Robyn's Nest

Hexagon Love

2011-03-27T09:22:00.000-07:00

And here I have been thinking I made so many but really I haven't. I need to get busy. It is enjoyable though. I'm using the stamp system to make them and it's so easy really. It's so much easier than cutting out paper pieces and fabric pieces. . . to me anyway :0)

Antique Quilt

2011-03-24T16:03:00.000-07:00

I was recently gifted this quilt. It belonged to my great grandmother. I was just overcome. It is such a beautiful quilt. I will have to load a close up of the quilting. It is amazing and all done by hand.

The quilt had a large brown circle on it as well as brown lines along it's folds. I soaked it in Vintage Textile Soak (recommended by my LQS) and all the stains disappeared. I couldn't be happier with this product.

Now my question is does anyone know the name of this pattern?

Here is a t-shirt quilt I also finished recently for a Georgia graduate.

Bird Watching and a little quilting

2011-03-03T15:49:00.000-08:00

I've had my camera posted at my back door aimed at the feeder lately. I'm starting to enjoy watching the visitors to the feeder. Its the same ones day after day. I am a novice at this so forgive me if I incorrectly named these. I identified them using the Cornell Institute's Ornithology Lab. A great site for birding.

Brown Headed Nuthatch and Tufted Titmouse

Female Cardinal

The cardinals are so skittish it's hard to get them on camera.

House Finch

Tufted Titmouse

One of my favorites. I think his crest gives him a jaunty look and he's just so cute!
White Breasted Nuthatch

This little fellow digs through the feeder and throws everything on the ground till he gets to the corn. That's all he wants.

But I still found time to finish this memory quilt for a customer.

Wow! I've been lax.

2011-02-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

I've been very lax about posting. I have quite a few updates though. I finished the Thimbleberries Home and Garden quilt to give to my mother-in-law. I had completed the top some time ago (as in about 2-3 years ago) and decided I did not like it. The large floral prints just do not appeal to me so I put it away. She loved it though so that worked out wonderfully. I quilted it and gave it to her. This is a block from my LQS Saturday sampler. It's a lovely quilt when finished and I'm very excited about working these blocks. I picked up some crossstitch again over the Christmas holidays. I haven't done any cross stitching in so long but I enjoyed doing it again. This is Cranberry Pinafore by Shepherd's Bush. I now have it framed so I will have to get that picture up.
I'm hard at work on Winter Wonderland by Crabapple Hill. This is a UFO that I started a couple years ago and put down for one reason or another. I have decided this yearI will finish several UFOs and this is number one to finish.

And last but certainly not least something new. As you know I make quite a few t-shirt and memory quilts. This is the first time I've done a calendar quilt. This quit was made from calendars that a customer's mother had collected over the years. They began in 1978! It was challenging to develop the layout as they are so long and narrow and she did want them all on one quilt. I decided to do front and back.

Red Boots dollies

2010-12-23T13:35:00.000-08:00

I've made several of these dolls from a lovely pattern by Toni of the Red Boots Quilt Company. Her patterns are just darling and so easy to follow. Here are just a couple of the dolls I've made from her Blogging Buddies pattern as Christmas presents. These are for my daughter and my niece. My daughter got hers early and named her Ginger because she has gingerbread boots on. :0) She has another couple coming but doesn't know it yet. Those are wrapped and under the tree. Thanks, Toni, these are the cutest (and most loved already) dolls ever!!

Quilts for Kids

2010-12-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of this organization, Quilts for Kids? You can learn more by clicking on the name. It's a wonderful organization that gives quilts to children in hospitals. I want to start a chapter in my area in order to send the quilts to the local children's hospital. In the meantime, I am making quilts and sending them to HQ. They will send you the kit (or you can use your own materials). You just add batting and quilt it and return it. They do ask that you quilt it pretty heavily since it will be used and washed a lot and that you wash it before returning it. Here is my first finished quilt for them. It took no time at all. It was a very simple pattern. Won't you consider sharing your talents and making one as well?

Downy sponsors this organization and they'll send you a tag to include with your quilt.

A Boy's Story Finished

2010-12-23T13:25:00.001-08:00

All finished and quilted. You can see how happy the recipient is.

And close ups of the finished quilt:

A Boy's Story Cont.

2010-12-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

I have finished the top to the Boys Story Quilt (pattern by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched). I am getting ready to quilt it now. My son is very excited. I added borders to the quilt to make it bed size. It now finishes 66 x 80. Here are some of the squares. Hopefully I'll have the quilted finish for you soon.

T-Shirt finish

2010-12-18T19:02:00.000-08:00

This quilt was done in rememberance of a young man who lost his life to testicular cancer 2 years ago. If you have a young man in your life. Please educate him and yourself about this.

Christmas Time

2010-12-18T18:57:00.000-08:00

And this is one busy elf. I've finished a Rosalie Quinlan small quilt

New Mystery quilt-a-long!

2010-11-04T17:43:00.000-07:00

Quiltville has a new mystery quilt-a-long! I am so excited. I've done several with Bonnie and am always happy with the outcome. They are among my favorite quilts. Her designs are amazing and it's so kind of her to share them as freebies with us. To learn more click on Quiltville above. Here are the colors I've picked out for mine. I'm going with the same color theme as Bonnie, double pinks, green and chocolates. You don't see a lot of my backgrounds here because I have them folded together but they are diverse; lots of shirtings, mostly from Little Quilts. I will wait and pick out my border colors later.

More T-shirt finishes

2010-11-04T17:30:00.000-07:00

I've finished more t-shirt quilts for a customer and friend. This time of year is usually busy for t-shirt and/or memory quilts. They make great Christmas gifts.

This one was for her daughter and I stitched her daughters first ballet outfit on the quilt (size 24 months). How cute is this?

New Bedroom = New Quilt

2010-10-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

We had to get new furniture for our daughter (she outgrew her toddler bed) so that meant a new quilt and matching throw pillow. I chose the Marmalade pattern by Thimble Blossoms along with the Bliss line from Moda (also by Thimble Blossoms) because it was so girly and fresh and modern looking. It's a wonderful match with the new furniture. Looks like we need some shams now.

