quiltingbydawn

Another Flimsy Finish

2012-01-25T14:18:00.000-08:00

After not getting much done over the weekend to complete my Scraptacular Picnic Quilt,

I finished it this morning [or at least the top]! I decided to use a small white border as a stop to the busy scrappy patchwork and then add a blue and white checked outer border.

I do love the picnic feel that the border adds to it.

A red and white checkered border would have been great but I had the blue and white in my stash. That's what it's all about....using what you have.

All of the blocks were made from my scraps and the borders from my stash.

Doing 'scrappy' is a bit out of my comfort zone as I tend toward organized, symmetrical patterns. I'm happy with the results and that I took on this challenge as it has been on my 'to do' for some time. If you want some more scrappy inspiration, head over to the Sew Scrap Along Flickr page.

And speaking of challenge, I have finished the first book of my reading challenge. The category I read was: A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: Sarah's Key, The Scarlet Letter, Devlin Diary

Well, what would a quilter carry in her backpack? A quilt, of coarse. Or even those hand pieces can be carried in your purse for the next spare moment to stitch.

The book I read was The Goodbye Quilt by Susan Wiggs

It is a mother/daughter story about their relationship and how it is changing as they move into a new season in life. The quilt is being made by mom on the long car trip to take the daughter to college. Oh, the things you learn about yourself and your daughter when you are on a long road trip. This story resonated with me as I have taken my daughters off to college and experienced many of the same feelings that this mom has. This book is an enjoyable, easy read with a simple message.

Head over here to see what others have read.

Friday Night Sewing

2012-01-21T08:14:00.000-08:00

Yep! Last night was the January FNSI! I was able to get a bit of sewing done :D

Did you?

Last week I showed you this:

My cut squares for the Sew Scrap Along at Pleasant Home.

Since my husband was out of town this week I was able to sew them together into this:

Sew last night I began ironing the blocks and organizing them onto my design wall, trying not to over think the placement of the scrappy blocks. I arranged them into 10 blocks across and 12 blocks down.

[The whole quilt will be 10 across by 18 down but I was running out of room.]

Then I marked them to keep them in order and began sewing the rows together. I got several done before I called it quits for the ~~day~~ night.

The bottom 5 rows are sewn together.

And this is what I have left to arrange.

60 scrappy blocks!

Now I'll be heading over to check out what other sewing was accomplished that night. Join me here.

A flimsy and some pins...

2012-01-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I manage to finish the last 2 blocks as I'd hoped and since I was off today, I was able to finish the top! I am very pleased with the way it has turned out. What do you think?

colors are not accurate

Although I was very careful in making those tedious HRT, I wasn't too sure that the points would match up. I'm glad to say that they really didn't give me any trouble. All these fabrics [except the Kona White] is used out of my 'less preferred' stash, the 3rd quilt of my challenge. Next up, I'll be looking through my stash for fabric that I could use for the backing.

I am joining in on the Pincushion Parade over at Love Laugh Quilt! Here are some of my pincushions:

Life's a Stitch Dress Form

Sorry for the bad quality picture

Tea Cup

Sunflower and Pinwheels

I received the 2 pinwheel pincushions in a swap from Kelly of Charming Chatter

A Hen and a Velvet Tomato

Heart

A FNSI win from Heidi of Handmade by Heidi

The Ghastlie Knitters

From the Ghastlie blog hop

And a little play on words :D

On my way to check out some other pincushions. Won't you join me?

Progress has been made....

2012-01-17T14:58:00.000-08:00

Yes it has! Only 2 more blocks need to be made on my personnel challenge quilt and all 20 will be finished! These blocks have HRT [half rectangle triangles] which are a bit tedious to make. Just sayin...Hopefully I'll get the last 2 pieced tonight and then work on sewing the top together!

In the meantime, I have purchased some backing fabric and batting for my Birdie Stitchery BOM quilt. I thought I wanted some silvery gray for the backing but came home with something entirely different. I will be piecing the back to include the extra block I embroidered. No pictures yet.

I also cut out 180 4 1/2" squares and 360 2 1/2" squares for the Scraptacular Picnic quilt I'm starting as part of the Sew Scrap Along hosted by Jodi over at Pleasant Home. These were cut all from my scrap bins [not my stash].

After I missed a few FNSI, I once again will be joining the fun this Friday night. You can go here to sign up. Thanks Bobbi for hosting this month!

Here are a couple of dishes I have been cooking up.

Potato, Bacon [Canandian], and Corn Chowder

A very colorful and tasty meal.

Beef and Mushroom Ragu

Both of these recipes are pinned on my Pinterest Board -Looks so Yummy!

A challenge and a tiny finish

2012-01-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

Last post I told you about my word of the year...challenge. I also mentioned the reading challenge that I signed up for since it sounded like fun. Here is a bit more about it.

Between January 1 and December 31, 2012, read one book in each of the following categories:

A book with a topographical feature (land formation) in the title: Black Hills, Purgatory Ridge, Emily of Deep Valley
A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title: Moon Called, Seeing Stars, Cloud Atlas
A book with a creepy crawly in the title: Little Bee, Spider Bones, The Witches of Worm
A book with a type of house in the title: The Glass Castle, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Ape House
A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: Sarah's Key, The Scarlet Letter, Devlin Diary
A book with a something you'd find on a calendar in the title: Day of the Jackal, Elegy for April, Freaky Friday, Year of Magical Thinking

The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.
Now that is only 6 books which I'm sure will be easy enough. I'm hoping on finding some new authors to read by visiting with other readers on the challenge.

I'm still working on my 'less preferred' stash quilt and have finished 9 of the 20.

Almost halfway done!

I also finished this cute pin cushion, inspiration here.

I had a few scraps of plaid that I found going through my stash, sew I stitched up this guy. Sometimes I just find myself off on a tangent. Back to those 'less preferred' blocks.

Refreshing

2012-01-08T19:43:00.000-08:00

Sew the first week of the new year is over and it is back to work/school tomorrow. Our house is once again quiet as we said goodbye to DD3 on Friday. Before she left, she asked if I could make a pennant banner for her dorm room. So using the tutorial I pinned here, I made this.

Sew what else have I been doing on this first week of the new year? Organizing... Amber over at A LIttle Bit Biased posts Tuesday Tips about inspiring sewing rooms. Anna from Thimbleanna guest posted a link about folding your fabrics nice and tidy. Hmmm...my stash is housed in an old dresser and each drawer is stuffed. Definitely not folded nice and tidy.

before

Sew I went about ironing and folding ~~all~~ ~~most~~ some of my stash. Here are some of the finished drawers.

stacked by color before going into the drawer

nice neat and tidy piles of stash

mostly blues, reds and greens in here.

