Nanci Quilts

Quilting progress or lack thereof......

2012-02-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

Sometime late last year I feel like I lost my quilting momentum and the love and passion just disappeared and I looked up one day and it had been weeks since I'd even touched my machine. I was such an addicted quilter before this and hardly ever went more than 5 days without sewing. In August I got stiffed in an online Christmas swap, then my Dad had a stroke and it seemed like all my spare time was spent traveling to see him and the holidays came and went without much fanfare. January came and I decided to move my sewing to my office space and thought maybe that would spark some interest but it just sat there. I am planning a trip to Albania in June for my son'sweed ding and then will go to Greece for a week so I was looking online one day for quilt things/shops in Athens and stumbled upon Kristine in Thessaloniki, Greece that is teaching young girls to quilt and helping make quilts for women and children taken in from human trafficking and also for some orphanages in the local area and it all just touched my heart how they needed quilts and I decided to start making quilts for her. I now have 6 quilt tops ready to send and all it really took was looking outside of myself to get my quilting going again. It probably doesn't help that I have a pinterest account and I spend so much time looking at things to make and never actually making anything. So if you are interested on helping the orphanages in Greece go check out her site and blog, I know she could always use more help. I had also just read another article last week that as the economy in Greece continues to tank more and more families are taking their children to orphanages and turning them over because thyme can't afford to feed them and this just breaks my heart and so reminds me of our own great depression and it's a country in desperate need right now. Her website is www.toquiltorknot.com.

All in all life is good, my son's getting very excited about his upcoming wedding, he should graduate next spring, my Dad is doing very well and almost back to normal and at almost 89 that was a great feat. I'm quilting again and grateful to have some focus on what's really important in life to unearth my apathy. I'll try and take pictures of the quilts before I ship them so you can see the fun I've had these past couple of weeks.

I hope everyone else is having a productive and happy winter, I won't be long before we're back in the heat and draught of summer.

The stars are aligning for something big!

2011-08-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

I came to Philadelphia last week for my son's engagement party which is scheduled for Saturday night and also to meet and visit with some new found cousins and family I haven't seen in awhile.

We were enjoying a wonderful luncheon in New Jersey with family when all of a sudden the lights starting swaying the table shook. Everyone was looking around not knowing what was going on. We had no cell phone service and it was just a little disconcerting not knowing if it was an unheard of earthquake or some sort of terrroist attack. We had a couple of smaller aftershocks later that day but nothing serious. Now this in and of itself is pretty unusal for New Jersey but the next day they start talking about Irene making a path up the eastern coastline and we should start preperations for the "storm of the century". We have pretty much just been going about out usual days shopping and enjoying the wonderful weather of the east coast. My future daughter in law Greta and I went to Phildelphia's Magic Gardens on South Street and had a great time taking in all the wonderful art that Isaiah Zagar has blessed the city with. If you haven't ever been here this should be on your must see list if you come to Philadelphia.

Sunday we went to Atlantic City

and walked the boardwalk , shopped and enjoyed the wonderful early fall weather they have been enjoying.

This morning my cousin Diane and I decided to drive to Ocean City, NJ and see what was going on and do some more shopping and walk the boardwalk. We hit everyone of the TaDah shops on Asbury Ave. and came away with some fun stuff.

We shopped for all of 2 hours and then everyone was buzzing about saying we needed to get out of town because the NJ govenor was calling for all out of town people to leave the area and they were already making preperations for evacuations of Cape May that will be mandatory tomorrow morning. And to think I was so excited when I got here last Thursday to finally see rain ( we haven't had rain in central Texas in a long long time). Be careful what you wish for. With any luck the engagement party will still take place on Saturday night in time for us to get home and batten down the hatches before Irene hits on Sunday. With any luck my flight will still make on Monday afternoon.

Say a prayer for us all that we are safe and the kids enjoy their engagement party and if nothing else it will be memorable.

Summer Sunday reads...

2011-08-07T19:59:00.000-07:00

So another book I just finished is one of Nicholas Sparks, Safe Haven. It's an easy read with a good ending and a good feeling book. Not too heavy just a sweet love story. I wouldn't exactly call this a favorite but it's definately something I would read again and feel safe recommending. I have read a number of his books , some better than others and this is at least a keeper book. Have you read this one? What did you think? I just finished "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand another great book. Do you have any suggestions? Any avid readers out there.

Happy summer reading....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T08:04:00.000-07:00

Birthday bag

2011-08-02T18:39:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to make this little bag for my sister for her birthday (belated) and while it's supposed to be a Two-Hour Tulip purse , I think that only means if you know what you are doing. It's only my second bag and it took me more like 4 hours but I hope she'll love it none the less.

I chose to make mine out of batiks which I really loved

with a beautiful purple lining (batik) with all the pockets and dividers but I added a cardboard covered square to the inside to give it some structure. I also added a peice of polymer I had for the button and she's all set. Hope she loves it.

