Glory

Here's a Memorial Day quilt in honor of those heroes who gave their lives for our freedom.

This off-center star is made up of parallelograms in red, blue, white and cream small print scraps. 

Starting with an eight pointed star, I fine tuned the layout on my design wall, using color value to emphasize the star shapes. 

Simple straight stitch quilting with a walking foot and white thread was done in four sections, following seam lines. Glory is 50” square.

Accuquilt dies used:
55809 Parallelogram (10” Qube)
55017 Strip 2½”

Believe It Or Not...

I don't have a quilt to share this week!

It's not because I haven't been sewing...I have three quilts started and another ready to cut. They're just not finished.

Things keep getting in the way: yard work, spring cleaning, birthday celebration, appointments, delays, and odd little distractions.

At first it stressed me out, but life is too short to fret over self-imposed deadlines. So I've been going with the flow, taking care of essentials, and letting go of expectations. It's very freeing to change my routine and consider new options.

Maybe that's just what I needed. Perhaps the universe was trying to get me to slow down and pay attention.  Reflection and mindfulness turned out to be my birthday gift to myself.  See ya next week!

Let Freedom Ring

Let Freedom Ring

I decorate our home with red, white, and blue each year from around Memorial Day through Independence Day. 

Today is Flag Day, a holiday which commemorates the date in 1777 when the Continental Congress of the United States approved the design for its first national flag.

This patriotic quilt uses Friendship Circles die from Australia, a pattern also published here in the early 1930's. I sewed sixteen identical blocks from remnants, and added a 3” border in mixed dots. Tiny red gingham checked fabric is used on backing and binding.

For quilting, I chose a double blanket stitch in white thread to follow some of the curved seams. The centers were stitched using a spiral ruler template.

Let Freedom Ring is 38” finished size, just right for a reversible table topper or wall hanging. I worked up the design in Electric Quilt 8, modifying their Papa's Delight block to match my die.

Dies used:

Blue Wren 6301 Friendship Circles 8”

Accuquilt
55017 Strips 2½"
55032 Strips 3½”

Side note: I'm truly happy to be sewing inside a cool house...it's been 95 degrees outside and heat doesn't agree with me any more. Our cooling system had a malfunction, but my handy husband fixed it right up. FedEx isn't delivering the needed part in a timely manner (Texas to Nashville to Kansas !?! and who knows where next), so it's a good thing he knows how to improvise. A keeper, he is.

Starfish Key

I found this beautiful starfish batik fabric last fall in Pensacola. The soft muted colors of lavender and blue on a sandy background make me wish for the beach!

Starfish Key is 40” square. It was very quick to sew with the large pieces. I quilted in an overall clamshell design using the Squiggy ruler by Angela Walters. Cream thread shows up just enough to emphasize the pattern.

This one's hanging on the wall in my spare bedroom, which is currently decorated in shades of purple, lavender, and lilac. It's a sweet retreat where I can read and relax.

Dies used:

Accuquilt 55058 8” square

Accuquilt 55399 8” quarter square triangle

Blue Wren 6522 8” half square triangle

On this Memorial Day,

I salute the brave Americans

who fought and died

for our freedom

Sweet Talk

Sweet Talk

I like to experiment with designs, colors, and stitches. Today's little quilt was so fun to play with, and I used up a few more remnants.

Drunkard's path blocks in pastels and gray are set with colorful polka dots in two sizes and tiny black and white stripes. Borders of blue gingham frame it up nicely. Sweet Talk is 28” square.

Quilting on this is the best part. I've been practicing free motion ruler stitching on my Janome Memory Craft 9400. I used the Squiggy ruler by Angela Walters, aligning along the seams. Using gray thread, I created two different designs.

I enjoyed this project very much, and that's what sewing is all about for me. Relaxation, enjoyment, learning new skills, playing with fabric: my retirement dream come true.

Accuquilt dies used:

55107 2 ¼” x 4 ½” rectangle

55395 2 ¼” squares

55743 and 55739 4 ½” Drunkard's Path

(in 9” Companion Set)

55032 3 ½” strips

The key to retirement 

is to find joy 

in the little things. 

Seaside Carnival

As soon as I got my latest Accuquilt die (on sale!) I grabbed some scraps and started cutting. Bright turquoise and sunny yellow colors with crisp white are perfect for contrast to show off this pretty design. They remind me so much of my favorite place, the beach.

