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