I also weeded out smaller pieces and added them to my scrap bins. I did need to go out and buy 5 more bins. It's a good thing that I'm following the Sew Scrap Along over at Pleasant Home. [Button on my sidebar.] I haven't started on a scrap quilt yet because between ironing and folding, I worked on...

...putting sashing and borders on my Birdie Quilt. I need to buy backing fabric and some batting before sandwiching this cutie.

I am also working on my 3rd personnel quilt made from my 'less preferred' stash fabric. Here is a peek at the blocks.

These finish at 16" and I have 7 out of 20 done.

Last year, Kelly from Charming Chatter challenged us to come up with a word for the year. My word last year was JOY. To feel joy in all areas of my life. One of the most joyful times of this year was celebrating our DD2's wedding and welcoming our SIL to our family!

My Word Up for 2012 will be 'challenge'. I already have challenged myself with my 'less preferred stash' quilt goal but I would like to challenge myself in other ways too! Sew to speak, try new things, think outside the box...not only in quilting but in all areas of my life. Here is a fun reading challenge I will be doing to start.

I will leave you with this picture of my Christmas Cranberry Almond Coffee cake that, as tradition, we have on Christmas morning that I meant to post before but forgot. It is delicious!

What's new?

2012-01-03T19:52:00.000-08:00

I've joined the fun with Jodi over at Pleasant Home!

I'm excited to take part in Sew Scraps Along 2012!

I really need to feel more confident with using my scraps and this is just the place to be inspired!

There will be tips on how to organize your scraps and how to use them in a quilt.

There will be guest bloggers, tutorials and give aways!

I'm ready to have some FUN...are you?

Today was the first tutorial so hop over and be inspired! The button on my sidebar will take you there.

I've been a little remiss over the busy holidays to post some notes of thanks. Better late than never...

just before Christmas I was the lucky winner of this book

from Linda Lum DeBono. It has some really nice projects and is a very nice addition to my library!

And this book from Kelly at IHAN!

An interesting technique that I want to try.

As part of the Blog Hop Party, I was the lucky winner of these sweet prizes.

Thank you Andi from Making Modern Memories.

And we have a winner!

2012-01-01T19:25:00.000-08:00

The winning name for my pair of repurposed sweater mittens goes to

Deonn@Quiltscapes! Congratulations on winning. I will be emailing you soon to get your details.

Reflections 2011

2011-12-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

Looking back over 2011, it was a productive year of quilting.

Here are some of my favorite quilts and projects.

edit: Lover's Knot, The Lakefront, Dresden Pillow, Eat, Play Sleep, Repeat, but first coffee,

Let it Snow, Simple Things, Capri Sun bag, Name pillow, Summer Bow Tie, Asymmetric Argyle,

Happy Camper Too, The Fence, Fusion, Block-A-Palooza, Grammie Squares, Vintage

I also made my first 2 tutorial posts this year, was a guest on 2 blogs, Sew We Quilt and Live a Colorful Life, participated in the Ghastlie Blog Hop and joined a swap. I am sew thankful for the opportunities to share my love of quilting.

Tomorrow I will have the draw for my mittens giveaway. If you want a chance to win a pair of warm mittens, see my post here.

I wish for all to have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

I'm linking to Lily's Fresh Sewing Day. So hop on over to see what others have accomplished in 2011!

I'm a guest blogger and a giveaway!

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today I am a guest over at Sew We Quilt as part of Madame Samm's

Comfort & Joy tutorials!

My tutorial is for mittens made from repurposed felted sweaters. For those of you coming over from Sew We Quilt, welcome! I hope you take a little time to enjoy my blog.

If you want to read my tutorial for making a pair of these mittens, hop over here.

The mittens 2nd from the right were made during the tutorial.

The mittens are fleece lined so they are very warm. I design these several years ago after my daughter came home from college with her friend's mittens and asked if I could make her some. I sketched out the shape and headed to the thrift store for some wool sweaters to felt. After a few minor adjustments, the rest is history.

Sew today I am having a giveaway here for the mittens I made while making the tutorial (see 1st picture above.) They fit an adult female. This giveaway is open to all my followers! Please leave a comment on this post to be entered into the draw. I would like it if you would share how you will be celebrating the New Year! I will pick a winner on New Year's Day by random.

You won't want to miss it...

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

Sew come back tomorrow as I am the guest blogger over at Sew We Quilt! I will be sharing a tutorial [you will need to check back to see what my tutorial is all about...sneaky aren't I?] as part of Madame Samm's Comfort & Joy December feature. I am thrilled to be among the very talented quilters that have already shared some fabulous tutorials. And to sweeten the pot, I will be having a giveaway here for all my followers to show my appreciation. Sew be sure to head over to Sew We Quilt for my tutorial and check back here tomorrow!

So now that all the gifts have been received...

2011-12-26T13:35:00.000-08:00

...and opened, I can show you what I've been sewing and crafting.

First, for Kade whose birthday is December 23rd.

This play mat was inspired by several pictures that I found on Pinterest. I then took the best ideas from each and designed this play mat to be about the size of a standard placemat with pockets to hold 6 matchbox cars.

For Ruth ~

This quilt pattern was originally drawn up by my husband. He wanted a quilt that reminded him of a Norwegian sweater pattern. It was a bit more complicated as it included many snowflakes. I simplified it to make a table topper quilt. It finished at about 32" square. I love the pretty snowflake fabric for the backing.

For my SIL, Mike ~

For Rio ~

Sorry for the dark picture but the dark green yarn was difficult to photograph. The knitting pattern makes a nice 2-sided scarf.

For my DD1's puppy, Ole:

Isn't he adorable?

A tug-o-war toy made from t-shirt yarn.

For the home and ornaments:

My DD3 had this decorating idea using vintage glass ornaments from my grandmother. She framed them in 2 of her vintage white framed. They hung above our fireplace. See them here.

I made this mimi book ornament for my DD2 and SIL for their first Christmas as a married couple. This book is about 1 1/2" x 2".

Part of the table decorations at their wedding was book art.

One of my family traditions is to make and exchange Christmas ornaments. These little drums are made from the tops of aerosol containers...like hairspray, etc.

Yarn wrapped glass ornaments...knitting needles made from wooden skewers and wooden beads.

3-D paper star - made from left over scrapbook paper cut into 1/4" strips - 4" long. Here is the tutorial for making this star.

Well that's about all for now...I also did lots of Christmas baking of cookies and my cranberry coffee cake...and I received some very nice packages in the mail...I'll share another time.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-23T19:11:00.000-08:00

Although it seems that I have taken a break all December, I really was quite busy sewing, crafting, and baking. Most of which can't be shared until after the holidays. I promise I will share after all the gifts have been received.

For now it is time to settle in and enjoy the quiet spirit of Christmas and the birth of baby Jesus.

