Friday Finds November!

The end of the year approaches already!  So I gathered a few crafted items to share.

From Sparkles of Sunshine

I admit I like books.  There is something about the written word on the pages I can touch.  No ebooks for me.  I want the real thing.  So when I saw this project it was for me.
    I love these book marks!  From Sparkles of Sunshine  blog.....a good tutorial for making them.  They would be cute gifts, or stocking stuffers.  How about the ribbons we hoard from fat quarter stacks, or other precuts.....now I have a use for them.

Anoither version from Riley Blake

  I also saw another version at Riley Blake Designs.  Note---the directions have been removed now :(
Perfect for marking pages in my favorite quilt book or cook book.










Wine Cork Ornaments....from Renlymat's World blog .  I spotted several versions on Pinterest.

Got corks?  Use beads, metal charms, buttons, ribbon, wire to make some ornaments.    You will need a hole drilled through the center of the cork.













And a couple of quilting ideas.......

From Humble Quilts blog

  Humble Quilts shared photos from a quilt show in Aurora, and this one caught my eye.     Not only is the applique unique, but I loved the setting.
    I have plenty of left over 9 patch blocks that do not match.  Now this idea will put leftovers to work, to say nothing of all the leader/ender piecing I seem to do.

This post has been edited to remove possible harmful link.....Thank you, Trish for alerting me.

  Please visit the original site before pinning or linking.  I am just sharing some inspirations.

Remember to set back the clocks tomorrow night......enjoy the weekend.  Happy stitching.

Friday Finds.....October style

From Pat Sloan

   Pumpkins are on the vine, and all over the place right now.  

Pat Sloan is offering this cute block pattern...she made her's white.  The post is here for this Splendid Sampler block.    My idea for it was as a mug rug, or on the ends of a table topper/runner.  It is simple enough to enlarge the pattern and mix up beautiful fall colors.

 This is a Kim Diehl pattern from book published by Martingale, Top Your Table.    The book is on sale right now :)

  You can't go wrong with her designs or patterns, and the colors are always so special.  

From Hill Country Quilter

   This tip was stolen/borrowed from  special blogging friend,  from Mary at Hill Country Quilter.

  Mary shared her tip to keep quilts from falling off the edge of the table and causing drag......dreaded drag that weights down your stitching movement.  She uses a sit down machine like I do, but with a set of bookends (from the thrift store) attached via large binder clips to the table edge.  Brilliant!!!  

I am sure I have a set of those bookends somewhere.
  Be sure to read the whole post.....if you need a needle threader.  I hit the grocery store and found the GUM product for threading dental floss.....it works great as a needle threader.  With my vision changing, I need help to thread the Featherweight.  The floss threaders work perfectly.  Thanks Mary for these ideas. 

One more pumpkin pin.......a sweet treat/recipe for the season.  Pumpkin pecan cobbler sounds yummy and looks so good.  I am glad I picked up pumpkin puree at the store this week because this is on my to do list for the weekend.    This recipe is what my mother used to call  a pudding cake.

Find this recipe at  Lauren's latest.

  As always, please pin from the original source.
Cooler weather this weekend.....finally.  Happy stitching.

Friday Finds

Guess you know I must be better if I am sharing some Friday Finds.  Big grin here.  I spotted a few things in the past 2 weeks to share.


  Undercover Maker Mat .....a cover for your machine that turns into a mat with wonderful pockets.  It is from lillyella blog and she provides a free PDF with all the details.   Who doesn't need a way to keep notions handy?    Maybe I will try this for my Featherweight....








  From Elizabeths Quilt Projects.  A seasonal mug rug, or make it bigger and do a table runner too.   I loved the colors she used as well as the acorns with the leaves.  Check your scrap bin.  October arrives tomorrow.

  I had played around with  the block to make this quilt...see my post here.  A reader sent me this information.   It is a published pattern from Villa Rosa Designs , called Dublin.  Great name for a cute design.  My thanks to the reader who sent the link and information.










For some free motion lessons, and ideas, check out this youtube channel for whirlsandswirlsquilting.     Nicki sent me this link for inspiration.  Most of the videos are 2-4 minutes and just packed with fun motifs to try.  Grab a sketchbook and watch a few.
Thanks, Nicki, I needed some sketching practice time.


  As always please visit the original site for pinning and details. I am just passing on some finds.  See you next week....happy stitching.  

Friday Finds.....finally

  I sure haven't shared anything in a while, yet I have pinned up a few things.


   I see so many quilters making house blocks.  This one is a good reference for an assortment of blocks.  It is from Quilt Inspiration and provides a lot of links.  I am sure you will find inspiration there!














