Happy Halloween - Blogtoberfest Day 31



Today is the last day of Blogtoberfest and its also Halloween.  Oh, I feel like a bad dog owner but I just couldn't resist dressing up quilt dog #2.  His costume I got on super clearance last year after Halloween for less than $1.  This is the only dog I have ever had that does not mind being dressed up.  Yes, I really think this one thinks he is human.

Oh by the way.......I did it! I manage to post a blog a day in October for Blogtoberfest.

Things I Have Learned From Participating in Blogtoberfest

1. Just try it, you may like it.  I found out about this on September 30th and even though I am new to blogging and didn't have 31 posts, I committed to the concept of blogging every day. 
2. Learned a new word - Op Shop
3. Having made a commitment forced me to get creative with blogs and plan them for the month (especially when I went on vacation and was away from my PC for a week)
4. Learned all about using Blogger and other techie things
5. Joined in memes and Linkys on other blogs
6. Had a great time meeting new bloggers and checking out other blogs with amazement at the creativity that's out there 

Sunday Snippets - Blogtoberfest Day #30

Joining in today's Sunday Snippets over at tinniegirl.  Today we thought we would gather pecans, but there just wasn't any.  Either we are too early or the Texas drought affected the trees.

Blogger's Quilt Festival

This year I decided to participate in the Fall 2011 Blogger's Quilt Festival at Amy's Creative Side.  It took me a while to decide which quilt to include in the show.  This year I have many new projects currently in progress and not many finishes.

This quilt was made several years ago when I was going through a "Civil War" phase of quilt making.  I found the pattern for this quilt in a library book (cant recall the name of the book right now).  It is made up of 1 1/2 inch strip logs that go together quite easy.  I actually have made enough blocks for 2 more quilts.  The quilt doesn't have a name, but I refer to it as the Civil War quilt.   It is machine pieced and hand quilted in the ditch. 

For more inspiration, check out the quilts entered in the festival.

Scrap Quilts Part 2 - Squares

There are times when I want to be in the creative process, but nothing happens.  I will take out my fabrics and just stare at them thinking of new projects, but end up without ideas.  When I am void of inspiration but feel like making something, I will work with my scrap squares.  Depending on my mood, I may spend my time cutting the scraps into squares.  I keep this container by my sewing machine and drop squares into it as needed when I am working.

Other times, I just sit down and start sewing the squares into 9-patches.  I once tried to use this as a leader/ender project, but got so caught up in making 9-patches that I realized I can only sew on one project at a time.  I keep these 9-patches in a large shoe box.  When the box is full, it is time for a new quilt. 

The quilt pattern that I use with these scrappy squares is the Trip Around The World.  I have made one full sized quilt using this pattern, but mostly I make lap quilts because I run out of scrappy squares.  So I guess that a shoe box holds enough scrappy squares to make 1 lap quilt.  I have given many of these as gifts to my family.

I also use scrap squares to make Irish Chains and Double Irish Chains lap quilts.  This small quilt top was started and completed over a weekend.  I am hand quilting it when I watch TV and its about 50% completed. 

Scrap Quilts Part 1 - Strips

It is quite interesting to read through blogs about how people manage their scraps.  A scrap is defined so differently.  For me, a scrap is any small piece of fabric and anything less than 1” is waste.  I have a friend that throws out anything less than a 4” square.  Oh No! I can do so much with that.  To me, that 4” square is 4 1 ½” squares and a 1” strip. 

I have recently depleted my stash of scrap strips on 2 projects.  The String Tulips based on the Georgia Quilts book cover really used a lot of strips.  As can be seen by the bright colors, I had many strips left over from charity baby quilts.  This quilt is currently in the process of being quilted and if I can get out of the habit of starting new projects, then maybe I can finish it before Christmas.

The other project is my String Trees.  This is based on a project seen at  Crazy Mom Quilts.  Because these strips are smaller than my tulip pieces, I was really able to use many scraps and now my scrap bags are almost empty.  This quilt is in the piecing stage.  I sat down to complete the top and realized that I am 2 blocks short.  Of course with such a small amount of scraps available, I need to find some time to go through my stash to find more scraps.  This quilt is already being coveted by my mom which is kinda weird to me because it is a modern quilt and mom is Mrs Traditional Quilter.  Hopefully I can get this top completed and quilted in the near future. 

Tomorrow – Scrap Quilts Part2 – Squares

Wordless Wednesday - Blogtoberfest Day 26

Pine trees at the park suffering from the record Texas drought.

Blogger's Block of the Month - Oct

Its month 2 of the Blogger's Block of the Month.  The block was released today by Vicki of Field Trips in Fiber.   Tonight I may have time to select colors for this new block.  My idea is to make them with polka dot fabrics on a gray background.

I'll have time for this project because I have lost my hexagon mojo.  When I opened the second package of pre-cuts last night, the hexagons were cut incorrectly.  One side seems short and it has thrown off the angles.  I spent the evening trying to work up a flower with no luck.  Tonight I sent an email to the fabric company to see what can be done while I think of ways to save the project.  