I sewed four Hattie's Choice (55220) 9" blocks together and added a coordinating striped border to make a cute table mat. These pieces are small, but easy to sew. Backing is bright yellow with white dots. I quilted with white thread 3/4” apart from the center out, in quarter sections, creating a nice geometric pattern. Seaside Carnival is 21” square.

I already have several more ideas sketched out that use this die but they may have to wait...this one made me hear the beach calling. I'm headed there 'cause I need sea therapy and toes in the sand.  There will be plenty of inspiration for new quilts, a couple of fabric stores to visit, and lots of fresh seafood.

This Thanksgiving week I am grateful for being able to live the simple life that I love, surrounded by those who genuinely care for me. I'm glad I learned to let go of things, people, and situations that don't bring me peace and happiness.

🌟  Count your blessings! 🌟 

Spirit of Liberty

I'm celebrating the USA with this week's design, in honor of Independence Day. Made with Accuquilt Parallelogram (55004), it features red and navy prints with white 3 ½” half square triangles on each end to make a rectangle.

I grouped six of each color to form blocks and alternated them to make a strip. Sashing between rows is 3 ½” wide red and navy diamond print on white background. I quilted with white thread in a free motion looping pattern. 

Spirit of Liberty

Binding is a red and white stripe. For backing I used the diamond print but didn't have quite enough left for the length, so I added a row of red and blue 6½” AQ tumbler blocks about a third of the way down.  

Spirit of Liberty is 42” x 48”, but you could make it any size you like by changing the number of blocks or rows. I used EQ8 to play with other layouts before finalizing this version. A table runner using only one strip of blocks or cheerful place mats might be nice.

Celebrate the holiday and be safe!

Freedom

Freedom

Patriotic quilts in red, white and blue are so beautiful. I saw a version of this design on Pinterest and decided to whip one up on Friday. It didn't take very long to sew using 3 ½” squares and half square triangles cut with Accuquilt.

Backing is a star print in navy, red, and cream.  I quilted with white thread in a straight stitch 1" apart.  

Freedom is 12 ½” by 36 ½” and is hanging on my front door. I'll bring it inside after today so it won't fade, then hang it again for Flag Day and Independence Day. It could also be used a table runner.

On this Memorial Day, I salute those who died defending our right to freedom.

Indulgence

I treated myself to a couple of birthday presents last week. First, I ordered a new extra large 30” x 60” cutting mat that fits my cutting table. This Martelli mat is commercial grade, reversible, and self healing. One side is purple, matching my décor. The reverse is a cheery yellow. The markings are crisp, with grids in ½” increments and numbered down the center as well as each side. You can even iron on it if you cover it with a good quality ironing mat.

Next, I splurged on an ergonomic rotary cutter from the same company. The design is unique, with a cushioned handle perpendicular to the blade, making it easier on the wrist and hand. There are right and left handed models. So far I love it! It has an easily operated spring loaded safety guard, and can cut up to 15 layers at a time with less pressure needed. The blades are supposed to last 3 to 5 times longer than typical ones. Check the Martelli website for details on both items.

Upgrades for my sewing space are apparently in process this year. There could be more. I spend a lot of time in here. Investing in better equipment, supplies, and accessories helps me enjoy the experience so much more. And that is a good thing!

A treat is a small pleasure or indulgence that we give to ourselves just because we want it. ~Gretchen Rubin

You have the freedom of indulgence. Be extravagant. Allow yourself to think and feel and do what you please and hopefully…everything you do will make your life better. Stronger. Enabling you to live in happiness. ~Michael Feeley

Recipe for 2017

A toast to the new year!

A New Machine!

Oh my goodness, what an amazing weekend. On Saturday, I bought myself a Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9400 sewing/quilting machine. I've only just come up for air this morning, and my feet haven't touched the ground yet. Well, except to hold the pedal to the floor and zoom zoom. She's a sleek fast one, with plenty of bright lighting and a huge work space.  

I've always had Singer machines, so this is the first brand change for me. I've been comparing different models, but once I test drove this one, it had to be mine. And it was on sale. Cha-ching! I still have my Singer XL1000 for embroidery, although she's feeling a bit neglected at the moment. 

