Creative Chicks

Upcoming Series

2012-01-30T05:35:00.010-06:00

We love KNITS!

In case you hadn't noticed.

Within the next couple of weeks (goal of mid-Feb.) we are going to start a T-shirt / Knit series. We'll be featuring some tips about sewing with knits (very similar to swimwear), along with some of our favorite styles or patterns. We'll try and give you some tricks and shortcuts that work great too. Our cousin Tiffany will be helping out with some posts. We're working on it as we speak, but we'd also like to know what questions, if any, you may have about sewing with knit fabrics.

If you have a question just leave us a comment on this post.
We'll try to incorporate as many as we can into our posts and the projects we're working on.

Here's some of the stuff that I'll be playing with, besides the bin of solids I have. Can't wait...

It's days like this that my husband thinks I've lost my mind...

2012-01-28T13:19:00.008-06:00

Towards the end of the year I was cleaning out my sewing closet when I came across my pile of batting scraps. Ugh! I'm not a mug rug, mini quilt swapping kinda gal, so what the heck am I'm going to do with all those small odd shaped pieces? Well, I knew... I'd done it before. Frankenbatting!

In a moment of pure craziness on my part I decided to use EVERYTHING in the pile. No skinny/small scrap left out! I wanted to see how big I could get it. I mean, have you noticed the price of Warm and Natural these days?! I must of saved myself at least 20 bucks! :)

Well, I got it big, alright! Big enough that I used it for this quilt. WooHoo!

But when I showed it to my husband he just shook his head. I'm sure he was thinking something along the lines of "Wow, look how resourceful my wife is!" rather than "This confirms that Emily has lost her marbles!" Either way I was happy to get rid of "the pile" that was taking up residence in my closet. It felt very satisfying!

The good news is, I don't use enough batting to necessitate making this but once a year. Thank heavens!! It's a bit tedious.

For the record: I don't butt the pieces side by side, but rather just overlap them a 1/2 inch or so. (easiest method for me!) I haven't ever experienced any negative effects from using this technique--no noticeable bulges in my quilts. But I wouldn't recommend using frankenbatting with a quilt that has an abundance of white/light colored fabrics. Then you might notice the seems. ...just my two cents!

Charitable Sewing

2012-01-26T10:57:00.004-06:00

Just an update:

I got a very nice email response from Rita regarding our "same" quilts. Just proves she is a class act and doesn't take herself too seriously. So refreshing!

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So, I've been doing some New Year's purging in my sewing room this week. It's been a flurry of activity as I chopped my way to a couple of charitable quilts tops.

I-Spy

I used my I-Spy squares from the swap Renae and I did for a little boy version. For some reason I think boys get the bum end of the deal when it comes to sewing/charitable giving.

Nothing But Blues

For this top I went through all my charm square scraps and pulled out the blues. I think it turned out cool! I may even have enough yellows in my stash to make a similar version later on.

My favorite part is the pocket square!

Pink/Purple Ballerina

I bought this ballerina fabric for some birthday party favors that never got made. Surely some little girl will love this one, right?

I am donating these to Margaret's Hope Chest in hopes that they can be used for their prison ministries program. I worthy cause, indeed!

This is the post where I look like a total thief

2012-01-24T14:27:00.002-06:00

I have been known to make literal copies of quilts I find beautiful. I'm not ashamed to admit I've done it more than once... Like here, here and here. I don't think that it's necessarily a bad thing, as long as you're not claiming it as your own idea. You know, give credit where credit is due.

Blushing Blocks

So, after I posted about some pink blocks I was making last year, I decided somewhere along the way to see if my other colors were as prolific as the pinks. Sure enough, I could make monochromatic blocks in each color of the rainbow. Cool! I could come up with something quilt-worthy with them, couldn't I? Since I am a slow, process kind of sewer the blocks have lingered on my design wall all this time.

Work in Progress

Fast forward to last week when I am browsing my favorite blogs and I come across this post. My reaction?! "Oh, Crap! When I post about my blocks/quilt everyone is going to think I'm a total HACKER thief!!"

So, I guess this post is my way of saying I swear I don't steal other people's ideas and claim them as my own!

Rita, if you're reading (which I'm sure you're not--I'll send you a nice little email instead) I know that you are way cooler and smarter than me. It just so happens that we came up with a similar looking quilt at about the same time. Go figure! By the way, I love your work!!

Sincerely,
Emily

P.S. Has this ever happened to anyone else before??? So weird!

A Finished Challenge Quilt {Pinkalicious}

2012-01-23T08:18:00.002-06:00

I finished up the first of my quilt club challenges over the holidays. And just like that, it has already been claimed by my 5yr old. She is a lover of all things pink so when she caught a glimpse of it during construction she attached herself to it real quick. That was fine by me as I had no real plans for it other than completion.

When I was laying the quilt out for a little picture taking she asked, "Can (my friend) and I lay on it while you take pictures?" I thought, why not?! So, they promptly got a book and started reading to each other without a care for what I was trying to do.

Isn't being 5 grand?!

For the back I just pieced together some large pink leftovers from my sheet collection.


Quilting Detail

And the quilting... I had no plan so I told my quilter she could do whatever.
Hearts on pink -- How could the girl not love it?

For the time being it is residing on her bed...

And she couldn't be happier to be surround by all that pink!

Sewing Group Preview

2012-01-20T07:35:00.000-06:00

For the past month or so I've been mulling this idea around in my head, trying to decide if I really want to put together a sewing class/group of sorts. There are ladies out there who want to learn to sew, or improve their skills, or just get away from their families for a couple hours and do something creative. They've told me. Or they've asked me sewing questions. So...I think I've come up with something that will work for a variety of sewing skill levels. And I have a group of about 8-10 women who are "in".

During my time spent meandering at the library I have found some great quilt books for inspiration and The Block Party--Modern Quilting Bee was one of them. Just about every quilt in there is something that I think you could have beginners do--because most are wonky blocks and therefore precise-ness of cutting, matching and sewing isn't really required. That's not to take anything away from the work these ladies did, but many beginners are so intimidated that I think that this will just be liberating for our group. Plus, I could a little more exercise in "wonkiness".

I decided that the quilt from Oh, Fransson!, the Wonky Stripes Block, would be the one we would try. (For whatever reason I couldn't find the quilt on her blog to refer you to it). One afternoon I turned to my scrap bin and sorted thru what I had to see what I could put together. It seemed that oranges, blues, and yellows were calling out to me and so I put together little packets for everyone with their scraps.

After that I decided to make a sample. I know for sure that one of the ladies coming is not a great visualizer. Thought this would help her out and anyone else. Made one....

Decided it was a little too straight forward and symmetrical so I made another one that was a bit more "wonky"...

I am getting excited about this and I hope the others will be too.

The only downside to this was I was hoping this activity would make more of dent in my scrap bin than it acutally did. Guess we'll have to keep playing and sewing.

Futile Exercise in Dressmaking

2012-01-17T09:46:00.005-06:00

Today I am going to report on a sewing failure (as I am waiting for the furnance guy to show up and determine why ours is not currently working--and its about 12 degrees outside--57 inside.)
Anyway, I'm positive we all have had at least one sewing failure.
We just don't talk about them.
Lots of times they can be fixed.
I've done it on many occasion with both my projects and others' projects.

This one...well, I couldn't come up with an acceptable solution that made me happy.
And this was a dress intended for me.

I tend to like to wear tailored type dresses.
So when I bought this pattern, McCall's 6434, I was pretty excited.

That model looks nice, don't you think?
Well, I can tell you that the dress I made looked nothing like the model above.

First problem:
I didn't read close enough. This is a PETITE pattern, not petite adjustable, but petite. There is a difference. Well, at 6'2" tall--petite I am not.
So that seam in the picture above that goes right under the bust (empire style) goes right across the front of my bustline. Goofy looking for sure. Granted I could cut a new bodice, I have more fabric, and lengthen it about 2" for me. But there are other problems.

Second:
I didn't care for how the armpit seams come together. 90 degree angles there. Not too comfy and a bit awkward to sew and then get your seams ironed out flat and nice.

Third:
And this is the big one. This dress was a TENT!!!
Granted the description of the dress does say "loose-fitting dress with raglan sleeves", however, that picture, doesn't show a loose-fitting dress in my book. Slightly fitted, yes, loose-fitting, no. I do prefer to see pattern pictures on a live body and not just an artist rendition drawing. I think they are more accurate. Not this time.

As I have recently remeasured myself so that I am making correct sizes for myself, I had to take the side seams in at least 3 inches on each side and it still didn't work the way I would've liked.

So after a bit of thought, trying to think of my options, or how I could adjust this and make it work, I've decided it isn't worth it and the pattern is going in my giveaway pile. I think I can salvage part of the fabric I used for the dress. And the other part will either be cut up for a quilt, used for my serger scrap, or just thrown in the trash.

Sometimes it just doesn't work.
And that's O.K.

Thankfully this lesson didn't cost me much.
$.99 for the pattern.
Linen fabric from the stash that has been there for years and I know I didn't pay more than $1/yd. for it.
So probably I am out $5.

Moving on to the next dress project for me.
Hopefully it will go much better than this one.

Friday's Fantastic Finds

2012-01-13T12:25:00.000-06:00

.....Or lucky Friday the 13th.

At one of my local thrift stores they have a 25% off card that you can sign up for and use every Friday. I don't go every week, but I go often. It seems like I haven't been in awhile since all the holiday stuff is over so I went this morning.

I was so happy with what I found.

Right outside their doors when I walked in was this Wingback Chair.

Pottery Barn has a seagrass wingback for $600.
You can buy slipcovers for wingbacks for $50 or more.

The chair was marked:

I had to do a double take on the tag.
Really, $1.99.
Which means with 25% off I paid $1.49.
Woohoo!

Yeah, the upholstery on this chair is disgustingly nasty stained. This was the side of the cushion that they didn't show when trying to sell it.

But seriously, $1.49!

The bones, legs, sturdiness of the chair are great. I'll just go buy some fabric to make my own slipcover for this one and the other wingback that I already have in my house that I grabbed off someone's curb last Fall when they were throwing it away. The upholstery on this one is much better. I just put it in the house after taking down the tree. My kids LOVE this chair and are already fighting over who gets to use it.

I also got a nice basket organizer for my kitchen and all the paper madness that drives me N.U.T.S!
$2.95

2 Queen size sheets for $2.99 each.

That top sheet looks pink in my "lovely" light, but it is tan. I have some quilting ideas for that one.

An 8 x 10 frame for my daughter's swim team pic. $1.43
That only needed a quick once over with some white spray paint that I already had.

And lastly a square red tin with lid that I'll use for some Christmas stuff/storing. $.74

Grand total this morning:

$13.50

Hope you all have a great weekend crafting or sewing or just plain doing nothing.

Skirted Leotard / Ice Skating Outfit

2012-01-09T21:06:00.002-06:00

This is an outfit that I made for display at my fabric store.
I made the pink version as per the instructions.....mostly. To be quite honest I can't remember the last time I've followed a pattern absolutely, completely, as indicated.

Kwik Sew 3774

I have used this pattern before for tankini tops for my daughters--blue version.

I must say that I don't love the contrasting band in white. However, when we picked this piece out at the fabric store there was nothing to match it. And the yellow and 3 different pinks I have in my swimsuit stash didn't match either--I tried, in various lights and they all looked nasty. I tried using the same fabric for the band, but that looked lame, in my opinion, too. So I figured we'd go with white.

Notes:

I cut off about 6 inches of strap once B. tried it on and we adjusted the length.
Lined the front and panty bottoms--the pattern doesn't call for any lining.
Used 1/2" elastic, because that is what I had available quick. Don't love that width for this, but it'll do.
There is no elastic anywhere in the straps, per the pattern--and for an ice skating outfit I think that will work just fine. If you were going to use this for a swimsuit, I'm not sure about them. They may sag a bit when they get wet. We'll have to return and report on that, because I think that B. is considering this style for a swimsuit this summer.

Once again she is not happy this is going on display before she gets to wear it. I would've had her pose down at the park at the ice rink, doing her thing, but we hit 50 degrees today--crazy weather for MN. I'm not sure the ice rink is even icy. Though the forecast is that the bottom will drop out on Wednesday and we'll back to our "normal" temps of about 20 degrees. I'll miss you unseasonably-warm-winter-up-to-this-point. You made me happy while you were here.