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I promise I'm still here....

2011-12-15T11:26:00.000-08:00

But much of my sewing and crafting are gifts and I can't quite show them yet. I did finish my Birdie BOM for December which means I've completed all 12 block (actually 13 as I replaced the one for June). Now it is time to sew them together. That will wait until after Christmas.

I also participated in a Christmas Little Quilt Swap and here is what I made using this tutorial. Can you see the little covered buttons? So cute!

I also want to mention that a few days after Christmas, December 28th, I will be featured over at Sew We Quilt as a guest on Comfort and Joy! See the button on my side bar. I hope you all will hopped over there and see my tutorial. I may be having a little giveaway here too so come back! I hope to see you then.

Since I can't show too much of what I've been up to...I'll leave you with a few pictures from the cutest antique store...all decked out for Christmas!

A wall of woolen blankets!

baskets of shiny ornaments

more antique quilts

picnic baskets

beautiful displays all around

There's not much time before Christmas now! I hope you all have time to relax and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas...the gift of baby Jesus!

Something new!

2011-11-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

With the help of my brother-in-law, I now have my very own button that you can put on your blog page. I have had the picture since I started my blog but now it is a button! See it there on the left?

Go ahead and grab the code!

Last Friday I started working on a new project but didn't get very far.

Remember these tiny HST?

Several people ask what I would be making using them.

I worked on a bunch more 1" HST and several 2" HST and made them into these.

Christmas coasters using the tutorial from here:

Instead of using 4 of the little 2" stars in one coaster, I used each one separately with a border. The stars are made with Fairy Frost by Kaufman and the border, backing, and binding fabric is from my stash. I mix matched the sets making great handmade Christmas gifts. It sure feels good to get some gifts off the list.

Update: The final count of shoe boxes we collected and packed for Operation Christmas Child was 2616! What a great ministry!

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving!

FNSI Results!

2011-11-19T06:34:00.000-08:00

Sew I didn't get very much done for the Sew In! It has been an incredibly busy week for me. It is collection week at my church for this...

and I am proudly on the committee. So far we have collected and packed into shipper boxes over 1200 shoe boxes. The energy is great and the enthusiasm is catching. Operation Christmas Child is such a great project for everyone...young to old, teens, families, friends, etc and it reaches needy children all over the world with the love of Jesus. We have 2 more days of collection and the boxes will be shipped to headquarters and sorted for the country they will be going to. If you haven't heard of this project, find the Operation Christmas Child collection site near you or go online to pack a box!

Sew back to FNSI...I managed to finish up my November Birdie BOM.

and I sewed these little HST.

As you can see they are pretty small...1"

...I did cut out a bunch more but don't have a picture of them.

This weekend will be very busy but I'm thankful that school is closed for Thanksgiving Break and I will have all week to relax and catch up (even with the holiday.)

Hope you all had fun on FNSI! Check out what everyone was doing here.

I just couldn't wait...

2011-11-13T09:26:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to show you my newest finish! I designed this quilt myself and I am thrilled with the way it turned out! It is so fresh and modern. Sew without further ado, introducing... Asymmetric Argyle.

It is pieced using Kona Snow for the background and a solid gray, yellow and black for the argyle pattern.

The yellow and black are Kona but not sure of the gray.

The machine quilting was done following the lines of the argyle. I love how the pattern turned out on the big open space.

The back is pieced using Ironwork in Granite by Joel Dewberry.

I'm very proud of this piece! The design was mulling around in my head for a while and is now a reality. I am smitten.

I also promised in my last post to share the knitted throw that I finished. A new technique for me...knitting a round throw.

This little throw will be heading to my DD2 and DSIL soon.

A reveal, some finishes, and the winners!

2011-11-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

I have a bit to share today as it has been busy around here.

First up is my reveal. I joined my first Flickr swap for a Little Quilt

about 2 months ago. I found this great quote on Pinterest

that I wanted to design my quilt around.

I can now reveal my quilt since my swap partner has received it!

It went all the way to Sweden!

And this is the cute Little Twister Quilt I received from Karen (also know as sewgentle.)

I don't have a twister ruler but I may just need to get one. Love the tessellation!

Next is a wedding gift quilt that has been WIP for quite a while. My nephew and wife got married in Sweden just 3 weeks after our daughter's wedding. Since many family and friends (including us) couldn't go to Sweden, they were going to plan a reception/party here at a later date. Although the top and backs were pieced, without a date, it was easy for me to make this quilt a MUF.

Two weeks ago we got the invite for the wedding party. Yikes! only 3 weeks to finish, all while the Wantobe Campaign was finishing up, the Ghastlie Blog Hop was just starting and I was participating in the Little Quilt Swap!

This quilt is rather large and to sandwich it required some furniture removal from my living room. Thanks to my DH for doing the rearranging, I was able to sandwich the quilt and pin baste it in an evening. I decided to FMQ ribbon circles around the rings and then choose a design to go in the white middle. I also FMQ a ribbon along the border.

Now it is ready to go to the newlyweds.

I also have been doing some knitting and finished a little throw but since this post is getting quite lengthy and you are probably wanting to know who won my giveaway, I'll leave that finish for another post.

So without further delay the winner of the pincushion is:

Linda from Buzzing and Bumbling...

And the little zippered bag goes to:

Nancy from Coeur d'Alene!

Congratulations Sistahs! I will be emailing you shortly.

It's my turn...Day 8 of the Ghastlie Blog Hop!

2011-11-01T23:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for visiting my blog during Madame Samm’s Ghastlie blog hop. I hope that you all have visited and enjoyed my sistah’s from last week and found some Ghastlie inspiration. I know I did!

I don’t know about you, but I tried to resist the Ghastlie’s sew many times. I had a couple of encounters with the family before succumbing down with the FLU. There is something disturbingly enticing about this family. When Madame Samm announced the Blog Hop I knew that I had been bitten.

So without further delay....my first projects relate to the ghastlie chore of laundry! That never ending chore. As soon as it is done, it starts appearing again. I like to hang my laundry outside in the fresh breezes of summer, so I made a clothespin bag. I had an old bag from my grandma that needed to be replaced and the Ghastlies were the perfect fabric. I just reused the frame. It just makes me smile!

I also found this cute clothespin apron pattern. The front features the Ghastlie family as they dine.

The pocket is deep to hold many clothespins...or maybe some treats for the trick or treaters!

Yep, that’s what it was used for this Halloween!

Edit: I had many request for the apron pattern. I followed the tutorial here with a few adjustments to the pattern.

Next, I made this clever cover for a bucket.

It has plenty of room inside to tote your projects around. It is big enough for more than one project! The pockets around the outside of the bucket keep all your supplies close at hand.

It is cleverly made to slip right over a standard bucket (I purchased at Lowes). This bucket has already been on several outings!

