Saturday, January 7, 2012

Rotating Quilts!

I finally took the Christmas quilt off my bed.    This is actually one of my favorite quilts.  This was a challenge between myself and a friend.  We both finished them before Christmas.  It was from a book named the Christmas Sampler.  Of course, I added a bit more to mine - from a lap size to an extra large queen.
This picture is from the Monroe County Fair 2009. It won best of Show and an invitation to the State Fair.  It took a 2nd place at the State Fair. 



In 2008 I was the chairperson for the BOM for our guild - I choose the fabrics and the patterns.  I had everyone add three 2 inch borders to the 12 1/2" blocks.  I was lucky enough to win the blocks for Jan - which was my favorite.  The fabric I choose was a navy and black paisley - paisley is one of my favorite fabrics.  I named this quilt Winter Nights and it is the quilt I use in January!




Today I finished 2 of the prayer shawls that I am donating to our quilt guild.  These are to be given to any member who needs a hug or some encouragement.  They measure 22"x72".  I guess they are very similair to the bed runners that are so "in" right now.  It makes me feel better to know that it may add a little bit of comfort to a sister when she needs it!
This was made from left over blocks from a quilt I called Grandma's trip around the World 1960!
If you look closely the block on the left and the block on the right are the complete opposite of each other.  They were both made from one set of strip sets.  I will have a tutorial on this later on!  It is a fun technique.  I am hooked on it.

Keep on stitchin'

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Journaling

Yes I keep an old fashion, hand written journal.  It is usually the last thing I do at night. 

So today I thought I would share my journaling process.
I start with a regular school note book.  Usually a three subject works well - it will last for about 3 years.
I then make a pretty cover - after three years  I am ready for a new one.  This is year 3 for this journal!



After a year of entires it looks pretty messy.  I highlight in pink my finished projects and hand enter the new projects.  I also make notes on any previous entry such as shows it was entered in and prizes that it may have won!!




Each day I try to write what I did that day.  Sometimes a week goes by and I have to recap the week.  I usually forget something!  If I have finished something I try to remember to take a picture and glue it to the page opposite the entry.  When I make an entry I refer to the project by number and sometimes by name but always by number.  If I am finished I will highlight the number in pink!  I also write the date finished on the log page and then highlight the entry in pink!  And as they say "another one bites the dust".


At the end of the year I update the journal in the computer and make it look all sweet and neat.  If you notice the two shades of yellow, well this year I decided to make a difference in what I made for others and what I kept for me.  I guess I may be a little selfish because I seem to keep about half of what I make.  The darker yellows are the keepers and the lighter shade is what was made for and given to others!  Sometimes I just know for sure that I will not do a project and I either delete it and leave the line blank or I highlight it with a pale blue. 
The headings for the columns are, project number, date started, name of project, brief description & any notes I want to add.  You can set yours up any way that makes sense to you!



Here it is all ready for a new year.   I use the bookmark to mark the page that I am on at the moment!

Hope you will try journaling.  There is a great satisfaction to seeing projects marked off as being completed!!

Keep on stitchin'

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

BOM for Machine Embroidery

   I found a great site for a BOM in machine embroidery.  The designer, Shanel, is a very talented lady.  If you have ever done the shop hop on the internet you will love her site.  The block is free!  You just need to find it.  She will give hints throughout the month - but the design is really easy to find!  I
   I am making 2 blocks each month.  One on a navy satin & one on the beige satin.  The only other colors I am using is light blue, green and gold.  Here are the blocks I have completed so far:
    

These are 3 of the blocks, I  will post the others later!


   She also has a crazy quilt square.  You must send her a picture of the completed block to recieve the next month's blocks.  She will also send you a bonus block each month when you have completed the regular block.

On the left is December's block.

On the right is the bonus block!

I love crazy quilting and in the hoop is a great way to make them!




Here is the link to Sanity Crafts:



Hope you enjoy these quilt blocks!


Sharing & Needlework

It is the beginning of a new year.  New Year - new projects!

I finally got my journal update!  What an ordeal.  Had to retype the log as my word program had expired and the new version was not compatible with my compter!  Not buying a new computer.  Any way it is all finished.  Now on to quilting and sewing.

I am going to try and add the BOMs that I am following.

This is the first of the list.  I have done her blocks before and that are very nice.  Quick, too!



http://www.elefantz.com/search/label/Promises%20and%20Borders%20BOM%202012



I tryed to make this a direct link but I am not sure how to do that.  So you will need to copy and paste, but it is well worth the effort.



This is the other BOM.  This is an appliqued project.  I am using pastel colors on an off white background.  I have the first block finished and I am working on the second.

Block of the Month
http://www.lecienusa.com/media/uploads/2011/11/16/files/Vintage_Tiles_web3.pdf


Here is a picture of my first block!