2008 Quilting Goals

Almost time to ring in the New Year, how quickly this year has gone by. How blessed I am to have met so many new quilters who share my love of fabric and needle and thread and am able to call so many of you friend. To each and every one of you, my hope for you is that 2008 will be a year filled with inspiration, creativity, sharing, family, love, laughter and the time to create what's in your heart. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey of blogging.

Well Kim put out the challenge a few days ago for us to list our quilting goals for 2008. After a lot of thinking and thumbing through books I've cut my list down to about 21 projects. So here it is, for all to see and for you to help me keep on track..haha... In no particular order.

1. Jenna's wedding quilt, start.

2. Hollie's graduation quilt, start.

3. Christmas applique wall hanging, in the works at the moment.

4. Pink and brown quilt, layer and quilt.

5. Pink and brown table topper, quilt - started.

6. Black hour a day quilt, finish and quilt.

7. Garden Patch quilt, fabrics purchased.

8. Angel table runners, fabric purchased.

9. Calico Kaleidoscope.

10. Shoofly Potpie.

11. Passing Fancy.

12. Picnic tote and quilt and accessories for Jenna's Christmas gift.

13. Aprons for Jenna for Christmas.

14. Aprons for Hollie.

15. Comfort and Joy x 2.

16. Sassy Sixteen, quilt.

17. Autumn wall hanging, fabrics purchased.

18. Heart appliqued lap quilt, finish piecing and quilt.

19. Winter Wonderland Embroidered quilt, finish the embroidery.

20. Folded Star place mats, finish them...

21. Ravishing Red quilt, layer and quilt.

Phew, that's a long list, many have been started and are in various stages of completion, and some are just beautiful patterns in books that I long to make.

Now Kim also wanted to know what ideas I'd come up with for Christmas gifts for next year. So far I've decided to use the pattern that she showed on her blog a few days before Christmas for a picnic tote and napkins. I think I'll also add a picnic quilt and perhaps some thermal food carriers. A couple of aprons and perhaps another version of the bow bag for dd Jenna. Think that load should keep her very happy.

I also have plans on making some table runners and perhaps some more scrapbook album covers.

That's it so far, but enough to keep me busy and out of mischief for quite a while.

Whatever plans you have for ringing in the New Year, enjoy and keep safe.

Happy Stitching.

Gifts & Goals

I think I'm feeling a little older than my years.... It's so nice to have the house back to the way I like it, to have my sewing room back, to not trip over dirty teenager washing, or have a pile of dirty dishes on the kitchen bench. We've just come home from taking Hollie back to school, As much as I enjoy having her home for the holidays, this holiday was not quite what either my DH or I expected.
I wanted to share with you a couple of gifts I received over Christmas.
My sweet friend Bren sent me a lovely package that included a gorgeous Thomas Kinkade mug, a knitted dish cloth and this wonderful little item.

As I'm sure you can imagine it was burning a hole in my wallet, so while we were out today I put it to good use and converted it to this, thank you Bren. A rather fuzzy photo, due to the lack of natural sunlight (sounds good doesn't it?).

Many of these will be going into a quilt from this book that my "sweetie" gave me for Christmas.

I've been admiring this book on many of the blogs I visit, and my sweetie took notice of the wish list I wrote and purchased it along with this one, another one that a few of you have the pleasure of owning.

Both books hold patterns to beautiful quilts, one's I'm sure will bring hours of pleasure in the making.

I've started to make a rough draft of the items I'd like to make for Christmas gifts next year. I know some of you are probably thinking I'm crazy, but hey what can I say, other than I like to be organized, just ask my "sweetie".

Kim asked a couple of days ago what quilting resolutions we'd made for 2008. So I'm also in the process of compiling a list of the things I'd like to complete next year, and trying to keep it all achievable. I still have a few things to add to it, but I hope to post that list within the next few days. For now I'm just going to enjoy the quiet and put my sewing room back together and wash some of those beautiful fabrics.

Happy Stitching and thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.

