Chatterbox Quilts Chitchat

Fabric Fundamentals - Episode 4 - Fabric Pre-cuts

2012-02-13T06:00:00.018-07:00

Hi everyone:

Have you heard about layer cakes and jelly rolls? No, I'm not talking about pastries; I'm talking about fabric pre-cuts. You'll want to check out my latest video in the Fabric Fundamentals series to learn all about these already-cut-for-you fabric bundles.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel to view all of my quilting videos and ensure that you receive all future ones as well.

Fabric Fundamentals - Episode 3 - WOF

2012-02-06T06:00:00.032-07:00

Hi everyone:

Thanks for all the positive comments about the previous 2 videos. I'm glad that you're enjoying them and have even learned a thing or two.

This week we'll be continuing our exploration of fabric and investigating that mysterious "WOF" or width of fabric. This is an expression that you'll hear and see over and over again in patterns and classes, but how much do you really know about it? Well, after viewing my video, you'll be an expert.

I'm currently working on another video series regarding studio organization and set up, so if there's a specific topic that you'd like me to cover, please let me know.

Subscribe to my Youtube channel to view all of my quilting videos and ensure that you receive notification of future ones as well.

Free patterns for Valentine's Day

2012-02-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone:

It's February already and according to Wiarton Willie we can expect an early spring - yay! Except for a cold snap a couple of weeks ago, we've had a surprisingly mild winter here in Calgary, so I expect that we'll be seeing some more snow and cold temperatures before spring actually arrives.

With February comes Valentine's Day, which is fast approaching (doesn't it seem like we just celebrated New Year's?). To reflect this upcoming romantic holiday I've changed the background of my blog to something more appropriate - and also because I love the colour red.

While I'm not working on a Valentine's Day project myself, I do have several free patterns available which are perfect for this holiday.

You can find the tutorial for Vintage Hearts under the AccuQuilt GO! Fun tab on my blog or on my Youtube channel. It's an AccuQuilt GO! friendly pattern so you'll be able to make it very quickly.

Vintage Hearts
FREE pattern from Chatterbox Quilts

Vintage Hearts detail

If you don't have enough time to make a wall hanging, you might have time for a small pincushion or shelf sitter. Again, the AccuQuilt GO! cutter comes to the rescue. You can find instructions on making these little projects here. While I used recycled fabric to make mine, you can choose any type of fabric that you have available - preferably in a red or pink shade.

Pincushions using AccuQuilt GO! cutter dies

If you enjoy hand embroidery, I also have a FREE heart-shaped pincushion or shelf sitter pattern available. The Flourishing Heart pattern can be found here.

Flourishing Heart pincushion or shelf sitter
FREE pattern from Chatterbox Quilts

I didn't realize that I had so many heart-related patterns! I hope that one of these will be exactly what you need if you're looking for that perfect Valentine's Day project.

Fabric Fundamentals - Episode 2 - Selvedge, or is that Selvage?

2012-01-30T06:00:00.019-07:00

Hi everyone:

Wow, Monday is here again already and you know what that means? Time to release another video in the Fabric Fundamentals series.

This week I'll be addressing that tricky Jekyll and Hyde of fabric, Mr. Selvedge - or is that Selvage?

Grab your popcorn or favourite sweet treat, pull up a chair and let's learn all about him, er, it.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions for future video episodes.

Fabric Fundamentals - Episode 1

2012-01-23T06:00:00.010-07:00

Hi everyone:

I'm thrilled to introduce a new feature for Chatterbox Quilts - videos! Each week, I will be exploring a specific aspect of quilting and will be posting a video about that feature every Monday. I'll be starting with the basics and then moving on to other points.

While I have many ideas, I'm always eager to hear what you'd like to see, so if there is something that you've always be wondering about and would like to see a video on that subject, please leave a comment below.

So, without further ado, let me present my first video in my Fabric Fundamentals series - fabric grain. In this video I will be looking at fabric grain and how it affects our quilting. I learned some things about fabric grain that I wasn't aware of before I did this video and hope that you will pick up some information as well.

Please subscribe to my Youtube channel so you won't miss out on any future episodes.

Happy viewing!

Fabric Fundamentals - Episode 1 - Fabric Grain by Chatterbox Quilts

Chatterbox Quilts' New Project

2012-01-19T06:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone:

I am so excited to tell you about a new project that I've been working on - videos! My husband has been working very hard at helpingme with some quilt videos and you'll soon be seeing these on my Youtube channel. Did you know that I had a Youtube channel? Well, I do and you'll be able to see all of my videos there.

While we don't have a videostudio, Gary's been able to transform our basement into one with the help of afew panels, props and the right lighting. It's surprising how much more thereis than just make up and dialogue to produce a video! To start, you have to have a photogenic and talented host, but since we couldn't afford one, I'm it:) Then, once the filming is finished, there is the editing and post-production work, which is Gary's job. My work, being thetalent, is done while his is just starting and this can take much longer thanthe actual filming.

Here's a sneak peek at whatwe've been doing. While these aren't quite ready for primetime yet, I hope tobe releasing these on a weekly basis soon. Subscribeto my Youtube channel to be notified when these are released.

I'm always looking for new video ideas, so I hope you'll leave a comment below with your suggestions.

New Year, New Projects

2012-01-16T06:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone:

Happy New Year!

Yes, I know that January 1 wasa few weeks ago, but, as is often the case, I'm a bit behind. I've found myselfunder-motivated and distracted lately due to some family issues. Everything isgreat now, but I'm finding it hard to "get back on the horse", soto speak (actually, getting back on the horse would be easy as I love horseback riding). It's much easier to work on patterns and do blog posts when you do itconsistently. If you're away from it for awhile, I find that it takes a bit toget back to work, but, as Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "He has half thedeed done who has made a beginning", and I'm determined to make abeginning!

I'm determined to take all ofthe pattern ideas that I have been working on and finish and publish them. Ihave several embroidery patterns, some stuffed toys and many quilt patterns,just dying to make their appearance. I also have book reviews that you'll beseeing on my blog soon as well as some giveaways.

Poinsettia Pinwheels

Blossoming

Stick friends embroidery

Posh Pets

Blossoming (detail)

Tweet-heart table runner

Hoot embroidered stuffy

Screech and Whoobie embroidered stuffies

I didn't make any New Year'sresolutions for 2012, however I've resolved to do better this year. Whetherit's exercising, creating patterns or finishing UFO's, I'm going to try to dobetter this year and accomplish more.

I hope you're working on your 2012 resolutions and would love to hear what you hope to accomplish this year.

A Pressing Issue

2011-12-01T06:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone:

I don't know about you, but I find that it's sometimes difficult to press my fabrics on my ironing board. It's just the wrong shape. It should be rectangular and long enough so I can open up my fabric and press across the width of fabric, not the funny recta-triangle shape of a typical ironing board. I could, of course, purchase a specialty ironing board, but I really don't want to spend that much money on one. So, I decided to make one myself.

If you'd like to make yourself a portable pressing board, you'll need:

Piece of OSB or melamine in the desired size (I used melamine and it was 24" x 48")
Cotton batting (don't use a poly blend, just good old cotton batting, such as Warm and Natural)
Cotton fabric
Gripper shelf liner
Staple gun

First, I cut out two strips of the gripper shelf liner, wide enough to cover the width of the melamine (24" in my case) and about 10" wide and then stapled one strip to the top part of the melamine, on the back, and the other strip to the bottom of the melamine, on the back. This will help keep the board in place, on your counter, on your cutting table, wherever you decide to put it.

Close up of gripper shelf liner

Gripper shelf liner strips attached to back of melamine board

Next, I laid the melamine on the floor and measured and cut out batting in a size sufficient to cover the right side of the melamine (the side that you'll be ironing on) and wrap around to the back on all sides. You don't need too much overlap, but enough so all the sides will be covered and the batting should overlap the gripper shelf liner slightly. I then flipped the board over so the batting was under it and stapled the batting to the back of the melamine, mitering the corners as I went.

Batting measured and partially stapled to back of melamine board
Note that the batting covers one raw edge of the gripper shelf liner

Detail of mitered batting corner

Okay, so far, so good. I then did the same thing with the cotton fabric. I used an older fabric that I had in my stash and probably was never going to use in a quilt project, but it was perfect for this.

Batting all stapled down; cotton fabric being measured

I wrapped the fabric around the "right" side of the board and then stapled it to the back of the melamine. Make sure that you pull the fabric taut when stapling it.

Cotton fabric stapled to back of melamine board

Detail of mitered fabric corner

Wow, that was easy! Now I had a perfect ironing board: long enough to allow me to iron the fabric across its width and portable so I could iron anywhere in the house. I really liked how the gripper shelf liner kept the board in place without shifting when I was ironing.

Finished pressing board, already in use!
Notice the sad, not-used-anymore ironing board in the background

If you need a new pressing surface, this project can be completed in less than an hour. The best part - it cost less than $20.00 and cleared out more of my fabric, which is always a good thing!

A Tale of Two Quilts

2011-11-21T06:00:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone:

This is a tale of two quilts - one for a celebration and one for healing.

If you know me, you'll know that I can drag a project out for a very long time (you only have to count my UFO's to know this), but give me a deadline and I'll have a quilt whipped up lickety split.

A few years ago - 6, to be precise - I started to design an anniversary quilt for my parent's 50th anniversary. I had lots of time - almost a year - to finish it. Piece of cake! Well, the designing took longer than I thought (boy, did I learn a lot during this process!) and then I had to put it together and, well, I think I was actually in over my head on this one. Needless to say, I didn't get it done in time for their 50th anniversary. I did get most of it finished in time for their 53th anniversary, but was stuck on how to quilt it. Again, I was overwhelmed. Finally, I tackled it and it turned out not too bad. Then, I was hung up on doing a continuous bias binding, which I had never done before. Again, I eventually got to it and finally the quilt was done. In time for their 55th wedding anniversary. Well, actually the quilt was finished a couple of months prior to this and I was able to give it to my parents when they were out visiting me this fall.

Mom and Dad with their 50th anniversary quilt

Just after their visit, my father had a heart attack and so another quilt needed to be made. I used my Chock a Block pattern since it's quick and easy. I was under a deadline on this one as I was flying back to Ontario to see my Dad and wanted to take the quilt with me. So, I bought the fabric Thursday afternoon, started cutting and stitching on Friday, finished the top on Saturday and quilted it on Sunday (thanks, Cathy!).