Heart warming

2011-08-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

Have you seen this yet, it will make you smile and hopefully make you want to pass it on.

Have a wonderful day!

Calming Effects

2011-08-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again when the fawns start stepping out on their own and it's so fun to finally get a chance to photograph some of them. I am working on a quilt called Calming Effects and love the similarity in color and peace from both the fawns and the quilt. This is a pattern I bought a few years back at Creations Quilt Shop in Kerrville and only just this weekend got the top finished.

The concept of the quilt was to use striped fabrics cut into strips and then into triangles. Then you sewed the triangles into squares and the squares back into rows. I played around with various striped fabrics but ultimately went with a neutral batik stripe for that calming effect shown on the pattern cover.

A close up of the squares sewn together and the overall effect of the batik.

The inner border is a stonehenge in green/brown tones and the outer border is another batik with a lavender hint. I am thinking about hand quilting this in purple with a matching lilac/purple binding.

Here's the batik going on the back.

Happy August, stay cool and pray for rain for Texas!

Summer Sunday reads....

2011-07-31T07:57:00.000-07:00

So anyone who knows me knows I am an addicted reader and thought I would start sharing some of my favorite books. This is a new one for me, but it easily made my favorites list. It is a story told like none other and deserves to be read by everyone. So have you read this already? What did you think? If you haven't read it I hope you'll add it to your summer list.

I also made the leap this year to a Kindle reader and I my gosh, can't believe it took me this long.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2011-07-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

and all through the house.... I have been diligently working on this stitchery for the past year and finally got all the pieces complete and recently put the top together. I am working on this for a family member who loves all things Christmas and hopefully I'll have the backing together soon and get it quilted and in the mail to her by Thanksgiving so she can enjoy it for the holidays. The stitchery is a set of patterns I bought from Hugs 'n Kisses. The designer, Helen Stubbings is an Aussie stitcher with some great patterns and kits. I do alot of stitchery but this is the first redwork I've done and I loved not having to pay attention to where the colors change. I just started on a new one and can't wait to get some quality sewing time.

Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday!

Santa Sack Swap 2

2011-07-30T17:37:00.000-07:00

Recently I signed up for a Santa Swap that is being organized by Carol at Carol's Crafts Blog. This is a swap that will take place over the next four months. We will each make a little sack/bag and add two small wrapped gifts and then mail them on Sept 1st and then each month mail two more small gifts to go in the sack. Then in December we'll also send a larger gift. All of these will be opened on Christmas and the anticipation of getting these gifts each month will be very tempting to look, morning and we've all taken a vow of honestly to not peak before then. So today we found out who our partners are. My partner is Kim from Creating by the Lake in the arid state of Arizona so I'll be working on some surprises very soon for her. Kim I'll be checking on your blog to see what surprises you would love the most :)

Yoko Saito - My Home Town

2011-07-30T16:34:00.000-07:00

About a year ago I bought a tapestry wall hanging kit My Home Town by Yoko Saito, a well known Japanese artist/hand crafter quilter. Once I actually had the 6 kits in hand I was overwelmed when I realized it was all written in japanese and I had never even done needle turn applique in english much less japanese. I eventually contacted her to see if she would translate the instructions for me which she graciously agreed to do. Now with the english translation in hand I was ready to start. So I made a sample block using scrap fabrics and using a pattern from her book House House House. I love love this book. I will definately be doing more houses down the road. So now with some practice behind me I was ready to start on the real thing. The kit is made up of 6

Sample block

separate months , 5 of which I'll be making houses, barns, trees and lambs, and then on month 6 I'll sew all the separate kits together and begin hand quilting. She has very detailed instructions on the hand quilting lines which I am already looking forward to starting on. All of the awesome fabrics are included in the kits and most of them are taupes that she has designed herself. So below are some photos of my progress so far.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the hand work process but the pieces are very very

tiny so when I finally get to the applique process my fingers always feel like they are in the way. I have the first two sets/months done and working on month three. The progress is very rewarding but slow.

Beginning House 1

House 1 roof

Flower Cart complete

House 1 complete

Month two row houses complete

Happy Wednesday

2011-07-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter ......

2011-04-24T14:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to everyone and what a glorious day to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. I hope everyone has been blessed this Easter Day and is spending time with family.

I spent the better part of the weekend in San Antonio enjoying the The San Antonio Market Square
and The San Antonio River Walk. It's hard to believe it's only spring and I was dying of thirst in 90 degree weather on the river. We need rain so desperately to cool down the whole state of Texas. Heat or not I still enjoyed a relaxing lunch at www.mitierracafe.com and always come away feeling like life is too fast paced. San Antonio has a way of making you relax, of the margaritas might have had something to do with this. The Mexican pottery is always a favorite and I have taken to collecting the Televera style that has a raised painted surface and just delightful to look at.