Pure Sweetness

2010-09-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

I made two dresses out of Sweetwater's new line, Pure. I am working on my third dress out of this fabric. I love this fabric line and have other plans for it. This is an easy pattern from a Japanese pattern book I bought from Etsy. I serge my edges using a zigzag stitch on my machine.

And look, a sleeve!

Here is the top back. So easy but so pretty. . A gathered waistline with elastic cuffs.

This is the blouse I made from Heather Bailey's line, Far Far Away. It's a lovely linen/cotton blend so it's a bit heavier for the cooler weather. I used shell buttons by Moda for the back.

Another GO! giveaway

2010-09-23T16:20:00.000-07:00

Wow these things are definitely the hot, new item. Get over to Millie's and check out here giveaway. I'm seriously hoping to win one.

Accuquilt Giveaway

2010-09-23T09:35:00.000-07:00

The GO! Cutter seems to be THE new quilting item. There are so many giveaways out there. I personally would love to win one and so in hopes of winning I'm letting you know that Jane is giving one away. Check it out here.

Scrap Quilts

2010-09-19T16:28:00.001-07:00

I finished the tops of these quilts some time ago but have just recently finished quilting them. I cleaned out my scrap bags for them. And still have a TON of scraps left. I love making quilts from my scraps then looking at all the different fabrics in one and remember where it was used before.

This first one is the Road to Oklahoma pattern. The only part that is not from my scrap basket is the border

This second is made up of strictly Christmas scraps. I made the Log Cabin block (one of my favorite blocks) then found this setting for them that I thought looked sort of like a Christmas wreath. I'm not sure what the layout is called but I like it.

I've been sew busy!

2010-09-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Sew busy making clothes that is. I've been bitten by the clothes bug hard. It helps that my daughter needs clothes for school and frankly everything they sell in the stores either looks like it came from a garbage dump or I'm outfitting a tramp-in-training! I can't believe the clothes out there. I wanted clothes that look like little girl clothes, sweet and original, no sparkles/sequins, suggestive words or words on the butt, no midriff or skintight, etc. Well it seems my only option was make them. And it's been fun. The best part is my daughter loves them. So for now I'll keep making them ;0).

Here is a little top, just a simple pull over made with organic cotton.

This outfit features a kimono style top and slip on shorts.

This top has a simple yoke and three buttons on the back. I had fun with the buttons let me tell you but I'm learning as I go. I'm making this one again in the new Far Far Away fabric. I hope to finish it this weekend. The shirt in this outfit is the same as the pullover (the first shirt) with an added waistband of elastic for a little flare. The jeans are a simple pull-on crop jean with eyelet lace around the bottom.

But I've still found time for quilting. This was a small quilt challenge with the Small Quilt group that I am a part of. I hand quilted this in Baptist Fans. I'm very proud of it.

A Boy's Story

2010-07-25T09:17:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a Boy's Story Quilt by Anni Downs. I love this quilt. My son is anxiously awaiting it's completion.This lovely quilt is made up of comic strip style stitchery as well as applique and pieced blocks.

I also just finished Abundant Bloom. The pattern is by Bloom courtesy of Moda Bake Shop. I expanded it to make it into a queen size quilt. The fabric is Simple Abundance by Camilla Roskey. I love these colors. Her fabrics are always so gorgeous!

I finished the back with extra strips.

And here is a close up of the flowers I quilted it with.

Hooked on Hexagons

2010-06-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

I finally started working with hexagons and I can't stop. I've been wanting to start these for awhile. I purchsed Cindy Blackberg's stamp and it is such a fast easy way to whip these suckers up. You just stamp on the back of the fabric just like you'd stamp anything (such as a card) and there are cutting lines and sewing lines. It was soooo easy. I'm telling you, totally brainless. We recently made a 10 hour road trip (5 hours each way) to Fort Knox and boy was I glad I had cut these out and had them ready to go. I stored them in the little zipper pouch I made (see here). It was perfect for these a small pair of scissors and thread. They're quite addicting too. I'm enjoying making them.

I've got several of her stamp sets including the star set and the kaleidescope. I think next I will go for the baby blocks or tumbling blocks. As easy as this was, I might be whipping out a lot more blocks.

Quilt Aid

2010-06-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of Quilt Aid? It's a wonderful organization supporting obstetric fistula (you can read more on the site). They have an annual quilt a long where you can purchase the blocks and finishing kits. Natalie of Cinderberry Stitches is hosting a giveaway in their honor.

Sewing Pouch

2010-06-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

I whipped this pattern up last night. And I do mean whipped. Excluding the embroidery which took about 30 minutes this sweet little pouch whipped up FAST! It was so easy. Pattern courtesy of Noodleheads. (Thank you, Anna!) I used her pencil pouch and modified the dimensions a bit. I can throw some handsewing pieces in here with a needle, thread, and scissors and carry this in my purse. I also made it to coordinate with my sewing caddy (pictured below). It will go in there for longer trips. The embroidery is from Red Brolly stitched on a wonderful linen/cotton blend sent to me from Elyte.

Antique Quilt finishes

2010-06-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

I was commissioned to finish some antique quilt blocks into quilts. She had churn dash and Joseph's Coat blocks made by her great aunt and great grandmother. And here they are:

I also made a sewing basket. Pattern courtesy of Gina Allen. This pattern was not only fun to make but I love my new sewing basket. It holds everything wonderfully.

Lots of pockets for lots of goodies, scissors, pens, needles, thread, etc.

And even more pockets outside. How can you not love this tote?

Giveaway at Kerri's Pad

2010-06-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Kerri is giving away two yummy fq''s of her fabric. You can check it out here. And wow, check out this fabric:

Quilt Shoppe Giveaway

2010-06-07T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Quilt Shoppe is having a giveaway hosted by Jaybird Quilts (click on their name for a link). I don't really want you to go visit because that would decrease my chances of winning and the prize is awesome. ;0)

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2010-05-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am joining the Blogger's Quilt Festival! Click the icon below for more information.