2011 Reflections and Confessions

2012-01-05T11:33:00.003-06:00

I love this time of year. Even though things really don't change from Dec. 31st to Jan.1st, the new year always feels refreshing. It brings about a sense of reflection, renewal, and re-evaluation; where I ask myself things like: What did I learn last year? What do I want to change about myself? How can I improve my life and that of my family? What new things do I want to try this year?

Looking back on 2011, I see a lot of growth and improvement in my life. I have learned quite a bit about myself and thought I'd share a little of my thoughts in regards to my crafting life.

**I learned that I don't actually hate borderless quilts like I once thought. This past year I made at least 7 quilts without borders. (Does sashing count as a border, 'cuz I don't think so...)

**Once upon a time I thought that people who didn't quilt their own quilts were cheating a bit. This year I figured out that the quilting was my least favorite part of the process and changed my tune completely! Now I am thoroughly convinced that quilters are quilters are quilters no matter who does the quilting. (If you want to call me a "piecer" go ahead, I can take it!) Besides, my life became a whole lot less stressed when I gave up the quilting duties to someone else. My family likes me more, too.

**2011 is the year I figured out who I was really sewing for: ME! I lost the desire to worry about what others were creating on-line. I still LOVE to check blogs and search for beautiful things (I spend way too much time doing that!), but I don't particularly feel the need (or pressure) to come up with the latest greatest thing. I make what I want (even if it's a copy of someone else's idea) because I love making things. I make stuff for people that I love and who I think will appreciate my hard work. No one really has to like it but me and recipient anyway, right?

**Another thing I figured out about myself is that I am not really into fabric "lines." Sorry, designers - I really do love your work!! But looking back, the only fabric lines I purchased in 2011 were the DS Quilts prints at JoAnn's and some Children at Play. Both of which I have yet to use. I guess this guarantees that no large bundles of free fabric will appear on my doorstep in 2012, huh?! I'm pretty sure this also means that Moda will not be asking me to be a bake shop designer anytime soon either, since I have yet to make a single thing from one line of fabric. Ever. I came close once...

**This year I also figured out that I don't really enjoy sewing/creating other people's ideas. As in, "Hey, Emily, I've got this great idea. Will you .... ?" I love to make people happy, and I love to sew, but I probably should've said "no" to more things than I did. I'm going to work on that for 2012. Besides, how does the saying go?... "Why should my sewing skills save you money?" ..or something like that.

**I probably should've done more charitable crafting in 2011. For some reason it was hard for me to "let go" of some of my quilts. In 2012 I will try to be less attached to every piece I make.

**And finally, I enjoy sewing from scraps way more than sewing from my stash. I kind of already knew this...but 2011 reaffirmed it! I love buying fabric, but sometimes I have a hard time deciding how to cut it up. If it's already a "scrap" then I don't have to decide. Wouldn't that then be considered rescuing it from the garbage as well?? Win, win!! :)

For 2012 I'm keeping my list pretty simple.
*Definitely one (maybe two!) scrap quilts for the year.
*A few "Solids Only" projects I've got brewing in my head
*Finish my Grandma Quilt
*And a bed quilt for me and the hubs

Emily's Finished Quilts 2011

2011-12-30T12:19:00.001-06:00

1. Funky Christmas Stars 2. Star Wars 3. Baby Bryce 4. Amazing Technicolor Dream Quilt

5. Scrap-Tastic 6. Sheets and Shirts 7. High School Tees 8. Mr. B

9. Vintage Stars 10. Harley Twins 11. Dan and Ashley's Wedding Quilt 12. Vintage Graduation

13. Little Pips 14. Fair and Square 15. Baby Jackson 16. Bubble Gum Zig Zag
17. (not pictured) Small Finish

Kids Art to Greeting Cards

2011-12-28T17:47:00.002-06:00

Does anyone else have a hard time figuring out gift ideas for their parents?!

This year I think I finally hit upon a fabulous idea for our mom!
She is an avid letter writer; as in the handwritten, slow mail variety.
So when I came up with this idea I was feeling pretty smitten with myself. :)

When the finished product arrived in the mail I was even more happy!
How can any grandma not like greeting cards made from her grandkid's drawings?!
It's genius, I tell you! :)

Here's what I did:
I took my kids' drawings from the art wall
Scanned them into my computer as a jpeg.img
Did a little editing in Picasa
Uploaded them to Shutterfly
And made them into blank greeting cards for her to use.

All of the pictures were originally 8 x 10 or larger,
but thankfully I didn't encounter any problems with distortion when they were printed.

I had them made on the 4 x 6 sized cards (I think they're actually bigger than that!) which will work perfectly for mom's letters!

In fact I am already thinking about a second series for her... maybe for Mother's Day.

P.S. For the record, Shutterfly has no idea who I am! I am just a girl trying to make beautiful things for myself and my family. I have used Shutterfly's services before (for photo books, address labels, and Christmas cards) and have been extremely happy with their products.

My own Grandma Quilt

2011-12-26T01:12:00.016-06:00

Our family is heading south this week to Nebraska to visit family. Can't wait to get out of town. One of the things I am taking with me to show off is my Grandma quilt. M.I.N.E. After all the other quilts I've made using Grandma's shirts (#s 1-3 and # 4), I finally got mine completed and couldn't be happier.

Based on this style, I put those HSTs to work and I L.O.V.E. how they turned out.

I sent it to Emily's quilter and she did a beautiful job. Thank you, Lynn!

It really just makes me so happy.

Merry Christmas to me. I wrapped it up and put it under the tree, even though everyone in my family had already seen it.

Details:

Finished dimensions 57 inches by 67 inches.
Cut 1 1/2" strips of red/blue floral for inner border
Cut 2" strips of white for outer border
Thrifted striped chambray sheet for backing (about $3)

Binding made from the red/blue floral fabric Grandma had in her sewing room--the consensus is we think she had plans for it to make a new apron.

I Spy a pair of quilts

2011-12-22T06:39:00.010-06:00

Emily and I participated in a fabric swap with Sew in Peace the first part of October. This was the first time that I've done a fabric swap like this. It was SO MUCH FUN!!

I ended up with enough squares to make 2 1/2 "I Spy" quilts. It was great!
__________________________
Quilt #1
With part of the fabric squares I made a quilt for our 4 yr. old nephew for his Christmas present. (We draw family names).

Details:
5" cut blocks
9 blocks across
11 blocks down
3 borders--blue cut 2" strips, white cut 1 1/2" strips, orange cut 3" strips
Thrifted striped sheet for the backing (His favorite color is blue)
Blue from the stash for the binding.

One of the most fun parts for me is that we put together a laminated "I Spy" list for him and sent along with the quilt. That way he can have his mom and dad help him hunt for items.

My kids had fun too looking for different items to put on his list before we wrapped it up and sent it off.

__________________________

Quilt #2

which was more like "I Spy on the fly".

I had more than enough squares to make another quilt and decided my 6 yr. old son could use a bigger blanket than the one he currently loves. After doing 9 rows by 11 rows I added another row to make it slightly bigger.

He also informed me during this process that his favorite color is red. I was thinking of an orange backing at first. Red shouldn't surprise me too much since the only shirt he will wear to church is a red plaid button down. He has about 4 different red plaid shirts (all very similar looking) but it is the same one every week.

Anyway, I originally thought I would add a larger border on the top and work in the words "I Spy" to his quilt. I had found the book "Word Play Quilts" by Tonya Ricucci at the library and thought that would be a fun idea to make his quilt a little different. I started doing it and then it just wasn't doing it for me. I had already attached part of the border and even though I had enough fabric to make a larger one, laziness and a bit of a time crunch set it in and so I didn't pick it off and just added the wider border at each end. I wanted to make sure the quilt would be long enough for more than 5 minutes of a growth spurt.

I love the back with the strips inserted--love those pyschedelic frogs.

He also is getting an "I Spy" list to hunt for objects.

Details:

5" cut squares

10 rows across

11 rows down

3" cut orange border

3" cut red border

6"cut top and bottom red polka dot border.

Red plaid thrifted sheet for backing and binding.

Harley Twins

2011-12-19T07:57:00.002-06:00

My brother-in-law is a Harley guy. He's owned one since 1989, or so.

Over the years he's been on countless H.O.G. rides, visited lots of places, and collected many souvenir t-shirts along the way.

Last year he asked me if I would take all his shirts (he had somewhere in the range of 45!) and turn them into a quilt (or two...). I agreed on the condition that there was no real time limit for completion. So, after letting them stew for most of the year, I am happy to show you the finished quilts (with some quick/not-so-pretty pix)!

Quilt #1 is made with the shirts from most of his rides.

Quilt #2 is made up of his international shirt collection and various others.

It's must be written somewhere in the laws of Harley ownership, that you can't be a "real" rider/owner without visiting Sturgis at least once in your life.

Here is his ownership certificate... :)

The Beloved Sturgis Shirt

I found these awesome sheet sets to use as the backing fabric (though I had to add the borders)!! Seriously worth the money for a project like this. I think he will love that little touch.

Details:

Both quilts are generous twin sized at 75" by 90".

P.S. My husband earned serious bonus points during this project by ironing the pellon on ALL the shirts for me!!! It was a huge help, for sure. He's a keeper! :)

i made a pillow

2011-12-14T09:52:00.001-06:00

Linking up to Fabric Tuesday at Quilt Story

Self Portraits Quilt

2011-12-09T15:10:00.004-06:00

On Monday we're delivering this quilt to my daughter's 3rd grade teacher.
She knows it is coming--it was somewhat of a commissioned project.
She plans to hang it, as art, in her classroom near her "peace table".
I think she will be more than happy with it.

I know I am pleased with how it turned out.
(These pics don't do it justice, but the lighting in my house stinks and it was all of 7 degrees outside when we took these.)

A big thanks to all the families who contributed so that I could have Emily's quilter quilt it for us. She did a fantastic job and included some stars into the stitching (to match the starfish backing). Much better quilting than I could've done.

Details:

Finished dimensions 63" square

Cut 3" sashing/border pieces

Cut 10" blocks for the portraits

Thrifted striped sheet for the binding

This shows the colors much better.

I can't wait 'til Monday. B. asked me if she could use the quilt until then. Hmmm.....maybe one time while watching T.V.

You can go here to get a little bit more info on the quilt and how it all came about.

I'm also including this quote/poem from Loren Eiseley

While wandering a deserted beach at dawn, stagnant in my work, I saw a man in the distance bending and throwing as he walked the endless stretch toward me. As he came near, I could see that he was throwing starfish, abandoned on the sand by the tide, back into the sea. When he was close enough I asked him why he was working so hard at this strange task. He said that the sun would dry the starfish and they would die. I said to him that I thought he was foolish. There were thousands of starfish on miles and miles of beach. One man alone could never make a difference. He smiled as he picked up the next starfish. Hurling it far into the sea he said, "It makes a difference for this one." I abandoned my writing and spent the morning throwing starfish.

linking up to Fabric Tuesday

Quilt Club Gifts

2011-12-06T14:28:00.013-06:00

Today is my quilt club. My favorite day of every month!

For December we do a little gift exchange.

I was having a hard time deciding what to do/buy until Leslie suggested fabric. Duh!
So, I raided my stash made each of them a charm square packs.

I didn't want to scare them with my usual color pallet so I went with black and whites.
I figured no one would be too put off with that combo! :)

And who knows. maybe it'll be the start of another challenge! (like this and this)

Recycling T-Shirts

2011-12-05T09:28:00.000-06:00

I've been wanting to recycle our old t-shirts into something useful for awhile now.

Here's what I've rescued from the giveaway pile thus far...

Of course I'm thinking a quilt.

Haven't decided if I'm going to use ALL the colors in the stack above, or do some editing.

What do you think?

I'm starting after the first of the year.

Anyone else want to join me?

If so, start raiding your closets!

Tree Pants

2011-11-30T10:41:00.006-06:00

After having the same green velvet Christmas tree skirt that I've had for I don't remember how many years, I decided I'd like a new one. I found this pattern for tree "pants" (square not round) back in October, but didn't make it until a week or so ago sometime. (At this time of year time just all blends together with school activities and other projects.)

Very easy pattern and very fun.
I sort of did a combo of the Red/White version with some scrappy fabric that I already had.

I wish I had had more of this print. I think I would've used it for all of the stars had there been enough. Instead I did plain red solid, green on green print, and the multi-print for the stars.

My kids were very excited to put it around the Christmas tree when we got out all the decorations and got serious about the holidays.

Now on to pajama bottoms.....

A Scrap-Tastic Finish

2011-11-28T13:52:00.003-06:00

Got my Scrap-Tastic quilt back from the quilter last week. Yay!

