Frylights

Colorful Quilting EUREKA

2011-12-21T23:29:00.000-08:00

Looking for a quick six fat quarter pattern?--EUREKA! I wanted to use the bundle I bought a few seasons ago in a shop in Pismo Beach CA. The colors were unique enough from that time, that I did not want to add any other fabrics. This little guy is just right--and fun and fast.

3 down, 37 to go.

Colorful Quilting Project

2011-11-17T22:04:00.000-08:00

I decided I wanted to do something fun for me, quilting wise (what else!). I would like to see all of my RoseCards made up in Kaffe Fassett collective fabrics. With what I have in stock, stash, Grandma Pam's (I might be assuming too much here, but isn't that what kids do?), and a little online and in-store shopping, I think I just might be able to do this. What good is having a stash of fabric, if I don't start using it? Plus it would make a killer trunk show.

40 quilts for the 40 patterns--nothing to it. And I have a jump start--2 already are on covers, and I have the models. I have bits of Kaffe's Collections stashed all over the workroom. I have the feeling I will find more as I poke around and do some cleaning. The first one is already picked out and started for LOVERS LANE--what fun!

To review what I already have done--

2 down...38 to go!

Market Highlights

2011-11-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

We're barely back from the Houston marathon. Wholesale Market was fabulous. The Rosecards are well received and shops are sharing how they are using them. We saw our favorite designers and their fabulous new fabric lines--and ordered, of course.

I was joined by daughters Leann and Jessica. Leann for the first couple days, and Jessica for the whole 2 shows. How great it was having them with me--my yin and yang girls. Polar opposites in looks and nature, they are best friends. Market goers will remember them.

Before Leann had to leave on Sunday, the two dashed around the show, checking exhibits and making friends.

Here they are with Amy Butler--Amy and the Rosettes......

4 Shows, 10 RoseCards

2011-10-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

4 Shows and 10 RoseCards since I last posted. Fall is the best season, but busiest for us.

They have all gone to press by today, thanks to my editor and sample makers--the chief cook and bottle washer here at the Villa Rosa. Now to cut and pack for Texas--Houston Market and Festival via Austin.

Two Places at Once

2011-09-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Yes, it can be done--with a little help from my friends. Last weekend it was shows in Los Banos and Sonora. The ever-enthusiastic group in Los Banos found me booth coverage from Jeanette Lopes, longarm quilter supreme. The members unloaded and loaded my goods and helped sell to each other. Gotta love them. This small but mighty group is producing a lovely show every year. Fun for me to see fabrics I sold them last year in quilts this year. My favorite, though many to chose from, is by Darla Fagundes. She used a lot of fabric from my stock and chose contrast fabrics with some great advice from Judy West.

Florentine 3

2011-09-22T16:28:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous golden fabric from Robert Kaufman designer Peggy Toole. Three colorways to mix and match--neutral Pewter, radiant Jewel, and rich Earth. The yardage is listed and fat quarter bundles will be ready soon. Now, what to make...something old or something new. I am madly working on the Fall RoseCard releases, and these fabrics would make a glittering cover.

Nearly PERFECT MOMENT

2011-09-07T13:40:00.000-07:00

I love to cut my complete lines of fabric into Sample Slices 5"x 9 1/2". Rectangles are such a great shape and this size shows off so much more of the fabric than 5" charm squares.

Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms is 33 pieces. I figured that 2 sets should be good for one of the Slice and Spacer patterns--PRISTINE or PERFECT MOMENT--11 slices wide by 6 tall. I liked the light spacers of PRISTINE with Amy's Midwest Modern, so I grabbed a light fabric. Heather Bailey's Nicey Jane print was perfect. I didn't want it to be too dominant or make the quilt too wide, so I cut the spacers down to 1 1/2". The quilt needed to be longer, so I added the 2 1/2" row spacers of PERFECT MOMENT. I loved a green stripe from Nicey Jane, so I blasted away and added it to half of the rows. WRONG! [interject buzzer here]. Found a good show, and ripped it off. Went back with the more of the light. The airiness and modern look is what I was after--whew. I really better get a design wall up.

The darker row sashing would probably have been fine if the spacers were also darker, as it all is on the cover of PERFECT MOMENT.

This may be a new card someday--it would work well with a Layer Cake.

Meanwhile, here are the specs for this one. Fabric for the Spacers and Row Sashing--1 1/2 yd. Cut the Spacers 1 1/2" wide. To offset the blocks, cut 2 3/4" off the right end of the odd rows, 2 3/4" off the left end of the even rows. Sashing is cut 2 1/2" just like the pattern. The top finishes 58"x 63".

New Tribute Star

2011-09-05T19:55:00.000-07:00

I am busy working on the next 10 RoseCards for Fall Market release. One design is a larger version of SILVER STAR--the throw size we have been making for years with 8 Fat Quarters.

Naturally, I had to try it with the Tribute line from Pat Sloan. It will make a perfect quilt for donating to your favorite Armed Forces group. We have used it many times over for young people's gifts as well--great in any theme prints or colors...and flannel, too.

The kit is listed in the Quilts of Valor--pricing based on $6/yd. A draft of the pattern will be included, as well. It finishes 56"x 70", using 8 fat quarters, 1 1/4 yd background, 3/4 yd border, and 5/8 yd binding.

While working, I listen to a lot of NPR and books on tape. Today there was in interview with a publisher of Smith Magazine. They feature "Six Word Memoirs", soliciting contributions through their website. Labor Day, today, ended a contest with Work themed phrases. My favorite--"What Matters is What We Do".

Shop Hop on the Side

2011-09-04T20:33:00.000-07:00

Can't visit the kids without a stop at a local shop. Glad I caught this one--Millie P's on Main Street in Anoka MN. What a great vibrant shop--loads of bright fabric, samples, ideas. My photos here don't begin to do it justice. Check them out online, and better yet--if you are in the neighborhood like me....

Minnesota via Texas

2011-09-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

So we don't travel in a straight line. And when you fly Southwest, it is even less so. But we had to see Leann's play in Austin. Then way overdue for a trip to see the grandkids, we flew up to Minneapolis to spend the week with Evan's family before school starts. Leann is a wonderful as ever to watch, and the kids are cute and clever. Sigh--a much needed group of hugs.

Moose and Squirrel

2011-08-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

We watch wildlife all day at the Villa Rosa. Now I also have Moose and Squirrel in the workroom--Rocky and Bullwinkle. We boomers loved this goofy show, and some of our kids got in on it the second time around. Something old, or something new--which RoseCard design to use?

Long Beach and Back

2011-08-02T23:37:00.001-07:00

Quilt Festival in Long Beach was terrific. Thanks to all who shopped my little corner here. It was great to see old friends and meet new. The coast weather and ocean breezes were perfect. And I stayed with my favorite Aunt Rosie--what could be better?

Meanwhile, back at Villa Rosa, fabric arrived. I have some listing to do. Here is a little preview of some Tonga Batik yardage. Two of the Treat Strips are in, too--Pomegranate and Gelato--yummy!!

Long Beach and Back

2011-08-02T23:29:00.001-07:00

Quilt Festival in Long Beach was terrific. Thanks to all who shopped my little corner here.

Going to Long Beach with Amy

2011-07-24T11:11:00.000-07:00

Long Beach Quilt Festival is this week, so it is cutting and packing time. Just got in Soul Blossoms, so I will be taking Amy Butler with me. I have the whole collection, and I'm cutting yards, fat quarters and Sample Slices 5"x 9 1/2".

Sample Slices are my answer to Charm Squares. They are bigger, so easier to cut and you get more of the fabric to enjoy. I have patterns that work with them--Eden Rose, Pristine, Happy Child, Gypsy. There are at least 2 new ones in the works--Pam Cakes (the larger Eden Rose) and a frame block. And it is a size that other folks use, too. Check out Atkinson Designs' Texas Two Step--my kind a' quilt!

Race 'n Roll

2011-07-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

Basic instruction for the Jelly Roll Race quilt--
Sew all 40 2 1/2" strips together, using a diagonal seam, to make one long 1600" strip.

Cut 18" off one end. Bring the end up to the beginning, and sew together down the 800" length, cutting it open at the end. It is now 2 strips deep.

