NewFO and Link-Ups

All I can say is Barbara made me do it. Well, I don't really need someone to give me permission to start something new, but it does help and makes you feel so good! I won't re-post past photos but a list:

Little houses, Cross Stitch Ornaments, Picnic Quilt (finished), Block designs for Sarah (Confessions of a Fabric Addict) and Crazy Old Ladies, Christmas Quilt Along, String Along - 3 types of blocks going as well as mini HSTs, Valentine's Day Ackfeld Hanger Mini -my own and one for a swap (finished), 12 Days of Christmas Sampler (finished), Moda's Sliced Entry, Cherry Quilt Along, and Zig-Zag Quilt. New project started and finished below.

Check the other NEWFO bloggers at Cat Patches - you might catch the fever.

TANGERINE TANGO

Dimensions - 15" x 18" using a veriation of tube technique for Bargello. Fabrics : 'What A Hoot" collection from Classic Cottons, Shot Cotton -Kaffee Fasset, Elements by Mark Lipinski - hand quilted with DMC 2 strands floss in three different orange colors. Bargello to represent the dance floor and quilted circles to represent the dancers. Linking up to A Squared Tangerine Tango Challenge.

SCHNIBBLES

This month's pattern was 'i.s.t.h' and right up my alley. Lots of HSTs and tiny pieces - so me! Used Collections for a Cause - Comfort by Howard Marcus, Moda Muslin, and Chocolat by 3 Sisters. FMQ with Connecting Thread's PRO line thread - Brown top line and their Essential Beige bottom line. It is 28" square. This will be in the parade of Schnibbles with Sheri and Sinta later this week.

JELLY ROLL

This is my entry for the "Let Me See Your Jelly Roll" with Crooked Seams. I just love any of the Fig Tree lines, so soft and warm and blendable. This is the pattern 'Boxed Squares' from Mary Quilts and I love that it uses EVERYTHING - no waste is wonderful. Quilted with a stretched serpentine with a peach verigated YLI thread.

And had to show - this is the first time I have used a Vintage Sheet for a backing.

COLOR AND FMQ CHALLENGE

This was my interpretation of the Color Challenge with Patch Work Times. 10 colors to match - no way in my stash, but I had a paisley with all of them and then pulled some of the colors.

It's hard to see, but I used the FMQ Challenge with Sew Cal Gal with this same piece. This time it was feathers - I drew a lot of feathers! Then just decided it had to be done and did it. The center is feathers echoed each side, borders have small flowers and some leaves.

ACKFELD HANGER MINI

The center is cross stitch using 18 count Aida cloth, DMC floss and Sulky Silks and Metalics - representing March coming in like a lion and going as a lamb. My first time using gold lame' fabric and probably my last. It does not like an iron on it, so used a pressing cloth (sparingly) and used it in the binding - very hard to needle. But I do love the look.
(and we finally had a snow storm - who heard of the Northeast with no snow)
** linking up to Sarah's Whoop Whoop**

And for Billie who is counting - how many is that for the year? And I am looking forward to some new projects for March, after all it is a long month.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

B - I - N - GO

Did you guess it? Did you find the clues? For those that did, thank you for keeping it to yourself. But, YES, we are planning a BINGO game for our 2012 MAY FOR ME. And the reason we are starting early - you are going to make your own BINGO card. Yep - that's what you heard. I know it is a ways to May, but we want you to have time to make your card, and then there will be a period to link your card up with us as an entry. Time will fly. And I am going to share a tutorial on how to make your card - of course, you are free to add your own personality and creativity - but this will help you along.

TUTORIAL

You are going to need twenty five (25) 2.5" squares. B is going to be Blue, I is going to be Yellow, N is going to be Red with the black center, G is going to be Green, and O is going to be Purple. Now don't fret if you don't have a lot of fussy cut prints - use your imagination. I had a yellow duck - even though on green background, I am using him as my yellow. Stars are good, but use them in only one color choice. A Paisley, a dot, or a stripe will work, but again, use them in only one color choice. You have lots of time to find your squares - jot down what they are - you will see why later.

I am going to show you a way to sew small squares into a block with a technique called 'webbing'. Match your column one (blue) with your column two (yellow) squares and chain thru your machine - DO NOT CUT THREADS.

