Ocean Waves Quilts

Happy 4th Everyone!

I hope everyone has a great 4th of July! The plan is to pack a picnic dinner, and head to the beach where the fireworks are set off. They do a very nice job, complete with music. The weather does not, however look as if it will cooperate, but we will keep our fingers crossed.

Here is a simple wallhanging that I put up for the 4th. It was made from a panel. Quick and easy!  By the way, hop on over to Red Geranium Cottage, (see link below) and leave Sharon a comment. She is having a giveaway for a really pretty bag! I love her blog! Have a great holiday everyone, no matter what you do!

What's on my wall..............

This is an oldie but goodie. I made this wallhanging in response to a "challenge". I had never done a challenge before. Imagine my shock when I won first prize!  The theme of the challenge was "Cape Cod" I happened to be sitting on a crowded beach at the time I got the inspiration!  I looked around the beach, made notations and drawings, and this is what I did! My sister cracked me up, when she saw it she said "hey am I the chubby blonde in the background?" (The first pic is a close-up view.) This quilt is all hand appliqued' and quilted.

On the reverse side is the identical quilt, without the "tourists" on the front of the quilt. This side of the quilt has only gulls, shells, and starfish, fun!  I really had fun with this quilt, adding tiny miniatures and real shells as well. I usually hang this quilt in my place of business, with the  busy beach side showing, then when labor day arrives, I switch it around:)))p.s, I am not the best photographer in the world.......the borders look wonky for some reason, even though they are straight, lol.

I'm at the beach.........

If you ever want to find me in the summer, I am usually.................... at the beach! It was so nice this weekend. It is truly the only place I relax..... I worked on some redwork...read a whole book(!), and knitted on a baby sweater. here are some pics for you.............  Below is Raelynn and Riley,two beach cuties...... on a beach day last week. 

Working on another U.S.O.

I told you previously that I have made a pact with myself to do all of my U.S.O.'s(un-started objects). I dont have un-finished things, as I finish them if I start them. I do have projects I have bought, and just never got to. This is a redwork embroidery project that I have had for almost a year. I decided to make either a pillow or wallhanging ,rather than the stocking. It's coming along very well, I will post a pic when it is done.

 I am leaving you with a picture of these BUGS that we have bee innundated with on Cape Cod. They said they soon will be gone, and it can't be soon enough for me! They are on my screens, and driveway, and they land on you as soon as you open the door. I have done a jig many a time, trying to get them away from me, lol. I  I gave some workmen at stop and shop a REALLY good laugh today when one landed on my head.The workman  said..".they don't bite Miss" Now tell me , if this thing landed on you, are you thinking about it BITING you?????? No laughing!

Proof! I really have been sewing....lol!

I really have been working "behind the scenes" on this new wallhanging. It is an original design, a new pattern I will soon have for sale. The directions are written for fusible machine applique', although it could easily be adapted for hand applique'. This pattern should make it easy for anyone who has always wanted to do a landscape scene, but thought they couldn't do it! It comes complete with full sized patterns, and a full sized drawing. Using the full sized drawing, you can layer all the pieces easily, then fuse! The name of the new wallhanging is "Coastal Christmas". (COPYRIGHT 2008) (The size is 27"x33".I have filled the sleigh with packages and toys! I had fun with the machine work, doing some free-motion threadwork on the trees and bushes to give them dimension.

The next pattern, coming soon, is a nautical table runner, or small wall quilt, with ocean and sand fabrics, and lots of fusible shells that you can arrange to your liking. today is an overcast, rainy day on Cape cod...perfect day to sew!

I'M Baaaack!

This week has been such a hassle, between all the changes with typepad, and the fact that I got a new computer. Finally I think I am all squared away. I have been sewing behind the scenes! I have finished the "coastal Christmas" pattern, pics to follow, hopefully today! I got behind on that, because I couldn't send out the copyright info. I also finished another item that will be a pattern. It is a table topper or small wallhanging, pics to follow on that too!  

