BUTTERFLIES IN MY ATTIC

If you saw the post below, you will know that these butterfly squares were found in my attic.

At first I thought they were raw edge applique but on closer inspection the person turned under the edges and did a zig zag stitch over the edges. 

Now just to quilt it?  

Thanks for all of your comments as to what I should do,  As you can see, I decided to just use the same fabrics.

Today I decided to make a breast cancer pillow from my Island Batik Fabric Valentine Bundle.  You can find the pattern here:

This month for Island Batik is as you see below Adventurous Applique.  I am working on my project now.

 

Here are the Furry Friday Blogs if you are interested in checking them out.

-->                             

www.kauffmandesigns.blogspot.com

www.moosestashquilting.blogspot.com

www.needleandfoot.com

www.beaquilter.com

www.CherylLynch.blogspot.com

-->

This last week I have been trying to visit some of my favorite blogs and I must admit that I so enjoyed myself and I truly miss reading their blogs and am really going to try to make an effort to visit more often.....or as often as time permits.    I would be happy to visit yours if you are not on my list if you just leave a comment.

"YOU CAN QUILT" BLOG HOP - ISLAND BATIK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY AND BOOK GIVEAWAY

Today is my day for the "You Can Quilt" blog hop.

If you are a beginner quilter or need to brush up on your techniques, this is the book for you.

I wish this book was around when I first started quilting, it sure would have alleviated a lot of frustration and ripping out.

The illustrations are fabulous for the visual learners out there, great instructions, wonderful hints and tips to make your quilting experience run smooth.  Can't promise there will not be any frustrations but certainly will make it more pleasurable.

My review is Chapter 10                        Applique


NEEDLE TURN APPLIQUE

 Fabric is Caribbean Splash by Island Batik

Notice the topper above.  I was so excited that I emailed this to Marlene Odie (one of the authors of the book).  She wrote back asking if I did needle turn and used the right size patterns.  She asked if the page printed out correctly.

All I can say is OPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPS...  I love it even tho it is not to the right specifications, it is on my coffee table right now.

                                           This fabric is Sea Salt Sandy by Island Batik


Here is what it should look like!!!

Much easier than working with those small pieces.  Just make sure your printer is on the right setting.  Mine says full sheet to make the correct sizes.

Actually I did think something was wrong, it just didn't look right but I forged ahead anyways.


RAW EDGE APPLIQUE

                                      This fabric is Fall 2015 Christmas Fabric by Island Batik

I have to say that the Island Batik fabrics are fabulous for applique.  The batiks do not fray as easily as cotton fabrics which makes it easier to turn under.

FREEZER PAPER APPLIQUE

FINISHED EDGE APPLIQUE

INTERFACE APPLIQUE

GATHERED APPLIQUE

HAND APPLIQUE

MACHINE APPLIQUE

                                                                   So many techinques,

                                                                   so much fun,

                                                      soooo why not check the book out?

At the end of the blog hop we will randomly choose 4 winners.  Each winner will receive a copy of You Can Quilt! and a  fat eighth Island Batik fabric bundle. See the Rafflecopter below and enter the giveaway!  

Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to US residents. If you don't win or if you can not wait you can
 purchase a copy of You Can Quilt! you can get a signed copy from Marlene it is also available through AQS (as a hard copy or e-book) and Amazon

A big shout out to Marlene Odie and Island Batik for this fabulous hop!  Marlene for the fabulous book and Island Batik for the awesome fabrics.

.
If you missed the earlier post or want to keep up with post to come, here is the line up!

Oct. 9 – Ch. 1. Basics - Leila Gardunia  http://sewnbyleila.blogspot.com

Oct. 12 – Ch. 2. HST - Tammy Silvers  http://www.tamarinis.typepad.com/

Oct 14 – Ch 3. QST - Connie Kresin Campbell http://www.conniekresin.com

Oct. 16 – Ch 4. Flying Geese - Maryellen McAuliffe http:// teachpany.blogspot.com

Oct 19 -- Ch. 5. Wonky - Christine McCrann Martinez http:// madeinscraps.blogspot.com

Oct. 21 – Ch. 6. Improvisation - Connie Kauffman http:// kauffmandesigns.blogspot.com

Oct. 23 -- Ch. 7. Foundation Paper Piecing - Joan Kawano http:// moosestashquilting.blogspot.com

Oct. 26 – Ch. 8. Curves - Marlene Oddie  http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com

Oct. 28 -  Ch 9. One-Patch Blocks - Bea Lee http://www.beaquilter.com

Oct. 30 – Ch. 10. Applique - Barbara Gaddy http:// bejeweledquilts.blogspot.com

Nov. 2 – Ch. 11. Inset Seams - Pamela Boatright  http://pamelaquilts.blogspot.com/

Nov. 4 – Ch. 12. Challenge Blocks - Linda Stewart Pearl http:// www.onequiltingcircle.com

Nov. 6 – Ch. 13. finishing – Marlene   http://kissedquilts.blogspot.com


a Rafflecopter giveaway

WARNING!!!!! DON'T DO THIS!!!! - A LITTLE SNEAK PEAK

Sorry if I have not responded to your comments or even visited your blogs.   It has been very busy over here with family matters.  When I do have the time, I am either tired or trying to play catch up.

