Ruby Blue Quilting Studio

Farmpark Quilts 2012 Show Preview

2012-02-11T08:05:00.000-05:00

So without further ado, here's a small preview of the quilts hanging at the show this year:

This quilt was made by my friend Janet. She wanted to try some fabric painting, and combined with her quilting, this is just stunning in person.

My other friend Leslie made this quilt. Typically Leslie makes HUGE California King quilts, but this one is a bit toned down from her entries in years past, but I still love it and would take it off her hands if she would let me! :)

I have to start with saying I LOVE this quilt! Carol, the lady who taught me how to hand quilt made this one. It's beautiful from a distance, but when you get close up:

She echo quilted 1/8" around each of the applique designs. And hand quilted at that! I know she worked really hard for a LONG time on this quilt and I'm super excited she got a blue ribbon for it. She really deserved it!

My friend Darlene happens to be one of the biggest Ohio State fans I know, do you think it influenced her color choices? Maybe if you check out her blog I Quilt Scarlet and Gray, you'll see all of her other Ohio State inspired projects.

I couldn't help myself, this is the Best In Show by Sue Wilson. It is spectacular! She had it machine quilted in Alaska! Some of it was computerized, and some of it was free motion, but the detail is incredible:

I am so glad this won the award this year, you can just sit and stare at it for hours. I walked by it several times Thursday night and each time you look at it you notice something new and breath-taking. It's just plain gorgeous!

My friend Ruth created this wonder... All of those little squares finish at 1/2". She always seems to make teeny tiny things, and I'm catching the bug! Ruth was actually the one who inspired me to design General Jack with it's tiny pieces. At first I was worried they would be too small, then at our Quilt Guild meeting later that week she showed a panel of these... Worry gone!

Oh, and did I mention they are all hand pieced? Ruth sits watching TV at night and has a basket of small scraps sitting next to her waiting to become another masterpiece.

Here's Mom and her massive quilt! (She's sssooooo going to kill me for using this picture, but owell!)

And my General Jack - with a Second Place Ribbon!!! I know many of you had been asking, so here's the grand news! But I think the coolest thing of all about the show this year, at least personally is:

Mom's quilt and my quilt are right across from each other. How cool is that?

So here's me and my quilt... Thanks for the picture Ben! I can't wait to bring this quilt home! I just love it, not that I play favorites (but this one's right at the top of the list!)

It's interesting to attend the reception each year and see what everyone entered. My friend and fellow hand-quilter Jan made this beauty. I saw it from down the hallway and loved it immediately. Then I read the name attached to the quilt and found out it belonged to Jan! How awesome is that! I think she did an amazing job with the design and the colors!

My friend Carol (another one, there's lots!) made this quilt at a workshop with her friend Carol. She loved the design and we played with fabrics and placement for a long time with this one. Carol decided to hand quilt this and the deadline to turn in the quilts to the show was approaching... the hoop she was using wasn't exactly doing a great job. So I let her borrow one of mine and she got the job done with time to spare. When she returned my hoop back to me it also had some African fabrics wrapped around it. Like fabric FROM AFRICA!!! Carol and I have a love for batiks and texture that we play off of often. Thank you Carol for the fabrics, I will cherish them, I swear! (I'll post pictures later)

And last but not least my friend Mary Ann made this adorable log cabin. She machine quilted this herself on her domestic machine and she did an awesome job! She came up with the neatest feather design for the center, and she used 2 different threads perfectly. One is a darker variegated thread matching many of the colors in the quilt, and one is a cream like the lighter fabrics. I will try to get a more detailed shot next time I'm out at the show, she did a wonderful job on this one!

So that's the sneak peek. This year's show has a little bit of everything. Compared to years in the past, I think this is the best show yet.

Last year there were a ton of French Braid Quilts, but may guilds in the area held workshops for that style... The year before there were several duplicates, which there's nothing wrong with, but... This year I cannot think of any one quilt that is a duplicate. With 200+ quilts, that's incredible. It's unheard of actually.

This year there are fabrics for all styles, big quilts, small quilts, bright fabrics, traditional, batik, Civil War, primitive, you name it. If you have the opportunity, the show has just opened and will be open through March 20th I believe, you should definitely take an afternoon and go check it out!!!

So what do you think of the quilts you've seen so far?

The Newbie(s)

2012-02-09T15:38:00.001-05:00

Ben and I were tooling around last weekend. No real plans, just looking at some stores to see if there was anything we couldn't live without.
We've had some small detail-ish plans to spruce up our house, but don't have anything the has to be done right this second. It's nice in a way, but it also leaves too many options.

After hours of perusing the isles we saw lots of nice things and got more ideas, but nothing had to come home with us.

That was until we went to a local "antique/whatever you can find store" that I love - Miscellaneous Barn. They buy estates, they have all sorts of weird and eclectic things, but they have furniture. Most times decent furniture too.

Currently I own a coffee table that we bought for a steal from there. It had a watermark in the stain, so we sanded it down and re-stained it, and I love it! For $50, it was worth the extra work. I also got the desk that is in my sewing room from there, and I think the computer desk might have come from there too...

Anywho, I love Miscellaneous Barn. You never know what you're going to find. But on our trek I spotted this beauty almost instantly:

It truly was love at first sight! I love the cracks, the parts where the paint is missing, the detail, the size, everything about it! Even the price - under $100. I couldn't pass it up. Plus it's tall and deep enough I can use my small cutting mat on it and trim up blocks or cut small pieces while I'm watching TV - score!

But I didn't buy it at first. I left without it, luckily I went back and it was still there. It was meant to be! Who knows what I'll spot next when I'm there! Do you have an awesome shop like this where you live? I'd love to hear about your treasures you've found!

*I started this post prior to the pantry cabinet coming into our home, so it's taken us awhile to rearrange everything (and I mean everything) in the kitchen and find a home for everything, but here's how that turned out:

This is the before shot of the corner of our dining room, my desk used to live there...

Now, this is what it looks like!

It's still a work in progress and I'm sure it will always be, but doesn't it look great?! The smaller cube thing is one that you can get from a warehouse store, but Ben built a frame for it and put some baseboard along the bottom so it looks more like a built in piece, or a bit fancier shall we say...

Now I have a place for all of my cookbooks near the kitchen, my canning products and good can sit in the pantry with much sturdier shelves (also built by Ben, I love this man!), and overall much more storage space, however it did come with a price...

New pantry cabinet + bored Husband with too much time on his hands = completely rearranged kitchen... Need I say more?

He did this all while I was at work. This cabinet used to hold our tupperware and casserole dishes... Now it holds our growing array of spices... We like a little spice in our lives, do you agree?

This one used to hold all the canned goods, now it's an organized blend of pastas, rices and potato things...

And I think my favorite cabinet of all - the condiment cabinet. Yes, I have a cabinet dedicated to only spices, marinades, BBQ sauces, Salad Dressings (okay with a few canned goods that get used quite often thrown in). It's actually quite tame at the moment - and really organized.

But even with it all organized and wonderful - I have no clue where anything is! It's really bad when I'm still trying to wake up before work and make my lunch when at 5:30 in the morning I can't find what I'm looking for. I am entirely proud of Ben and his efforts, it will just take me awhile to find everything and get used to it.

He's been laid off of work the last couple weeks and we're hearing it could be a couple more, so we'll see what other projects he decides to tackle between now and then... Wish me luck!

I spy with my little eye...

2012-02-08T10:20:00.000-05:00

A Charmed Living Runner all the way from Singapore!

Vivien e-mailed me this picture of her finished project. She made it using the Nature's Chorus line by Moda and it just looks prefect for Spring. Thanks Vivien for the e-mail, I'm glad you enjoyed the project! You can check out her blog over at http://madewithcotton.blogspot.com/.

Even though it has been unseasonably warm here after the feet of snow we got all in one day last month, yesterday and today finally look like it should outside in February. Still no snow on the ground, but maybe by this weekend they are saying...

Alas, seeing this cheery project makes me soooo ready for Spring to arrive. Actually, it's trying already... I checked on my flowers the other day and my daffodils are already about 6" tall and my paper white bulbs I planted last fall are coming up in nice hearty bunches. I just hope they will be okay if we get more snow this winter.

So once again I'd like to thank Vivien for her e-mail! Do you have any projects you've made using one of my recipes on the Moda Bake Shop or one of my patterns that you'd like to share? If you e-mail them to me I will gladly post them on here!

Tomorrow night is the big opening reception at the Lake Farmpark Quilts 2012 Show... Ben and I will be there with camera in hand for a night meeting up with out-of-town friends, chatting and lots and lots of inspiration. This weekend I will be back with pictures galore and stories to share... really good ones! Until next time, have a great day!

Side Dish Recipe: Sauteed Kale

2012-02-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

I love to cook, but the hardest part I find is that I know exactly what kind of meat or main dish I want for dinner, but what would go best with it?

Before I started this diet, I didn't know what kale was.

Didn't know what it looked like.

Didn't know how it tasted.

Didn't even know my grocery store carried it.

That's all in the past now. It was on the list of foods I can eat as much as I want of in my diet. Then while shopping Ben noticed it in the produce section. Kinda looks like lettuce, kinda dark like spinach, so I put on my big girl pants (and trust me at the time they were in more ways than one!), thought we'd be adventurous and give it a try.

Immediately I went home to look up recipes. I now have this "thing" in my fridge, I have to find something to do with it, so online I went. Found an easy recipe for sauteing it. Alrighty, big girl pants still on - I gave it a try and I LOVE IT! Best of all so does Ben! I make this at least once a week now. So worth a try if you haven't yet.

Now that you know my courageous story behind this "stuff" (not sure really what category it falls into, it's not a lettuce, but it's part of the cauliflower family, but it's not cauliflower - I'm sooo off topic, sorry I'll focus now) here's what you need to make a quick, simple and delicious side dish:

Start out with a bunch of kale (or I have found it recently prewashed and already chopped in a bag), 1 medium shallot, and whatever else you may like (we add mushrooms sometimes too)

Wash the kale and tear the leaves into bite size pieces

Discard the woody stems.

Chop the shallot, I like to slice mine into thin but long strips. That way it doesn't all sink to the bottom of the pan during cooking.

Heat a pan on high heat with some olive oil. Add the shallots and mushrooms (if you're adding those too) and cook until both are softened.

Add the kale. At first it will seem like a ton of kale, but cook it stirring constantly until it wilts down. It should only take a minute or two.

This is what it should look like (For this batch we used the bagged kale, it does have some of the stem pieces in it, but if it's cooked enough, they are fine to eat)

To finish off the dish, sprinkle in some red wine vinegar (just a little, about a tablespoon) and add your favorite seasoning. I like to add a little poultry seasoning. Stir in the vinegar and seasoning well and pull the pan off the heat. Serve immediately.

It makes a wonderful, quick & easy side dish that is sure to please. Best of all - it's healthy! This was our dinner last night, a turkey breast Ben smoked on the grill, baked potatoes and a heap of kale. And there's enough for left overs today - Hooray!

It tastes like a spinach, but it's a little different, so I'm sure you can cook it all sorts of ways. This is the only one I have tried so far and I don't think it'll change much soon since Ben asks for it all the time. Maybe with a little lemon and citrus it would be good with fish, maybe dice it more and add it into stuffing - I am SO trying that next Thanksgiving! See lots of things to try. I hope you like it!

Sugarcreek, Walnut Creek, Berlin & Charm

2012-02-04T08:37:00.002-05:00

On Tuesday the Hubby and I headed down to Mom's house, we met up with her and were on the road! A small stop for coffee and breakfast and then a little over 2 hours later we arrived in Sugarcreek. We didn't stop at first, but headed on over to our first priority at Walnut Creek.

After our meeting there for something to be announced very soon which I am totally excited for (I'll update you soon, patience is a virtue...) we went to Berlin for some wonderful lunch. I always forget the name of this cafe that we eat at, but if you're ever in downtown Berlin, it's a few doors down from the Country Craft Cupboard Quilt Shop and almost right across the street from Helping Hands Quilt Shop... You'll notice it with the line stretching out the door if the timing is right. Listen to me, go stand in that line, find yourself a table and sit down to some of the best soup and sandwiches you could ever ask for. And if there's room - which there never is because they feed you too good - the pies and desserts are HUGE! I've never had them because I'm always too full, but maybe next time...

After lunch we went into Charm to visit Miller's Dry Goods. I love this shop. It's really 2 buildings. The first is notions, pre-made things, patterns, books, that kind of stuff. The second building is all the fabric... And these awesome hoodies.

This is the front and how they package them, tied up with a matching ribbon.

And the reason I bought this one (besides the fact I seem to be cold all the time). I just love it!

We stopped at an antique shop also in Charm which had some amazing items, but the prices were a little out of my budget. Okay, a LOT out of my budget. But it was neat to see some of the items he had collected, but the coolest thing of all there - he had spotted deer he raises out back! I've never seen a spotted deer in my life, until that day...

We decided our time in Holmes County was almost over, so we drove back through the hills and wonderful farm houses...

Into Sugarcreek once again. Now Sugarcreek calls itself the Little Switzerland of Ohio. The one bar/restaurant we go to sometimes when we are in the area is across from this building that has a nice scene of a Swiss Village - BUT - some of the skiers move! Notice the one in the middle above the trees?

In this picture he's to the left and a new skier is sliding down the hill! It reminds us so much of the Yodeler game from the Price Is Right. I can hear the music now. I have no clue what is even housed in this building, I think it's a financial planner or something...

We knew this building existed, but then glancing over the hardware store also has a similar scene with tobogganers moving down a hill.

Then we stopped at the McDonald's to grab some caffeine for the drive home - and the McDonald's has a winter scene with a train that moves between the drive-thru windows. I was laughing more and more with each scene we saw.

It was a gorgeous day and turned out to be a wonderful day trip. Even though it was business motivated, it was nice to just get away for awhile. Where do you go for a day trip?

Great Intentions

2012-01-30T17:57:00.000-05:00

I had great intentions of lining up some really good blog entries for all of you. Then we went to the home improvement store...

Followed by another trip to the same store...

And another...

And another...

And another...

We started out just browsing, no plans to buy or do anything at all. Then I think the home improvement gods struck me with lightning and gave me an idea at two in the morning that I had to have a shelf in my kitchen for my cookbooks...

So this was trip #2 to the store, but I didn't like any of the shelf/bracket options. So I should build my own, right?

Which led to trip #3 and instead of finding a shelf, we found a pantry cabinet that matches our kitchen cabinetry perfectly. It's the right size, right color and to jab that lightning bolt in a bit deeper - it was half off - AND it included moulding at no cost. We were in big trouble.

I've always wanted more storage, especially for all of my canning stuff. It is the perfect color and size. And it's half off with crown moulding. Did I mention we can't just buy 1 cabinet like we have, we'd have to order about 6 of them... It seemed like it was meant to be!

So trip #4 was to pick up the cabinet and all necessary equipment needed to install said cabinet. We got home. We have the cabinet. We go to put it in place and there's an electric outlet in exactly the wrong spot... How could I have forgotten about the outlet?

I know it could be a quick fix and move, but that was one more thing I just did not want to deal with. So off to the store we went again for a "few more things".

So for the past few days I have a random pantry cabinet awaiting a home, furniture all rearranged (twice), and the clutter that goes along with random cabinets and moving furniture.

It seems like the whole weekend just disappeared! So, if you'll stick with me a couple more days, once this cabinet has a home and the whole house gets back in order I will show you pictures and find my routine all over again.

Tomorrow Mom and Ben and I are all heading down to Holmes County for a small day trip including Amish Food!!! So excited! Will share more about that after I get back.

Have a great week! I couldn't leave you without a picture, so I think I'm off to snuggle with Paco!

Machine Quilting

2012-01-25T11:00:00.000-05:00

I met a gentleman named Richard recently and he asked me to make him a king size quilt.

He just wanted a solid fabric on both the top and bottom quilted with an all-over design.

I quilted it with a slightly darker thread than the fabric which really sets off the quilting.

Thanks Richard for letting me quilt this for you! I hope to show you more quilting here in the near future. Mom and I are gearing up with samples for the Farmpark Show Vendor's Weekend. I plan on quilting quite a bit over the next month or so.

Boys and Snow (and Squirrels)

2012-01-24T14:39:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, my nephew participated in a couple winter events for his Boy Scout Troop. First they started off sledding at one of the most popular hills in town trying out their sleds they built out of cardboard...