Design Wall Monday - Blogtoberfest Day 24

Today on my design wall are the hexies that I made this weekend.  13 down, 7 more to go for this project.  But I am having so much fun, I think I will work with hexies again.

If only someday I can win a Go Baby to help with cutting.  Of course, the Houston Quilt show is in a few weeks so maybe I'll see if there are any bargains on the Go Baby.

My Pin Cushion - Blogtoberfest Day 23

This week I am joining in My Place and Yours over at Punky & Me .  The theme this week is "My Pin Cushion". 

This is my pin cushion.  I made it when I was in Girl Scouts and was probably 10 years old (which is why I must have chosen the pink fabric).  The base is a jar lid then a small bag of rice sits on top.  The pink fabric was whip stitched over the top.  I have seen so many cute cushions that people make and at quilt shows, but I cant seem to get away from using this cushion. 

Hexies Again - Blogtoberfest Day 22

Well, I am not one to give up so I picked up my hexagons and started again.  This is the third technique I tried this month and I think that I may have it.  There are no paper pieces, I just matched the pieces together and sewed them.

Women's Conference at Lakewood

Recovering today after night #1 of the Woman's Conference at Lakewood where TD Jakes spoke last night.  The place was sold out and packed.  I got home at 12:30 in the morning and I am so glad that I took the day off from work today.

There are more events today and tomorrow so I hope I can keep up with my Blogtoberfest posts.

Blogtoberfest Day 20

Its day 20 of Blogtoberfest and I am running out of blog mojo somewhat.  I continue to progress on the Cross-Terrain quilt found at Freshly Pieced  and hope to have the top completed soon.

Wordless Wednesday - Blogtoberfest Day #19

Meeting
Wang Shugang, China
Painted  Bronze

When  first saw this art piece in Vancouver, I thought these guys were real.

Thank You Quilters Organization - Fort Hood

What can be made with 2 fat quarter bundles and 2 yards of rich Kona red?

A beautiful quilt top for donation to the Thank You Quilters organization. 

From their website:

The Thank You Quilters is an all volunteer, community service that makes quilts and afghans for recuperating soldiers at Fort Hood Texas.   These quilts and afghans are an expression of gratitude for their service to our country.  We also deliver quilts and afghans to their children as comfort for them while their parent(s) are recovering.

Being from a military family, I think this is an excellent cause to support.  I am still working on more tops and hope to have a box ready to send soon.

The picture of the quilt top was taken with the sun shining through it.  It may not show much of the detail, but I loved the sunlight.

I used the pattern from oh fransson and it went together so fast and easy.  I know that I will be using this pattern again.

Design Wall Monday

I am working on the Cross-Terrain from Freshly Pieced and have the blocks finished.  Next, its time to piece the blocks together.

Self Portrait Challenge - Blogtoberfest Day 16

Its Day 16 of Bolgtoberfest and today the challenge is to post a self portrait.  The first shadow picture I ever took was taken accidentally and is on the far right.  I was walking and trying to change camera settings at the same time.  Now, I take the shadow shots when I can.  Today's picture at the park makes me appear like I was walking on stilts.

Vacation - Blogtoberfest Day 15

Sometimes its interesting the places where you will find a quilt.  While travelling back home from vacation, we stopped at the Mississippi Welcome center rest stop on I-10 just across the Alabama border.  On display was a quilt from "Katrina Story Quilts" titled "What Katrina Couldn't Take Away".  The artwork on the quilts was made by children. 

All during my trip along the coast, Hurricane Katrina was on my mind as damage is still visible.  There are large swaths of land with dead trees that have been stripped of bark and leaves and some were broke in half.  But, there was new growth all around and soon the new trees will eclipse the dead trees.

New Project - Blogtoberfest Day 14

I have been on vacation for over a week but I am back now and wanting to start something new.  Right before I left, I read through some blogs over at Quilter Blogs and found a project that I couldn't wait to start at Freshly Pieced.  The quilt is titled Cross-Terrain and is also featured in the Moda Bake Shop .

Sometimes when I am in a project slump, I will go to a fabric store and buy a remnant and challenge myself to use it in a project.  About a year ago, I bought this jelly roll on clearance titled "Exotic".  The price must have been right, because the patterns are waaaaaaaaay out of my comfort zone.  I could not find the right project, but I think that it will work for the Cross-Terrain quilt.  So with 2 yards of Kona Celery Green, I am ready to get back to my machine and get to work.

Inspiration Board - Vancouver

I have been going through some of my travel photos looking for inspiration for a new quilt design.  These photos were taken in Vancouver, Canada in May 2011.



