Stitchduchess Crazy & Sane Quilting World

WIP Wednesday

2012-02-08T15:30:00.000-06:00

Two post in one day! I just wanted to pop in and show what I am working on...it is a Christmas quilt using a layer cake from Moda called "Fruitcake". I hope to have it put together and ready to quilt by the weekend. I need to add the last two rows and then sew together and put the borders on. Hopefully I can do that tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Until next time,
Wendy

2nd Valentine Swap

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

As promised today I will be showing you my wonderful ornaments in my Valentine Ornament swap that Laurie hosted. I love all three of these ornaments and each one is special. Thank you to the lovely ladies who made them and sent them out. There was no cards with names with them so I don't know who to thank at the moment. I will find out soon and post back here with the details of who made each ornament. First are the three ornaments I sent and the card. (a side note: there was supposed to be four ornaments and a card, but for some reason I kept thinking three. I was not the only one and Laurie made sure that we all was able to swap. How sweet of her to do so.) I really felt awful that I had not read the directions clearly. I don't know where I got the idea we were to only do three. Anyhow, below is a recap of what I sent in to be swapped.

And what I received back: front

back:

front:

back:

the Valentine:

the box:

the first glimpse

the ornament

one last shot

I am so in love with this little shoe ornament! All of them are beautiful, but this little shoe just captured my heart. I would love to know how she made these. Last but not least was some vintage buttons that Laurie had tucked in as a thank you for swapping with her!

I love vintage buttons and these will be used either in a crazy quilt or a fabric book in the future. Thank you Laurie for hosting such a great swap. And thank each lady that made these fabulous ornaments and card. Oh, there was some candy also, but that was gone in minutes of opening the package.

Until next time,
Wendy

Valentine Swap

2012-02-07T03:22:00.000-06:00

I was in several Valentine swaps and have received two of the three that I was in. I will be posting about them today and tomorrow. Up first was the Initial Heart swap that Cheryl hosted. My partner Danette sent me the most lovely heart pin cushion made out of the most beautiful wool with my initial embroidered amongst flowers. I absolutely love it. I should have made a pic of the back as the color is so yummy a nice mottled heathery purple. Thank you so much Danette for the lovely heart as well as the chocolate. Of course the chocolate did not make it into the pic, but was yummy! She also sent some beautiful purple and lavender fabric along with the heart.

Below is what I sent out to my partner Sena. It was delivered on today so I can post about it here. I made it double sided so that Sena could hand it either way. And of course I sent along chocolate as well.

Tomorrow I will be posting about my Valentine swap with the ornaments that I made and posted about in a previous post. Laurie hosted this swap and it was so much fun. I can't wait to show you the ornaments that I received back in this swap.

Until next time,
Wendy

Fools Gold RR Blocks

2012-02-04T14:50:00.000-06:00

Back in October of 2010 Gerry K posted about a "Faux Gold or Fools Gold" RR. She threw the idea out there hoping for a response from people who like her would love to do a RR. The response was good enough to actually have two groups for this RR. I was one of those who responded to her blog post. One of the requirements was to be a member of Crazy Quilting International of which I have been for about seven yrs. now. A great group of ladies in this group which I love doing rr's with. This RR is a DYB or Do Your Own Block in which each person makes six 6x6 inch blocks. Then each person in the group will finish one block and you get to finish the sixth block when it arrives back home. For this rr I chose a color pallet far away from my normal saturated colors. I chose a neutral pallet so that the "faux gold work" would shine forth.

Using these color choices is a big stretch for me. Way out of my comfort zone! Anyone who knows me or has been in a rr with me will tell you that I love color and use lots of it. I am trying to stretch myself this year outside of my normal comfort zone with my stitching pallet. I chose creams, white, beige and gold for my colors. I felt these would showcase the gold work really well. I must say I am surprisingly pleased with the way the blocks turned out. It has been rather rainy and cloudy here so the pics are not the best to show the true colors. Below are pics of the blocks that I am using in this rr.

Next pic is of trims and bling that Gerry sent out to all the participants in this rr. Thank you Gerry for being so generous with each of us. Below is what she sent to each of us in the "Faux Gold" goodie bag.....

And these are just a few of the trims and beads that I have since picked up myself for this rr. I have some lace on order as well and will post a pic of that when it comes in.

I am so excited about this rr and cannot wait to see what each person comes up with for my blocks. I did choose a theme for mine. I am calling it "Golden Peacock" and I can hardly wait to see how each lady interprets this on the blocks.
Until next time,
Wendy

Little Tidbits

2012-01-24T20:28:00.001-06:00

I am still not fully back to 100% yet, but hopefully I will get there soon. Still have a nasty cough but have been fever free yesterday and today so hopefully I am on the upswing of this nasty cold I have had. I am so tired with no energy, just going into the kitchen tires me out. So spending most of my time on the couch with Riddick my faithful companion who is recovering from a herniated disc in his little neck, poor baby. I have been working on a Valentine swap that I am in while couch bound. Actually two swaps. The first one we were to make three small ornaments, each at three inches and no bigger. I have those finished and ready to mail out on Friday. We were also to make one Valentine and send it with the ornaments. I won't show the Valentine but will show the small ornaments. I really enjoyed making them even though I felt so bad. I hope the three recipients will like the ones I have made. I think they turned out well. The center heart shows the true color of the hot pink. It has been stormy here, so the pics are not all that great. Tomorrow I will need to clean my mess up next to the couch!

These hot pink hearts started out life as a wool jacket that I took apart and felted for the wool. I love how they turned out and will be making more for my valentine tree. I almost went with red/cream but thought about how the hot pink would add a punch of color to someones life! :) I love color what can I say! Also, while I have been camping out on the sofa I did put another round on my golden wedding ring block. Not much to show but a little closer than last week. I hope to finish it soon now that I am starting to feel better. When finished this will be made into a table topper for my youngest daughters hope chest as she really likes it.

Well that's it for now. The other Valentine heart swap was to be a heart with your partners initial so I cannot show that until she has received the heart.
Until next time,
Wendy

Just Peeping In

2012-01-20T16:52:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to say hi! (hands waving):) Not much on the sewing/quilting/crafting front, although I do have a pic of a project I am working on below. I have been sick for the last week and a half. Horrible cold I guess with the usual chest congestion, coughing, fever did I say coughing. I feel like crud and have not really felt like anything crafty. On top of my being sick, dh came home today really sick with the same crud. Also this past week sweet Jazmine has been in the hospital with high temp that they cannot seem to break along with ear infections and scarlet fever. She is home now and today went for a recheck and they are running more tests. She has been really sick and cannot seem to shake the fever. Those of you who pray please pray for her quick recovery. I did try and piece this block but felt too bad to mess with it too much. Especially since I had to frog one piece three times! I decided to let it sit until I feel better. This is just a test block to see if I want to do a whole quilt or not. All piecing by hand so we will see once I am feeling better.

Go Create,

Wendy

Finished Book

2012-01-10T20:02:00.000-06:00

My book is finished and I decided to only do four/eight counting the back pockets. I really love how this book turned out and I will be making more in the future.

Go Create Something,

Wendy

Adding Some Beading and Bling

2012-01-09T13:56:00.000-06:00

After looking at the pic of this page I decided it needed a little bit more bling. I am adding in some beading and this is the start so far.

Until next time,

Wendy

Diamond Stars

2012-01-08T23:54:00.000-06:00

Four more new diamond stars....slowly but surely coming together....

Until next time,

Wendy

"Create"

2012-01-07T15:33:00.000-06:00

This year I have decided to pick a word for inspiration throughout the year. I have decided on "Create". This word will allow me to be flexible in what I create in this coming year. I have several pathways I would like to explore and by using "Create" as my word, I am giving myself permission to try different techniques. Some new and some I had put aside for various reasons. With that in mind I have started a fabric/lace journal. This first journal will contain a total of 12 pages front and back. The backs will accommodate pockets to put various items in such as pics, tags or some little special something. Below is the first three pages of the journal with some closeups of them.

Now go create something beautiful! Until next time,
Wendy

New YoYo's and Diamonds

2012-01-04T23:24:00.000-06:00

First thank you for your prayers for my mom. She did well and we will get to bring her home on tomorrow. While there I made use of the waiting time by doing more yoyo's and some diamonds. Will post pics of those on tomorrow, going to get some much needed rest. I may be dreaming of yoyo's in my sleep! :)
Until next time,
Wendy

Asking Prayer For Mom

2012-01-03T17:13:00.000-06:00

My mom will be having surgery on tomorrow. The procedure we hope will not be very invasive. Putting her to sleep and then having to shock her heart to test the new defibrillator is the risky part. We trust God to take care of her and keep her during this time. For those of you who follow my blog and pray, we would greatly appreciate a little prayer being sent her way on tomorrow.....
Until next time,
Wendy

Happy New Years

2011-12-31T15:02:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to pop in and wish all my followers and readers of this blog a Happy New Year! May this coming year be the best year yet and be filled with many blessings, joy, love, health and family! Thank you for coming by and reading my blog and commenting on posts that I make...I look forward to the coming year with many great things happening. Have a safe night tonight if you are going out...and remember please don't drink and drive as it could forever change not only your life but that of someone else as well! Many blessings sent your way,
Until next time,
Wendy

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T10:00:00.002-06:00

I joined in Chookyblue's SSS 2011 again this year since I had so much fun last year.....this little gift has been sitting under the tree for a couple of weeks now waiting to be opened....today is the day....this was sent to me all the way from Australia....who you may ask was my secret santa, well it was Narelle

Narelle sent a wonderful mug rug with the cutest ornament for me to open before Christmas.....then on today I was allowed to open the main pressie and it was this lovely bag....I love it Narelle! Thank you so much...made with peacock fabric and anyone who knows me knows that I love and collect all things that have to do with peacocks.....I just love this little bag! Now my partner that I sent to was Fiona and this is what I sent out to her....the ornament was a little stocking to look like an elf's boot....and then a table runner made with Christmas fabric that I thought she might like......