Anyway, until then, here is a pic of a delicious, and not TOO decadent dessert, along with the recipe! This is very easy to make, and makes a huge amount.For this dessert, you will need : 1 cake mix, 1 LARGE container of cool whip, 2 boxes of  instant chocolate pudding,1 bag of heath bar chips.(if you can't find those, smash up about 6 heath bars). Bake the cake in a 13x9 pan, let it cool.Make the pudding, using 1 cup LESS milk than called for.( for two boxes of pudding) When your cake is cool, break it into chunks. Fold about 1 1/2 cups of coolwhip into the chocolate pudding to make a mousse. Layer cake, pudding mix,  crushed candy and the rest of the cool whip in a large bowl. This recipe can be adapted with any kind of crushed candy. It is also good using white cake, vanilla pudding, and fresh strawberries! You can lighten it up by using light coolwhip, make the cake fat free, use the sugar free pudding, and leave out the candy. It's STILL good! I will be back later with some picture to prove I really have been sewing!

Sometimes.....you get a bonus!

When my boyfriend's  son got married, not only did we get a great girl in the family, but, we got her mom, who is a QUILTER! Mickey and I have gotten to be great friends in the past year. You know how it is, you meet a quilter, and you feel as if you have known her forever!  Well, that is the case with Mickey. I am sure we knew each other in another life, lol. This past weekend, Bill's son had us all over for a delicious  father's day dinner. Mickey brought some great show and tell! The first one is a flannel quilt she made for her hubby. It is gorgeous, nice and warm, and great color choices. The snow man wallhanging is still a wip, but will be ready for when the snow flies. Then comes the sunflower quilt, Mickey's favorite flower. It is so pretty, and the workmanship is wonderful! I just was reminded, this quilt was made for Mickey by her sister, Lisa. She is a new quilter(!) who took off like a house afire!She caught the  quilting bug!  I loved them all, what a treat to have show and tell.

Today we went for a birthday/father's day lobster roll on Cape Cod, They are SO good. Happy Father's day Bill, to one of the best Dads I know! Tomorrow is Bills birthday...happy Birthday Bill.....100 years will NEVER be enough, Love, Barb xxoo  

Another CHRISTMAS gift...eye rolling invited...lol.........

I recently finished my other granddaughter's Christmas quilt too! It is all of the same "conversational" prints as the one below. It is amazing to me how the outside strips being different changes the whole look . These strips were a little bigger (2 1/2) , so less squares were needed on Riley's quilt.

I haven't done much sewing this week as it has been HOT on Cape cod! Everyone that knows me knows I HATE the heat. I have also been very busy in my place of work.

 So, here is Riley's quilt.It was made very "scrappy" using all leftover strips from a wallhanging I had made for her. I didn't worry too much about placement. The border really tied it all together. It is white, with all bright polka dots. The backing is bright blue fleece, no batting.

 I promise to show pictures of my new pattern this weekend, just as soon as the copyright is done.I am already working on a new project that I think may become a pattern as well. It is a "landscape" type table runner that also could be a small wallhanging. I found mermaid fabric in two different shades that inspired me. So, stay tuned for new pics! Thanks for visiting................

 

Another Christmas gift done!

 This is my granddaughter Raelynn's Christmas quilt! yes, yes I know it's June. But, if I didn't do these this far ahead, there would be not enough hours in the day.I used all conversational prints, for an""I spy" type of quilt. I used all leftover 2" strips for this quilt, in pinks, blues, and lilacs. I tied it all together using a lavender border with tiny pastel hearts.

This would be a great quilt to use those "Jelly rolls" that everyone is selling now. I cut all of my leftover fabric that is smaller than 1/4 yd. into useable 2 or 21/2"strips, and sort them by color. I am much more likely to use them that way.

 I backed this quilt with fleece, and left out the batting. The kids seem to really like the feel of the fleece. It is also great to machine quilt. It seems to stick to the top fabric, I didnt get one pucker! I did an all over meandering stitch on this one. It is a great way to practice your free-motion sewing, something I am NOT expert at! It really is a case of practice practice, practice. I find it is coming to me easier each time I do it. Next time I will show you Riley's quilt, it has all the same conversational squares, but looks so entirely different by bordering hers with brights, rather than pastels. This is a great "use it up" project, the only thing I bought was fleece backing and a yard of fabric for borders and binding!

