Blissful

Blissful

Cool aqua and soothing gray blend well together, and today's quilt features both. The fabrics coordinate perfectly even though I didn't buy them together. One or two are remnants over ten years old.

I started out with two blocks – nine-patch and drunkard's path, using EQ8 to design. After trying out several layouts on the design wall, I decided to put them on point and add pieced corners. I ended up using seven dies to cut the sections.

Blissful is 45” square after adding two strip borders. Quilting is a straight stitch in aqua thread, using a ruler and walking foot to emphasize the curves. I love the overall effect of the stitching.  Such a calming quilt!

Dies used:

Accuquilt
55743 & 55739 Drunkard's Path 9” finished
55006 Square 3½”
55009 Half Square Triangle 3½”
55018 Small Value die HST
55017 Strip 2½”

Blue Wren
6015 Strip 1½”

Festive Flair

I can't believe it's December! I've just finished decorating for Christmas with simple touches in each room. Nothing fancy, mostly quilts mixed in with our favorite holiday items.

This new quilt is a modern design using red, teal and pale gray colors. The alternating 8” blocks, four-patch and mill wheel, have been around for a long time. I think the same layout done with scraps and white would look more traditional, so I may try that later.

Quick and easy to sew, Festive Flair is 48” square. I quilted in rows 2” apart with light gray thread. Backing is a red on red print. I used the teal squiggle print for binding.

More Christmas quilting is underway, so check back next Monday for additional bits of holiday cheer.

Dies used:
Blue Wren
6865 Mill Wheel 8” finished
Accuquilt
55018 Value die Square 4” finished
55059 Square 2½” multiple
55017 Strip 2½”

Relish every moment

 

Falling Leaves

Our leaves are finally getting some color. I love fall, the crisp air, and the beauty across the rolling hills of Tennessee.

This little quilt features another vintage block pattern called Silver Maple. It was also published as Maple Leaf or Broad Arrow. Granny Rose made several of these quilts. I chose fall prints of rust, taupe, green, and gold for the nine inch blocks.

Falling Leaves is 45” square after adding an outside border of half rectangles. I quilted in dark taupe thread with free motion loops. It's hanging on the wall in our dining room for the season.

Accuquilt dies used:
55731 Signature 4½” finished
55147 Half Square Triangle 2¼” finished
55395 Square 2¼” finished
55107 Rectangle 2¼” x 4½” finished
55409 Triangle in Square (sides only)

Sitting on the porch

Drinking morning coffee

= relaxing bliss

Turkey Creek

Turkey Creek -- Katie Scarlett Designs

I truly enjoy playing in Electric Quilt 8 using different block designs. This one started as a 12” sample of Blue Wren's Turkey Tracks die, then it grew into a lap quilt. I'm loving the color combination of navy, orange, and yellow with natural muslin.

For alternate blocks, I substituted four-patch segments with the curved center section of turkey tracks. I started out with five turkey tracks and four alternate blocks. After putting them together it seemed unfinished, so I added a border all around, extending the four-patch sets and 4” muslin squares.

Quilting really stands out with diagonal serpentine lines in medium blue thread. The backing and binding is navy with white mini dots. Turkey Creek finished at 44” square.

You'll be seeing this die again soon...I already have another vintage block laid out using some of the pieces. A quilter's brain never stops generating new ideas!

Dies used:
Blue Wren
6664 Turkey Tracks 6” finished quarter block
Accuquilt
55017 Strips 2½”
55059 Square 2½” multiples
55018 Small Value Die 4” square

Thank goodness

for the instant pot,

the crock pot,

and a husband

who's learned how to cook.

Another Fabric JACKPOT!

I hit an unbelievable jackpot last week. Fabric for one dollar a yard!  It all started with an innocent trip to the grocery. As we walked in, I noticed a flyer on the bulletin board: Fabric for sale, $1 a yard. WHAT? I pulled off one of the phone number tags and tucked it in my pocket. Probably too good to be true, I thought.

After we got home, I called and went to check it out, wearing my COVID mask. Oh, yeah there was fabric. A whole room full of good quality, beautiful material in a rainbow of colors, folded and labeled. All priced at $1 per yard. Miss Betty, in her 80's, has arthritis and just can't sew any more.

I focused on the quilting cotton, and quickly gathered up bundles from ¼ yard remnants to 12 yard bolts of 108” backing. It's a good thing I keep a large bin in my Escape, because I filled it up, along with several tote bags. I spent $200 and hardly made a dent in her inventory.

Of course, my sweet husband told me I should go back for more. His reasoning was simple: get all you can since it's good stuff and insanely priced. He'd rather I spent $1 per yard now instead of $5 to $15 later. And he was right. The next morning I headed back over there, armed with large laundry baskets.