Miss Helga Broomswell is watching over my projects.

Hmmm...what’s next?

Before I really began quilting, I made garden banners for the many seasons/holidays.

I thought the I would welcome the trick or treaters this Halloween

with a new Ghastlie welcoming banner.

I wonder what brew those witches are cooking up!

Some of my smaller Ghastlie projects include these pin cushions...one starring dear Prudence and the other features the knitters...and a small zippered bag.

Gotta love Prudence and the knitting sistahs!

This pattern was adapted from the Sweet Zip pattern by Terrie Atkinson. I made it bigger to accommodate the Ghastlie characters and added the handle.

I hope you enjoyed my Ghastlie projects. Now be sure to comment on this blog post as I will be randomly selecting one name from them to forward to Madame Samm for today’s grand prize drawing. That name will be drawn tonight and the winner will be announced tomorrow over at Madame Samm’s blog, Sew I Quilt. The winner will need to pay postage.

I will also be having 2 giveaways right here.

The first giveaway is the pin cushion starring dear Prudence. The second giveaway is

the small zippered bag. If you would like a chance to win one of these Ghastlie creations,

tell me so in your comment. Although you do not have to be a follower of my blog to win,

I surely would love you to become one.

Please make sure that I have a way to get in touch with you (or I will need to select a new winner).

I will draw the winners (for my giveaway) at 10 pm Nov. 4th (CST).

The first random number will get the pin cushion and the second number generated will get the zippered bag. Good luck to all!

Be sure to visit the rest of my Ghastlie sistah’s blogs posting their Ghastlie creations and leave comments to win prizes. Here is today’s links.

Mrs. Jane Ghastlie
Mrs. Laura Ghastlie ( sadly she will not be available)

Mrs. Mary Ghastlie

Mrs. Michelle Ghastlie

Mrs. Dawn Ghastlie
Mrs Mary Ghastlie

Edit: The grand prize winner for Day 8 is Duff from Mrs. Jane Ghastlie's blog. Congratulations!

Thank you for all the wonderful comments...still coming in :D I probably won't be able to get back to each of you individually but I read them all and really appreciate all the love. Stay tuned for my drawing this Friday.

Special praises to Madame Samm for all her effort in putting

together another FUN blog activity!

She is kind!

She is smart!

She is important!

Blogger's Quilt Festival

2011-11-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Welcome to all that have come to visit my blog from Amy's Quilt Festival. I love visitors so I hope you will stay awhile and take a look around. I just recently featured this quilt I finished so if you have seen this before I apologize. This quilt is the second in a personal challenge I have to make a quilt out of my 'less preferred' fabric in my stash. Since I am pretty much running out of room for my newer, much preferred stash, I challenged myself to use my 'less preferred' stash in every other quilt.

The bright cheater crazy quilt fabric was my challenge.

I actually really love the way this quilt turned out! It is so nice to be surprised to love a quilt I wasn't expecting to love. This pattern used a Stack and Whack technique that Allison at Cluck, Cluck, Sew shared when she was a guest speaker at Sew We Quilt. It was quick and easy and used up all of the 'less preferred' featured fabric from my stash.

I was also able to use up another piece from my stash for the backing. WOOHOO! Two pieces gone from my less preferred stash.

Hope you enjoyed it! Now make sure you visit other blogs at the fest.

Ghastlie Blog Hop Begins!

2011-10-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome GHASTLIE FANS

The Ghastlie Blog Hop Begins!

Behind the scenes we (54) Ghastlie obsessed

stitchers have been rather busy, you could say.

We all have been brewing some pretty Ghastlie

projects, searching for a cure...

Your assistance is required...YOU are the

prescription we are looking for...

A comment of ohhs and ahhs

will surely be the cure!

So....

If you have this thing for Ghastlies

and they have tied you in a knot

and you wish you could get them out of your mind

than this may be a thought.

We heard her plea for a cure

Mdm Samm was pos/it/ively sure

that we could stitch the nights away

in hopes that we MAY----???

(all 54 of us)

BUT....

The side effects are Ghastlie

there is no mistaking too.

if you don't run this very minute

YOU too will catch the FLU...

We suspected all along

this was her master plan

she did not want to be alone,

with all YOU Ghastlie FANS...

HERE is OUR Schedule.....

each name will link you to our Ghastlie Sistahhhhhs!

Be sure to leave your prescription (comment) for each of the sistahhhhhs!

ON Monday, October 24th

ON Tuesday October 25th

ON Wednesday October 26th

Mrs. Barb Ghastlie

Miss Karen Ghastlie

Ms. Loralynn Ghastlie

Ms. Jen Ghastlie

Ms Penny Ghastlie

ON Thursday October 27th

Mrs. Katherine Ghastlie

Ms Sharon Ghastlie

Mrs. Gooden Ghastlie

Ms. Selina Ghastlie

Mrs. Melinda Ghastlie

ON Friday October 28th

Miss Trudi Ghastlie

Ms. Deonn Ghastlie

Mrs. Marlene Ghastlie

Mrs Kim Ghastlie

Mrs Tammy Ghastlie

ON Monday October 31st

Mrs. Toyna Ghastlie

Mrs Tiramisue Ghastlie

ON Tuesday November 1st

Miss Daisy Ghastlie

Mrs. Dana Ghastlie

Mrs. Elaine Ghastlie

Mrs. Gramma Sheri Ghastlie

Ms. Suz Ghastlie

ON Wednesday November 2nd

Mrs. Jane Ghastlie

Mrs. Laura Ghastlie

Mrs. Mary Ghastlie

Mrs. Michelle Ghastlie

Mrs. Dawn Ghastlie

Mrs Mary Ghastlie

ON Thursday November 3rd

Mrs. Pickles Ghastlie

ON Friday November 4th

Mrs Nan Ghastlie

Mrs. Gmama Jane Ghastlie

Each day we will have a giveaway...so be sure to comment.

Some of my Ghastlie Sistahs may also have some special

projects to giveaway besides the daily BIG PRIZES

from these sponsors....to sweeten the CAULDRON....

Some of our Sponsors

Alexander Henry Fabrics- lot's and lot's of Ghastlie Fabric

Colonial Needle -sewing basket

Janes Fabrics -Kona fabrics in PINK -fat quarter bundle

Reliable Iron - orange Velocity 50

IHAN ( kelly )- aurifil threads

Coeurdalenegifts- 2 sets of Halloween lights

Forth Worth Fabric Studio - gorgeous gift set of Ghastlie fabric

Creative Grid -3 Rulers their top 3

Blue FIG- wheeled bag in PINK

Beam N Read and custom Ghastlie Buttons

Be sure to visit each sistah's blog on their day for a chance

to win some fabulous prizes and get Ghastilie inspired!

