A Charmin' Time

Hearts and Flowers

2011-01-13T11:19:00.001-07:00

In my mind's eye I saw this ...

When I looked at this ...

When I was admiring this quilt I noticed that there could be a heart in the center, so I worked on creating the blocks. The blocks are layer cake squares with charms on the corners. I had to work on the center squares because I found the charms only work in this 'X' pattern, going the other way the square on the corner had to be larger. At first I put a full 10" block above and below the heart, but it seemed too much, so I cut the blocks in half to create the rows.

Added a sweet little border ... not sure what to do for quilting, it's about 40" x 40" ... what about button tufted? What would you do?

Black and White and Love All Over

2011-01-07T21:35:00.001-07:00

My niece asked for a black and white quilt with red for her couch. I had a collection of black and white FQ I've had for some time and knew they would be perfect.

It's tough to get a good shot of the full quilt.

I cut the FQs into 10.5" x 5.5" rectangles and pieced three columns then cut 4" sashing strips and 4" for the borders in white.
Then I sprinkled free cut hearts down the middle and topstitched them down.

It is so fun to imagine a design and then see it come to life. Some overall quilting and binding and one Black and White and Love All Over lap quilt for Denae.

Quilt Gifts are the Best!

2010-12-21T20:57:00.000-07:00

My sister Carol is awesome! But most of you know that. Today when I got home from work I opened a box from Carol to find:

A beautiful quilt. Mary of Quilt Hollow did great quilting on it - thanks Mary!

I love the blue fabric on the backing, it is also the binding and sets off the quilt so nicely. Carol, you're amazing, I am so blessed to have you as my sister.

Love you a bunch, Kate

One Hour Christmas Gift

2010-12-20T13:53:00.002-07:00

Caution: these are so fast and fun you'll make a bunch!

Kleenex boxes are just a necessesity to have out - but how fun if they would also add to the decor! This takes just one fat quarter and a yard of ribbon - and viola! And since we're just covering a Kleenex box it can be inexpensive fabric.
Start by laying out your FQ to 11x22 inches, right sides together. Make two cuts to so the folded fabric measures 9.25 x 15.5 inches [18.5 x 15.5 flat]

Stitch a 1/4 inch seam down the long side. Center the seam to the back and press.

Cut out the corner on each side by measuring up from the bottom 2.25 inches and in from the side 2 inches.

Mark and cut.

This will leave the bottom measuring 5 inches across.
Sew 1/4 inche across the bottom. Then rotate and match the notched sides and sew at 1/4 inch.

I tried a second method of sewing across the bottom and marking to sew and cut off the corners to yield the same as above - it didn't save me any time - but try it if you like.

Next fold back to the original seam orientation and measure for ribbon opening. On the fold measure down from the top 5.5 inches and in from the side 1/2 inch, mark.

Using a standard paper punch; punch through both layers. Unless your punch is very sharp you may need to finish the cut with a scissor.

When my sister Carol and I first worked to develop this pattern based on receiving one as a gift we finished the opening with colorful little rivets (lots of extra time) just to have them come out when the ribbon was tied. Once you have a bow in the cozy you don't even see the opening.
Next turn down a 3 inch cuff.

Stitch the edge down. I stitch the first seam with the turned cuff facing out.

And the second with the front side of the cozy facing up - I like to see the seam in relationship to the punched opening.

With a safety pin thread your ribbon through the channel created. Open your Kleenex cube and pull up a tissue.

Tie the first part of your knot to cinch the opening leaving enough room to easily pull out the Kleenex, distribute the gathers and finish the bow.

Now, even you need a hostess gift tonight you can bring a unique, Christmas-y gift. And so easy to make a style and color to match any home.

I also make these for nurseries - cute baby shower gift to round out the layette, especially if you're matching that baby blanket or quilt you made.

Or for that hard to match bathroom decor - I could never find a Kleenex box to match my bathroom.

Last Minute Gifts

2010-12-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

Moving along with gift giving, 12 Christmas tree napkins for my friend. You can view a tutorial here.

No Sew Monday

2010-12-13T11:53:00.001-07:00

What do you mean no sewing?

No sewing machine, no sewing.

Aughhh! What happened to her?!?

Not to worry, she has gone in for yearly maintenance, just did it earlier this year. She'll be back tomorrow.

Oh, that makes me feel better. What will we do without her?