Bring the end up to the beginning, sew down the 400" length, cut open at end--now it is 4 deep.

Bring the end up to the beginning, sew down the 200" length, cut open at end--now it is 8 deep.

Bring the end up to the beginning, sew down the 100" length, cut open at end--now it is 16 deep.

Cut in half so you have 2 50" pieces and sew one on top of the other to finish about 50"x 64".

Now you can press, trim and square it up. Add a border if you want.

Be sure to find the video and visit Heirloom Creations website for more.

Jelly Roll Racer

2011-07-09T20:37:00.000-07:00

So I had to try the Jelly Roll Race pattern Cheryl told me about. I grabbed some leftover Christmas strips Laurel had given me. And yes, I should have left the white out, and not used as many duplicates--but it was worth it to use up all of these strips. So do I now have to applique or write on the white stripes?

This was a lot of fun to do--I highly recommend it. And I will do the next from Hoffman's Zinfandel Bali Pop--low contrast, lots of variety...and gorgeous fabric.

Fourth at Home

2011-07-04T15:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to all. For us, it is a quiet day at home. I just got back from a nice show in Reno--the Quilting, Stitches & Crafts Expo. Had a great time selling kits and meeting RoseCard fans.

Most fun was seeing Cheryl at Sew Kwik Quilter. Along with her wonderful kits, she carries Jelly Rolls, including some original combos that she puts together and sells on her website and shows. Cheryl told me about Jelly Roll Races. See the quilt on her table there? It is made by sewing your entire Jelly Roll into a 1600 inch long strip. To start the races, cut 18" off one end. Then you bring the far end up to the beginning and sew down the 800 inch length (2 strips deep). Then bring the end up to the beginning and sew down the 400 inch length (4 strips deep)--and so on, until you have a piece about 48"x 64".

The races and instructions are on a YouTube video by Heirloom Creations from Sioux Falls SD. What a great idea for a retreat or guild workshop for community service!

New Home in the Family

2011-06-28T16:21:00.000-07:00

Leann just signed the papers and took possession of her new home--a condo in Austin. Out of ratty (quite literally) apartment living into a place she make her own. And plenty of room to set up the order fulfillment department for the RoseCards.

Creative Community

2011-05-28T21:45:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of the quilters before us, who made use of every scrap, I like to see what I can do to use up a group or piece of fabric. Community Service quilts made with donated fabric or stash fabric is the perfect place to put this to work. I love the creative process, which for me is much like engineering to make it fit and work. And I love results--this one I think is destined to be a Rosecard soon. What a bonus.

So here is how this one happened. I had just enough fabric to cut 3 4 1/2" strips of the yellow, 3 5 1/2" strips of the green, and 3 6 1/2" strips of the blue. I made three identical strip sets--in order, 4 1/2-5 1/2- 6 1/2. Subcut them each into 6 6 1/2" sections, for a total of 18. Flip every other section upside down. Make 3 identical rows of 6 sections each. Hardly anything to match. About an hour to sew.

I love the whimsical jogging effect this has--pretty fun for a 3 fabric quilt. This finished 36"x 45". Borders certainly could be added. I am thinking this will work as a 3 1 yard bundle quilt. A small floating border of the remaining piece of the 6 1/2" cut fabric. A little bigger border of the 4 1/2" cut fabric. Binding with the 5 1/2" cut fabric.

Order Department

2011-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

The California Order Department is now properly outfitted. Roses are blooming and I am cutting. So far the gardener, aka husband, is winning the battle with the deer, who think rosebuds are deer candy.

It's a Wrap!

2011-05-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

Spring RoseCard releases are at press. The crush of shows and printing deadlines have passed, and I can poke my head up and enjoy the season, if Spring will ever come to our fair country. I've missed posting some of my travels, since I cover so much ground and have no evenings to sit and relax at the keyboard. So, I hope to post some retro photos of some of my favorite stops of the past two months, as well as the Market happenings.

San Antonio Memories

2011-02-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

We had the most perfect day in San Antonio yesterday--75 and sunny. It was made even better by the fact that we escaped Thursday before Northern California became a snowy mess.

I started San Antonio with a quick stop and delivery at the Quilters Market show. Then we made a little jaunt over to see the Memories by the Yard shop. What a wonderful, big shop---full of all kinds of quilt fabric and decorator fabric, too. Their RoseCard displays are shown over on the rosecardpatterns.blogspot.com site. Here we a a nice shot of the colorful front area of the shop.

Then we cruised on downtown to the Alamo and Riverwalk. I had no idea what a treat we were in for! We literally spent the entire afternoon walking. Besides the perfect weather, which certainly added to our lovely day, we enjoyed this magical place immensely. Our lunch spot looked out over an intersection of the river.

Beautiful pathways, ornate historic buildings, a riverboat tour, and art. A beautiful mosaic here, pretty as a quilt.

And just before we left, we caught a guacamole making demo courtesy of a dinner cruise chef.

A-Muck, A-Muck, A-Muck

2011-02-14T11:04:00.000-08:00

Before the duck hunting waders get put away for the season, they must be used for mucking out the reeds from the pond. Those pesky reeds are prolific, so hand-pulling them out by the roots is the most permanent solution. The 60 year old body did not agree at the end of the day, but it was a good dig.

Junior Quilters Rock

2011-02-13T11:10:00.000-08:00

I spent yesterday as a guest helper at the Junior Quilters Workshop. Our Pine Tree Quilt Guild offers classes for young quilters--unique in Northern California. Group leader Dianne chose 2 RoseCard patterns to use for the projects, so naturally I wanted to be there. Moms are there to cut and support, and other guild member assistants. We have one veteran family who have done a lot of quilting with the guild--their projects were half done! I'll wait to show them off when they are done, which will likely be soon.

Austin Snow Day

2011-02-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

Leann had a snow day Friday--Austin nearly shut down with 3/4" of snowfall. She was amused, and loved reporting to her brother in Minnesota that Texas declared a day off, while he has yet to have one with all of their cold, snow and wind chill. Texas weather being Texas weather, though, it was 65 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, we in Northern California are basking in warm winds, and nearly 70 today. We have doors and windows open, and hubby is working in the yard. Last night we had one of the most spectacular sunsets ever. Enough clouds to have red light from east of the house to the west. Coming down from the red and gold clouds we had over a dozen ducks landing in the pond to start a Saturday night rumble. Two or three rival gangs were chasing easy other around, trying to establish territory. It was all beautiful and funny to watch--glad we are here.

Community Service=Design Ideas

2011-01-26T15:04:00.000-08:00

One thing leads to another when you start playing with quilt design. I think this is especially true when making do. The first quilt here is one made from a bag of salesmen sample fabric pieces from the Valley Quilt Guild. I like to use every inch of fabric provided, which was the 30's prints and some backing flannel. So I decided to cut the pieces 6 1/2" x 12 1/2", and even piece a few as needed--the samples were a irregular in length, though they were the same width. Then I went to my box of old solid scraps, used up a few (yeay!), and added a 3 1/2"x 6 1/2" piece to each end of the rectangles. With a little math ahead of time, I figured this would all come out fairly close to a throw size. 30 blocks, 18"x6" finished, laid out 3x10--and here we have a 54"x60" quilt. I added a scrap of flannel I had from back trimmings, and added a racing stripe to make the donated lavendar flannel big enough for the back. And it was all finished with binding scraps. Win-Win-Win--I used all of the donated fabric, used up some of my scraps, and have a new design idea.

So I took this design idea, and used it with my 5"x9" slices. The idea here was that I wanted to make a quilt top to fit a piece of guild batting that was leftover--how frugal can you get? Here I have 30 5"x9", and I cut 20 5"x9" down to a total of 60 3"x9" of a different color. Same plan, adding the little pieces to the ends and sewing these blocks into the same 3x10 layout, so it finished 41"x45". I like the effect of what looks like 4 patches going down in columns. It was fun and fast again, and I used up some 5"x9" slices, and some Grandma Pam back and binding fabric--and the leftover piece of batting, of course.

So what's next?--let me see how this design works using 10" squares or Fat Quarters......

The Quilt Asylum

2011-01-24T13:45:00.000-08:00

Catching up on my Fall travels....