Thanks to the long weekend I was able to spend some quality time with the fam watching movies and working on hand stitching the binding. Love when I can combine my sewing time with family time. Makes me feel less guilty about my hobby, ya know?!

My girls were pretty funny, though. They kept asking when I was going to be done... Like it was a speedy process or something. At one point the youngest plopped herself right next to me, legs on top of my lap, all the while pulling the blanket closer to her chin the more I'd sew.

The minute the last stitch was put in my older daughter jumped up from the couch and said "I want to use it!". She promptly took it back to her spot on the couch and curled up for the rest of the afternoon.

So here it is in all it's crazy scrappy glory!

I should've named it "Everything But The Kitchen Sink" because there is seriously every kind of fabric in it--the good, the bad, and the extremely ugly! Even some squares from a bloggy friend. (Thanks anonymous friend!)

I love it in all it's craziness!!

For the back I chose to use solids.

There was SOOO much going on on the front that I thought the back needed to be less chaotic.

Here is a shot of the quilting detail.

Though it's a totally lousy, wrong color pic... you get the idea.

The circle part is around the turquiose squares on the front. Not my normal taste for quilting, but for some reason I'm liking it on this one. Who would've guessed...

Details:

Finished measurement 70" by 98"

Block directions from imagingermonkey here and here

Linking up to Finish It Up Friday @ Crazy Mom Quilts
and Fabric Tuesday @ Quilt Story

Shirtwaist Dress--Mock Ralph Lauren

2011-11-22T00:00:00.001-06:00

Here is a new dress I made myself after purging my closet a few weeks back.

Details:

Pattern Butterick 5600

View C with View A ruffle added

Fabric--Ralph Lauren chambray sheet from the Thrift store--about $4.00
Lengthened about 9 inches.

Super comfy.
Love all the topstitching.
And even though my style is usually more tailored I love the little ruffle.

Linking up to Quilt Story.

Mincemeat Cookies

2011-11-21T00:15:00.010-06:00

You know how as moms we disguise food so that our children will eat certain items--usually veggies. i.e. broccoli pureed and put into spaghetti sauce for example. This is our longest running family food secret to date. I'm sure of it.

Our youngest brother is turning 30 this week.
Mom, it's time to let Nate know the truth.
I think he can handle it.
He's married and has 2 kids.
He really is a big boy now.

For years, our Mom swore the remaining 5 of us siblings to secrecy about these cookies.
Nate loves them!
Probably one of his favs.
But she never told him what was in them.
She always called them "spice" cookies.
Well, it is true, there are spices in them.
But that's not all....

___________________________________
Mincemeat Cookies
Cream together:

3/4 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar

Add:

1 beaten egg

Sift together and then add to above:

2 1/2 c. sifted flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon

Add:

1/2 c. mincemeat
1/2 c. chopped nuts (optional) Oh how I wish I could put nuts in mine, but about half my family complain about them. Bummer!

Blend together thoroughly. Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet.
I also usually take a glass w/ flour on the bottom and flatten out the spoonful a bit so it ends up being more round, not mounded.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.

Let cool slightly then drizzle glaze over top of each cookie.

Glaze:

1 c. powdered sugar

2 tsp. melted butter

1 tsp. vanilla

2 Tbs. milk

___________________________________

Then watch your youngest brother eat them all up and smile to yourself because you know the truth.
Happy B-day Nate!

***And by the way, my kids know what's in them, and they LOVE them besides the fact they know what's in them...i.e. green tomatoes and raisins.

Kindergarten Handprint Quilt--Finished

2011-11-14T06:23:00.011-06:00

Let me just say that a little OCD can be a beautiful thing.
Remember when I started this quilt back the first part of November for my youngest's kindergarten class?

Here is the finish

Once I got the idea on how to put this quilt all together it just sort of ran away with me and I didn't want to work on any of my other projects. (And there are plenty of others...)

Thrifted striped sheet for the backing.

On opposing corners I had to make an additional 9 patch because there were only 22 kids.

C. kept telling me I needed to go get 2 more handprints, but I like how this worked out in the end.

Raided the stash for the binding fabric.

Love how it worked with the fabrics, and there was JUST enough

to piece together so that I didn't have to go buy anything else.

Later this week I'll go take a pic with all the kids and their teacher.

Details:

Cut 8" white blocks--22
Cut 3" squares for 9 patch blocks---26 blocks total using 236 - 3" squares.
6 blocks across and 8 down.
Added 3" cut strips for outside border in marbled blue.
Finished dimensions: 50 1/2 by 64 1/2 inches.

Linking up at Quilt Story.

Quilt Club Challenge Quilt #2

2011-11-11T08:39:00.000-06:00

While I'm off enjoying some much needed R & R with the hubs this weekend (yay!) I'll share with you my 2nd quilt club challenge quilt. It's a crazy one!

When I first showed Leslie what I was going to do she was like, "Whoa, That's one crazy quilt -- Like mad hatter crazy!" The name has stuck so I'm calling it The Mad Hatter.

The story behind it is similar to my other one. But this is the quilt club challenge from the previous year. The ladies were given a stack of florals (again, cut from one of the club members own stash). By the time I entered the group everyone had mostly gotten their quilts finished. I was given an "Oh, here's some floral squares for you!" stack of leftovers. Again, didn't love the fabrics, so they sat and sat while I figured what the heck I was going to do with them.

When I saw this...

Photo from Quilt Magazine 2010

I knew I'd found my inspiration!

It is a Kaffe Fassett quilt that graced the cover of Quilt Magazine in June/July 2010. While I am generally not a big fan of his (Sorry Kaffe lovers!) I knew my florals could take on this same look and be awesome in their ugliness.

I think my cheap-o, knock-off, quilt club challenge version is a pretty good one, don't you?

Green Tomato Mincemeat to Can

2011-11-09T06:20:00.000-06:00

With all the green tomatoes that I picked off my plants a week or so ago I went ahead and made up some mincemeat to can. Unfortunately it doesn't use up as many tomatoes as I'd like, but the rest of them I've put into paper bags to ripen them up and then can those just as tomatoes.

______________________
Green Tomato Mincemeat

6 c. chopped apples, seeded
4 c. chopped green tomatoes
5 c. raisins
3 c. sugar
1/2 c. vinegar or lemon juice
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. salt

Boil all together until cooked through (it will be brown).

I cooked mine about 1 hr.

Ladle into hot, clean jars.
Hot water bath for 25 minutes.

_______________________________
Notes:

This recipe makes 6 pints.
This time around I canned it in 1/2 pints because that is the amount I need for my Mincemeat cookie recipe. Thanks, Tiffany, for that heads up.
2x recipe need 1 - 5# bag of apples.
Raisins -- a 24 oz. bag = 4 1/2 c.

Quilt Club Challenge Quilt #1

2011-11-04T11:57:00.003-05:00

This quilt has a bit of a story behind it (...don't they all?).

At the beginning of summer one of the ladies in my quilt club came to club with bags of fabric for everyone! She had decided to get rid of a bunch of her stash and in so doing had made "quilt kits" for each of us. The catch was that all the bags were sealed in non-see through bags so that we had no idea what we were getting. She included instructions and all the fabric needed to make a generous sized top. We had to do the rest.

Over the course of these last few months the ladies have been bringing their finished tops (and even finished quilts!) to our monthly meetings. Last month I was feeling a wee bit guilty that I hadn't even thought about my kit yet. Mainly it's because the fabric is not exactly my taste. But I came home from club and decided that I needed to stop being a what-ever-you-want-to-call-it and get to work.

So here's a little peek at my finished top:

I got an array of pink's and red's in my bag. Again, not my favorite fabrics, but now that it's done I don't hate it. The pattern we all used is called Turning Twenty. It is super easy and and super fast to put together. I think it took me less than 2 hours to put together.

Here are some of the other tops from the ladies in my club. Again, no one had any idea what they were getting...

This one has sort of a stained glass look to it. Lots of pale blues and greens.

Cowboy/Denim: This one got quilted with loops and stars all over it. It looked really cute with the fabrics!

Frogs/Picnic/BBQ

(There were 2 more but I can't seem to find those pictures.)
Even after cutting up fabric for 11 quilt tops I'm not sure that it even made a dent in my friend's fabric stash. Can you relate? Irregardless of whether I like the fabrics or not, it's been a fun little project with the ladies. I've got one more challenge from them that I will show next week.

With all this "challenging" it's got me thinking. I should give the ladies some of my scraps and see what they come up with. That would be fun wouldn't it?! Maybe we could turn my strings into a wonky log cabin quilt. I wonder if they can do wonky? ...Humm

WIP Wednesday--Kindergarten Handprint Quilt

2011-11-02T07:18:00.013-05:00

I love it when your "no set plan for this quilt" comes together. Inspirationally...after less than 24 hours.

This is the first time for me to make a handprint quilt with kindergartners and I wasn't really sure what I would do as sashing or in between. I just knew that I had a lot of blue scraps that I would use so I made sure the paints were varying shades of blue for the handprints.

Originally I thought I would piece 3" squares as the sashing, or even cut them down to 1 1/2" strips and piece them. I played around with it a bit and then decided I didn't like that idea AND it would be way more work than I wanted to do.

I've also been working on the 9 patch blocks that the 5th grade class designed for their quilt when the thought came to me to make crazy 9 patch blocks in blues only to put between each handprint block. Brilliant!!!

After a few testers I decided this was the look I was after.

Notes:

Cut 8" blocks in white for the handprints. (22 kids in the class)
Use freezer paper on each handprint block to stabilize it.
Tape across one edge of the block to help the kids know where to write their names. This way the kids can't write into the area that will be sewn into the seam allowance. Do this before the handprint.

We painted the palm of the kids' hands for them and then helped them print it. They chose the color.
Make sure you have someone to help push their fingers and palms down as best you can to get a good print.
And another helper to be the handwasher.
Cut 3" squares for the 9 patch blocks. (26 - 9 patch blocks = 234 - 3" squares)
6 blocks across and 8 down.

I am really excited about this quilt. My little C. wants to know if he gets to keep it, but the plan is to auction it off to raise money for the kids' school. I may suggest a raffle on this particular quilt so I can put in too and then maybe win it back.

Hmmm....I'll have to think about that one.

Also linked up at Freshly Pieced

Costume

2011-10-30T15:59:00.033-05:00

I've been known to go all out for costumes in years past, but this year it's all I can do to keep myself afloat. So I'm opting for a good t-shirt joke instead.

I made a matching one for the hubs to wear with me to a Halloween party. His response was simply, "Oh, look, we're going to Sadie Hawkins."

Bats pattern here

Maple Syrup to Can

2011-10-28T01:21:00.000-05:00

One of the simplest things to can is Maple Syrup.
My family, i.e. kids, will have nothing to do with store bought syrup.
They absolutely refuse to eat it.
Actually they'd rather put homemade raspberry jam and powdered sugar or peanut butter, instead of syrup, on their pancakes if it really came down to it.

What I do to make maple syrup is also easy--I use Mapleine® Imitation Maple Flavor that you buy in a little blue and white box in the baking section of your grocery store. And just follow the recipe on the box.
______________________
Instant Syrup Recipe

(from the back of the box)

Pour 1 c. boiling water over 2 c. sugar.
Add 1/2 tsp. Mapleine® and stir.
Makes 2 1/4 c. syrup.

For canning:
Makes 7 qts.
12 c. boiling water
24 c. sugar (4 lb. sugar = approx. 8+ c. sugar)
6 tsp. Mapleine®
Get jars, lids and rings HOT in simmering pot of water.
Add HOT (almost boiling) syrup to HOT jars.
Wipe rim and add lid and ring and hand tighten.
Leave jars set out to cool and while they are cooling the lids will seal due to the heat.

NOTE:
Ball® Blue Book says 10 minutes hot water bath for their syrup recipes.

Doesn't that look pretty with the light shining thru it?

________________________
Thick Syrup Recipe
(from the back of the Mapleine® box)
2 Tbs. water
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. corn syrup
1/2 tsp. Mapleine®

Boil 2 min.
Thickens as it cools.
Makes 1 pint.
________________________

There is a recipe in the Ball Blue Book for Maple-Walnut Syrup that I wanted to try too.
I am a nut girl.
Any and all kinds of nuts.
Instead of using their recipe, which includes corn syrup, sugar, and real maple syrup, I just made the above simple maple syrup recipe and added 2 c. chopped walnuts per quart jar. (1/2 c. chopped walnuts per 1/2 pint). Then I did the hot water bath for 10 minutes.

