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Saturday, September 29, 2012

September NewFO



Gosh, this month went by so fast!  And what changes - from 100 degree dry weather, to cool autumn days with frosty nights.  I have to say - I finally had to put my heat on a couple of nights as the house was getting a little too cold - you can't wear mittens and stitch, gosh darn it!!


Of course I had to join in with the new Mini Quilt Along - this is my year of minis afterall.  This little 13" square 'Mosaic' peice worked up so quickly and all with scraps.  Also, new for September:  FMQ Challenge, Doll Quilt Monthly swap, Pam Buda's Basket Stars Mini, 3 mini's for the Dots on Dots blog hop, several Santa Ornaments made during the Christmas Quilt Along, the 'Speck' Scnibbles, and 2 dump quilt tops completed and sent on to Sarah's group - and they were so lovingly made up into the sweetest quilts and sent to new homes.

This was the photo for  the September Color Challenge with PatchWorkTimes.  Not my kind of color pallete so took me a while to decide what to do.


I had a bit of this fabric from one of the Traveling Stash boxes and thought of the little bag from Noodle-Head.


Her gathered clutch tutorial (just click on the name above)


You have the option of center divider and inside pockets - I put them all in there for a nice little sewing kit - and I hope it fits the color challenge.

What does October hold?  Well my monthly challenges and groups and new blog hops and a quilt show and .................  Scarey moment - seeing Christmas count-downs on blogs!!!!!!!!

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Friday, September 28, 2012

Whooping Up A Friday Finish



I finished up September's Schnibbles pattern 'Speck' with those wonderful London fabrics.  And teenie buttons in each center - had to use my beading needle to sew them on.


And I strip pieced the back with them - they are just so wonderful and made for such a pretty back.

Linking up with Friday Finish with http://richardquilts.blogspot.com/  (many blessings to the family as Richard's Dad just passed away) and with Whoop Whoop over at http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/ and with http://crookedseams.blogspot.com/ (Let me see Your Jelly Roll)

Just a few more days left of National Sewing Month - hope you get a chance to enjoy thread and needle..........

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon



Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Play Time



All bindings are sewn to their respective projects and two done with a third 3/4's - I NEED TO PLAY!  I did up the 11th block for the Blogger's block along.


The Mini Quilt Along with Moose on the Porch - 'Simply Charming Minis' by Konda Luckau.  The first one presented by MaMa Sparks was the 'Mosaic' - just 13".  I need to deside how to quilt.  Scraps of Shot Cotton left from the last FQ Quilt Along and pulled a 1.5" scrap strip from the tub. 


And this I did a few days ago - the next block for the 'How Far Will You Go' quilt along.

Ok - I did get my PLAY fix and need to get back to business. There are a lot of new buttons on the side bar you might like to check out.  Tomorrow I need to take an 'outdoors' break to pick the last of the tomatoes and pull up the plants, we are frosting at night soon.  The greens will ripen on the kitchen window.

CLOSING THOUGHT

"There ought to be gardens for all months in the year,
in which, severally, things of beauty may be then in season."

- Sir Francis Bacon

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon


 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Summer's End



Just so you know I am here, lots and lots and lots of bindings.  I spent all weekend making bindings for all those projects that need to be finished off.  Now this was a surprise - my furries don't touch  those quilts, but in taking a load of laundry from the washer and putting in the dryer, I came back to this.  I left Moe alone.  I think he is missing his former home and his brother as he has been a bit mopey and cuddly.  I know my Bella gets whiney and cuddly - almost three years since we lost her sister and she still has days that she misses her.  Yes, animals feel loss.  So ..... I just switched to another project and another machine.

 
"There comes a time when autumn asks,
"What have you been doing all summer?"

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Friday, September 21, 2012

Dots Winner



I have been a bit of a lurker - busy getting some consignments finished as well as preparing for an upcoming quilt show/vending.  If I am not present thru next week - it's because I will have three machines running.

My SIL (scared her calling so late) ran thru the comment list and picked the winner.  Thank you all for such lovely comments and so pleased you enjoyed my whimsy with the 'dots'.  The winner is:

SUE - of SueBeesWorld - I will be sending a seperate E-mail out to her shortly for mailing information.

Enjoy your weekend (first day of Autumn for us - Spring for others),
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Last Rose of Summer



I wanted to photo the last of our roses, but we had another 'severe' storm with tornado warnings and they were all gone the next morning.  But this lovely daffodil hexie pillow came from my 'Seasons' swap partner (Australia's seasons - Spring).  So I do have a flower to share with you.


