilt

2011-05-30T20:44:00.001-04:00

I have a quilt on the frame. I have a quilt that needs its outer border quilted (I am doing it on my Bernina-which is in the shop for cleaning and updates). I have a binding to put on another quilt. So why am I itching to start something new??

I bought this book a couple of years ago. That was when I started collecting reproduction fabrics in earnest.

Barbara Brackman has started a blog to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. She is sharing one block each week. You can see her blocks here.

I was going to follow along with her using her fabrics (in fact I was all ready to order them) but today I decided to use the above book and my own fabrics. See-I can use what I already have!

I know-should I really start another project? There are 121 blocks in the book. I made the first two today (will post tomorrow). I figure that I have 4 years to finish the quilt, right?

Are you starting or making a civil war quilt this year?

Kitty Cover

2011-05-30T11:59:00.001-04:00

I don’t think I will keep the foot pedal in the pocket but I do like the way the cover turned out!

By the way, I did some test sewing on the machine and it really works well! The 1/4” foot works well and while the stitch options are limited they are great for piecing and even some applique work. I think that we will be great friends!

Recent Purchases

2011-05-29T22:13:00.001-04:00

I went to four quilt shops while visiting Adrienne and Joe-and I squeezed in a trip to Ikea! I bought over 20 yards of fabric. Yeah. That is a lot of fabric. I seriously have to stop buying fabric. I just have to convince myself it is OK to use the fabric.

(Do you do that? Save fabric for that “special” project? How special does it have to be???)

Anyway, here are some pictures of my goodies.The bag was a nice gift from the Seminole Sampler in Catonsville. The manager said that Adrienne and I were very entertaining! Please go visit if you are in the area!

Memories of Baltimore

2011-05-29T11:25:00.001-04:00

I really had a great time in Baltimore. I still think it is way too hot, but Adrienne and Joe were so good to me that I really didn’t mind.

Sunday I went out early for a last shopping spree and when I got home I took a little nap. I woke up to this:

Joe had gone out and gotten TWO pounds of shrimp! We had quite the feast. Joe finished his shrimp but I had to stop with a few left in the box. I am still thinking about them…

Thank you Joe and Adrienne for a great time! I can’t wait to see you again-at Lenny’s 1st birthday party in July. I miss you!

A Yankee in Camden Yards

2011-05-29T11:16:00.001-04:00

A Day in the life of Lenny

2011-05-21T12:07:00.001-04:00

I am certainly getting my Lenny fix while I am down here. This baby is just too too cute and he loves having his picture taken!

Enjoy the show!

Welcome to Baltimore!

2011-05-21T11:57:00.001-04:00

Well, actually Glen Burnie…

I am having a great time with Adrienne, Joe, Leonard and Steve. They tell me the weather is gorgeous-but of course, for me it is a little warm. The ride down was good; it rained in Pennsylvania, but then it always rains in PA!

Thursday, Adrienne and I went shopping in Catonsville. The strip mall we went to had this:

this:

AND this:

all next door to each other!

Adrienne did a little damage at the yarn shop (that is my purse and yarn on the counter ):

And I had a great time at the quilt shop. Everyone in there was so nice (but the manager did inform me that New York is TOO cold for her!)

Pictures of my purchases to come later!

It’s Here!

2011-05-17T16:15:00.001-04:00

My Hello Kitty machine arrived and it is too cute! I only played with it for a few minutes. I ordered a quarter-inch foot and metal bobbins for it so when I get back from Baltimore (going to see Adrienne and her family) I will try some sewing.

This actually works out well. I brought my Bernina in for a tune up-it has been 3 years!-so I can play with the Janome for a few days.

And in other news, our guild hosted a purse making workshop with the Gypsy Quilter. I made the Lily design from Lazy Gals. I used fat quarters from the Giddy line at the shop. I really like the way it turned out.

So tomorrow I am off to Baltimore and you know what that means: quilt and yarn shops and LOTS of pictures of Lenny!

See you soon!

It’s Raining…Again

2011-05-17T16:05:00.001-04:00

Life is Good

2011-05-14T15:17:00.001-04:00

I hope you all have many days like this. Katie and Dave came over for pizza and and the weather was beautiful and we all ended up outside.

And these are the times when I say life is good and I have been blessed. My family is healthy and happy and I hope these things never change. I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I will.

And of course Buddy was on patrol!

You have to love these faces!

Spring Flowers

2011-05-13T18:39:00.001-04:00

Today Katie came over and planted my little garden around the lamp post. This year we decided to go with orange and yellow.

It looks a little sparse right now but in a few weeks it will be perfect.

Thanks Katie!

Hello Kitty!

2011-05-12T11:54:00.000-04:00

Have you seen this? I have wanted a Hello Kitty sewing machine for the longest time! The machine is made by Janome and is a 3/4 machine and weighs about 11 pounds. Almost every review I have read has been positive; metal bobbins are suggested for better sewing.

So I finally ordered one from Target. I can’t wait for it to get here! I am hoping that it will work out as a travel machine; my Bernina and Viking are just too heavy to lug around. I will let you all know how it runs after I give it a good workout!

Can you see my teeth?

2011-05-04T17:29:00.000-04:00

Birthday Month

2011-05-04T14:34:00.001-04:00

April is over and with it another month of birthdays has passed. Adrienne celebrated her 30th birthday on the 23rd; Michael turned 10 on the 28th and Lauren and Dylan celebrated their birthdays on the 30th. Lauren (my youngest!) is 25 and Dylan is

(shown with his handsome big brother Michael)

Katie made a Handy Manny birthday cake:

The fondant and decorations were made from confectioner’s sugar and marshmallow. I love the tape measure! She also made the cookies.