It was delicious. The kids won't try it, but too bad for them. I'll just use it all myself. The only thing is next time I probably won't put in as many nuts as it calls for. I think I'd cut it down to 1 1/2 c. chopped nuts per quart jar.

I think we are also going to try from the Ball Blue Book their Praline Syrup. Corn syrup, brown sugar, water, pecan pieces and vanilla. Doesn't that sound delicious for an ice cream topping?

Both the above recipes are also found in the Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving.

It's going to freeze tonight...again...

2011-10-26T20:38:00.000-05:00

...and I've decided I'm done covering up my tomatoes. I cover them about 2 or 3 times before I decide that I'll just pick whatever I have left hanging on and figure out what to do with them.

I had a lot hanging on.
Now I get to figure out what to do with it all.
I did give some to my neighbor and she told me how she fries up her green tomatoes. I am so going to try that.
You can also use green tomatoes in the Tomatillo Green Salsa recipe.

Or you can make mincemeat using green tomatoes.
I am down to my last 2 jars, so I'm pretty sure I'll be doing some of this.
But not this week yet.
After Halloween and class parties are done.
Then I'll be up for some canning.

"Gearing" Up for Hunting Season

2011-10-20T08:46:00.000-05:00

Another kid is joining the ranks of hunting this year. I needed to make another blaze orange hat for the kid so they don't get mistaken for a deer themselves during rifle season. I bought some orange fleece last year some time with the intention of using it for hunting gear.

When I was in the mode of making these little fleece hats at the end of the summer I whipped up 2 of these hats also.

McCalls 9063--out of print.

One 16" piece of fleece (60 wide) will make 2 hats.

This is an easy pattern to make.

Since it is out of print I'll give you a basic tutorial:

Cut your piece of fleece 16" by 23 1/2" with the stretch going the direction of the 23 1/2" (around the head).

Fold in half lengthwise and sew up the side and across the top.

On right side of the hat, fold the top seam about 3" from edge.

Match the 2 folded edges together and stitch down about 1 inch--a little stitch in the ditch to hold it in place.

This is what the hat will now look like on the inside of the hat.

Take the 2 little end corner flaps, match them up in the center and tack down--sew thru all layers real quick.

This is what the top of the hat on the outside will look like when you complete those two parts.

Fold the hem up inside the cap 4" and either hand stitch or what I do is use the multi-zig-zag stitch to keep it in place while also giving it some stretch.

Then fold up the edge another couple inches and you're done.

This is not a snug fitting cap--there is a bit of bulk on top, but Z. loves this orange hat because it is #1 for hunting and #2 it also happens to be one of our HS colors--go Hawks!

Wreath Transformation

2011-10-17T10:11:00.003-05:00

I wanted to make the wreath from here and since I recently received some birthday money and a gift card to Jo-Ann's I decided to use it to buy supplies to make a fun Halloween wreath for us.

I started with this "lovely" wreath that I bought at the thrift store.

I bought it for the wreath form only I assure you. Although I must say that I feel a little bad about taking this wreath apart as some grandma put a lot of time, effort, pins and lace into making this.

Oh well....there were about 5 more similar to it at the thrift store.

Once I removed all the old embellishments it was transformed into this fun Halloween wreath.

I thought about hanging it outside, but was a little leery. I haven't ever had anything stolen while in our current home, but I've had other decorations stolen off our door while we were students at BYU. Nice! Even hanging in between the screen door and the front door wouldn't work as it would get smashed some.

In the end I decided to hang it on my "new" mirror (scrounged from the biannual city clean-up day) by my entry for just our family to enjoy. Excuse the pile of shoes. They really should be in that toy box on the left, but obviously we have issues with that.

To hang it I just used one of those 3M hook things and put it on top of the mirror. It is high enough that no one can see it, not even my 6' self. This way I didn't have to put a nail in my mirror.

Little "Hootie" is everyone's favorite part of the wreath--glad we found him.

We like him better than the crow and spider we were thinking about.

Details:

Wreath -- 12" form for $2.69 at thrift store

(cheaper than any of the floral wreaths or other wreath forms I found, even with a coupon, at Jo-Ann's or Michaels).

Tulle -- 4 spools of 25 yds. each for $2.99/spool

Ribbon -- 4 different spools 3 x $2.39 and 1 for $1.99 (you can get 3 good size ribbon roses out of 3-4 yds.)

Owl -- Michaels $2.99

Flowers -- Jo-Ann's clearance $2.39

Squiggly stick picks -- 4 at $.49 each

TOTAL: approx. $31

Grandma Quilt #4

2011-10-13T08:09:00.001-05:00

I should nickname this quilt the "Loaves and Fishes Quilt" because this is the result of making a 4th quilt after already using the fabric for 3 previous Grandma's Shirt Quilts. What was left to choose from was scraps of already scrap fabric--literally scraping the bottom of the scrap bag barrel.

Also, I hesitate to share all of the story behind this quilt, but let me just suffice it to say that this quilt was not in the grand scheme of the plan when Emily and I divided everything up and figured out how to use Grandma's shirts for 5 different quilts (3 aunts and one each for us) back in February. Fast forward a number of months and now we needed to come up with another one (#6), and this was after everything was pretty much cut apart, divided, and cut out.

Well, thank goodness for a minor miracle: there were enough scraps to cut 3" squares (albeit a few had to be pieced) and I found this quilt design from Oliver + S Moda that was perfect inspiration for less than ample amounts of fabric.

Voila!! the "Loaves and Fishes" quilt.

Details:

Finished measurements approx. 48" by 66"
Cut 3" squares
Sashed between and outside edges with 3" strips.
Thrifted multi-striped sheet for the backing
Cross hatch machine quilting
Machine binding from thrifted stash

______________________________________

This quilt is going to our cousin Doug, therefore, it needed to be a bit more on the manly side--even though he has 3 girls. So why is Doug getting it? Well, for a couple reasons: first of all his mother was the one aunt who didn't want a quilt (but then said he could have it), also he lived with Grandma for a number of years before he was married, and he is the first born grandson. So I guess that rank does have its privileges.

And really, there is no more fabric to be used....really....there isn't. So don't ask.

Class Quilts Preview

2011-10-11T01:59:00.025-05:00

Instead of waiting 'til the first of the year, I figured I better get a jump on the quilt project ideas that I have for the kids' classes. Last year I didn't do any class quilts because I had planned on getting all the blocks designed in February during the kids' class parties, and have them ready for the end of April auction. Well, it turns out they changed the auction date to February and I didn't know that until January and there was no way I could throw it together in time. Well, maybe I could have... had I ignored my family and everything else for an extended period of time. I wasn't willing to do that.

I'm ready for them this year: one each for Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 5th grade. For kindergarten we're going to do handprints (inspired by this quilt). The 3rd grade teacher wanted the kids to draw a pic of themselves (similar to this quilt). I'm excited to try out these new styles--at least new for me. And then the 5th graders can design their own 9 patch blocks, which is what I did 2 years ago with two of my kids' classes.

I started w/ 3rd grade and as always, working with kids is interesting. Only 10 of 24 were able to complete their drawing on the first day. I spent 1 hr. each for 3 mornings working with about 3 kids at a time. You could do it more quickly if you have LOTS of fabric markers.

Here's what you might expect when working with kids:

One giant meltdown because I wouldn't let this boy take home his fabric square, even when proclaiming "it is special to me" and he would do another one and bring it back. Uh....no!
Pic of boy morphing into Pokemon, even when I told him he could NOT draw that for this project.
Cyborg boy...see above. Ditto.
Pics that might inspire the phrase "less is more". Really girls, you don't need to fill in every blank space.
On the flip side, sometimes more would be better--there are a couple really sparse self-portraits.
"To each his own" as our mom would say.
Missing hands or feet because they were too busy drawing other important details.
Twins: i.e. some copying of each other like 2 boys with the same multi-colored hair and another set of girls with the same polka-dot background.

Other notes:

Fabric markers work better than Sharpies. Sharpies bleed some, but if you don't care, they are certainly cheaper than fabric markers.
Iron freezer paper onto the back of each block before the kids draw. That way it holds it all in place and makes it easier to draw.
Freezer paper can be reused again after you peel it off.
The kids think it is so cool to peel the freezer paper off themselves.
I took an individual pic of each kid with their block so they can have a memento themselves.
Once the quilt is all completed we'll take a group shot and I'll get copies again for all the kids.

Swaps

2011-10-10T13:25:00.002-05:00

Somehow I got caught up in some swapping madness and am doing three swaps right now! All three are totally different, but I thought it would be a fun way to trade, swap and use up stuff that has been hanging around my stash for too long. It's also a great way to freshen up my stash without breaking the bank.

So, how 'bout you? Wanna swap?

Here's the details:

I Spy Charm Square Swap

(photo from Sew in Peace)

Rules and Guidelines

Hurry! The deadline for mailing is Saturday Oct. 15th!

Vintage Sheet Fat Quarter Swap

Guidelines and Sign Up Instructions Here

You've gotta be quick for this one too! Deadline is also Oct. 15th!

Teal We Meet Again Swap

We are making wonky cross blocks in any combination of red, aqua, and white.

Guidelines Here

Mailing deadline is Oct. 29th.

Canning Turkey Broth

2011-10-07T09:09:00.006-05:00

Recently I cooked up a turkey that had been in the freezer for some time. It was delicious! One of the things I try and do when we have turkey is make sure that I can some turkey broth afterwards. It makes me a bit crazy to just throw away everything once we're done eating the turkey.

So here is what you do:

Dump all bones/carcass & any turkey leftover drippings into a large pot.
If you want to remove the fat then add some water and put it in the fridge overnight. The fat will rise and congeal a bit and you'll more easily be able to remove it and throw it away.

Add:

Some celery tops
An onion, peeled & quartered
A couple bay leaves
I also throw in the neck and giblets if I haven't cooked them up for stuffing, etc.

Add water to cover all and then maybe a bit more.
Bring to a boil and then cover and simmer for a couple hours until the remaining meat will fall off the bones.
Strain liquid into another pot.
Discard everything else. (You can go thru and pick out the meat and save it for something if you'd like)

Turkey broth MUST BE pressure canned.

10# pressure for 25 min. for quarts or 20 min. for pints. (adjust for altitude as needed)

I usually get at least 4 quarts of broth when I do this.

_________________________________________

Click HERE for the Ball recipe for Chicken Stock, and here for Beef Stock.
OR
You can find the recipes in The Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving
pg. 399 for Chicken Stock
pg. 400 for Beef Stock
pg. 401 for Vegetable Stock.

Someone please save me from myself!

2011-10-06T10:23:00.002-05:00

While in the throngs of my latest scrap quilt I got a wild hair and decided to do some organizing of my stash. I don't have a huge stash by any means, but at times it feels large and overwhelming. Mostly though, I needed to go through it, use up pieces I've had for awhile, cut up small/irregular pieces into usable sizes, and give away anything I don't intend to use. It made for a royal mess in my sewing room, but in the end I am so happy I did it. It should be an annual event I think...Kind of like purging your wardrobe.

Here's what I did: I started by cutting 5" charm squares, then I cut 2.5" squares, and then finally if there was anything left after that I cut it into string pieces. I know that may sound crazy to some of you, but I really love having organized scraps. It makes future projects so much easier when everything is pre-cut.

But the bad thing that came out of all that cutting/organizing, was that I decided on no less than 2 new quilts for myself. Seriously, have you seen my current WIP list on the sidebar? I do NOT need any or more new projects!

I'm thinking this charm square stack will be turned into a warm/cool quilt.
This one is my favorite so far.

(Does anyone else notice my lack of yellows and purples? Didn't know I was deficient in those colors...)

My overflowing string bin.

I'm definitely NOT doing another one of these anytime soon, but I'd like to turn them into something pretty. Maybe something like this or this.

Finally, my 2.5 inch squares. I used most of them up to finish my scrap-tastic quilt, but there are still some stragglers left. Can't believe I'm saying this, but I've started another 9 patch with them.

So many ideas, so little time...

Anyone else have this problem? Or is it just me?

Yours Truly,

Emily the Scrap Hoarder

P.S. Anyone else as excited as I am for the this book to be released?! I think it could be the answer to my problem! :)

Swim Team Swimsuit Pattern

2011-10-05T07:37:00.001-05:00

I've had this pattern for years. Kwik Sew 3153.