We will box up some of the gifts we completed before she left, potholders and a coordinating dishtowel for Crista, the oldest daughter, more blue on her set.

More potholders and a towel for Elena, the younger daughter, more green in her set.

And get ready for baking gingerbread cookies, yum!

Let's go before Chicken hides my cloves again, bad Chicken.

Christmas Sage Stuffing

2010-12-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's starts with the bread. I know a lot of recipes call for dried bread cubes or day-old bread. I don't like to start with dried bread because you're just working to re-hydrate it. If you start with good bread you'll have a better tasting stuffing. I like a sandwich type whole wheat bread. Pretty much if you like the taste of the bread you will like the stuffing - sourdough makes a great option also. I do toast it a little bit to give me time to mix the wet ingredients. You can use pre-made stuffing croutons, it is just personal preference. You'll need about 4 cups of bread cubes.

I cut the whole loaf into cubes - it's the season for the electric knife. I got one 31 years ago as a wedding present and it pretty much only comes out for turkey season.

Place the bread on a large cookie sheet or jelly roll pan and toast in a 350 degree while you prepare the veggies.

I use only celery and onion for my sage stuffing along with the spices, I added apples one year and my daughter was pretty adamant that they had no place in the stuffing she was used to having every year. : )

Like with many recipes this is a great time to use the tops of the celery. From one bunch of celery I use the less mature inner stalks, the tops of the other stalks and one or two green stalks, depending on how much you get from chopping the tops. One large outer rib will give you about 1/2 cup chopped.

I end up with a full 'one cup' in a glass measuring cup.

Chop one small onion, or a leek, or scallions. You will want about 1/2 to 2/3 cup of chopped onion.

In a heavy skillet melt 6 tablespoons of butter - you can also use a mix of olive oil and butter. Add the chopped celery and onion, generously salt and pepper. Add 2 tablespoons of crushed dried sage leaves - I like a robust sage taste and use 3 tablespoons. If using fresh sage double the amount. I also add a heaping tablespoon of parsley - but it is optional, the great taste of this stuffing comes from the sage. It looks brown in the picture but it is more green in color and you know you have the right amount by the smell of sage and the butter turning green after the addition of the herbs.

Saute until the onions begin to turn translucent. Pull the bread from the oven, add it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the veggie mixture over the bread and then pour 8 ounces of chicken broth. Mix quickly and thoroughly. Pour the stuffing into a greased casserole dish, lightly press down. Cook uncovered in 350 degree oven for 35 to 45 minutes depending upon the depth of your casserole dish. This year at Thanksgiving I experimented cooked the stuffing in the crockpot. It came out very nice, but I do like the crunchy crust from cooking in the oven.

Enjoy your holiday cooking.

Christmas Tree Napkin Tutorial

2010-12-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Finished folded napkins looks like a Christmas tree.

To complete 8 napkins you will need 2 yards of fabric, 1 yard of each print. Contrasting prints make a nice effect when folded.
Cut your one yard lengths into 9" strips.

Fold each strip in half a second time, you will have four layers of fabric.

Using a Cut a Round ruler place the corner on the second fold.

Use the slot for a 18" circle. Since the fabric is cut into a strip this will yeild two semi-circles each with an 18" diameter.

After cutting both fabrics place contrasting pieces right sides together and stitch 1/4" around the edge leaving a 3" opening for turning. Backstitch at the beginning and ending of the seam to prevent the seam from coming open when turning.

After turning press the edges and whip stitch the opening closed. You could topstitch the edging if you choose.

To create the tree effect press the first fold about 2 inches off-center as shown above.

Fold both flat edges back on the first fold to create the exposed layers. And viola! A Christmas tree.

Have fun!

Blogging Playtime

2010-11-28T15:38:00.000-07:00

Wendy of Why Knot? posted this set of 'get to know your blogging buddies' questions, by way of several friends, have a fun time learning about your blogging buddies. Copy and paste, and then answer the questions for yourself; comment that you did so I can check out your answers, mine are listed below.

1. Sweet or Savoury? Sweet definately.

2. Dresses or Jeans? Jeans! Colorado girl, jeans and t-shirts.

3. House or Apartment? House. Chuck and I lived in an apartment when sold our family home after the kids were grown and our new one wasn't ready. I'm surprised we both made it out alive.

