Merry Christmas To All...

Here's wishing everyone a very Happy Holiday Season.  I haven't posted much this past month because, of all things, I found out I had a hernia and had to have surgery!! Now, mind you, I am 5'5" and weigh 110 lbs. and I always thought that hernias were a guy thing.  Who Knew!!  Anyhow, all is well, and I'm looking forward to a new year of great projects.  My Yo-Yo quilt is two rows from being done and will post that pic soon. I've also ordered the Moda Bake Shop Sampler from Kelly at http://ihavea-notion.com/store/ and can hardly wait to design something with 480 pre-cut 2 1/2" squares.
So I wish you all good health and happiness for the New Year and Merry Christmas to all from me and all the kitties: Muffin, Jelly Bean, Horatio, Dusty and Puss!!

Quilter Generosity Once Again...

All of us quilters are usually very generous in all things, but Jackie at Canton Village Quilt Works has a great giveaway this week. 5 Great Items, including a book! Check out her blog at http://www.cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/ and see all the goodies she is so generously giving away.  Heres a picture of a Moda Sampler Box...it looks better than chocolate!

Good Luck to everyone...although I am secretly cheering for myself!

Color Decisions Made!

Well, I've begun the process of creating a new wallhanging using the templates and principles of the book Strips 'N Curves by Louisa L. Smith. I think the first decision is always the hardest, which is: What colors do I want to use? Then, of course, you must DRAG yourself to the quilt shop and buy some fabric! Just click on the picture above for a better view. Next, cut, cut, cut and sew, sew, sew. Now I'm ready to use my templates and cut from my strip sets.
Above are 2 strip sets: the browns and the puples. I was inspired to try this by Wanda Hanson on her blog at http://exuberantcolor.blogspot.com/ Just click on her topic "Strips and Curves" and just keep on scrolling to see all her great work. So it's back to the sewing room I go!

COLOUR LOVERS CREATE...

I recently came upon this website called COLOURlovers that I think everyone should check out. It's a tool designers and artists of all kinds use to work with colors in new ways and quickly find out what's hot and what's not. This site allows anyone to find their inspiration for color by searching, sorting and filtering through keywords to a color scheme that interests them... or create and share your own! On this site you can create your own color palette ideas or even scan in a piece of fabric and the PHOTOCOPA page will sort and create the color palette from the photo you upload. You can look at all the color palettes other folks have designed and even create a pattern with color of your own.  This is a great tool for all to see. The site is
http://www.colourlovers.com/ P.S. Make sure you allow yourself some time when you visit this site, it can be addicting!

ARE YOU AS OUTRAGED BY THIS AS I AM?

Let me first start by saying to any Fabric Retailer out there that I am all for free enterprise. I am a true capitalist and everyone needs to make a buck.  However, there needs to be a line drawn.  Today I received an email update from one of the many shops online.  I always check them out since there is not a local quilt shop and I buy alot online.  One of the "special features" was the Block of the Month program. So let us add this up:
Start up Fee (whatever that is)           $ 25.00
13 months @ $24.95 per                    324.35
Recommended Templates                     45.00
Estimated shipping for 13 months          75.00            and that's at the low end of $5.00 per month

This makes for a grand total of $469.35   for a "cream, tan & off white quilt measuring 81" X 105".  Naturally, this does not include batting or backing.  Now, I don't know about you ladies and gents, but for
$470 I WANT IT CUT, PIECED AND DELIVERED FULLY SEWN!! Even if these were designer fabrics (which they are not) it would not cost this much to purchase the pattern and all the fabric needed.
So, I just want to say: Buyer Beware!!  It makes me think I'm in the wrong line of work because the profit margin here is close to criminal...and us quilters shouldn't be fleeced like this. 
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS?

Christmas Holiday Wallhangings

This cute wallhanging is appropriately named "Joys of Christmas".  It was made using a lot of fusible web, and echo quilted. I found some of the cutest buttons to embellish this piece. It's only 29" X 34 1/2" in size but just eminates all things Holiday!

I know it's only September, but it is time to start thinking about the Holidays! This wallhanging is called "Sunset Nativity" and was machine appliqued with a fine satin stitch. The sunset fabric just makes the black silhouette pop.  It's size is 19 1/2" X 36".  It almost has a stained glass effect.
Both of these are now for sale in my Etsy shop.  If you'd like to visit the shop just click on the Etsy button in the left column.

Synergy Blocks Completed!!