Winners announced daily on Madame Ghastlie’s blog.

Be sure to come back on my day, November 2nd!

Introducing Grammie Squares

2011-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

Remember my personal challenge that I mentioned here? Well, here is the finished quilt using fabrics from my stash. This is the 2nd quilt of my challenge and this one actually used up my entire stock of 2 different fabrics.

The bright pink print was entirely used up where only tiny scraps remain.

This print (inherited from my mom) is a cheater crazy quilt.

The solid pink was left over from donated fabric from quilts I made with my church's youth group as a mission project.

The backing is mostly made from a inherited piece I found in my stash. The pink and purple parrots are the perfect colors with just enough yardage when pieced with what was left from the top. Do you have a lot of inherited fabrics like me?

The background and binding is Kona Champaign.

(This was purchased for this project.)

All washed and crinkled...ready for snuggling.

I used a new to me binding technique. For years I was using a method that I was taught at my LQS but it is somewhat tedious. So I followed this tutorial from Julie at Jaybird Quilts. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? :D

I really love how the binding turned out. Isn't it yummy!

The pattern is from Allison at Cluck Cluck Sew. She was a guest at Sew We Quilt as part of the Wantobe Quilter Campaign and she taught this stack and whack technique. I needed to change the dimensions slightly to accommodate my fabric yardage and I added the border.

I straight lined quilted diagonally across the quilt and FMQ along the border. I'm pretty pleased with the results.

Coming soon is the Ghastlie Blog Hop!

It is sponsored by Madame Samm over at Sew I Quilt (and that other one she manages ;) Be sure to watch for it!

Beautiful!

2011-10-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

Every year over Columbus Day, we head up to Door County, WI to enjoy the fall colors. We camp in Peninsula State Park with a rather large group of friends. Hiking, sharing meals, laughing and catching up around the campfire are a few of the great things about this weekend. But really, the show is of God's spectacular creation. This year is of no exception...take a look!

Sights along our hike.

A beautiful birch tree

Colors against the blue sky!

We hiked to the lighthouse...

and amphitheater...

where the kids like to perform for the adults :D

A recent storm left many trees down.

We found this friendly walking stick...no not the kind you use for hiking

although there were plenty of those around too!

In town, we ate at the White Gull Inn for the traditional fish boil.

And breakfast at Al Johnson's

Fall reminders were everywhere!

I was able to finish these over the weekend too!

October's block and a new block for June. The original June block is too different from the rest so I will use it on the back as the label.

I almost have a another finish...I'm hand stitching the binding :D

Stayed tuned!

Just a quick post

2011-10-04T16:54:00.000-07:00

Argh! We have had problems with our internet service lately... hate when that happens. I wanted to do a quick post yesterday but again no internet service. Finally they came out today and hopefully fixed our service.

Anyways...I had a couple of finishes that I wanted to show. The first being this paper pieced picture of a hummingbird.

It is framed in a 9" x 9" frame. The paper piecing was a little different because of the curved seams in the wings and tail. On my first attempt, I used too dark of a turquoise blue and the poor little hummingbird kind of got lost. I am much more pleased with my 2nd go around.

If you remember, a couple post back I showed a table runner kit I bought featuring Hometown by Sweetwater. I ~~finished~~ set aside some other WIP's to sew this kit.

I.am.smitten.

It goes perfectly in my dining room of deep red walls!

And my favorite part...look closely and you can see my hometown. Here let me help you get a closer look.

Right under Pittsburgh in the center is Chicago...yep!

It is fun to read all the different 'hometowns.' Have you found yours?

Did you notice the giant rick rack trim? Too Cute! The pattern is Riff-Raff Runner by Silk Road Creations. I am now waiting on more material to arrive so I can make matching place mats.

A few other things are going on here but I can't say yet. So stayed tuned in.

Summer Bow Tie

2011-09-25T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have a finish!

First, a little bit about this quilt.

As many of you know, this summer was especially busy for me. To keep my ~~sanity~~ mind focused, I joined the Summer Bow Tie Quilts on Facebook. It seemed doable since you were to make one bow tie block everyday during the summer.

[Of coarse, I really made mine in 3 or 4 sittings at my machine but that's OK.]

My idea was to use only fabric from my stash. I started cutting out one bow tie from each of the fabrics I pulled out of one of many drawers. As I went through my drawers, I realized I have soooo much fabric that I don't really prefer.

Read more about 'less preferred' stash and my personal challenge here.

This quilt finished with 120 Bow Ties each made of different fabrics [and that didn't even make a dent in my stash.]

The backing was also pieced using stash fabric. The only fabric that I purchased was more Kona Snow as I was running short.

[I really don't count that because it is a staple for me]

...so the entire quilt made from my stash!

The kept the quilting simple...1/4" around the bow ties and a double diamond in the white space. I bound this quilt in Kona Snow as it already had so many colors.

[The quilting and binding was on hold for a while because my Elna was in for a tune-up. I did get it back in half the time expected and that made me very happy!!]

I wasn't sure how I would like this very scrappy quilt but I really do! It is fun to look through the fabrics and remember what each fabric was used for or if I inherited it or was it donated to me....

Are you a fan of scrappy quilts or do you prefer fabrics from one line?

A technology update: I figured out how to make and link a PDF of my tutorial for the herringbone quilt. Just go here and scroll to the end of the post for the link. I hope you enjoy and...

A quilt parade!

2011-09-24T08:20:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I went to a local quilt show and I posted some pictures of the beautiful quilts from a couple of the categories here. I promised a parade of the the rest. Here they are! These were in the large quilts category.

The green and blues were very pretty with the pale yellow contrasting fabric.

This picture doesn't do it justice.

Unique use of the flower embroidery panels...beautifully done.

I just love me some tiny log cabins!

The bright green and blue against the white really popped! The quilting was gorgeous too!

Traditional Double Wedding Ring - Love it!

Someday I will do this.

Very pretty and soft - quarter dresdens.

The quilting was pretty too!

The next category - wallhangings:

There was just something about the simplicity of this one...

A bouquet of hexies! What's not to love?

Pick-up-sticks

Another blue and soft yellow - maybe my next stash challenge quilt?

I'm getting close to some finishes. Promise to be back soon! Until then...

Take a moment...

2011-09-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today I found myself with a day off from work. I had plans to work on several projects, play around with some designing, and do some hand sewing of the binding I sewed on yesterday.

Oh did I have plans...but as I was reading Madame Samm's post over at Sew I Quilt this morning [while enjoying my morning coffee], I was deeply touched by this story over at The Scrappy Appleyard. This grieving family is in need of some star blocks. I immediately knew that I would help.

I decided to lay all my plans aside, at least temporarily, to work on a few stars. I dug through my muted red, white and blue fabrics and found some that would work and I did a quick search for stars patterns. It really didn't take much time to cut out and stitch these blocks together.