Secret Santa Parcels

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas. Now that Christmas is past I can show you what was sent from both Hanne and Carey. I was a very good girl and didn't open the parcels until Christmas morning.
Hanne sent a lovely parcel that included a cute little stitched bag, a lovely Tilda Stitchery design and 2 smaller ones and some gorgeous embroidery threads to stitch them with. Thank you Hanne, I just adore everything that you sent and look forward to sitting done and stitching.

Carey included in her parcel a lovely big cushion cover, a rice bag cover and a Hugs and Kiss's stitchery and a huge bag of Violet Crumbles (yum), which are half gone already. Thank you Carey I just love everything that you sent.
Thanks to Donna for organising this swap, it was so much fun to be a part of. I'm just waiting to hear if the ladies I posted to have received their parcels yet.

Jenna sent me the best gift ever, a DVD of photo's of her and Max set to the music "I'll be home for Christmas". So you can imagine as soon as I saw it I burst into tears. DH and I are thinking about spending next Christmas back in Australia as a surprise for Jenna. Plus it would be wonderful to catch up with my son, Luke and my mum and of course all those friends still there, and I think it's something I need to do, to get it out of my system, so to speak.

I'll share more of the Christmas gifts later in the week.

Happy Stitching.

All Wrapped and Ready

The last of the Christmas gift sewing was finished last night at around midnight. Everything's now wrapped and sitting in the branches of the tree (can't put it under the tree because of the puppy).
Here's last nights effort, a pad folio for Miss Hollie to match her bag.

Cute even if I do say so myself. DH headed out this morning around 5 am to pick Hollie up from school. We were forecast for snow, but as usual it's turned into just horrible rain, and I've had my backdoor off most of the morning while it's been replaced... Brrrr it's cold out there. Have most of the sewing room cleaned up, but thought I'd do a quick post before they come home.

I hope to post the day after Christmas and show you what was in my Secret Santa parcels.

Until then I wish you the happiest of Christmas's, and I hope you are able to be surrounded with those that you love and cherish. May your day be filled with peace, a bundle of joy, laughter and love.

Happy Stitching.

Joy Comes In The Morning

I'm overwhelmed with the response to my last post about loosing my spark, joy, mojo. Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, they have truly touched me. I won't go into the details of what made me loose it, you'd get bored, but I have figured it out and I've picked myself up, dusted myself off and have decided to get on with this journey of life. You may think the title of the post is odd, let me explain. A very "Special" friend has made a point of sending "Joy & Hug" filled emails to me each morning, which brings a smile to my face and a giggle to my heart. This person has gone out of her way, time and time again when those of us in the land of blog have been faced with disappointment, lose or just plain ol life. She would have to be one of the most thoughtful and caring people I know. So a very special thank you to, you.
I can't say that my "mojo" has completely returned, so I decided to give it a darn good shove and headed back into the sewing room to finish up Miss Hollie's Christmas gifts. She mentioned to me her desire for a shaggy wallet. No problem says mum, ha what a joke. Many hours later, the said shaggy wallet has now been laid to rest and the tried and true version was used. Now if you have a new wallet, of course you need a new bag to go with it. I used Bloom's tutorial for the handles and just made the trim side a little larger.

And while I was at it I decided to wish myself a very happy Christmas.
Time to head into the disaster area, otherwise known as the sewing room, and do some major cleaning before Miss Hollie comes home tomorrow and make it look like a bedroom again. Before I do that though, I have just one more gift to make. If she has a new bag and wallet it seems only right to have a notebook cover like this one. So I'm off to work out a pattern, if it works I'll write up a tutorial for you all.

Happy Stitching, and thanks for taking the time out of your day to stop by and comment.

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Hoping that my SS parcels arrive at their destination before the Christmas mail closes.

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Look what the postman delivered to my door this morning, my Secret Santa parcel from Carey. Thank you Carey, it's now under the tree.