It's a BOY!!!!!!!

These two little girls, are now going to have a brother!I went to the ultrasound appointment with my son and daughter in law. It was quite amazing to see, although I  really didn't know what I was looking at. I said"well? Is it a boy or girl? The technician circled what I should have been able to see, lol, and said "It's a BOY!"Everyone is happy, especially my son, to have a little boy in the house to balance out all that estrogen! Riley was  a bit disappointed, she wanted a sister,lol.Raelynn told me all the things she will be doing to help! It was a wonderful day, I now look forward to making some "boy things" for a change! I am already planning a "Red Sox" quilt, a request from my son!

I could use your input ,quilters..............

I could really use your input ! I just finished another pattern for sale, and would like to keep on doing them. My question to all of you is...what patterns have you looked for, and not been able to find? Redwork? Bluework? Kids stuff? Holidays?

The patterns that I find there isn't enough of, is applique,  or landscapes,so I have concentrated on those so far. I also love nautical things, so there are a million of those patterns in my head.This pillow  above  is the "Tooth Fairy" pillow pattern that I designed.(copyright 2008) The newest pattern, which is a coastal christmas scene, will be coming soon.

Please e mail me @shmily616@comcast.net, if you are a lurker, and don't want to leave a comment. If I use your idea, you will get a free pattern when it is done, Thanks so much! Barb

Well used and loved, and still in one piece!

My niece Jadelen's class had an inside  picnic! My sister had her bring this well used "picnic  quilt". I am pretty sure I made it over 21 years ago, lol. It is a watermelon print. and was tied, not  quilted. The idea was for my sister to have a picnic quilt you could throw in the car, and not worry about it. I think it has surely served the purpose, don't you? How nice she has used it all these years! That's another reason why.....we make quilts!

What's on my wall.........

 I hung up a couple of new wallhangings this weekend, and thought I would show them to you! The underwater one was really fun to make, I did the seaweed by "scribbling" on water soluble stabilizer, then dissolving it, it looks really realistic. The lighthouse scene is an original design. I made it for a challenge in my quilting guild a couple of years ago. I had seen this lighthouse on a post card, and really liked it. Last summer, while driving down to the National seashore, I got to see the real lighthouse in person! My next pattern I have designed for sale is almost ready. I have done my own designs for years, now I would like to see if I can get paid for that, lol. Pictures to come soon!

New Quilt Shop in town!

    You have to know I would LOVE this shop the minute I saw the sign! My friend Rosemarie had first told our group that the shop existed. I had been meaning to go over and check it out.

 What a pleasant surprise! The sign is a hint as to what you find when you walk in. Beautiful color, top quality fabrics, and a great variety of nautical fabrics. The  two women I met in the shop were friendly, and helpful. They said they are expecting about 80 more bolts of fabrics soon. The store is not huge, but  has quite a lot of fabric. They also seem  to have a knack for putting the fabrics together. I picked one mermaid fabric, and could have found at least 5 or 6 fabrics to go with it!You know thats not always the way in smaller shops.

It's easy to find, right on main street in Osterville, Cape cod. Definitely worth the trip! Here are some pics of  Sea Spun quilt shop. They pay great attention to detail, from the nautical decorations, to the way they wrap your fabric, and then put it it a cute gift bag with their logo on it, then tie with a ribbon. It's that attention the detail that makes the difference between a quilt shop, and a fabric store! Enjoy!

Not much sewing going on.....

 This week I have been working on one of my granddaughters CHRISTMAS presents.(The bold type is for Peggy and Kathie to do their eye rolling here:) It is almost done. I have the second one ready to sew together. All the squares are done. Rileys is in brights, and Raelynns is in soft pastels. It is surprising how different the same squares look with different sashing. Pics to come on those.