Connie at Freemotion by the River recently shared her block for the Garden Fence block.....along with some cute variations.  She has a pdf file for download as well as this handy instruction card to print out.   This is one I am putting on my list of small projects to make......soon I hope.

Bonnie Hunter recently did a guest post at C and T Publishing on her technique for perfecting the sew and flip triangles.  It is worth the time to read.  Her details are great.









I love this string quilt!  Great contrast and a good mix of color.  This is from facebook by Ruthie Reynoso on Pat Sloan's quilt along.    I hope she doesn't mind my sharing her quilt.  No pattern given, or really needed, just good idea here!









As for me..,.,.,I am off for surgery pre-op tests this morning.  The CT went well...as in, I did not cause the machine to malfunction this time.  I met with the surgeon and surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday the 22nd.  He will clean out the  right artery and improve my brain function.   Once I recover, then we move on to neurosurgeon for back/spine repair.  Or what ever it takes.   The left leg is weaker/less feeling/less control this week.  I know not a good thing, but wheelchair assistance  gets me to PT anyway.   "Tighten the tummy. tuck in the behind, shoulders back, remember to breath, and now walk".......that's my lesson for the week.  
Enjoy the weekend and happy stitching.

Friday Finds

There's a blog hop going on to win a copy of Crafted Applique by Lara Buccella.  I am sending you to StormyDays blog to begin the hop, as Dana has a full list of sites for the hop,  and the first review.  She has a project made using the technique----which is being kept a big secret, like in mystery by the reviewers.   It's all in good fun,  and Dana deserves a good fabric bombing for not telling!






Mequilter shared a block that is simple and would work well in any border.  I love the simple change that color makes in a 9 patch.











From the blog at Keepsake Quilting.....this post shared 10 ideas for using fabric panels.   This entry is worth a quick look even if you think you aren't interested.  I generally ignore panels but recently succumbed to one filled with butterflies by Moda.  I figured if I did not buy it now, I would regret it later :)









 May is spring and this table runner from Samelia's Mum shouts it.  She is sharing a full tutorial and pattern, so stop by and say hello.   And check out her beautiful quilting on this project too!






As always, please visit the original source for pinning.
Enjoy your weekend.  Love on your Mom.  Make someone smile.  Above all, remember how great you are.  Happy stitching.  

Friday Finds April

   Do you have a recessed table for your machine?  Or at least a large extension table to support your work?  I sure hope so, as it makes a big difference on the back/shoulder/arm strain that sewing and free motion quilting makes.   At every class I teach, I strongly encourage students to consider getting a recessed/drop in table for their machines.   They have spent many $$$$  on machines but ignore their work areas.  I saw  a few things that might help....if you are handy or have a handyman nearby.

From Blue Dinosaurs......a tutorial on building a recessed worktable.   She used a fairly inexpensive IKEA table for this project.  I have also seen dining tables from the thrift store that were converted.  So even if you can't afford a custom sewing table, this solution could be what you need.

  Note----table height is important.  The legs might need to be shortened to achieve the correct/best table height for you.





A great you tube video shows an alternate idea.  It is by Rose Lewis and she shows a large extension table that can be built custom for your machine.



Ergonomic posture......found at Elizabeth Chandler Designs.     This shows the correct table height and angle to the body for arms and knees.   I know my control improved when I got the correct table for my machine.








    A fun recycle project from Creating My Way blog.   Luggage tags from blue jean pockets are meant to be used on luggage.  Since I am a "non flying" person,  I make tags for my tote bags that I carry to classes and road trips.    And how cute would they be for the kids backpacks for school or camp!









One last sewing project......cute sachets in the shape of tea bags!  A friend of mine is pinning tea party ideas like crazy for our next quilt show  and she found these.

 I make lavender sachets and tuck into drawers and in my quilt storage cabinet.  The photo and idea is from Gingermelon on Flicker.....so no instructions, just inspiration.   simple scrap of fabric pinked to size (use a real tea bag as a pattern?).  Fill with lavender and stitch the edges.  Add a string  or bit of ribbon to hang.

As always, please visit the original sources for pinning and details if available.
See you on our return.....happy stitching. 

Friday Finds....block patterns

  A free pattern from Eleanor Burns......click here to download.    I know it is simple and easy to figure out, but I find it hard to resist  Eleanor's designs.    She always has full measurement charts and good cutting instructions, too.   Be sure to check out the full selection of free patterns offered.








From the Moda Bakeshop a good tutorial on making this block using scraps or layer cake pre-cuts.  This is a perfect pattern for my leader/ender 4 patches!