I have been working a lot of blocks - finally started on the 'Grandmother's Choice' quilt along.  Love all the history that Barbara gives us along with each block. 


I've been throwing older fabric scraps in a basket and have plenty of muslin pieces (as well as a full bolt).


This should be a wonderful quilt, full of history.

Remember the Dots on Dots Blog Hop is running the rest of the week - my post is here with give away open until midnight (EST) on the 21st. Winner announced the 22nd (first day of Fall-USA)

CLOSING THOUGHT

"Tis the last rose of summer,
Left blooming alone;
All her lovely companions
Are faded and gone."


Thomas Moore - The Last Rose of Summer, 1830

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Sunday, September 16, 2012

FMQ Challenge



SewCalGal's September FMQ Challenge was a motif from Paula Reid.  Since I had my grandchildren coming for apple picking, I thought I would tackle this project and then have a quick pick up.  I traced the motif onto my muslin, then sandwiched up.


Since my other machine is in for repair, I relied on my 'little' machine and off we go.  I did have trouble seeing where I was going on 'trace-overs' and back tracking as the foot on this machine is blinding - like blind spots on a car.


For all the 'where the heck am I' - not too bad on this stand-in machine.  I'm sure old faithful would have done a nicer job and I was really comfortable working the motif.  I may just use this on a project that is waiting on 'that chair'!!

I am enjoying these challenges and thank the different designers/quilters  for this wonderful program.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Mini Quilts


Well, by my postal confirmation slip - my  doll quilt got to it's destination.  The monthly theme was 'Harvest' but I went with a Fall theme.  The little crow is a Regina Grewe free pattern and the pumpkin I found in my box of printed off patterns so no tribute.  I received this lovely little 'woodsy' girl fabric in a win maybe a couple of years ago and auggghhhh can't remember from who.  But it was time to use it - and yes, bits of scraps from the stash.

*linking to RichardQuilts link a finish and Sarah's Whoop-Whoop


And the back is  a full piece of the fabric.  My label stitched and dolly is dressed in scraps from the quilt.  A mix of machine and hand quilting was used.


I finished up Pam Buda's recent  little Basket Stars quilt along.  I used all scraps for this too, some of the fabric is from another quilter and is rather old - no print on the selvedge, so I can't name the line or designer.  Straight stitch quilting, some tied, and little bitty buttons in the center of each star block.


And my poor New Home power work horse of a machine started limping - at a rather bad time too - so she is heading off to the 'hospital' for repair today.  So the little back up came out.  Oh, my SIL and I laughed every time I ran it.  I swear it sounds worse than my blender chopping ice cubes!!!  But it has a nice even stitch and constant 1/4" seam line - so piecing will work.  This is the back to my Schnibble 'Speck" - decided to piece some of those pretty daisy strips.  Yes, after every whir and chunka-chunka (and fits of laughter), we went to the computer to browse sewing/quilting machines and compare, price, and make wish lists ...............

TRAVELING STASH WINNER


Yes, the snowflake LARGE mugs came out as it has gotten rather cool at night - and that hot chocolate with extra marshmallows just works so well in these.  NO I don't want to see snow yet!  Congratulations to The Slow Quilter - ohhhh - a newbie to the traveling stash, too.  I will be sending her an e-mail for post information and off that box will go.  Thank you to all who posted comments - keep an eye on the 'luggage' button as hopefully a few more boxes will be on the move soon.

CLOSING THOUGHT


Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Dots on Dots Blog Hop



Welcome to my day of the Dots on Dots Blog Hop.  Thank you Corrie  of  QuiltTaffy for being our hostess (you can always get the daily schedule from Corrie on the button on my sidebar) and for the lovely Madam Samm of SewWeQuilt for the innovation.  I will be sharing the day with these lovely ladies, so be sure to visit all :









 
I dumped a lot of 'dotty' fabric - dots were every where until I was seeing spots before my eyes.  Yes, these are great dots - they soothed the soul.  AND they helped to find my 'muse'.  Let's go with some fun and whimsy with this.



First my musical hen - hey, chickens clucking and roosters crowing sound like music!  This pattern is from The Quilter's Cache - SillyChickenBlock and even a beginner paper piecer can tackle this block.  BUT, there needs to be more to this little lady as this is an 8" block..........