"Out of the Rough" from
Chatterbox Quilts' "Chock a Block" pattern

Back of the quilt flipped to the front to show pieced top

So, what did I learn from these two quilts? Well, a few things. First, most projects aren't really as difficult as I think they are. Second, I can finish a quilt in just a few days when I put my mind to it. And third, I need to spend more time quilting and less time thinking about the quilting!

Media Excitement

2011-11-03T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone:

There have been so many things happening lately that I almost forgot to tell you my exciting news. I'm doing a happy jig about this one! I've had another pattern published in a magazine! This time, it's my wall hanging, "Baaack in Black" and it's featured in the fall issue (issue 15) of Irish Quilting.

My inspiration for this project came from the AC/DC song of the same name (although spelled a little differently) combined with the image of the "black sheep" of the group. This quilt features fusible web appliqué with a little hand embroidery thrown in for embellishment. A black sheep, some fluffy white friends and a few shamrocks thrown in with one four leaf clover, and you have "Baaack in Black".

I have to tell you that I was sweating a bit about this project as I had a narrow timeline on it and there was a postal strike going on by the time I completed it. This would normally not affect me too much, however, as I had to send the quilt to Ireland for quilting and photography, I was a bit worried that it wouldn't make it there on time. Thanks to Purolator, it arrived before the deadline and all was well. It's now safely back in my studio and has the distinction of travelling to a country that I have not (yet) visited. It wouldn't say if it kissed the Blarney stone while there, but I have a suspicion that it did!

There are many other beautiful projects in this issue, so I hope you have a chance to pick one up at your local quilt shop or bookstore and give it a browse.

I'm back!

2011-10-26T16:14:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Wow, it seems like forever since I've published a blog post - or at least a few weeks! I must apologize for disappearing for awhile, but sometimes life takes an unexpected turn and throws you off your regular routine. I have lots of quilting items to share with you in a future post, but this one is personal, so I beg your indulgence while I explain what's been happening in my family's lives.

This September was busy with the start of a new school year for me (September and June are the busiest months for school office staff) and new schools for both of my children: Jamie in junior high and Sarah in high school. Throw in a visit from my parents, who live 2,000 miles away from us and it made for a busy September.

Mom and Dad September 2011

My parents love to drive and drove from Ontario to Calgary to visit for a few weeks and then left on my Dad's birthday, September 19, for home. Rather than the 3 days that they usually take to drive home, they took an extra day, arriving home in Bracebridge on September 22 - I suppose that the fact that my Dad was a bit more tired than usual should've been a warning of what later happened.

Dad celebrating his 78th birthday September 19, 2011

On September 26 - a week after his 78th birthday - after washing the car and only 3 holes into his regular game of golf, my Dad went into complete cardiac arrest. Fortunately, one of the grounds crew was trained in CPR and the course had a defibrillator, which he used to restore my Dad's heartbeat before the ambulance came. By the time my Mother arrived at the local hospital, he had already been put into a medically induced coma, cooled down and was being prepped to be taken to a facility in Newmarket, Ontario (two hours south of their home).

I was on the way out the door to work when the phone rang that morning. I can't describe the shock and fright I felt when I heard my Mom's voice on the other end of the phone telling me what had happened. I don't wish that feeling on anyone. Several phone calls later, I was able to determine that my Dad had arrived at the Southlake Regional Health Centre and was in the Cardiac Care Unit there. Over the course of the next few days, he was gradually warmed up and brought out of the coma. Thankfully, due to the immediate attention that he received at the golf course and the care he received in the hospital, he didn't suffer any brain damage. Next came an angiogram, where it was determined that he had several blocked arteries and needed a cardiac bypass - or CABG - as it's called. He underwent a quadruple bypass on October 11 and was released from the hospital on October 18.

My brother lives in Ontario and had been looking after my Mom, visiting my Dad in the hospital and generally handling things, while still working (thanks, John), so I flew out a few days prior to Dad's release date so I could drive him home and help my Mom with household items. It was a busy week, but we managed to take care of many items and I left them with a frig and freezer full of healthy food. Dad's doing well - walking and eating lots to regain his strength.

John, Mom and Dad October 23, 2011

I flew back home on Sunday night and am now back into my "normal" routine. I'm grateful that my Dad is still with us - things could've been so different - and appreciate the excellent care he received in the hospital. The nursing staff were very caring with Dad (who had never been in the hospital and really didn't want to be there) and always took the time to speak with me when I called from Calgary to update me on his condition. I'm also grateful to the staff at South Muskoka Curling and Golf Club who helped my Dad when he needed it the most. Dad works there part-time in the summer and I know how concerned everyone there was about him. My parents are fortunate to have many close friends and I appreciate their visits to him in the hospital (often driving several hours to see him), their calls to the house and the cards we received.

I also appreciated the phone calls I received from my friends who were concerned about Dad, and me, as well. I have to thank my quilting buddy, Cathy Keevill, who generously let me use her machine to quilt my dad's quilt on a Saturday afternoon (he loved it, Cath). You truly discover who your real friends are when an event like this occurs.

"Out of the Rough", the quilt I whipped up in 3 days for Dad
Thanks to Cathy Keevill for the use of her machine to quilt it.
The pattern is "Chock a Block" by Chatterbox Quilts.
The quilt is folded back at the top to show the pieced top of the backing.

Most of all, I have to thank my husband, Gary, and my two children, Jamie and Sarah, for managing the household while I was back east. Between the three of them, the house was clean, laundry was done, food was made and in the freezer and they even managed to put up all the Halloween decorations - indoors and out. Did I also mention that they all came to pick me up at the airport on Sunday night? I'm not sure what I've done right in my life to have such a wonderful, caring family, but I'm truly a lucky girl to have them. Thanks, guys, you are the best part of my life!

Sarah and Jamie September 2011

Gary on his birthday October 13, 2011

So that's I've been up to over the past few weeks. I'm gradually getting back to my quilting and blogging, which has been on hold since September, and have lots of exciting quilty-related items to tell you about next time.

Hope that you're enjoying a good fall and all is well with your family.

Fall in Muskoka 2011

Winner of the My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software

2011-09-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone:

Just a quick note to let you know that the winner of the FREE My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software is Pam (comment #3).

Congratulations, Pam! I'll soon be sending this wonderful prize off to you.

For those of you who didn't win, remember that you can still use coupon code STMMMS64292 (copy and paste it to use it) to get a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite version 2 scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - a $20 value! What a great deal!

Thanks so much to My Memories for providing this software to me as a giveaway to one of my blog readers.

Pam, I know you'll enjoy using this software and I'd love to see what you create with it.

Free giveaway - My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software

2011-09-21T13:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

I was recently approached by My Memories to try out their digital scrapbooking software. Now, as you know, I'm a quilter, not a scrapbooker, but digital scrapbooking appealed to me, so I thought I'd give it a whirl. I could play with my photos, without having to purchase card stock and embellishments (as if I'd actually have anywhere to store scrapbooking items in addition to my quilting stash!). Not only did My Memories provide me with my own review software, they were generous enough to give me another one for one of my blog readers. Yes, you could win your own copy of My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software! But before we get to the "how to win" part, let's take a look to see what this software can do.

Using My Memories Suite you create digital photo albums. You choose a theme, the desired number of pages and then personalize your album by importing your own photographs. You can leave the pages as they are or change the backgrounds, add embellishments and add text before you put your selected photos in the placeholders. In addition to photos, you can create slideshows, videos and add narration to your album. You can export your finished album as a Quicktime movie, burn it to a DVD or actually print it out (how old school!).

Toil and Trouble kit by Just So Scrappy available at My Memories
Photo courtesy of My Memories

I wanted to see how easy it would be to use this digital scrapbooking software, so I decided to make an album of my daughter's recent birthday. I chose a theme, deleted a few of the pages, added text, changed the background slightly and imported my photos. Bang! There was my album. Done and ready to be emailed out to the grandparents. I could've played around a little more with it - changed colours or added embellishments, but I really wanted to see how quickly I could create an album. I found My Memories Suite to be very easy and quick. Here's the album I created.

Word art, embellishments and text added to the photograph

Added embellishments, text and the photograph

A few more flowers and a photo, of course!

One more photo, some text and a couple more flowers and it's done!

Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software provides many options to allow you to personalize your album. If the embellishments and backgrounds included in the program aren't enough (and there are lots of them), you can download more FREE items from the My Memories website. Digital scrapbook pages can also be purchased to use with this software.

The I’m Falling for You Combo Pack from designer Meredith Cardall includes 15 different background papers, 61 page elements,and monogram set of 46 characters (a total of 107 digital embellishments)and,

best of all, it's FREE to download from My Memories

Photo courtesy of My Memories

Now for the part you've been waiting for - how to win your own copy of My Memories Suite Scrapbook software! There are just three simple steps:

Go to My Memories website
Browse through their digital scrapbooking kits
Tell me which one is your favourite in a comment to this post.

See, I told you it was simple!

The contest starts today and will run until September 27 at 8:00 p.m. MST. I'll be announcing the winner on September 28.

Even if you don't win the free software, you can use this code STMMMS64292 (copy and paste it to use it) to get a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite version 2 scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - a $20 value! Just go to My Memories and enter the code when you're checking out.

Good luck to everyone and don't forget to check back on September 28 to see if you're the winner!

Let's Get GO!-ing

2011-09-11T13:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone:

In a previous post I mentioned that I would be teaching a class, Let's Get GO!-ing, about the AccuQuilt GO! cutter at Bow Bench Retreat in October. I'm so excited about this class and I know it's going to be lots of fun. In case you aren't on Facebook and haven't seen all the details, here is what you need to know.

WHAT: Let's Get GO!-ing class

WHERE: Bow Bench Retreat, Carseland, AB, Canada

WHEN: October 15, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.

One of the pattern choices you'll have at the class.

WHAT'S INCLUDED: Instruction, Chatterbox Quilts pattern, use of GO! cutter and dies,
lunch, refreshments and fun!
WHAT'S THE PRICE: $75.00
WHY: Because we're GO!-ing to have a great time!