The blocks could be 8 1/2" or 12 1/2" unfinished.

Before the morning was finished they were completed and off to the post office I went. If your willing to help, please go over and read about Tory's story. I'm sure you will be as touched as I was.

I'm playing...

2011-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Name Game today over at Live a Colorful Life!

Hop over to Cindy's blog to read about it. Take some time and have a look around. You will surely be inspired.

If your new here, I welcome you to look around and hope you find something inspiring as well. If your a regular follower, I always love to hear from you.

Thanks Cindy for inviting me to play along.

My visit to a local quilt show

2011-09-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday after a meeting at my church, I headed to a quilt show in the area. I haven't been to a quilt show since the International Quilt Festival moved out of Chicago! This show wasn't anywhere as extensive as that but there were some beautiful quilts! Here is a small sample...

These 3 were my favorites in the mini quilt category.

Love the use of different fabrics to make the thread!

Love mini hexies! All done by hand!

There is something about black and white outlined with a touch of red!

The next were throw size...here are some of my favorites...

Simple but interesting!

Some great snowmen scenes and cute embellishments!

Great embroidery of a favorite verse. Beautifully done!

This was my favorite of all. 9-patched pieced and applique in wool. The details and quilting were gorgeous!

The colors were magnificent! Love how the star spins!

Another beautiful quilt with great color!

A Frank Lloyd Wright window quilt. Love the blues to green. I made a similar quilt for my mom and these are not the easiest. The black 'leading' is only 1/4" wide.

I'll leave the remaining categories for another time but I will show you my treasures from the vendors. What's a show without a little fabric therapy?

Can I say L.O.V.E!

I am totally smitten with Hometown by Sweetwater. I just couldn't resist this little kit for a table runner.

Do you believe that my LQS did not order this line? What were they thinking? I will be getting more!

I fell in love with these pretties...

Just had to have me some ginkgo leaves.

And finally some red/white dots for the binding on a future project and some green batik to add to what I showed here.

After dinner with my DH, DD1 and her boyfriend, I was able to finish the remaining 24 blocks on my personal challenge quilt. Now I'm working on stitching it together! Progress pictures soon!

The results are in....

2011-09-17T06:36:00.000-07:00

Yes they are! Last night was the monthly Friday Night Sew-In hosted by Heidi and Bobbi. Did you join in?

As noted in my last post, I had to take my machine in for a little tune-up so I was working with my second machine, my Husqvarna. I didn't want to work on my WIP's that I started on my Elna. Every machine is different and I just didn't want alignment issues. So last week I cut out some fabric for a new project. Here is what I have finished after sewing last night ~ 48 blocks.

Edit: After reading several comments, I realized that I inadvertently lead you to believe that I finished all 48 blocks on Friday night. I actually had finished 16 blocks during the week and 36 blocks for FNSI for a total of 48 blocks.

I saw this project on Sew WE Quilt when Allison from Cluck Cluck Sew was featured for the Wantobe Quilter campaign.

It seemed like a simple project to use up some of my 'less preferred' stash.

You see, I have a dresser full of many yards of 'less preferred' fabrics some which was inherited from my mom, some from the years I was sewing clothes for my family, and some even donated to me. I have pretty much gotten rid of anything that was not cotton but much of what is left is leaning towards becoming 'vintage.' Do you have a stash like mine?

Hope I'm not alone...

Since I am pretty much running out of room for my newer, much preferred stash, I challenged myself to use my 'less preferred' stash in every other quilt. This is actually my 2nd project...I joined Summer Bow Tie Quilts, making them only from 'less preferred' stash, but that is a WIP from my Elna. Pictures soon.

The busy, bright, cheater crazy quilt fabric was any inherited piece of fabric. To tone it down some, I partnered it with Kona Champagne. The technique is a stack and whack. My blocks started out 8" and will finish at 6 1/2", a little smaller than Allison's. There will be 72 blocks, 9 rows of 8 blocks. I'm pleasantly surprised at the results so far!

I also am getting ready for...

a project using this fabric! Ghastly isn't it? Stay tuned...

and

a project using some of these.

I do have a finish for September! My Birdie Stitches BOM is done.

Only 3 months to go....

I'll be attending a local quilt show today! So excited!

But first, follow me over to Heidi's blog to see what everyone was up to on Friday night...

Work seems to get in the way...

2011-09-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

Once again it has been a long time since my last post. Since school has started, my time has become sew limited. I have been sewing some but nothing to show quite yet. Several WIP's but no finishes.

I also needed to take my beloved machine in for a cleaning and tune up. I was aghast when they said that he (the repairman) was 12 days out in his workload. What was I going to do? Yes, I do have another machine but nothing like my Elna! I love it sew!! My second machine is a Husqvarna...not a shabby machine but in comparison...oh how I miss my Elna! And yes I have a third machine and a serger but...

A couple of things of note...I have joined the Ghastlies Blog Hop! Watch for some great project from this wonderfully disturbing line of fabric by Alexander Henry. Madame Samm over at Sew I Quilt is our host. Here is my Ghastlies signature.

Secondly, this month's Friday Night Sew-In is September 16th. Won't you join us? Hope over to Heidi's blog and sign up. It's a great excuse to stay in a sew.

Finally, I signed up for a swap on Flickr called Little Quilt. This is round 2 and I'm joining (if they want me.) I'm new to this so hopefully will figure out all the technical things...which is not one of my fortes.

I leave you with some pictures of wedding sewing/crafts that I have not shared. What's a post without pictures?

I spent many hours [they were kinda addicting] making these fabric flowers for the headbands/barrettes/veil for the bridesmaids, flower girls and the bride. As well as the flowers on the flower girl dresses [which I also made.]

I also hand stitched this pearl and lace cuff for my daughter.

in progress

Last weekend, we were camping in WI for the long weekend...an annual event with friends! This weekend is a 'bees and honey' weekend. We (not I, but my DH and friends) will rob the hives today and Sunday is the day we harvest this year's honey. YUM!

Well, I'm hoping for some quilty finishes soon! In the meantime...

My first tutorial

2011-08-23T17:54:00.000-07:00

In the spring, I featured this red herringbone quilt in the Spring Blogger's Quilt Festival. YOu can read more about it here.

I was asked for a tutorial and I promised I would work on one after my busy summer... so here it is...my very first tutorial! I first made this quilt in a class at a LQS which is now closed. The tutorial is written (and fabric requirements figured) for 5 bands like the flannel version at the end of the post. I added a 6th band to the red herringbone above to increase its size.