If you are in the Dallas area, you must stop at the The Quilt Asylum in McKinney, at 153 S. Central Expressway--right off Highway 75. Fun begins here. Warden Susan Allen has assembled crazy, amazing collections of fabrics and samples to feed your addictions.

They feature a large selection of the Kaffe Collective, bountiful batiks, and contemporary collections from Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Sandi Henderson, and more. The photos below show only part of the batiks and Kaffe Collective displays. Plus they still have room for reproductions and basics, having recently moved to a bigger store.

Bright, fresh samples are everywhere, along with crazy fun shopping displays. They fat quarter almost all of the fabric, which I find really great for choosing projects. If you check out the online store and newsletter, you can see all of the fabulous events they have planned. Wish I were there.

This is just one of the bundles I bought. They make custom rolls--20 10 1/2" x22""--perfect for many of the RoseCard designs--another reason I bonded with this store.

And I love the way they put together fabrics for their kits. This combination of Kaffe and batiks is stunningly rich.

My meager photos here don't begin to capture the amount of eye candy. You just have to go see for yourself!

Modesto Quilt Show

2011-01-17T10:22:00.000-08:00

Country Crossroads Quilters--Heart of the Valley Quilt Show was wonderful. It was very special for me to see all of the people with whom I spent over 25 years--we have such a history through our time quilting together.

The show is always a class act--a great way to kick off the new year. A professional venue at the Convention Center run by a group of quilters who have it down to a science with their art. Vendor chairs Linda and Sue are pros, and we were treated so well with lunch at set-up, snacks and drinks during the show. And help hauling from Carolyn's crew at Seams So Nice--wow, what a difference that made!

I had a blast. My colorful products were well received. Great neighbors--Linda at Quilter's Quarters took home RoseCards for her shop in Hanford--if you're in the neighborhood be sure to check her out. Missing a Few Buttons, on the other side, had fabulous pretties to play with. Caught up with Bernice at Cloth and Quilts. Cloth and Quilts bought fabric inventory from a retired shop --they are having a $5 a yard sale of that merchandise next weekend, Jan 21-23. Details are on their website--clothandquilts.com--Events page.

Quilt 6

2011-01-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

I left Pat Sloan's UFO party at Quilt 6. I met new people, including Julie Ann, who lives in Anoka MN, near Evan. She also told me about a new quilt shop Millie P's that I missed when I was there last year--won't miss it on the next trip.

It took most of the day to assemble the top, quilt and bind. I did get back to cutting kits for the Pine Tree Quilt Guild--I would like to hand them out tomorrow night (and get them out of my sewing room).

Quilt 5 Top 6 UFO 7

2011-01-02T11:37:00.000-08:00

Quilt 5 was finished last night--and listed for sale. Top 6 took a little more time to finish, but it is done this morning. Looks good with a border--fewer blocks than the DOUBLE DELIGHT pattern, so a bit faster. I cut the spacers the wrong length, so now I will have to make a quilt with the miscuts and leftover 5x9 slices.

UFO 7 is a PTQG closet fabric project again. I had started these blocks to test a coloring variation for the ICED TEA block. The center was an odd shaped scrap, and I have cut frame fabrics as I go through the fabric baskets--anything that has those colors. We'll see if this color theory works.

Quilt 4 Top 5 UFO 6

2011-01-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

Quilt 4 was made from 3 5" strips. 3 different strip sets--1,2,3 2,3,1 3,1,2. Sub-cut into 6 6 1/2" sections. Then made into 6 Blocks. Nifty little formula. Used the fabric efficiently. Not a bad baby/lap size 36"x41", and could easily be bordered. I'm thinking it might even work for 6 Fat Quarters--will have to test it out.

Top 5 was the layout gone amuk. Great to have it reworked, and now loaded on the quilter.

UFO 6 was mock-up blocks for DOUBLE DELIGHT. This type of pile tends to get put aside when working on the real thing, so it is good to do something with it. Just old scraps, it will become a CS quilt.

Quilt 3 Top 4 UFO 5

2011-01-01T13:54:00.000-08:00

Quilt 3 is done. In the basket ready to take to the Valley Quilt Guild meeting later this month. Even squeezed the binding out of the back trimmings, so I had to look no further and no more scraps.

Top 4 is on the quilter. UFO 5 is on the worktable. This is an original mock-up for RED ROSE made with Zoo Babies fabric given to me by Windham Fabrics for 5" strip designing. I put it together in my usual casual layout--and didn't like the balance of color. So I ripped, and have a little more to rip out. I never rip--I'd rather remake, but this is all I have and can't throw it away.

Quilt 2 UFO 4

2010-12-31T23:53:00.000-08:00

Cat City is done--I now have a new model for the pattern.

UFO project 4 is from the PTQG closet stash. I liked these 3 half yard pieces together, so I cut them into 3 5" strips each. I think I know what I will do with them... Tomorrow... in the new year.

Quilt 1 UFO 3 Top 3

2010-12-31T23:19:00.000-08:00

First quilt complete for the UFO party. It's ready to return to CS for the Pine Tree guild on Tuesday night. Busted 4 pieces from the closet stash.

Top 3 started as a back and batt from Valley Quilt guild that didn't fit another quilt top. I picked the sweet blues and used my PRISTINE pattern. This UFO started out with only the spacers sewn onto the 5x9 slices. It worked out the right size to fit the back and batting it was made for.

Top 2 Cats with Cats

2010-12-31T16:14:00.000-08:00

As part of the de-cluttering-my-life project, I am watching old video tapes one last time before I give them away. So, as I put the last border on the cat quilt, it finally dawned on me that I was watching the Cats video. It was simply the next tape in the bag, honest--cat karma. Or as my punny son would say, the Cats is out of the bag.

Top 1 UFO 2

2010-12-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

The first top is done and loaded on the quilter.

Now for UFO 2--a Cat City baby/lap. This one needs to be done for a pattern model. I have made so many of these for sale over the years that I get distracted doing another.

UFO 1

2010-12-31T10:46:00.000-08:00

I just spent 2 hours writing on blogs, figuring out Facebook, joining the forum. Now it's time to start quilting. The new blade is installed. Project 1 was just started yesterday--I do not want to add it to the UFO pile, so "last in, first out". It is a Community Service quilt for the Pine Tree Quilt Guild using fabric from their closet. The object here was to use every inch of the fabric that I put together. That closet can use a little stash busting, too.

UFO Busting Party with Pat Sloan

2010-12-31T09:29:00.000-08:00

I am joining the UFO Busting Party on Pat Sloan's blog--patsloan.typepad.com. As a professional quilt finisher, I should be able to do this. I have plenty to work with--as a professional quilt starter, I have more than the average quilter's UFO's. More than 30 years of making samples--for my shops, college classes, patterns. I moved all this mess twice--once when I closed the store, and again when we moved. I have finished a lot since "retiring". But I have also started a lot with the new pattern business and with the Community Service quiltmaking for my 2 new guilds.

Up here on the hillside at Villa Rosa, I can keep myself a bit isolated, so it is definitely time to try some online groups. Now to figure out how to work with posting on forums and Facebook! Meanwhile, I will post my activities here. At least that will help with the New Year's resolution of posting more.

So here we have just some of the UFO piles--the first 3 are the sewing room, the next 3 are in the workroom. Messy as always, even more so since I have been making kits to clear out the Community Service fabrics I took home. I am making progress, believe it or not. It falls into the category--"it always gets worse before it gets better".

Minnesota's Finest

2010-11-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

Minnesota presented a perfect little snowstorm yesterday. It stacked up nearly a foot, great for snowmen, and not so cold that it froze over or was difficult to drive on--once it was shoveled away.

But the real reason for Minnesota is more than the snow. The dynamic duo makes the best of it here.

This a house full of readers--and a cat.

And then there is Miss Glam in Jammies.

Market Dash

2010-11-13T14:44:00.000-08:00

The only time I could see the exhibits was after hours. At least the aisles were clear!

Amy Butler's most colorful booth was stunning. We can hardly wait for this new line of fabric.

Anna Maria Horner never disappoints with her style. Her Innocent Crush line is smashing in this display.

Westminster/Free Spirit are my perennial favorites. Tula Pink has joined them--Parisville here is a winner.