In this class, you'll:

Learn about the AccuQuilt GO! cutter
Use the AccuQuilt GO! cutter and dies
Make a fusible web appliqué table runner and personalize it by cutting appliqués with the GO!

AccuQuilt GO! cutter, die and mat

If you've always been curious about this fabric die cutter, this will be a great opportunity to find out all about it. I'll answer all your questions and you'll have the opportunity to try out the machine yourself. But be careful - once you try it, you'll be addicted and the fabric in your stash won't be safe!

I hope you'll join me this fall for a great day of instruction and fun.

Where is Chatterbox Quilts?

2011-08-26T08:00:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone:

I was recently reflecting on how many fellow quilters and fabric enthusiasts I've met through my blog and my Facebook page. I've enjoyed making new friends on-line and appreciate the support that you've given me. I've also found that it's a great way to keep in touch with existing friends across the country.

It occurred to me that while some of you may know where I am on-line, there are probably others who aren't aware of all the places Chatterbox Quilts is on the web. So I thought I'd bring you up to date. Are you ready? Here goes:

You're already following my blog, so you know I'm here.

Manga Kitty appliqué template by Jamie Hirst for Chatterbox Quilts

Did you know that I have a personal Facebook page, as well as a Chatterbox Quilts fan page? I try to keep my fan page for quilt related items.

I'm on Twitter as CBQuilts, if you like to tweet.

I have a Youtube channel, although there is only one video there - yet!

Learn how to make Vintage Hearts from my Youtube video

I also have an Etsy store, where you can find both my epatterns and my paper patterns. I also have appliqué templates, embroidery patterns and stuffie patterns there.

Frog face appliqué template available at my Etsy store

I have a website where you can find out more about me as well as listen to some of my earlier podcasts.

Hoot appliqué template available at my Etsy store

If you're a quilt shop owner, you should know that you an order my patterns wholesale from The Pattern Peddlers.

You do know that I have some free projects available, don't you? You can find them on my blog and on my website.

FREE Flourishing Hearts pattern - available on my blog

Whew! I think that's it - at least for now.

I hope that you find something entertaining, interesting or educational wherever you find me on-line:)

WIWOW - August 24, 2011

2011-08-24T20:00:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone:

Can you believe that it's already August 24? Wow, where has the summer gone? While I always have high expectations of accomplishing many quilting related items - such as actually quilting, the reality is that life often intrudes and sometimes I don't get as much accomplished as I had hoped to. I did get to go on vacation, visit with friends, spend time with my children and organize my quilting studio, so I guess it wasn't such a bad summer after all!

This past week I've been shopping with my children to get new clothes and items for school. I've also been busy cleaning getting ready for a visit from my parents next week.

In my organizing and cleaning frenzy, I've come across a few projects that weren't quite done. I made some binding strips for several quilts that needed them. They're not actually sewn onto the quilts yet, but hey, you can't do everything at once, can you?

Cute Circus Cat fabric

I also re-discovered a small quilt that I had made using a pattern in Pat Sloan's Favorite Techniques book. The pattern looked fast and easy (it was) and I thought it would be perfect to showcase some cute fabric that I had in my stash. I quilted it using free form stars and circles, which suited the central fabric. In addition to showcasing the novelty fabric, this pattern would allow me to try a single fold, machine binding technique. The binding is stitched to the back of the quilt on each side one at a time. You then fold it over to the front and machine stitch it down. It sounded pretty straight forward and I wanted to see if this would be quicker than my usual double fold binding technique.

Of course I also had to add a sleeve to the quilt and this took a little bit of time.

I also thought that it would be nice to zigzag the binding down, rather than just using a straight stitch. Really, so much more interesting.

I discovered that it really takes a bit more time and effort to use a zigzag stitch for this technique.

Front side of quilt showing zigzag stitches to hold the binding down

I also realized that this technique wasn't quite as quick and easy as I had thought it would be - at least not for me. I think that the stitches were supposed to catch the binding seam on the back of the quilt - mine didn't. Perhaps if I'd chosen the straight stitch instead, that might've been better.

Back side of quilt showing how the zigzag stitches
don't overlap the binding as it should - oops!

Sorry, Pat, but I think I'll be sticking to my double-fold-stitched-on-the-front-folded-to-the-back-and-hand-sewn-down-binding technique. It might take me a bit longer, but I like the finished product better and that's really what it's all about.

Portion of the quilt all done and ready to be hung

Do you ever machine stitch your bindings down or are you a hand-sewn-binding type of quilter?

WIWOW - August 17, 2011

2011-08-22T06:00:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone:

Sorry I missed my Wednesday post, but I have a good reason. Really, I do! I was working on a gift for my daughter's birthday. I couldn't show you what I was working on or it would ruin the surprise. Since it was her birthday on Friday (Happy Birthday, Sarah!) and she has received her gift, I can now post it.

Since Sarah is a huge Harry Potter fan, I made her a Harry Potter doll. Here's a quick tutorial on how I did it.

I used the Harry Potter design from her embroidery pattern (you can find it here - FREE!) and increased it to 140% before embroidering it on muslin.

I then selected some appropriately wizardly fabric for the back of the stuffie and cut out a rectangle approximately 11" x 5".

I created a template for the back of the stuffie by tracing about 1/2" outside the embroidery lines on the embroidery pattern.

I then traced this back template on medical paper (see through, sort of like onionskin paper - for those of us who are old enough to know what that was).

I centered this traced template over the wrong side of the embroidered design - it's transparent enough to do this - and then placed the rectangle of back fabric, right side up, underneath it all. The sandwich was: back template, embroidered design, wrong side up and then the backing fabric, right side up.

I stitched on the traced line of the back template, leaving an opening at one side for turning. I used pinking shears to trim about 1/4" away from the seam allowance, ripped off the paper template, turned the stuffie right side out and then stuffed it firmly. When it was plump enough, I hand stitched the opening closed.

Here's the result!

Sarah was quite pleased with the doll and it was very quick to do. You can see how well Harry fits in with Sarah's other Harry Potter paraphernalia.

I have also used a similar technique to create my FREE Flourishing Heart pattern.

Flourishing Hearts in two colourways

I am also working on a pattern for a family of owl stuffies, which will be published in a few weeks.

Hoot - the dad

Screech, the mom and Whoobie, the baby

Do you like to create stuffies for those special little people in your life - or even for yourself? I'd love to hear about your creations.

Campfire Fun!

2011-08-19T13:14:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone:

Camping, s'mores and summer just seem to go along hand in hand. If you haven't had the opportunity to roast some marshmallows over a campfire this summer, this is the next best thing! AccuQuilt, Fabric.com and Fons and Porter are joining together to offer you a chance to win big. Here are all the details:

Join in some campfire fun for a chance to win great prizes totaling over $1500! Fons & Porter, Fabric.com, and AccuQuilt have teamed up to provide us all with a huge giveaway on Facebook. Simply “Like” these Facebook pages and gain access to all three sections of a secret code that unlock your chance to win! Follow the camp trail on the bottom of each sponsor’s page and it will take you to the next campground to retrieve the next section of code. Once you’ve captured all three pieces of the secret code, go to www.accuquilt.com/indianblocks and enter the full code to register to win!

Your summer camping trip begins at AccuQuilt, so get GO!-ing at http://www.facebook.com/accuquilt?sk=wall#!/accuquilt?sk=app_10467688569

This contest starts today and continues on until August 29; winners will be announced on August 30.

Don't miss out on this great opportunity and good luck!

2011 Pets on Quilts Show

2011-08-16T16:49:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone:

The event has finally arrived and I'm excited to show off my little pets. Don't know what I'm talking about? SewCalGal hosts an annual Pets on Quilts show, giving both bloggers and non-bloggers the opportunity to share photos of their pets - quilty and real - as well as the chance to win some great prizes. Entries are accepted from August 15th to the 19th, so if you have a quilt, a pet on a quilt or a design in EQ7, be sure to check out the 2011 Pets on Quilts Show at SewCalGal for all the details and to see the other entries.

I'm sure that some of you are familiar with my two cats, Charlie and Teeka. They're often found in my quilt studio, "helping" me with my latest creations. How else would I know which fabrics will make the cuddliest quilts? They can be harsh critics, but their advice is always purrfectly correct!

While great friends, their personalities couldn't be more different. Teeka prefers to supervise the creating of the quilts,

Teeka on the cutting table supervising another project
(not thrilled that this is a wall hanging and not large enough to lie on)

while Charlie has no reservations about climbing right in and snuggling down.

Charlie on my 5 & Dime quilt

As you can probably tell, I'm a cat lover, but in reality, I love all animals. We have previously had two labrador retrievers, but are currently servants to Teeka and Charlie, as well as two fire belly toads (I don't let them on the quilts!).

I guess it's my love of animals that inspires many of my quilt designs. While I don't have an owl as a pet (although my daughter, Sarah, would love to have one like Hedwig in Harry Potter) I have several owl patterns, and have a few more in the design process. Here are some of my quilty pets!

Hootie - a stuffy pattern in 3 sizes

It's a Hoot! (a free pattern on my website) and Hootie

Hoot-mon! - my first owl pattern

I've also recently completed a wall hanging using AccuQuilt GO! dies which has - surprise! - cats and dogs in it. I call it Posh Pets as I used Moda's Posh fabric line for this quilt. I'm currently working on the pattern instructions for this quilt and hope to have them out in the fall.

Posh Pets using the AccuQuilt GO!
Calico Cat and Gingham Dog dies

Detail of Posh Pets

I have a table runner in the works which uses AccuQuilt GO! dies, although it's not quite completed yet. I'll be using Fresh when I teach my Let's Get GO-ing! class at Bow Bench Retreat this fall.

Fresh tablerunner using AccuQuilt GO! birds and Rose of Sharon dies
(another pattern variation uses the heart and Rose of Sharon dies)

I hope you enjoyed seeing some of my "pets" and encourage you to check out the other entries at SewCalGal's 2011 Pets on Quilts show.

WIWOW - Aug. 10, 2011

2011-08-10T17:00:00.024-06:00

Hi everyone:

Yes, it's Wednesday again and I've been working on some new projects, including a new quilt design using the AccuQuilt GO! Tumbler die. I'm also working on something for my daughter's birthday, but that's a secret for now (sorry, Sarah, nice try!).