I also did a side swap with Andrea because she missed the sign up to the CBSSS 2011 and I did not want her to miss out on the fun....so I emailed her and we did a side swap with the same guidelines....this is what she made and sent out to me....

The ornament is so pretty and is now hanging out with my other handmade ornies....And just look at the beautiful wall hanging that she made and sent out to me....I love them both Andrea thank you so much.... and this is what I made and sent out to Andrea.....

I made an elf bootie stocking ornament and a wall hanging from some Christmas fabric that I just love....
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year....I will be taking a blog break until after the holidays to be with family....take care and I will see you again January 2, 2012.....
Until next time,
Wendy

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T01:48:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to pop in and tell everyone Merry Christmas! Please be safe and have fun with your family during this holiday season....May each of us remember during our celebrations the true reason for the season that we celebrate.....

TAST Project

2011-12-21T16:20:00.000-06:00

This is the crazy quilt I will be working on during the TAST in 2012...I had put this project on hold because my mojo for finishing it had left....I have decided that I will finish it this coming year...what better way to showcase the stitches each week than on this quilt...

This is a closeup of the center block.....

I am excited about working on this quilt once again and I am looking forward to finishing it in the coming year....now to put together my quilt for the Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2012...you still have time to sign up, but you need to hurry registration ends on December 27, 2011.....

An Awesome Giveaway!

2011-12-21T00:58:00.001-06:00

Nichol is having an awesome giveaway on Dec. 23rd...she is giving away this awesome owl quilt that she made...if you want a chance to win this lovely quilt go on over and leave her a comment....good luck!

A Hard Day and A Memory

2011-12-20T22:20:00.001-06:00

In Loving Memory

Payton Ryan Davis

December 20, 2009

Today has been a hard day in many ways...or I should say an emotional day instead....today is the anniversary of sweet baby Payton's birthday and death...Had he lived he would have turned 2 on today...instead of a birthday party we took balloons and snow globes out to the cemetery to say happy birthday...we released three of them, very shiny blue stars...I think he would have loved them...my heart cries not just for myself but for my daughter who has such a hard time with his death...today has been really hard on her....there are a lot of what ifs on today for us as a family...at the same time we know that he is safe in the arms of God and that one day we shall see him again...As we get ready to celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Savior we know that our hearts will mend and the pain will get easier to bear and that all is well....

Happy Birthday Payton, gran loves you very much and I look forward to seeing you again one day....Know that however short your life was, gran loves you with all her heart....

Sweet Furbaby/Updated

2011-12-19T14:19:00.001-06:00

Updated: Riddick came through surgery well and is now at home and resting...his vet said we are looking at a long recovery but he should fully recover....thank you for all the well wishes that you have sent out for him...I really appreciated it and it warmed my heart more than you will ever know...
Wendy

My sweet furbaby Riddick had to have emergency surgery today....I am really out of sorts as he is my sweetboy and companion....he has never been away from me since he was 5weeks old.....our vet said he must have immediate surgery and sedated him while I was holding him.....I will be able to check on him at 4pm....a long day and night for sure....no sewing or crafting going on here today....Merry Christmas everyone....
Until next time,
Wendy

PIF

2011-12-17T08:00:00.001-06:00

Look what came in the mail today. I signed up for a PIF with Cat and she made these lovely bird ornaments. They are now on my tree. Are they not the cutest birds ever....thank you Cat....go check out her blog, she is very talented and crafty.....

Now everyone knows how this works. I will take the first three people who comment on this post and make a gift for them. I have up to one year to make and send out your gift. I already have two made and the third will be made after the holidays. If you sign up you must promise to pay it forward so this will keep going. If you are like me and enjoy giving this is an excellent way to do so.

Until next time,

Wendy

2nd CBSSS 2011 Side Swap

2011-12-16T11:24:00.001-06:00

I had the opportunity to do a side Secret Santa swap this year. Andrea had missed the deadline of Chooky's sign up for the swap. I contacted Andrea and let her know if she would like we could do a side swap. My package from Andrea arrived this past week. Again we made an ornament that we could open now, and the main gift goes under the tree until Christmas. Below is the ornament that she sent out to me.

I did not take a pic of the card she sent that is under the ornament in the first pic...but it has cupcakes on the front and the recipe for them on the back....such a great card. I will be making the cupcakes this weekend. Thank you Andrea for a lovely ornament and card. I am looking forward to opening the gift on Christmas! As soon as her package from me arrives I will post a pic of the ornament I sent out to her.
Until next time,
Wendy

Secret Santa Sack Reveal

2011-12-15T22:21:00.000-06:00

Six months ago I joined the Secret Santa Sack swap that Cheryl was hosting...over six months we were to send out two gifts per month to our partner...my partner was Sammie....today is the day that Cheryl decided we could open our gifts in the sacks. Sammie had originally sent the last packages before Thanksgiving but sadly they have never arrived...she was so stressed and so sent a couple of items as a fill in. Thank you Sammie for each little gift that you sent out to me...This is the sack that Sammie made for me.

These were the lovely gifts inside the sack...a book with recipes, note cards with peacocks (which I love as I collect those), a candle, emery boards, a foot bath, a cheese tray with my initial, soap, small lotion, small hand sanitizer, a cute small snowman picture frame, two hand towels, two crocheted dish cloths, a pair of fuzzy socks, a peacock feather and a couple of small tags.Thank you Sammie, and of course my favorite is the nativity ornament as I collect nativities....

Sammie will be opening her santa sack on Christmas Eve as that is when her family exchanges gifts...so I cannot post a pic of what I sent out until then....or you can go here to see them after Christmas Eve....
Until next time,
Wendy

CBSSS Is Here!

2011-12-15T22:01:00.000-06:00

I joined Chookyblue's SS swap again this year and have enjoyed making a gift and ornament for my swap partner.I have received my Secret Santa gift and ornament in the mail last week and am just now getting around to posting about it....I have been trying to get caught up on a few things and now have time to post. I could only open the ornament and my swap partner also included a second gift that I could open now. Here is the whole package....

Thank you Narelle for the lovely ornament and the mug rug...I just love them both...I am already using the mug rug and the ornament is on my tree in the studio....I can only show you the ornament that I sent out to my partner...I did not realize the pic was blurry before I had packaged up the ornament....

I also did a side swap with someone who missed out on this swap....I will post about it on tomorrow....
Until next time,
Wendy

Projects for the new year

2011-12-15T00:40:00.000-06:00

This year is swiftly coming to a close and the new year is out before us. I am looking forward with great enthusiasm to the projects I will be working on in the coming year. The first one is a crazy quilt that I have set aside this past year. I just lost interest in working on the blocks and put it away. It has a total of 17 8x8 inch blocks and one large center block. I have joined this challenge given by ShawlK in the hopes of completing this crazy over the next year. There are five blocks already finished from a rr I was in and I added the other 12 blocks and the center block to make a nice size wall hanging for my bedroom. I will post pics of the blocks in the new year. You can go here to read more about the challenge and sign up if you are so inclined. Sign ups for this particular challenge are open until December 27,2011, so you still have a little time to join us. I am looking forward to finishing this project. At the same time I have signed up for TAST and will be combining the two. Sharon B will be running TAST again for 2012. This will be a great way to learn new stitches and add to the projects that I will be working on in the coming year. There is still time to sign up on her blog here. Everyone is welcome and even if you don't do every stitch I am sure there will be some that you will want to learn that you do not already know how to work. Of course I will also be working on getting my sane quilt flimsies quilted and ready for use this coming year. I have 16 that need to be quilted and am hoping to get them done before making any new ones. And of course I hope to finish my yoyo quilt this next year. As it is a slow work in progress I won't be stressed about getting it done. I know that if I work on it daily it will come together in time. I started it as a slow work in progress and I am going to keep it that way until it is finished. I am not going to stress over this one as it needs a total of 2500 yoyo's. Seems like I have a busy and fun year ahead in the stitching and quilting department. What are your plans for the coming year?

Until next time,
Wendy

A Wonderful Gift In The Mail

2011-12-05T08:00:00.004-06:00

A week ago before my fall I received the most wonderful package in the mail from my dear friend Cathy K....if you don't know her you should go over to her blog and look at all her beautiful designs...she also sells the most beautiful lace in her shop on etsy...I promise that you will be glad you went and visited her....she is a very talented fiber artist and crazy quilter....when I picked this box up at the po I was amazed at how heavy it was...then I opened it and begin to take out the fabric that she had sent....Cathy is a very kind and generous soul...she had asked me if I would like some of her scraps/fabric that were bright because she was not going to be using them and she thought I might use them for my yoyo quilt....of course I said yes as I need 2500 yoyo's for my quilt and I was running out of fabric...Well here is the awesome stack of fabric that Cathy sent to me...Cathy, thank you so much for this wonderfully generous gift that you sent out to me....it really touched my heart....and every time I look at my yoyo quilt I will think of you and your generosity.....

