Energetic

Here's a super easy baby quilt for you!

I came up with this nine block layout while playing with scraps cut with the Dynamic die. Hot pink and bright orange fabrics look brilliant with white accents, along with gray micro dot and multicolored paisley borders.

I quilted with white thread using a small serpentine stitch. Energetic finished out at 34” square, a great size for baby, table mat or wall hanging.

These shapes can be used to make many different blocks, depending on color placement. I tried out several before choosing one. It's the same die I used for Lavender Sensations in late August, and I have more already sketched out in Electric Quilt.

Headed back to the quilt factory, as my husband calls my sewing room.  See you next week.

Dies used:
Blue Wren 6954 Dynamic block 8”

Accuquilt
55032 Strips 3½” border
55017 Strips 2½” binding & border

 

Walkabout

Bright colors make beautiful quilts, and this one's no exception. One of my goals this year is to use more of my older fabric. One cold afternoon in February I began with a cheerful red, blue, green, yellow and white stripe for backing and border. Choosing four or five prints in each color, I started cutting winding way blocks with the Accuquilt die.

Walkabout

Each block is different, random other than alternating light and dark hues. Sewing went fairly quickly even with the curves. I arranged the blocks on my design wall to balance out color placement. I quilted around the circles in bright yellow thread, then added another parallel row ½” away. The intersecting lines really show off the circles; on the back they look like celtic designs.

Walkabout is 44” square, a nice size for table topper, wall quilt or kid's play mat. This one's a winner: I used up more fabric and really enjoyed the project from start to finish.

Side note: Excellent sales for National Quilting & Sewing Month at my favorite online stores have tempted me to add significant yardage to my already overflowing stash. My husband kindly encouraged me to buy whatever I wanted, so I did not resist. He's a sweetheart and I will be blissfully busy for years to come.

Out For A Spin

Color? Check.

Contrast? Check.

Balance?  Check. 

Motion? Check.

I clicked all my favorite boxes on this quilt, with the bonus of using some of my scraps. I cut black and white triangles with the Accuquilt kite die (it's getting a lot of use lately) and added one to a corner on brightly colored and neutral 4 ½” squares. I tried several arrangements on my design wall before finalizing this spinning star look.

Out For A Spin

Out For A Spin is 45” square. After attaching it to the Flynn frame, I free motion quilted scribbles on the squares using pale gray thread. Off the frame, I added simple swirls in the center of each star. Backing is a black and white print; binding is a tiny stripe.

On a side note, our weather here in Tennessee is crazier than usual. We've had no snow to speak of this winter, only heavy rain, making our yard a swamp. Last Wednesday it was nearly 70 degrees and I spent time out in the fresh air,  walking and doing a little yard work. Today the high is only 30 degrees, so I'll do my walking indoors.  On my to do list:  kielbasa soup, laundry, and sewing!

Quilting Frame and Reorganization Update

Here's my new toy: the Flynn Multi-Frame Quilting System. It's a lightweight three rail frame to hold quilt layers taut while free motion stitching on a regular sewing machine. It is easy to set up once you watch the demonstration video. It's portable and stores in the original box. 

The Amazon price of $136 is very reasonable compared to other home machine frames costing $1,100 and up. Those are really big too, and I don't have enough space for that.

I made a test quilt first, which I've cut into sleeping mats for Callie cat. She won't care that my stitching is cattywampus. There will be a learning curve: most skills improve with practice. Yesterday I quilted my first quilt on it, and while there are a few mistakes, I chalk them up to experience. I won't use the frame for every quilt.  Larger ones won't fit unless I get longer rails, and some designs need more precise stitching with a walking foot. 

Follow up: If you read last week's blog, you know this purchase created the opportunity to make more space around my machine by rearranging my furniture. I did order two new under table cabinets to hold thread, accessories, and tools. They arrived on Friday, and we put them together right away. Don't they look so much nicer than the plastic containers?

I cleaned out my tall white cabinets, arranging supplies closer to where they are needed and moving seldom used ones to high closet shelves. Efficiency rules! I even tossed some things into my donation box. The room is not minimalist by any means, but I am hoping to keep my space neater and organized. Callie supervised the action, and I think she approves.

Last week was busy, now on to practice on a few UFO's that I never got around to quilting. And as always, I need to use up some fabric from my stash so I can buy more.

Domino Effect

I have a new layout for my creative space. It started with 
buying myself a new quilting tool. I wanted to use it right away but because it requires a bit more room around my sewing machine, I needed to clear off and rearrange my tables. Normally I'd shove stuff around, stack things in corners, and get busy quilting. I resisted the urge.