I also just fell in love with this framed picture of 3 "wet birds" and couldn't leave without taking it home. It just makes me smile to see at how much fun they have taking a bath! We could learn a thing or two from the birds. It seems life everyday I see people, animals, places and think how calm and relaxed things can be if we strive to make that a priority. It helps remind me to keep my life in BALANCE.

So I am still quilting but spare time is hard to come by during the spring. I have been working on a quilt that will be a gift later this month so can't show the back with the "larger than life" label but will take a photo when it is finally sewn on and the quilt is on it's way to it's new owner. The pattern was designed by the Honey Bee Quilt Store and was originally called "Dancing in the Dark" but I have renamed it "The Ties that Bind Families" since it is going to a newly found family member. It is made of all vintage fabrics and I just loved all the different blocks that were incorporated.

Well I'm off to eat a chocolate Easter bunny so enjoy the rest of your Easter!

Vintage Memories BOM

2011-01-24T17:14:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure what I was thinking back in November but I signed up for a new BOM being offered by one of my LQS Honey Bee Quilt Shop and I finally started on the three months that I had accumulated. We are doing this in Maison De Garance by French General using the pattern Little Scraps by This and That. The patterns are very easy to follow and while I don't think I would have picked this fabric on my own and I am really starting to like how it's coming together. Below are my first three months ( 6 blocks)

Lest I get too carried away I do have a civil war quilt that I have to finish before April so this will no doubt fall behind again but they are fun little blocks to do on cold rainy day.

Prayers for Joanne

2011-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

Joanne needs our prayers right now. On January 11th at 9:00 in the morning, 38 year old Joanne Heim suffered a major stroke and remains in a coma. She is the mother of 2 young girls, Audrey 12, Emma 9 and wife to Toben. You may know her as The Simple Wife. She is a fellow blogger and a student at the Denver Seminary working on her MA in Old Testament Biblical studies. The family is praying for a miracle and have claimed Psalm 46 as their prayer for her. Toben, Audrey and her sister Kristen have been updating her blog and have left a list of ways you can help, financially, prayers, cards so please take the time to check out her blog and keep her in your prayers.

They no doubt have a long long road ahead of them but as we've seen recently with Gabby Giffords miracles do happen and God hears our prayers. You can follow her progress at The Simple Wife or by clicking on the Praying for Joanne button on my sidebar.

Thank you for holding her up in prayer.

Fat Quarter Shop 2010 Christmas BOM

2011-01-18T18:35:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I signed up for the Fat Quarter Shops 2010 Designer Mystery BOM. We are in month 8 and it has been so much fun. I did the FQS 2009 Designer Mystery and fell in love with the ease of their BOM and just couldn't resist doing another one. We are making blocks designed by a different designer each month and using Kate Spain's 12 Days of Christmas. I think the wreath is my favorite so far and think it would make a great pillow as a gift for next year so this will be one pattern I'll be going back to and what a cute little house we got to make this month.

Fall Squared Quilt

2011-01-17T04:15:00.000-08:00

This is a quilt I started sometime in 2009 and finally got all the blocks made and sewn together sometime this past fall but then with the holidays it just got set aside. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with the back but found this Saltbox Harvest circles in flannel and thought it would be a perfect contrast to the squares on front. The picture makes it look more orange but it is really more of a nice rich barn red. At the moment it is just laying on top of the backing but it's on my "to be finished in January" list so we'll see.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

I never posted pictures of these two finishes since they were Christmas gifts but have no excuse for waiting till mid January. My brother is always hard to either buy or make for so this year I made him a pillow with pictures of he and his dogs. He lost one of the dogs (Sheila) this past year to old age so it was sad and since they were siblings Kaycee is also getting up there in age and I hoped this would serve to remind him of the good days.

I also joined Fat Quarter shops Mystery Quilt BOM back in June of 2009 and finished it up in August 2010 ( obviously I fell behind somewhere along the way). I had been working on this with the intent of giving it to my sister for her birthday but it ended up being Christmas. As I was taking a photo of this quilt outside the front door a roadrunner was just checking things out and stood there long enough for me to take his picture.

Wool projects and some finishes

2010-11-08T16:56:00.000-08:00

I was finally drawn into the world of wool and love it. I started with a free project sponsored by Kaaren at http://thepaintedquilt.blogspot.com/ who does First Friday Freebies and did this little Halloween wall sampler and while I enjoyed it for my first project the pieces were very tiny. I then moved onto a cute pumpkin pillow for Halloween and the size of the pieces were much easier to work with. This a pattern by Buttons and Bees and I had run into her at the Austin Quilt show and loved how cute all her patterns ( and buttons) are. I then started working on a fall candle mat of autumn colors and pumpkins and really enjoyed doing this so know I'll continue in wool. I have also been working on a couple of fall pillows (embroidered) and finally finished and feel caught up for awhile. I started a fall quilt last year and have been just doing one block at a time as I felt the urge but finally decided a couple of weeks ago that I needed to finish it for fall this year. So the top is finished and it turned out larger than I had anticipated mainly since I decided to add the stacked bar border at the last minute, but I am very happy with it so far but it will have to go on my bed now, a bit too bid for a couch quilt. Now it's time to put all my things away I've been playing with and get busy on some Christmas gifts.