So, in less than 24 hours, I added 500 yards of quilting cotton in a variety of prints and solids to my already huge collection of fabric. Five hundred dollars is definitely a lot to spend, but I'm pretty sure I won't need to buy anything except batting for several years.

I had to clear out some things to make space. It took me nearly three days to sort, fold onto mini-bolts, and enter all of it into my inventory spreadsheet.

I am over the moon. Thanks, Miss Betty!

They say money can't buy happiness,

but it CAN buy fabric,

and that makes me more than happy!

Seaside Cobblestones

Nature's muted colors combined beautifully with large hexagons in this throw sized quilt. Light aqua, soft brown and cream prints made me think of a cozy beach cottage.  

Measuring 42" x 53", Seaside Cobblestones is currently draped across the back of my bedroom chair.

The AccuQuilt half hexagon die made sewing this one quick and easy with all straight seams. The backing and binding is a tan and white crosshatch pattern.

Free motion quilting was done on my Flynn Frame. I stitched large swirls with medium tan thread in each hexagon first, then removed the frame to decorate the borders. Small swirls and applique stitching finished it off with flair.

Until I can get a beach trip scheduled, I'll just retreat to our bedroom and dream of the ocean.

“For her 

the ocean was 

more than a dream, 

it was a place she needed 

to visit to find herself.

And when she returned 

to the city, 

you could see 

the sun in her eyes, 

the wind in her hair, 

and the taste of 

the infinite salt 

on her lips.” 

 ~Jose Chaves

Lilac Medallion

Lilac Medallion

On this fall morning, I had coffee on the back porch and enjoyed the cooler temperatures. What a welcome change!

This week's project is stitched from pieces in my remnant box, finished last month. It's a 30” square, made up of nine kite blocks cut with Accuquilt. 

Sweet lilac prints and dots are paired with white and cream. The color layout forms a medallion shape. The backing is a tiny purple rosebud design. I quilted with white thread in parallel rows of continuous triangles.

Today seems perfect for a little yard work, a bit of cleaning, and of course, our windows are wide open to the 70 degree breezes.

Take time to savor

the first hints of fall

Barefoot On The Beach

We just got home from a most delightful week in Orange Beach, Alabama. The weather was perfect, lows in the mid 50's and highs in the mid 70's. Our tenth floor suite at the recently renovated Island House Hotel in Orange Beach was super clean and spacious. The view and the beach were beautiful. The waves sounded amazing. There weren't many people around until Saturday and even then it wasn't really crowded.

Pecan Encrusted Grouper - DeSoto's

And, oh my, the seafood! 

Our favorite Gulf Shores restaurants, Mikee's Seafood and DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen, are still providing mouth-watering meals. Mikee's fried shrimp, fried red snapper and pan grilled grouper are so delicious. DeSoto's pecan encrusted flash fried grouper and Parmesan breaded flounder were the best I have ever eaten. We tried a new spot, Doc's Seafood Shack, which claims to have “the best fried shrimp in the entire civilized world” – and I believe they may be correct. Medium tailless shrimp with a light flaky batter were fried to perfection. Several new places looked promising, but there are just too many restaurants and not enough time!

Shopping load from the beach

Of course, there was shopping. Fabrics By The Pound, located in Summerdale, has an outstanding inventory of high quality quilting fabric and batting. What I bought wasn't sold by the pound, but the prices were reasonable at $7.99 per yard and sale prices of $4.99 per yard. Their decorator and upholstery fabric was nice, and the staff was very friendly. I was there for a while; filled a buggy with fabric bolts. Our car was a bit heavier on the way home. At Foley Antique Marketplace, Jerold found a $50 bargain with a Zenith Transoceanic radio, circa 1954.

There's new construction going on with condos and beach houses in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Fort Morgan is still mostly houses, thank goodness. 

To cap our trip, as we were sitting on the balcony on the last evening, we saw some unusual activity on the beach. A guy in khakis set out a blanket, cooler, and a sign of some sort, then left it and hid behind a dune with a girl in a dress who had a huge camera. Got our binoculars, and another well dressed couple was hiding behind another dune nearby. Soon after, a young couple came down the beach and stopped at the blanket. You guessed it, a proposal. They hugged, he dropped down on one knee, and she said yes. How cool is that? I hope they stay married at least as long as we have.

The beach is truly my happy place. I love being there, feeling the breeze, smelling the sea air, and hanging out with my guy. If we had an opportunity to move there, I would have to think about it, but it might not take long to decide. It is a magical, relaxing, calming spot. 