I bought it for the wrap and have never made the suit until just this past week. And why, you might ask, am I still making swimsuits in October in Minnesota? Well, it was 84 degrees here the other day, for the entire week. But my two oldest girls joined the HS swim team (7th thru 12th grade are all combined together) this year and the season doesn't end 'til the end of October. And when you're in chlorine every day it kind of does a number on your suits.

This suit is actually for my friend Andrea's 13 yr. old daughter, A., who is also on the swim team. She likes my suits better than Speedo's. Thank you, A.!

The pattern indicates to attach the straps straight back, but for swim team you need to never have to worry about your straps slipping off. So we attached them in the center so they sort of "V" on your back when you're wearing it.

A. looks great in this suit, if I do say so myself. (little smile)

We LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this color of green!

Glad I have more of it.

Notes:

This was pretty straight forward pattern and I really like it. It also has some potential to do some different looks--I've already been thinking about options with contrasting binding, 2-tone, etc.

The only change I made to this pattern here the first time around is that I did not make it hook in the back as indicated on the pattern. Swimmers don't want or like that. Instead I made that top back piece one continuous piece. I cut it on the fold, lining up the center line to the fold. It worked out perfectly.

I was worried that the high cut leg version would be TOO high a cut per the pic on the pattern, but for swimmers it is just great. No changes needed there.

Fully lined suit, definitely needed since the green fabric is a bit thinner than some of the others I use. But I fully line suits regardless once the girl gets to be about 10 yrs. old.

Boy Baby Quilts

2011-10-03T01:06:00.001-05:00

This is what happens when I'm stressed...either I obsessively sew or obsessively eat chocolate.
Sometimes both...but I'm really trying to avoid the chocolate.
It isn't easy.
But hey, some of my sewing projects are getting done.

Remember these thrift store fat quarters I found earlier this year. Well, I've been playing around with them lately and have made a couple baby quilts to donate to one of our local hospitals.

#1 This one was a practice in HSTs and maneuvering those around. I like how it turned out.

I ran out of the backing/binding fabric but luckily had a little leftover from the light blue to add a piece to the binding. Machine quilted in zig-zag pattern.

#2
This one was inspired by Charm Squares Baby Quilt Pattern from Oh, Fransson! using more fat quarters from the same bundle as above. I wanted to try this pattern out. I like it and will probably try another one. Or try a slightly bigger version. And I think I'll add a little sashing on the sides of this one too, just to make it slightly bigger.

Here is my little cauldron head helper.

You can see his head peeking out over the top edge of the quilt top.

Later in the day he sat in the cauldron and got stuck.

I had to help him get out of it.

Aren't little boys great!?

#3
Flannel Blocks

This one was made from flannel scraps (4 colors of blocks shown above) for the top and binding and then the same striped ticking that I had sent Emily and she used for her Vintage Stars Quilt binding.

#4
A Little Hang Ten

Just in time for Halloween. I really love the colors on this one. Marbled burnt orange on the back and the olive green plaid for the binding. Not so typical baby boy colors, but I love them anyway. It must be because I am an October baby myself.

Now I should get obsessive about some other projects that I have. Not sure I'll get there though, 'cuz sometimes a girl just needs to sew....and sew....and sew.

Fall Crafts for Kids

2011-09-30T14:33:00.000-05:00

Our leaf rubbings craft has been included in a DIY fall crafts for kids article on ivillage.com.
You can see all the great ideas here.

Pirate Costume

2011-09-29T04:11:00.002-05:00

Kwik Sew 3804

I made this pattern for my youngest son for Halloween--however, it first has to be displayed at my fabric store for a few weeks and then we'll get it just in the knick of time to wear for the big day.

I think that the coolest thing about this pattern is the hat.

Mr. C. wore this around A LOT for the couple days I was working on the rest of the costume and before I took it to the fabric store. He was thrilled and can't wait 'til Halloween.

Hubby has been requested to make a swashbuckling sword to complete the ensemble. Last one he made for son #1 who was a pirate a number of years ago was lost within the first 5-10 houses of trick-or-treating. Hope this one will survive the entire evening.

Scrap-Tastic

2011-09-27T10:25:00.002-05:00

35 Blocks and 1710 squares later...

I have a completed quilt top.

Linking up to WIP Wednesday

Vintage Stars Quilt

2011-09-20T09:44:00.002-05:00

This poor little quilt had been sitting in my UFO pile for months. The top was made in July 2010 with the help of the lovely ladies in my Bee Vintage Group.
But now it's finally Finished!! Yay!

Isn't it pretty?!
This is my first bee quilt, and though I had some issues to work through I will definitely do another bee in the future.

Renae found this beautiful blue bias striped sheet (say that 10 times fast...) for the binding. It was supposed to be for one of these quilts, but I stole it instead. :) The soft blue goes perfectly with the colors in the stars. The yellow gingham is a sheet I bought months ago, thinking I would use it for the back.

This quilt sat for so long while I figured out what I wanted to put on the back. I had a few options in my stash but nothing was perfect. Finally after I had resigned myself to using what I had, I found this striped sheet. In my mind it is perfect!

Now that I've decided to do a vintage room for my girls, I'm thinking this quilt will live out it's days hanging on their wall.

Sawtooth Star Tutorial (I made 8" blocks)
finished quilt measures 59" by 67"

Linked up to Sew Modern Monday

Canning Potatoes

2011-09-19T09:13:00.001-05:00

Even though they need to be pressure canned, and not hot water bath canned, potatoes are one of the easiest things to can. Recently I canned a couple batches to add to my pantry/storage items. Below are the basic directions for canning potatoes, per the Ball Blue Book.

POTATOES
Peel the potatoes.
Cut them up into pieces (put them into cold water w/ a little salt to keep from turning brown).
Add to jars with 1/2 tsp. salt per pint or 1 tsp. per quart.
Add boiling hot water.
Remove air bubbles.
Wipe rim.
Adjust 2 piece caps.
Put in pressure canner.
Can for 40 minutes at 10# pressure for quarts or 35 minutes for pints. (adjust pressure for your altitude)

________________________________________________
So then you ask, "What do I do with these?"
Well here are a couple ideas.

Add them to any soup including Emily's recipe for potato soup. Since they are already cooked, it will reduce your cooking time. Heat and serve.
Mash them up for mashed potatoes and heat. You may find that you like a certain variety of potatoes better than another as mashed.
Our cousin Tiffany uses her canned potatoes in any recipe requiring hash browns. She'll just cut them up a little smaller if need be.
Also, you can drain the water and then fry them up in a pan with a couple Tbs. butter as country style hash brown potatoes, adding a little onion, green bell pepper, scrambled egg, bacon or whatever you like and have it for breakfast.
Make a little poor man's dinner, as Tiffany calls it, with drained potatoes, cut up pieces of hotdog (or sausage), onion, bell pepper, etc. to make a little stir fry type meal.
Tiffany also has a yummy breakfast quiche that she uses her potatoes for all the time too. (She is anti-cold cereal at her house. Which I wish I could accomplish at mine.)

_______________________________________
I know that some people are a bit hesitant about pressure canning. I have to say that I almost exclusively use the pressure canner because #1: I have 2 of them, and #2: it is quicker than a hot water bath. Anything that can be hot water bathed can be pressure canned.

During my last batch of potatoes I had a jar break in the process. I can't say that I've seen this happen while using a hot water bath, but this is what happens to a jar when it breaks. And this is the worst thing that I've had happen to me while pressure canning.

The bottom of the jar just pops off. It is designed this way per my engineer Hubby.

The only way you find out a jar has broken is when you start to remove all your jars from the canner,

lift it out, and the contents plop out into your canner.

Bummer!

Don't be scared. If you can read and tell time, you can pressure can.

______________________________________

Notes:
The Ball Blue Book indicates that you need 2-3# of potatoes per quart. I have no idea how this would even be possible unless you are dicing the potatoes into teeny tiny pieces. I was trying to envision a 5# bag of potatoes fitting into 2 quart jars. I can NOT see how it would work, so I am assuming that it is a misprint in the book.

I bought 20# of potatoes and ended up with 17 qts. Last year our cousin Tiffany canned an entire 50# bag of potatoes and got 29 quarts worth. So I would plan on about 1 1/2 pounds per quart depending the size of your cubed potatoes.

Cost Analysis:
I paid $1.49 per 5# bag. (When it gets closer to Thanksgiving many times in this area you can get 5# bags for under $1)
20# for $5.98.
With 17 qts. that translates into 35 cents per quart!
I checked on canned potatoes at my grocery store and a 15 oz. can (1 pint) was on sale for 89 cents.
A quart would cost then $1.79....vs. 35 cents if you can them yourself...definitely much cheaper.

Step by step instructions on Pressure Canning from the Ball website.

Blushing

2011-09-15T11:09:00.003-05:00

I've been working on some monochromatic blocks.

Trying to use up all my pink squares while making more blocks for my scrap-tastic quilt.

Evidently I've got too much pink in my stash. Who knew?!

Not sure how it will end up... but I've got some ideas brewing for these blocks...

Aren't they lovely together?

I really love how well all the pinks work collectively.

Not all the fabrics are expensive designer prints, yet they flow rather nicely.

This concept of using anything and everything, putting seemingly random pieces together to make something beautiful really appeals to me (...if you haven't already noticed).

I especially love when I can raid my scrap bin to do it!

Let's Dance!

2011-09-12T08:24:00.005-05:00

Here's another little project I made "for display" at my fabric store.
Kwik Sew 3887

B. is so happy to have some leotards to use for gymnastics or dance or whatever else she decides. We don't officially take classes anywhere, but she puts on shows for us in the living room. She wasn't particularly thrilled to learn; however, they had to go to the fabric store first, especially when cousin S. would be getting hers sent to her and she could use them right away.

Actually Emily is saving them S.'s b-day in October.

Love this green print

Showing off...

she loves to rub it in that she is the only one in the family who can do the splits.

_________________________________________________

--Trivia info compliments of the Chronology game.

"In 1859, Jules Leotard, a French wire walker and trapeze artist,

began performing in his one piece, tight fitting garment.

It came to be known as the leotard."

So did the unitard get named after his little sister, Eunice?

Sorry, just kidding!

Easiest little fleece hat ever

2011-09-10T08:59:00.027-05:00

Wanting to get rid of a bunch of fleece scraps in my stash I borrowed this pattern from my friend Sarah. She had made these cute little hats for party favors for her daughter's b-day party back in January. B. L-O-V-E-S this hat and wears it all the time--even in Summer.

It worked out great to use up small scraps of fleece that weren't going to be good for much of anything else because of their size. These hats whip up in less than a half hour--for sure.

We embellished them with little crocheted flowers that L. had made using all her scrap cotton yarn. They turned out so cute.

Out of the scraps I was able to make 14 hats for our Church's local Self-Reliance Fair that is being held today. That should make a few little girls happy.

NOTES
Kwik Sew 3833
Pattern calls for only 1/4 yd. of fabric for this pattern.
You will probably be able to make 2 hats from that much fleece.

Peach Syrup

2011-09-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

This recipe is super easy -- No "real" canning involved!

One of the steps when canning your own peaches is peeling them before putting 'em in the jar. So this recipe is based on that idea. If you are using whole peaches, just remove the seed and cut the fruit into small pieces.

1. Put peelings (or peach chunks) in a pan and add water just to the level of peelings. Do not overfill.
2. Bring to a boil. Turn down heat and simmer for about 30-45 minutes. (Peelings and peaches will darken a bit and start to break down, giving you more liquid than peaches.) Longer simmer time = more flavor.
3. Strain out the peelings, making sure to keep all the liquid! (I use a fine metal strainer and strain it directly into a pitcher.)
4. Measure the liquid that remains after straining. Pour liquid back into the pan. Add sugar at a 2:1 ratio. (That's right, add twice as much sugar as liquid!) So if you have 1 quart of liquid, add 2 quarts sugar.
5. Simmer (stirring occasionally) until sugar is dissolved. It should be a bit thicker at this point, but know that peach syrup is notoriously thinner than other types of syrup.

6. When sugar is dissolved and syrup is hot, pour hot liquid into hot jars. Fill, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Add hot lid and ring. Set aside on counter to seal and cool.

We use this syrup as a special treat on pancakes/waffles. I usually can this in 1/2 pint jars so that I have a ready made gift for neighbors, friends, and co-workers during the holidays.

{Vintage Style} Bedroom Redo -- Bedding On the Cheap

2011-09-06T05:52:00.003-05:00

More progress on the girls' room.

This week it's bedding.

(Eventually I'll paint that nightstand...)