Michael had his friends over for a football party. Katie found out how much food 11 ten year old boys eat! For his birthday I made Michael a Yankees quilt. Since cotton Yankee fabric is difficult to find I did some improvising.

The Yankee logos were appliqued. The grey Yankee square and the blue fabric were a shirt and pajama pants from Walmart.

I found the badges on E-bay.

2001 is the year that Michael was born.

Dylan said that HE wants a baseball quilt now!!

Mimi’s Quilt

2011-04-09T13:19:00.001-04:00

My very best friend Mimi took a beginning quilt class last year and completed a wall hanging. (She finally realized that I could not teach her all she needed to know!) She chose red hat colors (red and purple) and left the quilt for me to quilt and bind for her. And now almost a year later it is completed and back in Virginia!

I did a stipple in the background and then added straight line quilting to the blocks and border. I also sent Mimi some buttons if she wanted to add them to the flowers (She does)

Here is a close-up of the quilting.

I think she did a great job. Enjoy your quilt Mimi!

More Pictures!

2011-04-03T18:29:00.001-04:00

Oh, I love my handsome boys!

Teaching Again

2011-04-03T18:22:00.001-04:00

I will be teaching a class at Mission Rose this spring!

I have fallen in love with this book and I will be teaching the technique in May.

I have made these two samples and I want to make a third using the bigger sized block:

Above is a table runner and below is a wall hanging.

I have always enjoyed teaching and I am looking forward to the class!

Finally- A Post!

2011-03-29T13:41:00.002-04:00

Yes-I have been woefully negligent in my blogging duties. Everyday that I plan to post, something comes up. For example today it is this:

Our house is bi-level; the kitchen, which is the first floor, is below ground level by about 40”. This causes a LOT of plumbing problems because the drain run more horizontally than vertically. It also means that much of our plumbing is between walls instead of being exposed in a basement. (We don’t have a basement) What I thought was a slow running kitchen drain has become a leak somewhere in the pipes. The plumber has gone in search of a camera so he can see what is going on. We are not pleased.
In happier news, Adrienne and Joe baptized Lenny and had their marriage blessed earlier this month. We drove down to Maryland for the weekend.
Can I just say? Lenny is a healthy baby! He is 8 months old and is over 20 pounds! His christening outfit just fit him (although the hat was TOO small!)

He looks just like Adrienne did a that age. And he is a very happy baby:

And finally, I have been knitting a sweater. It is a neck down pattern with a V-neck:

It is actually a denim blue heather from Cascade 220 yarn.
Last night I babysat Michael and Dylan. Dylan was helping me by unwinding the yarn as I knit:

He is an excellent helper!
More to come!

UPDATE: The plumber(s) were here from here from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm tonight. They replaced several feet of pipe, snaked for hours and put a few holes in my lower cabinets (inside). My sink is still plugged up.

The verdict-we have a collapsed pipe under the cement floor in the hallway. It will require pulling the carpet, jack hammering the floor, replacing the pipe and then making all the repairs. We are looking at a second (and possibly third) opinion-and estimates. But as my husband has reminded me, it is not an earthquake or tsunami.

No Computer!

2011-02-24T22:14:00.001-05:00

My computer has been acting up lately so it is out being checked. I am typing this on my iPad. I am finding out how dependent I am on my lap top. Bejeweled Blitz is just not the same!!

At least I am doing lots more sewing! I finished a little quilt top today and I played with my flower maker. I will get pictures up ASAP!

A Clean Sewing Room…Again

2011-02-19T15:38:00.001-05:00

Yes I finally cleaned my sewing room-again! This time, instead of just shoving stuff into my closet, I was able to similar things together on my new shelves!

Look at this horrible mess- I moved the drawers from next to the TV to under the new shelves so now I have my desk area back.

This corner was killing me. If something fell, it was gone forever!

Now it looks like this:

This is a new shelf that I PUT TOGETHER MYSELF!! When we get it on the wall and filled, I will post a picture.

Here is a picture of a little quilt I am working on. I love my little kitties!

Finally!

2011-02-10T15:58:00.001-05:00

Yes! I finally finished something!

Not that I have not been busy. Since it has been so gosh darn cold I have mostly been working on my afghan. It is coming along slowly. It has 20 colors plus white. It is 72” wide so the rows take a while. I am working on the second repeat of colors:

I plan to do three repeats and then some kind of border.

I have also quilted a couple of quilts and some placemats but more on that later.

This is what I finished:

It is a cover for my I pad:

(Note the shameless plug of my grandsons!)

About two years ago Katie and I hit up the Rescue Mission Clothing Store looking for wool to felt. Well, we promptly forgot all about it. Last week Katie came over and we finished getting the fabrics ready for the wash (make that five wash loads!). I made the cover from some of the fabrics.

This is the back. I quilted over the pattern that was already there.

I put in a pocket…

…And I even covered a button!

I really, really like it!

And here is a preview of my next post:

(My husband is too good to me!)

Lauren’s Quilt

2011-01-18T08:46:00.001-05:00

I almost forgot! Lauren made her boyfriend a quilt for Christmas. And she really did do all of it. I just supervised (and she will tell you it was grudgingly-I really don’t like making T-shirt quilts).

I think she did a great job!