Austin Quilt Show

2010-09-19T18:25:00.000-07:00

So the Austin Quilt Guild Show was this weekend and I went on Friday and had a great time , saw some awesome quilts and bought a few new things to work on along with a really cool African basket I'll be able to use at the farmer's market. Here are a few of my favorites....

Sweet Baby Things

2010-09-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

I realize I'm lousy at blogging but I am still actually sewing. My great neice and nephew are expecting their first child ( a sweet girl) next month so I have ventured off my normal quilting to make them some quilts and things. The first one is a quilt made with her name (Cheyenne) and matching pillow). The quilt is cotton but all the stripe fabric is flannel and it's got a satin binding so is super soft and perfect for a new little one.

Since her theme was bugs and butterflies and her colors were all soft pastels I also found this cute flannel panel and made this other one and machine quilted some of it but most of it I did hand embroidery around all the circles for a little more fun.

And then since no baby should be without a lovey I made her this fun lovey with some textured minky and terry and added some fun keys for her play with.

Now if I could just manage to get my own son married and have grand babies of my own I could learn to love this.

There's a Square in There and a vintage rescue

2010-07-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

I've had this pattern ( There's a Square in There) for a while now, written by Kate Conklin http://kateconklindesigns.blogspot.com/ and finally decided to cut it out this weekend. It was a really fun pattern to both cut and sew and her instructions were spot on. I used Fresh by Moda which is very bright and cheerful so this will probably end up as a picnic quilt for somebody. Can't you just picture the ants crawling across it one by one....

I've also been working again on a vintage quilt top ( Old Maid's Puzzle pattern) that I rescued from a local flea market and spent hours last year fixing all the places it was coming apart. I backed it with a reproduction 1930's fabric and was questioning whether I would hand quilt or machine quilt it. I've had it sandwiched for almost a year now and decided if I waited until I had time to hand quilt it, it would never get done and someone else would have to rescue it in another 20 years. I feel so sorry for these quilt tops that are living out their lives just stored in boxes in all these stores and for some reason I feel compelled to buy them and bring them home. So, I machine quilted it this weekend and it's ready for binding and finally after all these years it will get used this winter and spend the rest of it's life in plain sight. I'm sure the backing and machine quilting have ruined it's integrity but I loved the pattern and loved that someone spent that many hours hand piecing it with all their cherished scraps. I'd love to know where it started life.

Baby Barn Swallows

2010-06-26T19:52:00.000-07:00

I've enjoyed the new barn swallow babies outside my front door from the first sighting of their eggs to bubble gum babies. They have finally grown up and flown away and the parents were back this morning nesting once again.Since I have three cats I was having to keep the cats inside as much as possible at the end so the parents could teach them to fly in safety.

Hazel's Mystery Quilt A-long

2010-06-26T19:35:00.000-07:00

I've been slowly working on my blocks for Hazel's BOM Mystery Quilt at http://hazelsdiary.wordpress.com/and finally this weekend got caught up so now I have the first 8 block done and 4 of the setting blocks. This is photo of the eight blocks and some the borders that are cut but this isn't how it will ultimately go together I just wanted to see what the overall color scheme is going to look like. The block on the right is just a trial of how they might possibly look with the setting triangles.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T10:21:00.000-07:00

Using up some scraps

2010-03-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

I was watching TV this weekend and just happened to look over at one of my cats peacefully sleeping on her bed and felt really bad, they really deserve better than that. So with all the charm packs I buy to check out the current Moda fabrics I decided to make a small little quilt for them and also covered their pitiful pillow. So now I'll get to look at Verna and Honky Dory everyday and they have their own little quiltiness. A day well spent.

My Doll Quilt Swap

2010-03-05T07:01:00.000-08:00

I can finally post the photos of the doll quilts I made for my partner since I've now heard from Krista and know that she's recieved the package. Since this was my first doll quilt swap I was torn in which direction to go and it was a lot harder that I thought trying to figure out what someone else might like. I started out making this "for every season" quilt but kept having seconds thoughts and decided that something more modern or abstract might be more to her liking so I started on a Gees Bend style quilt and while it was something new for new I actually enjoyed the process and working in all solids. So this is my version of a Gees Bend and I tried to just use an abstract approach to the quilting. The both got matching labels and in the ended I decided since I had made them both for Krista that she should have them both.