I found this yellow gingham bed skirt at one of my local thrift stores for $6. It was a full size so I had to modify it to fit my daughter's twin size bed. It was an afternoon project of unpicking the foot ruffle, shortening up the part that fits in between the mattresses, cutting the extra length off the ruffle, and reattaching. But definitely worth my time.

This beautiful top sheet I got for $4!! The lace was coming off a small section but a quick 5 minute fix and it was as good as new. The fitted sheet I bought for $2. It was super white and spotless. A set of sheets for $6 -- Sweet!!

For the other bed I already had a set of sheets that would work. During all my thrifting I came across a pink gingham king sized sheet for $4 that would work for the dust ruffle. I took the girls' old bed skirt, cut it apart, and made new sides. I was limited a bit by the length of the sheet so I did a pleat in the middle on each side rather than have a barely gathered ruffle. Straight stitching also meant that the whole project took me a short afternoon to complete.

Total: $16 for a set of sheets and 2 dust ruffles.

This post is part of an ongoing series of posts about my adventures in room redecorating. Follow along with me as I attempt to transform my girls' room into a vintage inspired beauty.

Ranger's Cloak

2011-09-05T07:05:00.002-05:00

This summer Z. has been getting into the Ranger's Apprentice series of books by John Flanagan, thanks to a recommendation from our cousin Annette and her Book Barn. He is currently on book #9. There is at least a #10, but not sure if there are any others after that. I'm so happy he is reading--these books all have about 300+ pages each.

Anyway, he has decided that this is what he wants to be for Halloween, along with his friend G. They've already made their weapons. Then it was time to move onto the cloak. Z. was very specific about the color, length, how it attaches, etc. So he helped me find the fabric and then let me know that he wanted to make it himself. Fine with me.

I set him up to cut it out, showed him how to pin it together and then got him sewing. This is a very forgiving pattern for beginners. No need for exact fittings, only 2 slight curves, etc.

Little brother asked me during the process when he could learn to sew too.
Yes!
He was looking pretty intent there while Z. was sewing.

Originally Z. wanted it to button at the closure, per the book's description, but then we found these cool buckles. That sealed the deal.

It turned out great and Z. is thrilled. G. came over a couple days later and tried it on. He is dying to get his too.

Fleeing the scene. It is an awesome cloak, if we do say so ourselves.

Details:

Fabric - 4 yds. panne velour for $8

Buckles - free in my stash (with 1 left for G. if he needs it for his cloak)

Pattern - Butterick 4319 view B

Who needs toys?!

2011-09-02T08:20:00.055-05:00

Lately my oldest son has been searching for and cutting up any cardboard boxes he can find
and then confiscating all my duct tape to craft some weapons, both by himself and with his friend.

They owe me....

Here's how you make your own weapons.

Trace out your pattern on the cardboard and make at least 3 copies.

Layer them together, reinforcing them in key spots with craft sticks.

Then you start covering them with duct tape.

And more tape....

And more tape....until it is completely covered and durable.

Then add a little black electrical tape for the handle and some other embellishments

and you end up with quite the aresenal of weapons.

Now little brother is getting in on the action.

Crafting his own little set of knives

Next on Z.'s project list: Cut out and sew a cloak so that he can be a character from the Ranger's Apprentice series of books. Think Medieval Warrior.

He's already got the weapons to go with the costume.

We'll post his sewing project next week.

{Vintage Style} Bedroom Redo -- Mini Bunting

2011-08-29T05:52:00.017-05:00

After making this quilt for our favorite babysitter and realizing how easily I could adapt it to my girl's yet-to-be-decorated bedroom I set out on a room redo. There is still lots to be done (including bed quilts) but it's coming together in small bits.

The first little project... a mini flag bunting to dress up their headboards.

I love their headboards, but I really love how awesome they look with these buntings!

Pure little girl goodness!

As you can imagine it was a simple project. I used one pkg of double fold bias tape for the two buntings. The flags are 5 1/2 inches across the top and 6 inches from the top to the point. Fabrics are various vintage/reclaimed sheets from my stash.

Total cost: About $4

This post is part of an ongoing series of posts about my adventures in room redecorating. Follow along with me as I attempt to transform my girls' room into a vintage inspired beauty.

A Wedding Quilt for Dan and Ashley

2011-08-26T10:56:00.018-05:00

Ashley is a friend of mine that I've known since she was young. Now she is all grown up and in love with Dan. A few weeks ago they got married! Yay! Can I just say that she was the most easy going bride I've ever seen. Besides being super chill at her own wedding, she absolutely didn't sweat the small stuff. Her main focus was becoming Dan's wife. The rest was merely icing on the cake for her. All brides should be that awesome.

When we were discussing ideas for a quilt she pretty much told me to do whatever. After she told me her colors I asked if she wanted to pick out fabrics with me. Her answer was "No, 'cuz I know whatever you choose will be great!" (See, super chill!)

My plan was to have the quilt be a siggy quilt that could be signed by friends and family at their 2 receptions, but after getting it done my husband said "that is way too pretty to let people sign!" I gave her the option to sign or not to sign. She chose no signing.

So here are some hastily taken pictures as I literally finished this up at the 11th hour.

I really liked the design. And super easy to make. You just need a huge stack of HST's and off you go. I just chose a bunch of fabrics from my stash and bought a few other pieces to tie them all together.

I had my quilter add their names, wedding date, location, and such around the border. You can't see it really in these pics but Ashley was pretty happy about that little touch.

Since I thought it was going to be signed there was no quilting on any of the white. I used a slightly higher loft batting so it came out super cozy. Perfect for newlyweds to curl up with.

The quilting gave an awesome texture to the back of the quilt as well.

Happy Couple!

Congrats Ashley and Dan! May you have a long and happy life together!

Find plenty of HST variations and inspiration on flickr.
Directions to make your own here.

Peach Salsa

2011-08-25T10:38:00.002-05:00

It's canning season again, which means we are all cutting/peeling/chopping and cooking like mad. This week we've been canning peaches. Peach Salsa is something new for us. We got the recipe from our Cousin Tiffany. Last year she got a bunch of free peaches that happened to be pretty beat up. Not good for canning, but great for salsa.

Peach Salsa
for Canning
(You may also eat this fresh)

6 lrg. Onions (red, white, yellow, or any combo) chopped
6 Red bell peppers chopped (or any color bell pepper)
6-7 Serrano peppers (or jalapenos)
2 Bunches of Cilantro chopped
8 quarts pitted, peeled & chopped Peaches
1/4 C. Salt
3 C. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 tsp. Garlic (chopped)
1 tsp. Black pepper
1/4 tsp. Oregano (ground)
1 tsp Cumin
3 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
3/4 C. Sugar (you may do more or less depending on sweetness)
1/2 C. Ultra gel (may use more if you want it thicker)
Mix everything together in large stockpot, bring to a boil.
Fill jars, hot water bath or steam can for 25 minutes.
Makes 21 pints. Enjoy!!!

Tiffany has done this recipe with a mix of peaches and tomatoes. This year she did a mix of apricots and tomatoes. Both she says are quite delicious!

There is another great recipe we've tried from the Ball Complete Guide to Home Canning Book. I can't give you the actual recipe because of a little thing called copyright, but you can find it on Pg. 215 under Peach Salsa. If you are looking to make a smaller batch this recipe yields only 4 pints.

Both the recipe above and the one from the book are great to eat straight out of the jar with chips, which for us is the true test of a good salsa. You can also use these type of salsa's to flavor pork/chicken dishes, add flavor to sandwiches, and use as a spread on burgers.

Berets for Fall

2011-08-23T07:57:00.001-05:00

I've made this beret pattern before, but just did it again recently using varigated yarn for my 2 oldest girls. I couldn't resist some pretty yarn I saw at Jo-Ann's and decided to try it out. (Sorry, but I can't remember what yarn I used and I threw away the tag.)

Used the Taos Beret Pattern found HERE.
Really easy and quick to knit.
My girls love berets and so do their friends.
M. told me that the orange beret suited her personality perfectly.
She's got that right.

**The only change you need to know about is that if you knit the larger version you need to place markers every 22 stitches, not 20.

What I should be working on....

2011-08-16T07:23:00.023-05:00

...finishing up a wedding dress alteration for Maggie.

Her dress is similar in style to the above picture. Mostly it just needed to be taken in, which I've already done. Now I just need to put it all back together again and add the bust shaping: i.e. some nice bra cups, since you can't wear one at all with this dress, not even strapless.

So here's what I've been doing instead:

Made baby swimsuits for a friend's shower coming up this weekend. Out of necessity I made the 1T size a 2 tone style (first time I've done it on a baby suit) because I didn't have enough of the stripe piece. Finished off the neon pink tie dye fabric too. (I have a little girl tie dye suit on sale at my shop--currently 25% off entire purchase thru end of Aug. Code 25OFFSALE)

Yoga pants for daughter #2, and to display at my fabric store.

Kwik Sew 3835
Easy easy to sew.
Comfiest pants ever according to M.
I plan on making me a pair too--in the hopes I'll work out more if I have stylish workout wear.

Tee for #5 who is starting kindergarten this Fall. (Woohoo!!)
This is the leftover knit fabric from the yoga pants.

Simplicity 5976--raglan sleeve tees and bermuda shorts
His wardrobe needs some serious help for school.
I really don't want him going to school looking like an orphan child.
It'll probably happen anyway, as he is a picky boy when it comes to clothes.

Bought some more fabric at the thrift store.
Grey/black suiting (4yds. 60" wide for $3) for slacks and maybe a new black dress.

Love this green sweater material (2 yds. for $3) which I was hoping would be enough to make a short sleeve easy sweater dress. Not sure now. After washing it it did shrink a bit (there seems to be a bit of wool in it), so I might just have to make myself a pretty sweater skirt, or a short sleeve turtleneck. Can't decide just yet. But I LOVE the color! so I'll figure it out.

This week my goal is to finish the wedding dress--no more excuses--and really they are paying me to fix it. I should be more excited about getting it done than I actually am. Can you tell that alterations, even though I can do them, are not my favorite?

New Look Travel Dress

2011-08-14T15:29:00.004-05:00

I think I bought this pattern a year ago Spring but just hadn't put it together yet. I had sort of put myself on a no new fabric shopping diet. I have this great store where I usually find all my awesome knits (it's where I get all my swimsuit fabric too) but I just hadn't gone much because I couldn't take the pressure of looking at all those pretty fabrics and then not buying anything. Better to just avoid the "evil" all together.

But then earlier in the year I really needed a new dress. O.K. "need" is used loosely, but my wardrobe has been bugging me immensely. I ended up using some cool navy fabric from my stash last minute. Great textured knit fabric--the kind you can wad on the floor and leave for days and then there isn't a wrinkle in sight when you pick it up days later to wear it. LOVE that! Perfect dress to take when traveling--just shove it in the suitcase and go.

(besides the texture of the fabric the picture above also shows the front detail at the bust)

New Look 6802

My changes:
View B sleeves with view C bodice.
Lengthened the pattern, as usual, about 9 inches to the hem. I wanted it a bit longer than just at the knee.
Adjusted the neckline to be higher and scooped instead of V-neck.

This is a super easy dress with some nice details. No zipper, just pull it over your head. I wore it first in January in Arizona for our Grandmother's funeral. So comfy and easy to wear for long periods of time. Paired it with my favorite red slingbacks and I love, love, love this dress!

Here is I am at the cemetery with our dad in January--photo courtesy of Leslie

Grandma's Shirts x 3

2011-08-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

Somewhere in all the whirlwind of grandma's funeral and seeing all the relatives I volunteered to make whomever wanted a quilt out of grandma's shirts. Three of our four aunts said they would like one. So after I got back home and realized what I'd just committed myself to I ~~begged~~ recruited Renae to help me. She is a crazy fast sewer so I knew she'd ~~save my hiney~~ help me big time.

I deconstructed all the shirts and sent Renae a stack of fabric and some already cut squares. We talked about designs and ideas, while keeping in mind that we needed them to be quick and simple. HST's it was! (For the record Renae made all three quilts, I just did the binding on one.) So while all three quilts are made with the same fabrics they are all pretty different looking.

Quilt #1
Pinwheels
For Aunt Elaine

Quilt #2
Triangles

For Aunt Carol

Inspired by this quilt

Quilt #3
Crazy Pinwheels
For Aunt Sharon

Though it doesn't really show in these pictures each quilt is the same size, approx. 53" by 68".
Started with 6" squares, then cut into hst.