Round About

2010-11-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

In my long travels, I wish I could take more time to stop, take pictures, and write...I've been on the road for 3 weeks now. First stop was Austin on the way to Houston. Ten days in Houston. Hop back to Austin, then up to Minnesota. Just thought I would take the Northern route home.

Houston Market and Festival were wonderful. My RoseCards caught a lot of attention. I am pleased with all of the great ways people are using them.

All of my Market and Festival buddies had scheduling conflicts, so I was a solo act. Not much time to do anything but work, eat Mexican food, and collapse. At the shows, I did meet many new people and shared many new ideas. It is so much fun to handle all of the fabulous fabrics.

On the first leg of the trip, I took the time to play tourist in Frederickburg TX, in the Hill Country on the way to Austin. Fabulous shopping in this historic town. I loved the inviting look of the front of Henfeathers. And isn't the saying on the window perfect?

And how appealing is the fabric folded on this wall in Things in a Room.

Loved this display in a booth at the Brass Armadillo in Des Moines. Could you saw old end tables in half? Or better question--would this hold fabric?

Red Rose

2010-10-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

From bolts to quilt top--all in an evening's work. Just couldn't go to bed without having this done. Way, way too pretty.

Starting with the 5" strips makes for very quick work. I will do the kits with 5" strips--love that cut. Chop, chop--2 5" squares and 2 14" long rectangles. Plus some quick 5" polka dot centers from a fat quarter.

To the machine, and the blocks come together in a flash.

Clear the floor to lay them out, sew them up,and add the borders. Aren't stripes the perfect first border?

And now the photo finish....

Red Rose Farm

2010-10-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

They are here--this wonderful group of fabrics from Elizabeth Scott for P&B Fabrics. I know just what I want to do with them--another RoseCard for Market of course. Off to work--keep you posted.

Pacheco Pass Party

2010-10-06T17:32:00.000-07:00

The Quilt Show with the Pacheco Pass Quilters in Los Banos was another great weekend. Fabulous hospitality from the help with unloading and loading to a Saturday night barbeque. RoseCards and bright fabrics were a hit in my booth. Thank you all again.

Playing with Blocks

2010-09-23T00:30:00.000-07:00

My new best block. I am trying it out for all sorts of fabric groups--5 inch strips, fat quarters, 10" squares. These two are Community Service tops from the PT closet stash. I wanted an alternative to the Just Can't Cut It block that alternates with a theme. I think I have found it--love how these came out.

Turkey Trot with Dot

2010-09-21T23:58:00.001-07:00

Our wildlife preserve provides amusement every day. Here you see our cat Dot grazing with the turkeys at T time. They don't seem to mind--she is much smaller than they are.

This is all happening right outside the open back door of my quilting room--with the dog at my feet.

Community Kits

2010-09-16T23:28:00.000-07:00

Today was Community Service workday for the Pine Tree Guild. I had cut several quilts, mostly the four patch Freedom. I thought it was time to package them up with a pattern and hand them off to others in the guild to sew. I ended up with 15 kits, 12 of which have already been given out, thanks to one very enthusiastic member. That 8 inch Four Patch works so well for using up stash fabrics--it can be cut from fat quarters or regular quarters. We have so much of that size piece in our stashes and donated fabrics like this. The little quilt only takes 6 pieces, or 12 for the throw size--which can include some duplicates. When I pick for these from a donation stash, I usually go for color, sometimes with a theme or two. Once, cut, they sew up in just an hour or so--very rewarding for everyone involved. Can't wait to see them all back.

5 Inch Playtime

2010-09-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am playing more with the 5" strips. Windham Fabrics offer 5" strip bundles, as do other companies and shops. I know I will be adding them to my offerings, cut from my new fabrics. I love bigger cuts like this--fast, fun and it shows off fabric.

Last night it was the Zoo Babies from Windham. I have a bundle with 24 5" strips. It would make too big a quilt if all are used together, so I divided them into boy and girl. With 2 simple blocks, I set to sewing. I loved playing with these blocks, but I would do the color layouts differently next time.

Both blocks use the 5" strips very efficiently, which is what I am about. STASH BUSTING begins with not adding more to the stash--so little or no waste or scraps here!

The rail block is 5" squares (made from a quick set of 2 strips) and 5" x 9 1/2" rectangles (our Pam Cake slice!). I kept the same fabrics grouped together for the blocks, and tried to make a rail fence look. Nice idea, but the fabrics did not separate out well in color or contrast, so it klunked. Not sure if I will leave it or rip it and rearrange (the more I look at it, I think I will rip). I am disinclined to rip--much faster to make a new one. I can already see other fabric groups that would make this work better. Or just simply go scrappy and random--I have all of my scraps cut into 5x 9 1/2 and 5 inch squares, anyway.

The frame block is 5" squares and 5"x14". How easy is that? A 5" strip nets 2 14" and 2 5" pieces--perfect--all that is needed is a center 5" square. That center could be a common fabric, or in my case 2 that I liked, or scrappy. I love the look of the block, and how fast and fun it sewed up. Layout-wise, again I would do this over. I think the yellow needs to be in the center, so I will rip. I guess it is time to find room for a design wall.

My brain in reeling with the possibilities for this frame block. I am figuring ways to use 5" strips or fat quarters efficiently for quilts with this block. I also realized I can use 4 5"x 9 1/2" Pam Cake slices for this as well. It can circle around the center using the partial seam technique. With this variation, the 4 pieces can be all the same, 4 different, or 2 and 2 (light and dark maybe?). This will also cut more efficently from fat quarters. Gotta get my chores done, so I can try this out soon.

Round Two---Brilliant

2010-09-14T16:58:00.000-07:00

Quite literally the colors in this second shipment of Kaffe Collective are brilliant. The first out of the box were reds, and boy do they do reds! I am getting closer to being able to design and kit these new fabrics.

I had to make something from the Meadowsweet 2 Geranium colors, so I did make a quickie from favorite pattern Cheaper by the Half Dozen. I think I was less than 24 hours complete on this one--pieced one evening, quilted and bound the next morning.

They're Back

2010-09-09T23:54:00.001-07:00

The Kaffe Collective fabrics are coming in. Shipments are due weekly--and they started this week. This is just part of the first installment. They should be listed in a couple of days. It will be another few weeks before we can packet and design. We need more of a colorway. It is exciting, nonetheless.

Designer on Duty

2010-09-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

Grandma Pam is now moved closer to me, up in the woods in Nevada City. I put her to work today helping me with another version of the quilt I made from Hoffman's Jasmine batik bundle. This time it is Feedsack VI prints from Windham Fabrics--30's repro's are one of her specialties. Windham gave me a bundle of the whole line so that I might design 5" strip patterns with them.

I think this pattern is perfect for them, and how completely different from the Batiks! I still have some kinks to work out with the pattern, so here we go with Version 2.

The whole stack is 55 pieces--wow! Great colors. I asked her to pick 20 for this project--"no problem", and off she went to work (in her easy chair). The bottom 2 rows are the chosen 20.

Once home, I got right to work cutting, sewing strip sets, and making blocks. Over half of the blocks are done, just 2 hours later. What a team!!

Accomplished

2010-08-31T23:48:00.000-07:00

I sure can get a lot accomplished when I don't get in the car and drive somewhere. This is day 3 of my retreat here at the villa. Just today, I quilted 3, bound 2, and made one quilt top.

As planned, I made the new Meadowsweet group in the Opening Night RoseCard pattern. This colorway is the perfect 7 for the pattern--one big floral and 6 lovely coordinates.

We had our usual Tea Time Turkey Trot. And the gardener has had a couple stare-downs with a doe and a buck in the veggie patch.

Today's best....working on projects at a leisurely pace on another beautiful day.

Free Range Poultry

2010-08-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

We have to be making the California poultry advocates happy with all of our free range turkeys here. And we're having fun just watching them hunt and peck.

I am having fun with finishing up some of the new fabrics. The Freedom Poppy is quilted and bound. And I assembled the top from this wonderful Hoffman fat quarter Batik bundle--Jasmine.

The two Michael Miller groups are listed on the website. It has been great to handle these lovely prints. Can't wait to start on a little Meadowsweet.