4. Shop Online or Offline? Little of both, but no Black Friday madness.

5. DVDs or Downloads? Downloads.

6. Cocktails or Juice? Neither really, mineral water.

7. Chocolate or Strawberry? Uhhh, Chocolate, hello! Maybe if the strawberry is dipped in chocolate, yummm

8. Laptop or PC? Always laptop, smaller the better.

9. Magazines or Newspapers? Magazines, I don't have a need for news.

10. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook.

11. CDs or MP3s? MP3s, love that you can fit a bazillion songs and/or podcasts on a little iPod.

12. Kids or Pets? Yes. Had kids, now I have one princess dog, Madde. She has it better than the kids ever did.

13. Cookies or Cupcakes? Cupcakes, lick all the frosting off and then maybe eat the cake, if there isn't another cupcake to lick the frosting from.

14. Walk or Run? Uh...walk from the car to the store, the car to the house, the car to work.

15. Breakfast in Bed or Breakfast Out? Breakfast out, breakfast in bed doesn't sound so fun, coffee in bed is okay.

16. Market or Supermarket? I do both but I love Whole Foods Market.

17. Sourdough or Grainy? We've always loved hearty, whole grain bread.

18. Heels or Flats? Flats, see no. 2

19. Late nights or Not? Late night, I have heard of morning people but have never seen them, hee hee hee.

20. Coffee or Tea? I like both. Typically I have tea in the afternoon, or in the summer I have iced tea all day long.

Looking forward to learning more about you.

Birthday Month Continues

2010-11-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

I'm nearing the end of my birthday month celebration - less pressure for everyone when there is a whole month to fit in the celebration. : )

Today my youngest sister took me out for coffee and gave me a 'coffee present'

It's a cute Keurig mini - perfect since I am the sole coffee drinker in my house. I think it would be great to have in my office at work, but we have a free espresso bar so it would be superfluous there. My daughter suggested keeping it by my bed - my husband wouldn't have to bring me coffee in the morning. I kinda like my husband bringing me coffee.

Working on Potholders

2010-11-23T17:29:00.001-07:00

Well, Carol made me do it! Sorta. I really want to make some for Christmas but not necessarily Christmas fabric. This blue fabric will nice for me older daughter, Carol will have to comment on which fabric it is. I used 4 charms and made 4-patches. Then altrnated with a full charm, used a brown for the backing, Insulbrite to line them and did some simple quilting.

A word to the wise - I thought, well it's a potholder I will machine stitch the binding to the back - a technique I have never liked. So tonight while watching TV I will rip it out and hand sew it down, I don't want to go this far and not like the finish.

I Can Say I Did It

2010-11-14T21:20:00.002-07:00

But I don't want to do it again! I didn't do any quilting because we spent 3 days replacing the tile in our kitchen.

We started with 1984 pink ceramic tile - I like pink but not on my kitchen counter tops.

Only good thing about old tile is that is popped right off. Bad thing about old tile is sanding off the old adhesive.

But ... the new tile looks great.

So now I've done ceramic tile and I don't really care to do it again. I am happy to have the new counter top.

30 Days Hath November ... Thanksgiving Table Runner

2010-11-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

Finished the table runner today that I made with the GO! cut-outs from my sister Carol. I like the swirling circles because it reminds me of leaves rolling in the autumn winds.

I added some chocolate brown binding, took two Monk episodes : ) I will have to get a picture when it is in use. Thanksgiving is creeping up. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food? My oldest son and youngest daughter, hands down is the mashed potatoes.

My oldest daughter, my sage stuffing - my mom's recipe actually.

Birthday Blessings

2010-11-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

My sister Carol always makes my birthday amazing! She sent me a beautiful quilt.

I love the back as well, looks like she used layer cake sized squares.

Wonderful quilting detail and I like the variation on the piano key border.

It looks beautiful hanging above my bed.

Darling GO! fall cutouts which I used for a charm table runner for our Thanksgiving table.

A cute basket gift card holder for a Starbucks card - I'll be using that soon.

An Alex Anderson bountiful basket kit that she made up herself.

Thanks Carol!

30 Days Hath November ... little fun, little function

2010-11-09T20:58:00.001-07:00

Not all sewing can be quilting. I made a couch pillow for my daughter with her upholstery fabric. I told Madde that if her cousin Buster could pose for photos she could too.
She just wanted me to get it over with.

