What's on Your Design Wall?

What's On Your Design Wall - 3-22-2010

2010-03-20T06:53:00.000-07:00

While I don't have anything new on my design wall this week, or for the last two weeks, I do have a picture of the finished Heart Wallhanging I made for my sister.

My sister passed away and received her Angel wings on Saturday, March 6th. I was blessed to be present and holding her when she passed. She had told me a few days before she passed away, that wherever she was going, "it's so pretty, just like home, so pretty." In that I am comforted.

I haven't been able to get myself in gear enough to start quilting again. I have been taking care of 'business' with little time for myself, my family or quilting. I have, however, told myself I need to start working on those UFOs; I need to find out what March's quilt number is and start working on it. I know the healing process quite well, as this is the third time I've had the pleasure of taking care of a beloved family member in hospice, but that alone doesn't make it easier. I keep reaching for the phone to call her and even started to send a picture of the fabrics I picked out for a class at the LQS.

Time will heal my loss I know, but it's a slow process and I know I'll never stop missing my sister. I also know the memories I have will carry me through and bring a smile to my face once again.

Here's the finished wallhanging:

I finished the back with fast triangles and used wooden dowels in both the top and bottom for 'flat' hanging.

I made this wallhanging with fabrics I had in my stash, as well as some fabrics I received from an on-line Valentine swap.

I was so very glad that my sister was able to enjoy it before she passed away. Taught me a valuable lesson ...don't procrastinate... that's my middle name! Now to work on a lap quilt for my father's 94th birthday in June.

To see what other quilters have on their Design Walls, please visit Judy Laquidara’s blog, Patchwork Times.

What's On Your Design Wall - 3-1-2010

2010-03-02T06:57:00.000-08:00

I finished the heart wallhanging, but didn't have time to take a picture before I gave it to my sister. She said "you done good, kid."

What she doesn't know is that I was unable to 'gather myself' enough to finish sewing the binding to the back and do a little quilting. I called my Favorite LQS Quilter's Market and Linda L (owner) had me bring it in and she finished it for me. I've always said Quilters are the Most Wonderful People ... this just proves it!! THANKS LINDA FOR YOUR CARE, CONCERN AND FINISHING TOUCH!

Unfortunately, my sister and the wallhanging are in Peppi's House Hospice. My sister has lung cancer and while she was doing well for the past year, over the last week she took a turn for the worse and I had to admit her to the hospital on Wednesday afternoon and by Friday morning she was in Hospice.

Please pray that her passing is peaceful.

To see what other quilters have on their Design Walls, please visit Judy Laquidara’s blog, Patchwork Times.

Quilty Hugs,

What's On Your Design Wall - 2-22-2010

2010-02-23T20:35:00.000-08:00

I was unable to post as my computer suffered a fatal error (blue screen of death) and it took me to last night to get it back up and running. Good thing it's under warranty and I have unlimited long-distance...LoL Good news - it's working ...yipee!!

While I was working on the computer I decided I wanted something sweet so I made a batch of Cinnamon-Raisin Bread Pudding - I love the smell of fresh baked food filling the house....Yummmy.

Anyway, I did get a little accomplished - no sewing while I was visiting my grandson last weekend...nope never even opened the case; although he did want to see what I was making and he liked it :D

I have the corner triangles on, as well as the binding. Just need to sew the binding down and it's done ...another Yipee! That's a good thing because my sister isn't doing well and I really want to give this to her ASAP. I have to take her to the doctor's tomorrow and then Thursday I have another class at a LQS. So much to do and so little time!

Fast Corner Triangles stop short of edge for mitered corner.

Binding Ready to Sew

To see what other quilters have on their Design Walls, please visit Judy Laquidara’s blog, Patchwork Times.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Heart Wallhanging

2010-02-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

I set out today to sandwich and put the border on the Heart wallhanging and I accomplished that goal...yipee!!

I have never made the corner triangles for hanging so will seek adventure with that tomorrow. Since the wallhanging is not large (apprx 16" x 17" - don't ask) I am going to make four corner triangles one dowel at top and bottom so it will hang straight(er).

Design Wall Idea

2010-02-16T13:32:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to put up my Block Butler but can't quite figure out which wall I want to put it on. If you read my previous post, my room is an odd size at 16' X 9' so I'm limited.

