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.