My sister Carol made a darling little quilt from one of the sets in a Moda's Bake Shop Sampler, I finished the binding on it.

Now it's a cute little wall hanging for work or a mini table topper to set under a vase or candy jar.

Leona's Giveaway

2010-11-06T01:08:00.000-06:00

Visit Leona for her Bloggy Giveaway The giveaway ends on my birthday, November 10 - don't know if she planned it that way - snicker, thanks Leona.

30 Days Hath November ... Day 5

2010-11-06T00:26:00.000-06:00

Well, it was still November 5 when I got online, before I hopped all over cyberdom - hee hee. Here my project for today. My sister Carol gave me a leftover strip of piano keys (which I will take her leftovers any day) - so I made them into a pillow.

I used the full width strips on the front and put a portion on the back. Pretty simple project, pretty cute finish.

GO! Giveaway

2010-11-06T00:15:00.001-06:00

Linda at Lavendar Ridge is having a GO! giveaway! Visit her site and sign up right now, yes, you can go before you finish reading, go ahead, I'll wait ... great now we both have a chance to win the awesome new quilters toy. If you win come back and tell me!

Finished At Last

2010-11-04T21:07:00.000-06:00

It took me two days to finish the quilt, it is very long. And...I discovered I had missed an area of tying - about a foot long - so I had some tying to finish, that took a long time. I'm just very happy to have it done - yippee!

30 Days Hath November ...

2010-11-02T17:56:00.000-06:00

30 Days Hath November -- for falling leaves, birthday cake and pieceful sewing.
Starting yesterday, November 1, I did half the binding on a full-sized quilt - Grandma's Quilt - that I restored and hand -tied (the way grandma did it). I'm using traditional binding though, sorry Grandma. I will post part two tonight.

Aprons - A Sister Act

2010-05-19T20:27:00.000-06:00

My sister Carol and I created a Mommy/Daughter apron set for a Women's Spring Tea event at church. She made the little girl's apron and I made mommy's. Very cute set - it was awarded as door prize to a mommy/daughter pair who attended the tea. My friend Danielle and her daughter modeled them for the fashion during the tea. Good job Carol!

It's Green

2010-04-24T18:46:00.000-06:00

Block 4 of the Jelly Roll Sampler, it's pretty green.

I liked the look of different fabrics above and below the center band - didn't go that way but I liked the look of others who did : )

Another Jelly Roll block

2010-04-10T01:31:00.000-06:00

And my version of the Jelly Roll block number 3, nice colors, it's fun to see all the different looks you get from one jelly roll. I tried and tried to think through the print size combinations, my geometric mind wanted the large prints in opposite corners.

I wonder what looks you would get from this block using charms instead of the 2.5 inch squares and jelly roll strips, hmmm, I might try that.

Baby gift

2010-04-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

Miss Bunny is helping model the hooded baby towel I made for my niece's shower - that makes me sound old that my niece is having a baby!

And catching up with the Pinwheel Sampler - first three blocks. Thought I would use up some of my batik collection for this one.

Looking for Fabric

2010-03-19T16:37:00.000-06:00

Hey girls, I'm looking for yardage from an Moda line, Friends and Flowers, Mary Engelbreit, came out in 2008 I believe. I would like a yard or two. I will purchase equilavent yardage of your choice from the Fat Quarter Shop if you have the green with white dots shown. Just comment if you want to barter and I work out the details with you.

Jelly Roll Sampler Block 2

2010-03-15T20:11:00.000-06:00

Amazing the same Jelly Roll produced a block that looks so different from the first one. This one went together so quickly, very fun.

Old Things Become New

2010-03-14T21:49:00.002-06:00

This my newly slipcovered ottoman, Madde said, "For me?" She likes to be under it as much as on it. My daughter no longer needed the wingback and ottoman she had when she was nursing and needed more room now that they are in a condo in Colorado and not a 100 year old two-story in Iowa. It's former blue color would not work for my living room, but a quick slipcover and viola!

Bunny Hill Sorbet

2010-03-13T11:49:00.000-07:00

I saw this pastel wool bundle at Bunny Hill, pretty hard to resist. Then I saw my sister's Heather Bailey pincushion pattern knew I had to use it with the wool for pincushions. Sewing room needs some attention, so I will post more once I get the pattern laid out - can't wait to see these come together. I have some vintage toile from a chair I recovered, it will be perfect for one of these.