Oh my gosh, did I learn alot in this process. It is hard to make something for someone you don't know and can't ask any questions of but ultimately if forced me to "think" outside the box a little more. I also have realized just how many super talented people there are out there making quilts and enjoying the process. I think I also enjoyed the fact that we located all across the world and yet stay in touch daily using the doll quilt flickr accounts. If you haven't checked this group out you must look at the quilts that are being this swap.http://www.flickr.com/groups/dollquiltswap/pool/

And here is one last photo of the labels that went on the quilts.

My Doll Quilt has finally arrived....

2010-03-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

and I couldn't be happier. Rebecca at http://rebeccasrags.blogspot.com/ made me this beautiful doll quilt and I just love everything about it. Since this was my first doll quilt swap I learned alot in the process and had so much fun and can't wait for the next swap to begin. Thank you again Rebecca for making this such a wonderful experience for my first round! She also included a cool journal with birds that was a nice surprise in the package.

You still have time to visit Craft Hope and support Haiti

2010-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Just a quick reminder there are plenty of fun things to be had at Craft Hope so stop by and show your support of the people of Haiti. I went back yesterday and couldn't resist this cute calender to organize my library books made by www.auntjune.etsy.com and also bought a new quilt pattern made by Kate Conklin of www.kateconklindesigns.blogspot.com , so check out Craft Hope as well their store and blogs to see some of the other things they have available.

Craft Hope help for Haiti

2010-01-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

If you have been following all the blogs I'm sure you are aware by now that they have set up an etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/crafthope to sell donated items to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake disaster. All of the money collected is going to be used for Doctors Without Borders so if you get a chance please stop by and buy something in support. I just bought this cute little bag made by Amy Lou of www.amylouwho.com and can't wait to see it in person. Thanks Amy for your support of a great cause!

Is my Doll Quilt partner lurking out there today??

2010-01-11T17:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Partner,

If you've been to my blog and checked my favorites the one thing you have probably learned is I am a fall person at heart, so anything you make with fall in mind or fall colors I will adore. I also love all the cute little birds and trees and I'm pretty into stitchery these days. I think I am pretty easy to please so whatever you decide to make I know I will love it.

Happy Birthday Aaron

2010-01-09T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well today is my son's birthday and somehow that makes only me feel old. He turned 32 today. He has turned out to be quite a good young man and quite the charmer. Hope you had a wonderful day full of new memories with Greta!

Hazel's Diary and Mystery Quilt

2010-01-09T07:04:00.000-08:00

Well who could resist a mystery quilt at the start of a new year. I recently joined in on the fun of Hazel's Diary and Quilt along at http://hazelsdiary.wordpress.com/ and I'm not sure what is more fun the quilting, all the lovely recipes or the stories of Hazel's family from the 1950. I finally chose my fabrics, black and whites with a touch of red and can't wait to get started cutting this weekend.

My first doll quilt swap

2010-01-09T06:55:00.000-08:00

I was very happy to learn that I made the cut for my very first doll quilt swap, DQS #8. We haven't found out who our partners are yet or who our new Mama's will be but I've already started to think about what I might do. I'll still have to wait to see what my partner likes but I couldn't be happier to join in the new fun. At the moment all the names are sorted and we are all sitting on pins and needles just waiting until tomorrow for the names to be announced.

One Little Word 2010

2009-12-31T07:33:00.000-08:00

I just found Ali Edwards blog this morning inspiring us all to find "one little word for 2010 " to live by and make it our very own http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/12/one-little-word-2010.html#tpe-action-posted-6a00d83451bb3569e20120a791c943970b. If you haven't seen this or chosen your word I would encourage you to check it out. My word for 2010 is going to be SIMPLIFY. I want to live more simply, work on one project at a time, have less stuff, eat less and stress less. Since I am convinced that stuff creates chaos and stress in our lives a more simple life sounds wonderful to me today. I think for me this is a more realistic New Years Resolution. So what is your word going to be?

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T04:44:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

2009-12-25T04:18:00.001-08:00

Soft as the baby

2009-12-24T19:09:00.000-08:00

My Mom's housekeeper just had a new baby so I whipped this up this evening to give the baby as a Christmas gift and this fleece is so so soft I couldn't believe it. It's a little messy to work with because it really sheds but once it goes in the dryer for a couple of minutes it's perfect. I love making these little blankets because they are so quick and easy and at the moment all the fleece in the stores is 50% off, an added bonus.

More finished Christmas gifts.....