Instead, I took a day to evaluate my space and figure out the most efficient placement for everything. First, I took out all non-sewing objects that had found their way into my room. (Not sure how that happens, probably brought in by gremlins.) I shifted the tables around on paper first before actually moving them. I tried one setup, actually sewed a few pieces, but that seemed cramped. This roughly 12 x 11 room can fill up quickly!

After settling on a final layout, I reworked drawer and bin storage with similar items together, close to where they are used. That led to a lot of consolidating and eliminating. I tossed old magazines, untangled power cords, moved a pegboard to the end of my cutting table, dusted, and swept.

I decided I like fewer things sitting out on my tables. It looks spacious, neater and I don't have to move stuff out of the way to work. I borrowed a plastic drawer unit from a closet and tucked it under the cutting table to store projects in progress. The desk area does double duty, for either my laptop or another sewing machine.

I'm pleased with everything I've done so far. I have more to do: the closet shelves and the white cabinets need attention, plus I'm considering different under the table cabinets to replace the plastic ones.

Next time I'll tell you about my lovely new quilting frame, which caused the domino effect and led to a two-day reorganization of my space. It was definitely worth the effort. I'm inspired to create!

Maple Syrup

I've been waiting to share this quilt until it felt more like fall. I mixed several dies to create four leaf blocks in rich autumn colors. 

Sashing is a coordinating vine print; backing and binding are a yellow and brown scalloped stripe. I quilted in straight lines with a creamy yellow thread. 

Maple Syrup is 27” square and could be used as a table mat or wall décor. It's hanging in my dining room now.

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. The crisp air is invigorating but relaxing. Brilliant leaves, cooler temperatures, hoodies, boots, camping, and fall festivals are my favorites. For the record, the pumpkin spice flavor craze in hundreds of foods and beverages is not for me. I love pumpkins as decorations but I can't stand the taste.

This year I plan to embrace the glory of fall by slowing down, taking it all in, and enjoying every moment. My life, my decisions, my journey.

autumn
shows us
how beautiful
it is to
let things go

Sewing Bonanza!

I found another yard sale bonanza last Friday: a liquidation of an entire sewing room. Dozens of large tubs of fabric, thread, zippers and buttons, all sorted and labeled! 

I bought ALL the thread and buttons, some fabric and zippers, along with notions, plastic storage trays and a rolling storage cart. Over 330 spools of thread, 105 cones of serger thread, about 50 zippers, 72 yards of fabric, and THOUSANDS of buttons. Most of the fabric was apparel blends, or I would have bought more.

I've been doing happy dances all weekend, thinking of ways to use everything.  It's like winning the sewing lottery. I am energized, happily merging this wonderful find into my already well stocked studio.  I shouldn't have to shop for thread or buttons for a long, long time.

Thanks to LeAnne for the opportunity to keep part of her mom's sewing collection alive and useful.  My space will need to be reorganized to fit everything in, but that's half the fun. My husband is trying to decide whether or not to reinforce the floors on this end of the house.

Do not question 

the size of my fabric/thread/button stash...

unless you think it should be bigger!

Tropical Dash

All this warm weather in winter has given me some tropical inspiration. Back in January, I paired brilliant turquoise and coral fabric prints into churn dash blocks set in rows of three to make a colorful, cheery quilt.

For quilting, it seemed right to use bright coral thread in a scallop pattern that looks like waves. The back is one long row of scrap strips, set off center in dark turquoise.  

Finished size is 43” square, perfect for a wall hanging or table topper.

Tropical Dash

Instead of hot chocolate, this 2017 winter calls for coconut rum on the rocks. Hmmm, maybe that's another quilt idea. 

 

True living is

finding paradise

wherever you go.

~Unknown

Find things that shine

and move toward them.

~Mia Farrow

A Breath Of Fresh Air

Twisted Picnic Squares

How refreshing! This morning I have our windows open, with fans pulling cool, sweet breezes through the house. That's a welcome change from the heat and oppressive humidity of the past two months. I'm having my coffee on the porch as I write, watching the hummers feed. It's a perfect way to begin a Monday.

Last week when it was so hot and rainy, I stayed indoors to finish another quilted piece. This one is in country summer colors with two old fashioned bright blue floral prints and contrasting red gingham accents.  Perfect for a summer picnic, don't you think?

“Some old-fashioned things 

like fresh air and sunshine 

are hard to beat.” 

~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Leap Day!

I'm taking today as a bonus. The sun is shining and it's warm outside. I'm going to accomplish just three things on this extra day.

What three things? 

1) something fun; 

2) something I've put off; and 

3) something kind.

After that, my day is free. I'll go with the flow and see what happens. No expectations, no plans. Maybe I'll flip a coin or roll the dice (like Sheldon) to make decisions. Or just follow my thoughts wherever they lead. 