Needless to say the cardboard experiment didn't work out so good, so most of the boys ended up rolling their way down the hill...

Doesn't he look thrilled? Love you Shawn! xo

But there were also tug of wars...

And snow ball fights and general 8 year old boys playing in the snow...

Then Ben came home to find the squirrel munching on it's new treat.

Just munching and munching until...

It had to take a break. Anyone have a good caption for this photo?

So that was our weekend, at least Ben's. I worked at the quilt shop and got to meet more wonderful quilters and play with fabric. It's always a good past time!

Be back soon with more updates!

Not a whole lot...

2012-01-22T18:10:00.003-05:00

That's exactly what's going on over here - not a whole lot...

The quilts are delivered to the Farmpark Show, just waiting on the judging (which is going on now) and the Opening Reception where we get to meet and chat with all sorts of wonderful people who have entered quilts. Many times this is the only event during the year we get to see so many people all at once, some that we don't get to see too much during the year so it's always a nice treat!

Starbox hanging at the show last year

Other than that I've been quilting again and I will be back in a few days to show you the quilt I've been working on...

Besides that it's mainly work, quilt, work, eat, quilt, sleep, work, eat, quilt, quilt (not necessarily in that order)

Oh, but I do have good news to share... So some of you know I've been dieting for awhile. Once we got back from vacation last fall I knew it was time to make a change. I started the 17 Day Diet and have stuck with it for the most part, even through the holidays (except that week between Christmas and New Year's, but if you diet then you are just crazy if you ask me - it's like asking for punishment), alas, I've been eating better for a few months now and not banging myself in the head when I'm bad. I had a small piece of birthday cake, I went to family meals and ate whatever they were eating, they're not dieting so I'm not going to punish them, but even with the "non-diet" moments - I'm down 20 pounds so far!

I can't believe it. I feel better, I have more energy, I'm loving the foods I'm eating and not really missing the ones I'm not (okay there are cravings, but who doesn't crave something, even when you eat what you want...) and I'm so happy.

Ben keeps telling me that if this keeps up we might need to go shopping for a whole new wardrobe... Just maybe! Wish me luck. Speaking of which, I will be showing a tutorial of one of my new favorite foods I've discovered since I started eating better. I think you just might like it too!

So, that's what is going on here. What have you been up to lately?

New Arrivals!!!

2012-01-19T14:53:00.000-05:00

The two newest patterns in the Alphabet Stitchery Line are now available!!!

Bugs Bugs Bugs, doesn't that just say it all? There's all sorts of bugs from a snail to a spider, lady bugs, a lightning bug and everything in between - but these are cute, not creepy bugs... I promise.

On this quilt I used a fabric line called Little Critters and it had this adorable border print, so I just had to use it as a border on this quilt. (To date this is the only one with a border out of the 4)

And the Jungle Animals! There's a buck-toothed crocodile, a zebra, a monkey, a hippo in the water, all sorts of creatures! Go for a walk on "the wild side" and stitch up some of these adorable critters for the little one in your life.

Now, I don't think I've mentioned before another idea for the stitchery blocks... Have you ever done or have you seen the method of coloring fabrics with crayons and heat setting the color? Have a grown-up coloring book day and color in these critters for a little extra pop of color if you'd like!

As with the other quilts, the stats stay the same:

Finished size: 40" x 48"

24 Blocks (10 Stitchery & 14 Pieced)

Finished block size: 10" x 8"

These patterns are now ready to ship, so if you're interested in stocking them in your shop, please e-mail me at rubybluequilts (at) gmail (dot) com to place an order.

If you would like to purchase this pattern, but your LQS doesn't carry it, please either ask them if they would like to or e-mail me at the address listed above and I can direct you to a shop where you can purchase the pattern.

I also heard from a little bird that Cottonpicker's Quilt Shop has some bundles of the fabric used in the Bugs Bugs Bugs quilt available. If you would like to purchase a bundle, call Beth at 440.279.0610 and she can drop it in the mail to you. She also has some of the border print left, but not much, so if you want that too, let her know.

So, do you have a current favorite theme in the Alphabet Stitchery line? I can't choose, that's like deciding which kid you love the most - just not possible.

I'll be back with more updates from the studio soon. Oh, and by the way it's snowing again... And again, and again... But it's Winter, so let's get through it and move onto Spring! Who's with me?

Back to Basics - Binding - Stitching It Down!

2012-01-16T09:03:00.000-05:00

So far you have made your binding and sewed it onto the quilt. Have you trimmed up the sides? Ready to gather your materials? For this step you will need:

I use matching thread, a milliner's needle, my travel scissors, and 2 mini clothes pins. At this time fold your project so the back is the only thing you see.

I'd like to take a second to point out that you don't need 100+ spools of thread around to match every binding you make. The thread I'm using is obviously burgundy against a red binding. It works. Just don't use white on black or neon green on purple or whatever. As long as you are close, the color should be fine. Test it out by laying some of the thread on the fabric first to see how it looks.

Also, if you are doing a striped binding and don't know what color thread to pick, I'll go over this situation a bit more at the end.

*Note if you are right-handed you may find it easier to work around the binding clockwise while if you are left-handed it may be easier to work counter-clockwise.

I always try to start close to a corner (it's this reverse psychology thing for me that when I finish that last corner there's only a side to go - it seems to make it go faster). I start somewhere around the nearest fold and place my 2 clothes pins about 2 inches apart.

You'll want to pull the binding taught when folding it over, that way it will feel nice and full when you feel it later and it will ensure that the stitching is even around the quilt.

Almost in that fold I as talking about, I take my needle and thread, knotted with a Quilter's Knot (learn how to make one here), and slide the needle through the underside of the binding with the needle coming out right at the fold. This will hide the knot and no one will ever see it.

* Just make sure you're only going through one layer of the binding and not both or your thread will show on the outside.

Once you fold the binding over it should look like this.

Now take a blind stitch. You'll want to put the needle in the backing fabric right next to where it came out of the binding. Then about 1/4" down you'll want it to come out of the binding just under the fold.

You'll want to keep your stitches small, so that once the quilt is in use nothing can get under the binding and rip your stitches out (like little fingers for instance).

Keep stitching like this.

* Tip - You may find it easier to slightly roll the edge of the binding with your fingers to see the bottom of the fold easier. Remember to try to keep all stitches just underneath the edge of the fold - both the start and stop of each stitch.

Work like this until you get close to the first clothes pin, and reposition the closest pin "leap-frogging" it behind the furthest pin.

IF you keep all of your stitches just underneath the fold you will not see a single one, even on a fabric like this where you might have to stitch through other colors.

See even if I pull on the binding a bit to show, you might be able to see where the stitches are, but not the actual thread (remember I'm using a burgundy thread here)

Keep working this way all the way to the corner. Remember how you folded the binding while sewing it onto the quilt? Once you get close to the corner and pull the binding over, the corner on the front of the quilt should automatically look like this.

Keep working the side of binding you are stitching all the way to the end.

Once you get to the end you'll want to stop about here...

And do a locking stitch. Just grab some threads of the backing fabric and a little of the binding and do one stitch. This will hold the end in place while we work on the corner.

I know it's a little hard to see here, but park your needle up the side that's already stitched down and pull your thread tail out towards that side also so it's out of the way.

Position your 2 clothes pins a couple inches from the corner.

Make sure the excess binding is tucked all the way into the edge where you stopped stitching and you should have a nice 45 degree fold like above. (Notice the thread coming out of the bottom corner)

This area might be tricky at first to learn how to handle, but you are going to do a few blind stitches tacking the corner in place, just sew up the fold.

Once you get to the top of the fold (the goal is for the last stitch to come out right at the corner), you'll want to set the corner by grabbing a few threads of the previous binding, the backing and the new binding. Then just keep stitching!

Once you get to a point where you're about to run out of thread, try to stop in an area of the "matching" color, not the black, not the tan... This is where the thread possibly might show a smidge.

As with the locking stitch at the corner, grab a few threads of the backing fabric and the binding.

Pull the needle through, but also pull the needle through the thread loop before pulling the thread tight. Do this twice to form 2 small knots.

Then put your needle through the binding fabric right next to the knots and bring out the needle an inch or so away.

Pull the thread out and cut it really close to where it came out without cutting the fabric. Since this isn't the strongest knot out there, but the most effective in this case, you need to leave a good tail on it so it can keep it's strength. If you just cut the thread right next to the knot it would unravel in a couple washes...

Once done it should look like this. Can't see the knot and you can't see the thread tail.

To begin stitching again, thread your needle and make a Quilter's Knot. Tuck the threaded needle in under the binding about an inch from where you plan on starting the stitching again. Guide the needle through just the underside of the binding coming out just in front of the knot you've just made. Then guess what? Just keep stitching, just keep stitching, just keep stitching (sorry, I keep hearing Dori from Finding Nemo in my head... hehehe)

Before you know it you'll be done! A binding that has been prepared, sewn on and stitched down! Woohoo!

And on the front you should have a wonderfully finished quilt! This is you haven't guessed is another version of my Charmed Living Runner that I made for my S-I-L's birthday out of Java by Deb Strain. It's an older line full of coffee. She saw it a while back and fell in love with the fabric, but she doesn't sew - yet... So, I gobbled up a Charm Pack and some yardage to make this for her birthday and surprise her.

So last little note about binding. Remember at the top I mentioned about striped bindings? Well, they are SO MUCH FUN! But sometimes it can be hard trying to determine which thread to use. I suggest going for either the most seen color or something in the middle of the color tones. On most of the stripes I've done a yellow has been my thread of choice.

What you have to keep in mind with these bindings though is - you have to make a conscious effort to start and stop your stitching in the matching color of your thread. It's not a hard task, but just something to keep in mind.

I think that should do it. You now have the step by step instructions for everything binding. (almost) There are other versions like bias binding and scalloped edges on quilts that we can get into later, but not this time around. Remember this is Back to Basics!

So as with the previous entries, if you have anything you'd like to ask or comment, please leave a comment below and I will answer you back with another comment. Good luck and please let me know if you have any questions at all with any of the steps of the 3 tutorials.

Congrats, if you've made it this far you know how to do a binding now! Yippee! See you back here again with another topic - oh, and if there's anything you wish to learn, let me know by leaving a comment on that too and I will feature it in the future!

AND... it happened...

2012-01-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

We got snowed in, majorly. Wanna see?

We woke up to a few inches and a Winter Storm Advisory until 4pm on Saturday. They were calling for about 12" of snow. No biggie right?

But we got hit with Lake Effect, all day. The advisory got extended til 4am on Sunday and it just kept snowing...

and snowing...

And snowing...

I didn't start taking pictures until about 10:30 Saturday morning and the snow stopped about 4:30 that afternoon. The neighbor's tree above...

My Japanese Maple that's now buried...

It just kept piling up...

The squirrel tried to eat for a minute or so and he had enough of the white stuff...

But now that it's all over my other neighbor needs to find his car (see the mirrors on the side)

My neighbor across the street's tree and mailboxes... Oh, and we didn't see a plow truck until about 7pm I think. So no mail...

This is Ben cleaning the drive for the THIRD time... Each time he cleaned it there was about 6-8" of new snow.

So needless to say I was snowed in this weekend. Today I'm going to try to venture out so I can quilt something I was planning on doing yesterday... Wish me luck.

Did any of you that entered the Snowed In Giveaway finally get some snow too?

Back to Basics - Binding - Sewing onto the Quilt

2012-01-15T08:32:00.000-05:00

Now that you all know how to make a binding, how about we pick up where we left off and attach that binding to a quilt?

First things first, you need to make sure that the corners are square on your project. It's easy to find this out by laying a large ruler (mine is 12.5" square) at each corner. You want these as square as possible, because this is one of the "tell-tale" areas that if it's off, everyone will notice.

So line it up in each corner (if you don't have a large square ruler, use the longest one you have or use 2 rulers - one running along each side of the corner). Oh, and nevermind the tape on my ruler, that's for another tutorial down the line :) So, if you're not square just mark lightly where you will be and use those marks as a guide for the "edge" of your quilt.

So once you're square, grab that prepared binding (angle cut side first) and place the cut somewhere along the middle of one side (I usually like to choose a long side first) Align the raw edge of the binding with the edge of the quilt.

You will want to start stitching at least 6" from the end of the binding leaving a tail (this will help when you join the binding pieces later)

Start stitching and backstitch a little (or use a locking stitch if your machine offers it. You're not exactly going to be "easy" on these pieces during this process and you don't want any of those stitches ripping out accidentally)

Then keep stitching down the side until you come to a corner.

If you look closely at the foot on my machine, it has marks on the left hand side - one for where the needle is and one 1/4" away from the needle. You will want to stop stitching 1/4" from the edge of the corner. Backstitch for a few stitches to lock in your place.

Now before doing anything else, I start to turn my project so that the side I'm going to be stitching next is in place.

Then I raise my presser foot on the machine. (This eliminates the weight of larger quilts from pulling the stitched end in a direction you didn't intend it on going)

Now take the binding and fold it so it is now going in the opposite direction of where you will be stitching next.

Holding that folded corner in place, now fold in down aligning both the fold and the raw edge with the corner of the quilt (or the guidelines that you marked)

Start stitching at the edge of the corner.

Backstitch for a few stitches once again, then continue on completing all four corners and stopping about 12" from where you began stitching.

You will want to give yourself at least 12" of room between the stitching to allow yourself enough "wiggle room" to combine the binding pieces. Backstitch at the end, and then cut your threads and move to your cutting mat.

Open up the most recently sewed end of the binding and pull it taught (taught NOT tight) along the edge of the quilt.

Overlap the beginning of the binding also pulling it taught.

Open up the cut piece and make sure it's all aligned at the edge of the quilt. If you look closely you can see the cut edge just above my fingers.

Lightly mark the cut edge onto the wrong side of the tail end.

We will be using this guide to know where to trim the tail to meet the beginning strip.

To make it accurate, line up your ruler once again with the 45 degree angle on one edge of the binding strip and the side in line with the marking you made.

Continue the marking making one clear line.

Now line up your ruler with the 1/2" mark on the line (you'll want to cut 1/2" away from this mark towards the end of the strip NOT towards the quilt)

Cut the strip at an angle.

Now you're ready to meet the two ends together. Pair them right sides together making sure there aren't any twists in the strips.

I'm going to let you in on a secret - when pairing up angle cuts, you'll want them to intersect 1/4" from the cut edge. You'll see more of what I mean in the next steps, promise.

Line up the two pieces with the overhang even on both sides and pin. Yes, I use 3 pins in this little seam. It's a little weird and I like to be extra sure my seam is where I want it.

You may have to scrunch the quilt up to get these strips to lay perfectly so you can stitch them together.

You can see here a little better of what I meant earlier. You will want the angles to intersect right where your 1/4" seam will be. You want to be able to start and stop the stitching right in those intersections. This will make the two pieces line up into one continuous strip perfectly.

Don't worry about trimming the "dog ears", just finger press the seam open and it should almost instantly want to lay flat and even along the edge of your quilt.

Just like this.

Continue stitching slightly above where you ended, backstitching first and continue just past where you started stitching backstitching at the end. There shouldn't be any puckers, if there are, NO BIGGIE, this is how you will learn, just remember that on the next one and adjust how taught you pulled the strips together when you marked them.

So once finished stitching it should look like this.

Oh and for those of you who read my Back to Basics - Scissors, I just got my spring-loaded scissors and they are perfect for the next task!

Trim along each edge RIGHT AGAINST the edge of the binding. It may help to trim the shorter sides first getting rid of some of the excess backing and batting (it will make the long sides longer if you have to trim it off of those)

Trim all four sides and pat yourself on the back. You're almost ready to stitch the binding down now.

I know this may seem like a TON of steps, but honestly once you get used to the steps, you will breeze right through them all. Putting this binding on including taking pictures at each step took me about 15 minutes, maybe. It goes quickly, and you will speed up with the more you do!

So once again, I'm curious, do you attach your bindings the same? Do you do it differently? Do you have any questions? If so please leave a comment below.

As with making the binding, I please ask that if you have anything to comment (both questions and comments) that you please leave a comment below and I will answer back in another comment. (that's a LOT of the word comment, sorry) This hopefully will leave this as an open discussion because you might have the same question as someone else. I will answer them all here so everyone can read my answers.