2009-12-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

Well if I learned anything this year about wanting to make all my Christmas gifts it was that I have to start earlier. Most everything was done early December but then I decided to make a few more and I was pushed to the wire to finish everything. I finally finished my 9-patch that I did with Amanda Jean of www.crazymomquilts.blogspot.com and decided to give it as a gift and I hope the recipient loves it as much as I do. It is all made with the 1930's 40's reproduction fabrics and looks just like an old quilt. (Try to ignore all the stuff I threw on the floor when I put the quilt on the bed :) It also has a label but can't show that since it would give away the gift.

I has also won a tissue cozy recently from www.primrose.design.com and decided to make a few of these for my family for Christmas and love how they turned out. The blue one at the top is the one I won. I think these will also make great gifts for friends that come down with the flu or a bad cold.

Some time to relax and bake

2009-12-20T06:46:00.000-08:00

I finally have almost all my Christmas gifts finished and can spend some time baking today and just enjoying the season. I made this door hanging for my sister and gave it to her yesterday so it's no longer a surprise.

Then I also made these Christmas stockings for my son and his fiancee and their little dog Mia. I used a tutorial on Moda Bake Shop at http://www.modabakeshop.com/2009/07/his-and-her-scrappy-christmas-. stockings.html . They were pretty easy to do and I thought they would enjoy having stocking made with their own initials. I stuffed them full and added cute Hallmark reindeer sticking out of the top but I forgot to take finished picture. I used Figgy Pudding fabrics and then on Mia's just added a touch of doggie fabric.

Another gift in the mail today...

2009-12-15T18:06:00.000-08:00

I have been participating in the Old Red Barn Quilt along "Secret Santa" and my package just arrived from Heidi (http://craftnosis.blogspot.com/) with some fun fabrics and a very sweet skating santa that is already hanging on my tree. If you get a chance stop by her website and see all the fun things she makes.

Make 2010 your year to PIF

2009-12-14T16:59:00.000-08:00

I just joined Linda at http://handquiltingnana.blogspot.com/ in a new PIF and it should be a fun way to make three strangers happy next year. She is still looking for two more people so why not stop by her site and read about it. The best part is it doesn't start until January and it's and easy way to make people smile.

Look what I just won.....

2009-12-14T08:29:00.000-08:00

How cool is this. I was delighted this morning to see I just won a snowflake tissue cozy by Janet at http://primrosedesign.blogspot.com/ .Be sure to go to her sight and shop and see all the wonderful things she is making for the holidays.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

For so much to be thankful for, family, friends, good health, a good job and all the wonders that God has put before us I wish you all a truly wonderful Thanksgiving:

For each new morning with its light,

For rest and shelter of the night,

For health and food, for love and friends,

For everything Thy goodness sends.

For flowers that bloom about our feet;

For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;

For song of bird, and hum of bee;

For all things fair we hear or see,

Father in heaven, we thank Thee!

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

UT is 10-0 and ready for the Championship...

2009-11-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

and my quilt is almost ready. This is planned to be a Christmas present but it's possible I might have to give it early if we pull out the Big 12 championship.All it needs is a label, a good bath and a nice hot dryer to scrunch it up and it's another finished project.

and here's the back

The Warmth of Aster Manor

2009-11-15T14:16:00.000-08:00

I love how soothing this fabric line is and couldn't resist another easy quilt top. The inside squares are part of the line so it was already complete and all I did was add a couple of borders and it will have simple pink floral back. I really loved working with this fabric and can't wait to get this finished. It will be living on my living room couch.

Finally a finished project....

2009-11-15T14:05:00.000-08:00

For some reason I start on these tops and never seem to find the time to pull it all together. This was an easy Happy Hour quilt top that I managed to complicate but adding appliqued circles to the back and it had just drug on forever but it's a Thanksgiving gift so I had to finish it this weekend.

After it is was all complete I realized there was a small flaw in the fabric so one of the circles got this little runaway snowflake that I actually sort of like after I got over my initial shock.

Fabric Stash

2009-11-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

I ended up in a quilt store on Saturday trying to help a friend pick out some back grounds for a quilt she is working and had no plans to buy anything since I have so many things started and have to finish things before Christmas. Well one look at these two fabrics and that was all she wrote. The first one is called "through the woods" by Maywood Studios and it's a really nice black on white and there is a coordinating snowflake fabric. I don't have any ideas yet what I'll do with it but it was too cool to leave it alone in a cold quilt store.

The second set is a line called French Country Roosters by Clothworks and it just has such a rich rust color I couldn't resist it and think I might try and make some place mats with this. Both of these will have to go on the 2010 list but gives me something to look forward to for next year.

Fall Houses

2009-11-08T16:03:00.000-08:00

I was inspired awhile back by a quilt made by Stephanie at http://makeitawonderfullife.blogspot.com/ that she called Trick or Treat and made in all fall colors. I absolutely love fall, love fall colors and couldn't resist making one of my own. Between her inspiration and the pattern by Sandy Bonsib, it didn't take me long to fall in love with these "nine-patch" house. So I finally have all the houses done and I'm working on setting them apart with a dark border and will decide from there where they go but I am positive it will have either a brushed homespun or flannel back.