Now that these are done, Renae and I can start mulling over the making of our own "Grandma" quilts. Again, we've been discussing different ideas, but I think we've both decided to hold off until after our kids go back to school. Stay Tuned!

Linking up @ Quilt Story

Quilt Exhibit

2011-08-01T12:43:00.001-05:00

Last week Leslie and I took in a local quilt exhibit. It was a lot smaller than we'd anticipated and a lot less inspiring, but still nice in an "I-can-appreciate-the-concept" kinda way. Old quilts made entirely of polyester and spandex (no lie!), but if you only saw them from far away they were quite beautiful.

Here are a few snippets:

Oh, if only my quilts were displayed in my house like this. Lovely lighting and all. Of course I don't have huge gallery walls to display then on...One minor detail.

There's another exhibit coming up that we are more excited about. A much larger one with quilts in our taste range. It's one I've been to before so I know it's full of good stuff.

How about you. Visit any quilt shows/exhibits lately? What did you think?

Striped Bindings

2011-07-31T13:09:00.000-05:00

Trying to finish up these two this week.

Vintage Stars

Grandma's Shirts

Matching Fancy Pants and Sewing with Plaids

2011-07-29T11:40:00.001-05:00

Our little brother was in town with his family over the Fourth of July weekend. In our family, get togethers mean matching "somethings" for the cousins. It's tradition. On one of my recent thrift store outings I found a king-sized flat sheet in a classic plaid for $3.99. I'm not gonna lie I was pretty excited about that find!

So, for this family gathering Leslie found matching pajamas and swimsuits for all the little girls. Not to be left out, I decided that my newly acquired plaid sheet would be perfect for pj shorts for the boys (dubbed "Fancy Pants" by our babysitter!)

My king-sized sheet yielded me four pair: One for the hubs, one for the 12 yr old, and two for the little boy cousins. Not bad for $3.99. The great thing about using a sheet is that they are super soft and thin, perfect for lounging and sleeping in the summer heat.

Cute cousins!

Matchy-Matchy

Lest you think that we're one of those families that likes to dress alike, we aren't. My 12 yr old wants it to be know that he was not happy when he had to put on his shorts with his dad and brother for this picture. I'll just say that I made them all shorts, and they do all wear them (and like them!), just not at the same time.

As far as sewing with plaid, it is easy if you remember a few simple techniques: 1. Match up your plaids, 2. Match up your plaids, 3. Match up your plaids. I think the quickest way for handmade plaid items to look homemade is to forget this step. There is a reason all patterns say "Additional fabric may be needed to match stripes, plaids and one way design fabrics." It's a critical step that you don't want to overlook. For the most part if the horizontal lines match at the side seams of any garment you are good. For these shorts I matched the stripe on the inseam as well.

Good luck!

Now go make yourself some "fancy pants" too!

A quilt I didn't have to make...

2011-07-27T22:21:00.001-05:00

As I said before, our lovely babysitter is heading off to college next month. She has been busy purging her room of the stuff she's not taking with her. One of which was her collection of high school t-shirts. We spent a few days together last week busting through them all. With a little guidance she made herself this awesome t-shirt quilt.

I actually really like the squares without sashing.

They all finish about 18" long by 16" wide.

For the backing she chose this green plaid flannel.
I have yet to make a quilt with a flannel back, but that needs to change... It sure makes it soft and cozy feeling.

When I picked up the quilt from my quilter, not only had she done a beautiful job on it, but she had finished the binding as well. That was a pleasant little surprise. She just turned the flannel over to the front and sewed it down. Saved me some work, for sure. And it looks great!

Here's what happens when an 18 yr old is helping you take pictures. She said, "pose in front of the quilt so I can post it on Facebook to show my friends." So this is me! :) And yes, it's on her FB page now. Lucky me!

Tips to make your own T-shirt quilt.
Another look here

Asymmetrical Knit Tee

2011-07-24T15:42:00.003-05:00

Bought this pattern earlier in the Spring when my store was liquidating one of their locations for a move. All patterns were 50% so I stocked up on a "few".

My 2 older girls found some funky knit fabric last week that they were dying over, and at the sale price of $2.39/yd. they each could get a shirt for about $3.00. So with their help we made them up. Super easy pattern. I think I'll be making myself view A for Fall.

Kwik Sew 3694 view B

Notes:
The longer "drape" side, per the pattern, is meant to just be scrunched up on your side, any way you please. We put some swimsuit elastic into that seam to help it retain the scrunched up shape. I just measured the non-drape side starting about 4" down from the armpit, measured and cut. Then used that piece and attached on the drape side, once again starting about 4-6" down from the armpit to about 2" shy of the hem. The girls still scrunch it up some more, but at least they shouldn't have to mess with it all the time.

We added about 2" more to length, but I don't think we really needed to do that. However, they do like their tops to be a little longer.

Also we lowered the neckline about 1 inch. The pattern is a boatneck style, but my girls wanted it down just a little.

And the pattern cutting out is a little tricky, and we screwed up the first one and cut out 2 pieces that draped opposite each other. Had to go back and get more fabric to try again. Therefore, I have 2 of the same red funky piece. I'm selling one of them on my Etsy shop (women's XS--girls 14/16) because unfortunately #2's friends do not share her same fashion sense. Check it out if interested. It really is a fun tee.

Thrift Store Finds

2011-07-19T12:24:00.001-05:00

I've had some serious luck at the thrift store lately. Here are some of my finds from the past month.

My sheet collection is getting rather out of control, but who can resist ticking and gingham? I think I paid $3-$5 for each. The pink and yellow sheets have already been turned into some new bedding pieces for my girls.

And that turquoise gingham...I've got big plans for it. Yummy!

These dainty florals are destined for some room redo projects for my girls' bedroom as well. They are actually all fitted sheets that are stain/hole-free -- a small miracle find in the vintage sheet world. Again, I paid $3 for each of them.

I found a couple other sheets, but they've already been cut up for various projects (to be revealed later).

My biggest triumph would be that my kids have discovered the joys of thrifting as well. Now instead of complaining about having to stop at the thrift store they actually look forward to it. Check out some of their recent purchases...

After seeing the movie Soul Surfer my Hawaii-loving daughter found this rash guard shirt for $3. Aunt Renae is going to make her some matching briefs and then she's ready to swim. So cute!!

Nike's for my 6yr old who actually had no soles left on his "school" shoes. Bought for $8. Added a $1 pair of new laces.

And slip-ons for the my girls. I think they were $6 and $3/pair.

For me:

I have been on the prowl for an awesome pair of red pumps.

Just my luck I found this hot pair for $6

I tried them on at the store. Good to go. Bought and paid for. I was a happy girl!

Until I noticed the big number 9 sticker on them. Bummer! 'Cuz I am not a size 9. When I got them home I tried to walk in them (something I didn't actually do at the store) and they fell off. What was I thinking?! Too bad for me because I still think they are awesome!

(Does anyone want a pair of red patent leather high heels--size 9? I sell 'em to you cheap.)

So, what about you? Any good thrift store finds lately?

I'd love to hear...

For Baby Wyatt and a Small Triumph

2011-07-18T03:55:00.001-05:00

A little quilt for baby Wyatt whose mama wants him to grow up to be a cowboy. And with 3 older sisters in the house let's hope a horse is in his future real soon! :)

This blanket represents a small triumph in my quilting progression. I have been hand sewing ALL my bindings since day one. And while I love the look of hand sewn bindings, they take a lot of time. When I quilt for other people 99% of the time they could care less if the binding is hand sewn or machine sewn.

So in an effort to save myself more time I was determined to figure out this machine binding bit. I've made several attempts, all of which were less than stellar in my eyes. Not to be dissuaded I carried on. I talked to Renae a bunch. She only does machine bindings so she helped me work through my hang ups/misfortunes. Wyatt's blanket represents my first successful (in my mind!) machine sewn binding. For that can I get a hallelujah? It's a happy day indeed. I still plan on hand sewing the bindings on my own quilts but for other people's I have now overcome a major obstacle.

(Somewhere I had taken a picture of the binding, but as I post it is nowhere to be found. Sorry. You'll just have to imagine my success. :)

What about you? What are your quilt binding obstacles/hang ups?

Quilt design/dimensions here.

Out, out, dang spot!

2011-07-15T13:31:00.000-05:00

I'm sure any of you with children have had those moments when you find one of your lovelies (clothes, couch, pillows, table tops) with some sort of marker, pen, paint on it. Leslie recently had an incident, twice, on her quilts. In the last week or so I found a LR pillow with what appears to be permanent marker on it. No one knows who did it, of course, but my bet is on #5, the little poophead.

Over the weekend I finally decided to tackle it and pulled out my trusty resource book, "Talking Dirty Laundry with the Queen of Clean", by Linda Cobb. Love this book! Our mom originally told me about it, and it has saved many a dirty incident. Linda Cobb also has "Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean". I own both--some of the best resource information I have. And the titles make me laugh.
______________________________________
Page 149, how to get out permanent marker

"Fill a glass with denatured alcohol (use a size appropriate to the stain) and dip the stained area into the alcohol, allowing it to soak. If it appears that the marker is being removed, continue the process"

"If the stain appears stubborn, try rubbing the marker spot with an old toothbrush, white, nongel toothpaste, and some baking soda. Give it a really good scrubbing. Rinse. If the marker stain is almost gone, soak in a cup of warm water and 2 denture-cleaning tablets for whites, and Brilliant Bleach™ for colorfast clothes. This will requires some time, but the stain all comes out, so it's worth it."

"If the marker is still there, scrub with Lava™ soap prior to trying the denture-cleaning tablets or bleach."
________________________________________

So I tried the hairspray method, to see if the spot was actually ball point pen. But since my pillow has a bit of a nap to it, they would've had to have spent A LOT of time going back over the same lines to get it that dark. The hairspray sort of took some of the marker out, but I quickly moved onto the white toothpaste. Squirted on a blob, rubbed it around a bit, rinsed and most of it was gone. Did it one more time and VOILA! Out, out dang spot!

#5 is spared (I don't know from what) and I'm happy. Life is good. Thank you, Queen of Clean!

Note:
I didn't know what denatured alcohol was, what to look for or where to find it. After a quick internet search I found that you should be able to find it in the paint, solvent, thinner section of home improvement stores. When I told hubby that he responded, "Oh yeah, that is what they use to take the permanent marker off of the castings at work." Now you tell me Mr. Engineer.

Odds and Ends

2011-07-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

I feel as though the last couple of weeks have been a blur. We've been busy, but I can't remember exactly what we've been doing. Do you ever have those kinds of weeks? There's been lots of sewing going on, lots of kids hanging around, lots of family fun, lots, lots, lots...

I have some sewing deadlines that I am plowing through right now. To be honest, I really don't enjoy deadlines all that much. Makes me stressed. But, regardless, I sew on.

Here are a few things I've been working on:

This is the beginnings of a Wedding Quilt for Ashley and Dan. Ashley was one of the kids I taught in Sunday School/YW way back when. Now she is all grown up and in love. xoxo Her wedding is on the 29th so I am busting my buns to get it done it time. Cross your fingers!

This is a little mini/doll blanket made by my cousin and her daughter. I did a simple meandering on it since she isn't confident in her quilting abilities yet.

This is a huge pile of denim (I guess you can't really tell how huge it is...) that is now torn up and organized. My husband is especially hard on jeans so I always have huge stacks of ripped jeans waiting to be recycled. So many pairs that I recently gave an entire 20 gal bin to my quilt ladies and still had this stack left in my closet. Now that they are disassembled I can think about making more of these again.

Finally, I helped our favorite babysitter with a t-shirt quilt. She is purging her room in anticipation of leaving for college in a few weeks. I think it turned out so darn cute! Kinda makes me wish I'd kept all my HS stuff back in the day. Oh well.

Double Oven Mock Up

2011-07-12T11:16:00.000-05:00

Well, now that the flooring is done in our kitchen it is on to the next step.

For a couple of years now we've had a double oven sitting in our garage--given to us by some friends who were replacing theirs before a move. The current one still worked they just upgraded to stainless steel. Hubby helped them replace it and so they gave him the old one.

Now it is time to really figure out where and how that will be going into our kitchen.

But first a little mock up of it so that we can make sure it will really fit where we want it AND it won't cause problems with flow, etc. The fridge is on the right of the doorway along with the current stove and fridge and cabinets. To the left of this is the dining area and into the living room.

We've had it set up like this for a week or so and it appears it is going to be AWESOME!!