And here is the quilt I am featuring. I was never very impressed with embroidery until I saw some of the Australian designers. Then I was sold! Rosalie Quinlan, who designed this quilt is one of my absolute favorites. I love her whimsical fresh style. As soon as I saw this quilt, Little Patchwork Village, I knew I had to do it. I began the houses last year and one thing or another kept getting in my way. I decided this would be the year for UFOs and this is one of my now completed UFOs. I'm so proud it's done and I absolutely love it. It is for my daughter who loves all things pink. I am ashamed to admit she had a store bought quilt (shudder) hanging on her wall. It was bought some time ago before I new how to quilt and I have just never gotten around to replacing it. Well guess what? It's off to Goodwill and this beauty is hanging in it's place. Excuse my lopsided picture. I was burning dinner while shooting it. :0)

Finishes

2010-05-19T17:07:00.000-07:00

I have finished a few t-shirt quilts and a reproduction quilt from a former McCall's magazine.

This t-shirt quilt is HUGE! It has 103 shirts in the quilt and finished at 91 x 100. It's big in terms of t-shirt quilts but actually it's a queen size quilt. Very random and very fun.

This is a nine patch I finished recently in reproduction fabrics. The pattern was from a McCall's magazine. I'll have to look up the reference to be sure which one. . .

This a t-shirt picture quilt for another customer

This t-shirt quilt was created for Strides of March/Chattanooga Cares which is an organization raising money for AIDS research.

Check out these Giveaways

2010-04-20T10:55:00.001-07:00

Mel's Own Place is having a fun giveaway.

And Ryan is having a giveaway too!

For Teacher

2010-04-17T06:40:00.000-07:00

My youngest son has had the absolutely best teacher this year. She has really been helpful and wonderful and he just loves her. I wanted to do something nice for her now that the year is drawing to a close. I originally saw this on Bloom's blog. I hope she likes it.

It's a pen roll.

Here is another version of Rosalie Quinlan's Welcome Friends stiching basket. This one is for Shannon of Treasured Threads.

Sewing Madness

2010-04-15T18:32:00.001-07:00

I've been sewing like crazy and having so much fun making clothes for my little one. I've seriously been bitten by the clothes bug lately and find myself looking at fabrics more for clothes than quilting. Never fear though, I am not giving up quilting. In fact I just got a new kaleidescope ruler today and will be beginning a quilt for my son soon, after I finish a couple t-shirt quilts I have on order.

Have I mentioned how much I love Oliver + S patterns? This is the blouse from the new Ice Cream Dress pattern. It is so easy and fun to put together. See my label in there?

I finished Rosalie Quinlan's Welcome Friends basket. This was a fun one as all hers are.

And I've been trying out my new close up filter for my camera. Not quite as good as a macro lens (I have to save up for that) but a lot cheaper. Click on the pic for a bigger image.

Popover Dress

2010-04-05T16:48:00.000-07:00

I love love love Oliver + S patterns. If you haven't tried sewing clothes or even if you have and just didn't like it forget all the others and try these. It will change your mind about sewing clothes forever. The popover dress is a free pattern from Liesl of Oliver + S. It was so easy that I whipped out three this afternoon. Aren't they adorable? This first one is using Hunky Dory fabs.

And this is using Heather Mulder's Rebel Roses fab. These dresses are so easy, the pattern is simple to follow and the directions are so clear.

And this was made from some really cute fabs I found at my local Hancock's. I think the line was called M'Liss? Anyway I liked them.

Did I mention that I love Oliver + S patterns?

Brittany's Quilt

2010-04-05T07:26:00.000-07:00

Wow it has been a really long time since I posted. I hadn't realized that. So busy surfing everyone else's blogs I forgot about mine. So I have some updating to do. First a quilt I finished for my neice. This was done using Basic Grey fabs (Blush) from Moda. I love this collection. She just got the quilt yesterday, Easter, because she's away at school. She loved it. I'm so glad. She's such a sweet girl!

This is the front of the quilt. Pretty blurry but you get the idea.

And here is the back:

I've also finished a model stitching assignement for Treasured Threads, Raspberry & Cream by Cinderberry Stitches.

Before and After

2010-02-28T11:08:00.000-08:00

Okay we've been very busy with home improvements lately. And by the way, what is it about home improvements that make you want to do more and more? They are very addictive. I have SOOOO many plans still. . . but here is the kitchen before. (Notice the horrible clutter.)

We painted the cabinets, walls, and ceiling, replaced the cabinet hardware and did a backsplash behind the stove AND threw away about 2 tons of clutter. Now we have to tile the floor and do something with the countertops. . . Gotta give a close up on my backsplash. I designed this. Had to do a quilt block you know. The Terra Cotta colored tile is what will be going down on the floor.
Notice the border on the other side of the wall in my after picture. That's next! As is that ugly brown carpet. Coming up! But tile in the kitchen first. The list just keeps growing. Home Depot and Lowe's have so many cool things. Have you been there lately?

Now for some quilting pics. The blocks in this quilt were made by my husband's great aunt. His grandmother gave them to me and asked me to put them together and quilt it. Voila!

This quilt is for a coworker who is having a granddaughter. Hope she likes it!

Here is the back:

And a commissioned quilt. This is for St. Nicholas school. The students drew on squares with fabric markers. Those are the small squares surrounding the school t-shirts.

Awesome fab giveaway

2010-02-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Kerri is having a great giveaway on her blog. Some yummy fabrics. Check it out here for a chance to win.

Knitting, Quilting and Birds. Oh My!

2010-02-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

I am trying to teach myself knitting in the hopes of someday making my own socks, among other things. So I bought a book, some needles, and yarn and started with a wash cloth. And look. . . stripes!!