Be aware that this tutorial is picture heavy because I am a visual learner :D

Tutorial for Herringbone quilt

finished size approx. 50” x 56”

All seams are scant 1/4”

Fabrics:

Between 6 - 12 different fabrics, fat quarters in pairs of at least 2 of each fabric or 1/4 yard cuts, totaling 3 yards.
1/4 yard for end triangles - could be a fabric from group A or a coordinating fabric.
3/8 yard for small squares to coordinate or contrast with fabric from group A.

Organize:

Determine how your fabrics transitions from one to another. Arrange them in desired order.

Note: From each 1/4 yd cut (0r pair of fat quarters) you will get 10 pairs, enough for 2 herringbone strips across the quilt. Therefore your order of fabrics will repeat once along the length of the quilt.

Cutting:
Group A: If you have 1/4 yd cuts, cut each piece in half as if cutting into fat quarters (9” x 20”).

Group B: ~Cut 5 - 8 1/2" squares*

~Cut each in half diagonally to make 10

triangles

~Cut 5 of these triangles in half to make

10 smaller triangles.

You should have 5 large triangles remaining.

*NOTE: if you can’t get 5 - 8 1/2” squares from your WOF, cut the last

2 squares 8” but use the 8 1/2” squares for the 3rd step above - see diagram

Group C: ~Cut into 6 - 2” X WOF

~ cut each into 2 - 2 x 20” strips

Sew and Subcut:
~For each pair of 9” x 20” fabric, sew a 2” strip from Group C onto one of

the pieces matching the 20” sides. Press seam toward C strip.

~Subcut both pieces into 2” strips. You will have 10 - 2” x 9” pieces and

10 - 2” x 10.5” pieces.

~Pair one strip of each ~you will have 10 sets.

~Arrange into 5 piles in the order that you want them to go together

- See Organize.

Sewing:

You will be using one of your piles of strips, one large triangle and 2 small triangles.

~With the large triangle arranged with its point facing up, sew the

strip without the small square to the left side of triangle

- see picture. Press seam toward triangle.

~Sew matching strip with small square to the right side of the triangle, matching seams carefully ~see picture. Press seam toward strip.

~Continue in this pattern in the order you arranged your fabrics until

you have used all your sets.

~Add a small triangle to each each side ~ left first, then right.

Picture for illustration only. You should have 24 rows.

You have finished the first band of the herringbone.

Trimming:

~Lay your band out flat on your cutting mat. Using your ruler and rotary cutter, measure 5 1/4” from the center of the small diamond to each side and trim.

Picture for illustration only.

Follow the directions for each of 5 bands making sure you keep your fabrics in the same order.

Once all 5 bands are sewn and trimmed, sew bands together, matching seams carefully.

Quilting:

Sandwich, quilt and bind as desired.

Enjoy!

If there are any questions or something is unclear, please let me know and I will try to clarify. I have made this quilt in flannel and in homespun cotton with lam′e triangles and squares. Both with beautiful results. If you make this quilt, I would love to see it! Thanks!

Edit: Click here for a PDF link to my tutorial.

Remember this?

2011-08-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

A while back...in fact way back in February, I posted about my Happy Camper Too quilt. You can read about it here. I had finally finished piecing the top but wasn't sure what to do for the backing.

I search the internet for a backing that would be camping related yet go with the main camping fabric, Happy Camper from Clothworks,
(this fabric was no longer available.)

I decided on the Happy Camper fabric from Moda in blue however when it came, I wasn't quite sure if I liked it. So it became a MUF (masterpiece under fermentation) a while longer.

It wasn't until after the wedding and related sewing were finished that I was able to pull out this quilt to finally finish it.

I decided to go ahead and use the backing fabric I purchased. I did not piece the back because the front and back fabric were so different. I started quilting it earlier in the week but was determined to finish the quilting and binding for FNSI. Here it is...

almost all finished

I still need to hand stitch the binding and then add a label...but I'm pretty happy. It will be ready for our camping trip over Labor Day weekend!

For those interested...the quilting is stitched in the ditch as to frame around each of the campers. In the yellow border, I free motioned quilted the names of places we have camped and the outer border is quilted in a diagonal pattern. I bound the quilt in the blue bandana print.

This week I took a little break from quilting the above mentioned to make this little tote.

With the help of the students at school, I collected quite a few of these juice bags. Thought it would be a fun idea for a beach tote.

Cute don't you think?

Can't say too much more as it is a gift for someone special. I think I'll make some more!

Has it been that long?

2011-08-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

Yes it has!

I haven't found the time to post since summer remains busy.
Too soon summer will be over

and DH and I will once again become empty nesters.

Our recently married DD and SIL have been living with us since they returned from their honeymoon. They thought they would move to Indiana where they went to college to hopefully find jobs however

those plans changed as the job opportunity came from Austin, TX.

They will be packing up and moving at the end of August.

That same weekend, our youngest DD will be heading back to Indiana for her senior year in college.

The house will suddenly become very quiet.

My DH and I also had a few days of R and R in Houston, TX where my sister and brother-in-law live. They have a beautiful home and a pool in their backyard.

We purposely didn't plan much activity so we could really enjoy a relaxing time. The only planned activity was to head to San Antonio for a day.
The Mexican Fiesta Market was full of color!

Then a visit to the Alamo...

reenactments

And the Riverwalk

Before we left for TX, I did manage to finish my July Birdie Stitches BOM and on the plane to TX I finished the August block. YAY!

Waiting for me when I got back was the quilting and binding of Simple Things QAL...and it's a finish!

See my new label!

I love this quilt ~ so pretty in Charlevoix by Minnick and Simpson ~ kinda has a vintage feel. Thanks Kelly and Carol!

Another finish is the baby quilt from Vanessa at V and Co. This pattern is free over at Moda Bake Shop. It is so cute and it will be going to a sweet baby girl soon!

eat. play. sleep. repeat.

Love the backing fabric ~ too pretty to piece the back but I pieced the scrappy binding.

And finally, I had so much fun creating this name pillow for the baby's brother.

I was inspired here.

You got have something for the big brother even if he is only a toddler.

If you are still with me, give yourself a pat on the back...sorry about the long, picture heavy post.

I guess that's what happens when you don't post often. I will try to be better...we are off again this weekend to Indiana to move the BIG things into DD3's dorm.

I hope everyone is enjoying the Wantobe Quilter Campaign over at Sew We Quilt. You don't want to miss out on the chance at some fabulous prizes. Sign up with me ~ I'm a blog sponsor. Go here or here for more information.

More to share soon!

It's here!

2011-08-01T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, today starts the Wantobe Quilter Campaign over at Sew WE Quilt/Stash Manicure hosted by lovely Madame Samm!

There are sew many sponsors for giveaway prizes. Thanks to all of them!

Sew if you want to join in on the fun...

BTW this campaign will run for 12 weeks full of giveaways...

here is what you need to do...