This fabric will go a long way in helping me to reach my goal...I am cutting circles and will start working on this again after the holidays...I love all the bright and happy fabrics in this pile of colorful goodness! And everything she sent will go great with the quilts theme which is bright and bold....again thank you Cathy....

Jazmine came for a visit the other day and she fell asleep on the couch...it wasn't long before Riddick and Whizzer decided to join her! Don't they all look comfy together!!!

Until next time,
Wendy

Took A Nasty Fall

2011-12-01T12:28:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone, I have been having some down time as I took a nasty fall and injured my back, head and neck....no quilting or sewing to show.....I will be back on Monday as I am on the mend and feeling much better.....have a great week....

Until next time,

Wendy

A Few Updates and Jazmine is One!!!

2011-11-23T03:07:00.001-06:00

I think I will call this block finished.....well, after looking at the pic I now know it is not yet finished....I need to add some bling to the cretan stitch.....that won't take long and then I will call it finished....just two more to go.....yay! Maybe a hat? hmmmm......

The next pics are of some crocheted roses I have made recently....the first one will eventually find its way onto a crazy quilt block......the two green ones are for a shrug that I am almost finished with.....

A Tilda snow lady that I made for a swap.......I enlarged the pattern as the original was way to small in my opinion...this one sits nicely and is about 8 1/2" inches tall......

This is a shabby tote that was also made for a swap....it turned out nicely and I hated to see it go.....the pic is not really clear but the rosette is all shabby with thread pulls and such....I may make a pin like this soon....

Well I have had company since Friday as we celebrated Jazmine's first birthday! She has been such a blessing to our family....She also started walking on Friday night while her mom and I were talking....she was so funny and we laughed lots.....We also had our Thanksgiving with family last week with more company......this weekend will be Thanksgiving at my daughters home since we have already celebrated with my mom and dad plus the rest of the family.....can you say tired especially after not feeling well....anyhow, below is a couple of pics of Jazmine...such a sweet girl

Jaz with Frostie (mom) checking out her pink elephant that we gave her for her birthday......

She absolutely loved the elephant and was not happy to move on to the other gifts! We all thought that was funny....the elephant is actually a chair for her to sit in.

Last but certainly not least is a couple of pics of my sweet boys......life would be so dull and boring without them running around......Riddick of course is my big sweet boy as I call him as he is the oldest....he stole my heart when he was a puppy and chose me as the one to lavish all his love on.....

And this is Whizzer who came into our family in February of this year.....I actually helped to birth this big boy as his mom was having a hard time.....he was and still is the biggest of the litter.....he is also a very sweet boy....thus my little sweet boy! They both bring much joy to my life.....

Hope you have enjoyed my little update.....I will go ahead and wish all my blogging friends a Happy and safe Thanksgiving as I will be busy for the rest of the week and weekend with family......see you Monday!
Until next time,
Wendy

Scissor Keep Swap

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

My scissor keep swap arrived from Simone all the way from down under.....thank you so much Simone, I love it! Every item you sent is just wonderful.....I will be using this set for my tatting items as I am just learning and this will be a great item to keep it all in....the fabric I am going to use in my yoyo quilt that I am making, thank you I just love it!....Look at this awesome basket that she sent out to me.......

And the inside is for the scissor keep and a needle book that she made.....the inside of this sewing basket has pockets all the way around....I have already put my tatting shuttle inside along with a roll of thread.... hopefully I will learn to tat soon and be able to fill the basket with tatting that I can use in my crazy quilting...notice the cool lolly fabric! I am going to use that to make yoyos with for my king size quilt......

Thank you again Simone, I love it!
Until next time,
Wendy

Tilda Swap

2011-11-11T08:00:00.002-06:00

My Tilda package has arrived! And it is ever so pretty! I love everything in the package.......thank you so much Else I love everything you sent!

I will post pics of what I sent out to Else after it arrives to its new home.....

This is what I sent out to Else...

Until next time,
Wendy

Shabby Tote Arrived!

2011-11-10T08:00:00.003-06:00

I received this pretty shabby tote in the mail from Susan.....this bag is wonderful in person and I love it....thank you Susan.....look at all the goodies inside the tote......such great goodies!! When Susan's tote arrives I will post a pic of what I sent out to her.....

Just the tote......see how lovely.....

She also included these vintage melon shapes.....there is enough to make a small wall hanging and I will be starting that after the first of the year......

This is what I sent out to my partner:

The goodies are on the inside, but you can visit her blog and see what I sent out...

Until next time,
Wendy

A Few Updates.....

2011-11-09T18:35:00.001-06:00

Just a few updates.....I have been working on my winter theme blocks over the weekend.....here is a progress shot of the block I am currently working on....I need to make him a hat, then move on to more beading and layering the stitches for this block.....then I will only have two more to go.....slowly but surely coming together.....

It has been a rainy dreary day here today.....but we did see a rainbow right before dark....not the best pic but it was still raining....

I also added a new recipe on my recipe blog for chicken and dumplings....
Until next time,
Wendy

Spiderweb Lace

2011-10-28T19:48:00.000-05:00

I found the neatest lace maker and will be making some soon....my kit was made in 1938 and it had some lace that was made in 1938 how cool is that! I am going to learn to make this....you can make doilies and all kinds of lace items....these will be great on my crazy quilts....

Until next time,
Wendy

Winter Theme Crazy Quilt

2011-10-20T09:45:00.001-05:00

My blue and white winter theme crazy quilt is almost ready to put together. So I thought I would post a pic of the in progress shot. It is on the portable design wall for now. I may change the block layout as I finish up the other blocks. I only have three blocks left to finish it at 12 blocks which will make a nice size wall hanging. Each block will finish at 8 inches.

Until next time,
Wendy

Some Swap Items/Gypsy RR Block

2011-10-20T04:43:00.000-05:00

I thought I would post some of the swap items I have received and not posted about yet. First up is the 2nd half of my Goodie Swap. This lovely parcel was sent out to me by Ivina....I love the pouch and mug rug that she sent out to me. The mug rug is made with batiks and the little pouch is made with Kaffe fabrics.....

Next I did a side swap with Aletta for a Fall/Autumn theme mug rug.....this is what she sent out to me...not one but two awesome little mug rugs. She also sent the cutest acorn....I really love that these are made with wool....Thank you Aletta and yours is on the way to you.....I will post pics of what I made for Aletta once she has received them...I don't know why this pic is blurry and I will make a better one tomorrow and swap it out....the pic does not do these justice.....

Next is the parcel I received from Julie in the Fall/Halloween mug rug swap....I chose fall as I don't celebrate Halloween....She sent an awesome mug rug made with batiks which everyone knows that I love...Each leaf is just wonderful....she really spoiled me....thanks Julie.....

Last is a pic of Alice's block from the Gypsy Treasures RR....As I was the last one to work the block I finished it up and it is on its way to Alice.....I enjoyed working on her block and carried the music theme that Laurie had started on the block....I added the violin, the music notes, the vintage brooch on the yellow patch, sre feather stitch and I embellished the silkie in lower right corner with sre and a lace motif that I had that went really well with the block.

Until next time,
Wendy

Mug Rugs Finished

2011-10-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

Here is a pic of the mug rugs posted before now finished....

Until next time,
Wendy

A Surprise For Me: RAC: Random Act of Kindness

2011-10-01T22:58:00.000-05:00

My blogging friend Cathy over here just blessed my socks off this past week......I had commented on a post about this boho bag that she had made.....the bag is just beautiful in fall colors.....well before she left for a crazy quilt retreat she dropped a package in the mail......when I got the package home and opened it, (insert big squeal of delight here) it was the boho bag that I had commented on! I was so surprised and delighted to say the least......this random act of kindness just blessed me so much! Thank you Cathy for such a lovely and thoughtful gift from you my friend.....I love my new bag and have gotten so many complements on it already......It will be much loved and used by me......again thank you......

Until next time,
Wendy

New Mug Rug

2011-09-28T22:57:00.000-05:00

This new mug rug arrived in the mail on today.....I just love it.....Pat made this along with the mini card/wallet that she sent along also....this was from the mug rug and goodie swap hosted by "fluffy Sheep"......

Until next time,

Wendy

Mug Rugs

2011-09-19T13:44:00.000-05:00

Just a couple of pics of some mug rugs that I have made....this pic is a in process pic.....Once these are received I will show the finished product....

And this is # 2...hope my partners like them.......

Until next time,
Wendy

We Will Never Forget

2011-09-11T00:00:00.000-05:00

As a country we will never forget the horror of 09/11/01....I will never forget this horrible attack on our country and upon the lives of the innocent victims of this day...

...my heart and prayers goes out to each family that lost a loved one on this day.......to each child that lost a father, mother, brother or sister I pray that you find comfort.......for every wife, husband, mother, father, brother and sister who lost a loved one I pray you have peace and comfort on today.....for those who lost friends and co-workers I hope your memories of the good times bring you comfort.....May we never forget those who died that day in all the locations that was targeted......May the families and friends of those who perished find peace when none can be found in the loss of life that was forced upon them in such a way......