I'm so impressed with myself. Now you knitters extraordinaire out there won't think a think about this I'm sure but I'm just so thrilled that I actually did it. I'm now lost in a knitting dream of striped socks and beautiful sweaters, caps, etc. Reality is beginning to set in though. I started a hat for my daughter. Hmmmm will it ever fit her head? That remains to be seen. But I did finish the dishcloth.

Meantime I have finished another t-shirt quilt. This is for a coworker. She is giving it to her son and his fiance who met at Auburn and are to be married in another couple of months.

Now for the birds. I found this family of bluebirds in our backyard. It started as one or two brave little souls coming over to see what that was I threw out for them (breadcrumbs) and before I was done I had counted five. I'm sure there are more. I'll keep waiting to snap their pics. I love birds.

Gotta give a shout out about this stuff!

2010-02-01T14:19:00.000-08:00

I just got my order in the mail today for this unbelievable lotion bar. I love love love this lotion bar. I ordered the Blueberry and wow is it wonderful. Quickly absorbing and does not leave a greasy residue at all which is important when handling fabrics and fibers. My skin is much smoother and suppler (is that a word). And it's good quality natural ingredients. Can I say enough good things about this stuff? If you order between now and Valentines there is free shipping! I'm off to order more, now to decide between Cottage Rose and Blackberry Sage. . . hmmmmm.

you can find Lizzy Lane Farm here:

http://lizzylanefarm.wordpress.com/

And her shop here:

http://lizzylanefarm.blogspot.com/

And can I say something about this salve? RUN do not walk to your computer (okay guess you're already there) and order this stuff. It is amazing! I have a very bad burn on my hand from my iron and it was red and irriated around the area that had scabbed over (gross huh). It was also itchy. I began putting this salve on as soon as I got it and the redness/itchiness went away, the skin is smoothing out and the whole thing has vastly improved. I have burned myself more than once quilting (call me Grace) and it usually takes a couple weeks for a burn this bad to heal. This thing is almost completely healed in 3 days!!! Best news? This stuff is way more economical than anything I've bought before. A generous tin for $6?? 'Nuff said. Now my peeps, go forth and conquer. . er. . purchase.

No, I'm not affiliated with Lizzy Lane Farm in anyway. I just love finding good quality items & feel the need to share them with you. Hoping others will share their wonderful finds with me. It's a network of love Y.

Now a baby quilt

2010-01-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to make one of these quilts since I first saw the pattern on Moda Bake Shop and now I have my chance. I modified it just a bit in that I left off one row and shortened the length. It's now 36 x 36 which I think is a great newborn size. This version can be made in like one day. A great baby gift.

Babies!

2010-01-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love babies? I have two friends expecting. You know what that means? There should be another soon. . . they always come in threes. Anyway, I found this wonderful gift idea. A baby kimono (tutorial here) that was featured on Quilt Taffy. I've made one for a boy and one for a girl and I personally can't wait to see fat chubby baby legs peeking out from the bottom of this with little booties on. Hmmm. . . I am setting out to learn knitting perhaps I could knit some matching booties. . . more on that later.

And jeans I made my daughter from Toni Coward's Fancy Pants pattern. So fun! I've made others and will get those pics uploaded soon.

Fat Quarter Anyone?

2010-01-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

Kati Cupcake (don't you love that name) is having a fat quarter giveaway of her gorgeous new line, Marabella. To make you drool here's a pic. Click on it and you will be taken to Amy's blog for a chance to win.

Busy Busy Busy

2010-01-17T13:53:00.000-08:00

I've had several commissioned jobs this year already. Consequently I've been quite busy quilting. Here are a finished a t-shirt quilt and a memory quilt.

Two closeups of the memory quilt:

and the back, I used some more squares to complement the back: This is the t-shirt quilt:
And a jacket I made my daughter over Christmas. I am just now getting pics loaded. I've been a bit behind. LOL! This pattern is from Make it Perfect by Toni Coward. A very easy pattern and I love this jacket. It's reversible!

Checkers anyone?

2009-12-29T07:12:00.000-08:00

I made this Gameboard quilt as a challenge for the Small Quilts group. We are each doing a quilt from the book "Prairie Children and their Quilts". This was a quick simple pattern. The buttons are "checkers".

Carolina Christmas is done!

2009-12-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

And on my bed. . . I opted for a solid border. Partly because I wanted to get it done and on my bed, partly because I had this fabric to use and partly because I just liked the way the solid border "soothed" the overall pattern. I Y this quilt.

More Christmas

2009-12-21T17:20:00.000-08:00

Santa's elves have been working round the clock to finish the goodies.

Front:

and back: And quilting Carolina Christmas in order to get it on Mrs. Claus' bed ASAP. I am quilting an all over flower design. Look what one of the elves made me while working so hard. . . a lego sewing machine. Is that the coolest or what? It's only about 1" high.

Santa's Elf

2009-12-18T07:02:00.000-08:00

Santa's elf has been very busy getting ready for Christmas. Don't let the soft pleading expression in these eyes fool you. This is a serious elf here. He is all business when it comes to Christmas.

Please disregard the wet nose too.

This elf has been busy quilting gifts for Christmas.

And he even finished the back of this quilt with extra blocks. I like the effect. He did take some time out to help me finish my Carolina Christmas quilt top. Now on to the borders.

Carolina Christmas Part III and IV

2009-12-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

This project is so fun. You have to join in! You have plenty of time. Bonnie is going to leave the instructions up until June next year. I am anxiously awaiting part V. I am loving my fabrics and going very scrappy with them. Not perhaps as scrappy as Bonnie but she is the queen of scraps. Here is part III and part IV.

For the rest of today I will be working on some handquilting. Finishing my Christmas BOM from Gail Pan and watching football. Alabama vs. Florida and Texas vs. Nebraska. I'm pulling for Florida and Texas.

Molly, I tried to respond to your post or visit your blog but your profile is locked.

Carolina Christmas Part I and II

2009-11-29T12:57:00.000-08:00

I'm already enjoying Bonnie's new quilt a long. It's not too late to start and you'll have a beautiful bed quilt when you're done.