I've Lost It

Thank you for all the response to my question on pressing seams. It seems that the majority of quilters press to the side. I'll have to try this again and see how it works for me, and put my dressmaking way of thinking on the back shelf.
Now to the title of this post.
Not my mind, although some may suggest that, that's what's been lost. No I seem to have lost that spark, my enthusiasm, my passion or as Darlene would say my joy. I have no idea where it went, one moment I was happily stitching and the next moment there just wasn't any desire. Yesterday I walked into the sewing room with great plans of stitching, I sat and did a few rows of machine quilting and just couldn't be bothered any longer, so left. It's not like I don't have plenty to do, I have a bag cut ready to stitch and I still need to make Miss Hollie's wallet, there's quilts to be quilted and new ones to start. Maybe it's the fact that each time I call Jenna she says Mum I wish you were home, maybe it's just the time of year, I have no idea. But if you find my Joy can you please send it back to me, I miss it.

Happy Stitching.

Flimsy, Four Season's Swap

Do you remember these blocks that I showed last week?
They have been watching me in the sewing room, talking to me. Does anyone else have their fabrics and blocks speak to them? Anyway each time I've gone into the sewing room there they are looking up at me wondering when I was going to finish them. Today was the day, actually I made a start on finishing them yesterday but got interrupted to do the grocery shopping. So this afternoon I decided I"d see if I could get them all put together and into a flimsy. I did have grand ideas of actually getting it finished and pinned out ready to quilt. What a joker I am....So here's the flimsy, now waiting to be pinned out.
Not as big as I had visualized, but a good lap size to snuggle under on cold winter days.

I was reading Su Bee's blog yesterday and she had an audition for her FSQS and I very rudely asked if I could pinch her idea (slapping myself). Anyway it got me to thinking about what I could do, time was speeding past and I hadn't even given it much thought. Then I remembered I had a pattern for a whole quilt done in red work embroidery, 11 or 12 blocks I think. So I decided to scale down the size of several of the blocks and re-trace them into one single block. So here's a peak at the embroidery design and the fabric I'll use to stitch on.
I want to end by asking you all a question about pressing. I've noticed that it seems to be the practise here to press your seams to one side when piecing a quilt. Which way do you press your seams and why? It must be the dressmaker in me coming out, but I always press my seams open. I find it causes less bulk on the seam line which makes it easier to piece and less bulk when it comes to quilting.

Happy Stitching, and thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

Coming to the End

Oh glory, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel of all the Christmas sewing. I just have a couple of little bindings to sew down on some hot pads that are going to Australia after Christmas and make Hollie's wallet, then it's all done. What a wonderful feeling to have it done and not to have to sit up till all hours the night before Christmas. Everything that needed to be posted has been, the last lot was sent out today. The sewing room looks like a war zone, but that's quickly fixed. I did add to the mess this afternoon. You may remember that I mentioned in a previous post, that I hate leaving things until the last minute, well believe it or not I got all the prep work done on a Christmas quilt for next year. I've gathered different projects and ideas that I've seen over the last month or so and have them either saved or printed out, ready to make a start on them as soon as I'm ready.
Dh goes back to work tomorrow, it's been lovely having him home, but we need him at work. Thank you for all your lovely words of concern during the ice storm, they were so appreciated.
My new issue of Country Threads arrived yesterday, and while I was thumbing through it I came across this little quilter's alphabet. I'm sure all you creative ladies could do lots of wonderful things with it for your quilting friends, either for Christmas or a birthday gift. If nothing else I hope it brings a smile to your face.

The Quilter's Alphabet

Accuracy....mood dependant
Bleed....bless the fabric that doesn't!
Credit Card....purrs in a quilt shop
Distance....at which points look good
Even....well does it look even?
Fudge....adjustment terminology
Hug....wrap up in a quilt
Iron....the great fabric disciplinarian
Justify....can't cook, quilting an heirloom
Knot....six need not stop a truck
Love....quilting is a labor of
Marker....please let it wash out
Needle....feet always find it
Ouch....related to one end of pain
Pucker....that rascally little puffy thing
Quilt....a thing of beauty, a joy forever
Rip....as ye sew, so shall ye rip
Seam....straight is good
Time....to quilt, grab more
Underside....where all the work shows
Victim....of quilt guilt (too many)?
What....a quilt (all purpose comment)
Xamine....I'll say how close!
Y....only quilt on days ending in "Y"
Zero....other things you'd rather do.