I was thinking about how some hang quilts on a curtain rod attaching the quilt itself to curtain clips, which gave me an idea. The closet is 6'6" high and 4' wide with no obstructions other than the bifold doors (lol) ....can you envision what I'm thinking?

If I get a nice fairly heavy curtain rod, even 5' wide, I too could use curtain clips to hang up the large piece of white flannel I have in my stash (108" wide) I think there's enough left. If not, a flannel-backed tablecloth would work too. With the clips I could pull it to one side using a holdback (depending on size) and/or sew ties at the top and bottom so when it's not in use I could roll it up - viola!

Think I'll give it a try when I get home.

PS: I'm not home yet but as soon I get there I'll post pictures.

What's on Your Design Wall - 2-15-10

2010-02-15T12:03:00.000-08:00

Although there is something on my design wall ... I'm not at home to post the pictures.

I traveled to Tempe to visit my DD and GS last Thursday and I'm still here, my poor SIL....LOL

In the meantime, please check out what others have on their design walls visit Patchwork Times

Cheers!

PS: Here's the top.

I am going to sandwich and put on binding today. I've opted to go with a solid back and save that extra heart. I'm not sure what I'll use it for but ... in with the other orphans.

What's on Your Design Wall - 2-8-10

2010-02-08T05:00:00.000-08:00

I made these 3 hearts blocks last week initially a for Valentine giveaway, but decided I liked them and the thought crossed my mind to make wall hanging. Only three blocks so away to my stash. The hearts were made of scraps so I thought about making two more hearts with similar fabrics. However, the red/brown in the "swirly" fabric is enough off it was hard to find something coordinating (so to speak).

Onward... I remembered purchasing some "Sister Sayings" (don't ask me when I bought them, I just remembered I had them :D) so I sought them out...now where would I put 'sayings' ...in with muslin of course ???

I looked through all my heart fabrics ~ I have far, far, far too many but that's what I collect "heart fabrics" ~ and found the one with the little blue hearts. It's folksy and my sister likes folk-art.

Then what about sashing and border - off to the stash room again...:D :D :D ...like that's punishment ??? LOL

I actually "auditioned" 8 fabrics and none struck my fancy. I finally settled on the sashing/border fabric you see. It was in my Valentine Swap exchange from an on-line group and I just got it the other day! Strange thing was it was sitting right in front of me the whole time I was auditioning the other fabrics, and all of a sudden I looked over & said well howdy! The darker red sashing/border tones down the red swirly's darker streaks; the red swirly fabric is a bit brighter than the lighter little scrolly (that is a word I'm sure!) material.

I'm going to use the blue heart fabric, same as I used around the sayings, for the binding think it ties it all together :D

Decided to make the back scrappy with the pieces I have left from making the blocks for the front...those extra half-square triangles from the hearts will go to use on the back. I may have to add to it but it's all scrappy and all from stash!!!

So, it's on my Design Wall and I'm happy thus far and it's been there overnight...LoL!

Did you all watch Super Bowl? I only watched half-time and then returned to sewing!

To see what other quilters have on their Design Walls today, please visit Judy Laquidara’s blog, Patchwork Times.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

NEW DIY Dish Web Show !!

2010-02-06T10:20:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out the newest web show on the internet? It's Kim & Chris, who by themselves are a couple of funny ladies, at DIYDish.com. Videos will cover quilting, sewing, machine embroidery, hand embroidery, crafts for kids...etc, etc.

Making it a little more exciting is the FREE GIVEAWAY of not one, but two (yes, TWO) Janome machines and there are multiple ways to win...check out the website!

"To celebrate the launch of this new show, our friends at Janome are letting us give away TWO (yes, TWO!!) dream machines! Someone is going to win the Janome 350e EMBROIDERY machine and a second person is going to win the Janome DC4030 SEWING machine! Now how cool is that?!"

Be sure to go to the bottom of this blog page to view their video. They are going to cover all aspects of quilting, sewing, machine embroidery, hand embroidery, crafts for kids...etc, etc.

It's too much to miss out on, so be sure to check out the website and remember to sign up for the Free Drawing for a Janome Embroidery Machine and/or Janome Sewing Machine both donated by Janome. Click on the DIY DISH button below to go directly to their site....Please come back and visit me again.