Today's best....perfect weather for turkey tracking.

Freedom Poppy

2010-08-29T23:17:00.000-07:00

Got to sew my first new quilt top out of the first new fabric. Freedom rides again for a fun quick way to show off the new Poppy collection by Laura Gunn from Michael Miller.

We had another cool day--so crazy after the 109 on Wednesday. And the turkeys spent the whole day grazing in our yard. A couple young bucks also came by for a visit.

Today's best....Poppies in our wildlife sanctuary.

How Sweet It Is

2010-08-28T21:26:00.000-07:00

Got in the first fabric orders in ages---Meadowsweet by Sandi Henderson for Michael Miller. This is the gold, aqua, coral colorway. And best of all, just in time for Leann to make a baby quilt for a friend's shower. So Monday, some quick cuts will be bound for Austin and the Freedom pattern.

This other group is Laura Gunn's Poppy, also Michael Miller. I am also going to make a quick Freedom, because I just can't wait to design something new. It's already cut--so easy to slice 8" off the bolt while I was doing the photos.

Today's best....New Fabric!!!

The Boys of Summer

2010-08-16T23:48:00.000-07:00

I caught these young bucks loitering around Grandma Pam's new place today.

The girls were having a little hen party in our rose garden on Sunday. Wil installed the little fountains just for them, or so they think.

Posh Posies

2010-08-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

Posh Tot does it again--with those great big prints. Dorothy did this one with this wonderful Michael Miller group.

Fun with Batiks

2010-08-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

Here are just some of the fun things I have been doing with the batiks these last few days. First the quickie little Angel Face top with Anthology Fabrics. It was very fast and looks very sweet.

And then, the second Hoffman fat quarter bundle--Rose Hips. I divided them into 7 light, 7 dark. I paired a light and dark each, cut them into 8" squares, the diagonally into triangles. It made 56 triangles, of which I used 48 so far. Now, to decide how to maybe use the triangles in the border. There are some leftover chunks of the fabrics, as well.

Some of the darks are not very dark, and some of the lights are darkish. But I think this simply gives a faceted and more interesting look. The colors are scrumptious regardless.

The batiks are wonderful to sew with--so crisp, and they stick together just the right amount. I will take some photos to show the cutting method I used for the triangles that was fast and solved the problem about which is the right side of the batiks.

After laying out the triangles on the floor, I took a picture of it. In case I scrambled blocks in the sewing process, I had the photo on my camera screen to double check. And check, I did--during and after each quadrant I sewed together.

Today's best....sewing on this wonderful group of batiks.

Elderberry Top

2010-08-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

Amongst other things I got the Elderberry top done today. First I finished the blocks. Then I sewed them into 4's. I don't like laying out a bunch of little blocks, so I sewed them into this larger unit first. Once in Foursies, there are only 12 units to lay out and sew together. I was able to keep the quilt random enough for my taste using this method. And there are a lot fewer stoops and stops and starts.

I am trying to decide if it needs a border. I would like it a bit bigger, but not sure if the aqua or brown would be best, if anything at all.

Now, to start the next batik--this one a little Angel Face from Anthology.

Today's best....finishing a quilt top.

California Covered

2010-08-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

I finished my week traversing California in the Northern mountains, just outside of Lassen Park. We were celebrating a friend's 60th at the gangs' summer cabin. A fabulous time was had, including many shenanigans not unlike our college days together. Is is ever hard to imagine that we met 40 years ago. Except for the brain freezes and the creaks and groans--we don't feel 60, and rarely act it.

I have always thought this the most beautiful place in California, or certainly at the top of list, if not the top of the state. The weather was perfect--75. Cool by our standards, warm for those from Napa and Sonoma. I've heard that older people are weather-obsessed, and we certainly qualify on that account.

The pictures are the creek and the view from the cabin deck.

Alas, we did have to come home and back to work. I did get to sew a bit on the newest Hoffmans--so Side 1 is done here.

Today's best....waking to another gorgeous morning on Willow Creek...with our best friends.

First Fat Quarters

2010-07-29T23:35:00.001-07:00

Had to get my errands and quilting done before I could start on the new fat quarters. I also am determined to get back to finishing some of my old quilts. Found the binding for this old one the other day when I was looking for something else. So it is done.

So here is the first of the Hoffman fat quarter sets--Elderberry. I have them sorted into 6 lights and 8 darks for this project. I think I have the figures right, so here I sew...

Today's best....actually working, actually sewing.

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Coastal Quilting

2010-07-28T23:09:00.001-07:00

I just got back from the Summer Quilt Festival in Long Beach. Once again, we had fun with bundles, batiks being the highlights this time. And I got to show off the RoseCards. I ran into old friends, and made new ones, including my next door neighbors at Oilcloth by the Yard.

After the show, on Monday I stopped at 2 fabric warehouses to restock batiks--Hoffman Fabrics and Anthology Fabrics. Both also gave me some of their new batiks to design RoseCard patterns with! Am I excited, or what! Off I ran up to Morro Bay to the beach design studio, also known as Dorothy's house. Here is everything spread out on the table, ready to stir up these creative juices.

So, with this view of the ocean, on a perfect day, I got in plenty of sketching and figuring and sorting of fat quarter bundles. As much as I hate to leave this idyllic setting, I can't wait to go home and sew.

Today's best....California's Central Coast at its best.

New Camera

2010-07-08T23:50:00.001-07:00

DIL Michelle has a new camera. Here's one of our favorite shots of our favorite subjects that I borrowed from ebfryer.com.

Today's best....the picture posts from Minnesota. Almost feel like I'm there.

Irrigation Irritations

2010-07-07T23:41:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like an amateur running an irrigation system designed by a professional engineer, particularly one you are married to. So while the road warrior is miles away, I am struggling to open valves and adjust pressures. It took all day! And I finally had to resort to a garden hose for the last of it.

So meanwhile, I finally go to work late in the day. Nothing much to show from today, but I will share some of the latest RoseCard samples. This is named Painted Moon--I know, I know, but it's a star. They're at least both found in the night sky. That's the best reasoning I have in these last couple days.

Today's best...working outdoors was actually great. Exercise, sun, and the turkeys are back. Three hens and bunch of youngsters munched their way across the property.

Vanishing June

2010-07-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

So where did June go? I can't figure it out. If I don't watch it, July will do the same. Recouping from being gone most of May took its toll. I did have fun running into old friends at the Reno Quilting and Sewing Expo. And I especially enjoyed sewing with Dorothy at her place in Tahoe--my lodging while I did Reno. It's a lovely commute, if you have to commute.

Today I sent Wil off on a plane to Austin. He is grabbing Leann to head up to visit Evan and family in Minneapolis. It was hard to let them go without me. I love the middle of our country, not to mention those that live there.

So the day went downhill from there--it was a Monday and a half. I won't bore with the details. You just have to look at the zeros on my tracker to realize the day I had.

But the day was saved with a lovely picnic with the Pine Tree Quilt Guild. Besides the great company, can you beat this setting? What wonderful church grounds secured by one of our members--our crowd appreciated her efforts.

Today's best....Pine Tree Picnic. OMG...Looking here at the piney woods and evening shadows, the Teddy Bear Picnic just went through my head--thank you, Evan---how long will it be till I no longer hear it humming in my head.

Tower of Power

2010-06-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

How cool is this? The Tower of Power--Pink Power. In Austin I found file boxes on a special promotion in special colors. I cleaned the pink ones out in 2 Office Depots. It took 2 days to repack my car--but I got them home. I am now set for travel and fixtures in my shows. Pack, open--sell.

I can't believe how much I can get done when I am not in a car driving. I unpacked the car, put everything away, quilted 3, bound one, posted on the web site, and even pieced a little bit.

The weather is nice and we are still green with wildflowers blooming. And, yes, I am happy to be home, if I haven't said it already.

Today's best....working, working, working.

I'm Home

2010-06-01T23:58:00.001-07:00

Today's best....I'm home.

A Sewing Basket

2010-05-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

On the way to Austin this week, I stopped at a couple quilt shops. Just north of Austin, I discovered a hidden treasure in plain sight---A Sewing Basket--in Salado TX--at 560 N. Main St. One entrance is on the east frontage road--easy to see and get to.