Now match up column three (red with black center) to your yellow and chain thru again - DO NOT CUT THREADS.

Yup - match that next column - # 4 is the greens and chain thru your machine - DO NOT CUT THREADS>

And then your last column - the purples - chain thru and DO NOT CUT THREADS. You now have your BINGO card block in a web.

You can use your iron to press the rows in opposite directions or finger press ( which is what I did) and then match up your seams, pin, and sew. Repeat with each row. The 'web' structure helps with the matching up. Then press your completed BINGO card block.

We are going to make a mini-quilt sandwich. And you can finish off your card how ever you like. I added a skinny black sash. Then stitched 5 scrap lite squares and used my perma pen to write B - I - N- G - O. This is your card - this is only a helpful suggestion, but complete this as you desire. A backing, batt (use up those scraps) and quilt stitch in the ditch or what ever your fancy. Leave raw edge, pink edge, rick rack, or binding to finish. This is your card.

Remember I said to keep a list of what each block represented? This is why - we need a printed sheet with your list just like I show here. This is not only to help you remember when it comes time to play, but when you link up, it will help Tonya make the master list for when we pull BINGO names. So yes, we need it large enough to read it when posted with your card. As you can see, I pinned mine right to my card for safe keeping. Hey - my card has been made and hanging since right after Christmas! So when your card is made, hang it up and admire.

And this is how you are going to mark your card - BUTTONS. Now if you don't have a dozen button tins like I do, there is time to gather. I am actually up-cycling some shirts and removing their buttons - they are small and have a textural color/look, so I am going to use these. And if you have never sewn on a button - time to learn. And this is for fun, no stress!!!! After we are done playing BINGO, I will be offering a tutorial on how to turn your card into a mini wallhanging to keep and cherish - or gift.

INSPIRATION

Be sure to check out my co-conspirators - they made their own cards (and I haven't seen them yet either so going to visit them) :

Tonya of HillBilly Handiworks - she may be sharing some rules, too.......

Marcia of Marcia's CraftySewing - she has lots of good ideas for inspiration in finishing and quilting....

Snoodles of LilyPad Quilting - she just learned about fussy cuts and can share on a first hand experience.....

We all are here to help if you have questions and will pop in to remind you of progress...... Looking forward to MAY FOR ME and BINGO!!!! And if you were with us last year, you know there were lots of give aways - hey, May is my Birth Month - and I share my celebration all month long!!!!

Sincerely Yours,
Sharon

Leap Day Blog Hop Give Away

**This give away is now closed and winners notified**

Welcome to VroomansQuilts and thank you Elizabeth of Such a Sew & Sew for hosting. I am giving away two bundles - one charm pack of Sassy paired with one charm pack of Bella Solid - seems you need 2 charm packs these days for a quilt, right!

No hoops to jump, you don't even have to be a follower (but you are welcomed), just double the fun - just leave a comment and be sure I have a way of contacting you (if you are a no-reply blogger you can't win - see my side button to check)as every effort will be made to send a personal e-mail to the winners. I will also ship over-seas, so open to all. I will leave the give away open until Friday (March 2) midnight and announce the winner Saturday (March 3).

Click HERE to link to the other participants.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Between Seasons

We are between seasons. One day it is sunny, warm and clear. You can feel and hear things growing; stretching to a new cycle of life. Then the next day it is cold, snowy, and dark. You can feel the disappointment as tender shoots and little buds tuck up tight - waiting. This between stage is showing in my work. Some pieces dark - come cuddle at the hearth, let's tuck up tight. And then some pieces are bright and warm; stretching to that new cycle.

WARM AND BRIGHT ON THE WALL

I decided to go with the white for my setting in the 'Cherry' piece. It's crisp, clean, and gives a pop -- maybe it is that returning little bit of winter that made me pick the white. I don't know if I will border now or just finish with a tonal red binding. I think I want to hand quilt the star in white and the settings in red.

Gosh, that box was calling me. The jelly roll I had won for January's 'Let Me See Your Jelly Roll' challenge - Sandy Gervais' 'Fresh Squeezed. It had been cut into 5" lengths by Megan (?) so I paired them with some white for 2-rails. I had seen so many zig-zag quilts and so wanted to make one - that ever growing 'want to make' list. You have one of those don't you??? That hint of stretching into Spring, yet the white snow has yet to let go. I can see lots of possibilities with colorful large hand stitches. But this will sit for my March jelly roll challenge piece as my February is already done. We had a few days of Winter thrown at us, and tomorrow should be some Spring and I can get that one outside for some photos for the challenge post.