Step I

and Step II

I'm now anxiously awaiting the next step. Like Bonnie I want to have it on my bed this Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-27T12:41:00.000-08:00

Though this is a bit late I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I've been hard at work on quilts and such. I finished some wallhangings for a customer. These are made from shirts and ties. I made five wall hangings along with four full size quilts.

This little dolly was a gift for my daughter for her fifth birthday. She was very easy to make. The pattern is from Oh Sew Dollin. She has some VERY cute patterns on her site. Check them out.

We have our tree decorated. Here are just a few of the ornaments that we decorate with. I love pulling these out every year. These birdhouses were made by my former boss. She does beautiful wood work. These are not painted. They are actually different woods. Aren't they beautiful?

This one is made using a sea urchin shell. It's so delicate.

This is a small pillow type ornament that I stitched.

Here are two pear ornaments I just finished today. The pattern can be found at Connecting Threads. I'll be adding more pics of my favorite ornaments as time goes by. I love ornaments especially handmade ones.

And here are my fabrics for Bonnie's new mystery quilt along. It's called Carolina Christmas. This is the third mystery quilt I've done with Bonnie and they always turn out so beautifully. It's just beginning so join in here.

Life is Beautiful

2009-11-20T06:05:00.000-08:00

Helen is having a Life is Beautiful contest and you should see the amazing quilt she has just released. Here is a sneak peak but you you really need to go see her blog and read more about it. Click here for her blog.

A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.

Proverbs 17:22

Memory Quilt and Christmas Quilt

2009-11-08T14:22:00.001-08:00

I finished a memory quilt for a friend. Just a small wallhanging. This will be a gift for her mother in law. It's made from her girls clothes. I think the contrasting patterns turned out pretty well. I quilted swirls into it.

And here is a little pic of one of my labels.

And the mystery quilt finish. This is Christmas Lights, a mystery quilt-a-long with Quiltmaker magazine and Bonnie Hunter. I so enjoy Bonnie's quilt patterns. They are so easy and yet they look so complex and stunning when finished.

And in true Bonnie Hunter fashion, the back was made entirely of scraps. I quilted stars and hearts with swirls into the quilt.

Giveaway!

2009-10-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Jackie is having a giveaway. Check it out on her blog here:
http://cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/2009/10/sharing-my-good-fortune-with-you.html

Hiking

2009-10-27T15:39:00.000-07:00

We went for a bit of hiking up at Rock Island. This is a beautiful spot in middle Tennessee. I highly recommend it. The drive alone is beautiful. The park is loaded with falls that are easily accessible. There are great hiking trails for all types of hikers, strenuous and moderate. This is definitely a beautiful time to go with the fall colors in full show.

These are the twin falls.

These are from the Great Falls Dam area.

These berries were so beautiful. I have no idea what they are. I've never seen berries this color before.

Autumn. . .

2009-10-18T16:21:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year, the colors, the chill to the air, wood fires, football, the holidays. . .

I have finished my fall quilt. I love this quilt and these colors. It's going right on my bed. The block is Arizona and the fabric is from Connecting Threads, Hearth and Home line. I quilted leaves into the border. I used a stencil and Pounce. This was my first foray with Pounce and I have to say I am extremely pleased. It was easy and it came off very easily too.

It's Football Time in Tennessee!

2009-10-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

My son attends Cumberland University. We went to his game yesterday and it was great to watch him play at this level. I've been to every game since he was 5 years old so seeing him play in college was a big deal. He is on the JV team (he's a freshman). He loves it. We are very proud. So here are a few shots from the game yesterday.

This is his roommate, Marcus.

Here is Jacob #91

Artist Tote

2009-09-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

This tote is for my budding artist, coloring mayven, etc. She will be able to carry her coloring books and sketch pads inside. There are individual pockets on the outside front for crayons. The outside back has pockets for markers and a lined pocket for paints and paintbrushes. The paintbrush pocket has velcro to keep it closed. I'm holding this for her birthday in another couple months but had to get it off my to do list. I have seen these online and decided to make my own. I did it all last night. A very easy pattern to do. The pics are quite yellow, obviously bad lighting. The bag fabric is actually a lime green and just cute as can be. I may have to retake these pics.

okay here is a little bit better photo of the color of the bag.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2009-09-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

I have been so busy lately making Christmas projects and gifts. I am making most of the gifts I'm giving away this Christmas. My plan is to have all these completed by November in order to enjoy the holidays. This is the first Schnibble in "A Year of Schnibbles", Winter White. I used mostly Shangri La fabrics so I'm calling it Shangri-La Winter. I rushed through this pattern and I don't know why because it was easy and fun. So I'm not real happy with my geese. I plan on doing it again though. This Minnesota Stars quilt was a kit from Connecting Threads. It's a Christmas gift but I can't say for who. Shhhh!

Here is part 2 of the 3 part Bonnie Hunter/Quiltmaker "Christmas Lights" mystery quilt. I love Bonnie Hunter's patterns and this is no exception. I am so enjoying this and can hardly wait for part 3. It's not too late to get in on the fun. Check out the Quiltmaker site (there is a link on my sidebar) for back issues. Part 2 is on stands now.

Another set of Monkey P.J.s for my niece for Christmas. The pattern is by Oliver + S and so easy. I finished them in one day.

My first tree skirt. This was also very easy and I enjoyed making it. I can't wait to have this under my tree. I machine quilted stars into in.

Feathered Friends block of the month by Cinderberry Stitches. You can click on the link in my sidebar for more information on this one. I love the whimsical birds and beautiful designs in this pattern. This is only a piece of month 1. I have more to show you but have to get the photos uploaded first.

A close up of the birdies.

Civil War BOM

2009-09-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

I love love love this quilt. I will be finishing up one BOM soon and I believe this one will be next on my list. I love the fabrics and design. . . there' snot much about it that I don't like. Oh and did I mention that you can win. Click the pic for more info

Can you stand another giveaway?

2009-08-27T15:31:00.000-07:00

It's back to the Fat Quarter Shop for a $100 gift certificate this time. Click on the pic below for more info on their beautiful new Block of the Month. .