Jelly Roll Sampler

2010-03-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

This is my first block for the Jelly Roll Sampler by Moose on the Porch Quilts. I used Friends and Family jelly roll by Mary Engelbreit, nice and 'Spring-y'

Grandma Would Be Happy

2010-02-20T14:32:00.001-07:00

And if not I sure am. I finally completed the top to my friend's extra long quilt that her grandma made. Apparently Grandpa was 6' 6" and she need a custom sized bed covering. Because it was tied there was damage to over 2/3 of the large plain squares. And many of the smaller patches had just fallen apart. The ties were too far apart for all the use the quilt saw, and the length of the actual tie was long, rather than the points of entry being close together.

She used sheets for most of the larger blocks and that made a challenge to rip seams as the thread count is so much higher than the surrounding clothing scraps.

After I had the piece removed I would use it to cut a new piece and sew it back in. Originally I ripped two seams the width of the quilt to get it into manageable pieces. The challenge with the original blocks is that they were not always square, but the template idea worked well.

I laid it out on the family room floor so I could take a picture from the top of the stairs, it is 8' 6" - yikes! I am taking to church next week and we are going to spread out the backing - which grandma used a old pink blanket and surrounded it with a sheet that comes up from the back to wrap the front as binding. I will let you know how the tying goes - I could definately use an old fashioned quilt group for this one.

Bella Bag

2010-02-11T07:03:00.000-07:00

My finished bag with a blue sash, I also have fabric for a red sash and a green one, both of which may complement the bag better but I really like the freshness of the blue.

A picture of the side detail. Carol added topstitching to the side with gives them extra definition, nice touch.

Gotta Stop and Smell the Chocolate

2010-02-10T10:42:00.002-07:00

Girls can't just sew all day, sometimes you gotta stop for chocolate. While I was still in Arizona with Carol we stopped to bake cookies, mmmmm, they didn't last long and here is our Bella bags in progress. I am home now and back to work - had a great vacation. I will post a finished Bella bag pic tonight.

My Son, the Soldier

2010-02-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

My oldest son, David, receiving his battlefield promotion to Sergeant in Germany - earned during his time in Iraq. He heads home to Colorado Saturday, February 6 to move his family to Texas. I am so excited that he will be stationed back in the states. If you have a comment for David I will forward it to him. We all salute you David, and your willingness to defend your family and our country.

And the Winner Is...

2010-01-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

And the winner of the Sweet Baby Jane doll quilt is Jocelyn at Happy Cottage Quilter! I will get your darling quilt in the mail Monday - thanks so much for stopping by! Send an email to me at katelinde@msn.com with your mailing address.

Fat Quarter Bundle Give Away

2010-01-20T00:12:00.001-07:00

Amy of Kati Cupcake Pattern Co is looking for a new home for these beautiful fat quarters from the new Marabella line. Stop by her site for a chance to be 'Mom' to these little darlings.

Help, Help, Me Rhonda.... Giveaway

2010-01-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

Girls, what do you do when you have so much to do and don't know where to start? Especially with a project that is less on the creative end. I have a quilt that I am repairing for a friend that belonged to her grandmother, made with all types of fabric imaginable, and the large squares are from a white sheet. The high thread count of the sheeting makes it very hard to remove the damaged pieces next to them.

I have a darling Sweet Baby Jane doll quilt that I recently finished. I will give it away on Friday, Jan 22 to a randomly picked comment. I need help out of my slump - thanks all!

I Won a Great Gift

2010-01-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

I was lucky winner of Shelly's 12 Days of Christmas Give-aways. I received this great fat quarter bundle. Thanks Shelly!

Awesome Giveaway!

2010-01-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Stop by Bobbi's to see the great giveaway she is hosting to celebrate her 99th blog - congrats Bobbi!

Friday Night Sewing and March Retreat

2010-01-10T18:56:00.000-07:00

Friday Night Sew-In for the New Year and a Giveaway!! Join Heidi's 'Sew-In' on January 15, thanks for organizing it Heidi - it will be fun.

Carol and Amanda are sponsoring a virtual sewing retreat. It will be a great time, click here to read more about it.

Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2010-01-09T19:01:00.001-07:00

I was excited to fly to Iowa this past Tuesday to help my daughter move back to Colorado. Her husband drove the truck to Colorado on Monday and I was helping Elena get her car and her baby back. We were at the border of Iowa/Nebraska Wednesday about noon, driving slowly in blowing snow. We were travelling about 35 mph. The semi in front of us was not going that fast and started to slow, we had plenty of room to brake but with extremely limited visibility the problem was the traffic behind us. Jesus totally protected us.