Thank you to the heroes that was born on that day that saved many lives.......May our country always remember what this act of terrorism did to our country and those who lost their lives.......As Americans may we always strive for peace and be ready to defend our country and those we love for the sake of the freedom that we enjoy daily.......

GOD BLESS AMERICA AND HER PEOPLE!

New Blog

2011-09-09T13:19:00.002-05:00

After much thought and consideration I have decided to start a food blog.....I love to cook and am always being asked for recipes......so I thought why not have a blog that is dedicated to food only, that way I can share my recipes and food and leave this blog for my quilting and such......you can find my food blog here:
http://wendy-fortheloveoffoodandcooking.blogspot.com/

I would love for you to drop by and visit.....and I would love for you to follow if you are so inclined.....

Until next time,

Wendy

YoYo's

2011-09-08T14:59:00.000-05:00

Cutting more yoyo's for the grand project! I decided to use my GO Baby with the circle die to cut them with.....and I am so glad that I did.....much quicker and it saves the hands from cramps!lol....since I am going to need 2500 of them this tool is going to come in handy.....and the waste is very little, really I am serious! I had read some comments that there was a lot of wastage when using the GO cutters.......I disagree and I have proof! (more on that later).....as I was saying I used the cutter to cut out more circles.....140 to be exact in a matter of minutes!

I had been cutting strips 5 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches to use....that was okay with little waste left over.....then I thought about using some 5 inch charms that I have had forever and a day just to see.....again I read on someones blog that you could not use them as they were too small......wrong again! and I will show you later in this post.....and using the 5 inch squares had very small, teeny tiny waste! I am not kidding.....I was so happy with the results that I had to post about it.....
5 inch charm square over the large 5" circle die......

After running it through the GO Baby cutter......see how little the waste is!......

Close-up of what the circle looks like after going through the die.....notice that there are still a few pinked edges on the circle...it doesn't matter as that will be in the 1/4" that you turn under as you baste for the yoyo and will be hidden.....

So to all the quilt police who say you cannot use the 5" charm squares......I am here to inform you that you need to go to jail yourself as you do not know what you are talking about.....stop scaring people into not using the cutter with 5" squares......Now mind that you have to make sure you lay the squares on the die properly in order to get these results......but I cut out 50 of the above circles with no problems and just a teeny amount of waste!.....well worth the experiment of trying what others say was not possible....now you know that it can be done with great results.....now you can sew these together and they do come together quickly......someone asked if I was doing these by hand or using the clover yoyo maker.......I am doing these by hand.....I do have a clover yoyo maker but you do have to use 5 1/2" squares to make them work....not only that, but I found the maker to be too fiddly for me.....I can hand sew and gather quicker by hand than I could with the yoyo maker, so that is the way I am doing it......if you want to use the yoyo maker you have to revert to hand cutting......and the funny thing is both ways turn out the same size yoyo! So I guess it comes down to which method you prefer...now back to my coverlet........while cutting out said circles I discovered that I had no where near the fabric I will need for this project.....as I am using jewel tones and bright prints for this project......no pale or soft colors here! So this project may take a bit longer than I thought to finish up.....but that is ok as I will make it a slow work in progress......I am going to try and cut all the fabric I have soon to see how many yoyo's I will be able to make before I have to buy......my hope was to only use what I have on hand, so we will see......this is what I have left to work with....these are fat quarters........

Another set of fat quarters.........

This is yardage......1yd....each......

Hopefully I will put a large dent in the amount of yoyo's needed for this project.....I will give an update on the count after cutting all this fabric some time next week.....
Until next time,
Wendy

New Mug Rug

2011-09-07T08:30:00.004-05:00

This is the mug rug I sent out to my partner......And this is the Haiku that went with it.....

Cut, sew, press

Chirp, tweet, chirp

Silent contentment

And this is the mug rug that I received......and the Haiku that went with it....there is a peacock stitched in the mug rug....

Beautiful peacock

Feathers spread in glory

A fabulous sight

Until next time,
Wendy

Doll Quilt 11 Received

2011-09-06T21:47:00.000-05:00

I have been so busy that I have not had time to post about my doll quilt that I received in the Doll Quilt 11 swap.....this is the stunning little quilt that my partner Suejoy sent out to me.......

And this is the one that I sent out to my partner.....I did add another row of stitching next to the binding before I mailed it out.......looked much better after the second row of stitching was added....

Until next time,
Wendy

Help!

2011-09-05T15:09:00.001-05:00

Help I am drowning in peas!lol... We harvested the first round of peas on Saturday......this is what the back of dh truck looked like minus six bushels of peas.....

the truck is a 3/4 ton full size bed on the truck.....this is what we brought home after giving away the six bushels of peas......lots of shelling going on here.....my mom and I are canning and freezing these....my dad, dh and I picked from 7am until 3pm and still had four rows left unpicked......the green peas that were not ready will need to be picked again this coming week......which is more than we picked this go round.....plus the cukes and squash will be ready oh, don't let me forget the eight rows of okra will be ready to cut also.....my back, arms, legs and muscles that I had no idea I had hurt like crazy.....my fingertips are so sore from picking and shelling......how was your labor day? Mine was truly a day of labor....but in a good way, we are truly blessed by Gods' bounty in our garden.....

Until next time,
Wendy

Coasters

2011-09-01T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here are some coasters that I had made and am just now posting the pics.....

These were a lot of fun to make and I am in the process of making more.....

Until next time,
Wendy

YoYo's

2011-08-29T21:29:00.000-05:00

I made all these yoyo's today while at the Dr.s office with my mom for them to check her pacemaker/defibrillator.......it was a long wait as they had to check the amount of battery left and also do a round of blood work and chest x-rays (one of the meds for congestive heart failure can cause scarring on the lungs).....her battery pack is good for another six months then they will have to go in and change it out.......she fell on yesterday and cracked her tailbone so not a fun day for her at all.......but we are happy that she is clear for another six months if all goes well with her heart......so much to be thankful for........so while we waited I worked on these..........54 of them, so this is a good start.....I need 2500 to make a king size with drape over the sides......

This is the yoyo jar.....they look so nice inside......

Until next time,
Wendy

Another Mug Rug or Two

2011-08-27T11:48:00.001-05:00

Another mug rug I have made recently....pic is before the binding was put in place......I so love this one....this is before the quilting was started..........

And this is the mug rug after the quilting is finished....I used spirals on the peacocks and stippling for the sides.....I love how it turned out......

It is now finished and ready to use.......here is another one that is in progress......

I am using variegated green thread on this one.....I am not sure how I like it at this point.....so we will see how the finished mug rug looks before I decide.....

Until next time,
Wendy

Pin Cushion Tutorial

2011-08-26T18:41:00.000-05:00

After I hosted a pin cushion swap I was asked to do a tutorial on the one that I made.....I have finally sat down and made a new one and thought to do pics as I went....below is the tutorial......Ruby this is for you.....

This pin cushion is made using a small jelly jar.....you can find these at just about any store.....I picked mine up at Wally World!:).....
Supplies List:
1 small jelly jar with ring lid not solid lid
fabric scraps x 2
circle template or bowl, saucer to trace
thread
scissors
stuffing

The first thing you do is cut out your circles for the yoyo's you will need one large and one small.....the small circle should be about five inches....the larger circle I just used a cereal bowl turned upside down and traced around it......the larger yoyo must be large enough to hold the stuffing and still pull tightly over the inner lid making a closed yoyo...

Next you sew up the yoyo...

It should look like this when finished......

Now is the time to stuff the yoyo.......really simple....be very generous with the stuffing as you want a really nice lift when you put this together....do not be stingy!

Be sure and hold the bottom of the fabric over the insert while stuffing or it will slide off......pack the stuffing really tight in there.....once you have your stuffing in close the yoyo around the seal.....pull tight and then sew it shut with a few stitches....next place the smaller yoyo that you have made on top and stitch it into place with a hidden applique stitch.....easy peasy.....press the small yoyo to lay flat....

Next you place the pin cushion into the ring....this takes a little bit of pushing but I promise it will go in there....once you have it pushed through go around and tug gently to bring it up through the ring....do this until you can leave the pin cushion in the ring without it falling out......your done! Easy peasy.....these are so fun to make....if you like you can embellish them.....

This is the top.....I so love peacocks.......

After a little embellishing.......

I would love to see yours if you make one using this tutorial......if you have any questions please email me and I will try and answer them as soon as possible....

Until next time,
Wendy

Little Star Quilt Finished

2011-08-25T16:52:00.000-05:00

Finished my little star quilt......this was a real learning curve.....(1) I love hand piecing (2) hand piecing is a slow progress, no rushing through here (3) keep plenty of hand lotion ready as your hands and fingers get really sore and this helps...(4) the end product gives much satisfaction to the maker!

I did add another round of quilting next to the border after taking this pic......that made a world of difference in how it looks......I am so proud of myself.....each little piece was only one and half inches big and was really fiddly.....My larger two inch ones will take a while as it is bed size.....but now I know that I will love the process.....so the bigger quilt will be a slow work in progress to make.....then will come the hand quilting.....this was the first time I used the perle 8 to quilt with and I love how it worked out and the look of it....this will be how I quilt the bigger one when the time comes to finish it up.....