What's on your Design Wall - 2-1-10

2010-02-01T06:51:00.000-08:00

HAPPY FEBRUARY

Yea....I found my design wall, it was behind all that stuff I had pinned on it like the large black widow I use for Halloween and pictures, old blocks I've made to try new ideas - Yes, it's still there but now I've got a corner cleaned off...LoL

My January UFO "Pink-All-Around" is not finished (sniff, sniff) . I fell behind because of my "fabric dilemma". I did order some material that I thought would be (another) a better replacement but...when the fabric arrived earlier this week, the polka dots (PDs) were twice the size of the PDs in the original fabric...they sure didn't look that big in the picture!

I'm going to pull out the 'first replacement' material and even though we are supposed to be working on UFO #7, I'd like to finish "Pink-All-Around" first.

UFO #7 is the quilt I cut out 4 years ago for my hubby. He calls it his "shroud" and just the other day made the comment "maybe you shouldn't put that one together, afraid when you do I'll die. After all, I've been calling it my 'shroud'. Actually, I started doing "Girls Night Out" at the LQS meeting the last Friday of each month and the "shroud" is my project for that. I'm going to note UFO "shroud" to is being worked on elsewhere and pick the next one.

As you can tell, by the picture, I did make up a few little hearts for a wall hanging, and decided to gift it to my sister, for Valentines. I've got some "sister sayings" and pulled one of those out to go with. I'm going to use my Bonnie-style 'bonus blocks' (in pic) in some fashion around the saying. I also need to fuse a piece of muslin to the back as the fabric is fairly thin. I've got backing ready too :D

I'd like to finish "Pink-All-Around" and the "Valentine Hearts" before starting on another UFO. These are small projects and hopefully I'll be able to finish them quickly.

With that said...this week is going to be catch-as-catch can, a very busy week! I'll only be home three days this week, going to visit my GS in Tempe and celebrate (albeit late) his 7th birthday! I do plan on taking my Featherweight with me hoping to sneak in a few minutes of sewing here and there .

I also (cringe) took a class this past Saturday (1-30) Crazy Hearts by Buggy Barn.

The blocks are cute as can be - wish I'd pulled more heart fabs. The instructor wrote black, white and red and I stayed "in the box" ... why'd I do that, LoL? Normally, I'm the one who is 'out of the box'. They go together pretty easily even though each block has 15 pieces. I posted a short note on An Appointed Time For Quilting with a few more pics ;)

To see what other quilters have on their Design Walls today, please visit Judy Laquidara’s blog, Patchwork Times.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Design Wall - 1-28-10

2010-01-28T14:31:00.000-08:00

I wasn't able to sew the last two days; however, I finished the little heart blocks this morning, and they're actually on the Design Wall :D

Not exactly sure what I will do with them, but I have a panel of "sister sayings" and since I only made 3 blocks I thought one of those 'sayings' with a tiny heart under or beside the wording would be cute for the 4th block....need to do a visual though... small wall-hanging for my sister.

The nice part is when I finished the blocks I had 'bonus' blocks; extra half-square blocks measuring 3" and 1.5". I was so proud of myself for remembering to follow Bonnie Hunter's hint :D

Design Wall Monday 1-25-10

2010-01-24T23:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday All!

Sad to say I don't have anything new on my wall. But by this afternoon there will be...I cut fabric for three 6" heart blocks, this evening. I plan on putting those together first thing Monday morning. Eyes are too tired to try tonight, but it's a super easy pattern; they're gifts.

Remember my lucky polka-dot find last week? That fabric is as close as I am going to get. I made a call to a LQS The Quilt Basket and spoke with lovely Mary. I told her what I wanted and then sent a picture, within 5 minutes she called and said she had good and bad news..."bad news was there aren't two more fats but the good news was there was 1 more fat. I can do do what I need with two, so that was definitely good news!

Modern technology is wonderful - just think before e-mail and digital pictures we might have spent quite a while explaining just which pink we wanted...it's in the 4th drawer on the right in the bin just as you walk in the shop and it was in the, ummm- I don't remember which row, maybe it was the 3rd drawer..."...LOL

Because of what I am considering Good Fortune I plan on pulling "Pink All Around"...UFO #4 out and work toward completions...baring no more miscut material or mis-sewn seems. I have to re-make the one block, taking out the 'mis-sewn' piece and replace it with a 'good piece' from one of the other two unsewn blocks. I will make the last two blocks alternate in the pattern (quick thinking, huh?). It's a tabletopper, it will work out okay, and I could actually finish by the end of the week!