   While you are at the Bakeshop, check out this block pattern too.  It is called Flying in Squares.      I like the variation of the flying geese......it is on my list of future projects.
I started a new Pinterest board for Flying Geese.....here.    Lots of pins for various tutorials on geese and  layouts.




As always, please visit the links for pinning and details.
And just a reminder......it is tax day.....did you file your return?  My girlfriend from high school who lives in Florida did her usual "wait till the last few days" to do her return, and then be sure to call Debbie with questions!  Lol.....it's our annual phone visit and life would not be complete without it.    Some things you can just count on.

Happy stitching.  

Friday finds.....April

A beautiful wreath that I do think I could quilt!  This design is from ipatchandquilt.    She teaches free motion and has some interesting wreath designs.

Ever thought of giving your machine a tattoo?  Barbara at Cat Patches shared a photo of her jazzed up Tiara recently. How much fun is this?   The rub on stickers are from Urban Elementz.

  Remember the traditional pineapple wall hanging I made and used the ugly fabric on the back?    How about these cuties from Red Brolly.com.......spring time colors for pineapples.  I thought they were adorable.  The pattern is just a bit different, so now you can chose which is your favorite.  Perfect to put on place mats, create a table runner, or a small wall hanging.  No reason to wait for fall!

As always, please visit the original source in the link for full details and for pinning.  Blogger is giving me fits right now and is jumping all over the place.  I am quitting now before I commit a crime against this thing.Enjoy and Happy stitching!

  Need a new ruler?  Here's a link to a new style called RnK Select ruler. Alex Anderson promotes this new line.    I do need to replace my 6'' by 12'' and may give this style a try.  I like that it is not cluttered  up with extra stuff.....slightly frosted, and non- slip back.  

Friday Finds Creativity

From Pat Sloan

   Creativity keeps popping up in a lot of parts of my life right now.....or at least that is the word I keep seeing.   First it popped up as the topic for this week's Bible study.  I was reminded that God fills us with imaginings and the skills to fulfill them.  That was so affirming for me.

    Next I run across this poster from Pat Sloan, a creative guru if there is one.   It's good to have positive affirmations to remind ourselves that our quilting passion is our creative passion.  Embrace it and enjoy.

From Hub pages.......printable coloring pages for Easter.   I actually saved this to use as a pattern template for applique......lol.  I had visions of making mug rugs with decorated eggs on them.....so maybe next year I will get an earlier start.  But a few printable pages would be fun to tuck into Easter baskets, along with some markers. 

From About.com......pattern for a Friendship star block.   There are a couple of different sizes shown with cutting measurements.  Also, there are links to some variations.  Perfect block to put together from leaders/enders!  I really need to make use of my box of triangles.  

   Creative setting and use of color in this quilt!  Naturally my eye was attracted by the color and value in this and then I looked closer.  The diagonal setting gives it a fresh updated look for the simple squared boxes.  Of course, this might be a good setting for some orphan blocks, too.  

 From Pinterest.....the link is dead but says it was found on myquiltplace.com.

Update:  Here is the correct link from the maker,  Cathy Tomm 

   For EQ users......Do you eq blog offers great tips.  This short tutorial was on creating labels in EQ7 to print out for your quilt.  

  While you are there....be sure to check out the fabric giveaways from Moda!

As always, please visit the  original sources that I have linked for pinning.  

Enjoy these finds and happy stitching!

Friday Finds---of a sort

   After my post on no-reply bloggers, the general consensus was in agreement. ....most of those comments/questions are ending up in the trash can.    And then Miss Pat referred me to a link at Vrooman's Quilts that took me here to Jane's Fabrics.     She offers a good step by step talk on how to set your settings.
Update:    Dana shared this link for the google + users.  It's at Sew Many Ways.
Thanks, Dana.

  I had more requests for info from "no-replyers" on one of the more popular posts on this rail fence variation.  Apparently, it was shared on facebook.
  Below is the finished quilt.  I gave no details on the fabric required because it was a scrap quilt.  But a fair estimate for a small throw size is 1 yard of solid for the plain rails and outer border, and 2-3 yards of scraps for the mixture of squares.








   Also you will need about 1/4 yard for the inner border strip.
  If you plan a consistent layout for the mixed squares, I would think about 1/2 yard of each of the six would be plenty.   For a larger size, like a queen quilt, I would probably triple the amounts on everything!





Something new.......Maureen at Mystic Quilter is jumping in to join the SAL for the Gypsy Wife quilt.    It's a very unique quilt with a variety of blocks in a modern setting.     I will be watching....and debating if I can do an adaptation in the future.   I did set up a new Pinterest board for the GW quilts I find.   Right now, I am enjoying the slower pace I have going.