Until next time,
Wendy

Great Mail Day

2011-08-19T22:26:00.001-05:00

Today was a very good mail day........my friend Cat sent me these lovely scraps for my diamonds........
thank you so much Cat, I will be using these shortly.....

Next I received this package from Amy in the MMM Summer Swap.......this is the awesome package that she sent out to me.....a mini quilt, a thread catcher, a mug rug, lime green necklace, peacock pin, peacock shrinky dink, and awesome fabric. She even made the card that she sent along......thanks Amy I love all of it....

Next is was a package from Gina who was my partner in the Tilda Tea Party Swap.....I will post about what I sent out to her when she receives it......a lovely peacock mug rug that is just gorgeous, a tea towel that is awesome and some napkins......thank you so much Gina I love everything you sent!

The above Tim Tam's were included in the box.....oh my goodness! These are the best ever cookies......my son wants me to try and order him some! So far no luck as they would be way expensive......but they are really good! Thanks Gina for that wonderful treat.....

Until next time,
Wendy

New Mug Rug

2011-08-18T22:08:00.000-05:00

Made a new mug rug......I love how it turned out......

Also made a new needle book......

I have been using the GO to cut out some circles for my yoyo quilt and will be showing those soon......I am gathering fabrics for the apple core die and hopefully will soon be able to start on that as well......

Until next time,
Wendy

How Does Your Garden Grow Sunday

2011-08-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

Here is my hexi flower for this week......this is one of those swip (slow works in progress) I am not in a hurry with this one...although I do have more cut out and prepped I am just doing them as I think about it......this is my hexi garden.......

Next is my diamond garden stars.......I have been working on the mini diamonds this week.....this is what I have so far....these are for a mini doll quilt......I have two more rows to add and then hand quilt it......

I am linking up over at Pigtales and Quilts for Thearica's How Does Your Garden Grow Sunday's.....go on over and check out all the other gardens in bloom......

Until next time,
Wendy

Night Blooming Orchid

2011-08-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

My night blooming orchid bloomed last night.....so pretty and smelled heavenly.....usually they take all night to fully open but mine was open around 11:30.....so I walked up the hill to my moms and sure enough hers was blooming also.....had to get her up so she could see......we had been waiting all summer for the blooms to appear......

Until next time,
Wendy

Gypsy RR Blocks

2011-08-09T10:48:00.000-05:00

Here are two more of the gypsy blocks that I have worked on for this rr....the first one is Pegsue's block, I decided to embellish the central silkies on this block......I think she turned out well....I purchased a ring to make the crystal gazing ball......hope she likes what I have added to the block......

Next was Lauri's block, she stated that she liked lots of bling so that is what I gave her......I added silver hearts (these were originally earrings) and then stitched detached chain stitch on top of them....next I added the red sequin applique for more bling to help bring out the wonderful red velvet patch next to it.....then I added an orange/peach butterfly....last I added some vintage 20's ribbon that I had next to the blue patch......hope Lauri likes what I added to her block......

Until next time,
Wendy

First Finish of August

2011-08-06T08:00:00.001-05:00

I have finally finished this little quilt.....and let me tell you it was a bear.......I used fleece for the backing because my dgd just loved it.......this will be for her......it moved around a lot while I was quilting it.....this will be the only quilt I ever do this way......it did turn out nice and is what she wanted......I'm just glad that this part is done and I can now mark this as done....yay!!!!

Until next time,
Wendy

This & That

2011-08-05T10:00:00.001-05:00

Thank you for all the well wishes.....I have felt much better this week.....the figs are starting to come in and I put up 10 jars of preserves this week so far......yummy!

Next up I had some thimbles left over from this project and decided to make another little quilt using them.....so now I will have two but I am thinking I will use different borders on this one......and I may give this one away.....who knows......

I have also changed directions in mini quilt I was doing.....I was going to do wonky stars but I could not get the points to do what I wanted them to....working in miniature is not always easy.....since the blocks would finish at two inches, I really needed the spikes on the stars to come out perfect.....well they would not line up for me so I have started over......this is a proto-type of the star I am doing now......each little diamond measures one inch.....the quarter is to show the scale....this star is just a sample as I will be using different fabrics.....I like how it turned out......I do need to stitch closer so the thread will not show through, that is why I did a practice run......

Until next time,

Wendy

How Does Your Garden Grow Sunday/Monday

2011-08-01T10:46:00.000-05:00

I should have posted about this on yesterday but I was feeling a little under the weather and did not get to it.....here is my progress on my star garden and flower garden......two stars and one flower with one flower ready to put together......hopefully I will have better progress next week.....

Until next time,
Wendy

Gift Exchange

2011-07-29T12:38:00.001-05:00

These are the Christmas coasters that I made for the handmade gift swap over on Craftaholics Anonymous......I made these for Danielle......and there are eight of them......

And this is what she made for me a cute appliqued hand towel and a key fob........thank you Danielle......

It's Here!

2011-07-25T12:41:00.000-05:00

Fresh off the ups truck! My Baby Go cutter is here with my three dies.......I am so happy about this win.......I have been thinking of getting the studio cutter and now I can try out the product before I invest in the bigger machine......I know its not the same and will have some differences but it will give me a chance to try out some of the dies that Accu Quilt has......Thank you to great people at Accu Quilt for sponsoring these giveaways.....and thank you to Vicki B on who's blog I won this little gem of a cutter with three dies......Here is the Baby Go and the three dies that I chose......5" squares, circles and apple core.......now to go play with my new cutter......see you soon.....

Until next time,
Wendy

How Does Your Garden Grow Sunday

2011-07-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

I have two different flower gardens that I will be growing.......the first one is a diamond star garden......below are my first two star flowers.....

My second garden is a traditional flower garden and I will be posting those flowers also......below is a pic of the first two in my garden.......

Go on over to Thearica's blog and check out the other flower gardens that are growing....you can join up at any time and grow your gardens as well.......hopefully I will have more than two of each next week......
Until Next Time,
Wendy

Short Tutorial on Making Diamonds

2011-07-24T09:00:00.001-05:00

I have been wanting to do this tutorial for a while now and thought now would be a good time to do so......I am making a EPP quilt using diamond shapes.....this is by no means the only way to do these, this is just the way that I do them......my diamonds are 1 1/2 inches from point to point on the sides.....I printed them out and then cut them out.......I have 1020.......these will last a long time as they are reusable the way that I do them.......I do not stitch through the paper as that is more work later on......and since I do not baste through the paper I can leave my basting stitches in.....which cuts down on the steps and I am all for saving a few steps......this quilt is not for me since it is not in my colors......these are soft and romantic and will be for a special someone......I am using POM POM De Paris with pink and banana........I cut 2 1/2 inch squares to use.....some people cut out diamond shapes, but I find this quicker......you can do this step however you would like.....
Step One: put paper on fabric at an angle....tip of diamond pointing to tip of square like so....

Next fold the right side over onto the paper.....then do the same for the left side......

Now take the first stitch......make two tiny stitches and make sure you do not go through the paper.....

Once you have the first stitches in you will turn your diamond and fold the middle section down and place two small stitches where the fabric meets......be sure and catch both layers in your stitch....pull thread until it is stable.....do not pull it tight as it will bend your shape....if this happens loosen the thread before moving on.....

After you have made this stitch it is time to go to the top of the diamond once again and fold the fabric over....then make two more small stitches....

Now turn the diamond and fold the fabric over again just like you did the first time......make two stitches.....

Pull the thread through and make two more tiny stitches at the top of the diamond where you started....this last step is important as you make a knot but do not cut the thread.......below is how I make my knot and then add another diamond until you have a string of diamonds.....this keeps you from having to stop and start all over each time......depending on your thread length you can do about 10 to 12 diamonds per thread cut......I use about 1 1/2 yds of thread......I use quilting thread in one strand and I have not had any problem with the length....you can use the length that you are comfortable with.......

To make the knot in the above pic take your lead thread (the one with the over lap of thread) and wrap it around the needle from the right side.....then take the single thread and wrap it from the left to the right side.....pull the needle out of the fabric and pull the thread until it forms the knot......this knot will lay flat and keep your stitches safe.....leave a small distance and start another diamond.....when you come to the end of your thread you will have a chain of diamonds like this.......

I hope this tutorial is a help to you......I also use this same technique on my hexi's that I make......it is easy and I can whip them out pretty fast.....tomorrow I will be sharing a tutorial for a pin cushion that I make with a canning jar.......
Until next time,
Wendy

Look What I Won!

2011-07-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

I won this cute little bowl over on Thearica's blog......she is hosting "How Does Your Garden Grow" sew along on her blog.....l will be making hexi flowers and linking up to show our flowers or projects on Sunday's......if you want to make hexi flowers or yoyo's or something else join in......she will be having giveaways all during this sew along.......I won this cute little bowl that is just perfect for use during beading on my crazy quilts........so go ahead and hop on over to here to sign up.....

Until next time,
Wendy

What I Have Been Up To.........