"It could happen...LoL"

To see what other quilters are working on, check out the link box on Judy's blog.

Block is Finished ... Yeah!

2010-01-19T16:10:00.000-08:00

I finished...yeah...this was a new to me block pattern.

It's not perfect and I have to admit when I picked out the pattern, Arizona #2 from Quilter's Cache, I was so excited and then it dawned on me, as I was making this block, I've never really worked with many half-square triangle blocks; thus, this block was a learning block and a challenge for me.

I think it turned out pretty good. I showed my DH who said he liked it and I did a great job on it, as I went to show him my 'mistakes' ...he backed his chair up and said .."do not show me the mistakes I think the block is very pretty, I don't see any mistakes". Now you know why I love him so!

I Learned Something New Today

2010-01-19T12:47:00.000-08:00

Oh yes...the smell from the kitchen is wonderful! Three loaves of banana bread ...DONE....going to be yummy my tummy :D

While the bread was baking I was working on the Arizona 2 block for an on-line group BOM. I realized (on the 1st block) my center point was not lining up properly. To accommodate for that I simply pressed one seam toward the dark fabric and the other toward the light fabric, that way I was able to 'nestle' the two. See how nice the points came out...I think they're perfect!!

I also found (for this block) if I press the seams open the strip lies flatter (bottom pic).

I feel so good when I learn something new!! All-in-all, it's a good day and it's not over yet...woohoo!!

Design Wall Monday 1-18-10

2010-01-18T06:43:00.000-08:00

My design wall still isn't up ... but here's my cutting table.

I temporarily have shelved "Pink All Around" after several issues & problems. I was, however, able to find some material that "is close" in value to the polka dots I was using - now to decide whether to take apart two blocks down to the polka dots or leave two with the 'original' polka dots and make two with the 'new' polka dots ... decisions, decisions!

Because of all my "issues" I decided to stick to something easy ... :D I decided to work on a BOM. I had cut, sewn and pieced one color then decided it wasn't really what I (thought) I was looking for...I didn't like the color combination I had chosen - so I put those 20 half-square's in the orphan box and cut new fabric. I really like the new combination much better . I should have the block finished up by day's end!

I also did an "Experiment" of my own - silly, but I did anyway. I wanted to see if using 'guides' vs. marking vs. tube (using Wondercut ruler) really made any difference in the final half-square triangles...I'm not sure there's one bit of difference, except to say using the tube is definitely faster and I like faster....

Which block do you prefer blue or mustard (not sure what to call this color) ? You have until day's end to let me know. I'll check back later to see if anyone makes comments.

Here's the block I'm making Arizona 2 from Quilter's Cache

Mixed UP and Jumbled

2010-01-15T10:05:00.000-08:00

Around 11 PM last night, a lightbulb went off in my head !! I've been trying to figure out how to make two pages in Blogger ~ while re-reading the blooger tutorial I realized I can't make two separate pages. I must make two separate blogs...and then I said DUH!!

So, I posted the articles for "What's on Your Design Wall" to a separate post...the one you are reading right now!

In doing so, however, I mixed up the posts a bit. I'm going to go back and see if I can't back-date them so hopefully they will end up in the right order. Now, I can get back to business of sewing blocks...the house will wait. I am doing laundry in-between .

What's on your Design Wall - Update

2010-01-14T22:08:00.000-08:00

Well this went from bad to worse...if you can believe it! I thought I had all pieces cut and then lo-and-behold I realized I was one set short. Now that isn't too bad considering I had enough material for everything ... BUT....the polka-dot material.

So, says I to myself, I can fix this! Just cut another template 1/4" smaller (all sides) and that should do me.... I was able to salvage a couple of small pieces that barely fit which was a good thing, yes? Accordingly, the seam was sewn so close but I continued onward, LoL and pinned and prayed.

It worked but since I had to make four 'smaller' pieces I decided to divide them up among the 3 total remaining blocks, which left one block with two pieces which I sewed on last night. Yeah!!!

I got up this morning and proceeded to feel good about my accomplishment only to realize, as I put the last piece on the PP that one of the 'smaller' pieces was going the wrong way - it's the one in the picture below, note the direction of the point - now, why did I not see that until just now! I'll have to frog 2 pieces, which have been trimmed, and re-do! At that point, I must say I shook my head and decided that this UFO was going to be shelved for a while longer. I just can't seem to get past the road blocks, so I'll take the road block out of my way.