The blocks are finally complete!! This is a "Synergy" block designed by Jinny Beyer. It has been paper pieced and it's 10" square. I like to do my paper pieceing on tracing paper. I buy large 14" X 17" pads of paper from Hobby Lobby and trace the patterns myself.  I do a lot of paper pieceing and I find that tracing paper holds up very nicely with the smaller stitches required and it folds nicely for trimming without any tears.
The hardest part of this block was making the fabric choices! Last night I put the blocks together and now I just need to add the borders.  I will update with a picture when that's completed. Click on the picture to enlarge and see the fabrics if you like.

FOLLOW FRIENDSHIPS

One day, once upon a time...I saw a pattern for the curved pieced quilt above.  I like curved piecing, it's much easier than most people think.  Now, if there is one tool above all others that I depend on, it would be my rotary cutter and the acrylic templates I use.  However, for this wallhanging, I had to draw templates onto plastic and draw each piece individually and cut them by hand.  That is the reason why this is only 40" X 40" and is used to hide some of my fabric shelving. NOW FOR THE GOOD PART! I've been a fan of Wanda Hanson at http://www.exuberantcolor.blogspot.com/ for a while now and she has created some stunning quilts inspired by Louisa L. Smith at http://www.quiltescapes.com/. I have wanted to create another quilt using the similar curved design and noticed on Wanda's site that she had acrylic templates lying on her fabric ready to be cut.  OMG...I want those!! So, I sent off a message to Wanda and she was sweet enough to refer me to Quilt Escapes. Hence, the title of this blog "Follow Friendships".  Quilters are just the best. If you ever need help or advice they always come through for you.  My thanks to Wanda.

On, August 25th I posted about my yo-yo quilt in progress and my need for peach and pink fabric scraps. Well today on AllPeopleQuilt.com I came across this great idea for YO-YO WALL ART. I think this is a great project for anyone who wants to do a quick decorating item or use up any extra yo-yo's you have laying about. We all have extras...don't we!!! Here is the link: http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/throws-wall-hangings/yo-yo-wall-art_1.html

Laptop Cover

Recently there was a "flying" cat who dashed across the table and knocked my laptop on the floor.  Since then I haven't been able to close it properly so I decided to make a cover for it.  In my stash of completed blocks that have never made it into a quilt, I found 18 blocks perfect for this. The colored fabrics are hand dyes I did about 10 years ago and then made these small 4 1/2" blocks.  It slips over the monitor section and has the same design on the back side, then it just lies flat on the keyboard. I quilted it up, and now I just love it. So from this I have accomplished 2 things: I completed a project and cut back on the catnip for the cats!!

THE HUNT FOR PEACH AND PINK!!

I was inspired to start a yo-yo quilt after seeing the picture and article at Sew Whats New (Click on link in left column and page down to the Yo-Yo quilts post), a few weeks back. The top picture was my inspiration. I really liked the colors and opted for almost the same with a little yellow thrown in. Plus, I was pleased because I already had the Clover Yo-Yo Maker in my stash of notions to be tryed! I need to make 1,232 yo-yo's for a throw 42" X 66"...so far I have made 580. Now, the only problem I seem to be encountering at this moment is that I am running out of peach and pink fabric! It takes a 4 1/2" square for each yo-yo so I'm putting a big shout out for anyone who could possibly help me in my pursuit of peach and pink squares. If this is a possibility please email me at lynnedemeter@charter.net and big thanks to you all. Thanks to all, Lynne.

DO I DARE?

Last week I decided I would try to change from a 2 column blog to a 3 column template. Very Scary!! Even though I saved everything first there was still that doubt that I could do this without losing all my stuff!! But, nothing ventured , nothing gained. So I gave it a shot. I did lose a few of my links, so I had to replace those. I recommend you make notes of sidebar links first because that was the only problem I had. But now I like it better, the 3 columns let me have the cat stuff on one side and the quilt stuff on the other. All in all, it was no different than making that first cut into a piece of fabric. What's the worst that can happen? If it's all wrong you just cut another piece of fabric!!

Playful Pinwheels

I have this wallhanging in the living room right now and as I was just looking at it I was reminded of watermelon slices, corn on the cob, and bright summer colors.  It's funny how your mind can wander that way!!  I remember when I got this fabric it had come into the store as a complete line, in different color ways. I made the decision to keep it simple and set it with a black background.  I have an obsession with triangle points...and take great satisfaction in setting everything accurately.  Now, I have friends who say that if you can't tell the difference from 6 feet "who cares?" Guess what? I care. If I'm going to make it I want to make it right.  It hardly takes any more effort.  Of course it starts at the beginning with cutting accurately, sewing that 1/4" seam accurately and then the PRESSING.  Sometimes the pressing can make or break a quilt block and it is a process that needs to be thought out.  Pressing "towards the light fabric" is not carved in stone.  There are those times when you have alot of points coming together you must press to benefit the block. What do you think?

