Back to Basics

I would like to start a new feature to the blog - Back to Basics! I would like to do small tutorials covering a range of things like threads and knots, to binding, adding borders, embroidery stitches, washing fabrics, applique, etc.

There are so many things that are assumed in directions and I would like to "lay it all on the table" here.

FYI - many of these tutorials may not be the same way you would do them - and that's fine!!! I want to emphasize these are tips and tricks I've learned and tried, and these seem to suit me the best. There is no right or wrong way to do most things, there's just what works best for you!

I'll start off with a few of the basics, but PLEASE let me know either by leaving a comment here or by e-mailing me at rubybluequilts (at) gmail (dot) com with what you would like to learn. What frustrates you or are you too afraid to attempt on your own? Let me know and I will try my best to give you a step by step no fear guide to all sorts of things!!!

So, how does that sound? I'd love to hear what you really want a tutorial on. Even experienced quilters love new tips and tricks - or there's that nemesis of theirs they'd like to conquer one of these days. Let me know what I can help you with - that's why I'm here.

If I didn't want to share what I've learned I definitely wouldn't have started a pattern business and I definitely wouldn't have made this blog...

So pull up a chair, jot down what you'd like to learn and let's get started! I'll be back soon with the first tutorial!

Vay-cay!!!

So, this post is really more for me so when it snows this weekend I have some warm thoughts to reminisce about... but you can come along for the journey!

 This beach, this chair, this drink, this sun... I miss it all already! I mean really, how can you complain sipping a mojito in 80+ degree weather on the beach?

 This resort was so beautiful. The blue tiles on this side of the pool gave the illusion of an infinity pool from the other side. Plus the colors and plants and everything about this place just screams tropical to me.

 The coolest part about the whole thing was the pool was a huge oval, and every ground room that faced the pool, you could swim right on out from your personal porch! How neat is that?!

 The sunrises were beautiful, not seeing too many of these around here these days... This was on our way into Isla Roatan. Isn't it neat how the waves created by the boat intersected with the natural waves to make almost a plaid design in the water.

Ben and I did a Dolphin Encounter in Roatan (highly recommended!) and this was our dolphin, Margarita! She was adorable and fun, we got to pet her and watch her do tricks... It was something I will never forget!

So, in a nutshell that was our vay-cay. On our way home Ben and most of our friends were trying to decide where they would like to go next. At the time the only place I wanted to go was home. I still wanted to enjoy the places we've been and the experiences we had. Now that we've been home for a bit I'm starting to entertain the idea of another vacation. I'll be even more interested in it when the ground is white and cold... But for now I'll just reminisce and think warm thoughts.

Where would you recommend to go next? I'm open for ideas!!!

Here it is...

Sooooo, Cake Topper is officially on the market!

 Well, it has been but I've been a bit behind on the official announcement, so here it is!!!

 I still love these pictures. I couldn't have asked for better weather.

 love Love LOVE

 Oh, and just like it's predecessor, this quilt also has an option for a pieced back...

Is it sad I'm already thinking up about 10 other ways to make this quilt? Right now the one at the top of the list is a flannel... I've been freezing since the temperatures started to drop here. Flannel sounds so good right about now...

Either that or more garlic Parmesan broccoli... Who said diet food can't be yummy? This girl is proving them wrong, big time...

I'll be back soon with more photos and updates. A new idea I'm going to try out as well as updates on the newest patterns! They are so stinkin' cute! I can't wait to get them all done to show you!!! Later!

So what fabrics would you make Cake Topper out of?

Preview...

So, here's your hint:

Here's another hint... this is only the first of many more to come!

So, was it what you thought it would be?

They are all turning out so cute... I'm working diligently trying to get them all done so I can get the quilts done very very soon! I'll keep you updated!

Sorta MIA

I really apologize for the teaser and then just disappearing... I'm not like that all the time I swear!

I was in a rush doing about one hundred things all at the same time and trying to get it all done before this:

 My Hubbin and I with a bunch of our friends went on a cruise to the Western Caribbean and I was working til the 12th hour trying to get about 2 months worth of projects done in 2 hours (which I know can't be done, but somehow think I can still manage it anyway... I'll never learn on that one!)

 And as much as I enjoy chatting on here with all of you and love my quilts and this fun little business of mine - spending time with my Hubbin in the Caribbean 24/7 for a week when the last few months we've been lucky to see each other for more than a few hours a week (so NOT kidding)... This completely trumped everything else for a week. All the deadlines, the new patterns, the everything. All so I could spend time with my Hubbin!

This was our first stop on the cruise and we found this awesome all inclusive resort that you can get a day pass with ocean access, pool access and as much food and drinks you could enjoy... So yes this is a picture of Ben with a drink at about 10 in the morning... What can I say it was vacation?

So, now we're home. I'm freezing my tooshie off! And I'm continuing to work on the newest pattern line! I don't have pictures today, I promise if you come back tomorrow there will be a sneak peek... But for the meantime here's a hint - it involves pearle cotton. Lots and lots of luscious pearle cotton. Any guesses???

Also, the Cake Topper patterns are ready to go and I will have more to share on that pattern this weekend. I'm going to go add on another layer and throw a blanket in the dryer for a bit to warm up... I'm soooo not ready for winter and I really live in the wrong place... But that's why I quilt!!!

Be back tomorrow with a glimpse of the new patterns!!! I can't wait to show you more!

Amongst the trees...

So if you saw the last post you saw a smidgen about my trek to the park... It was so lovely and unexpected.

I remember this park being pretty, but not this pretty.

 It was the perfect spot (besides a bit too much sun for pictures, but we haven't seen sun around here in a month it seems, so I wasn't going to complain), the leaves were just changing, the air was warm, and the views...

 I knew when I made this quilt I would want to take some pictures outside when the leaves changed... Well, Mother Nature decided to hit Ohio with rain, rain, fog and more rain for weeks, so this was the first chance I had to get some outdoor pictures! I walked across the bridge here searching for a nice bench in the woods for a picture...

 Didn't find any that weren't surrounded by tons of mud, but I did spot this Blue Heron and managed to get a couple pictures while it fished and ate it's dinner. That was pretty neat if I do say so myself.

 This is the main view of the park once you get to the parking area. love Love LOVE! And do you see them? I almost missed them myself. (Look in the bottom right corner or below)

There was a gaggle of geese perched on an old stump in the pond all lined up. This picture isn't that great, but it was really cute. They just sat there and didn't make a peep the entire time.

I still have yet yo get to the beach this year just to sit and breathe... This work thing keeps getting in the way of my fun! And especially days like today when I got out of work about 2 hours later than I expected... Owell, nothing I can do about it now but chat with you all and work on the next pattern line (yes I said line) and watch Mr. Patrick Jane on the Mentalist tonight. It's kinda my Wednesday night thing...

I'll take some pictures of the next project(s) and post them later. I am just loving the way they're turning out and I can't wait to show you, but I have to get a bit more done first.

So, not much quilty stuff today, but don't you just love going to a park and forgetting all about everything else for a while? Even if it's only a few minutes? I'd love to hear about your favorite relax and unwind spot...Mine is soon to be my chair....But, until next time!

Fall Is Officially in Ohio!

Want to see how I know?

 The leaves are starting to turn - in spots atleast... Up by my house closer to the lake, we usually are one of the last to see the changing colors, but it'll be here soon...

But, today I rediscovered a park I had completely forgotten about... It was perfect for pictures, the leaves were just starting to turn... and there was this scene above. I admit it was pretty in person, but I am sssoooooo pleased at how this picture turned out... I might even print it and frame this one.

I'll be back tomorrow for more on the park today amongst other things. Later!