The BOM:
I put together my 1/2 sq. triangles and found I was 3 squares short...do you think you know where this is going?

I did, however, put my blocks side-by-side and decided I didn't really like the color combination I had chosen so it wasn't a lost cause after all ... I made Lemonade!

Progress & Keeping Fingers Crossed

2010-01-12T22:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a pic of my small seam...got both on but there's not much room for the next piece so the seam there will be even smaller....I can do it, I can, I can (I've got my fingers crossed...LOL) !!!

I believe !!!

2010-01-12T17:29:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know Monday has passed but I'm still struggling a bit over here so until I get this one figured out, it's Monday...LOL

I cut the template and albeit it's smaller with a little push here and tiny tug there .. I got 1 on...LOL I know just one? But, here's the deal it took a bit of time to get it just right and by the hair on my chiny-chin-chin it will work. I took pictures and it's ever sooo close!

I have decided, however, that I am going to put 1 of each of these pieces in the rest of the blocks. I believe it would try my patience to try and fit all four of them on one block. Since I only have 3 blocks to finish (clearing throat) I'll have to put 2 pieces in 1 block, making sure they are on opposite sides.

Okay back to the humming of my Featherweight ...more to follow.

Template Re-do

2010-01-12T12:19:00.000-08:00

I've gone ahead and made up a new "smaller" template and am crossing my fingers this works....

Hopefully, I've been successful. I am now able to fit 4 more pieces on the 2 small pieces of fabric I had put in my scrap bin. The pattern piece that is horizontal is the 'original' .. see how big it is relative to what I actually need....there's that extra material I thought I had...LOL

I think I can, I think I can ... Wish me LUCK!!

Another setback or is it an opportunity?

2010-01-11T09:19:00.000-08:00

I got up this morning all ready to complete the PP blocks. I pulled out all the pieces (yes, I put things away when I'm done for the day) and lo-and-behold...I didn't cut enough of one fabric and guess what ....?? I don't have enough material to finish!!

I don't truly believe in tarot cards and horoscopes but there are days when the message seems to fit the current situation, perfectly. With that said, my tarot horoscope for today says I am to have a good day...LOL

Keywords: victory, (material) success, mastery, graduation, completion
Description: The Chariot symbolizes enthusiasm, competitiveness, and triumph.
Success and victory are achieved by employing all powers at his disposal, physical, spiritual, and intellectual. The positive sides of the self, being strong and self-controlled, balancing conflicting emotions, triumphing over obstacles, and sustaining an effort, support attaining goals, thereby leading the way to transformation and self-knowledge.

I'm hoping to triumph over this obstacle (as the tarot card said) by trying to use the small piece of the one material I'm short on, cut it smaller than the PP pattern leaving just 1/4" on each side and see if that will work for me. If not, then I guess I'll have to find another 'pink' in my limited pink stash, finish up the 3 blocks I have started and make one more velum to get 4 blocks. That's my obstacle for the day. I'll let you know if I succeed!

I guess I was most amazed by the fact that I didn't have enough material. I'm a give-me-a-yard girl, usually I get 2 yards...so what happened ???

What's on your Design Wall?

2010-01-10T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone,

It's Monday morning and I am hoping that this post will start a new page - I am dedicating one separate page for DESIGN WALL MONDAY @ Judy's website "Patchwork Times". It's a wonderful site, great owner and a great way to catch up on those UFOs that somehow got away from us (we all do it...LOL).

I worked on "Pink-All-Around" this weekend. I don't have my design wall up yet as I am testing the Block Butler to be sure it will, in fact, stay up on my walls since they are texturized. However, I did want to post WHAT NOT TO DO!

I was just chugging along on Sunday without a care in the world, happy as a clam to be sewing. While trimming up guess what I did.....and then I felt defeated - actually was more upset with myself than anything! Always, always be sure to check what should be cut and what not to cut...LOL Lesson Learned!

So, I put that aside and worked on a single BOM block for an on-line group and made mistakes. I think my mind must have been in a 'fuddle' because, as you can see, I'm going frogging this morning...Grrrr

At this point, I stopped -- had to was afraid of what might happen next...LOL