Perdido Pass Bridge, Orange Beach

 

Two Quick Designs

I have been stitching like the wind and need to catch up, so I
have two quilts for you today.  These mini  projects go quickly and are so much fun to design.

Lakeside Oasis

 

Lakeside Oasis consists of strips and squares in cool, peaceful colors.  Green, aqua, navy, and grey strips are joined randomly, then cut into squares and sewn on point with light grey batik.  I stitched with grey thread in a wave pattern.  This relaxing and pretty 31" square is currently on the wall in my bedroom.

Tea Time

A cute table mat of diagonally placed wide strips is neutral cream and tan with a touch of aqua.  They are stitched together and cut diagonally, then flipped around to form a 24" square.  Tea Time was inspired by the binding and backing fabric of alphabet letters and teacups. 

Speaking of inspiration, I have had plenty lately.  These two were done back in July and early August.  Since then I have finished five others and designed so many that I can't sew fast enough.  

Gotta use all this pretty fabric, so I can buy more!!  


NEVER, NEVER ENOUGH FABRIC 
 

44 Years And Counting

When I went on my first date with my future husband, to a high school football game, I was fifteen years old. I had no idea that a mere four years later, we would be at the church house getting married. I figured out pretty quickly that he was the one and he apparently agreed.

I'm so glad we made those choices. We've had some fine adventures.  

Forty-four years, just the two of us. 

I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Happy Anniversary week, sweetheart!

If you really know what you want,

and how to get there,

then everything else falls into place.

Happily Sewing

Saturday was National Sewing Day, so I made a weekend of it.  Music, iced tea, and a stack of cool, pretty fabric. I fiddled with several designs to come up with a cute triangle wall hanging and some pillows for the living room.

 

It was very relaxing until I tried to filet my little finger with the rotary cutter. Oh well, just slap on a band-aid and carry on.  No need to worry about a little blood because I didn't get any on the fabric.

Fabric is so addictive 

that it should be 

a controlled substance

...but I'm sure glad it's not.  

The Simple Summer List

Here's to a summer of simple pleasures! The important things in life take time, so make an effort to slow down, simplify, and make this summer easy, breezy and fun.

Do the fun stuff: Go out for ice cream or a root beer float. Take in a movie at the drive-in. Escape into an interesting novel. Drink sweet tea, margaritas, or ice cold beer on your porch. Plan a road trip to explore someplace new. Count fireflies. Go to a dark spot and stargaze.

Lose the clutter: Less is better and easier to keep clean. Put away knick-knacks and heavy accessories for the uncluttered feel of a vacation retreat. Swap out dark colors for pure white, light sage, luscious melon, watery aqua, beachy blue, or pale gray.

Lighten up meals: Use the grill or crockpot often to keep the kitchen clean and cool. Seasonal veggies and fruits are plentiful and inexpensive for refreshing salads and side dishes.

Get back to basics: A simple summer wardrobe of lightweight pants, shorts, sundresses, tees, and camp shirts with sneakers or sandals will keep you cool and make laundry day easier. Leave the fussy hairstyles and heavy makeup behind.

Forget multitasking: Immerse yourself in each activity. Observe your surroundings and become aware of your senses. Experience life fully. Don't plan every minute; live on island time and let each day unfold to see where it takes you.

“Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...”

~ Susan Polis Schutz

“Summer, after all, is a time when wonderful things can happen to quiet people. For those few months, you’re not required to be who everyone thinks you are...”

~ Deb Coletti 

 

Believe In Magic

Magic exists, we only have to pay attention in order to experience it. We need to use all our senses to detect it. It may come as a touch, a taste, a sight, a sound, a scent, a feeling, or all of these at once. Love is magical. So is music, art, a good book, people, laughter, changing seasons, silence, joy, a cozy quilt, solitude, a kiss in the dark, and a cup of coffee. A simple meal can be as magical as a gourmet feast. 

 

There is magic in our universe. 

Look up at the evening sky full of glittering stars, watch a colorful sunrise, witness the power of a thunderstorm, wonder at the beauty and smell of flowers, hear lapping waves on the beach: nature is magical. 

 

We miss a great deal of magic because we're busy, preoccupied, or multi-tasking. Some people simply don't expect to find any.  It could be that we need to slow down, become more aware, and open the door to a magical life.

“We have to believe in magic, 

because life without it is dull indeed.” – Anonymous

“The world is full of magic things, 

patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” – W.B. Yeats

Creative Bliss

Batik Sea Glass - queen size quilt for our bedroom

Gorgeous new batik fabric. 

 

Remnants from extensive stash. 

 

Ideas flashing through head.

Many creative hours in sewing room over the past three weeks.