Vehicles were just coming one after another. We were behind the 'England' semi, the 'Air Ride' above came up in the left lane. The white pickup above swerved to the left to avoid the 'Air Ride' behind them and in our lane is the blazer pictured just ahead of the pickup. Driven by a young man he was trying to stop and avoid the other cars he hit us on the left, rear fender, knocked us another car length closer to 'England' - another semi was coming up behind him and swerved and went right between 'Air Ride' and white pickup, missing the blazer. You can see the people above walking in the semi's tracks where he had only inches to clear the vehicles. It all happened so fast, the baby was crying from blazer hitting us. No one was hurt, but our biggest concern was the traffic still behind us. I was praying and trying to think what to do if the next semi coming couldn't stop. If we didn't move we would be sandwiched between the two trucks, maybe if we went to the right it would help, what if he veered to the right? I felt the Holy Spirit prompt me not to move, I thought of the verse, 'stand still and see the deliverance of your God' and remarkably the traffic behind did stop well behind us. The hit from the blazer caused only minor fender damage and an hour 40 minutes later we were finally moving and went to the next town, 1 mile down the road, and got off the highway till the next day. Even Thursday we could only make it part way into Nebraska and had to wait until Friday morning to continue to Colorado.

Just glad to be home.

New Year Giveaway

2010-01-02T15:51:00.000-07:00

Sweet Natima from Not Just Nat is hosting her One Year blogiversary giveaway with delightful embroidery projects and some very cool scissors, visit her and wish her a Happy 1 Year in blogland!

First Projects of the New Year

2010-01-01T14:44:00.003-07:00

From my January project bag I cut out all the circles from the Bloom yardage. I took them with me as we drove to our daughter's house in Fort Collins (about 50 mi north of us) for New Year's Eve dinner and games.

I made seven yo-yos but I had to rip out the first two. The center wasn't closing up tightly and I realized that with the circles measuring 6.5 inches in diameter I was making my running stitich too small and it was creating too many gathers. Once I increased the size of the stitch the center came together nicely.

First thing today I recovered my tabletop pressing mat. After almost 20 years it is not so crisp and white anymore. I slipcoverd a fresh yellow gingham all ready for the New Year and lots of pressing.

Next came sashing strips for a lap quilt I am making for the living room.

These are 9" blocks - I don't remember the line but I bet Carol knows, do you remember these Carol? I have one vetical row down, I need to join the other three and then the sashing and the center will be complete.

1, 2, bag up my quilts, 3...

2009-12-27T20:30:00.004-07:00

3 bags are a good start, believe me I could bag up more but it seems a little daunting right now. I totally rearranged my sewing room - it all started because the cutting table was preventing me from taking pictures of the design wall staight on - next thing you know I've got my husband up here moving all the tables and furniture, forced some more organization though!

My projects in my January bag, that will be my Charming Girls January goals are:

1. Cut 162 10" squares for my Jingles rag quilt. (my first post)

2. Xavier's Dinosaur Courthouse Steps; finish blocks,

3. Add borders, send for quilting (reserve some time for me Carol : )

4. Start on the second quilt for my friend Nancy. I made one for her brother last Christmas and I have all the strips and squares cut for piecing, I just need to cut the 5" squares for the HST from her mom's clothing and start working on that. My January goal will be complete the HST and

5. The blue and white 4-patchs - there are over 200 of those (now I'm tired). Below is the completed quilt and the strips cut for the second one.

6. Cut and sew yo-yo's from Blossom yardage by Urban Chicks. I have a Blossom charm pack and I don't like the yardage so much, but it is all circles so why not yo-yo's?

7. Sew charms quilt center. Then I will add borders to applique vines and the yo-yo's but not in January! I like change too much, gotta keep things mixed up. Kelly - no counting the borders for January!!!