A peek at my Tangerine Tango Challenge piece. I get inspired at the strangest times. I am an insomniac and find my 'high point' is 2-4 am. The other night it was gusting so badly, I was afraid the roof and/or windows were going to fly. Thus, the Tango was born in all that furry and frenzy. I have just a little more hand quilting to finish up and the binding is waiting. It will be done by the March 2nd deadline - and I didn't even intend to enter this one. Funny where inspiration leads us.

**I will be linking up with Judy's on the wall at Patch Work Times**

**I added a new button for Hands2Help 2012 - click on it to take you to Sarah and all the information is there**

CLOSING THOUGHT

'The moon hangs full in the sky white and ripe
as if to nod off or fall, full of light.
In the garden at the time between seasons
only the moon fruits among silver stalks that have wintered over.
In light, white enough to be snow but no longer snow,
the conscience of the garden wakes.'
- Barbara Van Noord

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Leap Day Fun

Elizabeth over at Such a Sew and Sew is hosting a linky party giveaway on Leap Day, February 29, 2012. Here's how it will work:

• Choose something to give away on Leap Day. Keep it simple. You can make something, give away a bit of your stash, offer a service, buy your favorite gadget to give away or offer something completely non-crafty. Your blog, you choose.

• To participate in the blog hop, your giveaway must start and end on Leap Day. You can open it at 10:00 am and close it at 10:00 pm, or go midnight to midnight, or anything in between. Your blog, your rules.

• Post your giveaway and then link up with Elizabeth. Please include the Leap Day Giveaway button somewhere in your post. The linky will open at noon MST on February 28th and close at 10:00 am MST on March 1st, to allow for people in different time zones to participate.

• If you want to include the linky on your giveaway post so that others can link up from your blog, the code is available on the Sew & Sew blog. If you choose to add the linky to your post, you MUST include the above rules so that it is fair play for all.

**I plan to link up our little groups' planned fun and have my own give away. Oh, let me introduce you to the other ladies:

Marcia at Marcia's Crafty,Sewing
Snoodles at LilyPad Quilting
Tonya at Hillbilly Handiworks

Have you found the clues? Really, no? Then you better GO take another look. If you have figured it out, don't GO telling anyone. No, don't GO and ask me, cuz I won't tell. You are just GOing to have to wait for some Leap Day Fun that will lead into our plans for May For Me 2012**

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Clover & Violet Quilt & Stitch Along

The Clover & Violet NEW quilt and stitch along began with fabric and supply list on February 22 - you have lots of time to think and gather. I enjoyed their last summer picnic quilt, so certainly look forward to what is in store with this one. And it is offered in two sizes, so you can decide on the time committment that fits into your schedule.

These are my fabrics and I will decide on color threads for stitching once they are revealed. I like to use DMC and have LOTS of it!! I think I need another yellow for ballance. I will be using my favorite - muslin - for my stitching area.

Just click on the button on the side bar and it will take you to the Clover & Violet link. Hope you will join in.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Sliced

Well I decided one night that I would take a crack at the Moda Bake Shop SLICED competition. You had to use all the items is the 'basket' for a project to aid or improve your office or studio. That made me laugh as I don't have either of those things - I work in my combo dining-living room.

But I've always had a concern for when my grandsons come to visit that all my sharp objects are picked up and out of the way. Thus my project evolved. One to recycle and use scraps - grabbed a clean, empty coffee can waiting for recycling day; my box of left over charms from that last baby quilt - a mix of Me and My Sister's Twirl and Emelia charms, some scrap batt, scrap piece of Moda Muslin, and a decorative buckle (required).

After measuring the can for height (6.5") and circumference (19.5") I laid my muslin face down and topped with the batting and cut with a .5" extra allowance. This is my base for the technique - flip & sew.

I chose some mix of charms and cut them in half to work with 2.5" x 5" sections and stitched them, flip, press, and sew the next one on down across the bottom of the base. You can leave these as is or decorative stitch - which I chose to do.