2011-07-22T15:07:00.000-05:00

The heat here is so unbearable that it makes you wilt when you go outside......all the thunderstorms and rain in the evenings makes it worse........we need a cool breeze to blow in......weather aside I have been busy.....my dd and I went and picked five gallons of blueberries and we put up 24 jars of jam and syrup.....made a blueberry cobbler and put some in the freezer so dd could eat them frozen......here is the results of our labor......yummy!

I was in a mini quilt swap over at Christine's blog a while ago.......this was so much fun to create a special quilt for Cindy from here......
Delivery confirmation said the mini quilt I made for Cindy was delivered......I feel pretty safe in posting a pic of it now.......her color was aqua, so I used some of my Bliss stash to make a Dresden for her......Cindy's new sewing space is done in aqua so I wanted to make something that would go well in her new space.......

And below is the quilt that she made for me......I love that she used Kaffe fabrics and she even sent along the leftover fabric from the backing.....thanks Cindy, I love it......

Until next time,
Wendy

Exciting News! I WON!

2011-07-21T17:13:00.001-05:00

I was going to wait about sharing this but decided to go ahead and share.......on July 4th I won a Baby GO from Vicki B's blog! A big thank you to Vicki and the people of Accu Quilt! I also won my choice of three dies.......I picked 5" squares, Apple Core and Circles dies........I am waiting on the delivery and will be posting about it again........I am so excited about this win......

Until next time,
Wendy

Stolen Quilts

2011-07-19T10:53:00.000-05:00

I was appalled to learn that one of my favorite crazy quilters had a quilt stolen from market! Allie Aller had her beautiful "Crazy In The Garden" quilt stolen along with three other quilts! This is so sad that someone would take a quilt that did not belong to them......C & T Publishing has posted a reward for the quilts......if you see any of these quilts please contact them with the info.....if you are the person who took them shame on you! Bring them back to those who rightfully own them as they do not belong to you......my heart goes out to all the quilters who lost their quilts......I had planned to put a quilt in the state fair this year, but now have decided it is not worth the possible loss of my quilt......if you see these quilts sound the alarm! I know I will......

Maybe if these quilts are put out there enough they will be found and returned to the owners.......you can help by posting this on your blog as well as keeping an eye out for them......

Until next time,

Wendy

Had To Share Some Good Eats!

2011-07-14T19:37:00.000-05:00

Last night for supper we had an awesome curry dish that I found here.....so delicious! I made a huge pot of this and there was none left......my bunch ate every single bite with none left for today's lunch......thanks Chooky for an awesome recipe that will now become a family favorite go to dish......if you want the recipe follow the link above and try it out.....you will not be disappointed......the only thing I did different was to use 2tbls. of hot curry powder we love spice!.......just awesome!

Until next time,
Wendy

What I have been up too.......

2011-07-13T17:34:00.000-05:00

I have been busy with outside things lately such as gardening and such......my dad and I planted four rows of bunch beans, thirty one tomato plants, and two and a half rows of two different types of squash......dad had already planted forty two rows of peas.....now to water, weed and watch it grow......my peaches are ready and the fig trees are loaded with figs.....one grape vine has lots of grapes and the muscadine vines are loaded which means lots of jelly.....also the crab apple trees are loaded as well as the regular apple trees......will be making jelly and applesauce come fall...may dry some for pies also.......on the sewing front I have been busy......Made a Santa Sack, Christmas coasters and a mini quilt......they are below....
This is the Santa Sack I made.........

This is the Santa Sack that I received from Sammie...

We sent along three gifts with our sack for the first month.....this swap runs from July to December with each person sending their partner two gifts a month to put into the sack......on Christmas we open all the gifts that our partner has sent to us.....so I can't show the gifts I sent until Christmas.....

These are the Christmas coasters that I made for the handmade swap......I made these for Danielle......and there are eight of them......

And this is what she made for me........thank you Danielle......

This is the practice mini quilt I made for the DollQuiltSwap11......the theme is true mini with the size being 9" to 18"......this was fun and I enjoyed making it....

Now all I have to do is make my mini quilt for my swap partner.....will post the plan tomorrow.....below are the fabrics that I am using....

I have some wonderful news to share in a week or so....I am so thrilled about it and it is really hard not to post about it......but once I receive a certain item I will tell you all about it......On a different note, my sweet hubby came in today with a most awesome gift for me.....a singer treadle sewing machine.....this machine is in excellent shape and is sew ready!!!!!!! I am doing such a big happy dance!!!! I have wanted one of these for over 10yrs......it has lots of attachments also.....I will post a pic soon......I am going to give her a test run later today.......now off to draft the mini quilt.......

Until Next Time,
Wendy

Fabric Pages

2011-06-23T13:47:00.000-05:00

Below are some fabric pages that I have swapped out.....I enjoyed making each of these and really like what I received in return.....First is one I made for Ritva, her theme was Art Nouveau......this is my interpretation of her theme......

This is the book page Ritva sent out to me.......my theme was Victorian.....

The next book page I made for Helga B......her theme was Fairies/Mystics and I chose to do a fairy......

This is the page that Helga B made for me.......my theme for this one was peacocks.......he is so lovely...

The next page was made for Margreet and her theme was butterflies......this is the page I made for her.....I used flower leaves to make the butterfly with and then decided to put it with a flower......

This is the page that Margreet sent out to me........this photo does not do it justice as it is really rich in color....very beautiful......

This is the last of these for today......this one is for Maureen who chose Autumn for her theme......I chose these beautiful leaves as my interpretation of her theme along with the background fabric.....autumn is one of my favorite times of the year as the colors of the trees are so rich and vibrant here......

And this is the page that Maureen sent out to me.....I only recently found this page......it had been sitting in the envelope since sometime in November of 2010.....I don't know how I had missed it, but I did......this is one of my favorite pages.....the body of the peacock is stumpwork I am guessing......he is fabulous.......

I have more book pages to share in the coming weeks.....so come back and have a look see.......

Until Next Time,
Wendy

Little Quilt Finally Arrives

2011-06-09T13:06:00.000-05:00

Finally the little quilt that I made has arrived at its new home way down under......I was getting worried about it and thought I may have to make another one.....below is a reminder pic of the quilty I sent out to Bree......I did raw edge applique and then machine stitched around the outside of each leaf......then I took some mint green perle 8 cotton floss and quilted around each leaf again.....I like how this little quilt turned out.....the background fabric is mint green and really pretty in person, this pic does not do it justice....

below is a pic of the quilt that Bree sent out to me......

And a closeup of the Dresden Plate:

I love the colors she chose for me.......it is now hanging in my studio.....I am working on finishing up some more fabric pages that I had gotten behind on because of life moments and will be posting about them soon.....

Until Next Time,

Wendy

GO Baby Giveaway!

2011-06-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

Spunky Diva is having a Go Baby giveaway on her blog here:
http://thespunkydiva.net/accuquilt-go-baby-giveaway-part-1-tumbler-toddler-pillow/ today is the last day to enter so hurry on over.....

Pin Cushion Swap

2011-06-03T18:44:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone, hope your week has went well.......mine has been busy.......and hot!!! It is so hot here that you feel as if you might melt when you go outside.......other than that all is good......I received my pin cushion swap today.....Wendi had my name.......she sent me two great pin cushions, a pin keep and some embroidery thread.......they are so me!!!! Lots of fun color and will be well used in the studio....

I will post what I sent out to my partner when she receives it in the mail......which hopefully will be soon....I have touched base with everyone and all the pin cushions are in the mail......so everyone should be getting theirs soon.......I have been asked if I will be hosting another round and the answer is yes.......as soon as all the pin cushions are delivered we will do another swap.......would you like to swap random pin cushions or should we have a theme? Let me know and we will take it from there......
Until Next Time,
Wendy

Crazy Quilt Putting It All Together

2011-05-31T08:00:00.001-05:00

I was asked how I put my crazy quilts together so that the seams would lay flat......so I thought I would post that here as well just in case someone else wanted to know........it really is simple and the pic shows my seams in progress.....

I just use a large enough herringbone stitch to reach top/bottom and go all the way across the seams.....when finished I go to the next set of seams and do the same stitch all the way across.....when all seams are stitched down I take an iron and lightly press.....be sure to put a fluffy towel underneath the crazy quilt so you do not flatten out the flowers and such......also be sure and press then lift.....do not slide the iron back and forth......you will distort the front if you are not very careful.....This has always worked for me and I like how all the seams are open and lay flat for me....

Until Next Time,
Wendy

Mug Rug

2011-05-30T18:06:00.001-05:00

This is a mug rug that I had made last month and just have not blogged about it....below are the stages of progress and the finished product....this is the start of the mug rug.....getting the base ready with the circles cut......on this rug the circles are not all the same size....

Next is the mug rug all quilted........both front and back......looking good if I do say so myself.....

Finally the finished product with binding in place......I really enjoyed making this mug rug and will be making more soon......

I am so glad that I finally got to post this......I have been trying for two days now......I usually use foxfire and I changed to IE and it let me post the pics.....go figure.......anyhow stay tuned for more mug rugs in the future.....

Happy Stitching,

Wendy

Arrrrrrggggg!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-30T10:45:00.000-05:00

Blogger is being troublesome again......will not let me upload any pics.........is anyone else having this problem.....this is day two of not being able to load pics into my post!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Makes me want to change blogs.......

A Box of Fabric Giveaway!