8. Block two from 2008, yes 2008 geez, Mystery quilt. At least I will get it done.

And that's all so I don't end up like this:

Moving Toward New Year

2009-12-26T01:11:00.001-07:00

Part of my 'end of year' routine is to get my new calendar ready for the coming year. I take down the current year, get the new calendar, the school calendar (no kids at home but my husband is a teacher), my work holiday calendar, colored sharpies, and some stamping supplies.
I start with January of the current year and mark all the January birthdays and anniversaries for the coming year. I pick a stamp for birthdays, one for anniversaries and use those with a different color ink for each month. Then I mark the name (s) and for grandchildren, neices, nephews, etc. I write their age. I note the year for each anniversary. I mark all work and school holidays and my husband's conferences. If I know the dates of vacations I mark them. As I look through the current year calendar it is fun to read all the family get togethers, coffee with friends, vet visits, band concerts, football games - all the stuff of life that fill the calendar.
Then for those who are not near me I make a small note when to shop each birthday based on when my paydays occur, the date to mail a box or card.
It is a fun ritual for me.
Next week I will work on my 2010 quilting projects

Christmas Memories

2009-12-22T20:57:00.001-07:00

Kelly at Charming Chatter has posted a Christmas Memories Giveaway. Kelly, this is for you...

My favorite Christmas is always the one about to happen. 2007 was the year my daughter and her family were in New Zealand for an 8-month working vacation - we had Christmas memories made via web cams - the happy part of that was them coming back. But I did want to make it special for my grandsons so they got quilts from Nana. Chandler, on the left, was my design and had leaves quilted in an all over design. Corbin's quilt, on the right, had his favorite - Orcas. I made the orca design on a 5' x 5' piece of newsprint and appliqued the pieces. I couldn't finish before they had to leave. They went from Colorado to Minnesota (where my son-in-law is from) and Corbin's other grandma, pictured helping hold the quilts for pictures, finished the quilt by doing the quilting and binding. She also entered in a quilt show there.

Christmas 2008 and they're back home - they've grown so much in a year - and another Christmas almost here for more memories - I love my family.

Secret Santa Gift

2009-12-19T19:09:00.000-07:00

I received my Secret Santa gifts, thanks to Cathi Gainey of Shakerwood Primitives - how beautiful Cathi! There is a wonderful Christmas wall hanging, so fun and already on the wall, a delightful Christmas ornament and a fabric bag in red and green, my favorite colors - it is going to be new lunch tote for work. Madde is sitting next to them and looks innocent but she is really just waiting for me to leave the room so she can grab the ornament - she is pretty sure that came for her.

Thanks Joan for organizing the fun swap!

Winter Baby Quilting

2009-12-19T18:50:00.000-07:00

I started the quilting on Liam's 'Winter Baby' quilt (below). I have four plain blocks so I did some quilting in there, snowflake in two and meander with mittens in two. In the four patch blocks I am just doing a grid pattern. I have a fair amount of red border that I am not sure what to quilt in there, but I was thinking pine branches would be nice.

Dear Santa

2009-12-14T23:00:00.001-07:00

Twill be the night before Christmas quicker than you can twitch your little red nose - or is that Rudolph? Either way, while you are getting your bag packed please toss in a Martinique Fat Quarter Bundle by 3 Sisters. It won't be winter forever (down here anyway) and I will need to get a lighter weight quilt ready for summer - wouldn't Mrs. Claus love these fabrics? You should probably throw in a bundle for her - you know, a little gift to make up for the extra time you've been away from the house lately - with all the work for the elves who do you think is cleaning up after those reindeer? Probably better get her a few bundles. I will leave some extra gingerbread men for your thoughtfulness, maybe you should take a few home to the Mrs.

Christmas Blessings,

Your favorite litlle helper, Kate

Follow the Flannel Brick Road

2009-12-06T18:29:00.000-07:00

Made the backing for little Liam's Winter Baby Quilt. It is a large brick pattern using the Jingles yardage. My next step is to quilt it - I am going to do a grid pattern, then I am going to rag the edges - rather than rag each block. It should be a cozy naptime blankie.

I also finished a scarf for my friend at work, it is a short neck scarf in a rib pattern, it has a buttohole opening that allows you to pull the other side through instead of tying a knot. It is great for the office, just the right size to wear with a top on chilly days.

Winter Baby Quilt

2009-12-01T18:33:00.002-07:00

I finished the top of my first Jingles flannel quilt - Winter Baby - it is a play on words as my greanson is Liam Winter. I haven't mastered taking pics of the full quilt - tips are appreciated.

I used the charms to create 4-patch blocks then laid them out 4 across and 4 down.