I used the same method on the top portion by joining halved charms sewn end-to-end and then stitching across, flip and press - added decorative stitching to hold. I used YLI verigated blue/purple/pink thread which gave a nice look. Trim to size (6.5" x 20") and sew short edge seams so you have a tube.

I made a binding with halved charms sewn end to end. Stitched to the inside and turned to the outside, decrative stitched down. This was done on the bottom and top of the tube - a completed cover for the can.

Using a charm to make a 'belt' for the buckle, and two small 'bags' with charms - they were attached to one end of the belt, fed thru the buckle and end sewn to the can sleeve cover. These little bags are for my small sharps - seam rippers and sewing machine screw drivers. From the can lid I cut out the inner circle, used two layers of scrap batt - sewed them to the circle and that is placed in the can to protect the tips of my scissors and snips.

My finished project with all the sharps in a safe place that can quickly be put out of place when little ones come to visit.

The Slice project is open for entries until February 29 - an extra day with Leap Year - so why not give it a try. Go to the Moda Bake Shop web site for the rules.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Also linking to Sarah's Whoop Whoop Friday

President's Day

The holiday was established in 1800, when Congress declared February 22–George Washington's birthday–a federal holiday. Still legally known as Washington's Birthday, Presidents' Day has become a day to honor not only Washington, but Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president who was born on February 12, and the lives and accomplishments of all U.S. presidents. Presidents' Day, changed with a bill in 1971, is celebrated each year on the third Monday in February, is a day when Americans honor the legacies of the U.S. presidents. All of the U.S. presidents except for George Washington have lived in the White House; it wasn't completed until after Washington left office.

ON THE WALL

My little box of little houses was toppling over, so thought it a good time to start sashing them (1.5" sash). I chose a black with cheddar dots and the corner stones are from the scrap pile. Still trying to decide if I want to throw in an occassional tree and/or larger house. **Will link up with Judy at Patchwork Times**

And I am almost done with the February Schnibbles. My Brother, which I normally do all my machine quilting with, came down with a seized motor and needed repair. So I adapted to my old faithful 'New Home' (Janome), FMQ the center and then used my walking foot on the outer border. Actually she sits waiting for me to finish the last few stitches of binding.

Two more lovely spool blocks from my partner Billy. She included some gorgeous 'Gum Blossom' fabrics. Look at that card! Inspiration abounds. Thank you Billy.

FINISHES

Finally my poor second 12 Days of Christmas Sampler is done! I just couldn't find the right fabric/color for the binding. Then one of our class ladies graced me with a wonderful bag of scraps from her sewing room - and there in the bottom, yes, could it be??? I multi=green check (a green dot found for the back) and now this sweet thing is done and hanging on my wall - for a while, as my daughter wanted this one.

I, also, finished the Color Challenge and FMQ that with the newest 'feather' challenge. BUT you won't see that until those postings go up.

CLOSING THOUGHT

When was it decided that President's Day was a 'marketing/sales' day - and that it was a good time to also have a week off from school? WOW - I think I will stay close to home and sew the time away.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

News & Winners

New button on the side bar - most of you know Sarah of Confessions of a Fabric Addict. She is part of a group of bloggers presenting this delightful new book. Check out the listing on her blog for dates and hosts. **if you click the button it will take you to that post**

There are some other new buttons on the side bar, so please drop in and check things out. Maybe you even missed one that's been there a while. I try to keep things over there that might interest you folks - not that I am doing them all - welllllll.......

And I so meant to post this on 'Peek A Boo' - my goal this year is to meet some of blogland's nearby sweeties. I got to meet up with Robbie of Rooee's Confetti. Gosh we conversed for some time between blogs before realizing we are only about 30 miles from each other. She mentioned she would be doing part of her Quilt Guild's program - just a 15 minute drive for me, so I dropped by for a surprise. (see that arm in the photo - green sweater - that's me)

**Almost forgot - check out Barbara at Cat Patches as she is looking to see if there is interest in a mini/doll quilt swap**

WINNERS

Thank you all for your lovely comments on my Valentine's post - so heartfelt. Now the winners of the Always & Forever:

Mrs Pickles at Mrs Pickles Garden
Sue Daurio at Sue Daurio Quilting Adventure

Congratulations ladies, and I will be sending a personal note for information. Remember, a Leap Year Surprise is coming and some scattered fun leading up to May For Me.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Peek A Boo

Remember playiNg 'Peek a Boo' with a baby? Their woNdermeNt at how you disappeared aNd theN magically reappeared? AN expressioN of doubt, or frowN, a cry, a giggle. I get that way wheN bloggers show 'peeks' of work - or do aN 'I caN't show yet'. But I caN certaiNly uNderstaNd all that as I am working a little 'iN secret' myself. So today is a Secret Peek A Boo Day.