Here is a piece of fabric...notice anything wrong with it?

Look real close on both ends.

Notice that someone had cut a little hunk off both ends....... I try so hard not to do this and just use one end for my applique pieces but looks like I wasn't paying attention.

-----------------------------------

Next, I made this little bunny in Amerika Samoa and found her today.  So....I pulled it out (had other things to do of more importance) and made the cups and lettering to go around her.

This is so me in the mornings.  I don't drink coffee but I sure drag my feet.

Next is a little sneak peak at Island Batik's up coming fabrics.....  My husband just laughed when he saw me smelling the bundles.....  I think I am due another sniff.....

I really think a person can get high sniffing fabrics.

It sure makes me happy.

HOT ITEM!!

This octopus quilt has been a hot item lately...

.I haven't counted how many I have done in the last two months but there have been quite a few.

 I recently got an order for this octopus and they wanted the pink and brown polka dots like the one they saw.

 Thanks heavens I know where to get more fabric.

 I had enough but I was in my room late one night and was prepping this octopus

 and was able to maneuver the octopus on the pink polka dot scraps to where it would work.

 I was sooooooooooooooooooooooo excited that I wouldn't have to go and buy new fabric.

 Well...maybe it was the late hour,

Maybe it was the fact that my light bulbs were out over head

 and I was working by a lamp across the room.

 What ever the reason.

 I fused the octopus on the right side of the fabric.

 WHAT!!!!!!

 If I were a cursing woman, you would have been able to hear some not so nice words...but since I am silent in that area I just called myself all kinds of names (don't know which is worse).

 So...the next morning I make my way to the fabric store to buy another yard.

Other than that, this octopus went together like a breeze.

I don't think I have ever had a quilt go together so effortlessly.  It was a pleasure.

Maybe it was because I did it in between a project I am doing....have been doing...seems like I have been working on this one project forever and can't wait to show you.

Anyways, when I would get bored....I would pull out the octopus...and work...put it away until it was needed to chase away the monotonous routine....

The one receiving this is Samoan so I used some of my Samoan fabrics for the back.

UMMMMM Ummmmmmm stinking GOOD!!!

Just a plug for this octopus pattern,  if you would like to purchase it, just email me.  

Squirrel Pickings!! (CHARM PACK GIVEAWAY)

What an amazing week last week was….three wonderful designers.  Did you happen to go to “Quilting Gallery”  on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of last week
to see who was creating these blocks?  What grand deals on those days as well!


 If not, you sure missed out!

Now the blocks will be posted at the “Quilting Gallery” if you want to mosey on over there and see what you might have missed.

Sept 4 – Dec. 13th

Michelle has done a fabulous job arranging this Block Party, she has a wonderful deal each day that it runs…lots of hard work.  Be sure when you stop by to thank her for this or at least comment.


  Now for my block.  I have to say that I had an idea, cut it out and it just sat on my cutting table for weeks….seriously.  I wasn’t happy with it.  Then….about two weeks ago I received a package from Inchworm Fabrics , when I saw the Harvest Moon charm pack….the wonderful colors….awesome smell (yes, I smell my fabric)….and I fondle it too.
That is when fur started flying, out with the old block in with the new.  I hope you like it.


-------------------------------------------
Squirrel Pickings


I used 7 charm squares from Harvest Moon by Moda,  one 12 1/2” square (all fabrics were provided by  Inchworm fabrics).
One owl button from ButtonMAD, about six inches of rick rack, Steam A Seam or fabric bonding of your choice, and small beads.

Yep…those that know me would have no trouble guessing that I would do an applique block, with blanket stitching.
I wanted to add texture so I made the squirrels tail fluffy….and the little tuff on his head.  In the pattern download it will show you how I did this and
 of course, is optional.

You can get the instructions here:

I guess you can say Inchworm Fabrics is my sponsor because she is giving away two charm packs for two winners on her blog  for me and 15% off in her store, she gives you the code.  Thanks Inchworm!  Thanks Michelle!!!

Inchworm Fabrics also sent me a charm pack to give away today on my blog....would love for you to be a follower but not necessary....just leave a comment.