I thought I would show you pics of where I spent last weekend. This is the new mgm grand hotel at foxwoods. It has its own casino, and a beautiful pool area. It also has a huge theater (holds for thousand people). We went to see a Gloria Estefan concert. She was really great. She is very talented, but also very warm and seemed to reach out to her audience. I am not a gambler, probably because I have never been lucky. I could just sit there and feed money into the machines. Each $10 bill that would go in would be say to me "one yard of really good fabric", lol. But, it is really fun to go, it is a beautiful place, and you can do a lot of people watching! Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Friends

No, I am not crazy, lol. This Christmas picture is the only fairly recent picture I have of my friend Peggy and I. It's Peggy's birthday tomorrow! I was thinking about Peggy's upcoming birthday, and it got me to thinking about my friends.My mother used to tell me "when there's times of trouble, you'll know who your REAL friends are.

A few years ago, I had one of those "times of trouble" I surely did find out who my real friends were. Some people I had thought were my friends proved they were anything but.Others turned out to be much better friends than I had thought. Then, there were those, like Peggy, who was exactly as I have always thought she was. Peggy is a long time friend, a sewing friend, a REAL friend. We have cried together, and boy have we laughed together! Throughout the years, our friendship has always remained the same.Thanks Peggy, for being the wonderful friend that you  are. Have a wonderful birthday, and many many more. Love ya , Barb

another uso...............

A friend gave me a bunch of sewing stuff, as she was trying to downsize. This panel was in the package, along with the batting, backing and binding already cut. I decide to put it together. It was a great way to practice my stippling, and made a nice springy wallhanging to put up to match the yellow/blue color scheme I have going!

 I am also working on throw-sized quilts for my granddaughters for Christmas. They will be made with "I spy" conversational prints,and all leftover 2 1/2 " strips. Pictures to come on one of those soon. I also have been working on a new pattern. It will be a lighthouse/Christmas scene. It will be made with fusible applique, and machine stitching. I am very pleased with it so far. The weather here, for the weekend looks gorgeous! I have been missing the beach, so hopefully that will be part of the agenda today. Have a great weekend everyone!  

New issue of "Quilts and More"

 I I I got the summer issue of this magazine recently. It has really become my favorite magazine. It not only has great quilt patterns, but usually has some quick and easy projects as well.

I had a family gathering this weekend, and thought it would be fun to do the cute "no sew" flip flops I saw. I got a pair of flip flops for each kid, and lots of ribbons in matching colors. Mom and Dad had to cut and tie the ribbons for the little ones, but my nieces could do their own.

Yes, this was the project that they rolled their eyes, and said "She wants me to cut ribbons?", lol. I thought they turned out so cute don't you? All you do is cut assorted ribbons in strips, they said 8" pieces, we found those to be too long, so we trimmed them afterwards. This is a great project to do with kids and grandkids. We caught a flip flop sale at Joanns.  Aren't they cute?

Birthday projects for birthday girls...............

My granddaughters had a birthday party this weekend. Riley is now three, and her sister Raelynn will be 5 on wednesday! I made these t  shirts after seeing the cupcake idea somewhere in blogland. They are so cute, and fairly easy to make. The first shirt I made for Raelynn had to be scrapped as I sewed the front to the back when I "wrote" her name with free motion stitching .I did crab about that one, let me assure you!

I also made the little doll blankets and pillows that I showed you in a previous post. Riley has a way of looking as if she absolutely loves it, don't you think? My granddaughters, with a sewing Gramma like me, were reduced to using dish towels for doll blankets! That just wouldn't do, lol.

We had a wonderful "family weekend" as well. My sister came over to visit with her girls. We all did a project together. I will post more pics on that later. When I tell them we are going to do a project, and they can all help, I get a few rolled eyeballs, and "She wants me to WHAT? Can you tell I am the only "crafty" one in my family? I have to say, they all did a good job, and maybe they enjoyed doing the project, and maybe they humored me:) In any case, it kept them all busy while we made a delicious dinner.