This beautiful day might give me insight, help me relax, or allow me new experiences.  Leaping out sounds like fun, don't you think?

Sewing...and More

Lately I've been spending my spare time doing what I love...sewing! After my last project, I freshened up my work space, put away scrap pieces, cleaned the machine and changed needles. Beginning a new project in an organized space helps me engage more creative brain cells. Several more designs are already awaiting my attention. I'm looking forward to a retreat to my own sewing room several times a week. It may be cheaper than therapy.

Once I finished in the sewing room, I focused my efforts on the kitchen pantry. New shelf liner and a couple of graduated racks for canned goods make it look nicer. Labels keep things organized and easy to find. Soon, I'll work my way through the rest of the cabinets—laundry room, bathrooms, hall closet, office—to sort and purge.

What's the upside to all this organizing? I'll have more time to spend living life, doing what I enjoy!

Useful Notion: Being organized isn't about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person; it's about living the way you want to live, but better. ~Andrew Mellen

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

Today I Will

Lighten Up For Spring

The anticipation of spring brings thoughts of fresh air, blooming flowers, and new beginnings. It's one of my favorite times of the year. I want to clean house, toss clutter, and reset my sluggish winter habits. Even though my to do list gets longer, the activities on it are positively invigorating. 

• It's time to put away dark colors, in clothing and decor. Take cues from nature: use light, airy pastels or clear bright hues.
  
• Find ways to get outdoors to soak up sunshine or splash in rain puddles. Forget the treadmill, walk your own back yard or neighborhood.
  
• Open your mind to new experiences. Try looking at life from a fresh perspective. Release negative people and thoughts to lighten your load.
  
• Replace heavy meals with lighter choices. Bring on the chicken salad, fresh veggies, lemonade, salads, and sweet iced tea!

Spring adds new life and 

new beauty to all that is.

~Jessica Harrelson

Light And Shadow

Obey River in Celina, Tennessee

Nature is my favorite source of inspiration for quilts and home décor. The palette of earth's colors range from muted to brilliant. Contrast of light and dark, sun and shadow, occurs everywhere around us if we take the time to look. 

Something as simple as sunlight on leaves shading a cool green river bank triggers a design idea for a forty shades of green quilt. And makes me want to stop there for a while to enjoy the view.

Even when I'm not working on a specific project, I find interesting themes in unexpected places. That's why I keep my camera handy and snap lots of photos of things like rocks, fog, flowers, sky and water. Tiles, fences, angles, shadows, texture...there's so much to take in.

Though I haven't made time to sew in the past couple of weeks, I have plenty of projects lined up on my to do list, in my photo file, and in my brain. I'll get around to them sooner or later, there's no rush. I want to smell those flowers and relax in the outdoors to renew and refresh my spirit. 

"Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher." 

 William Wordsworth  

"Nature always wears the colors of the spirit." 

 Ralph Waldo Emerson 

 

Finally Spring!

The past two days have been gorgeous and sunny. After a cloudy and cold March, we finally got a glimpse of more spring-like weather for April. My, how I love the feel of warm sunshine on my face! 

Energized and inspired, I got busy around the house. With windows open and clothes hanging on the line, I raked pine needles, mulched flower beds, cleaned off the back porch, swept the sidewalks, and mowed grass with my Mustang. Afterward, I did a little porch sittin' to breathe in the fresh air.

Thinking about shaking off winter blues prompted me to pull out these two cheerful blue and white projects. I designed Whitey's Blues back in January. The queen size quilt, Charming Squares, was completed several years ago. They'll make a pretty combination to brighten up my guest room. 

 

Spring is a time to refresh and renew, whether it's in nature, our homes or ourselves. I'm ready to get back to spring cleaning, but with frequent breaks to clear my mind and enjoy my surroundings.

"Spring is when life's alive in everything." —Christina Rossetti

Rockin' On The Porch

Remember the old rocking chair I bought back in April? Well, I finally got around to recovering my yard sale bargain with a remnant of denim fabric. It now coordinates beautifully with the other furniture on our screened porch. It only took a few tools and a Saturday afternoon for the whole project.  

Naturally, once I put the newly covered rocker outside, I had to rearrange the furniture on the porch. And do a little sweeping and cleaning, water the plants and dust off the tables. But it was a nice way to spend a pleasantly cool Saturday in August. I was energized, so I got a lot accomplished both inside and outside the house. 

I had a pretty place to sit with my morning coffee to write this blog post. Now I'm rockin' on the porch watching the hummingbirds crowd around our feeders.

Here's a link to a photo of the chair before it was covered.   

 

“There's something magical about porch swings and rocking chairs.  

Time slows to a crawl, the mind wanders, and a quiet peacefulness arrives.” 

– Author Unknown

A Hopeful Blessing