Walk inside, and it's just full of wonderful displays and fabric collections. Owner Betty has kits and fat quarter packs all around to temp you. As a traveler, I love having packs to buy. I don't have to know exactly what I am going to make. I simply like to pick up something I don't have or haven't seen--all to remind me of my visit.

The shop specializes in Cowboy fabric. If you need cowboy themed fabric or kits--this is your source. They also do a lot of shows--another chance to catch some goodies. This quilt is a Block of the Month program, Texas style.

Wednesday's best....shop hopping to A Sewing Basket. And the first trip to Torchy's Tacos.

Market...WOW

2010-05-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

Great BEFORE picture, isn't it?

Where do I begin? Market was amazing. The RoseCards were so well received--beyond my best hopes! I got orders, I got compliments, I got encouragement to keep going--that this was a great idea.

Lisa G's patterns were a hit. She connected up with fabric companies and designers to do work for them. She even designed a pattern on the spot for Shari of Riley Blake fabrics.

Much to catch up on--I'll try to fill in some of the highlights as I can find photos and remember all that we did.

We had a great time with Evan's family. Lisa fit right in. I got to watch the kids on Monday while Evan and Michelle celebrated M's birthday with an shopping day and lunch date. They loved it and so did I. I hadn't been able to see the kids much after our Market day was over.

Today's best....filling orders from Market.

Lovers Lane

2010-05-14T23:13:00.000-07:00

RoseCard number two--the beta name, at any rate. The first printings are coming in. I chose this title because the chain of tan squares is often called a path, or in my case a lane. It's a stretch, but it will do. The rose is red and the cover quilt is a holly group from Martha Negley, Westminster Fibers. It uses a 3 One Yard Pack and it is just a simple Four Patch and Plain squares. This quilt is the only quilt top I have sewn in weeks.

On my way home from Turlock, I stopped by Lisa's of Lisa G Creations to pick up her quilt models. She is my Market buddy and fellow pattern designer. She has some fab new samples for Market.

Today's best....adding to the Market excitement with Lisa's new quilts.

Where It Begins

2010-05-11T23:50:00.000-07:00

EDEN ROSE--The First RoseCard of my new postcard pattern line. I got the test run of the first pattern today, and I am thrilled to say they printed up beautiful. This will be the beginning of a whole series of quick quilt designs--pretty little collectible patterns at a great price--$2. What else can you get at a quilt shop for $2? The designs will be some of our old favorites and many new. The card fronts feature some of my favorite things--quilts, roses, vintage fabric, and color. I can't wait to show them off at Market next week in Minneapolis.

Wildflowers at Home

2010-05-06T22:42:00.000-07:00

April showers did their magic. We have fields of wildflowers, mostly purple, everywhere. So when I take a break from the last minute pattern writing before Quilt Market in 2 weeks, I walk about. The beauty of this Spring has to be enjoyed--and we do.
Love the two-fer...that one vining all over the other. And then, because we don't have enough purple wildflowers, Gardener added the rhododendrons.

Today's best....the wildflower walks.

Wildflower Run

2010-04-27T23:26:00.000-07:00

Another month on the run, with no time left to write. Much to write about though--I see so many things on my travels to the middle of the country.

The best part of this Spring trip was the wildflowers. Everywhere from California to Tennessee to Texas. Tennessee's trees were also in bloom--spectacular. Wish I had photos, but I was driving too fast and I am sure the photos would not do justice.

I love seeing different parts of our country. It amazes me how each state has such a different look and personality. The accents of the people are fascinating, too, since of course, here in California we don't, like, have one.

The trip to speak to the Ladies of the Lake in Lakeport CA was great fun. And 2 days later I was off to Chicago, another great gig at Quilt Festival. The drive was a bit rough, starting with dodging snow in the Sierras, just to get out of California. At the end of the drive, though, was my little rainbow--a parking spot right next to my booth for unloading. Usually I'm carting from many, many yards away, load after load, sometimes in rain--so this was a welcome treat. And yes, that is my car, under the Wyoming slush.

Today's best....a whole day at home with no driving--great to be here, even though is it raining.

Is this California?

2010-03-31T18:55:00.000-07:00

No, it's Minnesota. I left home this morning--raining and snowing. I am presently in Minnesota with the grandkids and kids--windows open, 75 degrees out. Minnesota has just set a record with no snow in March.

I have been traveling and showing so much this past month--no time to sew or post. I had the speaking gig in Fremont CA. Then I flew to Austin to visit Leann, and as a bonus, got to see my "adopted" daughter Jessica get married to Mike Sloan. Then it was the quilt show in Yuba City CA, down the hill from me. And now I am in Minnesota. In between, I am prepping goods to take to one more gig in CA, then to Chicago in April.

At home, in spite of the lack of great weather, Spring is here. We are about as green as we will get. The grass is green and the trees are leafing out and the wildflowers have started. I hate to miss it while I travel, but as always, it is a wonderful place to come home.

Today's best....hugging those kids.

Retreat to Unpack

2010-03-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

Had a nice retreat day today. Still unpacking and updating after the gig this week. And quilting for the 2 guilds.

One that I made was the Pam Cakes with pale pink spacers which were back trimmings. These were 5"x 9" slices and 1 1/2" spacers. The Just Can't Cut It is from the Pine Tree closet.

Today's best....decided to make a trip to Austin next week--can't wait to see Leann and play in my favorite city.

Piecemakers Guild

2010-03-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

The Piecemakers Quilt Guild of Southern Alameda County was great. They treated me to a nice dinner at a local diner, helped me load and unload, and best of all, were very appreciative of what I had to show and share. I had a wonderful time. They had a good time shopping, too. Thanks to all of you gals, and especially Cindy, for hosting me and my mobile mercantile.

It rained for much of the trip down yesterday and back up today. But I was so lucky--it was dry for the loading and unloading, both at home and at the meeting. Thanks to whoever orchestrated the rain for me.

I shop hopped my way down and back. Stores in Vacaville, Fairfield, Danville, and then Stockton today. All were great to see. The Quilter's Inn in Danville had shelves and shelves of my favorite fabrics. I liked how they put the Kaffe Fassetts in the colorwall--his fabrics make all of the others look alive, in my humble opinion. Quilters Quarters in Stockton has an amazing collection of many newest designer lines, as well as novelties and basics--hard to believe you wouldn't find what you are looking for there.

And then of course the latest 99 cent bags.

Today's best....fun with the Piecemakers Guild.

Lost Dog Found

2010-02-28T23:41:00.000-08:00

Well, the yellow dog's owner was located via a notice on our mail boxes. The happy owner retrieved her retriever first thing Saturday morning. Our animals were glad to have their territory back.

We got one sunny day today. I finished the 3 quilts to donate to Piecemakers. One is the Piece it Tonight, two are variations of Pam Cakes. I like the last 2 so much that I may keep them and sub for ones I already have. The beige one here is made with a piece of decorator fabric. I like the way they cut up.

The one with the solids is 48 5 x 9 inch slices. I want to work off all of the 9 inch that I have cut, and stick with the 9 1/2 for the future. The solid spacers are 2" cut. It finished about 45x53 inches.

Today's best....finishing and fresh air.

Visitor at the Villa

2010-02-26T22:52:00.000-08:00

We have a visitor here this afternoon. This youngster doesn't want to leave. Our kids don't especially like him, so we are looking for his home. Meanwhile, he is convinced the deck is THE place.

It's still raining mostly, so I'm still quilting mostly. I'm working on 3 quilts to give the Piecemakers Guild in Union City on Tuesday--I like to donate to the Community Service when I speak at the guilds.

I got a phone call from this one today. She likes to talk--can you believe it. Here she is all glammed and ready to retire in Florida.

Today's best....chatting with our Emily Rose.

Spring?

2010-02-22T23:58:00.001-08:00

Good weather and quilt show, and my brain is elsewhere--not blogging.

The Turlock Quilt show was wonderful. They had a lovely showing, and some real superstars like Mary Ann Bloom and Shelley Dameron.

Today's best....being home.

Happy Birthday Evan

2010-02-11T23:54:00.001-08:00

My son Evan and family...

Today's best....having a 27 year old kid..yikes!!, like retirement doesn't make us feel old enough.

