Tiny But Mighty

May 10, 20176 Comments

This tiny quilt (6 inches x 6 inches) was a kit I purchased at a shop hop somewhere in my quilting travels. Who could possibly resist making such a cute flower?

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Although tiny, this quilt is mighty. It incorporated machine piecing, hand applique, machine applique, hand quilting, machine quilting and embroidery. PLUS I got to practice tacking down the binding with my sewing machine.

I’m always looking for ways to use scraps. A set of four would make a nice gift for “someone” (perhaps the author) to use as coasters…for a cold beverage, on the porch, on a hot summer day, overlooking my garden, sharing a laugh with family and friends, petting my dogs…oh, sorry I was daydreaming there! I’ve just talked myself into making more tiny quilts, how hard was that?

Do you have any tiny quilt adventures?

Splendid Day

April 27, 20176 Comments

Yeah — spring is officially here in Western NY. Yesterday was a glorious day with bright clear skies in the afternoon and a warm, velvety breeze that lifted my spirits. Right after work I grabbed my first (and favorite) quilt and headed into the backyard to gather some Vitamin D (per doctor’s orders). I wasn’t there long and I had company.

Boots, the little beggar, always horns in on the sunshine and a cozy quilt.

You may notice the hay field in the background–yes, my mower is broken again, else I would have been trimming the lawn instead of lolling about.

Whilst enjoying the rays, I started re-reading one of my favorite books — Outlander. Love me some Scottish romance. I want to re-read the entire series before I watch the live action version.

On the sewing front, I’ve given up on my idea of refurbishing a cutting table. I spent a lot of time priming and painting an old cabinet from the Salvo (a la shabby chic style) — but I simply cannot make it work as I had originally envisioned. The wood for the top is just too hard and I cannot successfully attach the supports for the top that will give it the correct cutting height as planned. Yes, I am a DIY failure!

Plan B. Now I’ve found a dude who makes custom islands and I’m hoping to persuade him to build me a custom cutting table (a la Joanna Gaines — Joanne and Chip, if you’re reading this, come to NY to redo my sewing room, please, please, please! Love, your biggest NY-Texas-NY fan). Meanwhile, what little organization I had previously has devolved into chaos since I’m without a fabric storage solution as well as a cutting surface. Yes, I moved out the old before the new was ready <story of my life>.

Despite the disarray, I did manage to get the final wide border on my modified Paddle Wheel Quilt! Woop! Woop! I’m searching for the proper backing, but soon I will be able to go and see the fabulous Ms. G about applying the appropriate quilting to this striking quilt top.

I like the unexpected pop of red in the lower right and in the skinny border!

I was drawn to this kit because of the color palette, but I wanted to add my own touch.

The lawnmower dude picked up my machine right as the sun was going down last night. I hope he doesn’t feel obligated to rush — I’m rather liking the thought of more sunshine, books, quilts and cat hair because it’s going to be even nicer this afternoon!

…and how much did I spend?!

April 10, 20177 Comments

This past Saturday, my quilting guild traveled to Lunn Fabrics located in Lancaster, Ohio. What a feast for the eyes! Let’s start with the outside first. This shop is located in a large, old brick house and is surrounded by a garden of spring splendor with interesting lawn ornaments.

The walkway into the shop hosts a collection of multi-colored bowling balls! Unique and clever…at first I thought they were gazing balls, talk about re-purposing! This set the stage for the next surprise.

Lunn’s has an incredible selection of batiks and hand-dyed fabrics, I didn’t know where to look first!

There are lots of “one of a kind” fabrics…if you see something you like, it’s pretty much buy now or regret later!

I kept coming back to the fabric below, the colors were bold and striking. Who can resist a good leaf pattern?

Inspiration was everywhere! Why not add some beading and buttons to your quilt? They carry a nice supply of both in the store.

The quilt below was truly a work of art!

The green quilt below was also a show stopper.

Want to try your hand at making batik fabric? Batik stamps are available for purchase!

…and “how much did I spend?” you ask! A grand total of $1.50!

I admit it, I froze…I didn’t have a plan! I’ll be driving back to Lunn’s but next time, I’ll have a plan for sure!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie?!

January 16, 20174 Comments

Norma, my Bearded Collie and sewing buddy, is not suppose to be on the couch. Righttttttt! I walked into my sewing room and there she was snoozing away!

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What to do? I had no choice but to smile lovingly and take pictures while she was innocently sleeping. She sure looked comfy! Most of the time she is on the floor, right by my side while I sew. She likes the same music and books on CD that I do–imagine that!

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After a few snaps, I think she was on to me–notice she appeared to be sleeping with one eye open! Hah! Gotcha! Totally busted on the couch–but she was too cute to banish!

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Sandy has Bootsie the wonder cat for company while sewing. See her post “The Saga of Boots” from September 28, 2016 and “Snuggling Down” from December 29, 2016.

Do you have a special pet to keep you company?