 

Rolled Roses - makeup organizer

 

Framed - lap quilt from scrap strips

 

Deco Style - remnant strip tote bag

 

^^^^^

“Creativity is a drug I cannot live without.” 

- Cecil B. DeMille

“Bliss and pure joy are often found 

in the simplest of everyday things.” 

– Unknown

Summertime...

and the livin' is easy. 

Quiet mornings sipping coffee on the porch.

Lazy days to reflect, renew, relax.  

The scent of freshly mowed grass.

Long walks, yard sales, road trips.

 

Steak grilled to perfection with roasted potatoes and onions.

Hummingbirds and butterflies flitting around bright blooms.

Tall frosty glasses of lemonade, sweet tea, and cold beer.

Afternoons in a cool spot reading an interesting book.

Comfy, light and casual clothing.

Ice cream, watermelon, juicy red tomatoes.

Magical nights filled with starry skies and warm breezes.

Happily enjoying every moment.

“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!” --Kenny Chesney

Beach Music And A Blue Angel

What a fabulous Christmas gift to ourselves...a week on the beach at Gulf Shores, Alabama!  The house we rented, a gulf front cottage called Beach Music, sits on the Fort Morgan end of the peninsula. It was nicely equipped with wide windows, big screen TV, satellite, a fireplace, and wi-fi. No one stayed in the houses around us until the last two days.

It was chilly when we arrived, and we had one night in the lower 30's. So what? We put on hoodies and jackets, and walked the beach anyway. Most days were fine, from the upper 50's to 70. Sunsets were bright and colorful; the stars were amazing. December is perfect here, since there are no crowds and rates are at their lowest. Shopping was fun, and the seafood was mouth-watering. We ate at our favorite places, Mikee's and DeSoto's.

The Blue Angels are based just down the road in Pensacola, and we've seen them practicing several times when we visited Gulf Shores. This trip, we only saw one of them, but he gave us a private air show that made our day! We were walking the beach, no one else in sight. He flew low toward Mobile Bay and wagged his wing a little as he passed us, very close to the beach. Then, he came zooming back and just as he got to us, turned on the smoke and did a loop in his F-18. Couldn't get the phone camera up quickly enough for that one! Then he moved out further over the gulf and went through some other maneuvers. We did get a few shots of those.

The beach is my happy place, rain or shine. I must have seagoing ancestors, because since the first time I saw the beach, I have been drawn to the rhythmic sound of the waves and the breathtaking beauty of the sea and sky. 

I am renewed and relaxed, with a sense of peace and happiness. And that is what I wish for you this Christmas.  

Twenty Ways To Take A Break

1. Light a candle
2. Take deep breaths
3. Call a friend
4. Meander around town
5. Pet a furry critter
6. Meditate
7. Listen to music
8. Buy flowers
9. Read or watch something funny
10. Turn off electronics
11. Take a walk outside
12. Watch the clouds
13. Take a bath
14. Let go of something
15. Eat ice cream
16. Dance
    
17. Go stargazing
18. Take a nap
19. Ride your bike
20. Snuggle

Two Blissful Days

Ahhhh...an escape to my sewing room! 

After a  week of trimming shrubs, weeding flower beds, mowing, washing paint trim, planting the garden, plus our regular chores, we declared a two-day break to pursue more relaxing hobbies.

I went right to work on this small quilted flag to hang at the entrance to our campsite. The shamrocks and our name are machine embroidered on khaki twill and bound together with a cute shamrock print from my stash. I can't wait to use it later this month at Dale Hollow. I may put it by our back door when we're at home.

I haven't done much machine embroidery lately, so I really enjoyed browsing through files of designs to find the shamrocks. Naturally, the floral, swirly, and geometric figures stimulated my brain with ideas for other projects. And, I need to reorganize the design files on my sewing hard drive. That gives me a never ending supply of things to do; I'm guessing I won't get bored for a while!

Cool Woodland Path

Looking through my tabletop scrap basket, I found a number of tumbler blocks left over from my last wall hanging. No sense letting those sit around. I just started stitching and created a pattern as I went. A neutral beige and white print worked perfectly for the lining and shoulder strap. Two pretty buttons were a last minute embellishment. The result is a new purse design that I'm calling Cool Woodland Path.

Completing these two new projects gave me a wonderful sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Time spent in my sewing room is rejuvenating, peaceful, and keeps my creative senses sharp. Even if I'm only straightening up the room, the machines and fabrics silently beg me to stop and play.

Useful Notion: Carve out time frequently for the hobbies or activities that you love. Balance your work, chores and responsibilities with play, creativity, and fun. Find your bliss!

“Happiness isn’t a destination, but we’re best able to experience it when we follow where it leads.” – Lori Deschene

“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” — Mary Lou Cook