Come back tomorrow for the final step, stitching the binding down! See you then!

Back to Basics - Binding - The Prep

2012-01-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

So preparing a binding is easy. If you follow the instructions I show you, I am sure you will get through this process in a fast and accurate manner. So, let's start!

First, I would like to show you how I figure out how much binding I need. The first thing you will need is the size of the project you plan to bind (and a calculator might come in handy). My sample is one of my Charmed Living Runners which finishes at 18" x 32". This measurement doesn't need to be 100% accurate, but somewhere in the ballpark.

Ok, so take the dimensions and find the perimeter (18+18+32+32=100) and add 20 (just some cushion room) to this number.

Then take the number you find (120) and divide it by 40 (the usable width of most fabrics). This will find out how many strips you will need. (120/40=3) So, we need 3 strips of binding.

Now, everyone cuts their binding strips into different widths. I started out at 2.5" which I recommend for beginners. Once I got used to it as you will, work your way down to a 2.25" width. But recently I discovered 2.13" (2-1/8") and it's my new favorite. It does take a little getting used to, but start out with 2.5" and work your way down to where you feel comfortable.

To find out how much fabric you need, multiply the width of your strip by how many strips you need (2.13 x 3=6.39") I'll need 1/4 yard to bind this project.

So you've got your strips figured out and cut. Let's start stitching.

Take one of your strips and lay it right sides up in front of your sewing machine as shown.

Take a second strip and lay it right sides together on top of the other strip at a 90 degree angle. Overlap each strip a smidge so none of the selvage will be in the stitching.

Turn this unit 90 degrees clockwise and place the intersection of the two fabrics right up against your needle.

You will be sewing across the "intersection" from corner to corner. I've done this enough I can line it up with marks on my sewing machine, but if you need to, please mark the diagonal and pin.

Sew all the way across and your line should look like this. Be careful you are sewing in the right direction, I have sewn the other way before and I can tell you from experience - it doesn't work that way... Repeat for all the strips until you have one long strip. This is really easy to chain piece as well.

*Note - If you are using a solid fabric, you have to be super careful of which is the "right" and "wrong" side. The easiest way I have found to keep this in check is: when I finish sewing my first strips together - I take the strip on top, stretch it out so there's no folds in it and fold it back to me with the side that was on the bottom now on the top. This will keep your seams all on the wrong side.

So once you've stitched all your strips together, trim off the excess leaving about 1/4" seam. It doesn't need to be perfect.

Take this long strip over to your ironing board and place one end right side down.

*Note I am right-handed so I work right to left in this step. You may find it easier to work opposite from me in these next steps if you are left-handed.

Take the bottom of the strip and fold it in half towards the top pressing wrong sides together.

You will want to hold the top edge almost to the other edge. Once the iron hits it, they'll line up perfect (look at the top left versus the top right where it's been pressed) I work right to left and once I press all that I can in one stretch on the ironing board I just shift the binding strip over.

Now when you get to a seam, it'll look like this. Don't worry.

Give it a slight finger press to open that seam.

Then hit it with the iron so it's nice and flat. The reason we piece these strips together at an angle will become apparent to you when you press this seam in half.

Diagonal seams reduce bulk in strips like this. Plus, once it's been folded, attached to the quilt, and we go to stitch it down, the seams will almost disappear. You want to avoid extra bulk in a binding as much as possible. Press the entire binding from one end to the other.

Last step before we attach the binding! I always like to start the binding with an angled edge, this way when we put the binding on the quilt and we need to join the binding - it's less work then. Also it's much easier to make this cut now without a quilt attached, especially a king size quilt. Work smarter, not harder.

So, line up one edge of your binding with the 45 degree mark on your ruler (the top edge in the picture) and leave that selvage edge hanging off the end. We don't want that in our binding!

Cut that strip at a 45 degree angle and you're ready to stitch it onto your project! I'll be back tomorrow with the instructions on how to attach the binding to a quilt, and I'll follow that up with how to stitch it down the following day.

So I'm curious. It sounds like I've got a good mix of beginners and a bit more advanced quilters out there. Is this how you make your bindings? Do you have any questions? Do you have anything to add?

I ask if you have anything you would like to input on this topic (both questions and comments) that you would please leave a comment below. As much as I love receiving e-mails from you all, this topic needs to be an open discussion and if there are any questions I need to answer I will comment back allowing you all to read every answer, not just answers to the question you've asked.

Thanks for stopping by and hanging in there with me until the end. Remember I will be back tomorrow for part 2! See you then!

Winter Entertainment: Feeding Squirrels

2012-01-13T16:34:00.000-05:00

So, maybe you have seen some of my previous posts about the squirrels that live in the tree in my back yard. And maybe you saw that I got a corn feeder for them last year.

Well, it's official - after many months with a vacancy in the tree, we have an occupant. Just one so far - and a big one at that!

Plus, My awesome brother and his girlfriend got me a new feeder for Christmas and I'm happy to report that the squirrels LOVE IT!!!

Just before this picture I literally watched this guy bear hug the feeder and eat off of the opposite side so no one else could get to it. Regardless that he was the only one in the yard at the time...

This was a close hug, but the one earlier was a true bear hug. I wish I could have gotten a picture. All that moment needed was the caption, "I LOVE YOU, MAN!"

Then he decided he needed to keep an eye out...

But he had to snack from time to time...

They just make me giggle. I swear I waste more time watching the squirrels than anything else some days.

I truly do love watching these fuzzy ones. Especially when we had the fur babies earlier this year. They were the whole reason I named the one pattern Sciuridae - it's Latin for squirrel. Plus it sounded classier, or so I think.

Wasn't planning on posting these, but tomorrow we will be back to the regularly scheduled programming with the first part of the Back to Basics - Binding tutorials!!! I'm going to break it down into 3 parts with as many pictures and explanations as I wish I had when I learned.

There is so much about binding in particular that is left for us to figure out. Most instructions just say, cut your strips, sew them on & stitch them down - hardly sufficient if you ask me! So, join me starting tomorrow morning for 3 days of binding! See you back here then!

Quilting: Blueberry Crumb Cake!!!

2012-01-12T11:42:00.001-05:00

First things first, thank you all for the comments and e-mail about my little sewing space. It took my a LOT of thinking and some good ol' testing to get everything in order. But I promised a few of you I would mention about the memory board.

I had a picture handed down to me that wasn't in great condition, but I LOVED the frame, so I scrapped the picture (more like put it out of it's misery) and replaced it with the memory board that I found on the Moda Bake Shop. You can get to it by clicking here. I also suggest if you don't have a frame you want to use, look at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army. Sometimes they have paintings with not so great artwork but a fabulous frame for around $10, not bad for a large frame. Oh, and I made mine bigger than the recipe called for. I think it's about 24 x 18 or so.

So, we got some Blueberry Crumb Cake at the shop and I could see the gears turning in Mom's head. She had this idea to do a small quilt. So she made a few blocks, but what if she made a few more? But then it wouldn't be big enough to put on her bed AND this is the perfect shade of blue she's wanted to paint her bedroom for awhile.... So this little sample quilt turned into a massive 97" square monster.

But isn't it gorgeous???

I started quilting it on Tuesday and just couldn't finish it, so I had to go back Wednesday after work and finish up the last little bit. I LOVE this one.

I liked it before. I may have even loved it. But now that it's quilted, it's even more gorgeous!!!

This is Mom's entry to the Lake Metropark Farmpark Quilts 2012 Show this year.

I was so happy to quilt it, but nervous that it was going into a judged quilt show and it was huge... (this is the biggest quilt I've done to date), but once I got in the groove (and had the music on) it was magic.

Speaking of which I have to go put the sleeve on my quilt I'm entering and run some other errands... Be back with another tutorial soon - a 3 part tutorial. This one's gonna be good!!!

My Snowy Adventure

2012-01-11T20:29:00.000-05:00

So, the whole premises of the Snowed in Giveaway was being snowed in, right?

Well, it was cold here and if you read the past posts you know they were calling for the storm of the century just about. We could get up to 2' of snow in a day or snow but everyone was supposed to get at least 8".... We got a whopping 4" total in this "storm", but I decided to pretend like it was the end of the world and stay home for days to get some stuff done.

I started out with making a present for my S-I-L, then started cutting out a new project and finishing something that I honestly can't remember now. Then it happened - I got done in no time at all! Sooooo, then I eyed up the Christmas decorations. Didn't think I could do it all by myself. The stockings, the tree, the ornaments. It all came down in a flash...

So I was on a roll! The music was great, the pajamas were comfy and I was getting things accomplished. I still had hours before Ben was to be up, so I thought I'd start tackling my sewing room...

(insert ominous music here, like the music from Jaws...)

I started in to the mess (I would show a picture but it really was that horrible), I had to tackle this pile and I knew I wanted to move stuff there, but that would mean moving that stuff first. Before I knew it I was in over my head!

What I thought (according to my track record for the day...) would take an hour or two took me 3 days to complete!!! It's technically not even "finished" now, but we just won't go there - okay??? So, I have a spare bedroom I use as my sewing room. Nothing fancy, still actually getting it to the Goldie Locks stage - it's almost just right...

Oh, and do you notice the Mustang that my Husband so conveniently placed right where I look when I'm sewing?

That is until I buy more, put out new patterns AND have to find somewhere to keep it all, but those are all good problems to have, right? So before cleaning the corner above there was a huge pile of scraps that needed to be sorted as high as the dresser and out so far I couldn't open the door on the other cabinet... :(

This is where I sew now and I know someone will ask - what's with the pillow rubberbanded to the chair. This is my quick fix for back support. That is until I get a better one... But I hung my memo board right next to where I sit...

And cleaned the closet! All of my fabric (for the most part) is organized by color if it's in pieces big enough. I also picked up these other cubes the other day to hold my magazines and books, charm packs, jelly rolls, patterns and other things.

But the part I'm most excited about - or was... You can see the floor! All of it! That was until I finished the blocks for another small quilt and they are currently laid out on said floor... But small hurdles. It was clean and it will be clean again once I piece that top...

So honestly this is what I did while I was "snowed in". Once I finished this project and started the giveaway the temperatures went in the opposite direction and we had several days here in the 50's. In January. In the Snowbelt. In January... It was nice, but I do kinda want some snow. I think I'm ready now... Maybe.

So, that was last week, this week so far has been just as exciting. I quilted a little yesterday and today, I'll be back tomorrow with pictures! See you soon!

In a pickle...

2012-01-11T11:59:00.001-05:00

I have a small favor to ask.

Ben and I are looking to go on a trip around Easter, but we can't decide where to go! So, I thought I'm game for suggestions so I'd ask you.

Do you have anywhere you would suggest for a few days to get away (with no plans, no agenda, good food, stuff to do, etc.) that you would recommend?

We've been trying to think and just can't so I thought I'd ask. Any suggestions are welcome!

I'll be back later with the update from my "snow days" and I have more tutorials coming up in the Back to Basics feature I'm sure you will love!

Until then, thanks in advance!!!

And the winner is...

2012-01-09T17:15:00.001-05:00

First things first - thank you all so much for the pattern love and the wonderful comments. I enjoyed reading each and everyone one of them!

From what I gather, here's a list of what many of you will be doing:

sewing or quilting

baking - all sorts of things

lots of goodies in the crockpot

reading tons of books (thanks for the suggestions by the way!)

watching movies (especially Johnny Depp! Yay!)

watching the snow fall before it becomes snirt (snow & dirt, new to me too, but I love it)

playing with the kids

After reading all these comments, here's what I want to do now:

bake - all sorts of things

put stuff in my crockpot

read a ton of books

watch a few movies

watch the snow fall from where I'm warm

play the Wii with my Hubbin

and to top it off I've never craved a grilled cheese so much in my life!!!

So, without further delay - THE WINNER IS:

justacraftymom who said...

Living up here in Maine we can get a lot of snowed in days, even in the spring! Of course I would sew! But I also like to play board games with my kiddos, snuggle in bed and read a good book while the kids watch a Disney movie that I have probably have watch a 1000 times.

Thank you all again for the wonderful comments, you sure knew how to make this girl smile and chuckle over the weekend! justacraftymom - I'll be sending you an e-mail shortly, please send me your snail mail address so I can get these goodies off to your doorstep!

This went so well, I'm already thinking of the next giveaway and what it could be... Hhhmmmmm....

Back to other topics, Paco sure felt the love, but I wanted to show you what it's like living with this little one. Here's the shots I tried to take:

If it seems that I might have more pictures of Duncan (my Cairn Terrier) it's because he's not a wiggle worm. Seriously, about 80% of all pictures end this way with Paco... but I still love him.

So much so that we got him a new toy yesterday. He LOVES Nylabones. He won't look at, sniff, or even bother with anything else. If it's a Nylabone - he's golden. So, we were out of Nylabones (panic!) so off to the store we went. We got the usual 3 pack, but I saw one that was a dinosaur... It was kinda big, but it made me wonder if Paco could handle it. If he couldn't Duncan would be fine with it regardless, so we brought it home.

It's a HUGE hit! So much so that when I came home today to let Paco out of his cage, we went outside to do "business" and then he ran back in so excited to get it - he couldn't. He'd pick it up and you'd hear it slide out of his mouth when he'd turn around. He'd finally get it, start running and drop it again. It was hi-larious! SO, not to torture my fur-baby or nothing, but I took it away from him, put it back in the cage for instant replay:

I know I"m rambling today so I've got to stop and get into my sewing room, but thank you all so much again! I'll be back with more soon!

One last congrats to justacraftymom!

Two Tutorials! BONUS!!!

2012-01-07T08:19:00.001-05:00

First off, if you are coming from the first tutorial over at the Moda Bake Shop, welcome!

Secondly, if you are looking for the giveaway, click here. You have until Monday to enter!!!

Other than that I decided last weekend that it would be neat to do a smaller quilt out of the same design and fabric and post them together... and here they both are!

If you haven't been to the Moda Bake Shop yet, click here to go to the larger quilt tutorial.

Same quilt, same design (mostly), same fabric, just smaller!This design features a Charm Pack rather than a Layer Cake. Here's what you'll need for this darling quilt:

1 Charm Pack (I used Reunion by Sweetwater - love those girls!)

Side Setting Pieces - 1/4 Yard

Small Border - 1/8 Yard

Large Border - 1/2 Yard

Backing - 1 Yard

Binding - 1/3 Yard

So as you can see this doesn't take much fabric at all, so if you happen to have a Charm Pack around, you might have enough of similar fabrics to make one of these up from your stash. Either that or you have the amounts listed so if you need an excuse to go shopping, you just might have to! hehehe!

Now let's get started! You'll need to separate the Charm Pack and mix the colors together (you know how they're all coordinated in the pack, well, we don't want that. Just mix them up and put them back in a stack)

So lay out one (or a few if you feel comfortable doing so) Charm Square on your cutting mat.

Trim it down to measure 4-1/2" across.

Then the 4-1/2" width into 3 strips each 1-1/2" wide. Set one aside, but not too far.

Trim 2 of the strips to measure 4" long.

Then from the same strips cut a 1-1/2" segment. This will yield (2) 1-1/2" square and (2) 1-1/2" x 2-1/2" pieces. Set each piece in a pile by itself as pictured below. We need all the pieces organized as you'll see below.

And the last strip trim to a 1-1/2" x 3-1/2" piece.

When laying out all the cut pieces, this is what it should look like. 2 piles of 1-1/2" squares, 2 piles of 2-1/2" segments and 1 pile of 3-1/2" segments. Now time to mix it up.

To get the colors matching in rings, restack the deck leaving one "ring" alone and switching the other two as shown. Maybe take one pile and bring the bottom 1/3 to the top and on the other take the top 1/3 to the bottom so all the fabrics are nice and mixed.

Start from the center with the smallest pieces. Sew a 1-1/2" square to another 1-1/2" square. Press all seams to the growing "ring" or to the newest sewn piece.

TIP - if you need to change a fabric at all due to pattern, color, whatever - change the oldest or already sewn piece. That way when you sew on the coordinating fabric in the "ring" you can chain piece and all fabrics will be right in order and save you time!

Sew on the coordinating 2-1/2" segment onto the block. Press to this new piece.

Sew on the last "ring" starting with the 2-1/2" segment.

Finish up each block with the last strip.

You should have 42 block that measure 3-1/2" square. Aren't they adorable?!