AccuQuilt GO! 6 1/2" Tumbler die - already used this in another project too

If you haven't noticed, I have a thing for appliqué - specifically fusible web appliqué. My friend, and fellow quilting addict, Cathy Keevill, of Pine Freckle Forest, likes to tease me about this predilection I have for appliqué since I always manage to sneak in some in practically all my projects.

Appliqué even on my pincushions!

If you follow Cathy's blog, you'll know that she's been working on some quilts that seem to need an extra element to finish them. We discussed one quilt in particular and I suggested that a bit of appliqué might do the trick. I don't think this is really what she wanted to hear, probably because this would mean quite a bit more work, just when Cathy thought she was almost finished this project. But it's undeniable - sometimes a quilt just needs a bit of appliqué - or even worse (in Cathy's opinion), embellishment.

Which brings me to the project I am currently working on. Fairly straightforward, just alternating patterned and plain tumbler blocks. But they definitely need something.

These plain blocks are just a little too plain!

What could it be? Appliqué, of course! So, I pulled out some of my other AccuQuilt GO! dies to see what would play nicely together. I thought that flowers would be suitable for the design and fabric I was using in the quilt. The Rose of Sharon (I use this die a lot!) and Feathers dies came to my rescue. First I cut out all of the die shapes on both dies in paper so I could play around with the arrangement on the blocks and this is what I came up with.

This will be appliquéd onto the plain blocks.

See, doesn't that make all the difference? I'm also considering adding a yo-yo or a button (yes, Cathy, these would be dreaded embellishments!) to the centre of the flower, but will decide on this once the top is together.

Now I have to cut out the appliqué shapes and get this quilt together. That's if one of my other projects isn't calling out to have some appliqué added to it :)

Do you add embellishments to your quilt projects, and if so, what are your favourite ones to use?

Threads, threads, threads

2011-08-08T10:00:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone:

Thanks to all who commented to give me suggestions about thread storage. For the present I have put the spools into smaller boxes, by type and manufacturer, in the thread drawer. The cones are standing up by themselves (wedged in is more like it!). I'll have to investigate some better method of arranging them in the future. As well as my readers' suggestions, I also found other ideas on thread storage on the internet.

I liked this idea from Sonya at Sonya's Snippets. She is using the same type of rolling cart that I am (although she has much more thread than I do) and tried to use the shelf liner as she suggested. I found that the material wasn't thick enough to prevent the cones from falling over when I opened the drawer. Perhaps using several layers might help.

Photo courtesy of Sonya at Sonya's Snippets

Mona is also using the same type of rolling cart and has glued in dowels to keep the thread cones in place. While this is a great idea, I'm not sure that I want to do anything that permanent since I tend to move things around sometimes, but those thread cones would certainly stay put!

Photo courtesy of Mona's comment on
thread storage solution on Quilting Board

I like using this type of a cart for thread storage as I am able to see the colours of the threads easily just be pulling out the drawer. This would be difficult to do this if they are in a non-transparent box or tin. The idea of a clear plastic box, such as Cathy suggested, would be ideal - if it fits the various thread cone sizes.

I see more storage shopping in my future:)

WIWOW - August 3, 2011

2011-08-04T16:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Okay, I know it's Thursday, not Wednesday, but due to some technical problems I wasn't able to get this post out yesterday.

While I had plans to accomplish lots yesterday, I spent most of the afternoon and evening trying to connect a wireless printer to my laptop - without success, I might add. I know you're thinking that this is a fairly simple thing to do - and it is if you are using a Mac and only want to add the printer to the Mac side of things. The complication arises when you're using Parallels to run Windows on your Mac and you're trying to hook up a new Canon copier to the Windows side of things - not quite as easy. Needless to say, hours were sucked up by myself and hubby trying everything we could to get this new printer to work on the Windows side. If you have any suggestions on how to connect a Canon MG5220 wireless printer through Parallels, send me an email. We'll be trying some other ideas perhaps tomorrow once we've calmed down a bit!

I'm still working on the studio clean-up and am almost done. The storage in the sauna is now completely done and full - unless I can find some way to squeeze in a little more fabric (hanging from the rafters maybe?).

Panels, novelty fabrics and collections

More novelty fabrics with cat and dog fabrics to the right

Black and whites and more novelty fabrics (yes, I have lots of these)

I have also sorted and stored my batiks, arranged by colour, as well as my Halloween and Christmas fabrics.

Part of the batiks sorted by colour

Batiks on the bottom and holiday fabrics,
as well as some landscape fabrics on the top

I'm now working on my "colour wall". I've finished the whites, creams and yellows and hope to finish up the rest of the colours in the next day or so.

Although this has been a lengthy process, I think it has been worth it. Now all of the various types of fabrics have their own homes and I found some treasures that I had forgotten all about. Rediscovering these fabrics has given me fresh pattern design inspirations. So it was definitely not a waste of time to sort out my fabrics. Now I just have to try to keep them organized this way...

Do you organize the fabrics in your quilt studio, and if so, into what categories? I'd love to hear about your fabric stash:)

WIWOW- July 27, 2011

2011-07-27T10:00:00.047-06:00

Hi everyone:

Warning: this is a lengthy post!

Well, as I mentioned yesterday, I've just returned from vacation in Montana. I managed to visit 3 quilt shops, thanks to suggestions from Facebook. Not bad for being away for only 6 days! Of course I did manage to pick up some items - translation - too much! Now I have to find somewhere to house my new purchases. If you read my post yesterday, you know that I'm rearranging the storage in my quilt studio so that it will be better organized and will make it, hopefully, easier for me to find the items I need when I need them.

So, today what I'm working on is storage and organization. I always hesitate to rearrange my studio since I usually know where things are and, even if it isn't the most organized solution, it seems to work for me. Recently, however, I've been reading some organizational books, such as "Unstuff Your Life" by Andrew J. Mellen (thanks to Mark Lipinski's Creative Mojo radio show), where he suggests that everything should have a place and like should be with like. Okay, so I guess storing threads in four different places isn't really the most efficient storage solution. I'm going to try to follow Mr. Mellen's suggestions - to the best of my ability - and rearrange my studio in the hopes that I won't spend hours looking for that fabric that I know is in here somewhere.

I first purchased some storage towers and plastic boxes from Wal-Mart. I then moved out the boxes and bags of fabric in my sauna/fabric storage room to see what I had - a lot! Once I saw what I actually had, I could make some decisions as to where the fabric should be stored. I also gathered all my thread together to decide where it could be stored more efficiently. I managed to get the thread in one storage tower under my long-arm frame. That was quite easy. The fabric was another matter.

Thread now in one storage tower - and labelled!

Smaller spools of thread sorted into separate containers by thread type

I'll admit that I don't fold my fabric so it fits very well in my cupboards (see the photo below). It was getting to the point where I couldn't tell what I had and it wasn't fitting very well in the cupboards. I've decided to start folding my fabric so it's all the same size width and length and this will help me to see what I actually have in my stash. While it may take me awhile to fold my existing stash, I vow to fold all new purchases before they are put away. So far, I have been able to keep this promise. (Guess I didn't buy as much as I thought I had!). It will take me some time to fold my existing stash, but I think I can accomplish this while watching tv at night.

These definitely need tidying up.
Notice the fabric inspector to the right.

These fabrics will be going in the storage towers in the sauna.

I put the two new plastic storage towers in the sauna (an existing smaller tower contains my fat quarters and Christmas fabrics) and put some kits in the bottom two drawers. Daiwabo fabrics are in another drawer and I will be putting my novelty fabrics in the remaining drawers. I'm not sure if I'll have room left for any of my other fabrics, but this will free up some cupboards in my quilting studio area, which will be great. I still have some kits in boxes and plastic storage bins, but these are marked, so that's not a problem.

Here's what I've accomplished so far. I think things are looking better already and I love how the fabric looks when it is all folded up. It certainly makes it easier to see what I have.

Before...

And after! Kits are in the 2 drawers to the left and folded fabric is in the middle drawer on the right. Still have to sort out some of the fabric in the bottom right drawer. Lots of room left for novelty fabrics.

There's even visible floor space!

No more thread and lots of room for some notions.

The only problem I still have is with the thread storage. I need a way to keep the large cones upright, rather than rolling around in the drawer. Perhaps one of the thread storage stands with pegs on them that you usually hang on the wall might work in the drawer to keep these cones upright.

A lot of "drunken" thread cones!

If you have a suggestion as to how I can store my thread cones in this drawer, I would love to hear it - as well as any other storage tips.

Quilt Studio Redux

2011-07-26T16:30:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone:

I'm back from a quick vacation to Montana to visit with an old friend. My family and I had a great time and the weather was perfect. We hated to come back to reality, but have wonderful memories - and lots of photos - to remind us of our trip.

Speaking of reality, remember how I showed you some pictures of my quilt studio awhile ago? Well, some people have suggested that these photos don't accurately reflect the normal state of my quilting space. They have implied that I may have tidied up the studio prior to photography. They have even questioned why I didn't open up cupboards to show you my fabric and notion storage, implying that it might be a jumbled mess. Such insinuations and allegations! Unfortunately, they are partially true.

My studio does look somewhat more disorganized when I'm actually working on a project. I do, however, tidy up after working to some extent. My storage space is another story. It definitely needs to be tidied up and this will hopefully occur sometime this summer.

So, just to show you that I'm not hiding anything, here is what my cupboards and storage spaces actually look like.

Fabric storage under the cutting table - sorted by colour, can't you tell?

Charlie loves to check out my fabric storage.

Plastic storage towers under my long-arm table for thread and other odds and ends.

Thread storage for cones of thread.

What evil - or quilt supplies - lurks behind this door?
Even the Shadow wouldn't be able to guess this one!

Yikes! I didn't really think things were this disorganized.

Fabrics and kits and fat quarters (in the storage tower), oh my!

Kits are stored in the large plastic bins.

And yes, they are labelled! Teeka keeps a close guard on them.

This space above my sewing area doesn't look too bad, does it?

After seeing the photographic proof of the jumbled storage in my studio, I decided to take action. After a visit to Wal-Mart to purchase some plastic storage towers, I am now ready to tackle this project.

Check back tomorrow to see how I'm doing. If you have any storage tips, I'd sure like to hear them.