It's Giveaway Madness

2009-08-25T05:17:00.000-07:00

Fat Quarter Shop is offering a Pennsylvania Dutch BOM giveaway. The BOM is scrumptious too!
Click here.

Heather of Anka's Treasures is having a giveaway with not one but THREE prizes. Check that out here.

And still more giveaways

2009-08-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Elaine is having a giveaway at her blog for Civil War prints. If you're a nut like me and love those fabs click here.

A Year of Schnibbles

2009-08-21T06:29:00.000-07:00

What's a Schnibbles you ask? It's a wonderful little pattern made by Carrie of Miss Rosie's Quilt Co. made using charm packs or scraps. Click here for more info on Schnibbles.

I am joining a year of Schnibbles and intend to make one each month. Won't you join me? Click on the pic below for more information.

Rachel's having a giveaway

2009-08-16T16:43:00.000-07:00

Rachel is having a fab giveaway. Check it out here (click on pic)!

Family Picnic

2009-08-09T19:21:00.001-07:00

We spent yesterday at my sister's farm for a family picnic and horseback riding. Today we took my baby to college. =0( It was a very sad day. I am proud of him but it's so hard to take your child somewhere and leave him there. We are all kind of weepy now. I know he'll do well though.

Here are some pics of my sister's horses. Beautiful aren't they? We had a great time. I haven't ridden in awhile so I'm very sore today. But I'd love to go right back tomorrow.

oh wait. . . how'd he get there? LOL!!! That is Spike, a.k.a. Spikers, a.k.a. Spik-a-licious, a.k.a. Fart Blossom. He went on the ride with us and had a great time.

We kept the little ones in the pasture.

Just some lovely flowers at her gate:

Oh and a pic of the beach. . . it was so wonderful.

And a quilt finish. This one goes to hubby.

Another Giveaway. . .

2009-08-06T05:19:00.000-07:00

Elaine is having a giveaway on her blog here. Another stimulus package. Check it out.

After that check back here. I hope to have some more pics loaded soon. We've just returned from a wonderful relaxing vacation at the beach.

Giveaway

2009-07-30T05:53:00.001-07:00

Rachel at p.s. I quilt is having a wonderful giveaway! Check it out by clicking the picture!

Christmas in Late July

2009-07-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

I've been working on Christmas gifts lately. I made placemats and hot pads for a friend.

I also made an apron for my sister. This isn't actually the one she'll recieve, can't show you that because she'll see it.

And in the spirit of Christmas. . . baking!! I made this peach pie using peaches from our tree. Mmmmmm was it good. Wish you were here to share a piece.

More produce from the garden (just because I'm so proud of what we grew and how good it all tastes). We doubled our garden space this year and intend to double it again next year. We expand as we learn more. We grow everything organically so many things we learn as we go. There seem to be so few things we can use for bugs but like I said, we are learning. We still have corn, peppers, broccoli and carrots to come in. . . can't wait!

And I finished another t-shirt quilt.

Giveaway

2009-07-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Go check out Elaine's blog for a chance to win a Quilter's Stimulus package. While there check out some of her amazing work.

Custom Labels

2009-07-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

At the urging of a friend I decided to make my own custom labels. She was very helpful with suggestions and choosing which one she preferred. So here they are:

There is a great tutorial on these labels here: http://sometimescrafter.blogspot.com/

My husband's grandmother gave me these blocks that her sister made some time ago. I have no idea how old the fabrics are but they are very coarse. I put them together and now I will quilt them for her. The colors are pretty and striking.

This top was finished ages ago and I'm finally getting around to quilting it. Another UFO down!

And this has been at the top of my to do list for some time. I just love Rosalie's whimsical designs. My little girl grabbed this as soon as it was done. She loves it. I am very proud of it myself.

My First Quilt

2009-07-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

Following in the steps of Camille, et. al. I am baring my soul by showing you this monstrosity. This is my very first quilt. I was originall a crossstitcher and decided to make these little dragons into a quilt for my son. Basic squares is about all I dared master. It is horribly done. Perhaps it's good that the picture is so out of focus. (sigh)

Now! I am much more pleased to show you my most recent finish. The top was actually pieced last Christmas but I'm just getting around to quilting it now so I guess that counts as most recent.

What have I learned along the way? Besides NUMEROUS techniques I have learned to take chances; to trust myself when choosing colors or quilting designs and that as long as you enjoy the process nothing else matters!

Happy Independence Day!!

2009-07-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

We spent the day cooking out with the inlaws. For fireworks we walked down to the park to watch the show. It was beautiful. Hope you all had a wonderful fun time.

Cleaning out the UFO pile and then some. . .

2009-07-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

I finished another log cabin quilt. Made from the same set of scraps as the previous.

I made this quilt for my boss' daughter. She picked out the fabrics. Aren't they gorgeous. I tell you I love this quilt.

I finally got around to quilting this one which was made last year (or was it the year before). I quilted this one with wool batting and I really like the outcome. The wool was wonderful to work with.

And here are two quilts for Craft Hope (see link to the lower right). These will be going to an orphanage in India and because of the warmer climate there I used no batting. Instead I used a flannel backing.

Finally I made my own set of quilt labels. I have since revised these a bit but here is the first draft. I really like them.

And I put together a batch of blackberry jam (24 of these little suckers). My great-grandmother's recipe, mmmmmmm. . .

Vacation is almost over. . .

2009-06-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

But I have been busy and gotten so much accomplished. I made my little girl another pair of the Kimono pajamas by Oliver + S. As soon as I saw this fabric I new I had to get it to make her some pjs and she is Soooo cute in them. Of course my son, then had to have a pair of pants (not the whole set mind you) and they have to be some kind of cool (weird) fabric.

I finished a couple little quilts I've been wanting to do. This one, I call Watercolor Cabins, I copied from a similar one I saw online. I loved the white with the pastel colors. It is 22" x 22" and hand quilted.