For the side setting triangles, cut a strip 5-1/2" wide from your fabric. Cut 4 squares each 5-1/2". Cut each of these pieces in half twice diagonally as shown above.

Be careful with these pieces. They have just been cut on the bias and bias is a four letter word for a reason. These will want to stretch or warp, but you can avoid that with as little handling as possible or a little spritz of some starch.

From the same strip cut 2 squares 3" square. Cut each of these in half once diagonally. These are for the corners.

You will only need 41 of the blocks for this layout. Lay them out however you see fit. I tried this design on the larger quilt, but opted for another one. Looking back at the pictures I took that day I kept thinking how this would turn out so I decided to use it for the smaller version.

Feel free to play around with these blocks, the possibilities are endless!

You're going to sew the top together in rows at an angle. Above I have row 1 (it's just 1 block) with the side setting triangles already sewn on, but I need to sew on the corner. I have pinned both the centers of the pieces to be sewn.

Align the pins when placing the fabrics right sides together.

Repin and sew! You'll see a better shot of this piece once it's sewn and pressed below.

Here is a shot of all the blocks sewn in rows and then sewn together but 1, pay attention to the direction of the side setting triangles and notice row #5 doesn't have the corners on yet.

I find it easier to sew the corners onto rows after making the rows. On the smaller pieces like shown above, it's easier to handle a smaller piece, so I've already sewn on 2 corners, but the last 2 are much easier to put on after the top is put together. It saves many headaches, trust me.

So, here's a better shot of the corner fully assembled. If you're piecing and pressing are accurate, the edges of the side setting pieces should all line up perfectly.

To add the borders, first start with the smallest one. You will need to cut 3 strips 1-1/2" wide.

The larger border requires 3 strips as well, cut at 4-1/2" wide.

Quilt how you see fit, add the binding and you will have:

An adorable quilt that will finish at 31" square! Just darling!

I quilted this almost the same as the larger one, just in a smaller design. I think they both turned out adorable.

So, what do you think? Two quilt tutorials both in the same day? I hope I didn't put your brain on overload - however I think I need more coffee.

Inquiring minds want to know, which size would you like to do? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

If you have any questions at all or finish one of these quilts and would like to send me a picture I will be sure to post it on here, just e-mail me at rubybluequilts (at) gmail (dot) com.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

GIVEAWAY - The Snowed In Kind...

2012-01-05T08:08:00.000-05:00

this giveaway is now closed, but come back again. I'm sure there will be more :)

IT'S GIVEAWAY DAY!!!

Earlier this week, our neck of the woods was under a horrible snow warning for DAYS!!! They were calling for everyone in the viewing area of the local news channels to get at least 8" of snow and the Snowbelt (which I live in the secondary Snowbelt, but work in the primary) could get 1'-2' within about 36 hours.

And it wasn't going to be just the nice pretty stuff, oh no. What they were calling for was the heavy monster stuff that collapses a roof or two and makes driving absolutely treacherous.

Thankfully we got a whopping 4" and so did the town I work in, however people a bit further south got a foot plus. Didn't turn out to be so bad, but it got me thinking...

Even though it wasn't that bad, what would you need to suffice while being snowed in?

I think I have you covered! There's a bit of everything...

First off I'm giving away this Moda apron I've acquired. It's quite darling if I do say so myself. This way if you feel the need to bake since you have a bit of extra time on your hands, you won't end up looking like the evil flour monster (or is it just me that makes a mess in the kitchen?)

However, if your form of baking is more up the ally of the Moda Bake Shop, I have this wonderful jelly roll of Twirl by Me and My Sister. I picked this for a couple reasons. First off, from about now til May here there is NO color outside, just gray and white really - more gray than anything, so some color is good. Secondly, if you have a jelly roll while snowed in you'll be preoccupied quilting for a possible extended length of time that the laundry and cleaning and all that might have to be put aside for a bit. If I only gave you a Charm Pack, after a few hours the quilting fun might be over!!! Oh no, the calamity!!! So, you get a jelly roll!

Honestly, some warm fuzzy socks. Do I really need to explain? Let's just say if my feet are cold the rest of me is cold. If I am cold I get cranky. Notice a trend here? Plus they're bright and fun!

Now, I need noise all day long. Mostly in the form of music or the TV, so how about you get yourself some tunes off iTunes to jam to while you're quilting?

And you just can't quilt all day without some snacks. So how about a bag of the good ol' Pop Secret.

The best kind there is, Homestyle of course!

And what would your day be like without some chocolate? And emergency chocolate at that. It says so right on the package!

So there's the prizes up for grabs. One lucky person will win it all. How to enter you ask?

Leave me a comment on if you were snowed in what you would do. And please if you live somewhere where the coldest temperature you get is like 50, please humor me. It's been around the mid 20's this week with wind chills in the single digits. I'm freezing here! So if you could kindly play along and let me know what you would do with your time at home, I can't wait to read about it!

Now remember to be honest, but a little creativity never hurt. I'll be drawing a winner on Monday the 9th!

Please also remember to leave your e-mail address so I can contact you when you win!!!

I'll be back later with an update of what I accomplished these last few days since I was snowed in (okay really it was just too dang cold to go outside...) and be on the lookout on Saturday - it'll be Moda Bake Shop day!!!

Now, ready, set, comment!

Back to Basics - Quilt Sizes

2012-01-04T15:22:00.000-05:00

So, here I am with yet another installment of the Back to Basics feature. Today I will be explaining the concept of Quilt Sizes and most importantly, if you wish to change the size, how to do it with the best results and least amount of hair pulling.

I will warn you now (consider yourself warned!) there is a small teeny tiny bit of math involved in this segment that may require a bit of the ol' arithmetic on your part - BUT - I swear I will make it as fun as painless as possible.

So to begin typically there are a few main sizes of quilts you'll find:

Baby

Crib

Lap

Twin

Full

Queen

King

and the wonder of them all - California King.

Now I know there are other California sizes out there, but none are as popular as the California King. I mean, whoever decided there needed to be a bed bigger than my bedroom when I was little had something in mind. Especially when you turn on ESPN and see some of those sports guys that average 6' forever tall...

Now, these sizes used to mean something. You go to the store, you get a sheet set, you pick the size of bed you have and you're done, right? Not today. Today you have mattresses anywhere from 2" - 24" thick. Then there's the mattress pads, plus if you have a bed like mine today you almost need a trampoline to get in the thing... so if you want a quilt that hangs down low - you might be looking for an excessively larger quilt size than you expected!

So as far as bed quilts, the best way to figure out exactly the quilt size you need is to measure. Measure across the bed to where you would like the quilt to fall, as well as the length of the bed - just remember to keep the pillow tuck in mind or how much "snuggle" extras you may require :] I absolutely despise a bed that won't let the sheets and covers cover you from head to toe... I like to have way too much - that way I don't have to fight for covers too often either :]

But what if you don't want to have the quilt for a bed? What if you want to make a lap quilt for your husband who happens to be 6"7"? A normal lap quilt just won't do. It may not even cover his lap...

In situations like this I like to implement the picture frame rule:

When choosing a new layout for a quilt, relate the block setting to the sizes picture frames come in. Some of the most common sizes you can typically relate quilts to are:

3 x 5

4 x 6

5 x 7

8 x 10

10 x 13

11 x 14

If the number or size of blocks you're planning on making doesn't allow for numbers this small, I have an exception to the picture frame rule...

Sometimes the most logic idea to make a quilt bigger is just to double the setting amounts and go from there. Please, I'm begging you DON'T DO THIS!!! Let me show you why. For example if you had an adorable pattern you wanted to use but it was in a 3 x 5 setting...

Not big enough so if you just doubled both the numbers it would then be 6 x 10. Notice anything goofy with the picture of it below?

It's almost twice as long as it is tall! It might be perfect if you're trying to make a bed runner, but not a quilt.

WARNING - Math part! So, the exception to the picture frame rule is - the rule of 2/3's. Alright, let's go back to that gargantuan husband that's 6'7"... If he wanted a lap quilt you might want it to be around 72" (or 6') high so he has enough to cover the lap and tuck in the tootsies. For sample's sake let's say you have a pattern that uses a 9" block. That would be 8 blocks high. But how wide should you make it? (breathe, the math is almost over...)

If you look back at the picture frame sizes above, there is no option that ends with an 8. So use the rule of 2/3's.

Take the number of blocks you know you want = 8

Multiply it by .67 (or 2/3's)

Find out the number of blocks for the quilt width = 5.36

Obviously 5.36 won't work our so round up to the next number = 6.

I realize not all quilts are rectangular, but unless you're trying to fit specific measurements, try either of the methods above or stick to square settings for the best results.

Whew! Did you make it? See the math wasn't all that bad! Well, that does it for quilt sizes and changing a quilt size. I'm working on some more tutorials but be sure to head on back tomorrow for a little surprise! Later!

Back to Basics - Quilter's Knot - The Video!

2012-01-01T14:00:00.001-05:00

Here it is! I hope you like it!

I'll be back with more tutorials and more later this week! Happy New Year!

The Recap...

2011-12-31T09:03:00.000-05:00

Is anyone else completely baffled that tonight is the end of 2011? This year was wonderful and more than I ever could have imagined, but even though I'm sad to see it go, I'm excited for 2012 to come.

So, this year was full of wonerful things, here's a list of highlights:

I started off the year posting on the Moda Bake Shop with a recipe for scarves, and added a few more tutorials later on.

Sew As You Go Scarves

Layered Valance

Dueling Personalities

I went to some new places:

Ben and I went to Paris for the first time!

I went to Shipshewana a time or two

I went to the NQA Show for the first time

Ben and I went to the Western Caribbean with some friends!

And Mom and I made the trek to Holmes County, Ohio for a couple days

I was featured in a couple magazines:

June 2011 Issue - turn it over to find:

My quilt!!!!!

And the back cover of Perfect for Precuts had the Moda Bake Shop ad that included my quilt!

I made some new quilt patterns:

Charmed Living Casaba

Charmed Living Tote

Sciuridae

Cake Topper

Alphabet Stitchery: Farm Animals

Alphabet Stitchery: Bugs Bugs Bugs

Alphabet Stitchery: Noah's Ark

I was entertained by some critters in my tree:

Even these three little ones
Currently nobody is residing in the tree, but winter hasn't truly hit yet...

I did some quilting:

And I started a new feature to the blog:

Back to Basics!!!

So, whew, I'm exhausted. Looking back I can't believe I got all that accomplished!

I'm looking forward to some exciting things in 2012 including more topics in the Back to Basics tutorials, a new Moda Bake Shop recipe (coming very soon!), more travels, new patterns, and who knows what else!

But I could not have done it without all of you. The encouragement and support I get from all of those that comment, e-mail, follow my blog, or I meet when I'm out and about make this so much more rewarding than I ever thought possible! THANK YOU SOOOOOO MUCH!!!

So here's a farewell to 2011 and hello to 2012! See you in the new year!

Alphabet Stitchery: Noah's Ark

2011-12-30T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'm trying to keep the themes of these quilts on a trend that will grow with the little ones (if they get them when they're brand new!) Little ones aren't little for very long and this quilt offers a size that they can play on, learn to crawl on, drool on, carry around when they walk, and sleep with in their big kid beds!

Noah and his Ark are accompanied by all sorts of animals - all two by two in this quilt. There's camels and elephants, donkeys and lions and many many more!

I had so much fun drawing out these guys and trying to decide how each animal would interact with it's partner, where to put them all in the design, and what colors of thread to use!

As with the other quilts, the stats stay the same:

Finished size: 40" x 48"

24 Blocks (10 Stitchery & 14 Pieced)

Finished block size: 10" x 8"

Now some of you may be asking why use a non-square block? My initial reaction to this is why not? But also it offers possibilities that you just can't get with only square blocks.

A great idea just popped into my head - wouldn't this be a darling donation to a church raffle??? I'm thinking YES!

One more thing - I actually used a layer cake for this design and had plenty left over to make at least one more quilt! But it gave me an exceptionally scrappy look. This is the debut fabric line from Malka Dubrawsky for Moda called A Stitch in Color! I got the idea for the quilting from once of the fabrics - see the gray with yellow in the bottom right? Yeah, that one! You can find this fabric in stores now.

Alright, so I hope you enjoy this quilt and if you have any questions or own a shop and would like to place an order, please e-mail me at rubybluequilts (at) gmail (dot) com. Be back soon with more (;

Alphabet Stitchery: Farm Animals

2011-12-28T13:52:00.000-05:00

I have to say, this was the design that started this whole craze. My best friend was pregnant with her first and we grew up "in the country", so she grew up on a farm. Literally, right now her house is part of a barn - with animals. Animals including her first ever cow she had as a 4H project when we were in 3rd grade. I think Blossom (the cow) will live forever at this point! But, we love her and the goats, horses, pigs, dogs, and whatever else you might find at Katti's house over the years.

So, back to topic - since Katti was pregnant I wanted to make her a quilt with farm animals. I looked and looked, but there weren't that many patterns to choose from and frankly some of the fabric looked a bit creepy if you ask me... So, I made a quilt out of 1930's prints with some applique.

Then this adorable stitchery pattern came into my hands a little later (I will keep this one nameless for reasons below). The blocks were cute but the construction and the quilt itself was horrendous!!! My Mom really wanted to have a cute sample so she asked me to design some blocks for it. We loved it so much that we thought I should draw my own stitchery to go with the blocks and here we are today!

Soooooo, here's the stats (this quilt is a smidge different, but that's why I love it):

Finished size: 40"x48"

Blocks: 24 (10 Stitchery & 14 Pieced)

Finished block size: 10" x 8" (See what I mean?)

Oh, and if I didn't mention it before - all the animals have their own names which are listed in the pattern. Kinda weird, but it was fun! Also, if you are a fan of applique - this pattern already has the pieces set up for use as an applique pattern too! Just think - you could mix and match the two for a really adorable quilt!

All I can say is too stinkin' cute! I kinda want to make another with the applique, but I have all winter to work on that (; Be back soon with more pictures!

p.s. If you have any questions at all or own a shop and are interested in the Alphabet Stitchery patterns, please e-mail me at rubybluequilts (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

Merry Christmas!!!

2011-12-26T13:48:00.000-05:00

I know I'm a little behind on this one, but I took off a couple days to spend with family and family alone. It was WONDERFUL!!! No computer, no e-mail, nothing... Just family and good times.

So, from my family to yours, I hope you had a wonderul Christmas and look forward to an amazing New Year!!!

Sincerely,
The Silbaughs

It's Bath Day!!!

2011-12-21T21:15:00.000-05:00

It's me, I showered... just kidding (well, I did shower but this IS NOT a video of that!)

I know you all LOVED the video I posted before of my water-loving critter, Duncan. So, bath day was upon us and I wanted to capture on video how excited he gets for this moment EVERY SINGLE TIME!

I can't remember if I mentioned it before, but he LOVES this so much that he could care less what else is going on in the house. If I know I'll have a repairman or someone like that coming to the house where they might be in and out, carrying all sorts of tools and things - I'll put an inch or two of water in the tub and Duncan could care less who might be here... Dead serious. Like serial. Like Man Bear Pig. (sorry, inside joke, but if my Hubbin reads this or if you watch South Park you'll get it!)

Oh, and yes Duncan does hit his head occassionally on the side of the tub when he's playing and spinning and too excited. He's like a toddler, just cuddlier and fuzzier! He's fine I swear. After this video was taken I think he payed in the tub for another hour and a half before it turned from play time to bath time, and that is the part he does NOT like! I get those looks and noises like "Mom, you're ruining everything!" hehehehe

Does anyone else's animals act as crazy as mine? Hopefully we'll be getting snow soon and he loves that as much if not more, so I'll be sure to get pictures of that too!

Have a great day, hope this made you smile!

8 years ago today...

2011-12-20T21:41:00.003-05:00

I said I do!

Look at us back then!!! hehehehe

(this one's a bit fuzzy, but one of my favorites!!! The look of a Mom proud of her Son!!!)

Gotta love this boy (I mean man!) I can't believe it's been that long already, but it sure has been wonderful!

Love you Hunny!!!

S.N.T. (Show N Tell!)

2011-12-12T10:30:00.000-05:00

You've all been quite patient with me and I appreciate it greatly. I had so much fun making these next batch of patterns that I got a bit carried away and instead of releasing 2 patterns initially - you got a bonus with the third.

I was just stitching and stitching and couldn't stop!!!