The deal of the day is at Christa's Quilts!  Remember every day there is a new design there is a new deal!

NEW PATTERN AND GIVEAWAY

Soooo I told my sister that I would wait for her to put this pattern in her store...... I didn't really tell an untruth...well....gosh sakes.... I can't wait until tomorrow...tooo excited.

So you get two patterns (this pattern is 20 pages long)....oh my stinking gosh!!  I can't even believe it myself.
Now you know where I have been.....  I did the topper first and then thought...oh......wouldn't it be cute as a quilt...

My husband looked at me kinda funny when I had the topper just ironed down and not stitched....

I was very very worried but when it saw it finished, his eyes lit up....he is my person I go to for critiques and when he doesn't like something I get worried.

This was so fun to watch come together.  Now my son Nathan didn't like how I had the poles situated on the birdhouses but I told him that I tried to center them but it just didn't look right....so my comment is....if you do this pattern...."Do it your way!".....it is your party and you can do what ya want.

Oh...and don't you just think if you chose three birdhouses that it would be a cute wall hanging?  Or rectangle runner...yes...I was going to do a rectangle runner but ...well...I want to go on to other things.  You know me and staying focused.....I can only hold my attention span so long and then I am off again.

my son is hiding behind that quilt....HA!!!  

So to one person I will give this pattern , it is pdf so I can send it right over.  Just leave a comment and I will chose a winner when Jeanette gets the pattern in her store, so probably tomorrow night I will chose a winner.

COURT JESTER

This is a new pattern of mine inspired by a cake Paula Deen made. I loved it so much that I made my own version.

Yes, it is a little wild but aren't Court Jester's suppose to be wild? A big thanks goes to my mother and Beverly for the border fabric, it matched up just perfectly and the majority of the fabrics I purchased at Inchworm Fabrics.

You can find the pattern here and soon at Inchworm Fabrics.

I decided to embroidery the reindeer while I am away for ten days. It should be fun to play along with everyone else.

If you will notice the new Page I added at the top, REINDEER GAMES. You will be able to go there and find what you need instead of having to scroll through my blog for any information. I also downloaded the patterns to google doc for those of you that have had trouble downloading the pdf. You will be able to get the link in that page as well, along with Caroll's information.

Thanks so much for joining us and stay tuned next week for the 2nd reindeer.

I will visit you in my travels.

NEW SPRING PATTERN AND GIVEAWAY

I call this topper "APRIL SHOWERS"

This next topper is my friend Rhonda's. She is totally awesome. She helped me work out a little bug in this topper. She is also new to quilting, she did all of the machine quilting on this topper. Didn't she do fantastic?
I had fun with this design. It sat on my counter top for a while, I had to think....so I would walk by it.....think....walk by it again...think some more until I finally decided on the end results.

I am doing the same thing with the New BMB (Bi-monthly block) that Caroll and I are doing in May...it has laid on my dining room floor for months and is still sitting there while I think. You can see our button on the sidebar... "Reindeer Games".

So.....to the giveaway, I will give away two patterns of my "APRIL SHOWER" topper, just leave a comment and I will announce the winners on Saturday.

This pattern can be found at Inchworm Fabrics, it is on the very last page of her patterns (hummmm does that tell you anything???). Jeanette get me off the last page!!! In all fairness, she is one busy gal and she put this in her store at my request tonight, she was going to bed. Thanks Jeanette!!! She was probably thinking "Sisters!!!!" I have an awesome one.

So...just leave a comment.

VALENTINES TOPPER

I have been having a blast making these round toppers for my kitchen table.



Made with the Sweet Divinity Sweet Fabrics, Lady Bird leaves (cranberries), and Cottage Romance Red from Inchworm Fabrics.

Nothing goes to waste!!!!!

Here is what you can make with the left over hearts (the middle of the hearts from above).

This is just a top. I wish I had more of the blue fabric. This picture does not do it justice. I will post when I finish this top. This top measure about 42" x 42".

.

The next one is the experimental one, I guess you could say draft. My husband when he saw it didn't like it....I was kinda hurt but the following day he came in and saw the above one with the blue back ground and loved it. I just think the white is just tooo white.

Now for the fun part, Be one of the first five people to comment and I will send you this pattern free.. You will be able to find this pattern at Inchworm Fabrics. Jeanette is also offering kits as well.

Some of you have asked if I used my Accuquilt Go cutter for this, this heart is a page long, there is no Accuquilt Go heart big enough for this project.

THIMBLEBERRIES SEW DAY!!!!

Using this book....

This pattern.....
Three hours later, I get this!!!
There is a list of quilters that join us on these Thimbleberries sew day on my side bar, if you are interested in checking out what they did. Thanks for the reminder Karen!!!