My First Sale!!

I made my first sale on Etsy today. I am so excited!! It was the "Rainbow Mystery Wheel" as shown in my July 2nd post. I knew it would take time to get established and I had heard it could be up to several months before you make a sale so I was surprised because it had only been posted since July 1st. Right now I have it hanging in my office at work so I'll have to part with it and bring in something else!

The wallhanging in this picture is called "Scraps and Squares" and is done in the country colors that I primarily have in my home. I just love the secondary cross hatch design made by the cream fabric. Do you think I should put this one up for sale too? You can visit my Etsy shop at http://artinthread.etsy.com Have a great day quilters.

Extra Blocks??

Do you have blocks that you thought you would make a quilt from or just extras? Or maybe a block you would just like to feature.  I took these 3 blocks and framed them in a simple square frame and they now hang over the TV in the den.  Every now and then I change these out to something different.  The frames measure 10 1/2" inside so they are a good size for most blocks because you could border a smaller block if necessary. You could also set them vertically for that narrow space you don't know what to do with!!

Something Different

I decided one day that the space over the door looked a little bare! Of course there are quilty things throughout the house so why not over the door? This was a very easy project to accomplish with a little fusible and some raw edge applique. Now that I have the background dimensions I can easily do up a few more for the different seasons or to just compliment the general county decor. Since I have a covered porch I was thinking about doing a door topper for the front outside door.

Do What You Love...

DO WHAT YOU LOVE WITH ALL YOUR HEART. That's what this wallhanging in my sewing room says!! I couldn't agree more. I have been sewing forever (we'll keep that undisclosed!), and have been quilting for 20 years. Although I've tried my hand at many crafts, cross stitch, tole painting, floral arranging and so on, sewing has always been my passion. This is where the bulk of my "investment" to myself lies. I truly believe that purchasing good tools: scissors, rotary cutters & mats, lighting, sewing machine and tables, a good chair and all the little notions one buys, is what makes for the best sewing experience. Early on I got the least expensive items, but as time went on, and finances allowed, I upgraded!! Lots of people I knew thought I was crazy to spend $4500.00 for a Bernina! But, I sew almost everyday, and that's what makes it an investment in myself.
This wallhanging was a labor of love with all it's little applique pieces, but it's got all the stuff I like pictured in it. I hope you like it too.

TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Anyone who has seen any of my quilts would see that I tend to lean toward "country colors." Mostly browns, greens, golds, etc. But I wanted to make a quilted jacket that was pastel for those early spring days that are still chilly. That's when I decided to go with the "Aunt Grace" fabrics. Well, I just loved them and it was so much fun to work with them I thought I'd make something lite and airy for the living room. Now I have brightened up the area a bit!! I also make a really nice table cloth for the dining room, but I still need to get a picture of that! It's under a big round glass topper and that involves getting the hubby to move it!
So, what I have learned from all of this is that sometimes trying new things is definitely a positive experience!

A Little Something Extra...

This is my "Winter Whimsey" wallhanging. This is an original design I created because I was looking for something that would hang past Christmas yet featured the whimsical things we all associate with winter. It was great fun designing the appliques since this was the first time I attempted that! Of course I had to add such things as a cool cat with his winter scarf, ice skates and a red sled! I have self-published this pattern and I am offering it for $7.95 at my Etsy store. This has been a new learning experience for me and I hope you all enjoy it.

http://www.artinthread.etsy.com

Sitting Pretty on the 4th

We live in Tennessee and most of our families are up in New Jersey or Massachusetts, so because my hubby works most holidays I'm usually here alone. Now, don't get sympathetic or anything...there's always the internet!! Besides I'll be going to fireworks with friends tonite.

But, in the meantime, these days allow me to catch up on projects or laundry or whatever!! Today I was in the sewing room working on my "Synergy" quilt and as usual I was joined by the cats. I caught this charming photo of Jelly Bean as he sat to my right at my U shaped work station. He's always such a good boy...hardly ever gets into anything!

A big shout-out to all our Troops...thanks for keeping us safe. Happy 4th of July.