Happy Stitching and thanks for visiting with me.

From the Workshop

Heavens angels sing.....
These little sweeties have kept me busy for the past few days. Kim very kindly sent me the pattern for these little treasures and many emails went back and forth between us about the making of them. We were talking about how to make them stand well by themselves and she mentioned whether quilting their dress would help. It does. I've tweaked the pattern a little more and added just a little four patch band through the skirt which I quilted and added an extra tulle petticoat. The directions called for the use of a lot of hot glue, which I'm not fond of, so in most of the places where glue was called for I chose to use a needle and thread. These would normally only take a couple of hours from start to finish, but because I can never leave a pattern alone and just follow the directions, they ended up taking almost a whole day per angel. So now they're ready to be boxed up and sent to their new homes. I've also been making other gifties, but that's not quite finished yet. I did manage to get these blocks done. (Blurry photo)

Colours I normally wouldn't use, but I thought it was time to stretch myself. So hopefully I can get them put into rows and get the border put on them today. I'm using Kimberly's quilt pattern "Sassy Sixteen", such an easy pattern to use and well written.

It's amazing how different things look in the light of day. Yesterdays ice storm was pretty to look at, although as I've mentioned, I'd much rather have snow, apart from the point of being able to stay on my feet when walking through it, it doesn't seem to leave so much damage behind.

If you click to enlarge the photo to the left you'll see our telephone line laying on the ground weaved through the tree branch, how we still have a dial tone is amazing. Our backyard looks more like the toddler pool at the local swimming centre. Only one in three homes throughout Oklahoma have power, we are extremely blessed to be one of them. Many will be without power for up to 10 days. According to the news report last night Oklahoma has been declared a disaster area, there are trees down just about everywhere, schools closed, business's closed due to no electricity, and lives lost on the road. So I think today is a good day to mention my blessings.

We have power, a phone service and heating to keep us warm.

Christmas gifts completed.

Happy Stitching and thanks for stopping by and commenting.

Everywhere is White

White but not covered with snow. This is what I woke up to this morning, everything covered in ice. I have the pleasure of DH's company today, no work for him.

I'd much rather have snow, in fact I love snow, crazy ? maybe, but all I've ever known is sun, surf and droughts, so to experience snow is wonderful.

The hum from the sewing room has been non-stop as Christmas gifts are being made. Hopefully this afternoon or perhaps tomorrow I'll be able to show you what's been made.

Happy Stitching and I hope wherever you are you're warm and safe.

Secret Santa Mail,

My lovely postman rang my doorbell yesterday and look what he was holding in his hands for me.

All the way from Norway, of course it needed to come out of it's envelope so it could be nestled under the tree. Thank you Hanne I'm trying really hard not to open it before Christmas and will happily post as soon as the parcel is ripped open....lol...

Now if you'd like to win a lovely Allspice Tapestry charm pack then head on over to http://midohioknitter.blogspot.com/ and enter your name in the draw.

If you remember on Black Friday I mentioned that I managed to pick up 16 fat quarters for $16, what a bargain. Yesterday I couldn't settle on what to stitch and it's not like there isn't anything that needs doing, but I just couldn't decide and these lovely fq's had been cut, ready to sew and they were looking up at me begging to be put together. So that's what I did, started piecing the blocks. Hopefully I'll be able to show you soon a finished flimsy rather than reporting on yet another ufo.

Christmas shopping, oh darn, haven't even started it yet, but do have all the parcels ready to post back to Aussie tomorrow (not looking forward to the final cost of that) and of course Kimberly's little Christmas win.

Well time to head back into the workshop so that I'm not mailing out gifts after the season is over.

Happy Stitching and thanks for stopping by.

Those Safe Places & Just For Fun

I just had to share this with you, I'll have to save this for Hollie, she just adores these creatures.

On another note, I found my son's gift that I had put in that safe place. Now who on earth would be silly enough to put a plastic carry bag on a coat hanger and hang it in a wardrobe, mixed in with all the clothes? Now in my mind the only person who would be silly enough to do that would either have to be a husband, or perhaps a menopausal wife. Either way it's found and I no longer have to think that I've completely lost the plot.