Ooops!

2011-07-14T13:16:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Yes, it happens to everyone, sometimes you make mistakes. And when you make mistakes, you have to rectify them as quickly as possible.

Today I received an email from one of my customers advising that one of the templates for my Hoot-mon! pattern was missing when she purchased her pattern. I quickly checked on this and discovered that she was indeed correct and one page was missing from this pattern. I was, of course, upset that this occurred, but sent her out the missing page immediately and thanked her for letting me know about this. I was very grateful that she had advised me about this as I had not been notified about this before and certainly didn't want my future customers to be missing part of the pattern. So, if you have purchased my Hoot-mon! pattern, please email me and I'll be happy to send you out the missing page.

And, continuing along the line of ooops!, I've decided to withdraw my Harry Potter Inspired Stitchery Set from sale. Although it is my daughter's original work, there has been some discussion of the possibility of copyright infringement by using the name "Harry Potter". I certainly don't want to enter this realm at all, so I won't be offering this little set for sale. I will be posting it on my website if you would like to download it for free.

I'd like to thank Sarah for all her hard work that she put into both designing and making the samples for this, simply because of her love of all things Potter. I appreciate her maturity and understanding as to why I won't be selling this pattern. She has been inspired by J.K. Rowling's success with the Harry Potter series and I know that she'll be just as successful an author herself when she's all grown up. Thanks, Boo-boo, I love you!

Hope you're having a non-ooops! day :)

WIWOW - July 13, 2011

2011-07-13T10:00:00.013-06:00

Hi everyone:

Here's what I was working on the past few days. Very preliminary in this photo and you'll have to wait a bit until it's completely together and I've photographed it. Or, if you're in the Calgary area, you'll be able to see this project at Country Creations quilt show this upcoming Saturday from 10:00 until 4:00, where I'll be promoting my upcoming Let's Get GO!-ing class. I'll be teaching this pattern at Bow Bench Retreat this October. I can tell you that it uses GO! dies and is super quick to construct. I'll have more photos of this pattern on future blog posts.

Also this week, in anticipation of the Calgary premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, my daughter, Sarah, has created an embroidery set consisting of Harry, He Who Must Not Be Named (Voldemort) and her own version of the Deathly Hallows symbol.

Harry Potter - notice the HP props - no
shortage of these in our household!

Not only did she create the designs, but she stitched up the samples too. I must admit that her hand embroidery is better than mine (but don't tell her that!). She was very diligent in finishing the samples so we could get these up for sale. You'll find the set at PatternSpot should you be a Harry Potter ~~freak~~ fan and embroiderer, such as Sarah.

How was I involved in this pattern, you ask? Well, who do you think did all the pattern instructions? Sometimes I think it's easier to actually make the projects than to do the computer work, which always seems to take longer than it should. Or maybe I'm just a little slower than I should be at it :)

Off to finish up my sample so it'll be ready for the show on Saturday. If you're there and see me, be sure to say hello.

Bust your stash!

2011-07-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

I'm currently working on another sample for an upcoming class, which gives me a chance to clear out some of my stash - and I have lots of stash to clear out!

Do you ever wonder if you have too much fabric in your studio? Of course, "too much" is such a relative term, don't you agree? Well, finally, there's a reward for having stash-itis. AccuQuilt is having a "Bust Your Stash" photo challenge and here's all the information you need to enter it.

Bust My Stash Photo Challenge

Have you stared at your fabric stash and wished that you had the time and energy to cut up your fabric for future projects? AccuQuilt has the answer! Click on the following link to participate: http://on.fb.me/qtyUoq or go to AccuQuilt’s Facebook page and click “Like”. Then go to the ‘Bust My Stash’ tab under their profile picture and upload a picture of your fabric stash. Submit your photo by Friday, July 22^nd and you’ll be eligible to win a GO! Mix & Match 12” Starter Set. The photo with the most votes by July 31^st wins! Photos will be voted on by viewers and fans of the AccuQuilt Facebook page using the following criteria: relevance, creativity, and originality. Share with your friends during the voting period to increase your odds of winning!

In case you're wondering what my stash looks like, well, here are some pictures of it.

Fat quarters in drawer unit; kits and fabrics with patterns in
boxes - all stored in my sauna. No, I don't quilt in the sauna - yet!

Novelties and 30's prints - I've cleaned this up
since this photo was taken. Well, a little bit anyway.

Fabrics stored by colour - sort of - under my cutting table.

Okay, so it doesn't look very tidy and I do intend to straighten it up - someday. Right now I'm more focussed on actually quilting and preparing some new patterns.

Hopefully this doesn't overwhelm you. I also have batiks stored in a large container, as well as charm packs and jelly rolls which are also packed away elsewhere. It would be nice if all my fabric was in one area, but that's not possible in my quilt studio, so it will stay like this for now. The main thing is that I know where all my fabric is and it's sorted according to my own particular system so I can find whatever fabric I need quickly. Now, where did I put that polka dot fabric...

Hoping to see your fabric stash on the AccuQuilt challenge. Good luck!

WIWOW July 6, 2011

2011-07-07T18:05:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone:

Okay, you caught me. I'm actually posting this on Thursday as I was so wrapped up in printing out patterns yesterday to send off to my wholesale distributor, The Pattern Peddlers. I was up late last night to finish them all and wrap up the parcel so I could drop it at the post office this morning. Another thing off my list - check!

I have several more items to complete this week, but I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I've been very busy with deadlines these past few weeks and it will be nice when I've actually met them and can then enjoy some of the summer sunshine.

As you know, I have been working with my AccuQuilt GO! cutter these past few months and am still amazed as how many ideas I have for the dies, especially the appliqué ones. I really thought that it would be limiting to use these since they are typically in only one size. I'm delighted to discover that I was wrong. The ideas continue to flow.

Since I am partial to fusible web appliqué, the GO! dies are perfect for my projects. I just fuse the fusible web to the back of my chosen fabric, pick a die, whip it though and voilà - all ready to become part of a new project. Of course then I have to finish the edges, which takes me a bit longer than the fun cutting and fusing part. In order to hasten the completion of my projects (I'm an impatient gal!), I tend to use a narrow zigzag stitch to finish my appliqué pieces. Most of my projects are wall hangings, so this stitch is sufficient to hold the pieces in place. Below is an example of the look of this type of finish.

Narrow zigzag stitch to finish appliqué pieces

I find this stitch is not as time (and thread) consuming as a satin stitch, however it is not as permanent either. The satin stitch is more elegant in appearance, definitely more visible and is better at holding the appliqués down wash after wash. While I have matched my thread to the appliqué pieces in this project, I sometimes use a contrasting thread for a more fun and relaxed look or to tie various appliqué shapes together.

I used a contrasting thread on the
dog appliqués in Posh Pets

Again, contrasting thread was used on the cat appliqués
to achieve a uniform look to all the appliqués

For more information on appliquéing, I rely on these must-have-in-your-library reference books:

Machine Appliqué for the Terrified Quilter by Sharon PedersonAppliqué: the basics and beyond by Janet Pittman

Mastering Machine Appliqué by Harriet Hargrave (I purchased this when I first started quilting and didn't even know what appliqué really was and am I ever glad I did!)

The Ultimate Appliqué Guidebook by Annie Smith (I just received this book yesterday and it is wonderful and very readable)

as well as I-go-to-these-all-the-time blogs and websites:

Holly Mabutas of Eat Cake Graphics (Cute patterns, great stamps and a wonderful hand appliqué technique)

Kay Mackenzie's blog, All About Appliqué (Kay has wonderful information about appliqué techniques on her blog and in all of her books)

Obviously, there are many more reference books and websites than I have listed and I find my local library has a good collection for me to browse.

I'd love to hear about your preferred appliqué technique and what resources you use for reference and learning.

WIWOW June 29, 2011

2011-06-29T10:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone:

Yikes, it's Wednesday again already. I've had my head down at the sewing machine finishing off a project which I need to ship out this week (sorry, still can't show you what I've actually been working on). It's finally finished and I've learned a thing or two while doing it.

First, if you're going to do a project with a deadline, keep it small and simple, or what I like to call the KISS principle. As any of my friends will tell you, keeping it simple is not my strong suit! I always have plans larger than my time allows, but that's okay because I definitely work better with deadlines and I haven't missed one yet (at least I don't think I have).

I guess one small owl wouldn't have been enough!

Second, don't plan projects with tight deadlines around the busiest time of the year, which in our household would be either December or June. Now I'll admit that I don't always have control over this, however, I should really learn to say "I'm sorry, that doesn't work for me" a bit more often in December and June.

You need it when?!!

Third, don't think too much about it, just get going on it. I tend to agonize over small details, rather than just moving along. Too much thinking equals nothing completed. Better to complete the project and then think about what you might change next time after it's done, then to miss out on an opportunity.

Should I add a second border? Are these colours exactly right? Just get on with it!

So it's been good to learn a few things from this experience. Now if only I'll remember them when the next opportunity comes along...

Happy 1st and 4th

2011-06-27T16:09:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

I'm looking forward to this upcoming Holiday week-end. Here in Canada, we celebrate Canada Day on July 1 and our friends south of the border are celebrating Independence Day on July 4. It also means that school is officially over and summer holidays are starting. Yay! Or should I say "Yahoo!" since the Calgary Stampede will be starting shortly thereafter.

And, as if a long week-end isn't enough reason to celebrate, here's four other reasons. AccuQuilt is having some amazing specials over this upcoming week-end, covering both the Canadian and American holidays. You'll certainly want to check these out.

There are sales on GO! dies.

Free GO! Alex Anderson dies when you order a GO! Baby Fabric Cutter.

Special pricing on the Studio Fabric Cutter (really want to get me one of these!).

And, to go with your Studio Fabric Cutter, savings on Studio dies.

Wow, that's a lot of savings! Also, if you place an order before the end of day on Wednesday - yes, in two days - you'll get double reward points on your order. All of these specials are available now through July 5.

I'm not sure about you, but I know what I'll be doing for the long week-end!

Free AccuQuilt Patterns

2011-06-25T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Here's a great way to start off your week-end! How would you like to receive 22 free patterns? Who wouldn't! It's easy and here's how:

Just click on the AccuQuilt icon that you'll find on the right side of my blog. You'll be taken to a screen where you can register an account with AccuQuilt and then you'll have access to 22 free patterns. See, I told you it was easy!