1) Email me your name & phone number

(see my profile on my side bar for my email)

Note: you must be registered with a quilter to be eligible.

2) Be a follower of my blog, quiltingbydawn

(see my follower button)

Sew We Quilt/Stash Manicure blog

3) Comment on the blog posts.

(Monday, Wednesday, Friday for Wantobe Quilters

and Tuesday & Thursday for quilters!)

When you comment, be sure to put my name, dawn @ quiltingbydawn, in your comment.

There will be prizes everyday and winners will be responsible to pay for the shipping of your prize to your home.

Let the FUN and winning begin!

The wedding and some sewing...

2011-07-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

If you are a regular reader of my blog, you know that this summer our DD2 got married! The wedding was on July 16th and was a beautiful outdoor wedding at our friend's home. They were married under an arch made by my DH from tree branches. The reception was under a large white tent decorated with all the unique touches that made their day special. Here are some snapshot pictures of the day!

(taken before the wedding)

programs were made into a fan to keep your cool

ring bearer and flower girls

props for photo booth ~ vintage hats, mustaches, bow ties and a Polaroid camera

(photo taken before the wedding)

lemonade stand ~photo taken before wedding

outdoor games for guests to enjoy between ceremony and reception

spinning plates are a big hit!

table settings ~ a unique plate, cup and silverwear at each place.

centerpieces ~ bookart, cameras and wild flowers.

hanging hearts ~ the back drop behind the head table

cake table

1st dance

Daddy/daughter dance

DD1, DH, DD3 ♥

Mr. & Mrs. ♥

There are so many more photos of the wedding but I hope this gives you a glimpse of the unique and beautiful day we had. Thank you to all that had commented and encouraged throughout.

Since the wedding, I have had a little time to catch up on some sewing...here is some what I've done.

I finished piecing the top and waiting on the backing fabric I ordered...should be here real soon! Thanks Kelly!

The Abby Tote by Vanessa at V and Co. ~ made for my mother's birthday gift. This is the second Abby Tote I have made. Super cute!

NOTE: Monday starts the Wantobe Quilter Campaign at Sew We Quilt. There are lots of prizes to win. You must be signed up with a blogger that has the Wantobe button on their sidebar. Why not me? If your interested, email me your name and phone number. If you are a quilter, there will be days for quilters to win also but you must be signed up. You don't want to miss out!

A campaign and a giveaway!

2011-07-23T09:17:00.000-07:00

While I've been away for my daughter's wedding ~ more on that later ~ so many things need catching up on.

First up is the Wantobe Quilter Campaign over at Sew We Quilt. Here is a little about it.

"Hello friends and followers, I would love to welcome you

to a Wantobe Quilters Campaign over here. ( http://stashmanicure.blogspot.com)

They are having quilting supplies to giveaway 5 x a week for 12 weeks.

Supplies that will have you quilting

before you know it...From sewing machines to irons, to die cutters,

to mats, to rotary cutters, sewing baskets, scissors, batting, needles,

rolled sewing machine bags, patterns, books, magazines...everything

you could imagine to assist you in being a NEW Quilter.

Even if you are already part of this community you can win

quilting stuff too...Tuesday and Thursday are days for us..

All you have to do is give me your name and phone number

and email sew I can submit this to the organizer, because if you win

anything I can win something too.

All you have to do is be my follower and a follower

over at Sew We Quilt @ Stash Manicure....

That is all! There are over 49 Sponsors involved.

I am pretty excited to be part of this, sew should you.

I love being a QUILTER!

( p.s you will not be eligible to win anything if you do not register

with a blogger where you see this message)

So if you wantobe a quilter, email me and I will get you in the running for some great prizes. The campaign starts on August 1st so get your name in soon. This will prove to be an exciting campaign! Check out the button on my side bar.

Second set of business is the giveaway over at Aunt Polly's Porch. It is for a Go Baby! Become a follower of her blog and get a chance to win!

I'll be back with updates and pictures soon! In the meantime...

The countdown has begun...

2011-07-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

to the wedding of our DD2!

I have managed to sneak a few hours in my sewing room that isn't related to wedding things. Here are my latest Simple Things QAL blocks.

So far I have been able to keep up but I have a feeling that I may need to play catch up for the next couple of weeks. Wedding company starts arriving Sunday!

I will leave you with some new pictures of a quilt that I made my very dearest friend, Ruth. I am so blessed by her friendship. I made this quilt for her birthday before I started my blog. It is called A Perfect Relationship...not only for our friendship but also because she is a beautiful Rosemal painter and I love to quilt. I put our 2 'loves' together as I quilted a Rosemal pattern on her quilt. Note to self: post pictures of Rosemaling in a future post.

Take a look...

A wedding quilt

2011-06-29T13:53:00.000-07:00

In May, one of my daughter's best friend got married. We have known Jillian since she was born. This quilt is called The Lakefront because Jillian and Jonny met while attending school in downtown Chicago close to the beautiful lakefront. I am finally posting pictures of the quilt that I made for the happy couple. Enjoy!

pieced back

quilt roll ~ YUM

Most of these photos were taken by my daughter. You can see more of her work here.

It seems forever ago...

2011-06-25T09:02:00.000-07:00

My birthday was just Monday let it seems so long ago. The very next day, a major storm rolled through our area* and then we had no power for 40+ hours. It briefly came back on for 1 1/2 hours and was off again. It was again restored but no internet. Yesterday by mid-morning everything here was back to normal but some of my neighbors are still without. It has been a long week!

Our canopy over our deck was thrown into our yard in pieces and we lost several shingles from our roof.

My DH's mini evergreen tree was smashed (see it on the right.)

My planter was flipped off the deck.

Furniture was rearranged.

And just down the block was this...one of many!

Just hanging on the power lines!

So after I was restored to normal, I checked my blog and the next step in the Simple Things QAL was posted! Sew this is what I got busy doing.

Yay for electricity and internet!

Aren't they cute!

*Edited: (it was confirmed 2 tornadoes touched down.) This storm doesn't compare to the recent devastation in other areas like Alabama & Missouri, just an account of what happened in my life.

My Birthday

2011-06-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and I spent a lovely evening with my family downtown Chicago at Millenium Park. We had a picnic dinner, some wine and enjoyed the concert. More about it and pictures later.

Now if you are a regular reader, you may remember that my birthday was the closing date of my giveaway. Thank you all for visiting. So without making you wait any further...the lucky winner is #34...Peach Rainbow...she was born in January! Congratulations!! I will send you an email shortly but should you see this first, email me your address and I'll get your package out promptly.

I will close this post with a few pictures of things I been working on...

Finished Dresden plate pillow...read more here.

Have you tried this? It is actually quite relaxing to do and they look pretty cool!!

These are pretty simple designs. They can get quite complicated.