It's beginning to feel alot like Autumn....

2009-11-08T15:51:00.000-08:00

We don't get a lot of change of scenery here in Central Texas but a few years back I planted a maple tree in hopes of having some fall outside my sewing room. I looked up yesterday and low and behold it didn't let me down. Now I wish I had planted a few more.

Christmas Door Hanger WIP

2009-11-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

With all sorts of projects in the works I couldn't resist starting on a Christmas project. It's all pieced and the applique is just laid out approximate and hopefully I'll find time during the week to sit at the machine and do some sewing and get this one knocked out early. It came together pretty quickly and might make a nice gift this year.

Round 3 - Quilt Along

2009-09-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

Against my better judgement I have decided to jump in again and join round 3 of the Old Red Barn Co. quilt along. You can follow the progress of all the quilters on the flickr group at www.flickr.com/groups/oldredbarncoquiltalong2009 but the latest updates for the wonky blocks are being posted at http://www.quiltdad.com/ . I am using a Riley Blake fabric "Just Dreamy" and while I love the fabric once it's all sewn together it is much brighter than I had originally thought. Looks like a quilt I should make for a sick child to brighten their day. Any ideas or who might need a quilt to brighten up their lives at the moment?

UT quilt in progress

2009-09-06T10:45:00.000-07:00

Well I missed kickoff for the first game of the year but am still hoping to have this complete by the first "cold" weather kick off. Lucky for me we don't get cold weather in Austin any time soon. I am still playing around with the blocks and need a few more but overall not unhappy with it at this point.

We can almost see the finish line.....

2009-09-05T05:39:00.000-07:00

If you have been following all the excitement on the "Iraqi Bundles of Love" website, facebook or twitter you know that we are getting very close to the finish line. The deadline for sending bundles is Tuesday, Sept 8th so if you haven't sent your bundle or still have more "fabric stash" in your closet you still have time to be a part of the fun. You can go to http://www.ibol.wordpress.com/ to follow along and see the lastest going on and how many bundles have arrived; you'll be amazed at how many bundles are there already!

Some other good news Mr. IBOL has proclaimed Sept. 6th as IBOL Sundae, so get yourself a nice bowl of ice cream with plenty of toppings, post a picture for history and enjoy with no guilt, you've earned it.

So go now and rummage through that closet, or spend some money to buy some new and help the America economy and build yourself a "bundle of love" and you'll feel the warmth all the way from Iraq to your heart.The women of Iraq are going to feel the love of the American quilters, sewers, knitters, crafters very shortly :)

Sometimes I wonder what will happen to all

2009-08-30T15:19:00.000-07:00

my unfinished projects when I die. Whenever I go to antique stores and see all the lonely unfinished quilts and projects I feel the need to save them all. I found this quilt awhile back and the yellow sashing was in very poor condition, holes and rust spots etc. so I took it apart and added new sashing and now I'm trying to figure out how to quilt it. It will go much faster if I stipple it but since it's old I feel like I should take the time and hand quilt it. Why I feel the need to save other peoples unfinished projects when I have a closet of my own is beyond me.

Getting ready for some cool weather....

2009-08-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

I can't hardly believe after 67 days of 100+ degree days it is 2:00 in the afternoon and only 87 degrees, woo hoo I think fall is just around the corner. So... I decided to pull out my rag rug I cut out last year and start sewing it together. It is about 95 % flannel. Here's the first run at laying it out to see how the colors work.

Where does all the time go....

2009-08-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Can it really almost be Labor Day? I've spent the last few days watching the memorial and funeral of Teddy Kennedy and was moved by his dedication to his family, so many things about him we never really saw or heard bout since everything always seemed to be about his political career. I knew of all the hardships and bad days but had never realized the love story he was living the last years of his life. We will truly miss him. I have recently been involved with a group spontaneously put together by the husband of an online quilter, Kristen LaFlamme. Art LaFlamme is in Iraq and leaving very soon and has summoned the online quilters to help put together boxes of fabric to be handed out to the women of Iraq before he leaves on Sept. 7th. Take a minute to stop by his site and check out the story and send a bundle of your own. He also have a "secret" group called "Old Mother Hubbard" to help put others things together for a another needy group but have about a month for this project. The project is operating under the name of Iraqi Bundles of Love at http://www.ibol.wordpress.com/ . Robin of http://www.simplyrobin.blogspot.com/ put out a seperate challenge when Ted Kennedy died for us to mail a seperate package and send in purple as an honor all he's ever done for these in need.
This is all such a wonderful experience and I thank them all for putting this together and allowing me to be a small part of it all.

