Cobblestones and Cartwheels

I just love Kim Diehl's designs and I get to make this quilt, Cobblestones and Cartwheels for the store. I am making the quilt a little longer so it will do for a bed. The original size is 72 1/2" square. It has been a lot of fun to sew the cartwheel blocks this weekend. I have 9 out of 18, so I'm halfway there with these blocks...

These are the cartwheel blocks that are completed. I love the scrappiness of it all and that is why I'm so drawn to Kim Diehl's designs. I have to say I have really enjoyed working on this!

Pee Pee Teepees

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To finish off this baby gift, last night I went home and made 2 peepee teepees. For those of you who have not been exposed to this, they are a little flannel cone that you use with your baby boys to keep them from spraying all over when you change their diaper. Found the tutorial over on Little Birdie Secrets here. Quick and easy to make and hopefully useful!!

Baby Essentials...

I have had this pattern for some time and have not made it up until now. Boy do I wish they had these when my babies were small...the gal who designed the pattern stated that you could make several in one hour. It took me a few hours to make one...there is binding on the changing pad and also on the clutch itself and then you quilt the clutch as well as the changing pad. Fun project.

Pattern by: All My Bags & Quilts Too!

This is a picture of the clutch closed...

A peek inside the clutch--pockets to hold the wipes, diapers and changing pad...

Here is a photo of the finished baby bear afghan. Some lucky baby will hopefully enjoy these. I personally am not a fan of the bows, however, it helps outline the bears.

Old is New Again...

Yesterday, Curtis and I had a lunch date. After having some Chinese food, Curtis took me to an antique store. I scored on some fun antique linens. Check out this beautiful cross-stitched table cloth as well as two pillowcases and a fun table runner featuring strawberries.

A close up of the embroidery. I thought it was a fun and refreshing embroidery technique that I would like to try out. I may repurpose this runner into something fun...haven't decided yet.

Another shot of the linens.

I just adore beautiful things and while they still have some life in them, I'll use and enjoy them.

For My Valentine...

Happy Valentines day!! This is a valentine that I made my sweetie...A collage of everything I loved about him. This was really fun to do and I got the idea off the TipJunkie.

Turning 50...

I have the priviledge of working with a wonderful friend that I grew up with. My friend turned 50 yesterday. We had a great time. This is my gag gift for those turning 50...the voodoo doll laden with symptoms of old age on the front and back.

This idea was not mine, I revised it. My mom was given one of these years ago and I adapted it and have made them and while making them, giggled the whole way through the construction process. Should you want to make one for that someone special turning "50", cut out the doll shape, then stabilizedthe muslin by ironing it to freezer paper, then write the wording on it with a permanent fine tip marker and then sew, stuff and adorn. Don't forget to applique the heart on and fill it with pins. Lots of fun--and stick it with a pin when you experience one of those ailments.

Heart Pocket Valentines

Check out these adorable valentines that are hearts with pockets. The possibilities are endless as far as the fun little things that can be put in them. I made these up Saturday afternoon and they were way easy and fun. I got the kit off of Sweetwater's etsy site. These hearts also feature their fabric line, which I happen to love to pieces.

Hearts and More Hearts...

Bought this pattern a couple of years ago...loved it...

Bought this pattern recently...loved it..ever notice how you love something and when it is presented in slightly different fabrics or is tweaked somehow, we end up buying it again?

Finally made this...because I loved it. I love charm packs. It allows you to have the entire collection at an affordable price without selling your firstborn child...I love this collection...Pattern and fabric by Sandy Gervais by Moda. Easy, quick and fun!!

Patchwork Friends Quilt Guild

Tonight, we learned English paper piecing. This gorgeous quilt was mostly constructed in the early 30's when the girl was 17. It was later finished by a daughter-in-law and hand quilted.

Another example of English paper piecing on a small quilt.

Large scale English paper piecing--this is more my speed. Maybe I could get it done in this lifetime....
Show and share--cute little patriotic quilt...

a cherry delight quilt...

adorable whimsical flower quilt...

wall hanging all hand done and darling...

Eric Carle, The Hungry Catepillar (I'm sure I'm not spelling this right) for a little boy...

Buggy Barn crazy quilt which was awesomely machine quilted by Lisa as well...

Paper doll quilt for grandchildren...

Doll quilt for a grand child...

Backside of Hocuspocusville...an invitation to the witches party....

Front side of Hocuspocusville with log cabin blocks instead of 9 patches....truly gorgeous...

Stitched fabric note cards...so fun and practical--love them...a very productive evening with a lot of talented ladies...

Busy, busy, busy--lots of small projects...

This is my new project bag. It is made out of the heavy duty screening, (vinyl coated polyester) with a fabric top and zipper to enclose. Way fun to make and only took a little bit of time. Great pouch to put your needlework in or a good book, etc. Give it a try. You can get this screening at Home Depot on the roll. Make sure you get the vinyl coated polyester--not the fiberglass....

I made a Valentine quilt for the store last year and had a bunch of odds and ends left over that I really wanted to use up. I took the leftover panel designs and cut them into 5 1/2" for this mini quilt and 6" for the hotpads. I was able to use them up and now have more fabric recyled into fun projects. I added beads and sequins to the small circles on the heart for that glitzy look and did a simple backstitch with embroidery floss around the heart.

For the hotpads, I added an 1 1/2" border around the cutout and then layered batting and a prewashed dishtowel for the back. I then quilted and bound the hotpads. I make a lot of hotpads--they make great gifts and a great way to use up leftover batting and fabric. Give it a try sometime.