I want to break up all the little squares so I removed 4 blocks and inserted a plain block.

The 4 x 4 layout was only about 36" square and I wanted a quilt that would last into toddler naptimes.

To make it rectangular I used the four blocks I removed to create offset cornerstones. I like the result. Next step is to piece the back - large brick path design.

2 Hour Table Runner

2009-11-27T23:17:00.001-07:00

I needed an easy table runner as a gift for a friend. I had Moda's Peace on Earth layer cake set - so I based the design off the 10" squares. It went so quickly I made two, this one for myself, my friend's is below.

I laid 5 squares on point and cut 8 squares almost in half - .5" off center. The remaining portion went into my triangle remants for HST. Assembly was simple row piecing and I attached the backing pillowcase style to avoid binding.

Because it wanted it to drape more like a tablecloth I did not use batting. I stitched around the edges and 1/4 inch from the seams for top stitching.

For fun I added Christmas fabric as the backing - no piecing, just a fun fabric that will make a quick buffet cover during the holidays.

My friends version has deeper coolers and I used browns of the layer cake set with red and green for hers, while mine paired the aquas.

Holiday Sweets

2009-11-24T01:57:00.013-07:00

Inspired by Sinta's post on her blog Pink Pincushion I am posting a recipe for one of my family's favorite holiday treats - Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. They taste just like a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup.

Ingredients:

• 1 18-ounce jar peanut butter

• 2 pound powdered sugar

• 1 cup butter, softened

• chocolate almond bark [or melt 12 oz. bag of chocolate chips with 2 T shortening]

Preparation:

Mix peanut butter, butter [optional 1 tsp vanilla] with an electric mixer until well blended.

Add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, blending with the mixer until all the sugar is mixed in. The dough will be slightly crumbly.

Form the dough into 1 - 1 1/2 inch size balls by rolling the dough between your hands. Set formed balls on a plate or cookie tray.

Mix all ingredients together except for chocolate. Shape into 1-inch balls. Cool in frig. Melt chocolate in microwave, or double boiler and dip balls in being sure to cover completely. Put on wax paper to harden.

Once they are cool you can put them in plastic containers in the refrigerator or freezer. They will keep for several weeks.

Inspiration for Rag Quilt

2009-11-20T22:31:00.000-07:00

This is my inspriration for my flannel rag quilt. My sister Carol made this from layer cake squares. I love it on cold evenings as a lap quilt - my little Madde loves it anytime. Carol did machine embroidery on one of the squares -- hmmm -- I hadn't thought of doing embroidery, but that would be charmin' for Liam's baby quilt. Any ideas on what to embroider? BTW - my daugter Elena did get her promotion and transfer back to Denver - hurray! So we will have her and Liam and husband Jason back in Colorado January 11. Ahh, I love my family.

Sisters Christmas Quilt Project

2009-11-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

Ready to start our Sisters Christmas Quilt - here are my flannel fabrics - all courtesy of my sister Carol. I have a lot of yardage and 64 charms that I got with my birthday gift card. I think I want to make a large rag quilt for myself and a mini rag quilt for new baby Liam. For Liam's I will use the 5 inch charms and use the same process as the 10 inch squares of the larger quilt. Goal for next Sunday - have all the10 inch squares and all batting squares cut - will post next weekend. Below is a picture of Liam visiting with mom Elena two weeks ago.

2009-11-15T16:38:00.002-07:00

It's fun to see my grandkids quilting. The two oldest have done the most - here are four of them with log cabin pillows they made while spending an afternoon with Nana.

Quilt for a Friend

2009-11-15T16:30:00.001-07:00

This is a quilt I created this quilt for my friend Nancy last Christmas. Her mom passed away and she wanted a quilt for herself and her brother made with fabric from some of her mom's shirts and tops. I created half-square triangles from background fabric and clothing. I set the blocks in a chain pattern and added appliqued oak leaves to the borders. My sister Carol quilted it and did a wonderful job. Nancy grew up in Louisiana and had many oak trees. Next I will be creating a version for Nancy - I hope to have that by the first of the year.

Fresh Start

2009-11-15T15:42:00.003-07:00

I have gotten away from quilting and it doesn't make me happy. So I have created this blog to be a 'sister' blog with my sister - hee hee - Carol's Blog.
We are going to watch each other quilting progress and communicate with friends at the same time.
This is dedicated to you, Carol - love you bunches!