Thanks so much to AccuQuilt for providing these patterns to my blog followers.

If you hurry, you may even complete a project or two this week-end.

Have fun and get GO-ing!

WIWOW June 22, 2011

2011-06-22T06:00:00.007-06:00

Hi everyone:

This week I'm focusing on just getting through all the school events that will be happening!

Monday was the staff appreciation lunch at our school, which is always a nice event. We all truly do appreciate the effort that the parents put into providing us with a chance to enjoy lunch together and chat. Not to mention the food, which was great!

While Monday was an event for me, the rest of the week is filled with special events for my children. My daughter's grade 9 celebration was over a week ago - but that was just for the kids. Yesterday was her award assembly at school where the parents actually got to attend. It was amazing to see how these kids have matured - and grown! - since grade 7.

Sarah ready for grad

Today is my son's grad/celebration from grade 6. While he didn't want to get "dressed up", we did manage to agree on a dress shirt and pants. Just couldn't quite justify spending over $200.00 for a suit for a 12 year old! There's a reception after the ceremony, so that will be a great time to catch up with the other parents.

So now the big events are over (aside from Provincial Achievement Tests for my daughter), I can hopefully concentrate on finishing my current project. I will be spending some more time on finishing the edges on the appliqué and tweaking the pattern and will hopefully be able to send it off for photography soon. The fact that we are currently "enjoying" a postal strike certainly doesn't help when you're working on a deadline. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they settle soon so life, or at least the mail, can get back to normal.

Here's a sneak peek of the background of this project. You'll have to wait a few more months to see this one completely done.

Hope you enjoyed a wonderful first day of summer!

WIWOW June 15, 2011

2011-06-15T06:00:00.014-06:00

Hi everyone:

Well, it's been a very busy week for me. I did manage to get the binding stitched on two of my quilts - the Olivia one and a 5 & Dime quilt. Now I actually have to do the hand sewing part. I always think this will take a long time, but really it's only a tv show or two :)

Olivia's My Girl quilt

5 & Dime quilt in Moda fabrics

I've been receiving emails from followers letting me know that they've received their Summer 2011 issue of Quilter's Connection Magazine with Blossoming on the cover. I'm so excited to hear their positive comments and so glad that they like my pattern.

Still riding the excitement of my first magazine cover, I received more positive news. Quilt shops will soon be able to order Chatterbox Quilts' patterns through The Pattern Peddlers. I'm very pleased to be working with them and look forward to a successful relationship.

As if that wasn't enough, I am currently working on a tight deadline to finish a pattern for an international magazine. Can't say too much about this yet, but you'll be the first to know when it's published. Also, you may not hear much from me for the next week or so as I'll be head down in the studio cranking this one out.

I'm also looking at some local teaching opportunities for the fall. The class is still being finalized, but I'm hoping that it will involve my GO! cutter. I'm often asked about this little baby (well, they have one of those too!) and enjoy using mine so much that I would love to teach others about it. Plans are still in the works, but hopefully I'll be able to tell you about this soon as well.

It seems that it never rains but it pours, but I'll take this kind of rain any day!

Loving this "job" I have :)

AccuQuilt GO! Die Giveaway

2011-06-13T20:29:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone:

Just what you'd like to hear about on a Monday! Talin, who blogs at Talin's Corner, is hosting a giveaway for 3 AccuQuilt GO! dies of your choice. Yes, not only could you win 3 dies, but you get to choose which ones. How could it get any better?

Well, you have three opportunities to win, that's how. So make sure you enter to win your choice of 3 AccuQuilt GO! dies by Sunday, June 19 because that's when the draw ends.

In case you're wondering which dies I would like. Here they are:

AccuQuilt GO! Rob Peter to Pay Paul die
Image courtesy of www.accuquilt.com

AccuQuilt GO! Fall Medley die
Image courtesy of www.accuquilt.com

AccuQuilt GO! Sleigh & Snowflakes die
Image courtesy of www.accuquilt.com

Good luck!

Pets on Quilts Show

2011-06-10T06:00:00.002-06:00

Hi everyone:

A while back I blogged about my Posh Pets quilt which I completed for a guild challenge. Luckily for me, it will be perfect to enter in the upcoming Pets on Quilts Show that is being hosted by SewCalGal. This is the 2nd annual show and you will want to get started on your entry right now!

If you're worried that you won't have time to create something to enter, relax! The 2011 Pets on Quilts Show won't be starting until August 15th and runs until August 19th, 2011 (my daughter's birthday!). Plenty of time to whip up a pet-themed quilt or take hundreds of photos of your pampered pooch on your prize winning quilt so you can select just the right entry. You can even do up a quilt design in EQ7 if you only have a virtual pet.

But I've save the best part until last: there are prizes! You can check out the sponsors and complete details here.

I hope you'll consider entering this fun contest. I know my Posh Pets will definitely be in the running and who knows, I might even win something.

Hope you've got your own "posh pet" to snuggle with under a cozy quilt.

WIWOW June 9, 2011

2011-06-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

This past week I've been spending time rearranging and cleaning up some of my quilting area. There's still more to be done in my office, but things are looking better in the studio area.

While cleaning up, I came across my Olivia quilt, which has been languishing in the sauna storage area waiting for it's binding to be attached. I didn't think I had binding for it, but actually I did. And, even better, it was ready to piece together! I stitched it together, pressed it and now it's ready to be attached to the quilt.

"Olivia's my girl!" ready for binding

Detail of "Olivia's my girl!"

As you know, I've recently quilted a few other quilts and want to attach all the bindings on at one time so I'll have some projects to work on while watching tv in the evenings. I hope to get these stitched on sometime this upcoming week.

I have had some kits for fabric wine bags which will be sold at the "Bags, Babies and Beyond" sale for the Ujamaa Grandmas this fall. I thought I should probably get these done as I'm going to a meeting this week. I haven't made these before, so I read the instructions over several times before I started and they came out quite well.

Wine bags ready to be sold and filled

I also said that I would make some credit card holders for the sale. I went through my stash and picked out enough fabrics to make 6 of them. Here they are ready to be stitched up. I'll need to finish these up soon too!

Credit card holders ready for stitching

In between the quilting, we have several school events going on this week. My son, Jamie, is in a baton group at school and they'll be performing at various elementary schools this week as well as at his/my school and on Friday evening. My daughter, Sarah, has her grade 9 celebration on Wednesday evening and will be running in Betty's Run for ALS Sunday morning with some of her friends. It's their first running event and they're quite excited about it. I just hope that it doesn't rain!

Hope you're enjoying a dry, hot Wednesday!

Organizing my quilt studio - Part 2

2011-06-07T06:00:00.008-06:00

Hi everyone:

In Part 1 I showed you my quilting studio and explained how it has evolved. In this post I'd like to examine the various areas to show you how I've organized them. I hope that you'll pick up a few ideas for your own studio!

Any good quilter has to have a few machines in her studio. I have two sewing machines, a Bernina Virtuosa 153 and a Juki TL-98Q (a straight stitch machine). The Juki used to be on my quilting frame until I purchased the B-Line 18 machine. Now I use the Juki for most of my piecing since it is so fast and accurate. I use the Bernina for any satin stitching or other-than-a-straight-stitch sewing. I have an original sewing cabinet, which I inherited from my grandmother, for my Bernina and was fortunate to find a table at Ikea that matches the finish perfectly. I guess the colours in laminate haven't changed that much over the years :) I find the L-shaped configuration of the machines works very well and allows me to spread my work out a bit more.

If you haven't noticed, I like to shop at Ikea. The price is right and I often find exactly what I need there - even if I don't use it for its original purpose!

I'm not always quilting on my frame, so I find the table useful for holding project pieces that I'm currently working on. It's also handy to drape fabric and quilt tops over after they've been pressed. Although you can only see a little sliver of it, I have several large rolling bins under my table which hold my magazine collection. It's just empty space under there, so I had to fill it with something.

As I mentioned before, some of my fabric is stored in my cutting table - on one side. The other side has a shelf and I use it to hold books, bulky items and my trims and buttons (also in storage containers). I have cup holders on the side of my cutting table to hold my rulers. The cutting table is on castors to allow me to roll it out of the way when I'm working on the frame and to allow easier access to the back storage room. I also have metal measuring tape (Lee Valley) on both long edges of my cutting table. I find it helpful when I'm determining if I have enough fabric for a particular project as I can just measure it quickly along the edge of the table. I use the pink foam core board stored along the wall when I'm photographing large quilts. I cover it with flannel and I'm good to go.

I also use flannel covered foam core board for my design wall. It's 8' x 4' and I use it as a display wall as well. In this photo you can see one of the large wheeled carts at the right underneath the frame (blue lid), as well as the carts with drawers where I keep my thread and other supplies. The curtain rod on the wall at the end of the frame serves as a display for some of my finished projects. Again, it's from Ikea.

I have an AccuQuilt GO! cutter and several dies which I had been storing in a Rubbermaid contained (I know, bad me!). The GO! cutter is usually tucked under my quilting frame, close to the cutting table, but the dies really needed better storage. So... I cleaned out a small bookcase and moved it into the quilting area. The dies fit in it very well and it's easily accessible. Currently I have some projects in boxes on top of the bookcase where they're out of my sewing space, yet easy to retrieve when needed.

I have the labels facing out so I can easily retrieve the one I need. I know that the dies lean a bit, but I've ordered a few more of them, so I expect that the bookcase will soon be full and that should keep them all standing upright. I may put some cardboard in between each die to protect them - I have all the original die packaging still, so I'll just use the cardboard from that.

So, that's my quilting studio. I'd show you my office where I do the computer work, but it still needs some tidying up. I'm hoping I can talk hubby into helping me with that project in the next few weeks!

I'd love to hear your organization tips, especially if you have an AccuQuilt GO! or Studio cutter.

Organizing my quilt studio - Part 1

2011-06-06T06:00:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone:

I was rearranging some of my quilting space this week-end and a friend was asking for some tips and photos. I'm certainly no organization expert - if you saw how I work on designs you'd agree with me - but I do have a fairly efficient quilting studio in a small space, so maybe I do have a few ideas that you might find helpful. As this is a bit of a lengthy post, I'm breaking it into two parts. In this first part, I'll show you my studio and in the next part I'll explain a few of my organization tips - or at least tips on how to cram as much as you can into a small space!