Kimberly I still need to hear from you by the end of the week .

Hope you all enjoyed that little video giggle and Happy Stitching.

On The Bed, And The Winner Is

I'm late, I'm late. Do you know that line from the Winnie the Pooh story? Well that's me with drawing the name for the Chr!istmas Sp!r!t G!veaway, but it's finally done. I'll get to that in just a moment. Yes I know, I'm mean keeping you waiting.
I managed to get the binding sewn down on the Red Rails over the last three nights, boy that was a big sucker to stitch around, and now it's resting comfortably on the bed.

I've always loved red, even as a kid my favorite dress was red. Now many of you have suggested that this is a wonderful Christmas quilt. Yes it is, but it's also a wonderful any time of the year quilt, especially when you love red, like I do. Had to give you one last look at Connie's wonderful machine quilting. It makes me smile to see those butterflies dancing through the daises.

Yesterday I managed to get a little stitching in before I headed outside to do some final yard work. I mean when the weathers in the 70's you take advantage of it. So the pup and I did some leaf raking and generally enjoyed the sunshine, and just as we were heading inside this is what we left. Absolutely beautiful.

The first angel is completed and I managed to work out a few things that I wasn't happy with, so here she is in all her glory....

So today will see a few more of these sweet little creatures made in those yummy checks that I bought on the weekend and a few more Christmas gifties need to be made.

Now to the winner of the Christmas Cheer giveaway. It was so nice to get some of you lurkers out of the woodwork, I do hope you won't go back into hiding. How many times does #1 ever come out of a random draw? (DH was in bed sleeping when I remembered this needed to be done). Well in this instance it did, so Kimberly if you'll email me your postal address I'll get this into the mail on the weekend.

Happy Stitching.

A Bit Of Everything

That's what today's post is, a real mixed bag of bits and pieces. You may want, or need to make yourself a cuppa, as this is a fairly long post.
I want to start by showing you a ufo. Odd maybe, but this quilt, top came back to me on Saturday from being quilted. I took a class for the quilt top, back when I first became interested in quilting and the teacher named it Railroad Crossing, I've since renamed it "Red Rails" and all the fabrics came from a Red and White fat quarter swap we did earlier in the year on my Red Work group. The lovely Connie did such a beautiful job on the quilting, I just couldn't wait until I'd finished the binding to show you all.











You just have to see a close up of the beautiful quilting.

Butterflies and lovely big daisies scattered across the quilt top. Thank you Connie for doing such a beautiful job on this monster.

There has been a humming sound coming from my sewing room for the best part of last week. A few things I can't show you until after Christmas. I'd hate to spoil the surprise for those the special gifts were made for, but I can show you a few things.

Christmas postcards. I had a load of fun making these, and the post man has just delivered my timtex so I can get the backs put on them and stamped and out the door.

My mum recently moved from her house into a retirement village, and after several months has decided that living with all the old folks as she refers to them just isn't for her. Rather funny considering she just turned 77 last week. So she and her DH have bought a 2 Br unit and of course needs to furnish it. I decided that a couple of place mats and some hot pads would make a good start for her kitchen.

Yesterday and Saturday I needed to do a little fabric shopping so I could complete my Christmas stitching. So this is what came home with me, along with 2 yards of insulbrite.

Some to be used for gifts for next Christmas, those ideas I mentioned in the last post well I'm making a start on them already, and that lovely check that's for both this Christmas and next years Christmas. I know, organised.....lol...... Christmas angels are about to be churned out. I have my first one worked out and added my few changes to it's construction, and am waiting for her hair to finish curling in the oven so I can attach it. She just doesn't look angelic without her hair or wings.

Last photo is this lovely pice of hand dyed linen from Tracey at Plumcute designs that arrived in my letter box on Saturday.

Now if you've made it this far, you deserve a reward. Hmm.... The entries for the Chr!istmas Sp!r!t g!veaway are now closed and I'll get DH to draw a name out this evening and will post the winner tomorrow morning.

Happy Stitching, and thank you for taking the time to visit.