Another reason "why we quilt"

Remember this quilt? I made this quilt to raffle off for "Relay for Life". The drawing took place on May 17th. I am SO happy to announce we raised $1200.00 for the American cancer society!  The quilt was won by a woman in Marstons Mills, Ma. It really is another "reason to quilt". I never could afford to make a donation like this, but I can donate my time and materials. I try to do this every year, both for my friend Joan , who is a bone cancer survivor, and in memory of my mother, brother and father. Thank you all so much for buying  and selling tickets, for this great cause. A special thank you to Bill, who is ever the salesman, and doesn't take NO for an answer, when he is selling tickets!

another uso finished!

What is a uso you ask? Well, as my quilting friends can attest to...I don't have ufo's. If I start it, I feel compelled to finish it. Partly that is my personality I guess, and partly I feel if I spend money on  fabric and patterns, etc, I have to complete them. So, a uso is an un-started object. I do have a few of these! I am trying to complete these projects, before I start more! Remember this wallhanging pattern? Here it is, all hand appliqued' and quilted. It will be put away for a special Christmas gift. I can see my friends Peggy and Kathie rolling their eyes as I type! Yes....I said Christmas gift, lol.

Happy Mothers Day!

Yesterday we celebrated Mothers day with my boyfriend's family. We went to the North End in boston, for a dinner at "The Sail Loft" on the harbor. Flo, (Bill's Mom) loves seafood, so she really enjoyed her fisherman's platter, as you will see by the pics below. We all had a great dinner there, then took a walk through the north end, and went to a little cafe' to have cappuccino and dessert. It was a wonderful day!

When we got home, Bill yelled, come quick, look what is on the lawn. There was a bright red cardinal walking around on the lawn! It left too quick for a picture, but I knew why it was there:)) Right before my mother died, she told me she would let me know "she was still around"." How will I know? I asked.She said "when you see the red cardinal, you will know I am still around". Maybe it's because I am looking, but it certainly seems to happen around Mother's day, her birthday and mine...and during times of trouble in our family. Real, or imagined, I don't know....but it always reminds me of her nonetheless. You know, our parents aren't perfect, but you sure miss them when they are gone. I hope that my own son will feel the same way about me when I am gone!  I hope you all take time to do just what you want to do today.! I will be having lunch with my son, who works today...the best gift....time spent with those you love. Happy Mothers day Everyone!

Still building....

Another inspiration from someone's blog! I saw these blocks made into small quilts, and they were called "happy squares" They are happy! Every print is  either animals or flowers, frogs and bears, all fun things!

I have had these conversational prints for a looong time. They are certainly well-aged! I am cutting the prints into 5 1/2 squares, then using all of the 2 1/2"  strips that I have accumulated, to border the blocks.I am planning to make lap sized quilts for my granddaughters. They will be "I spy" type quilts without having to piece all the triangles used in the original "I spy" quilt. Heres how I am starting out,finished block pics to be posted soon! 

Rileys doll quilt..........

I made Riley's doll quilt today too. I just sewed some strips together, then sub-cut them, and sewed them back together. Riley loves bears, or beeeaaahs, as she calls them. I had some bear fabric, and some pretty heart fabric that matched. I pillow turned her little quilt as well, with some soft fleece on the back. It is just the right size for a doll or a bear!

What are you building now??

That's what my dad used to say, when he would come into the house, and see my mother and I working on a new craft project! He would never say it, but I think he was always pleased to see what we were making, and impressed by the results. Today I had a little time to make doll quilts. I had told my granddaughters I would make them, and finally got to it. I saw this tutorial on someones blog about a "disappearing 9 patch" It looked like fun to make, so I gathered up some prints in lights and darks. You just cut 4" squares, set the darker squares in X part of the nine patch.  Next, you cut right through the middle of the block, and down through the center, like this.Turn the resulting squares all around , in a way that is pleasing to you, and this is what you get!  Sew all the units together. I pillow turned the little quilt, with some fleece on the back. I think Raelynn will like her new dolly quilt for her birthday don't you? Of course there had to be a pillow too!

Finished!! The Jo ann"s block of the month...

In the last post, you saw my sister's birthday gift, in which I used half of the Jo Ann block of the month blocks, called Floral Breeze. I had decided to make 2 throw sized quilts. I used a different border and backing fabric for my sister's quilt. For mine I used the fabrics that came with it.