And I have almost caught up on my Washington Medallion BOM.

Christmas Lights

2009-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:00

I've finished step 1 of Christmas Lights, the mystery quilt pattern by Bonnie Hunter, featured in Quiltmaker magazine. If you have not already started this why not? I had FUN putting these together. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Major Award Winner

2009-06-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

First let me say I won I won, hot darn I won!! A major award(remember the Christmas Story movie where he won the lamp?)!!! I won Bonnie Hunter's book Scraps and Shirtails from the Quiltmaker blog. YAH!! Can't wait to get it and start working on one of her quilts. I am a big fan of hers. Speaking of Bonnie, I am doing my second mystery quilt with her. The first one was Double Delight and it was a lot of fun and is now one of my absolute favorite quilts. I love it. This one, Christmas Lights, will be featured in Quiltmaker magazine. It's just started with the current issue on stands now so get it! This is going to be fun. Here are the fabrics I have picked out for the blocks. Still debating on borders. . .

I keep a bag under my sewing desk and drop strips and scraps into it. I have dug in to those scraps and made two log cabin quilts (and there is still a huge bag of scraps left!). Here is one finished. I have the top of the other done and I hope to have it quilted soon. Of course, it looks almost identical since it is from the same scraps. I love that I have this quilt now to look at and remember the fabrics that are used in other quilts. The second one is to be a Christmas gift for a former boss.

Many many updates

2009-06-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

I finished a purse, Rosalie Quinlan's Black Forest Bag, stitcheries, a skirt, a mini quilt, two memory quilts, let's see what else. . . .okay pics:

The purse. I love this pattern and these fabrics really play up the bag I think.

The skirt is the Lazy Day's Skirt by Oliver + S. EASY Peasy to make. Go try it.

The stitcheries are the first two blocks from Rosalie Quinlan's Little Patchwork Village.

These two memory quilts are made from a loved one's clothes.

And this little mini quilt is 7 x 9.5". Tiny. All hand pieced and hand quilted.

Friends Needlecase

2009-05-31T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have just finished this stitchery for Shannon at Treasured Threads. This worked up quickly, like in 1 day. If you like it, hop over to Shannon's page and order it. She is great to work with. I get all my stitcheries from her.

Jacob's Ladder

2009-05-28T20:46:00.000-07:00

As my oldest prepares to go away to college I decided to make him a quilt, aptly named Jacob's Ladder. He was very pleased with it. (Especially since Spike, the Crack Russell terrier has been using his old quilt as a chew toy, but I digress.) I love the darker more masculine colors for him. It was an easy pattern and a lot of fun to make. I'm going to miss this kid when he goes!

Frog Legs Anyone?

2009-05-13T19:01:00.000-07:00

I've been up to my ears in frog legs!!! I made this quilt for a customer. The pattern is called Bullfrog Boogie. Isn't it cute?

I've been busy working on the Nice People Nice Things stitchery.

And a beautiful (if I do say so myself) small quilt. I handquilted this one and included some close ups of the quilting I did. I stitched a cable pattern in the borders.

Quilting puppy

2009-04-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

Spike was helping me quilt. Actually he was cutting strips I ran out of strips and wondered why. This is what I found. Falling asleep on the job again. What's a quilter to do?

If you're not doing Gail Pan's Christmas BOM I have to ask why not? They're quick and easy and fun. I recently caught up on the last two months. Can't wait for May now.

And I've been busy on Nice People Nice Things. It's stitchery madness around here lately!

On the home front. The azaleas are in bloom and they're beautiful. There are more pics of them in the photography album on the right hand side of my page.

Housewife

2009-04-07T15:37:00.000-07:00

I finally received my copy of Remembering Adelia by Kathleen Tracy. If you've not seen this book check it out at Amazon ASAP. It's CHOCK full of wonderful patterns. This is a book that I will do every pattern in. It's that good, really. The first pattern I had to do was the housewife. I love the idea behind it. Women made them for themselves or for loved ones. They were taken on the trips out west. Men carried them into battle during the Civil War in order to make quick uniform repairs themselves. It's just a wonderful little sewing kit that you can drop in your purse and carry everywhere. You never can tell when you're going to have time to get in a few stitches =0) Here is mine. Completely hand pieced and hand quilted.

and inside pockets for thimble, thread, scissors, etc.

I also finished another variable t-shirt quilt this past weekend.

Now onto my next project. It's called Goose Chase and I'm using Charleston IV fabrics for it. Aren't these fabrics yummy?

New Finish and New Puppy

2009-03-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

We have a new edition to our family. Is this the cutest? He's a little 10 week old Jack Russell and his name is Spike. Gotta have a tough name for something this sweet and little. He's such a cuddler.

And oh by the way here's the quilt finish. Couldn't resist one more sweet picture of this guy. It's another small quilt about 16 x 20.

Robynsnest

2009-03-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

Finished! My own Robyn's nest. The pattern is by Country Threads.

Small Quilts

2009-03-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

This is a challenge quilt I made with my online group Small Quilts. It was really fun to make and quick. The challenge was to use fabrics you don't normally use. I used some from my stash that have been hiding in the back for some time. I call them ugly fabrics because I wasn't very fond of them. Now that they're in here though I really like them.

Paper Piecing

2009-03-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

This is my first foray into paper piecing. I'm doing the BOM Washington Medallion and the center, feathered star is paper pieced. It was difficult to get my brain around lining up the pieces to begin with but now that I have the hang of it, it's pretty easy. I like the way my star turned out. I see some errors but hopefully they won't show too bad and I still like the way it looks. The little house was the test piece to practice.

Little Quilt & February Stitchery & more

2009-02-28T13:15:00.000-08:00

Here is a little quilt I finished recently. I love little quilts. It's such a nice small way to decorate and use up little scraps. And February's finish in Gail Pan's Christmas BOM. This is tons of fun. And they're so pretty. Thanks Gail!

I had to add a close up of the quilting my Bernina and I did on the Double Delight Quilt Along. This quilt is on my bed now.