So, do you remember when I showed you this picture back when?

Well, this is the new Alphabet Stitchery line. When I showed this shot to you previously I only had a few designs I was planning on... but they're too cute and I kept drawing.

I now have 6 designs which include Farm:

Bugs:

Noah's Ark:

AND soon to come - Baby, Jungle & Aquatic! Each quilt has the same pieced blocks featuring different fabrics and 10 different stitchery blocks per quilt.

I'm working on the finishing touches to these quilts as we speak and the patterns should be ready in a couple weeks! The second batch should be ready next month!

I don't know about you but I have a TON of friends that are expecting and everyone's nursery theme is different. It was hard trying to come up with either fabric or a pattern (or both!) that reflected each theme, so I hope to ease the search with these fun designs!

Also the nice thing is that each quilt without borders measures 40" x 50" so it's small enough to snuggle with a newborn, yet big enough to grow with them throughout the toddler and little one years! They're not little for long, that's for sure!!!

I will be doing a post on each theme in the future to show off the fun characters in each quilt. I hope you enjoy theses as much as I have enjoyed creating them!

So my question for you is which one so far is your favorite and who would you make it for? Be back soon with more photos!!!

He's back!!!

2011-12-11T16:21:00.001-05:00

It's been quite a while, but the squirrels have returned and if you ask me - they're well on their way to being ready for winter. Just look:

I still love watching these critters when they come to visit/snack. Looks like I need more ears of corn too! I've been quilting like crazy and I have some show and tell finally for you, but you'll have to wait til tomorrow!!! Come back then and I'm sure you won't be disappointed!!!

Twilight anyone?

2011-12-06T07:49:00.001-05:00

I can't show you much of what I've been working on lately, since most of them are Christmas presents that I've been machine quilting for others...

The other day as I was driving to Mom's house to use the long arm machine, the fog was sooooo thick it was really hard to see more than about 100 feet or so in spots. It was a little less dense at the house (yes, the picture above was an improvement over some of the areas I drove through!), but the way the fog enveloped the woods and hid the large barns close to the house, it reminded me of the new movies...

I'm heading back out to the house today after I work at the quilt shop this morning and I'm hoping to get a couple more quilts done today. Wish me luck!

Back to Basics - Quilter's Knot (Left-handed)

2011-11-29T10:28:00.001-05:00

Step 1: Thread the needle, then hold the needle and the end of the thread towards each other, needle in your LEFT hand.

Step 2: Hold the end of the thread with the needle in your LEFT hand.

Step 3: Twist the thread around the needle a few times (more on this step at the end).

Step 4: Hold the twisted thread against your RIGHT finger and spin the thread (roll the needle along your finger) so there's no tail on the twisted thread.

Step 5: Grasp the twist of the thread between your 1st finger and thumb of your RIGHT hand.

Step 6: Guide the needle through the thread twist, pulling on the needle with your LEFT hand. Do not grasp the thread twist so much you can't pull the needle through, but have a firm grasp so you don't loose the thread twist either.

Step 7: Continue to grasp the thread twist and firmly pull the needle with your LEFT hand.

Step 8: Pull taught until you can feel the knot form in your RIGHT hand.

Step 9: You should have a nice knot!!!

This knot is very beneficial due to how it is made, with any pull against it will only strengthen the knot. This makes it wonderful for any aspect of quilting including embroidery, piecing, binding, etc.

Depending on the size of thread you are using, you may want to test the amount of times you circle the needle to get the appropriate size knot. Typically with Pearl Cotton I only twist once or twice around the needle where as Cotton Threads I may have 4 or 5 twists to get the right size knot.

There are several ways to knot your thread, but this seems the most simple and effective to me. I used to try other similar methods, but typically you would end up with a nice little rats nest at the end of the thread rather than a simple knot.

If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to ask, but try this knot out and I'm sure you'll fall in love with it like I did!

I am planning on doing a video tutorial on this as well in the near future, I just need a cameraman since both of my hands are a bit busy... I will post it soon and it might take some of the mystery out of this knot as well.

Back to Basics - Quilter's Knot (Right-handed)

2011-11-29T10:05:00.001-05:00

Today I would like to show you a step by step tutorial on the Quilter's Knot. I was taught this by my friend, Carol, as she taught me to hand quilt. It's a really easy knot that once mastered, you can do in a fraction of a second! This knot also has some great benefits to it that I'll go over after the tutorial.

* Please note these are the right-handed instructions. I know several people that are left-handed and can have a hard time trying to learn in the opposite direction. I have taken that into account and will be featuring a separate tutorial specifically for left-handed instructions.

Step 1: Thread the needle, then hold the needle and the end of the thread towards each other, needle in your RIGHT hand.

Step 2: Hold the end of the thread with the needle in your RIGHT hand.

Step 3: Twist the thread around the needle a few times (more on this step at the end).

Step 4: Hold the twisted thread against your LEFT finger and spin the thread (roll the needle along your finger) so there's no tail on the twisted thread.

Step 5: Grasp the twist of the thread between your 1st finger and thumb of your LEFT hand.

Step 6: Guide the needle through the thread twist, pulling on the needle with your RIGHT hand. Do not grasp the thread twist so much you can't pull the needle through, but have a firm grasp so you don't loose the thread twist either.

Step 7: Continue to grasp the thread twist and firmly pull the needle with your RIGHT hand.

Step 8: Pull taught until you can feel the knot form in your LEFT hand.

O Christmas Tree!

2011-11-28T05:54:00.001-05:00

I did it! I decorated already and about 95% of my gifts are bought and wrapped. Don't you just love the little things?

Happy Days!!!

2011-11-21T13:10:00.001-05:00

No, not the TV show! It's the week of Thanksgiving! I get to relax for a day, throw the diet completely out the window, enjoy the day with family and friends. And my favorite part... I get to make this again:

This my friends, is a Pecan Bourbon Cheesecake in all it's ooey gloriousness. It was a hit a couple Thanksgivings ago and I haven't made it since, but I'm making it this week. Along with the staple of green bean casserole and I'm going to attempt to make the Amish Stuffing I ate at Das Essenhaus this summer - it was soooo good I still drool just thinking about it. I bought the recipe book and I hope it's as yummy as I remember!

Can I tell you a secret? I LOVE to cook!!! Especially for large numbers (like more than 2 people, not 100). Thanksgiving and Holiday get-togethers let me cook and cook recipes that I don't make for only Ben and I. I get it from my Nana, what can I say?!

Over the weekend I wrapped all of the Christmas gifts we've already bought, worked on the new stitchery quilts (Yay!) and did some other stuff... I'm trying to get the housework done tomorrow so I can bake the Cheesecake Wednesday and eat on Thursday!!! I'm so close to finishing a couple of the stitchery quilt tops (can I tell you they are just so stinkin' adorable) and I'm hoping to show those off later this week. I was thinking I would get at least 1 or 2 tops done by now, but I couldn't stop stitching. They're too freakin' cute!!!

So, my question for you is: What do you like to cook for Thanksgiving or what can you not have Thanksgiving dinner without?

My Nana is so awesome and makes everyone's favorite thing (Brian's mashed potatoes, Paul's apple pie, my buttermilk rolls, etc.). We all have our favorite thing and she makes sure there's something on the table for everyone. It just makes it that much more special. She's pretty cool like that :]

So, that's it for today. I have much more wonderful and exciting news to share later this week. I can't wait to hear all about your favorite Thanksgiving foods!!! (can you tell I've been dieting for over a month now? hehehe) Later!

Back to Basics - Embroidery Threads

2011-11-18T14:35:00.001-05:00

So, for me there's only really two types of threads I like to use for Embroidery... I know there are literally hundreds to choose from... Maybe one of these days when I'm feeling adventurous I might try some other styles, but for now these are the two I use the most.

Embroidery Floss - There's several colors to choose from, almost an endless supply it seems at times. There's even hand dyed versions like Weeks Dye Works that offer even more color options! The standard for floss is a 6 strand bundle that you then separate into the amount that you desire. Typically it's either 2 or 3 strands for the most popular applications.
* Pro - There are so many choices in color, you can always find the perfect color. The hardest part is deciding which colors to bring home with you! Also, being able to choose how many strands to use offers you the possibility to add the look of more texture within a project. You can really get a 3D effect with this thread.
* Con - Having to separate the strands is a pain to me - there I said it - a pain. Once you separate the strands and use 2 for example, the floss may want to keep separating, knotting, etc. It might take some getting used to working with this versus using only 1 strand of other threads.

Pearl Cotton - This is my go-to embroidery thread. Pearl Cotton comes in several colors and a few different sizes, the most popular being size 8 followed by size 5. I use size 8 for all of my stitcheries, it's equal to about 2.5 strands of embroidery floss. The thread is a wound thread that has a slight sheen to it and you only need one thread to get the job done. For this thread it's best to use an Embroidery needle that has a larger eye and a sharp point.
* Pro - You only have to use one strand of thread and it comes in several color to choose from (not as many as Embroidery Floss, but there's plenty to choose from)
* Con - The colors available may not match perfectly to your project, however most of the staples should be readily available, or something close that works. Remember though, you don't have to match the exact shade, but something close to it. After it's made, you may never know the difference!!!

Other tips that I have for these threads are:
* Cutting the thread - when cutting the thread off of the spool, ball , etc., Cut the thread at an angle and it will help to thread your needle!
* Twisting thread - if your thread seems to want to twist and knot while you are stitching, change the direction of the thread when you put it on the needle. What I mean is - most threads have a designated twist to them as they are made. They are designed to work best coming off of the spool, as if the needle is at the open end and the knot is a the cut end. If you do this and it doesn't work, then swap the direction of the thread. Knot the open end and put the needle on the cut end.
* Unrolling - The best tip for the balls of Pearl Cotton to keep them from unrolling that I have found is using a small hair tie (either those tiny rubber bands or the squishy mini scrunchy things) to wrap around the ball. They're the perfect size and keep everything neat and organized!!!

That should do it! I'll be back soon with my favorite knot of all time that changed my life!!! I have taken into account that I am right-handed and some people are not, so I will do two versions in a step by step picture tutorial, one for lefties and one for righties. And then with some help I will attempt a video of it too!

I'll keep adding in some tips from time to time for threads (there's a TON of topics to cover!) but I'm planning on moving onto other topics soon, like squaring up blocks, deciding on a quilt size if you're altering from the pattern, and putting on square and even borders effectively. Keep those ideas coming and I'll be sure to feature the topics you've asked for soon!

Back to Basics - Thread

2011-11-15T14:21:00.001-05:00

So, threads. Where do I begin? There are so many styles and choices! That's why I'm here - I'm going to try and sort out the differences of each type as well as give you some pros and cons on each!

So...to begin I'm going to start with the threads you would use in everyday piecing and quilting:

Cotton Thread - In quilting we use cotton fabrics, so cotton threads are a natural choice. The most popular weights of thread are 30-60 (the bigger the number the smaller the size of the thread) but I use a 40 weight most often. I use this type of thread for most purposes including piecing, quilting, and applique.
* Pro - Cotton threads will wear the same as the cotton fabrics over time, giving a pleasing appearance as well as feel.
* Con - Plain threads may lint a bit more during the piecing process, but with regular cleaning of your machine (blow out the bobbin case and other workings of the machine with canned air for example) this shouldn't be much of an issue.

Silk Finish Cotton Thread - Silk Finish threads are shinier than a plain cotton thread, but possess the benefits of regular cotton thread too.
* Pro - With the Silk Finish, top stitching has a much cleaner appearance and this style over regular cotton has less lint overall.
* Con - The cost of Silk Finish is slightly higher than regular Cotton thread.

Poly Thread - Made of polyester, Poly Threads are very similar to the Cotton threads above. They come in several colors and weights, but tend to have a look similar to Silk Finish threads. Since they are made from polyester, the threads may wear differently than the cotton fabrics resulting in uneven wear over time (especially with a quilt that is intended to be used and abused), but with recent technological developments, poly threads are much better than they used to be.
* Pro - the smaller weights of threads are prefect for applique or binding where your stitches need to disappear (you can usually find these sold in small bobbin sizes in a variety of colors) and they also can enhance quilting designs with heavy quilting without taking away from the overall effect (since you're not looking at only threads)
* Con - These threads can be a bit more expensive than cotton and wear differently than cotton over time.

Glazed Quilting Thread (Hand Quilting Thread) - To my knowledge this thread usually only comes in one weight and is intended only for hand quilting. There are several colors this thread comes in so you can match the colors with any project you're working on - it's not just white or off-white anymore (yay!). The glaze or coating on the threads helps aid to protect the thread as it's pulled through the multiple layers several times during quilting.
* Pro - the glaze helps protect the thread, but also gives the thread some body which might take some time to get used to, but this also prevents knotting and unnecessary wear and tear.
* Con - You cannot use this in any machine (I repeat DO NOT use this in a machine!) and the colors seem limited compared to other styles, so the perfect color match might not be available (instead of 200+ colors to pick from you might only have 50).

Lastly, here some additional tips for the threads listed above that may come in handy :]
* Some older threads may still be good enough to use (even if they come from your Hubbin's Grandma's stash :] ). To test, cut off a piece about a foot long. Grab each end of the thread and pull with some force. If the thread holds, it should be good to go. If the thread breaks easily, toss it out or only use it as a decoration...

* You CAN use a cotton or silk finish thread to hand quilt. Best advice I have is to use smaller pieces of thread (around 18" long) and to treat the thread prior to stitching with a product like thread heaven or wax.
* If you're like me and tend to use a LOT of thread, I suggest getting a cone of thread. A typical spool of thread has about 500 yards on it. A cone has around 3000 yards giving you about 6 times the thread at about roughly triple the cost of a spool. It's a great deal if you make a ton of projects.
* For piecing I recommend using neutral color threads like off-white through gray or tan. If you're making something with lighter colors, use a lighter thread, or darker colors, use a gray or tan. Piecing stitches aren't supposed to show, but from time to time it happens. If you match the thread tone closer with the fabrics used and the stitches show, you won't have a white thread peeking out from behind a black fabric. This doesn't make the thread as noticeable...
* If you're having trouble with your sewing machine, try changing your thread. Sometimes machines are finicky and like a particular brand of thread more than another. Each machine is different so don't think (insert here) brand of sewing machine only works with (insert here) brand of thread. Sometimes to solve your tension, thread breaking, etc. issues it's as simple as trying a different brand of thread! I don't honestly know why it makes that much of a difference, but it does!

So, I think that's enough information for this session, don't you think? I'll be back soon with decorative threads and some other topics. I've been on an embroidery kick lately (like with these) and I'll show small tutorials on different embroidery stitches too!

I hope you're enjoying these topics as much as I've enjoyed gathering the information to share. Keep those ideas coming on what else you would like to learn and I'll be more than happy to feature that in an upcoming session.

Happy Veteran's Day!

2011-11-11T14:51:00.001-05:00

I would like to start by saying a HUGE thank you to all members who served, are serving, or aspire to serve this wonderful country of ours as well as the family members that stand by their side with support every single second of every day.

But I have a small bit of trivia - do you know why the flags are backwards on military uniforms???

So, I was curious on this myself so I researched it. Basically the flag is placed on the right shoulder or to the right of the soldier which is considered the place of honor. The flag is backwards representing the color guard that used to lead the troops into Battle. These days color guards are only used in formal procedures so the direction of the flag represents the soldier forging into battle, as if the flag was blowing towards them as the move forward...

Lots of details and representation from one little detail on a uniform! Thank you again and remember to honor the troops all days, not just today!

And in honor of my Father-In-Law - Semper Fi!

Pantry Stir-Fry Recipe :]

2011-11-10T13:20:00.001-05:00

Okie dokie - so Momma and I are doing the 17 Day Diet... So far so good (until Amish country that is) My will power is strong, but not THAT strong. And I wasn' t that bad... only a burger and some pasta... but it was worth it and now we're back onto the diet!!!

(I am not being paid to say anything about this diet program, but it's working for me and I know several others trying it out at the same time) Which brings me to the recipe - almost.

So, I'm on this diet. I can have all sorts of veggies and wonderfulness - but I have to limit the condiments and fats used... No butter, no starches, no flavor packets that have the 1st ingredient as corn starch, nada. So, I had to reinvent some of my usual recipes and I think I hit a home run with this one... Trust me!