2011-05-25T21:51:00.000-05:00

Dena over at Tales of Wayne Manor :http://talesatwaynemanor.blogspot.com is having a great fabric giveaway! Go check it out.....

Moment of Bragging!

2011-05-16T08:30:00.004-05:00

Just had to post a few pics of sweet Jazmine for you to see how our sweet girl is growing.......she is such a sweet little girl and brings much happiness to all of us....also a pic of big sister and big brother with her.....they are a beautiful group of kids!

Thank you for letting this gran share the beauty of her grans with you.......family is such a precious thing.....

Until Next Time,

Wendy

New Mini Crazy Quilt

2011-05-15T08:30:00.001-05:00

I am in a new RR over at CQI and the theme is Gypsy Treasures.......this is the block that I have sent out to be worked on.....

This RR has inspired me to make a mini crazy quilt with this theme also.....below is a pic of the quilt before I begin work on it......I will work on this over the next few months as this rr is going on and hopefully it will be finished at the end.....this quilt will be framed to hang......this little quilt measures 24x24 inches and will be bound before framing with a 2inch sashing......

The center patch is just beautiful and will be where I draw my inspiration from....what do you think......

I think she is absolutely gorgeous and will give me great inspiration while I work......my first block in the rr has arrived and I am working on it.......I will be posting pics soon of what I have added to the block.....

Until Next Time,
Wendy

Sewn Spaces Swap

2011-05-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

I was in a swap called Sewn Spaces Swap......we were to make a sewing machine cover according to our partners machine specs.......this is the cover I made for my partner.....as this was a secret swap I cannot say who my partner was until she receives her package....

Here is the whole package that I sent out to her.....a pin cushion and some fabric.......I used my prisma pencils to color in random scissors over the fabric.....hope my partner likes it.....

Until Next Time,
Wendy

Quilty

2011-05-13T23:51:00.001-05:00

I cannot remember if I posted a pic of the finished quilt that I sent out to Bree so I am posting again just in case.....

I really like how this turned out and may make one myself in a different colorway.......

Until Next Time,

Wendy

Vintage Brooch Swap/New Family Member

2011-05-13T13:51:00.000-05:00

My partner in the Vintage Brooch Swap was Michelle and this is what she sent me.....these are such wonderful brooches and look how she sent them in a pouch made from vintage stitchery.....

This is what I sent out to her.....hope she likes what I chose for her.....

We have a new family member living with us......he is so cute and his name is Whizzer.......he has the sweetest disposition and loves to cuddle.........

Once again I am in love with puppy goodness! Riddick and Ruby seem to like him as well.....Riddick more than Ruby, but that is because she is old and crotchety!
Until Next Time,
Wendy

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T12:35:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to wish my mother a very Happy Mother's Day! I love you and want you to know what a great inspiration you have always been to me and will continue to be......If I could have chosen a mother it would be you.......I love you mom and wish you the best and happiest Mother's Day ever....this pic is mom and fourth generation Jazmine!

Applique Addict is Having a Giveaway!

2011-05-04T12:10:00.000-05:00

Applique Addict is having a 200 post giveaway on her blog.....you can find it here:

http://appliqueaddict.blogspot.com/2011/05/200th-post-give-away.html

While there check out her amazing Charlie Harper cat quilt!

Storm Update

2011-04-28T18:54:00.002-05:00

In the small town that my sister lives in there have been 17 deaths......there may be more when they get through the debris and fallen trees........in the Shoal Creek Valley homes have been leveled and whole families lost......it is so sad......not many people know about it as it has not had media coverage......the death toll may rise as workers finds more people in all the carnage......it looks as though a bomb has been dropped in the area......my sister has damage to her home and many trees are lost....but thankfully all of them are safe......no loss of life......my niece's best friend along with her family has died.........another family lost several members of her family leaving her alone.......Please pray for the state of Alabama as the death toll continues to rise at 1:00 pm today the death count was at 178 and climbing......right now they are concentrating their efforts on finding those still alive.....I thank God for our blessings, but my heart is so heavy for our state and the people involved......my daughter in Georgia is ok......again thankful to God the storm hit 11 miles from them........another miracle happened with my husband as he was returning home from a trip.......my heart is full of gratitude to God for His protection during this awful storm.......God is so faithful to watch over those who belong to Him......and even in the midst of the tragedy He can be found.......thank you to those who have emailed or commented with prayers for not only my family but those in my beloved state......we truly appreciate them....have a blessed day........

Wendy

A Day of Storms

2011-04-27T23:13:00.000-05:00

This has been a day of storms that started at 5:30 am for us......We had an embedded tornado in our town that did a lot of damage in our area......it hit the historical district where we lived when we first moved back to Alabama.......we rented this house until right before the yr was out......our landlord hit hard times and lost this house in order to keep the house his family are living in....so we had to move........I really loved this house even though it had some problems.....it was built in 1900 and she was a grand lady in her day.....she did need quiet a bit of work as she had foundation issues.....but with some tlc she could have been a show place.....below is pics of what she looked like this morning after the storm was over.....

Windows out and more structural damage done from this storm......the tree fell on the master bedroom, foyer and living room and the attic apartment.......such a shame that this grand lady is now stricken and more damaged than before.....the foundation has shifted again which will probably cause her to be torn down.....sad when I think about it......we now live about one and a half miles from here......we did not have any damage which I know that God alone took care of us.....the section the above house is in is so damaged......many old trees and houses are now gone or will have to be torn down.....another section of town was hit hard with some fatalities........two schools were hit.......we are just now coming out of the storms.......my sister and bil had damage to their home late this evening in the second wave of storms......they live 11 miles from me in a beautiful valley and a tornado came through around 6pm......my grandparents house which is empty is totaled out also....its not far from my sisters house.....today has been very emotional for everyone in Alabama......so far the death toll is at 57 and they expect it to rise by morning......Please pray for all those who lost homes, and loved ones........there is a family of five with major injuries that are trapped in their house where my sister lives......please pray for them that they are extracted soon and treated......injuries include a broken back, a broken leg, a post through ones chest and the other two have similar injuries......they are having to be cut out of the home......My prayer for tonight is that the storm will die out without anymore damage.......

Wendy

Happy Easter and Tilda Easter Swap

2011-04-22T08:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Easter to everyone who reads my blog.....don't forget as we celebrate this holiday to remember what we are truly celebrating....the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior....without Him all things would be for nothing.....through Him we have eternal life......I will be away from my blog for the next couple of days spending time with my family.......and on Sunday we are having a special dedication service for Jazmine.....What a great day to dedicate a baby.....a day when we celebrate the resurrection of Christ and new beginnings.......

My Tilda Easter Swap arrived......it came all the way from Portugal! My swap partner was Manuela she sent me the sweetest package.....the box was battered and opened (customs I guess) and hopefully all was still inside.....She made me the cutest lamb......she also enclosed two pieces of fabric, two skeins of yarn that I can use in my cq.....and some dark chocolate covered almonds which are gone......and yes they were yummy! I wish I had more!lol.....So here is a pic of my goodies....Thank you Manuela I love everything that you sent.....

And this is what I sent out to my partner......hope she likes it.....I can't say who until she posts about it....

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

Helina's RR Block

2011-04-21T16:35:00.000-05:00

This is Helina's block in the Winter theme DYB at CQI.....she chose icy blues, whites and cream with a little green and silver as accents.....I enjoyed working on the block....hope she likes what I placed on her block.....

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

MMM Swap In The Mail

2011-04-18T20:10:00.000-05:00

I know everyone around the world could hear my squeal of delight when I opened my package on today....it was filled with so many awesome surprises.....my swap partner was Jenny and she sent me the most awesome package ever!!!! First she made this super fantastic machine cover for me.....it is so me in the colors and theme she chose......take a look see!

Then she made me the cutest little mini quilt wall hanging.......I love it.........Look at all those lovely colors she put in this little quilt......

Last but certainly not least she sent along these awesome fabrics for stash enhancement.......I did not have any of these and am thrilled with them.......

Now a pic of all of them together......

I am such a lucky girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Thank you so much Jenny.....I love everything that you sent out to me.....You did a great job of researching me and finding out what I like......

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

MMM Swap In The Mail

2011-04-16T14:43:00.000-05:00

This is what I sent out to my MMM swap partner.....since this is a secret swap I cannot say who it is for right now....I really hope she likes what I chose to make her along with the fabric that was sent out......I also included a pretty little hand blown necklace for her.....

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.....

Wendy

Partner Info Now Sent Out

2011-04-14T22:11:00.001-05:00

Hi Ladies, all those who have signed up for the swap check your in box and spam if your info is not in your in box.......all partner info has been sent out to you......REMEMBER this is a secret swap so don't tell!.lol Let me know if you have any problems or questions......you will send directly to your partner......now let the fun begin.....

Sweet Jazmine!

2011-04-12T09:00:00.002-05:00

Just a post to show my sweet Jazmine as she is growing so much........I know I am partial but isn't she cute as a button! I am so in love with her......She will be five months old this month and is just as sweet as she can be.....

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

Birdie Quilt Finished

2011-04-11T22:53:00.000-05:00

I put the binding on today and now it is finished......the more I thought about the more I wanted my swap partner Nichol to have this little quilt.......the other quilt arrived today and she loved it.........you can go here to read about it.......this one will be winging its way to her on tomorrow.....What do you think about the binding? I like the darker binding and I think it makes the chocolate henna fabric look really nice.....