Friday Finds

 This week at quilt guild, our President asked for 2 house blocks next month....any size or variation.  I knew I had this one to try.  It is from Vroomans Quilts....click here for Sharon's tutorial. 
 This is an 8 1/2'' by 10 1/2'' unfinished block.  I know I have shared this one before.....but I made this one :)   Thanks  again, Sharon for sharing this one.









  After sharing a few ideas for borders last week, I ran across this.
More border ideas from Pat Speth in Nickel Quilts.   I don't have this book.....but I am adding it to my want list.

From Fluffy Sheep Quilting

  We all know how to make bow tie blocks.....but here's a really cute variation that used a nine patch in the make up.  Since I am doing a daily--almost daily---bow tie block, this naturally caught my eye.   Visit Fluffy Sheep Quilting to see some details. 







One cute, little block can turn into a great Valentine's Day quilt.   See it at Temecula Quilt Company.  Wish I had found this sooner....maybe next year?



That's it for the week.  As always, please visit and pin from the original source.  That helps keep me honest and other bloggers happy :)  Give a hug and a kiss to someone sweet.  Go enjoy some chocolate.   Happy stitching.

Friday Finds....borders?

  Borders?  I have a love/hate relationship with borders on my quilts.  And lately, I have been very lax---read that as lazy---about using borders.   First, why do we add borders......

• A plain border---solid or striped---can make your quilt larger in size.  
• Turn a square top into a rectangular size by adding border to the top and bottom only.  
•  A great place for leftover parts or small blocks, especially in a scrap quilt. 
•  Enhances the design and makes a finishing statement.  

  

I think I shared this before.....a good collection of simple ideas for a border.  I don't have a source for it, but it contains sound advice.  

   Now a few good finds  for some inspiration.

Elizabeth's Quilting Projects

 

  From Elizabeth's Quilt Project blog.....check out what she did in this border.  Crumbs!  All the bits and pieces from this jar quilt came together to make a border.  I like the unexpected movement it creates.  She explains  her technique here.  

Exuberant Color

  

 From Exuberant Color blog.  Wanda recently finished this scrap quilt of leftovers.

Not only is the design amazing and simple, but the border just turns this quilt into something outstanding in my eyes.  The border of triangles repeats the the star points.  Be sure to click over and read how she developed this one. 

From Primitive Pathways

This is a pattern from Primitive Pathways.   A different layout--offset--using the triangles and that extra border on the right with applique is quite special.  

From How stuff works....... a border design using those orange peels.  How neat is this!  I love how it turns the corner so nicely too.   This would be great on a busy scrap quilt.  

As always, please visit the links for the original source.   I did not make these quilts, so don't pin from me....thanks.  

 More border ideas and inspiration can be found on my Border board on Pinterest.  

Enjoy.....and happy stitching. 

Friday Find

A quick one for this week.

Photo borrowed from Createology blog.  She calls these dresses of joy.  Colorful, simple pillowcase dresses that are being made for a special project called Dresses for Girls around the World.

  I followed her link to 
Brynwood Needlework blog for the details.  She has a page of links to the official site with dress sizes and measurements, armhole pattern, pocket details.
Note those pockets that make each dress so different, and just perfect for a small doll.
Please visit the links for more details if you think you would like to participate.

One more appointment today....and then time to sew.  Happy stitching.

Friday Finds.....loving it!

Need some love?  How about a Love Notes quilt?
   This is our block of the month at guild.  Our chairman Sue discovered it and  shared this cute technique.  From 2   5'' squares...sew the edges, cut on the diagonals, sew as a 4 patch to create a cute love note.  Make a wall hanging, small quilt, or mug rugs!
Find the quick tutorial at Missouri Star right here.






Maybe these blocks could be called Love Knots.

Here's a link to a great resource.....Bonnie Hunter's Addicted to Scraps at Quiltmaker. 
  Each issue  Bonnie does a column showcasing different blocks for using scraps. Most are archived at Quiltmaker on line.   A good resource for some inspiration.

  A little mini, or a mug rug comes from
Bea at Needle in a Haystack.   She put together a quick version for this one done in Amish colors as an enticement for a Quilt along she would like to start.   See those details here.
 Make it Amish, or any style fabrics you like.






  Another sew along is happening at Tamarack Shack.   Kathy and friend are hosting and have provided this easy pattern for a "low volume plus block".  She is doing hers in batiks and they are so pretty.








 
Last of all, one more heart to love.  The block begins with a nine patch and  is used to make a very cute table runner.   Heart of the Home tablerunner from McCall's Quilting.  The pattern is in PDF format that you can download and save.




As always, please visit the original source for pinning.
Enjoy...happy stitching.