I love condiments. I really do. We have a cabinet and a half that is nothing but BBQ sauces, salad dressings, A-1 varieties, mustards, ketchups - you get the idea... So I took those things I have on hand and twisted them into a sauce for Stir-Fry.

Pantry Stir-Fry
* 2 Chicken Breasts Cubed - Raw (or you can substitute your favorite meat here)
* Assorted Stir Fry Veggies - either fresh, frozen or both!
(I used 3 bell peppers, 1 each of green, orange and red, 1 onion, and frozen broccoli - but this is where the pantry comes in, use what you have on hand or what you prefer)
* 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
* Minced Garlic
* Yellow Mustard
* Lite Soy Sauce (or Stir Fry Sauce - again whatever you have on hand)
* Chinese Spices (I use a small squirt of Sriracha but if you have Chinese 5 Spice that would work too!)

* Also a small note - this is super quick so it makes a great fast dinner!!! Let's get started:

Alright, cut up your veggies if need be and set aside. I usually cut them into thin strips (think fajitas).

Cut up the chicken (or other meat) into bite size cubes.

Heat the oil on high in a skillet and cook the chicken until cooked through.

Add the vegetables starting with frozen first (if any) then add the fresh veggies next keeping the heat on high. You're going to basically flash cook the veggies so they're still crunchy.

At this point take the pan off the heat and add in the garlic - I add a huge scoop but if you prefer less garlic, add about a tablespoon, add a small amount of lite soy sauce (enough to color the meat - about half a tablespoon), squirt some yellow mustard over the top (about a half tablespoon) and a small pinch of Sriracha or other spices to add in the Chinese flavors.

* I have absolutely no precise measurements here - I learned from my Grandma Safick everything tastes better with a pinch of this, a squirt of that - but depending on your tastes you can add or remove some of the ingredients to your liking...

Mix it all up until all incorporated and serve warm. This makes about 4 decent sized meals in our house - but it's sooo yummy it sometimes only works out to 3 after seconds and nibbling... :]

Now, since there's no starches in here the sauce may be a bit runny - if you add in starchy vegetables it will help to thicken the sauce if that's what you prefer, but a little thickening flour or corn starch should do the trick too.

I started making this a few weeks ago and came across it by accident - I started cooking the chicken (which cooks quick) and then threw in the veggies (which cook quick) and realized I had no sauce planned so I opened the fridge and grabbed what I thought made sense... And I LOVED IT!!! I have made this at least once a week since then if not more than that... Oh, and I just thought it might be good with Shrimp or Pork - or a mixture for that matter. House Stir-Fry at home!

I hope you like it and next time I make it I'll add pictures. I thought of posting this recipe AFTER I devoured the serving I set aside for lunch today... Sorry!

I'm still reinventing some recipes to fit in within the parameters of my diet and I have to say it's been easier than I thought it would be - just not in Amish Country...ooops.

Well, let me know what you think of this recipe and if you have any other healthier recipes you would recommend! I'll be back soon with more details from my latest trip to Shipshewana!!!

Marathon Day 1

2011-11-07T06:25:00.001-05:00

So yesterday was the Annual Wildwood Quilt Guild show. The guild did a wonderful job, there were several beautiful quilts hanging, the refreshments looked and smelled awesome (I stuck to my diet, yay me!) and the vendors were all dolls as usual. Here's some pictures I took towards the end of the day.

Then Mom and I packed up her booth and headed up to Shipshewana, IN for the after Market Regional Show (only for shop owners, sorry). We'll be here for two days and we get to spend that time with Edyta Sitar from Laundry Basket Quilts!!! I'm so excited!!!

If I get a chance tonight I will try to take pictures today and post later. I hope this post turns out alright. It's the maiden post from my iPod on the road!

Be back soon after I love on all the new fabrics!!

Back to Basics - Scissors

2011-11-04T06:52:00.003-04:00

So, scissors... They don't seem all that important in the overall construction of a quilt or project, but let me tell you - they are VERY important.

I personally have a couple of pairs. Ideally, I would like to have 3, but I'll discuss more on that later.

So, my tips for a great pair of scissors are:

* Sharp!!! You want to make sure the scissors you use on fabric are really sharp. Any scissor used to cut fabric should NEVER cut paper, plastics, or other materials, only fabric. To get a nice crisp cut on fabric, scissors need to be extra sharp. If you use the same scissors to cut other materials, they can dull quite fast.

* Grip - Make sure the grip is nice and tight, without being too tight. You don't want to have them slip because you've lost your grip mid-cut, but you don't want them to cut off circulation either. Try several pairs out if possible and choose the pair that best suits your hand.

* Size - For different functions, it's good to have a different size of blade (or overall size of scissor):

I prefer to have a small pair for my little sewing kit for traveling and handwork - I actually have a sharp pair of kid's scissors that have a rounded end on them, that way I can take them on planes while traveling, but the blade must be under 4" long).

I also have my standard scissors that sit by my machine for all necessary purposes, trimming batting, cutting threads, etc. This should be the good old go-to pair.

I would also like to have a combination of a longer blade as well as the spring loaded feature for my third pair. This way they usually have the bottom blade stationary and the spring loaded action saves some wear and tear on your hands for long periods of cutting (like trimming back backing and batting from a quilted top). Also, the stationary blade will be a nice feature for this since it is less likely to "catch" on the bottom layer and screw up the "flow" of cutting. The longer blade should also come in handy to cut more with each cut saving time trimming back a large quilt or multiple projects all in the same timeframe. I'm looking for the right pair of these now and I hope to have some soon!

That's pretty much it for the features to look for, but before I go, I wanted to touch on a couple other options:

* I have seen electrical scissors advertised and to be honest - they scare the crap outta me!!! They cut really fast, you don't seem to have even 1/2 the control you do with manual scissors, and if you slip - who knows what damage might happen? I suggest if you're looking into this type of scissor, save the electric bill and your wrist - go for the spring loaded type.

* Sharpening blades - Like the above, there are several electric or "As Seen On TV" grade gimmicks out there claiming you can sharpen your own scissors and then cut through rocks (or something crazy to that effect...) I highly advise against sharpening your own blades. Not only is it dangerous, but more times than not, these gimmicks only damage your blades more than help. Many Local Quilt Shops have either an Event or actually have a service to sharpen blades for you. It's usually not that much money and it'll be better for everyone overall!!!

* Personalization - I know you may be asking yourself - seriously? personalization? Trust me - we have a group of friends that gets together once a month to rug-hook. Almost every single one of them owns the same pair of scissors. So how do you know whose is whose? I have a charm intended for a cell phone I got in Paris on mine, several of the girls got personalized beads with their initials to make their own at a local bead store, but you can use whatever suits you best. Local bead shops are a great place to start, but if your Husband drags you off to the electronic store to bore you to death (Hi Hunny!!!) start looking at the charms they sell by phone cases and phone accessories. They're mighty cute and from now on you'll know which scissors are yours.

So, that's basically it. The ins and outs of scissors. There's more to it than you thought, huh? Well, that's just the start of the Back to Basics segment. I'll be back soon about threads - the lovely luscious world of threads!!!

Keep the ideas coming!!! I have a good amount of topics to start off with, but as mentioned before, I want to teach you want you want to learn, so just let me know! You can shoot me an e-mail at rubybluequilts (at) gmail (dot) com or leave a comment on this post. It's that easy! I'll be back soon! Have a great weekend!

Family Time!!!

2011-11-01T11:36:00.001-04:00

This weekend Ben and I went to see our nephew, Shawn, and his Boy Scout Troop shoot off rockets they built! For a bunch of 8ish year olds, they did great!

Here the older scouts are helping to set up each rocket, hook it up to the remote, and then...

BLAST OFF!!! Shawn's rocket went really high and his parachute worked perfectly!

Here's Shawn showing off his rocket after the first launch. I don't think that smile could have gotten any bigger!!!

Later that evening we also went to see Ben's Step-Sister in a play, Arsenic and Old Lace. She played Elaine, the unknowing girlfriend of Mortimer... And she did awesome as well! Meghan has been in several plays in the past, but this was the first we were able to attend, and I'm so glad we did.

I'll be back shortly with the first installment of "Back to Basics". Keep the ideas and suggestions coming - I've gotten some great ideas so far and I look forward to this segment on the blog!!!

Back to Basics

2011-10-27T11:00:00.000-04:00

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!!!

2011-10-26T18:13:00.000-04:00

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...

2011-10-25T19:56:00.000-04:00

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...

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-20T17:26:00.000-04:00

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...

2011-10-05T18:30:00.000-04:00

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!

2011-10-04T19:30:00.002-04:00

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!

Success!!! And a New Pattern!!!

2011-09-22T19:28:00.000-04:00

So, it took me a bit longer than expected, but I did get all 4 quilts done!

Tuesday I got the first 3 quilts done in no time it seemed. Part of it was Mom loaded the first quilt for me so all I had to do was go in and start up the machine and quilt!

This was made out of Lovely by the wonderful Sandy Gervais, very Happy Giddy Bliss (Hi Gayle!)

I quilted loops and flowers all over this one...

Then, these next 2 quilts are doubles, both out of adorable bug fabric but I quilted them differently. This first one I squiggle stippled.

The next one I quilted loops on.

Here's how they looked on the machine side by side. Then I had to take a small break and go play with the pups. (Or as they see it interrupt their naps).

After a short time out I was back at it determined to finish all 4 of these quilts.... The last one started off like this.

And I had to stop and admire the afternoon sun highlighting the quilting...

And like that I had to stop. That's as far as I got before my chest and back said otherwise... (Still having some small pains when I do too much - or try and quilt 4 quilts in the same afternoon :] I'll never learn) So, no biggie, I figured I would be back Wednesday after work...

Well, Wednesday as I went to leave work and finish this up, a storm was rolling in and just as I was about to leave it hit - really bad. I don't know about you but I don't like to do anything with expensive electronics in a storm... no computer, no sewing machine, nada. I know insurance will replace them, but I would rather avoid that situation if at all possible...

So, today I was able to go out and finish it and I LOVE how the quilting turned out. Now, this is the back, same principle as the Charmed Living Topper, just using Layer Cakes - so without further ado I'm pleased to introduce you to Cake Topper!

Here's the front completely ~~finished~~ quilted... oh, yeah, that binding part... I made this one using Kansas Troubles Cattails and Clover that is due out in stores very soon! I hear some shops already have the precuts, which means yardage isn't far behind! I used a Bella Solid for both the border and backing, it will be the binding too. Unfortunately I don't remember the name of the color, but it's a gorgeous chocolate brown, I think it worked out well...

So Cake Topper is the latest in the Ruby Blue Pattern line, what do you think?

Oh, and just for those inquiring minds - Finishes at 59" square (perfect for these colder fall nights!) I will hopefully do a photo shoot this weekend if the weather holds out and have patterns out shortly after that! I'll keep you posted.

So, I think that was - I take that back - I know that was the most quilting I've done on the long arm in that short amount of time and I'm feeling it now, but it was sooo much fun! I love seeing the quilting design and the thread work with the fabrics and the quilt itself. I've been working really hard at the quilting element and I've been trying new designs and that's always fun.

Right now I think the quilting has been the most enjoyable part of quilting (but that's also usually because I'm alone with the music cranked up, able to listen to what I want and dance if I want to because no one else is around and I basically have a party by myself...) Yeah, I'm kinda a dork that way :]

So, that's what I've been up to this week, I'm working on making my first batch of Apple Pear Butter right now - the house smells SO GOOD! I already ate dinner and I think I might have to have dessert... That and the dogs are staring and drooling... It must smell good to them too!

So what have you been up to? Let me know what you think of the newest addition. I'd LOVE to hear what you think! Until next time!

How do you know???

2011-09-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

I think might be a sign that it is getting colder outside and it's time to break out the really warm quilts...

I think it might be a small hint from Duncan... just maybe :]

Have a great day! I'll be back with more quilting pictures soon!

Machine Quilting

2011-09-20T08:53:00.000-04:00

Mary Ann made this adorable Java version of Paganini by the ever so wonderful Miss Rosie...

The pattern uses a Charm Pack and some background - AND - it has the most adorable scalloped borders. Mary Ann requested that I quilt swirls on it to mimic the coffee steam.

If you click on the picture you can see the marks for the scallop. I can't wait to see it done completely. Mary Ann picked the blue and brown stripe to make a bias binding for this. I'll try to post pictures of it soon.

This is a sample for my Mom's Quilt Shop that she is taking with her to Quilting Around Chautauqua this weekend. I really enjoyed quilting it and will be quilting many more projects in the future, so I thought I'd start sharing the ones I can with you here. I'm actually heading out today to hopefully (crossing my fingers) quilt 4 quilts today. One more Miss Rosie pattern times 2 (one for the shop, one for a friend), A wonderful hexagon quilt, and a new one from me - a new version of the Charmed Living Topper adapted to use Layer Cakes... And made out of the new Kansas Troubles line??? Can it be true?!

I've got quite a schedule today so I'm hoping to get as much done as possible. I'll post pictures as I can. Wish me luck! Tucker and Abby are just wishing I'll quit quilting for a bit so I can give them a treat...

This is probably going to be the view from the quilting room again today! Talk to you later!

Mixed Feelings

2011-09-11T16:00:00.001-04:00

Today is a day for me with mixed feelings as I'm sure many of you can relate. 10 years ago today I was in High School, the entire school was in the gym listening to a presentation by grandparents of one of the victims of the Columbine shooting (off to an eerie start)... Then one of the teachers runs into the gym and announces to the whole school, "The World Trade Center just got bombed, the US is under attack!"

Needless to say, the rest of the day no classes were taught. No lesson plans were followed. Every single classroom was watching in awe as part of our country began to crumble in front of us. There were fears that the draft would be reinstated and many of our friends would soon be off. Several parents came to the school to collect their children early in fear of an attack on our school.

Today I watched much of the coverage of the 10th anniversary of this somber day and reflect on where we are today. I am thankful for the country we live in and the sacrifices many people have made, civilian or enlisted. I am honored to know several members of our armed forces that have served. I am grateful that many friends have gone into battle and returned home. All but one have returned home unharmed (physically at least...)

I am also thrilled to have my Father-In-Law home after he voluntarily worked in the Green Zone in Iraq for five and a half years. It was a lllooooooonnngg period of unknowing and fear that I will never forget. It is truly a blessing to have him home with us....

But - today I am happy that my beloved Browns are playing the Home Opener (and leading at the moment :] ). I have been able to quilt and finish a project and start another. I am home safe and got to spend it watching football with my husband...and quilting... What more could a girl ask for?

So, without further ado, here's the quilting on the Wonky Triple Rail quilt I just finished:

I quilted free-form swirls all over this one for a lighter/fun feeling. This quilt is just so cheery swirls seemed perfect for it.

By the time I added borders the top measured approx 34" x 42". Not knowing how large this quilt would be I got a yard of the backing fabric and would go from there. I wanted the pattern on the back to run up and down (I didn't want to the animals to look like they were tipsy or anything) so I was about 6" short on my backing length. I took a few strips of coordinating fabrics and added them to the back. I think it turned out pretty cute!

AND here's my Challenge Quilt for our Guild!!! Don't you just love it?! I have been seeing a gazillion spiderweb/kaleidoscope variations on the Internet and thought that would be a fun block for this challenge. I was originally thinking of doing more of a string version of a spiderweb block, then my Mom and I were searching a few blogs the one day and I noticed this by Cindy (also a Chef on the Moda Bake Shop) and I knew I had to make it...

The only thing was her blocks originally were made out of 6" and 4" strips. I only had a Fat Eighth of my challenge fabric to use and I had to use all of it. The solution - I thought to get the most out of my challenge fabric I would place it in the corners. There was NO WAY there would be enough to use it as one of the main fabrics. So I started with those pieces being cut from a 4.5" strip. I would cut as many as I could and go from there...

So, with a bit of new math and equipped with my trusty Kaleidoscope Ruler by Marti Michell I started cutting. I had this quilt together in no time. I honestly think it took about as long to lay out the quilt to arrange the colors as it did to piece it together. Quick! I like it!

It's still not quilted but it was too stinkin' cute not to show it off. I have to prepare the backing still (all 10 fabrics added to the Challenge fabric have to be on the back of the quilt) and I will quilt it simply this week.

Let's see, this weekend I finished a top, a quilt and put borders on another to get quilted this week AND I started another top... Productive week if I do say so myself.