Quilt Show

2009-02-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit late in posting these. This is from a quilt show the first of February. There were some beautiful quilts and beautiful displays of sewing as well.

Love Is. . . Truly Scrumptious

2009-01-19T18:06:00.000-08:00

These are two BOM stitcherys I've been working on. First is Truly Scrumptious by Cinderberry Stitches. I love the fairies in this. It's really been a lot of fun working on this and the fabric really is scrumptious. It's Shangri La by Moda. Rich colors that really just pop.

This BOM is by Rosalie Quinlan, Love Is. Not finished with it yet, still enjoying it =0) I changed the colors up a bit to more of a soft rose. I like the effect, what do you think?

Christmas BOM

2009-01-16T16:07:00.000-08:00

It's never too early to be thinking of Christmas Quilts is it? I'm following along with Gail Pan's free Christmas BOM. You can read more about it here:http://gailpandesigns.typepad.com/

Double Delight Finish!

2009-01-16T15:52:00.000-08:00

I finished the top to my Double Delight Mystery Quilt. I used almost all reproduction fabrics. I love the way this quilt turned out and can't wait to quilt it! I'm waiting on some lovely chocolate backing though.

Here is a close up of the blocks. I really like this quilt. Thanks, Bonnie for the fun!

I'm a bit behind on posting pictures so here is one from Christmas. I finished these CUTE kimono style pajamas for my little girl just before Christmas.

Mystery Quilt and next projects

2009-01-07T16:34:00.000-08:00

I have finished steps 2 and 3 of the mystery quilt. Ta - da!

Here is what is next, this pattern by Country Threads

using these fabrics.

Handbags Galore!

2009-01-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

I have been busy making handbags for customers. It's like my own personal sweatshop =0) I really like these. It may be hard to part with them. These measure approximately 8 x 10, with a flap closure and have a double pocket inside. They will go for $20 each.

Double Delight block IA

2009-01-03T14:21:00.001-08:00

From this:

to this:

Block 1A is complete.

Double Delight

2008-12-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

I'll be joining Bonnie Hunter in 2009 for a mystery quilt. You can read all about it here:

http://quiltville.com/doubledelightintro.shtml

I have chosen my quilt colors based on her suggestions and my love of reproduction prints. Here are the colors I'm using. I will keep you updated on my progress.

Bags!

2008-12-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

My workhorse Bernina has been in overdrive lately. I have more finishes. First I finished the Love Monkey, named for his tres chic heart shorts. He went straight to my little girl who named him Koo Koo. I was lucky to get this picture. The pattern is from Melly and Me.

This little ditty bag as I call it was finished some time ago, I just now got a picture loaded. It goes with the angel table topper pictured in an earlier post.

This bag is called the Cottage Garden bag by Cinderberry Stitches. I finished this for Shannon at Treasured Threads as a model stitching project. I love the fabrics she chose. The colors are just gorgeous. If you're looking for a great tote this is it. It was very easy to make. The instructions are easy to follow and the results are great if I do say so myself. You can visit Shannon to purchase this pattern following the Treasured Threads link to the left.

This is the front of the bag.

This is the back so you look good either way =0)

And here is the inside with TONS of pockets.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone has had a Christmas as wonderful as mine. Santa was good to us all. We had a wonderful visit with family, great food and great presents. I've had a week off work with another week to go and I am loving it. I have not squandered the time either. I've already finished two quilts. Now these are lap quilts and simple patterns so they went fast. And they were fun! It's been very de-stressing for me. Quilting is so therapeutic.

First quilt is Log Cabin in the stars. This quilt is made from a jelly roll and just a bit of yardage. I used the Birchwood Lane by Moda line and the colors are really yummy.

This quilt is a kit I purchased online. It's from Nancy Halvorsen's Winsome Baby line. I tried to quilt something different in each block similar to what was on the pattern cover. It was a lot of fun coming up with different designs to quilt throughout. I've included some close ups to show what I quilted.

I quilted some swirls in the border of this block with a butterfly in the center. You can also see the hearts n the neighboring block.

I quilted flowers throughout this block. You can also see a portion of the border. The first border has loops in it and the second border has a continuous flower pattern.

Here is a picture of the back. All the quilting is easier to see here. As you can tell I'm quite proud of the quilting =0)

Christmas Finishes

2008-12-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

I finished a scrappy stars quilt for my mother and father in law. This pattern is called Smoky Mountain Stars and is from Bonnie Hunter at http://www.quiltville.com/. This is a queen size quilt.

This lap quilt is for my son's girlfriend. The pattern I just made up and used some fabric I had on hand. I used purple because it is her favorite color.

Another T-shirt Quilt finished

2008-12-08T18:50:00.000-08:00

Just 1 more to finish by Christmas.

2008-12-06T13:20:00.000-08:00

I have been working feverishly on t shirt quilts for Christmas. I have finished 2 with 2 more to go. They are both variable t shirts quilts. This one is what I like to call VERY variable.

And in this one I added some of the t-shirts fronts to the borders.

New Purse

2008-11-15T17:11:00.001-08:00

I have used this pattern before, Miranda and really like it. I had these fabrics picked out for a purse and decided it was time for a new one. I love the rich fall colors.

Bluejean Quilts

2008-10-29T16:17:00.000-07:00

I completed two bluejean quilts for a customer. This was my first time with bluejeans. It wasn't as difficult as I thought. I used a soft navy flannel for the backing. The pattern came from allpeoplequilt.com.
I also finished a christmas bed quilt. Holiday Chorus. The fabric is the same name by Andover. The colors are so rich.

More recent finishes

2008-09-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

More model stitching. I love this pattern. It's the Angel Table Topper by Anni Downs of Hatched and Patched.

And this is a little pink and brown quilt I did. I started making 9 patches and couldn't stop. I made two little quilts for wallhangings and had enough to make this teeny one measuring just 10" x 13". I think it will hang by my sewing machine. I love making little quilts and I love these colors. Most of the fabrics are from Charleston IV with a few others thrown in.