Though my blogging has not been very successful I have actually been quilting and stitching and getting things done one day at a time.I have been very busy working on projects and trying to keep up with all the BOM's I've signed up for and try to still find time to quilt. This is my Chubby Chicks project I worked on early in the year but haven't had time to quilt yet working with orange.
In keeping with the orange theme I just recently started working on an improvisational quilt using some "Texas" orange. I was inspired to start this after seeing Stephanie's anniversary quilt in progress. You can see her progress at http://www.stephpea.typepad.com/. Eventually all my blocks will get squared up with white borders and I'm not sure yet if I'm happy with all the blocks yet. The longhorn is only paper for the moment but will eventually be appliqued on the orange square. I am also still mulling around having a gray border and would somehow like to have a large longhorn on the back. The blocks will be 12.5 " squares so I'll probably end up with 20 squares when it's all said and done and obviously won't make kickoff but it will probably be an early Christmas present so he can enjoy it during football season.

I am planning to start a new quilt-along with John from http://www.quiltdad.blogpost.com/ which will be wonky log cabins and I think I will do these in fall colors and since it all starts on Sept. 1st I really need to make a decision on this pretty quickly.

The last quilt along I did was hosted by Dana at http://www.oldredbarnco.blogspot.com/ and I did this one in reds and turquiose and once it was done it just said "summer" to me so I sent it to A&;G for them to use as a beach/water park quilt. I added the little bow to help keep it neatly tucked inside the backseat.

I ended using the leftover blocks on the back and then made them a label using a photo I had taken of them a year or so ago at Longwood Gardens in PA.

Christmas mini houses quilt

2008-12-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Now that Christmas is over I can upload this photo of a coffee table sized quilt I made for my sister. I fell in love with this concept by Jacquie at www.tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com . I made one for my sister and another for a good friend and they both loved them. Thank you Jacquie for your great ideas and inspiration! These will definately be on my gift list for next year and I am planning to further personalize them. I added a jewelry store on my sisters, a quilt store on my friends and both had cat houses since they both love cats.

Christmas Treats....

2008-12-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

We had all vowed to spend less this year and use our many talents and make more homemade gifts. I just had to share all the many wonderful goodies I received yesterday and will have to fight off eating them all at once. My sister Cindy and her husband Theo made me some lovely handmade and decorated Apease cookies and some granola. My son Aaron and his girlfriend Greta, made me some wonderful cut out cookies from an old family recipe and I even got my name on a snowman. They also were so sweet to send me some holiday coffee and stuffed peppers from Philadelphia, which they know I love. My good friend Carol made me some cranberry bread and my Aunt Jean sent me some lovely hand towels from one of her holiday trips to Vermont.

All these lovely items make me feel so loved and the comfort of home baked goodies can’t be matched.

Giving back....

2008-12-22T17:47:00.001-08:00

I have always known what a wonderful job I have, what a wonderful life I have and the love of friends and family around me; unfortunately not everyone has this life.

Our office adopted a family for Christmas instead of exchanging gifts this year , so today a couple of us went to deliver the gifts. The single mother was out of work and lives with her mother and 2 kids. They were so happy to show us their tree and we placed all the gifts underneath and it was such a wonderful experience. Our economy sucks right now and anything we can do to help each other means so much. I get caught up in this "Christmas" season of buying and wrapping gifts and I love the holiday but it's the giving from our hearts that God expects and enriches all our lives with.

This Christmas will mean so much more to me after having met such a gracious family in need this year.

May you all have the opportunity to give to someone in need.

Merry Christmas,

As 2008 comes to a close

2008-12-21T07:14:00.000-08:00

Well it's getting pretty close to the end of the year and I've been thinking about my resolutions for the new year. In the past I always say I'm going to lose weight and spend less but this year I'd like to simply make the commitment to live a more simplistic life. I began 2008 much the same as other years but sometime around the middle of the year I found the etsy website and was taken aback by all the wonderful "handmade" crafters and starting buying things for the holidays. By late in the summer I had the bug again to sew but since I had given my sewing machine away about 10 years ago I knew that would have to be step one. I researched for weeks and finally ended up with a Janome 4900 (that I love by the way). One thing led to another and I found a quilting blog http://www.crazymomquilts.com/ and the hook was set. I have been pretty much just watching from the behind the scenes, building some fabric stash again, took a basic machine peicing class and decided to make a quilt for my son and future daughter in law. The quilt is now made and safely in a box under their tree in Philadelphia just waiting for Christmas morning. I can only hope and pray that they love it and since they know how much fall means to me it will always be a reminder in years to come even after I'm gone. So now all I have to do is organize, get ready for the holidays and begin my list of How to live Simple in 2009!

In the beginning...

2008-12-20T09:03:00.000-08:00

I have finally decided after all this time watching from the sidelines to start my own blog! Since I don't know how it works it may take me some time to catch on but in the meantime step 1 is complete!