So, now that I'm done blabbing, how are you spending your day? What projects are you working on?

Little Things

2011-09-06T08:33:00.000-04:00

I've been working on some small projects lately like this:

This is a small quilt that I used leftovers from this tutorial. I cut up all of the pieces once I had made the kid's scarves and had a bunch of them laying around. I had always intended on using these pieces to make a triple rail quilt as a side project, piecing them here and there in between making other blocks.

I started using these as my "leaders and enders" or "thread-bunny" - meaning - when I was done making blocks for another project and had to stop to press, or just stop for the day, I would normally use a scrap to run through my machine so I didn't have loose threads. It really helps when you start the next piece not having to grab the threads each time and it helps keep the tension in check overall.

So, as I was sewing along I would start putting 2 strips together and setting these aside. Typically when sewing I sew in stages - I cut alot, I piece alot, then I press alot. I think it makes it go faster overall. So, when I would get to a bunch of pressing I would press the triple rail pieces too.

Before you knew it I had a bunch of blocks that I "wasn't even trying" to make! When all was said and done I had 34 blocks and 1 strip left. I went through my stash and cut up 2 more strips from similar fabrics to make 35 blocks.

I started putting the blocks together just as you normally would... and it was boring - honestly. This fabric is fun and exciting. It needed a but of jazz or something. So I took apart the couple blocks I had sewn together and went back to my ironing board.

I spritzed each block with Best Press spray and pressed them until dry and crisp. I took one of my smaller rulers and laid it on each block at an angle cutting the 6.5" squares down to 5.5". Then I started sewing these blocks back together for a "modern" triple rail quilt.

So what do you think? I'll be quilting this quilt later this week and I'm hoping to finish my Challenge Quilt later today too so it can get quilted this week as well. I will be back later to show you pictures of the quilting!!!

Don't forget that if you live near the Northeast Ohio Area, this quilt will be FOR SALE as well as a Queen Size Quilt raffle at the Wildwood Quilt Guild Show in Mentor, OH the beginning of November. It's only a 1 day show, there will be several vendors for shopping, goodies to munch on, and quilts for purchase! Also, the chance to win a Queen Size Quilt!!! (You do not need to be present to win) I will post more information once we get closer to the date! Hope to see you there!

Gotta go quilt! I'm so close to finishing this Challenge Quilt! I hope you'll like it!

Gadgets

2011-08-31T18:12:00.001-04:00

Do you see it? The new gadget that is! I just wanted to let you all know that you can now subscribe to my blog by e-mail, just enter your e-mail address in the box to the top left of the page and that's it!

Wwwooooo! That was hard, I think I need to relax now with some yummy mac n cheese :] maybe to be followed by some ice cream :] healthy I know :]

Bake Shop Time Again!!!

2011-08-30T07:23:00.000-04:00

Hop on over to the Moda Bake Shop, to see my latest recipe featuring a Fat Quarter Bundle of Mirage Batiks!

If you've never been here to visit before, Welcome!!! I've got all sorts of crazy things going on, a little Challenge from my Guild I'm working on, my garden is churning out tomatoes at a record pace, my dog likes to play in the tub, and some quilting things worked in every so often.

Plus, it's almost that time - my favorite time of year for cooking - FALL!!! It means chili and soups and casseroles and all that goodness. (I already have 2 batches of veggies prepped and ready in the freezer for the first pots of chili :] You can find the recipe for chili and other goodies by clicking on the tutorials tab at the top of the page)

I also have my own line of patterns available at quilt shops all across the country, you can check each one of those out by clicking on the Patterns tab at the top of the page. Let me know what you think of the Dueling Personalities Quilts... I'm so interested to see what kind of quilting personality you all have! Mine changes alot! Mostly with the seasons or depending on which style quilt I'm working on!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you come back soon so we can chat some more!!!

Challenged

2011-08-29T17:16:00.000-04:00

In more ways than one... but this first one is fun! I promise :]

My guild, the Wildwood Quilt Guild, likes to do a challenge every year or so. The fabric above was given to each member to use in their challenge quilt. Here's the rules:

Since it's for 2011
you must make a quilt or project using ALL of the fabric provided (it's a Fat Eighth)
you have to use 20 blocks (they don't have to be the same block (that's the 20-- part)
add in 10 other prints to the fabric provided for a total of 11 fabrics (the --11 part)
and have it ready to hang at our show in November...

So I had this idea of what I wanted to do, but didn't know exactly how I wanted to do it, and only using 11 fabrics in 20 blocks - you could say I was challenged alright!

I just recently got my fabrics to go with the challenge fabric and I'll keep you posted on that once I'm back on my feet again (Chest pains started acting up a bit, no worries - I've almost finished a book!) I'm hoping to get back to sewing later this week.

SO my question to you is - with those restrictions, what would you make?

Catching Up

2011-08-23T09:19:00.000-04:00

So, you may have seen on other posts that I ventured out to JEllen's house of fabric a little over a week ago to visit with Joyce and meet the ever talented Vickie Eapen of Spun Sugar Quilts! Vickie was signing Fresh Fabric Treat books (all projects by Moda Bake Shop Chefs), and I couldn't miss the opportunity to meet her. It's always nice to meet another Bake Shop Chef.

And, since I was at a fabric shop I had to make a purchase - or two - or three... I finally have some Ruby here at my house of Ruby... but I'm still trying to decide what I want to do with it. I'm sure I'll come up with something...

Right after leaving with my purchases I headed over to my nephew's 8th birthday party. It was Rock 'n Roll themed. Gee, do you think he might know who Gene Simmons is???

He's a good kid with a little mischievous behavior from time to time (notice the look on the face, it gives it all away - plus the shirt reads TROUBLE FINDS ME even in camouflage)

But he's got a good heart, here he's going around and gave everyone that came to the party a hug, even Uncle Ben... oh, and to go with the Rock 'n Roll theme - notice the tattoos. When we got there he had 5 on, when we left he had 14 or more...

His parents surprised him with a custom guitar shaped cake in his favorite color - BLUE!!! It was pretty awesome and yummy I might add.

And more of the tattoos. He had to pull up the shorts to show the ones on his knees his mother didn't know where there until this moment... This is what you get when you leave and 8 year old with his 16 year old cousin alone in the kitchen with a pile of temporary tattoos and a sink at the ready...

Happy Birthday Shawn!!! Love, Aunt Becky & Uncle Ben

My morning...

2011-08-12T18:55:00.000-04:00

So, here's a kinda typical day (about once every few weeks or so) when you have a dog that LOVES water:

I was in the living room cutting some strip sets for a quilt I'm working on - minding my own business - trying to listen to the movie I've got on the TV - but all I can hear is the dog playing in the tub.

This sadly wasn't even the best part. He LOVES playing in there and blowing bubbles with his nose and splashing all over and having a jolly good time.

This time around, this was his treat for big bad Momma taking him to the vet earlier that morning. But most times when we have someone coming to the house for a service call or something (like to service the furnace or hook up the new satellite or something) I'll put Duncan in the tub with a few inches of water - he COULD CARE LESS that anyone is there. He'll play for hours if I'd let him.

Gotta love this dog. Does your pet do something crazy like mine?

You know me...

2011-08-10T22:01:00.000-04:00

And my love for Amish Country, but the best part about my most recent trip is... it's only a couple hours away from home, just a highway, to another highway and a few more, to this...

This is the view behind our hotel...

These pictures do NOT do any justice for the scenery, it was absolutely breath-taking. You can start to see the fog rolling in as the sun sets...

I love rolling hills and picket fences...

And the sunset was just as beautiful...

The colors were more and more vibrant until it was over, and then we crashed because the next 2 days we (Mom and I) were working a trade show with MODA!!!

Didn't the booth look lovely? I mean how could it not with all the latest and greatest designs being showcased???

Another view of the booth, I missed both ends of the booth in pictures, and managed to only get a picture of Mark, no one else. Owell, I think that means we have to go back and do it again!!! Oh, and a quick side note, while I was at the show I got to wear the most adorable ruffled apron by MODA, and I forgot to get a picture of that too!

Oh, and the greatest news of all: while at the show I got to meet my first ever other Moda Bake Shop Chef! Corey from Little Miss Shabby is such a doll and much to my surprise, lives one town away from where this show was being held. I knew there was a bunch of us Ohio gals on the Moda Bake Shop, but I didn't know she lived there and would be at the show that day. It was so nice to meet and chat...

But then before you knew it, the pies had been eaten (I was in Amish country...), the big barns were flying by as we drove out of town...

And goodbye to Sugarcreek, the only Swiss Village in Amish Country with the best German restaurant I've even been to...

Maybe one of these days the Hubbin and I could go down and spend a few days antiquing (I bought the most adorable wooden tool box for $8!), eating our way through the towns and just having a good time.

Have you ever been to Holmes County? Have anywhere you'd recommend to stay or eat? I'd love to hear it. Oh, and pop on over to Corey's blog and say hi! Until next time!

Drumroll Please...

2011-08-03T18:05:00.000-04:00

And the winners are (PAUSE)

You probably all want to know the answers first, huh?

My favorite cake of all time (which nobody guessed) is a Cassata Cake... Typically white cake with Strawberries and Glaze in between the layers covered in the most dreamy frosting... Pure divinity.

The other answer that I would have accepted is Tiramisu - the Italian's gift from Heaven. Just saying :) Many of you were extremely creative with the Moda Layer Cake idea for this answer... Obviously you all weren't here listening to my belly growl as I dreamt of birthday cake. Sorry, but at that specific moment NOTHING but food was on this girl's mind :) Good guesses though!

I'm currently working with 2 different fabrics right now (I"m never only working on one thing) and a few people guessed this one right. I'm working with both Civil War Reproductions and Batiks!!! Sorry to say no more Bliss for now, Ruby isn't in my hot little hands yet and Terrain - I'm loving it as much as the rest of you, planning to work with it soon.

So, the winners of the prizes are:

1. Sallie who said "My favorite pattern is Starbox. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway!"

2. SoSarahSews who said "I like charmed living casaba"

Thank you all who participated and the winners will recieve an e-mail in their inbox momentarily. I will be back soon with pictures and news from my trip to Holmes County, but tata for now!

Welcome...

2011-07-29T21:29:00.000-04:00

I'm back home from Amish Country and I have much to tell you, but first:

Welcome one, welcome all!!! From where? The Fat Quarter Shop's Jolly Jabber is where. I had the pleasure of being invited to introduce myself to the followers of the Jolly Jabber site. Check out my little blurb by clicking here.

Also, just a reminder the giveaway is still open til midnight of August 2nd. I can tell you there have been many great guesses - several of which I wasn't anticipating... And I can guarantee that as of a few minutes ago NOBODY has guessed the correct cake or fabric....

So, I'll give a few hints (and for those that have guessed already, you can guess again):
1. This cake is "healthy" because of the fruit in it...
2. There's an alternate cake that will count as well that's more of a dessert casserole than a cake... (two correct chances with this one, and neither one has been mentioned)
3. The fabric I'm working with, I've used before - think more style rather than fabric line...

Keep on guessing, I'm absolutely having a ball reading what you all have come up with! Some of you are quite inventive - I love the creativity!

I'll be back with updates from my trip after the giveaway's done, I can't wait to tell you all about it - the shopping, the food, and the people I met!

Keep guessing (over at the other post, not here - they won't count if they're on here) and if need be I will give more hints in a couple of days. Head on over to the giveaway here.

Spreading the word...(for a giveaway)

2011-07-26T19:26:00.002-04:00

Contest is now closed, thank you to all who entered!

So, today is my birthday.... Happy Birthday to me! (Sorry, it's that whole Leo thing...) But there's good news for you... Keep reading....

Tomorrow I will be heading down to Holmes County, Ohio, one of the largest Amish communities, to work with the wonderful Moda/United Notions group. I will be demoing the Sewline products (quite divine if I do say so myself). If you are a shop owner planning on attending the show (sorry, not open to the public) stop on by and introduce yourself.

I will also have some of my Moda Bake Shop recipes there and some of the latest goodies from Ruby Blue...

Here's a peek at my Lilies... They've almost all bloomed. I just love them so... I'm going to miss them while I'm gone...

I'm also going to be missing a few of my quilts, but I know they're in good hands over at the Sew Sweet Quilt Shop in Brunswick, MO. Jessica contacted me about doing a trunk show of my quilts and I'm happy to say they are on their way!!!

The trunk show will be running the month of August and if you are a member of the Pecan Valley Quilt Guild they are to be making an appearance at your next meeting!!!Stop on over, check them out and let me know what you think.

If any other quilt shops would be interested in doing a trunk show, please let me know and I'd love to work something out with you...

Now, onto the good part:

To celebrate my birthday, I'd like to celebrate with you all. There's four ways to enter the drawing...

1. Guess my favorite cake of all time... (I didn't say it was easy...)
2. Guess what fabric you think I'm working with at the moment... (little easier)
3. Name your favorite Ruby Blue pattern (bit easier)
3. Link this giveaway on your blog or facebook or both and comment here to let me know you did so (very easy)

Leave a comment for each answer and all correct answers will be entered into the drawing...

The giveaway will be open through August 2nd, and 2, yes 2, lucky winners each will receive:
* A Charm Pack
* Their choice of Charmed Living Series pattern
* Their choice of 2 other Ruby Blue Patterns
* AND Their favorite candy bar (for energy to sew with...)

I cannot wait to read your guesses... Good Luck and I will be back shortly. So I've spread the word, now it's your turn...

I lied...

2011-07-19T20:49:00.000-04:00

In my defense at the time I didn't know I was lying...

So, sorry I've been a little MIA, but you know how in my last post I mentioned my little issue with poison ivy but it should be all good because I'm not allergic - WRONG!!!

For the last week I have been fighting the nasty-ness that evil weed causes and it's not been fun. I have it all over my forearms and so that's made all sorts of things interesting... so I've been wearing long sleeves to avoid touching just about everything, but we like many people are going through a bit of a hot spell right now and that's not making it any better.

But the good news is I found a medicated scrub that's working wonderfully and it's clearing up...

Also, today is one of my favorite days of the year - my Stargazer Lilies are blooming!!! So, nothing quilty today, but once this poison ivy goes away I'll get something on here to show you...

Take care and I will chat with you soon!!!

How Does Your Garden Grow???

2011-07-10T18:52:00.000-04:00

Before I get to the garden, I forgot to show you all this bag I made out of Bliss. Yeppers, it's another Charmed Living Tote (small version). This one is uber girly and I just love it! I made it a few weeks ago and promptly took it to the quilt shop to show it off and forgot to take a picture first!

And can I say, I am so proud of my garden - it's been so nice to have! And some of those plants are just growing so big! The tomatoes, cilantro, dill, and corn are all waist high on me...

The herbs have really taken off and it's been wonderful to just run to the garden and grab some fresh whatever for dinner that night. So far the purple basil and cilantro probably have been used the most.

And the tomatoes!!! They're HUGE!!! Can you see all the green ones in there?

But the coolest thing of all about this garden are the tomatillos. These are just big puffs right now, but eventually we are going to have Mexican night quite often around here to use up some of these. And I might try and make my own Salsa Verde - any suggestions on a good recipe???

Look at the corn. It was knee high last week, this week it's waist high. At this rate by next week it'll be taller than me!!! And I thought it wasn't going to grow...

To go along with Mexican night will be our first crop of Cubanelle Peppers!!! I foresee plenty of tacos, burritos, nachos, and whatever else we can think of very soon - which is fine with me!!!

And this all started here on Memorial Day... big difference a little over a month can make!!!

Are you gardening? How is it going over at your place? Also, if anyone has a suggestion for a good focal bush or plant for the shaded area of my yard, ideas would be appreciated. I'm having a hard time finding something "pretty" with substantial size to fill this shaded void of my yard. And unfortunately it's the first spot your eye goes to in the yard and right now it's a pile of dirt...

Oh, and FYI - poison ivy has berries on it for those of who who might not have known that little tidbit like myself. Luckily I'm not allergic, but we have a corner (well, you could see it at the top left of the last photo) that was getting overgrown with this stuff - we had no clue what it was but it looked like poison ivy...

Meanwhile some little berries started to grow, we live in a wine-ish country and we have wild grapes in other areas of the yard, so naturally we thought it might be grapes. To shorten the story, killed the plants anyway, then decided to double check today... It's poison Ivy alright. And the worst part is all 3 of our neighbors at that corner have it in spots that they don't take care of so it grows over, under and through my fence into my yard and I can't get rid of it!!! I'm running out of options...