Double oven on the left with cupboards above and below 2 drawers for pans. On the right side will be a cupboard above and drawers below--basically a little counter space for the phone.

Can't wait! Hubby has a bunch of the wood already, so maybe it'll start coming together here in the next couple of weeks. Maybe...

More suits finished

2011-07-08T07:58:00.012-05:00

I finished a couple more swimsuits for some friends' girls. Used a new pattern on this first one. I've made one shoulder suits before, for little girls, and I've had to come up with the pattern on my own. However, Kwik Sew makes this pattern in women's sizes. I was able to use it (3780) for this preteen's suit. We just added the skinny strap for her comfort.

One of the things I love about this pattern is that there is no back seam--all flat and one piece. This will help me be able to do the same for the little girls' pattern I have. I'm also loving the orange lining.

I also made 2 of these racerback tanks. This was apparently the fabric of choice this year. I used Kwik Sew 2962 which is the women's version of the girls' racerback 3785.

I've found that girls' size 14 and women's size XS have almost exactly the same measurements. So for my #2 daughter who is almost 12 and her friends we have been moving towards the women's pattern styles now.

Kwik Sew 3785

Same suit as above just adjusted to add a little skirt.

Here is the detail to the skirt hem.

2 Swimsuit Revamps

2011-07-06T01:53:00.010-05:00

Finally this past week our weather cooperated so we could hit the pool. That first gorgeously hot day about 7 family friends met there (24 kids) and we had a great time. However, our friend Charissa did not come dressed to swim. She told me all her suits were too revealing or uncomfortable for what she wanted to wear. So later that evening she came over to my house and showed me what she had and we figured out how to restyle 2 of them so that she would feel more comfortable swimming with her kids.

The first suit was just a basic tank--and a little too short waisted for her.

We first thought about cutting it off and turning it into a tankini top, but we'd still have that short waisted issue. So instead, I found some white fabric in my stash--and we cut it right across the middle and added a section (I cut a 2 1/2" strip to sew in) to it so that she wouldn't be pulling up and then immediately tugging down all the time.

Had it not had the 2 tone white straps underneath we probably would've added a strip of color--like lime green or something fun like that. Since there was already white we decided to stick with that theme.

Before

After

I also gave her a little leopard print wrap skirt (similar, but not exact, to Kwik Sew 3330) to use as a cover up. It'll look great with this suit--and no one was using it at my house.

The second suit was this cute little striped swim dress--cute Kenneth Cole number shown below. Not Charissa, but I'm sure she'd take the bod if she could.

But it was cut too low for her "bubbies" as she put it, and then she also wanted it slightly longer to cover up the other little problem areas that most of us over a certain age and post babies have. So we found some hot pink from my stash and added a piece up top and then a little flounce skirt.

I topstitched the insert piece in place right over the original stitching.

I used the flounce pattern from Kwik Sew 3330 for the addition to her hem. I attached this to the original seam and hemmed the bottom of the flounce with a twin needle. Charissa is thrilled and we are both happy with how it turned out.

For Baby Jackson

2011-07-05T08:54:00.001-05:00

A little quilt for baby Jackson, whose mother is my husband's niece. Made to match his nursery colors.

I used the same block dimensions as this quilt, only I omitted the last border and shrunk the sashing way down. It makes for a perfect sized baby quilt (finishes at 36" by 47").

To Jackson's mom: Sorry I couldn't attend your baby shower. My wish for you would be that your delivery is swift and uneventful! :)

A Quilt Story

2011-06-30T12:44:00.016-05:00

This is the story of a quilt for a third child. A boy, with 2 older sisters. The boy's grandma had decided that she'd make each of her grandchildren a quilt, hand embroidered with their name and bday, made with the love that only a grandma can give. For the first few grandchildren, the quilt-making process was easy and effortless, as each child came into the world at random, large-spaced intervals. But as more of her children got married and had children the grandma got behind in her making of special quilts. Until she found herself with a stack of 4 unfinished quilts (and the rapidly approaching arrival of yet another grandchild).

The boy, now 2 1/2, is soon to be a big brother. A big brother without a quilt to snuggle. Relegated to the world of third children who's moms and grandmas ran out of time/steam to make special quilts.

Enter the mad-sewing neighbor to said boy who offered to finish up grandma's quilt, as his mom doesn't sew and is currently with child. Thankfully, Grandma had long since cut the fabric, leaving mad-sewing neighbor with a nicely organized quilt kit complete with batting and backing.

Mad-sewing neighbor got to work. After sewing like the wind for a few short days the quilt was complete. Boy was happy, Mom was happy, Grandma was happy. All was right in the world.

The End.

Staying true to the original look of the previously made quilts was essential so the quilting was a simple zig-zag stitch in the ditch.

Close up detail of embroidery blocks. All were made over the course of many years by the boy's Great-Grandma.

Finally, yellow gingham binding (made like double-fold bias tape) was zig-zagged on to match the quilting.

From Leotard Pattern to Tankini Top

2011-06-29T08:52:00.047-05:00

I saw this pattern, Kwik Sew 3774, back when one of the locations of my favorite fabric store was liquidating everything for a move. Although it is a leotard pattern I thought it would make an awesome tankini top. Both M. & B. were all over it when they saw it. I knew they would be.

Here is Kwik Sew's versions of this pattern.

And here is our version--View B.

She received LOTS of great comments at the pool from her friends and mine. And she loves it!

On view B. I needed to extend the upper portion of the pattern about 1" in order to have enough room to fold down and still have the straps slide thru.

Below is how the original pattern finished up--fold over and the edges didn't match.

So once the straps were inserted it was pulling weird on the front side. I didn't like it.

Now I have to fix this for B. so she can wear the "mermaid" suit to the pool.

We'll pair this tankini with black bottoms.

Per the pattern the straps cross in the back.

M. had me add just a little extra band at the bottom for her comfort level when she raised her arms. I cut a 3" strip, folded it in half lengthwise and then attached it to the bottom of the tankini.

Her suit is a girls' size 14 and the finished length from underarm to hem is 14".

B.'s gold metallic swimsuit fabric from Jo-Ann Fabrics.

Linking up to WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.

Randomness & a Cute Suit

2011-06-22T17:33:00.000-05:00

It isn't summer here yet--at least not weather wise. Two weeks after school has let out and we haven't been able to go to our public pools yet due to rain and cool weather. Overcast and 61 degrees today. Not summer! The kids are anxious and ready to revolt. The only saving factor has been swimming lessons--indoors. We have 2 more days of those and then the weather had better cooperate or I may be looking for year round school to enroll my children in.

For you quilters who can't throw away even the slightest scrap of fabric I can empathize. I have a hard time tossing swimsuit fabric when I know there is enough to make a little suit. And I don't have little little people at my house anymore. So I try not keep if I can help it.

However, when I finished some suits for an order a few weeks ago I couldn't toss the cute polka-dot material that was left. Luckily I had some matching pink and made the little cute suit below. First time I've made this suit in 2-toned. I like that it looks like a faux tankini.

It is for sale on my Etsy shop.

It is a girls' size 6. Too bad my B. is too big for it.

If you buy it I'll toss in a remnant piece of this Guess apple print swimsuit fabric (16" x 59" piece). Just type in "APPLE" in the comments from buyer section when you order.

Flooring

2011-06-19T21:38:00.001-05:00

Well, here comes the finished results of our flooring project.

But first below is the mess in the LR we had to deal with for a few days. Nothing like having your fridge right there in the middle of your LR along with every other piece of furniture, etc. from the kitchen and dining. Oh...and still have your MIL in town for a good number of those hours too.

Hubby unpacking the flooring and getting ready to lay it all out.

Getting there,

and completely put in--before trim replaced.

This new flooring makes me so VERY happy!

And the wide open space is also a HUGE improvement.

Next on the kitchen to-do list, but not until kids go back to school in the Fall (because then I will be FREE every day for at least half the day), is to knock out the soffit and move the bank of cabinets up higher along the fridge wall. We (I mean hubby) will also be building some different cabinets to adjust some other things. I hope most of this can get done before hunting season, otherwise, it won't be touched 'til the first of next year.

Kitchen Update

2011-06-13T15:43:00.001-05:00

This is what has been consuming my life for the past week or so.

We're moving slow as we started this a few days before grandparents arrived

for our daughter's baptism.

Not the best timing on our part, but it was time and we got a great deal on bamboo flooring.

I can't wait!!!

But first up, removing the remaining wall between our kitchen and dining.

The half wall had already been removed last year by me and little Mr. C.

Hubby and oldest daughter taking out the last of the wall.

It's gone.

Our kids all commented on how "big" it seems now. That is for sure--I love it.

We had to move electrical from one wall to another, ripped up the remaining linoleum, and added 6" to the existing wall in order to support the soffit between the dining and LR.

Tonight we are hoping to get the floor all laid out.

Then we can move on to constructing the build-ins for the double oven and cabinets.

With all the stress of it I need to go hibernate in my sewing room for an hour or so.

Spring Youth Dance Dress

2011-06-08T06:24:00.001-05:00

A couple weeks ago there was a Spring Formal Youth Dance at church. Usually L. justs wears a skirt and a tee for Church or at the dances. We (or maybe it was just me) thought it would be nice if she stepped it up a notch for this dance. I am happy that she is actully happy to wear a dress and not just a skirt.

She helped pick out the fabric and the pattern.

McCall's 6027

She received quite a few compliments on her new dress--she even wore it the next day to Church.

Details:

Lengthened waist by 2"
Added 5" more to length
Adjusted sleeves to be cap--otherwise this pattern shows lots of armpit.
Made own bias tape to edge both hem and sleeve hem
Needed to raise neckline for L.'s comfort level--added 1 1/2" contrasting band

Wedding Gifts

2011-06-06T00:34:00.000-05:00

We had 3 weddings here last month and sometimes that can get interesting when you're trying to come up with gifts. Hubby always likes to give a portable tool set for 2 reasons. #1 because out of all the gifts we received when we got married 16 years ago that is the present we have used the most. Seriously. We love that item. In fact, we just had to replace ours last year. And #2 because he feels the groom gets ripped off in the gift department. Probably true.

However, if we don't really know the groom then I'd prefer to give something off their gift registry. That may be a little boring, but I do try to personalize it a little bit. This year I bought some kitchen items off 2 different registries and then added a handmade apron.

This is how I wrapped the latest of those gifts for the reception for a girl from our Church.

Bundt pan, hotpad, and towel, wrapped it in an apron and then wrapped all in cellophane and a pretty ribbon. I try to not use wrapping paper when possible because I think it is a waste. But I still like it too look fun and pretty.

After finishing putting it all together I remembered I had found this tutorial for making covers for bowls--for taking to a potluck or such. It might have been fun to have added one to use w/ the bundt pan. Maybe next wedding reception....

Swap my ride

2011-06-04T06:18:00.000-05:00

....or another sewing machine rescued from neglect or the trash.

Some people resuce fabric, and some people rescue sewing machines.

Unfortunately, I might be in both categories. Although I did give away a large trash bag of denim and jeans scraps. That should count for something....not sure what though.

Anyway, one of our neighbors around the block had a sewing machine table setting out on their curb with a sign on it : "vintage sewing machine". (with possibly FREE posted before that) I couldn't be sure as I drove by after taking a kid somewhere and just briefly caught the sign.

Then later that evening I decided to go drive by again and see if the sign really did say free and sure enough it did. And the neighbors were out--adding more stuff to their giveaway pile. Turns out they had some flooding issues in their basement after all the rain we've received in the last week or so. She was thrilled I wanted the machine and she was pretty sure it still worked. It had belonged to her MIL or grandmother-in-law, but she, of course, had never used it.

So we loaded it up in the van, along with the original manual and attachments in the original case (gotta love that bonus), and I brought it home. Both hubby and my oldest daughter sort of rolled their eyes at me, and laughed, when I unloaded it in the driveway.

After the kids went to bed hubby and I stayed up a bit too late checking out the machine. The table legs need some tightening, but hubby can take care of that. And when we opened it up to use it first thing it sewed like a dream. (cue some singing) We just oiled it up good and now it will replace the other sewing machine and table (shown below) that I had in our LR that didn't work, nor even have all the parts and pieces to it.

I had been using it as a lamp table, with no intention of ever sewing with it.

Here is the new one that can also double as a lamp table in the LR, but as hubby said, "You can pull it out to use when you have your sewing parties." Isn't he great?!

one machine in and one machine out...hence, "swap my ride".

Note: Just had to buy new knobs and add some sewing machine oil---about $3 total.