Two and Two and more

2010-02-10T23:17:00.000-08:00

I got the binding on my 2 ugly fabric challenge quilts for the Turlock Guild small group--used the Urban Chic pattern. I planned it so that all of the fabric would be used up--didn't want any of this lying around. I went into project leftover bags to find fabrics that already went together. The Urban Chic pattern uses 4 1/2" x 6 1/2" pieces for the centers, so it was easy to cut from leftovers. The Kaffe was leftovers from a Paper Roses quilt, which uses 7 1/2" strips--perfect for this project. Oh, the ugly fabric is the goldy, background fabric.

Two more Haiti Just Can't Cut It's are here too--just can't beat them for quick and fun.

And back to finishing old projects, I quilted this Lightning Quarters Throw that I had bordered and made into a twin. It was a favorite with these watery colored shadings.

Show and Show

2010-02-08T23:34:00.000-08:00

It feels like we are just hanging around waiting for the winter rains to be over. I know, I know, California wimps.

I did get out to the Folsom Quilt Show--class act. Happy 25th to them.

And Sunday night at the movies at the Nevada Theater, a place with kind of Indie feel to it. We saw Pirate Radio--it rocked!

I've been doing mostly little Haiti quilts. The 6 block Just Can't Cut It is still my favorite. It's so much fun to make the fabrics work, and then so fast to sew, I can Just Cut another.

The horse panels worked up great, too. I used the 7" finished Star points like our Little Baby Star pattern. So all I had to do was border the panel with excess and cut it down to 14 1/2". This is another that was fun to find fabrics to work, and nothing required too much yardage.

BUSTED! Several PT pieces for the Haiti quilts, including backs and batting scraps.

Yesterday's best....Quilt Show and Movie Show.

Show and Tell

2010-02-03T23:19:00.000-08:00

It's great to see photos from quilters who bought kits. This is from Terri in Yerington NV. She made changes in the placement that look really good. And she had fun quilting.

Haiti or Bust

2010-02-02T22:50:00.000-08:00

Obsessing with getting quilts done to send to Haiti, I haven't done much of anything else. PT had 2 extra sew days on Sunday and Monday. They had a great turnout and dozens of quilts were finished. I spent my usual time in the closet--getting borders, back and bindings--and getting into more trouble designing and playing with fabric. Tonight at the Guild meeting I turned in 15 finished--all that I had started since Jan.22. And there are many more in various stages. Not all turned in today were suitably bright for the Haiti kids, so I'll want to concentrate on more of that in the next 2 weeks.

I have photos of all, but not all are terribly exciting. These are just a couple of my favorites. The Just Can't Cut It with 6 pieced blocks goes extremely fast. It uses up 4 1/2" and 6 1/2" strips of fabrics, and there were a lot of theme fabrics that just had the 25" needed for the big squares.

The other is our Marguerite's Frame Up that has been used a lot in the Turlock area over the years in the large throw/small bed size. I will need to write it up for this small size. It is just the right thing for a feature print like this horse one here.

BUSTED! Lots of fabric from the PT closet, although it never looks like it. I really did use up a lot of small pieces of fabric, as well as the larger themes and backs.

Today's best....the Pine Tree Quilt Guild meeting.

Frog-A-Thon

2010-01-29T21:46:00.000-08:00

The first year in our new home is full of surprises. The latest is the frog cacophony. After dark, they start in--the noise is amazingly loud. We are trying to find a way to describe and convey the effect--what kind of decibel level to compare it to. They can't be seen, and as far as we know they are not particularly big. They have to be up near the house as well as down in the pond. It's a curiousity that has us shaking our heads.

I went to the Valley Quilt Guild meeting in Yuba City Wednesday night. Mike MacNamara, just "Mac", showed his fabulously fun and crazy quilts with unusual picture fabrics. He tells some great stories and great jokes, and it was hilarious.

The rest of the time we are trying to coax the sun out to warm us up, which it has done some. I am on my mad quest to stay at the top of the Overachievers list.

Finished--2 Naptimes--kits by Susan, with additions and backs from the PT closet. 1 6" 4 Patch, a little throw in pastels--PT closet helped with back and batting, so it will also go back to them.

BUSTED! More 6" squares, the 4 patch border and binding fabric, 2 kits, and several pieces from the PT closet.

Today's best....sharing the frog serenade with family on the phone, although they must think we old folks here have lost it.

Raining Quilts

2010-01-26T23:37:00.000-08:00

It's been nothing but cold and rain here, so nothing to do but quilt---and quilt I did. Totally inspired by the storage closet at the Community Quilters of the PTQG, I quilted 12 for them. And I worked on the quilts I had started from my own kits, plus my 6" squares, plus started working from the pile of purple fabric that I took home.

A workshop was going on at the facility today, so I delivered the quilted quilts and picked up BBBB (Borders, Bindings, Batting, Backs) from the PT storage closet. The Community Quilters have also committed to helping Project Linus reach their goal of 10,000 blankies for Haiti. So, oh boy--another obsession for me. Being afflicted with Quilter's ADD, I could not just pick out the backs and borders I came for. While digging through the fabric baskets, cheery fabric combos just kept jumping out at me and I had to adopt them and take them home.

Today I quilted and bound these three. This first one is 4 Patches from the 6" squares pile--earthy tones. The border is from Grandma Pam's stash, back and batting from PT.

This is mostly blue 4 Patches. Since I only had 12 blocks, I used anything close to blue and made a last round of random squares. BBBB all from PT's closet.

The Big Fat Star is from the purple pile that I raided last week. All fabric is from the closet--most of the pieces are used up. See, I am help them with stash busting, too.

BUSTED!...2 border pieces from Grandma Pams, many 6" squares, and lots from the PT closet.

Today's best....going back into the closet.

Community Service...Nevada County Style

2010-01-21T23:34:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the day participating in a sew day with the Community Service gang from the Pine Tree Quilt Guild. At a lovely Church facility in the pines--it was a perfect place to be on a winter day. A lot was going on--cutting, sewing, designing from the huge closet full of fabric.

I love doing this kind of thing. I brought some of my own projects--Susan kits--and got 2 1/2 little tops sewn. Many quilts were ready for quilting, so I took a bunch home--already did 2 of them tonight. And I raided a basket of purples--got some designing to do--my own personal challenge.

It was my kind of day--lots of sewing, much accomplished, and met new people. After a lousy day yesterday, waiting in Drs. offices, losing power, and other aggravations--today was a perfect antidote.

Finished up 2 of the 6" squares projects, and have more in progress.

Today's best....sewing in the pines.

Rainy Work Day

2010-01-19T21:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was, well, Monday--even in "retirement" they still happen, where nothing quite goes right and you feel like you get nothing done.

With the pouring rain again today, it was perfect for getting things done. Finished an old quilt top--a mystery quilt I had designed years ago. So the old top and binding fabric used up--BUSTED!

I finished 2 donation quilts. This first is one that I made from a box of 50's fabric triangles--pretty homely ones at that. I put a feedsack border, and even used up some vintage fabric in the stash for binding and back. Everything in this quilt used up--BUSTED!

This other is another from the 6" squares pile. I made the center one row longer than the first one, and added a 6" border. It finished 55"x 66"--very nice size for something this fast. From Grandma Pam's stash, I used some back fabric. And the border and binding, also from her stash, completely used up. BUSTED!

Today's best....watching it rain and getting quilts done.

Tops to Quilts

2010-01-17T23:42:00.000-08:00

It rained today as predicted, so it was a good day to finish some things. Two quilt tops became finishedquilts--they were old samples to try out patterns.

I took out a batch of 6" squares designated for charity quilts. This is the first quilt from it. I like doing these Boston Commons type layouts. I created a center of 4x5 squares. Then a background border--in this case some pale pink solid squares. Then an outer round of print squares to create a pieced border. For the back and binding, I was able to finish off a piece that I had used for backs before--BUSTED.

Today's best....tops to quilts while watching it rain.

Quilting and Comedy

2010-01-16T23:48:00.000-08:00

I took a road trip to Turlock yesterday, shopping my way down and back. Scored at the 70% off racks at Coldwater Creek. Saw quilting friends Kim, Dorothy, and even ran into Cookie at the Apple store--great minds and all. And visited Grandma Pam--sorted some of her quilts that will be up for sale at the Turlock show.