Do I just let it grow and avoid it at all costs while having this horrid corner to an otherwise well kept yard, or try to kill it and kill it and kill it every time it creeps over from one of the neighbors...I'm feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place on this one...Any ideas on this subject would help too!

Thanks for chatting and please let me know if you have remedies for any of the "stuff" I mentioned above. I thank you in advance for any suggestions you could throw my way.

Gotta go sew for a bit and work on some other projects before heading back to work tomorrow. I'll talk with you later!

Happy 4th of July!!!

2011-07-03T14:49:00.001-04:00

Take a moment today to thank those who have sacrificed for their country. Don't forget to thank the friends and families of our heroes as well for all they have done.

Have fun today with whatever your plans may be, golfing, fishing, picnics, spending time at the beach...

Today we will be picnicing with my family and also celebrating my Nana's birthday which also is on the 4th. Maybe we'll even get to see some fireworks tonight...

What are you planning on doing?

Travels

2011-07-03T08:49:00.000-04:00

So, on our way home from Shipshewana, Mom and I had nothing on the schedule. We were done with our commitments, had the whole day ahead of us and no rush to get home. So what did we do?

Well, we had to stop at Lolly's in the Davis Mercantiles!

That building (yes, all of it including the brick parts) is the Davis Mercantile, home of 23 amazingly unique shops. Sorry the pictures kinds blurry, it was raining and I tried to take it from inside the car...

All of the shops from the inside have little storefronts and bright colors that make it look so magical. This is a picture from the 3rd floor (there's 3 floors plus a basement!)

And I got a better picture of the tree inside the building this time with Mom next to it to show scale...it's huge and runs all the way from the basement floor to the rooftop!

And they have the cutest displays all over the building, not just in each of the shops...

This is one of the doors for Lolly's from their porch (which I just discovered). I have a funny story - I was going to take a picture of this porch from the inside, but there was a gentleman sleeping in one of the rocking chairs and I thought it would be mean to take the photo...

But isn't this just the most cozy porch ever?!

Along with the Quilt Festival is a Shop Hop, so we had to check it out! Our first stop was Caroline's Cottage Cottons in Rome City, IN. It was about a half hour drive from Shipshewana, but look how adorable it is:

It's the coziest little shop and Caroline, the owner, is such a doll. Mom and I met Caroline at the trade show we participated in a few weeks prior in Shipshewana, but we had no clue this was her shop...

There's Caroline cutting up a paisley fabric for me I couldn't leave without owning. If you're in the area, you must stop, it's so adorable.

Then we had to stop at the Door Mouse in Bettsville, OH. I have heard of the Door Mouse for years, but never had the opportunity to visit. Well, there's 2 stories (kinda) in this barn with 17,000 bolts of fabric in this barn. But, it's in the middle of nowhere.

Literally it's in the middle of a cornfield. It was a neat experience and I left with some good buys, but it's almost too much. There's so much fabric in this shop it's everywhere, it's stacked on the floor in front of the shelves so you can't see most of the fabric on the bottom shelf and I wouldn't recommend it for the claustrophobic. But if you're looking for that perfect fabric that you can't seem to find anywhere else, it'll probably be here or something close to it.

So I shopped and bought some more to add to those stacks I showed you earlier, but I have a few other projects in line ahead of that particular growing bundle...I'm hoping to get to it soon.

I have been sewing so much lately and have been enjoying every minute of it. I actually have the next couple days off still and I'm hoping to finish a quilt top in those days. I'll let you know how that goes.

I hope you're having a great holiday weekend and I'm giving it the good ol' college try here... So far it's working! What are your plans for the weekend?

Quilt Festival

2011-06-27T21:26:00.000-04:00

Sssooooo, I helped Moda last week at this little thing called the Shipshewana Quilt Festival. Mom, Moda Mark and I were accompanied by Cheryl Ross from Heaven on Earth Quilt Shop in Wabash, IN. I was helping Cheryl with a little program on the Moda Bake Shop called 'Come Bake With Us'

Do any of you have that fear of watching movies back of yourself??? Looking at this picture I have no clue why Mom (or how) she got me with this look on my face... Just saying... But this is Cheryl and I with a bunch of the goodies.

Here's a bigger look at the front (and my adorable outfit if I do say so myself!). Let's see there's Ruby (LOVE) Sugar Pop (LOVE) Bliss (LOVE) Central Park (LOVE) - notice a pattern here?

Mom was all over taking pictures for Cheryl and I - Thanks Ma!!!

This was the bunch of ladies we were chatting with. These ladies are smart - they took soooo many notes and came prepared...they've done this a time or two...

We know a bunch of people that tease Mom and I that we should be Italian with how much we talk with our hands (and feet too!) Here I have proof, the hands are moving so much they are blurred in the photo!!!! Aaaahhh, it is true and I can't deny it...

This is the town of Shipshewana, complete with Amish Buggies and all...

Yoder's to the left with a grocery store, knick knack store and clothing/fabric store all in one...

Blue Gate Restaurant to the right, very very good Amish Food, either by Menu or Family Style. You can get a carriage ride around town from the little awning to the right there... And yes that is a sign for Kaye England. She was doing classes and lectures at the Blue Gate.

And... Dais Mercantile. Home to Lolly's Quilt Shop and 22 (yes 22) other shops all in one.

It's so cozy and nice inside. All the shops are accessible from the inside and each one has it's own little storefront inside too! There's an awesome secret on the third floor just out of range of this photo - you have to go visit to find out for yourself!

And one of the doors to Lolly's. See all that fabric in there...

And to make it better there's this wonderful porch outside with rocking chairs! I was going to take a picture from the inside of the shop a bit earlier but there was a gentleman asleep in one of the chairs and I thought that would be mean...I can't believe this was my 3rd trip here and the first time I discovered this porch! I love porches!!!

Included in the Quilt Festival is also an entire show of vendor booths and a Shop Hop - there's definitely no shortage of things to do. And to think, this was only the 3rd year for this Festival, it's HUGE!!! I definitely plan on going back next year and see more of what the Festival has to offer...

So, did you attend? Do you want to go? Don't you want to go to a shop with a porch like that? Thinking about it though, thank goodness Mom's shop doesn't have a porch like that - I'd never be working. You could always find me lounging and doing handwork on the porch. Well, I got some sewing done tonight and I'm trying to wrap up a few other projects. I'll keep you posted on what's going on over here. Stay tuned for more!

Back Home

2011-06-26T07:49:00.000-04:00

Well, I made it to Indiana and back all in one piece. We had a couple hiccups on our way out that weren't so fun like the highway being completely shut down due to an accident and massive rainstorms and wind. But we made it, we had a blast as usual and I came home with more fabric - big shocker there :)

So, I have one last post for you on some of the quilts at the NQA Show and then (you'll be so proud of me) I took several pictures while in Indiana and I even have some from the program at the Quilt Festival to share (thanks Mom!)

There were inventive color and shape combinations...

pictorial quilts...

I'm still not quite sure how she did this and how it laid so flat!!!

Alright, I want to go play in this woman's stash for a while, don't you?

There were some odd shaped quilts (how do you bind that?)

And embellished quilts

If you click on the picture above to make it larger, you can see all the detail she embroidered into each and every piece...

And this one was really neat, looks great as is, right?

She continued the applique design into the setting corners with her quilting... Now why didn't I think of that???

And if you subscribe to any magazines I'm sure you've seen pictures of this one before, it's a while cloth with black fabric and colored thread - lots and lots and lots of thread. But it's gorgeous!

So that's the last from the NQA Show and I'll be back soon with pictures from Shipshewana and a few other stops we made on our way home...Now I'm off to play with a bug bunch of fabrics that just arrived for my next Moda Bake Shop project... Today is going to be a fun day. What are you planning for today?

NQA Part 2

2011-06-21T19:25:00.000-04:00

Simply Beautiful. That's the only way I can describe this batch of quilts...

Have I ever mentioned how much I want to make a wholecloth quilt??? I love the idea of simple beauty and showing off quilting in this way. There's also great ideas on using your favorite lap quilts as an accent to rooms that have wholecloth quilts on beds - by switching the smaller quilt and a couple accessories you can change the look of a room in minutes!

There were small ones...

And colored ones...

Look at the feathers on that one! I wish I could make mine look like that... I guess I have to practice some more...

There were different styles used, sometimes all in one quilt...

And scalloped edges on larger quilts (you'll have to click on this one to make it bigger to see the details)

And the biggest shocker of all - this is a wholecloth quilt with a pieced back - as in the quilt top is on the back... but the quilting is stunning, no wonder she entered it this way!

I love the idea on this one and I plan on using it soon - this is a wholecloth quilt. I promise. It's quilted with a darker thread in sections that give it a look similar to applique - minus the applique. This was definitely a moment for me of "Why didn't I think of that?!"

And this one... oh, the micro (REALLY micro) stippling that made the bigger quilted pieces and vines stand out even more.

Do it, I dare you - click on this one to see that stippling. Oh, and did you notice the beads in the flowers. I wonder how many yards of thread are in this quilt? Probably too many to count.

So, that's my inspiration for today. I plan on working on my own wholecloth quilt this winter - okay maybe two. One hand quilted and one machine quilted. And maybe if that goes well I might do more. I'll let you know when I start working on those...

I'll be back soon with the last post about the NQA Show with some of the other show stoppers hanging there. They're good, really good. They were hanging at a National Quilt Show for goodness sakes!

Tomorrow I'm off to Shipshewana for the Shipshewana Quilt Festival. Don't forget - I will be at the Moda Bake Shop's 'Come Bake With Us' program at the Farmstead Inn. Stop on by and say hi! Oh, and another thing I'm super excited for - I'll be making my first trip to The Doormouse Quilt Shop in Bettesville, OH on my way home. 5,000 bolts - yep bolts - of fabric calling my name. I think I might be able to find some goodies there. Wish me luck and I'll have pictures to show you when I get home!

NQA Show Part 1

2011-06-18T21:32:00.000-04:00

So, I survived the long day to the NQA Show! It was a wonderful show and for Mom and I, it was nice to go to a show and be a spectator/shopper rather than the seller for a change.

We had 2 buses of ladies, each with 45 women on it going down to the show. The bus had two stops, I met it at the first stop at 6:30 in the morning. We left there, gathered the last of the ladies at stop #2 and were on our way. It's roughly a 3 hour drive down to the show and the trip went without a hitch!

The vendors were wonderful, there was so much to look at like these:

This gentleman was amazing! These were wooden ornaments that are all handmade. There were also some jewelry boxes and earrings and all sorts of stuff.

And then there was the show, all sorts of quilts. I'm going to try and break this up into a few segments so today I'll show some of the quilts with thread painting and amazing details today. This lion was huge and it was covered with sequins, beads and a bunch of other special touches.

Look at the tiny rhinestones in the eyes and the quilting!

This quilt ~~amazed~~ amazes me to this day. I grew up drawing, I know how hard portraits are - but a portrait on a quilt with thread painting!!! I'm not quite sure who did this quilt but if they read this - You are my hero!!!

Just look at that detail. It was even more striking in person... If you made it to the show I hope you saw this one, it was worth it!

I know many people that are obsessed with english paper piecing. That or the diamonds and hexagons are still really popular. But could you even fathom this? I love all the color and texture you see.

Look at how many colors and fabrics are in this quilt. Whoever did this must have had a ball! Oh, and the backing was bias strip appliqued to echo the quilting... it was magnificent!

I love the colors in this quilt, the smaller leaves were quilted with metallic thread in several colors. I love the way it all works so well together.

And this one... do I really need to go on? This was called Ruffled Feathers and each individual feather was one piece if not several pieces... all fabric... and batiks at that... No wonder it got multiple ribbons...

So that's Part 1, I'll have more to show soon. I'm gathering some ideas from the next batch on how to quilt some upcoming projects and I'm sure you'll love them too.

Did any of you make it to the show??? What do you think of these spectacular quilts??? Let me know and I'll be back with more soon!

Psst...

2011-06-15T19:12:00.000-04:00

Wanna know a secret?

Well first off I should be stuffing patterns right now but I've been watching The Voice (LOVE!) and checking emails since I'll be gone all day tomorrow.

And I should work out soon, especially after the Wildwood Quilt Guild picnic last night and Chinese tonight... but we won't go there right now...

But honestly, tomorrow is my first trip EVER to the NQA Show in Columbus! I'm so excited and it's going to be a really long day, but it'll be worth every second of it!

If you're going to be at the show I hope to see you there! I am charging my camera as I type this so I can take a ton of pictures and share them with you here!

That's it. I guess I gotta go work out now...bummer :) j/k

The Latest On This End...

2011-06-12T18:29:00.000-04:00

So, the two newest patterns will be ready to ship this week! Here's pictures as promised of the larger version of the Charmed Living Tote:

So the one on the left is the larger version compared to the smaller version on the right. They're both quite large, but the larger version is HUGE!!! It would be the perfect bag for a day at the beach or to haul a quilt around or something...

Or I was also thinking this could be a wonderful reversible bag if you made the lining out of lined fabrics that are more and more available these days to coordinate with the outer fabrics. you could have the lining out while at the beach and then flip it with the lining in to put all the soggy clothes in for the drive home. Just thinking...

And I'm planning to start a new project sometime soon (if the garden and weeds let me!) I wondered what you think of the fabrics and colors?

I love the paisley print in the stack above, but I'm a sucker for paisleys...

I'm not quite sure of the goldish one in the center there, but if I blend in a couple other prints it might not seem so bold. It's actually pretty neat and I didn't notice it til I got the fabric home - that piece fades from milk chocolate brown to gold.

It was all inspired by this piece here. I was looking for the newest and greatest three color quilt combination. I was so afraid of something too traditional or primitive, and I didn't want to do the same thing that's been done a hundred times over. Any guesses on what this might turn into?

Speaking of that, I need to go sew a bit before I have to cook dinner. I'm going down to the NQA Show in Columbus on Thursday, I've never been to it before and I'm so excited to go! I'll take tons of pictures and show them later this week.

Also, I'm going to be at Shipshewana in a couple weeks for a day with the Moda Bake Shop at the Farmstead Inn. If you're planning on attending, let me know and I'd love for you to come up and say Hi! I'll have all sorts of goodies there and it should be a fun time.

So, tonight's the first dinner with herbs straight from the garden - Fish Tacos with fresh salsa using some of the Cilantro from the herb garden. It smelled so good when I picked it! I can't wait to try it! I'll let you know how it went! Talk to you all soon!

They're Growing!!!

2011-06-08T18:33:00.000-04:00

I feel like one of the biggest dorks on the planet. I know it's only been a little over a week, but I have baby produce!!! Just look how much my garden has grown in a week:

I have baby yellow beans...

and green beans. I planted these just last week and look at them already!

Corn that was planted just last week too

Baby tomatillos... these are gonna be perfect for Mexican Nights...

And I was all excited, then I woke up yesterday to really dark clouds. And then the wind came, the horrible rain and the hail - Oh, the hail. And when it finally started to let up about an hour and a half later - this is what my back yard looked like. Sorry it's blurry but it was still raining cats and dogs.

And do you see my drowning garden. Yes that is a raised garden in that mess - not so raised if you ask me. Luckily it came quickly and went away. The garden is drying out nice and only 1 yellow bean plant was harmed in the storm. We got over 2 inches of rain in about an hour. That water there is about 6 inches deep or more...

But today it's over 90 degrees and it's all drying up. Then I looked in my window box to see my finger carrots growing. Only another week or so and they'll be ready!

And last but not least, some baby strawberries. I love my garden and I hope to make it wonderful and big to fill my pantry for the winter. And some snacks for now...

I live being outside but for the first time ever I had a really bad allergy attack - sorta. Over the weekend I was doing the normal runny nose, goopy eye thing. Then I woke up Sunday and had pink eye! I had allergies so bad my one eye was all bloodshot so off to the doctor I went and I've had to put drops in my eyes and wear my glasses (BOO!) instead of my contacts for the last few days. I'm thinking tomorrow might be the first day back to contacts (I despise my glasses). Thank goodness for 24 hour non-drowsy allergy meds!

I'll keep you updated and try to get some good pictures of the larger Charmed Living Tote tomorrow. They're calling for more storms, so wish me luck! Talk to you again soon!