Of course when I went to machine quilt my own, I had every problem known to man. I kept getting tension problems on the back. Usually with the Bernina, I never have that issue. I finally figured out it was an unevenly wound bobbin. Nauturally I didnt see it right away. Oh well, the back is patterned, so you dont see imperfect tension,lol. I machine quilted with a really pretty variegated thread. When I quilted on all of the print fabrics, it was really pretty. When I got to the white background blocks, I wished I had used a clear thread. Oh well.It's mine, so the lack of perfection doesn't bother me as much as if I were giving it away!

Happy Birthday Kim!

Today is my sisters birthday! She is 11 years younger than I am, and we couldnt be more different if we tried! She has 4 kids to my 1. She hates to cook, and said she will live on "lean cuisine" after her last kid grows up, lol. She doesn't sew (although she can). But, since we have grown up, she has become my  true friend as well as my sister. We have been through a lot together. She is who I call when things are good, and who I call when things are bad. Since she doesnt sew, but truly appreciates hand work, I love to make things for her. We have similar taste, so if I like it, she usually does too! Here is what I have been working on for her birthday. I used half of the Jo Ann "block of the month" blocks to make a couch sized quilt for her. The other six blocks will make one for me! I also made 4 pillow slip covers to match. I made the nautical table runner a while back, I have been saving it for her birthday. happy Birthday Kim!!!!!!

Why we love to quilt.....

Thanks for all the comments about "why we quilt". My friend Marge always describes people who don't quilt, or have any idea about quilting  as "They don't get it". Sometimes quilting is a "need" rather than a "want". When the world around me is too stressful and crazy, I can sit at my machine, or pick up some hand work. Within minutes, I can feel my blood pressure drop, my thoughts begin to slow down. I suddenly stop obsessing about all of lifes problems. I am thinking of my stitches, enjoying the colors, and the feel of the fabrics.

I often thank my mother, in my thoughts, for teaching me how to create.( I suspect she did it to keep me out of her hair) It certainly was a gift she gave me, that I, in turn, have been able to give to others. Just seeing the look on my granddaughters faces when they make something  is priceless. Quilting, for me ,is a sense of accomplishment, and  pride that I can create something from bits of fabric. If you quilt, or sew, or knit, or whatever it is that is your passion in life..........you "get it" .

more jo anns floral breeze blocks finished...........

All the Jo Ann's blocks are done!

I have been working away on these blocks, and finally have all of them done.  Here are pics of the most recent ones I have finished.They are just waiting to be put into a quilt! I would like to get it all put together, before it gets too warm to even think of a quilt, lol. The colors make you think of spring and summer.

  It has been a lot of fun to do these blocks. I have used stitches on my machine that I had never used before. It also has given me a lot of practice using free motion embroidery.

new neighbors...........

I had barely put this decorative birdhouse on the deck, when a chickadee began moving in! It is quite amazing to watch. They began to bring in stems and branches to build the nest. Once they are inside, you hear them pecking away. It sounds as if the are hammering, lol. I think they were quite lucky to find such a cute house don't you?

saturday afternoon on the Cape..............

Walking the same old route gets boring, so sometimes we walk down by the Cape cod canal. We brought a lunch, and sat out in the gorgeous sunshine. It is a such nice gathering place. There are picnic tables, and now, a playground for the kiddies. This is one view from the path.......... some ducks passing by..... some more pretty scenery as you walk! I managed to walk 2 miles without complaining. Then...my reward for all that excercise.....:) a stop at Jo Ann fabrics to use a couple of coupons that were burning a hole in my pocket. I can't show you what I got there. It is for a gift that is coming up soon. I will show you the completed project next week. Stay tuned!

Another one done...............

I am steadily finishing these Jo Ann blocks. This one was cute, it kind of looked like little button flowers on stems. All of these blocks were on sale this week, 40% off. The backing fabric was 40% off. good deal, and the fabric is a decent quality too! Reason # 2 I love quilting. You can pick it up when there is something on tv you don't like,(like Golf, lol) but you want to be sociable. 