Trees are all planted, and we're enjoying the last of the sunshine for a while--rain for a week is forecast.

Today I finished off a few things I have been working on for the last few days. One is a little flannel baby quilt, to be donated, from some leftover 5" squares. Actually the patchwork was done--just needed a border and finishing, which I did. BUSTED: leftover top, the border and binding fabric, batting scrap pieced, back--all completely gone.

Finished off most of the Hawaiian fabric pieces with this latest version of the Take 5 5". It is only 12 blocks--extremely fast, and the border lets the patchwork breathe. 12 blocks is barely more than half the work of making 20. With the border, it finished up a very nice 53"x68". BUSTED: nearly all of the Hawaiian prints, the border and binding fabric totally gone.

Then I have another variation of the Band Block. It is still dark and light blocks alternated, but both have a contrast on the end. I was going for the red, white and blue theme here. And in this one I used 3" cut band pieces--from leftover bindings. I like the size it finished--51x62. It would have been bigger, but I only had enough for a 4" border. I'm very happy with the look of this version. BUSTED: Slices of 5x9. binding scraps, border fabric gone, binding scraps for the binding.

Today's best....a fun show in town with political comedian Will Durst.

First Bloom

2010-01-13T23:16:00.001-08:00

It's only January 13, and we have our first bloom on the bulbs the resident gardener planted. Wow, when the bulbs are planted, it seems that it will be forever until they poke through, or Spring at least--and here we are. We even had an almost warm day, mostly sunny.

Meanwhile, I am just trying to finish up old things. This Cheese and Crackers top has been done with the back prepared, so it was easy to quilt and bind.

I've been doing more Pam Cakes variations. This one is pairs sewn with a little cross bar on the top/bottom of the block. I put dark bars on the dark pairs, lights on the lights. The little bars were some odd 2 1/2" strips from the scrap bags. The border was a scrap of extra wide fabric, that I cut into fourths. So it made a nice 5" border, and that piece of fabric is all gone. So is the binding and a major chunk of the 56" wide back piece.

Today's best....blooms in the sunshine.

Sunday Sewing

2010-01-10T21:39:00.000-08:00

Quiet Sunday, catching up on listings and finishing up some old projects. Got the binding on this sweet little snowball baby quilt.

Quilted and bound this colorwash quarter of a quilt--I think it was supposed to be a big quilt, but I just wanted this piece done.

And then I assembled the blocks on another Hawaiian Take 5-5, using 5"and 9 1/2" with all of my precuts. Got it quilted and bound, too.

Today's best....3 more finished and on the shelf to sell or give away.

Dreary days, Cold water

2010-01-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

Dreary winter days, and we've had even more fun--no hot water. The pilot wouldn't work and we had to wait for a part. Got good at boiling water for a bath. It's fixed today, thanks to handy hubby.

Not too inspired to sew, just want to cut up fabric. So I'm making 3 yard bundles and 6 fat quarter bundles of the remaining stock. It is fun putting the fabrics together, and working with Kaffe Fassett and friends' glorious colors is a good antidote to dreary days.

Got a little quilting and binding done on some old projects. This big bright throw using one of Lisa's patterns in the Sole fabric from Valori Wells. And then, going the opposite direction, the sweet little baby quilt from little calico 9 patches.

Today's best....hot water.

Thoroughly Modern Dresden

2010-01-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

Great guild meeting at PTQG. Program Speaker Anelie Belden showed us many ways to use the traditional Dresden pattern from her book "Thoroughly Modern Dresden". Entertaining and inspirational--I wasn't prepared to be dazzled and I was.

Today's best....guild program.

Sunshine on the hillside

2010-01-04T22:38:00.000-08:00

Today is the kind of day when we are glad we moved up on the hill. We're looking down on the fog in the valley, and we're sitting in the sun, pretty smug here.

Business done, some quilting done, I finished the latest Pam Cakes variation.

Today's best....walking in the 55 degree sunshine.

Escaped

2010-01-03T22:07:00.000-08:00

I escaped today--out shopping. Nothing special, just felt good to get out. Scored another great 99cent tote at Home Goods--they are huge and showy.

Also managed to get a couple quilted. And I finished the top on this variation that I started last night. I found the 2 1/2" green strips in a bag--they cut up into enough 5" pieces to do the usual Patty Cakes size.

Today's best....getting out.

January?

2010-01-02T23:17:00.001-08:00

Sunshine, in the 50's, side door open, downright pleasant in the workroom--January?

Made some of the 3 1-yard bundles, did a little quilting.

.

Today's best....sunshine.

Back to Work

2010-01-01T22:16:00.000-08:00

The holiday trip passed in one big blur of highway miles, cute kids and a cold. All went great, except the health breakdown, and seeing the kids was fabulous.Now, back, it all hardly seems real. The sun hasn't shone, and yet it won't rain. The only thing that makes sense is getting back into a work routine today. I have scheduled a beginning quilting class at Crafters Cottage, so I need a sample ready for that. With a short term class and limited fabric selection, I decided on a little 4 patch. It can be done from a pack of 3 1 yard pieces, which I will now stock--it's the next 5 1 yard pack.

PATTERN~~The numbers for mine: From the 2 4 patch fabrics, Cut 5 3 1/2" strips. Sew 5 strip sets of the 2 fabrics. Recut into a total of 56 sections, make 28 4 Patches. Measure some of the blocks--they are about 6 1/2". Cut 5 strips this size, then 28 squares from those strips. Alternate blocks and squares, and lay out 7x8. It will finish 42"x48". The leftover 1/2 yard from one of the 4 patch fabrics can be used to bind. The other could maybe be used for a 3" border if desired.
This would be a great big little stash buster for service quilts--figure 1/2 yd each for the 4 patches, 1 yd for big squares---or 3 1/2" and 6 1/2" scraps.

This other quilt here is on oldie that I quilted and bound. It's a sample for 5 1 yard packs--I think I used a pattern by Tracy Brookshier called Shoji.

Today's best....Happy New Year.

Little Trip done, Big Trip Ahead

2009-12-16T21:52:00.000-08:00

All packed up and places to go. We've spent the week getting ready, watching weather reports.

I made a trip back to Turlock, visiting Lisa along the way, seeing all of her projects and the new arrangement of the quilting room. Had lunch with Grandma Pam, our version of Christmas. Then on the way out of town bumped into friend Dorothy, and caught up with her quilting projects. Much more to show and tell as we all vow to get together more and sew.

So off for our holiday trip we go.

Today's best....seeing friends.

One quilt leads to another

2009-12-13T23:06:00.000-08:00

I moved out of the antique mall on Thursday...still trying to find places to put the stuff I brought back. At least the shelving unit is helping me organize the kitchen office wall.

It's been raining almost solid since then, so I have been at home sorting and sewing. One thing leads to another in the sewing department.

I pulled out a charity kit--what I call 16 Squared. It's made from 16 2 1/2" strips and 15 8 1/2" squares. The strips are sewn in 4 sets of 4, then made into 16 16 patch blocks. Alternate 15 of the patch blocks with the squares in a 5 x 6 layout.

Except that I had 20 strips, and only 15 squares, so I had sections leftover after making 15 blocks. I can't toss them, and don't need another UFO, so I must make another Patty Cakes variation. I used 2 sections together instead of a slice, and cut my 5"x9" slices down to 8 1/2" tall, and I had a nifty little quilt. I like how the little pieces look in their little columns. And it doesn't matter that the columns are a different width than the slices--it all still fits. I'll have to try this again with some other leftovers.
Trying to clean up the worktable, I didn't get very far. Some trimmings from the back of the purple City Girls quilt needed to be cut up and made into another little quilt. It is such a perfect background shade, I cut the scraps into spacer strips for a Patty Cakes. Then I pulled 5"x9" slices from the drawers, anything with purple. Every other row has the spacer on the right or left. And this time I didn't trim the rows so the spacer would be centered over the slice--I just let them be with a little jog. I like this variation, too--and how good the purples look together for total scraps. I know, I know, you purple people out there would just tell me--DUH, of course they look good together.

Today's best....watching the rain and finishing little quilts that I like.