I am fortunate enough to have my own little quilting space in my basement. I would, of course, like to have a little more room, but reality is that this is it. I've taken over about half of our basement as well as my husband's office, so I really can't complain - but I sometimes do!

My challenge in this space has been the fact that there are only 3 walls, and of these, one has a window and another has a door in it. Although I've tried to come up with different configurations, I think the present one is the most efficient use of the space - at least until I add more toys to it!

I started out with one sewing machine and a cutting table, made from our old kitchen cabinets (thanks to hubby, Gary) and have now expanded to a long-arm machine and frame, two sewing machines, an AccuQuilt cutter and dies and the original cutting table. It all fits into the original space, so how'd I do it?

Well... first we had to renovate the entire kitchen so that I could use some of the old cabinets to make my cutting table. Okay, so we were going to renovate anyway, but my husband did make my cutting table from some of the old cabinets. I store some of my stash in the cutting table and some in the wall cabinets, also courtesy of our old kitchen. The rest of my fabric, as well as kits, is stored in our sauna. Okay, I know what you're thinking, but actually it was Gary's idea as we don't often use the sauna, and it works very well as a fabric repository. I have my fat quarters in a plastic cart and the rest is in labelled boxes and bags. While it could be organized a little better, I can find what I need and know what is there. I freed up additional space by getting rid of some furniture and rearranging the rest. I recently realizing that I need a few more appropriately-size storage containers to handle some of my tools and WIP's, but things aren't too bad.

Here's a few photos of my current quilting space.

Rolling cutting table with laminate top,
rulers hung on side and fabric storage

Sewing machines and wall cabinets for fabric and tools

B-Line 18 machine and frame at 10' set up

Overall view of studio

View from back of frame

So there you have it. This is where the magic happens - or where I get an idea, start a project, get interrupted, leave the project, well, you know how it goes!

In the next post, I'll examine some of the areas in my studio and give you my organization tips.

Do you have a special quilting space in your home? I'd love to hear about it and see your photos.

Winner of 3 Chatterbox Quilts Patterns

2011-06-01T13:00:00.004-06:00

Hi everyone:

I hope you had an opportunity to enter to win 3 of my patterns. Welcome to my new followers and thanks for entering to my existing friends.

Now, for the moment you've all been waiting for... time to let the cat out of the bag and announce the winner of 3 Chatterbox Quilts patterns. (Sorry, I couldn't resist!).

The winner is #30, who is Deb. Congratulations! Deb's favourite patterns are Serenity, Hoot-mon and Hootie.

I'll be sending these out to you once I receive your address information.

Look for another blogpost later today to let you know what I've been up to.

Hope you're quilting something fun!

Quilter's Connection Excitement and a Giveaway

2011-05-26T16:20:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Yesterday I told you that I had some exciting news coming up and I've been bursting at the seams to tell you. Now, I finally can! I'm in the Summer issue of Quilter's Connection Magazine, or rather, my quilt, Blossoming is. And, even better, I'm right on the front page. Actually, Blossoming is the front page!

I was so excited when I was given the opportunity to have one of my patterns featured in this great Canadian magazine and absolutely thrilled to see my little wall hanging on the front cover. Wow! Talk about make my day!

If you're a subscriber, you should be receiving your issue soon, barring a strike by Canada Post, of course. You can also pick this up in Chapters and other major booksellers in Canada in early June. If you haven't seen this publication yet, you can find out all about it here.

So...to celebrate my first pattern in a magazine, I'm holding a giveaway. I'm offering 3 of my Chatterbox Quilts patterns to one of my readers (Canadian and U.S. addresses only, please) and you get to pick the patterns that you like the most. This giveaway is open until May Tuesday, May 31, 2011 (my mother's birthday) at 6:00 p.m MST. You'll have four opportunities to enter this giveaway; five opportunities if you are a blogger, as below:

1. Visit my Etsy store (see tab at top of blog page) and let me know which 3 patterns you'd choose if you won and leave a comment below.

2. Become a follower of my blog by entering your email address on the top right side of my blog page and leave a separate comment below indicating this. If you're already a follower, please leave me a separate comment below indicating this.

3. Become a follower of Chatterbox Quilts on Facebook (see blog page sidebar) and leave me a separate comment below indicating this. If you're already a Facebook fan, please leave me a separate comment below indicating this.

4. Become a follower of CB Quilts on Twitter (see blog page sidebar) and leave me a separate comment below indicating this. If you already follow me on Twitter, please leave me a separate comment below indicating this.

5. If you are a blogger and blog about this giveaway, leave me a separate comment below with the link to the blog post to be entered for an additional chance.

You have five opportunities to win, so be sure that you leave a separate comment for each entry so they will all be eligible.

Good luck to everyone and hope you're enjoying a blooming week!

WIWOW May 25, 2011

2011-05-25T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone:

Not as much quilting this week. 4 day week-end with some shopping and lots of gardening. Weeding, planting, pruning, thank goodness the weather cooperated on Saturday so we were able to get it all done. I did manage to finish quilting Chock a Block, although it took me a little longer than I would've hoped.

Chock a Block by Chatterbox Quilts

I'm still practising pantographs and, due to some issues with my laser set-up (I won't even go into the details here), my quilting became off track and I ended up stitching over part of the previous row. Not good! Of course this meant that I had some un-stitching to do, which takes much longer on a frame than you'd think to accomplish. I ended up having to adjust my quilting several times along the last row and finally finished up at about 11:30 on Saturday evening. Not my idea of an ideal evening!

Chock a Block quilted detail

Chock a Block overview

I think I'm going to stop quilting on the frame this week (really, nothing to do with the frustrating Saturday evening I had) and get back to some sewing. I have a few projects in the works that I haven't been able to work on lately. I still have to do another prototype of my Hootie owl, so hopefully I'll get back to that too.

Of course I have to review my stash and books to see what I should be looking for this upcoming week-end at the Festival of Quilts at Heritage Park in Calgary. Over 500 quilts will be covering the park this week-end and, for the first time, there will be quilts available for sale. I'm quite interested to see how many of these there will be and how they will be priced. If you're there and see me, make sure you say hi. I'll also be at the dinner on Saturday evening to hear Diane McGregor of Castilleja Cotton speak.

Twirling Whirlies at the 2010 Festival of Quilts
Notice the winter jacket - it was cold!

I also have some exciting information that I'll let you know about in my next blog post. I've been holding this under my hat for several months now and can finally let you in on the big news.

I hope you've enjoying warm weather and have some quilt shows upcoming in your area.

WIWOW May 18, 2011

2011-05-18T16:00:00.011-06:00

Hi everyone:

Another week has come and gone and I've actually finished some more things. Remember that quilt that I has just started quilting last week? Well, it's done! Yes, and it even turned out quite well.

Finished 5 and Dime quilt with soft flannel backing

It was my first pantograph quilt and I'm pleased with the results. My husband wondered who this quilt was for. I told him it was for me to cuddle up with while watching tv. He was concerned that the cats would also enjoy it and that this lovely quilt would become too "furry". I don't think the idea of washing it when needed occurred to him since I usually make wall hangings that don't get washed. Not to worry as it's a lap quilt and that's exactly how it's going to be used. Snuggled into, cuddled up with and used. I know I'm really going to enjoy it since it has a soft flannel backing.

Back detail

Now I have another quilt loaded on the frame and started - one of my own designs, Chock a Block. I'm using another pantograph on it called Cherry Blossoms and I think it suits the oriental fabrics in the quilt. It seems to be going well so far and I hope to have it finished by next week.

Chock a Block loaded and partially quilted

I know I said that I was trying to finish up existing projects and I really am, but... sometimes a girl just has to try something new! I have been working on some owl stuffies lately, trying to simplify my Hootie pattern. I finally figured out how to make 3-D wings and now am playing around with different eye types. I've almost finished one prototype and am now working on a few others. Maybe these little guys will find their way into my Etsy shop... just saying!

Prototype #1

In between last week and today, we celebrated my son, Jamie's 12th birthday with a shopping spree for him, as well as dinner out and a cake, of course. How long does it take a 12-year old boy to spend all his birthday money? About an hour, leaving him several hours afterwards to play his new wii games.

Jamie with one of his new video games

Tonight I'm off to our quilt guild wind-up party. Lots of food and chatting; it's sure to be a fun evening.

Peanut butter cookies with chocolate chips and
a hint of cinnamon for the guild dessert table

Hope you're enjoying a productive, quilty week!

Never enough fabric

2011-05-17T16:40:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Recently I've been trying to use up my existing stash - and have been doing quite well at this I think. But using up stash means that there are some holes available that need to be filled with new fabric. I've also rearranged (notice, I didn't say weeded out) my quilt and craft books and there appears to be a bit of space available there as well for some new volumes.
So, what's a girl to do? Well, shop, of course! But not at any fabric store. Oh no, I'm really loving going to the Goodwill store to pick up wool clothes and use the fabric in small projects. This is great, but a few weeks back I hit the motherlode! Yes, a great fabric and craft sale with all proceeds going to a good cause. I'm talking about the annual Ujamaa Grandmas fabric sale here in Calgary.

Did I buy too much? This is a rhetorical question!

I've never seen so much fabric in one place at one time. And the prices! Well, let's just say my money went a long way that day! Besides all types of fabric, which is sorted according to type and colour, there are books, magazines, yarn, craft items, well, if it has to do with sewing or crafting you'll find it there. The variety was overwhelming - almost!

Some of the wool pieces I purchased.

Luckily I brought along my daughter, Sarah, as my quilt sherpa. Between the two of us we managed to find everything from wool to Creative Circle craft kits. Our buying had to stop when we couldn't carry any more items.

Creative Circles kits at $.50 for my "collection".
I even bought one I already have!

The best part of all this (besides the look on my husband's face when he saw all our purchases) was that the money goes to help grandmothers raising their grandchildren, orphaned by AIDS, in Africa.

Some of my fabric and pattern finds.

Batiks, fabric, patterns, anyone?