Let's support each other

Since I am "sew" new to blogging myself, that when a call went out on twitter to support Sew Fun Quilts, it was a pleasure to read her postings. Check out her July giveaways and let's help promote her efforts. http://sewfunquilts-sewmeow.blogspot.com/ The picture is my Rainbow Mystery Wheel. Even though this quilt is 90% curved piecing it is surprising simple and produces stunning results. No matter what colors you use, you just need to be aware of your "dark" and "light" fabric placement. I also put this quilt up for sale on Etsy. http://www.artinthread.etsy.com/. Have a great 4th of July weekend and remember our soldiers.

For Sale!!

I can't believe I actually did it! I signed onto Etsy to sell some of my wallhangings and probably some future quilted items if it seems worthwhile. Now, I've sold some of my items by request or by special order, but never publicly like this. I started off with my Purple Haze, Country Rose and Mystery Wheel (Winding Ways). I thought those would be okay to start. Anyhow, I decided to name the "store" Art in Thread. So the place to go gals is http://www.artinthread.etsy.com/ . Have a great day everyone

Feathered Goose

I've had several request for a photo of the quilt on the rocker. It's called Feathered Goose and it is a paper pieced pattern by Judy Neimeyer. You can find more of her designs at http://www.quiltworx.com/ I used all batiks, in fact the most difficult part of this quilt was deciding on color and where to put it! The purple around the edges is the back rolled to the front for the moment because I'm still quilting it. The border will be a batik also. Notice that Muffin and Jelly Bean had to get into the picture!

Cats and Quits

Whenever I go into the sewing room I'm always followed by an entourage of my cats. I love the company when they sit on the windowsills or in the ratan chair. However, we do run into a conflict when one is lying on the quilt that I'm trying to push through the machine. It's hard to quilt when there's a fifteen pound cat lying on your quilt. And then there's always the issue of being stretched out on the ironing board or the cutting mat! I even have one cat (Horatio) who likes to sit on top of the Bernina - makes the thread flow difficult! Thread everywhere is one thing but fur is quite another! This is a picture of Jelly Bean on the rocking chair patiently waiting for me to feed him!

Getting Organized

I was just buzzing thru cyberspace yesterday when I somehow clicked on the Domestic Diva's blog. Well. let me tell you...you've got to go to the "Sewing Room Organization Challenge". Although I have already incorporated a good portion of her ideas; and I'm quite lucky to have a sewing room (it could be bigger though!) there's always a tip to learn.
One I particularly liked was to put one of those slim plastic 1 gallon water containers with the pour spout next to the ironing board. This way you don't have to go to the kitchen or bathroom each time you need to fill your iron. I just happen to have one on the shelf that's not in use.
She also follows through on all her suggestions with a link to where you can buy any necessary items. She has great ideas and I highly recommend you check her out.
http://www.thedomesticdiva.wordpress.com

Quilting vs Housework

I need more discipline. I'll start a project and everything else gets shoved aside!! I don't mind doing the housework, once I get started it's all systems go. But, I have a tendency to wander into the sewing room. So I've started setting the kitchen timer to remind myself to take the clothes out of the dryer, etc. I'm fortunate that I only work 4 days a week. Thinking on it, if I just did a little more housework on those days...then on my off days I'd have bigger chunks of time to devote to the pleasure of quilting! Anyhow, here's a picture of my "Purple Haze" wallhanging done in Batiks. I just love the flow of the colors in batiks.

It occured to me today as I was reviewing this new blog, that in my profile I neglected to mention my hubby Bob. Without his love and support I would never be able to do any of the sewing. Not too many husbands would say "Sure, go ahead and buy that new $3,500.00 Bernina machine. It's not like you don't sew everyday." He jumps in and does some housework if need be; and he's a great cook! I don't know about all you ladies and gents out there but there's something special about a guy who will clean a toilet or wash the kitchen floor once in a while!

Well, I found the cable! However my picture's a little crooked! This wallhanging is from a design in Kim Diehl's book Simple Blessings. Her title is Country Whig Rose. I modified it a bit by eliminating one border because it would not have fit into the space I had in mind. It is hand appliqued and machine quilted. Hope you like it.

Greetings!

I'm Lynne and I'm hoping to make new acquaintances and offer some of my quilting knowledge to those who care to partake. Over the years I have purchased many books & magazines for patterns and such, but there has always been that time when you try something that just isn't working for you. I've mastered many techniques, with the exception of free motion quilting, although I keep trying but I always break out in a cold sweat! I think I can offer some advice that would be instructional and useful, along with a number of helpful hints.
I'd like to know what you'd like to know.
I will also post pictures (as soon as I can find my USB cable for my camera!) of my quilting projects and my Babies: my cats!
I hope you'll join me. Lynne