 

Between learning the fabulous features and playing with the gorgeous stitches, I rearranged the tables and cleaned up my sewing space. Then I finished a table mat and some coasters. I practically ignored Jerold and the cat, poor dears had to fend for themselves.

I'll give a more complete review later, but for now I just have to get back to the sewing room.

Adjust Your Sails

Life isn't always a smooth ride. There are bumps, wrong turns, and detours along the way. Oh, life's journey isn't meant to be perfect. Some unexpected experiences bring amazing joy; others cause significant frustration. Everything that happens to you is an opportunity to learn and grow.

I believe Albert Einstein said that doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. On the other hand, plunging ahead into the unknown might not be the best alternative.

Sometimes it's best to stop and assess your position. Ask yourself where you want to go from here. Which direction is best for you? What do you want to do along the way?

Check your compass. Adjust your sails. Follow your own path.

I am the master of my fate.

I am the captain of my soul.

~William Ernest Henley

Don't adjust your sails

for people

who aren't riding with you.

~Tony Gaskins

What's In A Daydream?

Solitude. 

 

Creativity. 

 

Relaxation. 

 

Random Thoughts.

Peacefulness.

 

Answers.

Renewal.

Magic.

Insight.

Daydream, because the soul needs to fly.

The next time your mind wanders, follow it.

Thanks To Our Veterans

"This nation will remain the land of the free 

only so long as it is the home of the brave." 

-Elmer Davis

Venture Off The Trail

Cummins Falls

Normally routines are good to keep us on track, but sometimes you have more fun if you deviate from them. We camped at Defeated Creek last week, and enjoyed a wonderful, relaxing stay. We spent most of our time stargazing, sitting by the fire, fishing from the bank, reading in the shade, talking to other campers, walking and biking around the campground--our regular camping routine.

One morning we started out for Cookeville to eat lunch and to pick up our favorite Ralph's Donuts. At the end of the campground road, we saw a yard sale sign pointing away from our regular route. We looked at each other and said, “Let's go that way!” We knew Highway 85 came out in Gainesboro, but we'd never taken that road. Off we went. We never found the yard sale, but it was a beautiful drive through river farmland, hills and hollers.

As we drove from Gainesboro toward Cookeville, we saw a sign for Cummins Falls, Tennessee's newest state park. We smiled, the blinker went on, and down that road we went to check out the new park. Thankfully we had bug spray in the truck for our half mile hike through the woods trail to the overlook. The falls are 75 feet tall, and at the bottom is a large deep pool. We did not hike the long path to the bottom to swim, but we did trek down a tiny steep path to walk out on rocks at the top of the falls. If you go, make sure you have good shoes. The park is not completely developed yet so there are no buildings and the trails are marked with plastic tape. We walked back to the parking lot on the gravel access road, which is where the porta potties are hidden. We took some great photos and spent two hours having fun outdoors.

We did finally get to Cookeville, bought our scrumptious donuts and had a bite of lunch. We got back to camp later than we planned, but so what? We had a fabulous day exploring new places.

Useful Notion: You can't find adventure sitting on the couch or staying in your regular routine—you have to venture off the trail now and then.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu

Just Breathing Isn't Living

Life is yours to live. Why wait? 

 

 
“From anywhere you are,
there is a path that will lead you to where you want to be.”
– Ralph Marston

Memorial Day

This day was created to remember the soldiers of the Civil War who died defending their beliefs. It continues today as a reminder that freedom isn't really free; it has a huge price and should be highly valued. Those men and women who died serving our country and protecting our freedom deserve our thanks. Today's military personnel deserve our prayers, no matter how we feel about the politics of war.

I am grateful for those who served and were lucky enough to come back home. My father-in-law trained to be an Army Air Corps pilot during World War II, then transferred to Army Intelligence and was stationed in Hawaii. Now 87, he still tells stories of those days.

My daddy enlisted at 17 into the Marine Corps to fight in Korea. He became a Staff Sergeant, and was in several campaigns including the cold and bloody Battle of Chosin. It was a profound experience for a simple boy from rural Tennessee. He rarely talked about the war, other than telling us about the jeeps and trucks he drove. He was a proud Marine, and I am proud of him. He died of cancer in 1986 and I remember him this Memorial Day.

We come, not to mourn our dead soldiers, but to praise them. 
     ~Francis A. Walker

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