Books

More books - great for design inspiration

I was so impressed by the ladies volunteering there that I joined our local Calgary chapter. They are a hard working, positive, fun group of ladies. In addition to their fabric sale in April each year, they hold a Bags, Babies and Beyond sale in October. These are their two primary fundraising events and this year they raised $20,000 through the fabric sale alone. Wow, that's a lot of fabric!

The Ujamaa Grandmas are a Stephen Lewis initiative and you can read more about their work here.

Now I just have to figure out where to put all these new purchases...

WIWOW May 11, 2011

2011-05-11T06:00:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone:

Wow, I can't believe it's Wednesday again already. It seems like only a week ago that I was telling you about my current projects. Wait a minute - that was only a week ago! The days seem to be flying lately, but I have been accomplishing lots of things.

Last week I was working on a project from Chisel Chase and I'm happy to report that I've finished the quilt top. Yeah for me! It looks great and I was pleased at how all the seams lined up. Cutting the pieces with the AccuQuilt Go! really seemed to help. I love the accuracy of cutting with the dies. It certainly makes my projects look good.

Quilt tops pressed and ready to go.
The top from Chisel Chase is peeking out at the bottom.

Since I finished this top, I decided that I should get a backing ready for it - sort of the next logical step, isn't it? Well, once I had that backing fabric pressed, measured, cut and pieced together, I decided that I might as well keep going. So... I prepared backings for 5 other quilts. Yes, quilt tops do tend to stack up in my studio. I spent most of Mother's Day working on the backings and now have all of them ready to load onto the long-arm frame.

More tops and backings waiting to be quilted.

Actually I loaded up a quilt on Monday evening and started quilting it yesterday. It's a 5 and Dime top and I'm doing an edge to edge or pantograph design on it. I usually do free motion quilting, but really need to challenge myself by working with pantographs. It always takes me quite a bit of time to set everything up and I'm using a new laser set-up that I've rigged up myself. I've done a bit of quilting with it so far and it seems to be working okay. Now if I could just make my curves a little smoother...

Hope to finish this quilt in the next few days and work on some of the other projects waiting to go on the frame. I also have my son's birthday coming up this week-end, so I think a little present shopping might be in order.

Hope you're enjoying a wonderful Wednesday!

Thanks, Mom!

2011-05-08T13:59:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

It's Mother's Day and I'm being spoiled by my children and husband today. Flowers and a card already today and supper is being cooked by them. They even give me the day to play in my studio. Who could ask for more? I hope that you're being spoiled by your children today too.

I don't think I really realized what being a mother was all about until I became one myself. Is there any other job more important in the whole world? I don't think so. I never really appreciated the motherhood experience until I had my own children. The joys, the heartaches, the worrying, the pride - it's almost overwhelming and it's definitely all consuming.

As I guide and watch my own children grow towards adulthood, I think I have a bit of an understanding as to what my own mother went though with me when I was younger.

Mom, Dad, Sarah & Jamie (my guys!)

My mother didn't work when we were younger, only returning to a part-time office job at the local funeral home when my brother and I were in our early teens. Even then she found time to do the housework (our house was always immaculately clean), laundry, help my brother and I with our homework, and have a full meal on the table every night. She gardened in the summer and made all of my grad, prom and special occasion dresses (although she didn't quilt). There were always cookies and baked treats in our home and our friends were always welcome. I admire the organized fashion in which she ran, and still does run, her household.

She always exercised, in a time when no one even knew what Jazzercise was, and continues to do so today at the age of 77. I credit her healthy lifestyle and mental toughness for allowing her to conquer breast cancer while I was still in high school.

I respect and admire her marriage, of over 50 years, to my father. It is a testament to their love and commitment to one another. It is what allowed them to build a wonderful life together and raise my brother and I to be the adults that we are today. I can only hope that my own children will feel about me the way that I do about my mom when they reach adulthood.

So, thanks to my Mom, and all the other mothers out there, for the time, effort and sacrifice that you've put into raising your children. Where would we be without you?

WIWOW May 4, 2011

2011-05-04T19:00:00.003-06:00

Hi everyone:

You're probably wondering about the title. Well, it's an acronym for What I'm Working on Wednesday or WIWOW, which sounds kind of neat, doesn't it?

You haven't heard from me for a week because I've actually been working on the items I posted last week. And... drum roll, please... I actually finished one of the projects. Appliqués fused and stitched down, quilted, sleeve attached, label applied, binding sewn and embellishments added. I think it turned out rather well and I even finished it a day earlier than my deadline.

My arm is getting a bit sore from patting myself on the back, so without further ado, here is Posh Pets (thanks to Sherry Rose for the name suggestion).

Posh Pets - a charming project

Yo-yo detail

Cat and yo-yo details

Dog appliqué detail

This project was quick and easy thanks to my AccuQuilt GO! cutter. Now if it would only do the stitching and quilting...

I'm finishing up the little doll that I showed you last week, but the instructions for the embroidery stitcheries are on hold for the moment.

Now I'm sure that you're dying to know what I'm working on this week. Well, here's what's on the sewing table tonight:

I'm working on a project from Chisel Chase by
Noble Needle Quilting and Sewing

I had to colour the diagram so I'd know where
to put the red and the green fabrics.

First two rows stitched together. Fabric is
Wrap it Up from Connecting Threads

I figure that I might actually have this finished by next Christmas if I keep working on it!

So this week I'm going to finish up the little doll and try to get this topped pieced together.

Hope you're working on - and finishing - some fun projects.

What I'm Working on Wednesday

2011-04-27T14:31:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Well, it finally appears to be spring here in Calgary - we haven't had snow in several days (although still being forecast for later this week). With spring comes new ideas and projects and it occurred to me that my readers might be wondering what I've been working on. So...

I'm starting a new weekly post to show you what I'm currently working on. You'll see these posts on Wednesdays, followed by a photo of the finished project in a later post. I'm hoping that this will keep me on track and actually finishing some projects. I find that if I have a deadline or a goal, I do accomplish things.

These are some of the items that I'm currently working on.

Doll made with AccuQuilt GO! dies

Stick guy & gal embroidery

Charning Cats & Dogs (detail) made with
AccuQuilt GO! dies for a guild challenge

More stick guy & gal embroidery

Although some of these projects are complete, such as the embroideries, I still need to finish the instructions so that they can be available for sale on my Etsy store: so they're really not finished yet. I do expect that the Charming Cats & Dogs will be done by next week, since this is the deadline for the challenge (deadlines are good!). The doll is a work in progress and is almost complete as well - just need to refine a few details.

I'm going to try very hard to work on these projects and finish them before I move on to other unfinished work. I do seem to recall that I have some hexagons hanging around that need to be included in a project...

What are you working on this Wednesday?

!Quilt Fiesta! winner

2011-04-23T12:38:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

Well, folks, we have a winner! The winning number was #30 and the winner was kc. Congratulations, kc, I'll be sending your copy of !Quilt Fiesta! out to you as soon as I receive your address information. Again, thank you to Martingale and Company for providing this book as a giveaway to my readers.

Thanks to everyone who entered and welcome to my new readers. I enjoyed reading your comments and have some new design ideas from them (how did I miss doing a manga puppy?!).

I hope everyone is enjoying a wonderful Easter week-end with their friends and family. If you see the Easter bunny, don't forget to send him my way :)

Book Giveaway

2011-04-20T14:12:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone:

In yesterday's post I advised that I would be having a giveaway for !Quilt Fiesta! Surprising designs from Mexican tiles by Cheryl Lynch.

Don't worry, I'm still doing this giveaway and you have until April 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. MST to enter to win your own copy.
I did, however, forget to mention that this book is published by Martingale and Company. Also, mea culpa (my fault) in neglecting to mention that Martingale and Company have provided me with a copy of this book to give away to one of my blog readers.
So... my apologies to Martingale and Company as well as my thanks to them for providing a copy of !Quilt Fiesta! for this giveaway.

Good luck, everyone!

Book Review - !Quilt Fiesta! and a Giveaway

2011-04-19T16:00:00.005-06:00

Hi everyone:

Sun, sand and warm temps in Mexico

After our recent trip to Mexico (warm breezes, sandy beaches - NO SNOW!), it seems only appropriate that I should be reviewing !Quilt Fiesta!: Surprising designs from Mexican tiles by Cheryl Lynch. Inspired by a trip to Pueblo, Mexico, the city of tiles, Cheryl created 10 projects in a variety of sizes including placemats, wall hangings and throws to include in this 95-page book.

Cheryl includes a section explaining how to take your inspiration and transform it into a quilt design. I found this information to be very helpful since I often find inspiration in ordinary, everyday objects, as I believe do other quilters as well. Now I have the information on how to turn these inspirations into my own personal quilts.

Cheryl includes the original tile inspiration for each project and then explains the design elements she used from that particular tile and the parts that she changed for the quilt design. I appreciated the design options shown for each project, including different colour ways and borders. Centre and corner design options are also included to help get you started with your own project.

Instructions for fusible web appliqué and foundation piecing, as well as general quilt construction, are provided at the beginning of the book.

Frida's Flowers

My favourite designs are both floral projects: Frida's Flowers, a bright throw with flowers, trailing vines and buds and Floral Fiesta, place mats with flowers and a prairie point edge. I think that a set of these place mats along with the design option shown of a wall hanging would be perfect in a dining room.

Floral Fiesta

I enjoyed reading about Cheryl's tile "inspiration to design" process and found the photos stunning. While this book has wonderful, vibrant patterns, which truly reminded me of Mexico, I also viewed it as a workbook showing you the process from design inspiration to project reality. Including the photos of the tiles which inspired the designs, allowed me to further understand the transformation from hard tile to soft quilt.

From tile to quilt

To help you create your own design using Cheryl's book, I will be giving away a copy of !Quilt Fiesta! to one of my readers (U.S. and Canadian addresses only, please). The giveaway is open until 7:00 p.m. MST on April 22, 2011.

Here are the ways that you can enter this giveaway:

1. Enter a comment below telling me why you would like to win this book.

4. Visit my Etsy store (see tab at top of blog page) and let me know which item currently for sale in the shop is your favourite and leave me a separate comment below indicating this.

You have 4 opportunities to win so be sure that you leave a separate comment for each entry so all of your entries will be eligible.

Good luck and hasta la vista!