Lots of lovely little bugs for her to snack on - and look - she's given us lots of eggs in return!  Of course, we need a 'dotty' binding.  And I just had to add some little buttons - yes, hearts for us who love chickens.




We're still on the farm.  We need a dancing cow for our musical chicken.  This is a pattern found at NorthernQuilts (Crazy,Happy,Cow pdf).  Yes, she needs some dressing up, too.............


 
 
 
Now cows like to be in a herd, so I added more 'dotty' cows in the border and borders of daisies and apples - yes there's dots in there.  And a nice big pink button for her udder - silly girl!
 
 


I got a little more whimsical - I love this pattern from 'bonus web page' on Quiltmaker under their 'freebies'.  Yes, I dressed this one up..............




This silly Sand Crane is out for a walk along the beach - looking thru the grass for  her misplaced eggs.

I hope you have enjoyed my bit of fun with dots - and I have a give away for my lovely visitors today.. 




Oh, the delightful 'Pickels' panel by Brian Crane for Timeless Treasures and 1 yd of coordinating fabric.  Just leave a comment, comments open until Friday, Sept. 21st (midnight EST), will ship over seas.  Just be sure you are not a 'no-reply' or anon.  Winner will be contacted and announced on the 22nd.

Thank you for stopping in

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon   

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Design Wall Monday



Sunday I worked on the September Schnibble pattern 'Speck'.  Instead of the new mini charms, I thought I would use some JR strips to cut my 2.5" squares and use up some scrap Kona white.  I am using just a 3 x 4 block setting for a doll quilt size.


These lovely daisy fabrics were sent to me by Pauline of PhoenixHeirlooms - yes, from across the pond!  'Sweet Daisy May' by Fabric Feedom in London, England.  I've had them a couple of years, waiting to be played with.  I thought they were perfect for this.  And lots left to play with yet, too.  OOOO, I should make one of my little dolls to go with the quilt!


I finished up my little Santa ornaments from Saturday's Christmas Quilt Along - cut short by our tornado - thank you all for your concerns and well wishes, but we faired with minimal damage compared to other places (yes, NY does get tornados).  Now to add bead eyes, nose,  jingle bells to the hat ends, and hangers.

*linking to PatchworkTimes

REMINDERS

Link up with Beth's 'Dump Quilt' - here

Dots on Dots Blog Hop starts - here

Check the luggage button on the side bar - several Traveling Stash boxes are on the move

CLOSING

"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer."
- Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885
Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Saturday, September 8, 2012

Christmas Quilt A-Long


Today sweet Hazel is our hostess for the September Christmas Quilt A Long.  Time to pull that lovely Mystery Quilt out that QuiltSue designed for us.  I have mine finished, but will be playing along with some small projects today.  After all, there is only 107 days left until Christmas!

UPDATE


This photo is from Pinwheelponders and this is what I decided to play with today.  The paperpiece pattern is on her blog with links to other sites with various ways to piece these cute Santa ornies if you are not a paper piecer.  This should use up some more of those scraps and add to my ornament gift box.

UPDATE

Well, my sewing time got cut short as New York had a series of tornados/severe storms sweep thru.  Too bad as our community was having it's 300th celebration and everything closed down,people shuttled to safety.  Furries are nervously trying to nap with one eye on me.  So I have closed down the sewing for a little cleaning and reorganization - if I sew now I will make mistakes and need to stay busy.  We are all safe and well and minimal damage, my kids have all checked in and ok, but brother and SIL stranded up North - they went on a train ride/ tour and now the train can't get back down as the tracks have so many trees on them.

Thank you Hazel for being a wonderful hostess today, ladies have been busy with projects, and I hope you all are enjoying your weekendl

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Friday, September 7, 2012

Feline Friday

As promised, Photo's of my 'clown' furry who loves my scraps.  BUT before warned, no eating or drinking while viewing these photos!  I don't want to injury anyone.


You've seen Moe who is my 'holder-down- of-scraps'.  I usually dump a pile on the table, but this project I have my small bits for the project in a small tote (so I don't use them for something else).  Well, this is what a 26# cat looks like trying to lay on those scraps........


He's still not holding those scraps down enough with just his head, so now the front (well part of it) is in the tote.


Some how he got 'into' the tote - yes, it is there under that mass!  Look how close that is to the corner!