APPLIQUILTING

I know you are going...SAY WHAT!!!!

In an email I was telling Cindy (Just Cindy) what I was doing and she said she calls it Appliquilting.

I have been so busy that it is hard to sit down and just sew, so it is nice to have a project set up that I an come to and work on sporadically.

This is where the Appliquilting comes in.....I am doing the blanket stitch to the whole quilt, sandwich and all....gobble gobble.

I love how the back looks. I think I am going to do some cobble stone in between the stems and basket....

Then Cyndi told me about this contest at the Missouri Quilt Co. She thought I might enjoy doing it. It started November 1st and ends Dec. 31st.

Part of the rules is you use one Summer Breeze charm pack, I ordered 3 just in case.

Sadly, this is where the charm packs lay, still in their wrapper. Poor charm packs.....maybe soon I will get to them????

Also....Day Star, the winner of the Beam N Read is a no-reply, didn't know that when her name was chosen. I am going to give this person until Sunday to send me her address and contact me, if not, then another winner will be chosen.

WILL YOU GO AND VOTE FOR ME?

I have entered this quilt that I designed in Amerika Samoa in the weekly contest at the quilting gallery....won't you go and vote for me?

This pattern includes the actual size of the octopus you see here, no having to go to the printers to resize it. You can find this pattern at Inchworm Fabrics, Pattern Spot, or just email me.

You can make it pink with a bow on it's head. You can put a mop, broom, dust pan, dish towel etc in it's tentacles...or even golf clubs, golf balls....your imagination is the only thing you need.

Thanks so much for indulging me in this and if you voted for me...thanks sooo much.

Vote here at the quilting gallery!

Also don't forget the 25 dollar gift certificate for Inchworm Fabrics giveaway on the post below this one. Inchworm Fabrics has decided to pick up the shipping cost so you get the full 25 for fabric shopping...

THE PITFALLS OF BLOGGING!!!!

Someone has to tell it like it is....and I guess that someone is me.

Pitfall #1

When going to a blog be very careful, tell yourself you have enough projects or you will fall into that endless pit of wanting to do too many things and never get anything done.

Example #1

You see this basket? Of Course you do! Well...I saw this over at Jane's Fabric and Quilts. It is suppose to be a stitchery, you can check hers out by clicking on her name. The actual design is by Madame Samm.

Well....I just loved the strawberries and I stewed over it for days....and then saw it again and decided to do a stitchery...but when I got the actual design I thought it would be amazing in applique. So....Off I went on another tangent.....

I do not like the fabric I chose for the ribbon, it has black lines in it and conflicts with the black blanket stitching...thinking of taking it out.


Pitfall #2

When going to blogs...tell yourself that you have enough toys and tools of the trade, you do not need one more thing....tell yourself NO! NO! NO! NO more!

Example #2

I saw this while visiting Madame Samm via Quilt Taffy.
Quilt Taffy is another one of those blogs that I just love to visit but....I should have seen it coming....a TRAP!!! Oh yes, when she said to visit Madame Samm...I should have just said NO! But I went here.

Corrie did a wonderful tutorial on using this glue....and well...I just couldn't help myself. I ordered two bottles. I will have to confess, I just love this glue and I think it will make my binding quilts so much easier as well.

The moral of this story......BEWARE!!!! HIDE the CREDIT CARD......FORGET your PAYPAL code......I am just warning all of you...don't go blaming me!!

Disclamier: This is not a paid advertisement for Madame Samm, Quilt Taffy, Jane Fabrics, just lots of creativity wrapped up in a fun time!

SLICE FABRIQUE

Here is my Mother's Day gift to me...

I have been searching and searching for a good buy and finally I was able to get this half off at Joann's online.
Here is the glass cutting mat, with the sponge and adhesive.

Here is the fabric with fusible on the back, adhered to the cutting mat.

Here are cut outs from card stock.

Here are the cut outs from Fabrics.

I know that all of you would expect nothing but honesty from me so here goes.

I love the slice for all of the versatility it holds. The design cards have so many options in one card. I really like that. You can also chose the size up to 4 inches. I like that.

I think it is fabulous for scrapbookers.

If you like to do applique, it is great for you as well....

But......

I don't like the fact that you have to use adhesive to cut fabric. You have to keep it in stock so you can cut when you want. You also have to clean the glass between each cutting. You have to keep your hands on the machine while cutting. I thought you would be able to start the machine and leave....not so. You have to make sure the adhesive is dry before you cut or you get a mess.

This is great for those that have arthritis. You do get all the alphabets of any size or shape you want.

I will say that I do like the slice and think I will enjoy using it. I am so excited about all of the possibilities it holds. Will this take the place of my Go cutter....not a chance....