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

Last Day!

2011-04-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that today is the last day to sign up for the pin cushion swap! Partners will go out tomorrow evening so be sure and sign up today if you have been waiting......this is going to be a lot of fun.....I will post participants in my sidebar once partners have gone out........

Wendy

Dresden Mini

2011-04-09T16:50:00.001-05:00

This is the Dresden mini quilt that I made for my swap partner........Originally I was making a really cute bird quilt but had read somewhere that if your swap partner did not comment on the pic they more than likely did not like it.....since my partner did not comment I decided to make a mini Dresden instead.....I really hope that she likes it.....I really liked making it and kept the quilting simple......just stitch in the ditch....I also used a new technique that I used on the backing......you use a light background and darker thread when quilting the front.....this then becomes your quilt label if you like.......I used it for this little quilt and hope my partner likes it as much as I do.....

This is the first little quilt I made.....I just used echo quilting on it.....I like it and it will become a fixture in my studio.....

Don't forget about the pin cushion swap.....you still have time to sign up.....post below with all the info that you need.....sign ups will close on Monday April 11th...

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

Doll Quilt 10

2011-04-06T20:32:00.000-05:00

I should have posted this last week but got busy and did not post.....I received my lovely quilt from the Doll Quilt 10 Swap......Dena was my swap partner and she did a fabulous job of creating for me......anyone who knows me knows that I love peacocks and she did the whole package with my favorite theme! The embroidery is just awesome.......the pic really does not do the quilt justice......she also sent me five fq's of Duquesa by Blank and it is just gorgeous.......I am one happy camper....A big thank you to Dena........

If you want to participate in the Pin Cushion Swap don't forget to sign up. You can click on the link in my sidebar to go to the post or look at the previous post...sign ups will close on April 11th, 2011....

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

How About A Pin Cushion Swap

2011-04-02T14:00:00.004-05:00

Hi everyone, I was thinking of hosting a pincushion swap here on my blog......it would be a one to one swap where you would sign up and I would pair you with a partner that you would then make a pin cushion for.....this would be a secret swap so you would not know who was making for you......if you are interested let me know......sign ups would be from now which is April 2nd until Monday April 11th.......that gives one week for sign ups if you are interested.....copy and fill out the form below it you would like to participate....for this swap we will keep it open only to those who have a blog....I will match up and send out partners by email on Tuesday the 12th of April......Pin Cushions will be due to mail out on May 31st 2011....that will give everyone a little over 5 weeks to make their pincushion and be ready to send out on the 31st of May......What type of pin cushion you make is up to you, just be sure and match it to your swap partners likes.....Remember you are making it for her and not you, so your likes and dislikes may not be the same....also and this is very important as we want this to be a fun swap for everyone involved.....if for some reason you cannot follow through please email me and let me know so that an angel pincushion can be made for your swap partner......everyone who swaps a pin cushion will receive one in turn.....I understand that life happens and sometimes we have to change gears......let me know so I can make proper arrangements for your partner.......if you flake out and do not make the proper arrangements you will not be allowed to participate in the next round......Now let the fun begin lets swap some fab pincushions!

Name:
Email:
Blog:
What is your favorite color/s combo:
What is your style: country, modern, victorian etc.
Dislikes:
What are your hobbies:
Anything you would like your partner to know about you:

Even if you leave a comment here be sure to email me at : crazyforfabric@gmail.com as this is the email I have set up for this swap will be using as I get way too many emails on my other email and may miss it.......Be sure to copy and fill out the form and send it with your sign up email......

Hope this button works......you should be able to copy and save the button and it should link back to my blog....if not you can copy the pic and link back to my blog when you add it to your blog.....now let those sign ups begin....

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

Book Goes To!

2011-04-02T12:58:00.000-05:00

Hi Tudi if you would email me with your snail mail I will mail the book out to you......

Quilting Book Extravaganza

2011-03-31T21:30:00.000-05:00

I went to a small thrift shop on main street today.......I don't usually go there because they never seem to have anything I want.......well today they had a stack of quilting books that were only 1.00! I picked them all up....these are all new books that did not sell in the stores.....there was also a couple of beading books and a crochet motif book that I had thought about getting once before but never got.....now I have it and it only cost me a dollar! Yay!!!! Anyhow, I just had to share the bonanza of books with you......now as I was looking through these there is one by Debbie Mum that I will never use as I am not into the country theme.....So if you are into country quilting you can look at the pic and if you would like to have it leave a comment with an email so I can get in touch with you and if there is more than one person who wants it I will draw for it......

The book below is the one up for grabs if your interested.......

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

Progress Being Made

2011-03-28T15:10:00.002-05:00

Thought I would post a few of the things I have been working on to lighten things up after the last heavy post....I have been working on a couple of swap projects and have a few sneak peeks......the first one is for the Doll Quilt Swap that Christine hosted here: my partner was Bree and this is a peek at what I made for her before the quilting was done.......I decided to do this pattern that I had been wanting to try for a while.......and since I had already decided to make an artsy quilt I chose this.......Bree likes blues so that is what I decided to go with.....you can't see it in this pic but the background is a really soft mint green which makes the blues pop against it......white looked too harsh.......

I hope she likes the quilt when she receives it......I really wanted to keep it for myself so I will be making one soon for me....When it arrives at her home I will show the quilting.......I am also making a doll quilt for the Doll Quilt 10 Swap......this is my in-progress shot for this little quilt......this is a secret swap so I cannot tell you where it will be going......sure hope my partner likes it......

I have added two borders since this pic was taken and will post another pic when I am finished quilting it......I also have several book pages that are on their way to different people and when they arrive I will post pics of those also....

Happy Stitching,
Wendy

It's Finally Over

2011-03-28T14:56:00.001-05:00

As most of my readers know my son, nephew and brother-in-love was hit head on by a drunk driver a little over a year and a half ago...since then we have been to court several times....finally this past week we are finished with court......all in our favor thankfully....yet the person who hit them will not be prosecuted or go to jail......this was her 3rd offense for the same thing...alcohol found in the persons system,in the car she was driving.....the same persons parents placed her in a home for the mentally unstable so she would not be prosecuted.....there is nothing we can do unless she ever gets out before the time frame to be prosecuted is up.....then she will go to jail......my bil will never work again, walk properly, or do the daily things he was able to.......my nephew now has anger issues resulting from this wreck.......my son does not sleep well or ride in a vehicle well since the accident......three lives changed by a careless driver....for my son he can now move on and eventually will recover from his issues......my nephew will do the same.......my bil's life is forever changed along with my sister.....now she must work to support her family.......the roles are reversed........please pray for them......there is no satisfaction or relief in store for them......they're lives are forever changed because someone chose to drink, and drive with no regard for themselves or others......IF YOU DECIDE TO DRINK PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE..........YOU MAY BE LUCKY AND MAKE IT HOME OK WITH NO MISHAPS.....THEN AGAIN YOU MAY HURT NOT ONLY YOURSELVES BUT OTHERS AND FOREVER CHANGE SOMEONES LIFE FOR THE WORSE........Yes I am happy that they did not die........they could have and my bil almost did twice........and still could from three of the blood clots that will take over another year to dissolve........at the same time people who drink should not drive........the laws should be tougher on those who do........they should not be allowed to hide away to keep from going to jail........yes she needs help......yes she needs to dry out and get off all drugs and alcohol.......and yes she should go to jail for what she did......our laws should protect the innocent and not the law breakers........the laws should be harsher for those who continue to drink and drive........the roads would be safer for those who do follow the law........the innocent would be safer........If you drink and drive my prayer is that you get caught before you hurt or kill yourself or someone else.......Please don't be the cause of someone else's suffering. For those of you who think I am on a soap box and need to hush......undoubtedly you have never experienced what we as a family have in the past year and a half or you're a drinker who drives when they please without regard for life...yours or others.......Drinking and driving do not mix!!! Please do not put the two together........they only cause harm and eventually you will either get caught, hurt someone (maybe someone you love) or kill/hurt someone you don't know....I am not trying to be harsh, just trying to keep what happened to us from happening to someone else.....Awful things happen to good people all the time.......some may say where was God in all of this......He was with them in the accident......they all survived.........my son said God pushed him over to the side when they flipped.......God was with my bil during all those days, weeks that he was fighting for his life....God is still with us today........WE praise God daily for the lives that He spared that day.......I even thank God that the person who hit them did not die......at least now she has another opportunity to change her life and accept Christ into her life.....I thank God that He was and is with us on a daily basis making the crooked path straight....God has been with us through it all......He has given us favor when we needed it, strength when we needed it and love throughout this ordeal....Every time I look at my son I see the faithfulness of God to us......God was and is with us at all times, good, bad, hard and easy....and I am thankful that He is Faithful to us who call Him Father......Please don't let someone you know DRINK AND DRIVE!

Wendy

Giveaway

2011-03-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

Kaelin over at the Plaid Scottie is having an awesome giveaway of fabric.......three chances to win.........two fat quarter bundles and a box of scraps from her studio.....go on over and check it out.......but hurry it ends midnight tomorrow.....her blog can be found here: http://theplaidscottie.blogspot.com/