He repositioned again - that really does not look comfortable - and a little closer to the edge, too.


I know, you thought he was going to fall off.  He finally thought this was good and slept there for almost 3 hrs.!  Needless to say, my scrap project didn't get  played with till nap time was over.

Yes, the plastic table clothe is my 'attention getter' (and protects my table)- they reach up and claw to get me away from the machine or cutting mat - Gotta Eat Mom!! (I think it's time for a new one)

Leaving you in Stitches - Sewingly Yours,
Sharon

Linking up with sarahdidit

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Traveling Stash Box Ready to Move On



I just got the box Thursday afternoon and I hate for them to sit, so I immediately emptied out the box to photo all the goodies that were inside.


This is what I took from the stash.  A lot of the bits of fabric (about 1yd), the little purple floral will go with a project in progress(1yd), I collect Ro Gregg (1/2 yd), the Moda 'Pieces From the Heart ' will make a great pillowcase for the 'Remember our Service Men/Women' project (side bar button), the Alexander Henry 'Farm Collection' I pulled for one of our students who loves cow and farm fabrics (1yd), Marcus Brother stripe is just perfect for backing of my one Jelly Roll quilt (3 3/4yds), the puppy kit for a friend, pattern will be great for scrap busting, floss and deco thread, and oh, so love the chop stix - great for turning and pocking corners -holding when ironing small stuff, etc.... and just broke my last one.


Yes, I need to replace a lot of fabric!  For the Batik lovers some FQ size to 1/2 yd to 1yd to 2 yd, some Brannock & Patak, Disney print, Connecting Threads - FQ to 1 yd , two Debby Mum 1yd ea.,,some Aunt Gracie and Moda, and there needed to be some juvinile in this box so an Elizabeth's Studio 'Baby Talk' (1yd) with four FQ's, and four mini quilt patterns.


RULES:
  1. Be an active blogger. Post about receiving and the giveaway on your blog in a timely manner.
  2. There is a note in the box that logs where the box has been. Please add your info and place the note back in the box.
  3. There is a list of Rules and Guidelines in the box. Please read and follow these and return the list to the box.
  4. You may take anything you like from the box. Just replace every item with comparable quilt shop quality items equal to the amount taken. See guidelines below.
  5. Ship the box to the next person in a reasonable amount of time.
  6. Due to the amount of postage shipping is only within the USA.





GUIDELINES:The definition of a stash is a secret store of valuables. For quilters it's a collection of usable quality products. The stash should contain mostly fabric with a few patterns and/or books and other items.


  • FABRIC: Should be quilt shop quality in new condition. Scraps should only be included if they are cut for adding to a collection and packaged accordingly (i.e. I-Spy squares, postage stamp squares, etc.). There should not be anything under a Fat Quarter unless packaged like this.
  • PATTERNS/BOOKS: Should be in new or gently used condition. They should be kept to a minimum (books are bulky and add weight).
  • OTHER ITEMS: Should be in new or gently used condition. Tools, notions, etc. These items should be packaged if necessary.



I will leave the comments open until Wednesday, September 12th midnight (est) and announce the winner immediately after.  Every effort will be made to send the winner a personal e-mail for mailing information so be sure you are not a 'no reply' or anon (I block anons).

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon




Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Dump Quilt Two



I hope you are getting some sewing time in with the Celebrate 30 Yrs. of National Sewing Month.  This was the beginning of my second dump quilt.  I hate to say, but I have 4 of these (different pretty colors).  One gets put on the side of the table while my SIL and I sew, and any scraps get 'dumped' in them.  Certainly time to play with this one.


Remember I have my helpers.  They do a great job of holding down those scraps - as well as dumping them on the floor!  Wait til you see this character on Feline Friday.


There were some pretty heart print squares - where did they come from?  So I started with them as my base and then just started that good old 'chain sewing' and humming along the way.


There were a lot of fun strips of birds, cows, camels, sheep, and chickens.  It was a little hard to keep track of whether they were on their heads or other wise - it was just the joy of putting things together.


A bright and fun quilt - 40" x 48" - that was added to the box off to Sarah.  I see so many projects that were done over the last few months in this quilt top.  How fun to think that all those pieces got a chance to be part of a quilt that is going to wrap someone in hugs and love.

A lot of you have told me you are 'dumping', and I can't wait to see them all come Linky Party time.

Sewingly Yours,
Sharon