Wordless Wednesday - Blogtoberfest Day #12

Alaskan cruise - Ketchikan

Earlier this year, I took a Disney cruise to Alaska on the Wonder out of Vancouver.  It was my second cruise to Alaska, my second Disney cruise, and my second solo cruise.  While walking around Ketchikan after ziplining, I noticed these street banners on each of the light poles.  Instead of being made in fabric, they were made of stained glass and were beautiful.  I wish that the sun would have been out so I could have taken brighter pictures.  These may inspire an Alaskan quilt someday.

Design Wall Monday

These are the string trees blocks that I started after seeing the design on Crazy Mom Quilts.  I was ready to finish the top and had everything ready to go, but I somehow came up short.  I think this may be the first time that I have ever sat down to assemble the top and be short some blocks.  I guess I better get started on making two more blocks.

Sunday Snippets - Blogtoberfest Day #9

Taking a cue from {tinniegirl}, here are a few Sunday Snippets.  Pictures from this weekend.

International Quilt Festival Houston

Its almost here......Its four weeks away......













International Quilt Festival / Houston
November 3-6, 2011
George R. Brown Convention Center
Houston, Texas

Redwork - Blogtoberfest day #7

Its day #7 of Blogtoberfest and its much harder than I thought to post every day for a month, but I am still up for the challenge. 

A few days ago I mentioned how much I love the look of yo-yos.  I also like the look of redwork.  Although I don't embroider, my mother does and I have plenty of her finished projects ready to be quilted.

Over at Sew Happy Me there is a Christmas Sew Along where a new design is released each Friday.  I have been saving the designs and am hoping to get them transferred for my mom to embroider in time for Christmas.



Thirfty Thursday - Blogtoberfest Day #6

Its day #6 of Blogtoberfest and I am having a good time visiting everyone's blogs.  I have even re-designed my blog a bit to make it easier to read.  I've been good at posting every day this month, so far so good.

I have been a bit busy lately and haven't had a recent thrifty find, so I will share one of my favorite finds and best of all it was - FREE!

When Hurricane Ike hit Houston several years ago, there was damage to many houses.  I would guesstimate that over 90% of the homes in my area had damage to the fences.  I stayed at my parent's house during the storm and their fence had blown down, so we had to walk the dogs several times a day.  We were at the outskirts of her subdivision and were crossing an empty parking lot when I came across the letter M.  I picked it up and said to my mom, "Wouldn't it be great if there was a letter K?"  I was halfway through saying K when I looked over 3 feet and there was a K on the ground!

We couldn't believe it!  M.K. are my initials.  There were no other letters or debris around and we could not figure out where they came from.

Wordless Wednesday - Blogtoberfest Day #5

Christmas Yo-Yos

Today I was thinking about a blog topic for day 4 of Blogtoberfest and I also was thinking that it is almost the Christmas season.  I searched my projects and found this old work in progress (WIP).

I love the look of yo-yo's.  While working with the hexies, I was thinking about how much I like to work on making yo-yos when I need a mobile project.  Hopefully, I will enjoy making hexies too someday.

This fabric has been in my stash for quite some time.  It is white cotton with silver sparkle stars and 2000.  I remember seeing this fabric many places in 1999 right before the year 2000.  I bought 2 yards and thought I would make a Year 2000 quilt but never could come up with a design.  As years passed, I couldn't think of a project to make using it and it didn't seem right to donate it.  (I mean, I couldn't understand someone wanting Year 2000 fabric.)

I had an idea to use this fabric for yo-yos, since no one would notice the Y2K material.  I think the yo-yos look cute with the sparkly material.  I plan to use the yo-yos to make a garland for Christmas decorations. 

ARGHHHHHH! Hexies!!

ARGHHHHHH!!!! and I don't mean that in a pirate sort of way!  Although thinking of Johnny Depp briefly helps.

I first started working with the purple hexagons and used a 1/4 inch seam allowance which seemed like a very small amount of fabric to work with.  I had a bit of trouble but thought they looked OK.  Then when I tried to join them, I found they were kinda lopsided.  After a bit of frustration, I decided too throw the lot back in the stash and work on another project.

After cooling down and not being one to just give up, I decided to try again this time with the blue hexagons.  I used a more generous seam allowance but these too did not seem to match up.  I thought maybe I could make them fit when I attached them.  No such luck.  Not only could I not get them joined evenly, the joining stitches were visible.

I think its time to step back and read some more tutorials.  I must be missing something.

Working with Hexagons

There was a sale this weekend at Joanns and I used a bunch of coupons to get a deal on all this stuff.  I have been wanting to try working with hexagons.  I have seen many blogs where everyone makes cute hexagon flowers and I want to try it too.  So today, I think I'll jump right in.

Blogtoberfest 2011 - I'm in!

So I was surfing the web reading blogs and discovered Blogtoberfest 2011.  The idea is that you post to your blog every day for the month of October.  I don't know if I can do it, but I sure am ready for the challenge.  I really have been quite productive lately and this seems like just the incentive that I need to stop neglecting the blog.

So Blogtoberfest - I'm in.  I have got the button, now I guess I need to get busy posting.