Why do you quilt?

At my workplace, a customer asked me,(after seeing numerous quilts that I have made), Why do you do this? I had so many reasons, I couldn't blurt them out fast enough...so I just said "I like it". So now, if you are a quilter reading this blog...would you please leave me a comment, and tell me....and the people who don't "get it". WHY DO YOU QUILT? I will add my own reasons as I think of them........ok here is one......I quilt to make gifts for people, that they cannot buy. The whole time I am making a gift like that, I think of the person I am making the quilt for. Ok, that's reason#1.

Another Jo ann block of the month..........

Here is another block done. Can you tell I am really enjoying making this simple quilt? It just feels like it is a really relaxing project. Every block, in it's own little bag, just ready for me to sew! No brain strain, just start sewing!

Hannah Montana pillowcase

I had to take time out to make my granddaughter a"Hannah Montana" pillowcase. She is recovering nicely from having her tonsils out! I transferred some pictures of Hannah to the white accent strip, then sewed it to the other fabrics. She seemed to really like it! I made her sister Riley one with pictures of "caillou" on it. I didnt remember to take a picture of it, but you will get the idea when you see the "Hannah Montana" one. It is a great way to make a personalized pillowcase for kids!  

Another Jo ann block of the month.........

I have been doing some sewing, in between the stuffing and folding. This block was a simple one, it was made more interesting by the addition of the embroidered flowers. As I mentioned before, I decided to do the embroidery by machine. It is a good way to use lots of different fancy threads, and try out some of the decorative stitches on your machine. Just put on a free motion foot, drop the feed dogs, and use your imagination!

Sewing withdrawal.....

I haven't had much time to sew this week. That "work thing" interferes sometimes, unfortunately:). I have been working on the Tooth Fairy Pillow Patterns, getting all the parts printed. Now I will need to put them all together, which involves some glueing, and a LOT of folding and envelope stuffing. Remember those "work at home" ads? They didn't pay those people enough, no matter what it was they paid them, lol.

I have been working on the Joann's "block of the month" quilt, and have one more block done to show you here. I picked up a few more pretty variegated threads to do the free motion flowers.

I also have been working on a "Hannah Montana"  pillowcase for my granddaughter who will be having some minor surgery soon. Its so cute how much she LOVES Hannah. We were out at a restaurant a few weeks ago, Raelynn had some decorative pieces in her hair, and was all decked out in her Hannah Montana outfit. Sitting nearby were some cute college age guys.When we got up to leave, one of the boys said "Is that Hannah Montana?". Raelynn was so thrilled! She kept saying "He really thought I was Hannnah Montana". I will post some pics when I actually get a chance to sew it! 

Jo Ann's block of the month

Here are the next two blocks of the Block of the month joanns quilt. These are quite pretty, don't you think? I am learning a lot about doing free motion embroidery. I have been drawing the basic design with a wash out pen. I drop the feed dogs, and use a free motion foot. You then can "draw" with your needle. The next time I do a free motion block, I will try to put a video on.

Tooth fairy Pillows

Yes, this is why we sew things. Do these little girls look like they LOVE their Tooth Fairy pillows? The highest compliment came from granddaughter Raelynn,(4) "Gramma you are awesome, you MADE this for ME????, and from Riley (2), FOR MEEEEEEEEEEE? Thank you Gramma! of course it will be a while before Riley needs her pillow, but thats the good thing. It is a cute pillow that can decorate her room until its needed! We worked on a craft project too. We made sock puppets. Rileys started out to be a giraffe, but she decided to glue lots of pom poms on hers, so we named it "pom pom man" Raelynn made "little red riding hood", and then made a "flower head".These little girls have a long attention span, we worked on this project for 1 1/2 hours. We really had fun!  The day wouldnt be complete without pizza, so the girls made one for their lunch.Looks good doesn't it?

Jo Ann's block of the month

Here is the first block from the new Joann's block of the month quilt. It is fun to sew on these blocks, because the cutting of the main pieces is already done. You do