These are my fiNal borders for the February SchNibble. I thiNk everyoNe is holdiNg this oNe 'close to the vest' as I have Not seeN aNythiNg arouNd bloglaNd like we did with the Full House. Actually I am iN the haNdquilting stage and biNdiNg waitiNg.

Is aNyoNe workiNg oN this moNths Color ChalleNge? Have Not seeN much arouNd bloglaNd oN this oNe either. I kNow - 10 colors!! I was Not about to go out aNd buy 10 fabrics for this because just Not my palette. But we sometimes have to work outside the box. So compromise - I fouNd the paisley print at my LQS (oN sale) with all the colors iN it. TheN came home aNd weNt dumpster diviNg iN all my scrap biNs aNd totes to fiNd some thiNgs to work with it. It just Needs to be quilted (machiNe)and biNdiNg waitiNg.

ANd block #11 for the Fat Quarter Star Quilt AloNg. I am startiNg to sash aNd assemble the top, so wheN block #12 comes out, I will be ahead of the game iN gettiNg this iNto a flimsy - maybe eveN keep it from becoming a UFO!

And have you seeN aNyoNe practiciNg their FMQ with the feathers? Oh, gosh, I woN't show miNe either. I caN't eveN draw them! This is oNe challeNge that I will have to use a steNcil aNd mark them as there is no way I caN do this free haNd - feel like the 3 Stooges all wrapped in oNe. Ah, laughter is the best mediciNe.

TRAVELING STASH

Hold onto your boots - cuz there are 5 boxes on the move now!!! And all of them heading to new homes - hope I can keep up with them all for ya:

Box 1 (now split) heading to Samantha at Quazy Quilter

Box 2 is heading to Lindasy at LindasySews

Box 3 is heading to Robin at RsIsland Crafts she has several blogs so I hope I can keep track which one she posts the stash on.

Box 4 (from #1 split) heading to Jennifer at Knotted Thread

"Pass it On Box" is heading to Miki at Miki's Fabric Creations

WOW WOW WOW - Good luck

CLOSING THOUGHT

SewiNgly Yours,
SharoN

Happy Valentine's Day

I wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. I have had some flowers and candy and some shared lovelies. This little sweetie I made as part of my Quilt Guild Heart Challenge and for my monthly hanger project. Yes, she is 3-D and kickin' up her heels - oh, maybe I should have put shoes on her?

And I can show the whole thing now - the Valentine I made for the Initial Heart Swap. One of my fabric framed cross stitch pieces. OF course I am still loving the one I received.

And I had this lovely piece arrive - Vickie at A Creative Notion had a give away and we could pick the color - oh, you know it HAD to be blue!! Isn't this just special??

This box arrived too - I was runner up in the "Let Me See Your Jelly Roll' challenge at Crooked Seams. I already know what I am doing with this for a new spring quilt for a birthday gift for a family member.

And be still my heart - this huge box of lovelies were the Grand Prize for the Scrap Along Challenge at Pleasant Home. I shared some of the things in the box with family and friends so pieces are missing. This box was stuffed! Yes, there were baggies of scraps from projects shared during the month - I am always tickled with a bag like this - ideas spinning!! Oh, the bag is just so sweet, did not expect this in the box. And the new book 'Cut The Scraps' has been well thumbed already.

Since I have been so blessed with gifts and wins - and I didn't use these lovely charms - I have 2 charm packs of Deb Strain's 'Always & Forever' along with 2 mailers left. So I can pick TWO winners - will hold comments until Friday midnight and announce the winners Sat. Feb 18th. I will ship over-seas.

CLOSING THOUGHT

On Valentine's Day we think of those who make our lives worthwhile,
Those gracious, friendly people who we think of with a smile.
I am fortunate to know you, that's why I want to say,
to a rare and special person: Happy Valentine's Day!

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon