Robin Quilts, etc.

Road to California–Day 1

2012-01-19T07:32:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I spent a wonderful day with my friends Pam, Pat and Terri. We took a Snippets class from Cindy Walter. Cindy was a wonderful teacher, making sure she spent time with each and every student. I decided to make a simple Christmas wreath. She described mine as delicate (hum) I tend to cut skinny snippets. I’m not sure it’s delicate or if I actually made a chili pepper wreath without intending to. Whichever, I like how it’s coming along.

Today is a “no class” day for me. I plan on walking the show and viewing the quilts. I have a short list of things I’m looking for but………..NO FABRIC!

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–January 16, 2012

2012-01-16T07:25:00.001-08:00

As mentioned yesterday, I took a guild workshop where we played with coloring on fabric. Here is my second attempt at what will be a center block in a t-shirt quilt for Emily’s high school graduation later this year.

This one is better but it does have one slight problem, Somehow my poor granddaughter grew an extra finger on her right hand. I either have to figure out how to fix it or as they say (and hopefully it’s true) third time will be the charm.

Oh well, that’s what’s on my design wall this week. To see what others are up to, check out Judy’s Patchwork Times blog.

Enjoy,

A Fun Day Coloring

2012-01-15T08:58:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I participated in a workshop at my guild. Patricia Beaver spent they day with us teaching us how to make a crayon quilt. I was amazed how easy and fast it is.

I took the class wanting to make a block using a picture of my granddaughter, Emily. My idea is to use it as a focal point in a quilt I’d like to make her for her high school graduation.

Here’s the picture I started out with.

Here’s my first attempt -

It’s not bad but there’s something just not right with her jaw line and eyes. I’ve decided to do it again (it really doesn’t take that long). Here’s my pencil tracing for my second attempt.

So now it’s time to get out the crayons and start coloring again.

Thank you Patricia for a fun-filled day.

Enjoy,

A Bracelet For Me

2011-12-29T09:32:00.001-08:00

One of my Christmas gifts that I really love was from my sister, Melinda.

Isn’t it the cutest thing? I love it!!!!!!

Enjoy,

A Quilt for Kath

2011-12-28T18:21:00.001-08:00

This is the quilt that I made for my step-daughter Kath. I showed this photo a while back before I put the binding on. I know I took a picture of it once it was completed but for the life of me I don’t know where it is.

Kath has the cutest pugs, Luna and Vinney, who like to sleep on the bed. So any quilt that goes on the bed gets washed over and over again. The last quilt I made her I finished sewing the binding, by hand. It didn’t hold up very well. It came back to me for “warranty” work and that time I was smart enough to sew the binding down with my sewing machine. This time I like to think I’m a little smarter. The binding was sewn on using a faux piping method and completely done by machine.

I used this tutorial http://tlcstitches.blogspot.com/2010/07/faux-piped-binding-tutorial.html. Although I like how it turned out, I think I will play with the measurements a little bit next time. I’d like the piping to look a bit more like a flange and be a little wider. Should be a simple adjustment.

Kath loved the quilt and I’m sure the dogs will like it too.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–December 26, 2011

2011-12-26T19:16:00.001-08:00

This week I have a design floor. My granddaughter Emily decided she wanted a new quilt. She spent a lot of time in my sewing room picking the fabrics for a Five, Ten, Twenty quilt. Once she had the fabrics organized, we worked as a team. She ironed and cut while I sewed. The quilt top is now complete and waiting for her to pick out the backing. Then we’ll quilt it on my ancient Handiquilter.

To see what others have on their design walls head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times Blog.

Enjoy,

As Seen on Facebook

2011-12-21T09:40:00.001-08:00

"Hey....Santa....hey...be careful of that.....ah, too late..."

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–December 12, 2011

2011-12-12T07:20:00.001-08:00

This one is just too darn big for my design wall. In fact it’s ginormous, almost 100” square. It’s a Christmas present for my step-daughter Kath. I still have to find my leftover fabric so that I can make a scrappy binding. Here’s a close-up of some of the blocks.

This is made using my Five, Ten, Twenty pattern that can be found here. I actually doubled the pattern so that this quilt was made using 36 block leaving 4 left over. I may make pillowshams from the extra blocks, if I can find the time. For now, I need to focus on getting everything else ready for the “big” day.

To see what others have on their design wall, head on over to Judy’s Blog.

Enjoy,

A Good Chuckle on Friday

2011-12-09T08:42:00.001-08:00

My daughter posted this on my Facebook Wall. Do you think she’s trying to tell me something?

Enjoy,

2011 UFO Commitment–Completed

2011-12-08T07:43:00.001-08:00

Early in the year my guild issued a UFO challenge for 2011. Thank goodness they did because without it non of these particular UFO’s would have gotten finished. Rumor has it we will again have a challenge in 2012 with a twist to it.

I finished putting the binding and label on my last UFO (not really my last UFO, just my last UFO I committed to, I have lot’s of UFO’s). The due date is tonight at our annual Holiday Potluck and Party.

So here it is, in all it’s fineness.

It was quilted on my very, very old original Handiquilter with my Brother PQ 1500. I attempted swirls which turned out OK for my first attempt.

Here’s a close-up of the quilting and binding. Don’t you just love that bias stripe for the binding. Since this will be a charity quilt, I decided to simply use a buttonhole stitch to sew the binding in place.

Finally the back of the quilt. I think I’ve shown this fabric before and I just love it. I had just enough leftover from a previous quilt to use it here. The fabric is extra wide (no piecing ) and came from Ikea. Love it, love it, love it!

Now it’s off to the kitchen to start the meatballs for tonight’s potluck and while I’m in there I think I’ll make some cookies as well. Should be a fun time.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–November 28, 2011

2011-11-28T06:16:00.001-08:00

This is the last of my UFO’s that I committed to completing this year. It’s now hanging on my design wall and needs to be quilted this week.

I should have been doing this but instead I’ve been working on clearing out old fabrics and such from my sewing room. I have a ton of stuff that I know I will never use so it’s time to move it out. I need to find a place to donate it or figure out how to sell it either on Ebay or Etsy or even just here on my blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

To see what others have on their design wall, head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times Blog.

Enjoy,

Snippets and Threads

2011-11-26T07:31:00.001-08:00

As promised the tutorial is now available for Snippets and Threads. I’ve included it in this post, but it is also available as a printable PDF on my website http://www.robinquiltsetc.com or directly http://robinquiltsetc.com/files/Snippets_and_Threads_Tutorial_1_.pdf and to see what other free tutorials I have go to http://robinquiltsetc.com/freepatternstutorials.html and spend some time clicking here and there. Once again, a big thank you to my friend Becky for coming up with the perfect name.

Snippets and Threads

(A Foldable/Portable Thread Catcher)

To begin, you will need to draw a 12 inch equilateral triangle. I used a piece of poster board to make a template so that I can use it over and over again. Here’s how I made it.

Use a ruler to measure a straight line, 12” long. Mark half way at 6” and draw a line perpendicular to the 12” line.

Remember each side of the triangle is 12”. So take your ruler and measure from one end of the bottom 12” line and line up the other end of your ruler along the center line (make sure the measurement is 12”), draw your second side.

Now you’re going to do the same thing for the third side.

See? Easy as can be and all three sides measure 12” and you have an equilateral triangle.

Now using the template you just made, cut out two pieces of fabric for your thread catcher.

Place the two pieces right sides together and sew around all three sides leaving an opening about 2” or 3” to turn your triangle right side out. Be sure to clip the corners prior to turning.

After turning right side out, topstitch 1/8” or very close to the edge, make sure you catch and close the opening at the same time.

Fold each corner 2 ½” towards the outside, press and secure by sewing a button in place.

The last step is to fold and sew each side together to create a bowl to hold you “Snippets and Threads”. Sew right on top of your previous stitching line.

That’s all there is to it. Now you can simply fold it flat and tuck it in with your hand sewing so that you have your own, personal thread catcher with you at all times.

Hope you have fun making one of these for yourself and of course all you friends. I’d love to see pictures of what you make.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–November 14, 2011

2011-11-14T07:21:00.001-08:00

First of all – HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER, MELINDA!!!! Love you big sister!!!!

Next, my design wall.

After my hectic September and October I’m trying to get back into a routine. I’m spending time each day in my sewing studio cleaning and getting ready to practice my freemotion quilting. These two little quilts are on my design wall and are next up to go “under the needle”. The one on the left was done in a guild workshop using a square in a square ruler and the one on the right is a little quilt I made at a Mary Ellen Hopkins retreat in Las Vegas several years ago.

What’s on your design wall? Head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times blog to see what others are up to.

Enjoy,

I Finally Sewed Something

2011-11-12T18:50:00.001-08:00

OK, so it’s not much but at least I turned my machine on and sewed something.

It’s a little pocket size note pad. I always carry a notepad of some kind and I decided I wanted to make a cut little one.

Here’s the inside.

And it’s mine.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–October 24, 2011

2011-10-24T08:56:00.001-07:00

I have been mucho busy lately so there is very little on my design wall. So here is a picture of my design dining room table with a sampling of a little project I am working on.

SNIPPETS AND THREADS (Thank you Becky for the name, it’s perfect.)

These cute little Snippets and Thread catchers are only about 5” across the base and fold flat so that you can tuck one in with your hand sewing.

It takes longer to pick out the fabric then it does to make one. I have a free tutorial coming later this week, so be sure to check back in with me.

To see what others have on their design wall, check out Judy’s blog.

Enjoy,

Have You Missed Me?

2011-10-23T07:49:00.001-07:00

I know, I’ve been missing for waaaaay to long. I have excuses but probably not very good ones. Two Wacky Women had a retreat, then the next day I got on a plane and flew to Georgia where I spoke at a guild and taught at a three day retreat. Back on a plane to California for another Two Wacky Women Retreat followed by my guilds quilt show this weekend. Quilters by the Sea

In the mean time I am getting ready to exhibit at Houston’s Quilt Market which is a wholesale show, not open to the general public.

The best thing that’s happened over the last few weeks is getting my cinderblock, back yard wall painted. Wait until you see it, it’s fabulous. More about that in the next few days.

As you can tell, I’ve been a busy, busy girl but enough of that for now. Back to the quilt show. Today is the last day of the show. I have two quilts I made that are on displayed, along with my President’s Quilt. But………..the very, very special quilt I entered belongs to me but was made by my dear friend Margie Oshwald. Margie is very quiet and shy so I knew she wouldn’t entered a quilt on her own, so I did it for her.

These are tiny pieces that she hand appliqued. Her work is just wonderful. If you get a chance to attend the show, please vote for this quilt, Number 105 on the ballot. I would love for Margie to win a ribbon for this wonderful, playful quilt.

Enjoy,

Laptop Sleeve

2011-10-02T17:30:00.001-07:00

I received the nicest note and picture regarding my laptop sleeve tutorial.

Dear Robin

I would like to thank you for your laptop sleeve pattern and here is picture to share with you of the laptop sleever I made as per your pattern.

Kind regards

Melinda Meyer

From Sunny South Africa

Thank you Melinda for taking the time to send me the picture and the nice note.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–September 26, 2011

2011-09-26T06:53:00.001-07:00

I started this back in January at a Road to California class with Bonnie Hunter. She calls it Texas Braid but mine is called Seal Beach Braid.

This week begins a very crazy 5 weeks for me so I have selected this to work on. For me, this is kind of mindless sewing. There are very few decisions that need to make and once you get in a routine, it goes very fast. So with that in mind it will go with me to Marilyn and my, Two Wacky Retreat this next weekend, then thrown in the suitcase for a trip to Georgia where I’ll be speaking at a guild and teaching at a Tiny Stitches retreat. The month will continue with one activity after another culminating with a trip to Houston Quilt Market where I have a booth. #1102.

To see what others have on their design wall, head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times blog.

Enjoy,

Almost There

2011-09-24T18:10:00.001-07:00

It was back to working on the quilt that Marilyn and I are making together. Today was my part. I quilted it and sewed the binding to the front. It’s now ready to turn over to Marilyn and she’ll finish the binding and hopefully add a label (I don’t think we talked about that ). I really like how it’s turning out. I did a simple overall meander using lime green thread. You can’t ever go wrong using lime green.

Enjoy,

Four Hands Make For A Quick Quilt

2011-09-21T15:53:00.001-07:00

Remember on Monday I showed you this.

Well, Marilyn and I got together yesterday and made a whole bunch of blocks using these fabrics. This morning we sewed all our blocks together and came up with this.

I love how it turned out and it’s perfect for the person we’re making it for.

After admiring our handiwork we head to M & L to purchase backing fabric. Here’s what we came up with. Of course we also “did” lunch while we were out,

It’s busy enough to camouflage the quilting on the back but it works with the fabrics on the front. Hopefully it will get quilted over the weekend.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–September 19, 2011

2011-09-19T07:05:00.001-07:00

Today I have a finished project and the start of a new one to share.

First the finish……..

Yesterday I showed you various pieces of a project and asked you to guess what it would become. Well here it is.

The thread catcher itself is made with this as the base.

Don’t recognize them? They are trick or treat bags for Halloween. I found them at one of the dollar type stores for………..you guessed it $1.00. I was planning on using the white one inside but changed to the black one at the last minutes. The black and white strips were leftovers from the mystery quilt I made while in Las Vegas in July.

Now on to my newest project. Here’s just a quick look at the fabrics. This is going to be a joint project that Marilyn and I are going to be working on starting tomorrow.

It’s going to look something like this but much better and much scrappier.

In the mean time, head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times to see what others have on their design walls.

Enjoy,

Now What’s She Up To?

2011-09-18T11:56:00.001-07:00

Any guesses?

Enjoy,

Toe Catchers Resolved–So to Speak

2011-09-06T07:00:00.001-07:00

Yesterday morning I share my design wall and talked about the challenges I was having with my quilting. If you missed it, you can read about it here. After writing my blog and with all the advice my friend Pat gave me, I headed into my sewing room to give it another try, and try and try. I changed the needle again, I changed thread, I changed to another free motion quilting foot and I sewed at a snails pace, all on a muslin and batting sample piece. I not only had the same problem, I actually think it was worse. But I fixed it!

I’m sure your dying to know how I fixed it. I tried praying, I tried swearing, I tried crossing my fingers, I tried holding my breath, but the final solution………….I yanked that darn machine out of my cabinet and put my old Brother PQ1500 in it’s place. Yep, that fixed the problem, right from the get-go, no toe catchers just a nice quilting stitch and away I went. I finished all the freemotion quilting with out a single hiccup.

Here’s my progress from yesterday.

The only thing left today is a little quilting in these black triangles and the black border. Then it’s on with the binding, a label and I’ll be finished.

I really think the problem is a timing issue on my regular sewing machine so after a Mani/Pedi this morning (I do have my priorities) it is off to the sewing machine hospital for a visit. I’ll keep you posted but in the mean time, thank goodness for my Brother.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–September 5, 2011

2011-09-05T07:45:00.001-07:00

“We have a problem, Houston” or “What’s wrong with this quilting”?

I still have the same quilt “Sunset in Seal Beach” hanging on my design wall. I keep taking it down, working on the quilting and putting it back up. Everything was going along fine and then all of a sudden I’m getting “toe catcher” stitches.

The straight stitching is just fine.

It’s the swirls that are giving me a major headache and for that matter heartache. Here’s a shot of the front and then the back. If you look closely, you can see that the needle is going in and out of the fabric, it’s just not getting caught by the bobbin thread.

I talked to my friend Pat B. (the best domestic machine quilter I know) and she gave me some suggestions to try. So this morning I’m back at it. Her number one recommendation (and hopefully the solution) is to slow down, particularly on the curves. She says the tendency is to speed up as we sew the curve and I’m thinking she’s right. The second issue isn’t as easy to fix. The top fabric is a batik and I guess that has some build in issues. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Enjoy,

The Quilting of Sunset in Seal Beach–A Work in Progress–Finally

2011-09-04T07:55:00.001-07:00

I finally got started quilting one of my quilts for my guild’s upcoming quilt show. This is the center of the quilt.

Obviously, the circles around the center.

And a view of the back.

I’ve got a long way to go but at least it’s a start. I’ll continue to work on it today.

BTW, here’s a picture of the quilt top. I plan on doing a variety of quilting in the difference areas.

Wish me luck.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–August 29, 2011

2011-08-29T07:02:00.001-07:00

I am calling this Sunset in Seal Beach and it’s an oldie but a goodie. It is now on my design wall waiting to be quilted this week.

It about about 35” x 35” so it shouldn’t be too overwhelming to quilt. I’ve got lots of quilting ideas running around in my head, now it’s time to put my head down and just do it.

To see what others have on their design walls, check out Judy’s blog.

Enjoy,

Mail Call

2011-08-27T16:39:00.001-07:00

Look what the mail carrier delivered today. Isn’t this package of bright thread just wonderful? As you can see they came from Connecting Threads.

I found them while ordering black batting for my log cabin fruits and vegetable quilt. Each spool has 1200 yards of thread so they should last for awhile. I can hardly wait to play with them.

Enjoy,

Borders are on–Now what?

2011-08-26T21:01:00.001-07:00

Now that the borders are on it’s time to quilt it, but how? It’s probably my favorite quilt top and I really want to quilt it myself but how is the big question. I have the backing ready and I’ve ordered black batting for it so I really need to get serious about how to actually do the quilting. Any suggestions?

Enjoy,

Easy Peasy Grommet Bag–Now Available

2011-08-24T07:33:00.001-07:00

I am very excited to announce that my newest pattern “Easy Peasy Grommet Bag” is now available for retail and wholesale orders. Retail orders can be placed from my website. For wholesale orders, please email me.

Here’s the cover photo, followed by a few other pictures that I haven’t had a chance to share.

I made this one just last weekend while at my guild’s retreat.

And these were made while Marilyn and I were enjoying a weekend in Palm Desert, CA checking out one of the locations for two of next years Two Wacky Women retreats.

That’s Marilyn’s on the right and mine on the left.

I can’t remember if I showed you this picture. It’s another Easy Peasy that I made a few weeks ago.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–August 22, 2011

2011-08-22T06:35:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a 4-day quilting retreat with my guild so I have lot’s to show you, but for now this is what is on my design wall.

These log cabin blocks were started last year at a retreat in Las Vegas and then again at my guild retreat last year. This weekend I managed to get them sewn on point and started working on the piano key border. This picture doesn’t do it justice, it is just gorgeous and at this point is probably one of my very favorite quilts I’ve ever made.

I hope to get it finished and ready for my guild quilt show in October. BTW it will finish about 62” x 80”.

I need a name for it (the blocks are fruits and vegetables), any suggestions?

Enjoy,

To see what others have on their design walls, visit Judy’s Patchwork Times blog.

Design Wall Monday–8/15/11

2011-08-15T08:40:00.001-07:00

My mystery quilt that I pieced while in Vegas is back up on the wall. I’ve now pieced the border and am getting ready to sew it in place.

I’m going to repeat the polka dot for the binding. I’m making progress . Check out Judy’s Patchwork Times for more design walls.

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–August 11, 2011

2011-08-11T06:22:00.001-07:00

I showed this a few days ago but it is now completely finished, binding and label attached.

This was started at a guild retreat in 2005. The top was finished way back then but it didn’t get quilted until a month ago when my friend Sue Salinger quilted it for me. I finished the binding and added the label yesterday so it’s all ready to take to guild tonight for Show and Tell. This is also part of my guild UFO challenge that is due at the meeting. I crossed it off my UFO list on the right and now it’s time to move on to the next one.

Enjoy,

DIY Day

2011-08-10T15:53:00.001-07:00

Emily and I decided to recover some seat cushions today. She is the queen of the electric staple gun, so we changed the seats on 4 chairs.

Before

and after.

Kinda cute I do believe.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–8/8/11

2011-08-08T07:49:00.001-07:00

This week on my design wall is a quilt that was started many years ago. It was a mystery quilt that I made at a guild retreat and that was probably about about 5 years ago. My oh my, where does the time go. It is almost finished, all I have to do is add the binding (already cut and ready to go) and a label then I can cross one more off my UFO guild commitment.

Here’s a close-up.

Also on this weeks schedule is to finish up the writing of my new “Easy Peasy Bag” pattern. Here’s just a few of them along with fabric for the next one.

With any luck at all, the pattern will be done by tomorrow and ready to be tested. I’m waaaaay behind schedule on this one. In case you missed it, I got sidetracked last week by making a YouTube video and written tutorial for a magic wallet. Here’s the link in case you missed it. http://robingallagher.blogspot.com/2011/08/magic-walletvideo-and-written-tutorial.html

To see what others are up to visit Judy’s blog.

Enjoy,

Happy Birthday Lucy

2011-08-06T13:06:00.000-07:00

Enjoy,

Magic Wallet–Video and a Written Tutorial

2011-08-04T16:59:00.001-07:00

If you’re like me, when I was a kid (a long, long time ago) I had a magic wallet. I can’t remember what it was made out of but I clearly remember putting a dollar bill inside, opening it on the other side and all of a sudden the dollar moved behind the ribbon and stayed there. I was always amazed and wondered how it worked. While in Vegas at a quilting retreat recently one of the gals had one and I was asked to figure out how to make one, out of fabric of course. Well, I’m always up for a challenge, so I proceeded to figure out how to make one. Now I must admit I still don’t really understand how it works but I do know how to make it. Many of the women at the retreat made them but I was a little sketchy on the instructions. I promised that I would write a tutorial and make a video showing the steps.

So without further ado, here is the video and the PDF with the written tutorial can be found here. If you don’t see the magic wallet near the top of the page, you may need to do a refresh. You can also click on the tab at the top of this page that says Tutorial/Free Patterns and that should also take you there.

Magic Wallet Demo

Yesterday I received a really cute note in the mail from my friend Aggie. Aggie was at the Vegas workshop and she made a Magic Wallet. Here’s what her note said.

A funny story

My Grandson Nick 14 went to scout camp the same week – he received his badge in leather & tooling he made a wallet a magic wallet. Shelly & I started laughing. I pulled out mine. Nick didn’t know what to think, Grandma made the same thing he did, his is leather mine material. Maybe the generation gap isn’t that big!

Aggie

So there you go, some things never change but that doesn’t mean they’re not still fun and magical. Wouldn’t these make a fun check/money holder for someone’s birthday or Christmas gift. They’re quick and easy, it probably takes less than 15 minutes to make one (after the first one of course ).

Enjoy,

P.S. A big thank you to my talented Granddaughter Emily for once again helping me by videoing, editing and uploading for me. Love You, Em!

Design Wall Monday–8/1/11

2011-08-01T06:36:00.001-07:00

Slowly getting back to normal and I actually have something on my design wall.

This is the center of a Debbie Caffrey mystery quilt that I made while in Vegas a few weeks ago. The borders are cut and waiting to be put on. Hopefully that will happen later today.

To see what others have on their design wall, head on of to Judy’s Patchwork Times Blog.

Enjoy,

Ironing Pad/Tote

2011-07-30T22:20:00.001-07:00

While I was at my Vegas quilting retreat, one of the gals had an ironing Pad that also served to tote a hot iron. I didn’t see it but my sister Melinda did. After we got home we did a search on the internet and saw a pattern for one that we think is similar or maybe the same as the one Melinda saw. We decided we didn’t need a pattern all we need was the material and we could make one. I was the guinea pig and made one and it seems to work. I have no idea if it’s the same as the one in Vegas or the picture I saw but it works and it’s cute, if I do say so myself.

I can’t wait to try it out.

Enjoy,

I’m Baaaaack!

2011-07-29T21:04:00.001-07:00

I’m back after a much needed break from Blogging. I may not have been blogging but I’ve been very busy. I’ll be sharing many things with you over the next week or so. I have many pictures from the Las Vegas retreat I attended, a new tutorial for a fun little “Magic Wallet” and much more. But for now I just have to show you my new shoes. I was at IQF in Long Beach today and I managed to not add to my fabric “collection” but I couldn’t pass up these.

and these………

And here’s a side view……

I love them both.

Stay tuned and Enjoy!

Vegas Workshop

2011-07-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

Sorry that I’ve gone missing the last few days. I’m in Vegas with my sister at our annual quilting workshop. Yesterday was my day to teach so I’ve been plenty busy. I will share more when I get a chance but in the mean time here’s a few blocks that I made on Monday, it is part of a quilt called Happenstance. Hopefully I’ll finish the top today and will get a chance to post another picture.

See you soon!

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–7/14/11

2011-07-15T08:08:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was a very busy day so this is a day late but here it is anyway.

This is my original Lattice Patch that is now the cover quilt for my newest pattern. I originally made this several years ago but didn’t have a name or write the pattern until recently. I’ll be teaching this in Vegas next week.

Enjoy,

A Gorgeous RQe logo Charm

2011-07-13T22:05:00.001-07:00

I have more to show you later but for now I’m just going to show off my new logo charm.

It so so darn cute! My friend Karen Waterbury made it for me. Karen makes jewelry and personalized pendants. She has a fairly new blog http://karenwaterbury.blogspot.com/ and you can also find her on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/kwdesigns2. She is very talented and I know you’ll love what she’s doing.

Thank you Karen, I love it!

Enjoy,

Miss August

2011-07-12T16:55:00.001-07:00

She’s finished and although it’s still July, Miss August is hanging on the front door.

Here’s a close-up so that you can see a little of the quilting.

She is just so darn cute! My granddaughter Emily and I have been brain storming the next 11 months. We’ve go so many ideas that will make this a really fun project.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–7/11/11

2011-07-11T06:01:00.001-07:00

Meet Miss August – My First Calendar Girl

Over the last few day’s I’ve shown you my efforts to take the Garden Girl pattern from Garden Club Quilts by Country Threads, Inc. and turn her in to my own paper pieced version. My plan (at least until it changes) is to make one mini-quilt each month and dress her appropriately for the month she represents. So without further delay…….drum roll please………

Miss Aggie August

She’s going to get a small border of the sunflower fabric then I need to quilt her and find a place to hang her up on the wall.

I think I’m in love.

To see what others have on their design walls, head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times to check It out.

Enjoy,

Miss August is in the Making

2011-07-10T18:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I showed my EQ version of a Garden Girl. As I mentioned, she is inspired by Garden Club Quilts by Country Threads, Inc. It’s certainly not exact but let’s just say, she’s similar. I think I’m going to make individual small quilts. I’ll find a place to hang them one at a time, changing it out each month.

My version is going to be paper pieced and will be a 12” square. Yesterday I printed out the PP pattern but since it’s a 12” block it prints out on 4 different pieces of paper. After taping it together and then cutting it apart in segments, I took it to Office Depot and had them make copies.

Here’s the fabrics I picked out for Miss August.

She’s going to be wearing a sunflower dress with a red hat and shoes. I’ve started making it so you can check back tomorrow to see how she turns out.

Enjoy,

Garden Girls

2011-07-09T17:58:00.001-07:00

I have always loved these Garden Girls and have wanted to make some for quite some time. You can see one of the girls here,

from this book.

Unfortunately it is out of print. I was able to find one awhile back by buying a used book through Amazon.

I actually own a wall hanging with three of the Garden Girls. It was made by my friend Frances Moore and I purchased it at a guild auction several years ago. Here it is hanging on the wall of my dinning room.

I’ve recently been inspired by Stephanie of Loft Creations. If you haven’t seen Stephanie’s quilt you really should head over to her blog and check it out. Her Garden Girls are really, really cute. I’ve also seen a few other variations so I’ve decided the time has come to make some.

I got out the book and decided that maybe it would be easier if I slightly redesigned the block so that I could paper piece it. Here’s the first one I came up with.

I like her but I think her head’s a little big so instead of redoing the whole thing I decided she needs a chin/neck and hair.

I’m planning on doing 12, one for each month of the year so each month she can have different clothes, shoes and hat. Now that she has hair (OK maybe not much hair, but neither do I) some months she can be blond, some months brunette and maybe even gray, I’ll decide as I go.

Enjoy,

A Beautiful Piece of Jewelry

2011-07-08T18:48:00.001-07:00

My dear friend Merna has always been a crafter and she is now into making glass jewelry. Here’s a piece she gave me as a gift. Isn’t it beautiful?

She and her husband, Rog moved to Texas many years ago but they are back “home” for a few weeks and are staying with they’re youngest son, Tom. The good news is that Tom lives really close to us so we’ve already seen them three times and we’re going to have breakfast with them again on Monday. We’ve really missed them. We used to have dinner together at least once a week. You really know who your true friends are when you can go without seeing them for several years and pick up exactly where you left off. Sure wish they’d move back.
Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–7/7/11

2011-07-07T19:35:00.001-07:00

Round and Round We Go

Here we go with this week’s truck show quilt. This one was made back in 2005. I had purchased a kit from Elisa’s Backporch at a local quilt show, it included a tower of batik fat quarters as well as the templates. As it turned out, my sister Melinda had also purchased the kit at a show back east. Sooooo, when she came for a visit she brought her fat quarters with her and we spent time making drunkard’s path blocks.

Enjoy,

Practicing my Feathers

2011-07-05T07:32:00.000-07:00

I love feathers but I’m not very good at quilting them…….YET! I know that what I need to do is practice, so yesterday I practiced. I’m making a little giftie for someone. The project needs just some simple quilting to hold it together, in fact I usually just do some simple straight line quilting. Today? Feathers.

The good news is that the fabric is so busy you can’t even see my quilting…….believe me, that’s a good thing.

See I told you, you can’t even see it.

Here’s the back where you can actually see the quilting. I told you not very good, but I’m determined and will continue to work at it. When the project is complete you can’t even see this side.

The giftie is now finished and will go in the mail later today. I hope the nice person I’m sending it to likes it.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–Independence Day July 4, 2011

2011-07-04T07:43:00.001-07:00

My design wall looks exactly like it did last week.

I’ve take the blocks off the wall several times trying to figure out how best to trim them so that I can sew them back together. So far everything I’ve considered just doesn’t feel right. I’m not sure how long I can put this off but I think I’ll take them down later today and play with something different. To see what others have on their design wall head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times blog.

In the mean time, and far more important, those of us in the United States are celebrating our nations Independence Day, also known as The 4th of July! One of my favorite patriotic songs is America the Beautiful. There are so many wonderful renditions but this one is new to me. I found it while visiting some of the blogs I follow. Thank you Such a Sew and Sew for sharing.

God Bless America!

Enjoy,

Lattice Patch is at the Printer

2011-07-03T20:47:00.001-07:00

I finally spent some time finalizing my newest quilt pattern “Lattice Patch” and sending it off to the printer.

I’ll be teaching it to a bunch of quilters in Las Vegas in a few weeks. Fun, fun, fun!

Enjoy,

Seal Beach–My Home Town - NQR

2011-07-02T21:15:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately there’s no sewing going on around here this weekend. But my husband and I did manage to go do my favorite Mexican restaurant.

Not exactly what you’d call fancy, in fact it’s right across the street from the Seal Beach Pier. If you’re wearing long pants and closed toe shoes you just might be considered over dressed.
After dinner John and I took a leisurely walk out on the pier. Here’s the view looking towards the end of the pier and then a picture of when you turn around and look back at Main Street and the beginning of pier.

As you’re walking out on the pier you can peer over the side and see a parking lot on the left. Tonight these two guys were parked right there entertaining anyone that wondered by.

I guess at the end of the day they just close up the umbrellas, climb in the cab of the truck and head home.

It was late in the day so the beach had pretty much cleared out.
Last but not least is a photograph of “Slick” the Seal Beach mascot. Notice his shiny nose? It’s suppose to be good luck to rub his nose whenever you walk by. I can’t begin to tell you how many times over the years I’ve rub that shiny nose, and I think it’s working. I feel pretty darn blessed and lucky.

Enjoy,

Christmas in July

2011-07-01T19:08:00.001-07:00

While in Vegas last month I stopped in at one of my favorite quilt shops, Fabric Boutique. The had recently put out some Christmas fabrics that I fell in love with. It by Kim Schaefer fro Andover Fabrics. It say’s 2010 so I’m not sure if it’s new or just new to me.

I think it’s more winter than Christmas but I know it will make something fun.

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–6/30/11

2011-06-30T15:44:00.001-07:00

Monday those of us in the United States will be celebrating our countries Independence Day. Several years ago, I made this patriotic wall hanging to hang on my front door. Some years it hangs there and some years I use it as a table runner on my dining room table.

The star blocks were made using a simple stack and slash method. Quick and easy but still a nice holiday addition.

Enjoy,

I Love the Mailman (and Barb)

2011-06-29T20:56:00.001-07:00

Looky look at what came in the mail today.

and this - - -

The other day Barb, of Bejeweled Quilts by Barb, posted a picture of this block and wrote about it here. She wasn’t happy with it but I loved it and told her that if she didn’t want it I’d love to have it. Next thing I knew, she was asking for my snail mail address and this was what was delivered by Mr. Mailman today. I love the block and plan on making a pillow or a little wall hanging out of it. She also included a nice size piece of this lovely fabric.

Thank you Barb, I love both.

Enjoy,

Ready for the Quilter

2011-06-28T16:11:00.001-07:00

I have two quilts all ready to take to my friend Sue who will quilt them on her longarm machine. I was going to piece a backing for my Kaffee Fassett Lattice Patch quilt that I made at the Two Wacky Women retreat a few weeks ago. Remember this? It’s kind of wrinkled now, but I really will press it before I take it to Sue.

While digging around in my sewing room deciding what to use for the back, I remembered this.

I’m pretty sure I showed it before but it’s a piece of fabric that I got at Ikea a while back. I think it’s perfect and will make a really different and fun backing and I don’t even have to piece it.

The other quilt is one of my UFO’s that needs to get finished by August. I was going to quilt it myself but I’ve got more than enough to do without worrying about it so off to Sue it will go.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–6/27/11

2011-06-27T07:28:00.001-07:00

This week I’m spending time staring at a bunch of blocks that I received as part of an on-line exchange. This is one of my UFO’s that is due later this year but it needs a lot of work, like an idea or design, . For the life of me I’m not sure what I’m going to do with them but I’m hoping by having them on my design wall and starring at them for a while an inspiration will come. Oh, and by the way, they all seam to be a different size which will add to the challenge. Wish me luck . Head on over to Judy’s Blog to see what others are up to,

Enjoy,

Lazy Day

2011-06-26T20:24:00.001-07:00

Today’s a lazy quiet day. I spent a little time sitting on the patio with my feet up on my new Poof that I got at Cost Plus World Market and working on a little simple hand embroidery.

Life is good. Happy Sunday!

Enjoy,

Great Piece of Fabric

2011-06-25T16:30:00.001-07:00

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with it but isn’t this a great piece of fabric.

Since I made something for Tali here, now it’s time to make something for Emily. What should it become? Another Easy Peasy?

Enjoy,

Letty’s Bags in Maine

2011-06-24T13:20:00.001-07:00

I received the following email and photographs from Carol at Threads Galore Quilt Shop in Rangeley, Maine.

“Thanks for a great pattern Robin! We had a great day today in our "Letty's Bag" class.

Carol & Dan Perkins”

Thank you Carol for sharing the pictures, it looks like everyone had a great time. If you’re in the Rangeley, Maine area, stop by and say hello for me.

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–6/23/11

2011-06-23T17:32:00.001-07:00

It’s the first weekend of summer so I thought I’d show you my Watermelon Table Topper.

Several of us in my friendship group made these. We shared reds so that we had a lot of variety. It originally was a pattern from a magazine but we changed it up a bit. The original had all the strips the same size but I think it’s much more interesting by varying the strip width. The seeds are made by spray painting heart buttons, black. I love the double binding. It really makes it have a watermelon look.

It’s always fun to pull it out each year and place it on top of the table in my entryway.

Enjoy,

Christmas Goose Quilt Shop–Las Vegas, Nevada

2011-06-22T16:26:00.001-07:00

While my husband was playing poker at the Bellagio on Monday, I headed over to the Christmas Goose Quilt Shop. I couldn’t help myself, I had to treat myself to some watermelon fabric and some ant fabric. Looks like something summery is in the making. What will it be?

Enjoy,

Another Easy Peasy Grommet Bag

2011-06-21T18:29:00.001-07:00

First of all since Peasy isn’t a real word it’s hard to know how to spell it. Is it Peasy or Peasey? Since I’m suppose to be finishing the writing of the pattern and not making more, I really need to decide how to spell it. Anyone?

Here’s the bag for Natalia.

and the inside.

She just go home from Miami this morning (a college graduation gift from her Tia) so she hasn’t seen it yet. I’m pretty sure she’s going to like it though.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–6/20/11

2011-06-20T06:32:00.001-07:00

I’m not at home today so instead of a design wall, I have a design bed.

This is an “Easy Peasy Grommet Bag” in process. This one is for my “pink” granddaughter Natalia. I think she’ll really like it.

My husband and I drove to Las Vegas so that he could play in a poker tournament while I sew in our hotel room. Check out my sewing space.

Pretty nice setup if I do say so myself. To see what others are up to, check out Judy’s Patchwork Times blog.

Enjoy,

Happy Father’s Day

2011-06-19T13:55:00.001-07:00

My husband John, possibly the best husband and father in the entire world, is living his dream today. While I’m in a hotel room sewing, he is playing in the WSOP or for those of you that don’t know, that’s the World Series of Poker and it’s a pretty big deal. The WSOP is held every year at the Rio in Las Vegas. Here he is yesterday picking up his table and seat assignment.

There are many events but the one he is in will have about 3,000 players. This will give you an idea of what it’s like.

Needless to say, it’s huge. Poker is a game of skill and luck, you need both when you’re playing in a tournament like this. John has the skill, let’s just hope he gets lucky. But, whatever happens I know he’s having the time of his life.

For me, I’m going back to sewing.

Enjoy,

And now a word from our sponsor. . . . .

2011-06-18T07:16:00.001-07:00

Not really a sponsor but it is my retreat business that Marilyn and I co-own. We are happy to announce that the website for Two Wacky Women has been updated and is ready for signups for 2012. As many of you know our retreats tend to sell out fairly early so if you’d like to join us next year, I would suggest signing up sooner rather than later.

We are adding a location next year, so some of our retreats will be at the Embassy Suites in Palm Desert, CA. We still love the Ayres Hotel in Laguna Woods, CA but it’s time to venture out and add a second location. You can visit the website to see additional information about the two hotels.

But the BIG NEWS is. . . . . . we are hosting a 5 night, 5 day retreat with Mary Lou Weidman. Mary Lou is not only a fabulous artist but she’s also a wonderful teacher and author. She teaches all over the world and has taught at Empty Spools Seminars for many years. Check out the prices and then come back and visit us. You will be amazed at what a really, really good bargain our retreat is.

Here’s a few pictures that I took while taking a class from Mary Lou at Road to California earlier this year.

If you like whimsical or wacky, this is the retreat for you.

Enjoy,

Another Easy Peasy Grommet Bag

2011-06-17T12:39:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, I know, I’m suppose to be finishing up the writing of my new Easy Peasy Grommet Bag pattern but instead I just keep making them. Why? Because they’re Easy Peasy.

You know how with your own children you love them all the same, just some days you like one more than another. Well today I not only like this one best, I love this one the bestest ever .

The flower is just raw edge appliqued on to the strip pieced black and white fabrics.

I’ve already put all my stuff in it so that I can start using it right away.

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–6/16/11

2011-06-16T14:28:00.001-07:00

This is a quilt from many years ago and was made as part of an on-line exchange. The bright raw edge circles were sewn on Kona black, cut in quarters and then exchanged.

My husband calls this my “Snake” quilt. Whatever.

Here’s a close-up of the quilting. As you can see I echo quilted around the raw edges and then using my embroidery machine I did the flower stitching. Too bad it’s been so long since I’ve used my embroidery unit that I don’t even remember how any more.

Have a great day.

Enjoy,

Dizzy Diva’s Fabrics

2011-06-15T21:24:00.001-07:00

Dizzy Diva’s Fabrics in Knoxville, TN carries some of my patterns. Wanda, one of the owners sent me these great pictures of their shop samples.

Thank you Wanda for sharing. If you live near Knoxville stop by, say hello, and tell them I sent you.

Enjoy,

Just What I Need–More Fabric

2011-06-14T19:55:00.001-07:00

Believe it or not I really did need this fabric. I had search and search through my stash and just couldn’t come up with a back for my next UFO project. I finally broke down and went to M&L which is a local discount fabric store. Luckily I was able to find this in the marked down fabrics.

Although it’s not exciting, I do believe it will work.

Next I needed a lining for a new “Easy Peasy Grommet Bag”. I had the glasses fabric but need something for the lining. I found this in the cheap-o section also.

This bag will be for my 21 year old granddaughter, Natalia. She’s such a pink girl I know she will love it. Until next time,

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–6/13/11

2011-06-13T08:10:00.001-07:00

This is my UFO that is due next as part of my guild’s UFO challenge. Although the top is complete, I now need to find a backing and quilt it. I love the colors but they’re a little different than what’s in my ~~way to big~~ extensive stash. I’m going to make one more attempt at finding something in my closet and then off to M&L to find something that will work.

To see what others have on their design walls, visit Judy’s Patchwork Times Blog.

Enjoy,

Retreat–Day 3 and a Finish

2011-06-12T21:37:00.001-07:00

Tonight I’m absolutely exhausted after a wonderful retreat. Here’s a picture of the group.

And a finished “Easy Peasey Grommet Bag.

Until tomorrow, night all!

Enjoy,

Day 2 of the Retreat

2011-06-11T22:50:00.001-07:00

Today I spent a busy fun day at the Two Wacky Women retreat. In between teaching and hosting, here’s what I accomplished,

A new “Lattice Patch” quilt top using Kaffee Fassett fabrics and most of a “Easy Peasy Grommet Bag”. I was just too tired to finish this evening. I’m in my room, checking email, and then headed to bed. Night all!

Enjoy,

Let the Fun Begin

2011-06-10T13:03:00.001-07:00

We’re all set up and ready for the retreaters to arrive.

We’re ready for a fun-filled weekend.

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–June 9, 2011

2011-06-09T08:31:00.001-07:00

Today I thought I’d share a quilt I made for my husband’s birthday back in 2000. It’s a Sunshine and Shadows pattern. It was pieced as part of an on-line group sew along. I wish I could remember who quilted it, but for the life of me I can’t remember her name. Here’s some close-ups so that you can see the quilting.

Enjoy,

Getting Ready for Retreat

2011-06-08T17:14:00.001-07:00

As I’ve mentioned before, this weekend Two Wacky Women are hosting a weekend quilt retreat. This is primarily a UFO or work on your own project retreat however we usually try to have a featured project. This time, for those that want to participate, we will be making my new “Lattice Patch” quilt pattern.

I’m frantically finishing the writing and will use this as a opportunity to hopefully finalize the pattern.

I showed you a few days ago my “story board” for the class using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. I’ll be making that one this weekend as well as getting another one ready for when I teach the same thing in Las Vegas next month. For the next one I’ll be using 10” squares from Daisies and Dots from Robert Kaufman. This just shows a few of the different fabrics in the collection.

I think I’ll use the polka dots for the lattice on this one with the Kona white as an accent in the border.

Tomorrow is packing day. I’ll attempt to get myself organized in the morning and then Marilyn and I will load the cars in the afternoon followed by our guild meeting.

Enjoy,

Sweet Email–Letty’s Bag

2011-06-07T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I received the sweetest email from Louise Wagner along with a picture of a Letty’s Bag she made.

Hi Robin,

Just wanted to show you the purse I made with your pattern "Letty's Bag". It is a gift for my sister, Nancy, I sent her a pix of it already, and she loves it! Me too! Now, I'm off to make one for myself! Thank you for making the pattern so easy to follow, I do appreciate that alot. Sometimes after you purchase a pattern you find that the directions are a tad bit sketchy and it leaves you hanging~ but not with yours, it was wonderful, and I did go to see the video on the grommets, the set I'd purchased didn't come with a template, but I'd made one up, it worked just fine.

Thanks again, and keep on coming up with jazzy bags! I love making them for my friends and family.

Sincerely,

Louise Wagner

Here’s the bag Nancy is getting as a gift.

It’s a pretty in pink bag I do believe.

Thank you Louise for taking the time to write the sweet note and for sending me a picture. I love to see what people make using my patterns.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–6/6/11

2011-06-06T05:59:00.001-07:00

I’ve been working on one of my new patterns “Lattice Patch”. I’ll be teaching it this weekend at a Two Wacky Women Retreat so I spent some time putting together the pieces for my story board.

This one is being made using all different Kaffe Fassett fabrics with Kona white for the lattice.

Speaking of Two Wacky Women retreats we are completely sold out for the remainder of 2011 but we’re very close to announcing our 2012 schedule . Here’s a hint……..Mary Lou Weidman will be joining us for five days in August 2012. I expect it will sell out fast so you may want to check regularly for the new schedule. It will be on the Two Wacky Women website and I’ll also announce it here as soon as the site is updated.

Head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times blog to see what others are up to

Enjoy,

UFO # 1

2011-06-05T14:56:00.001-07:00

Now that I’ve finished my UFO that is due next, it’s time to pull out the next one. Due in August is UFO #1. For me it is a completed top that needs to be quilted, bond and a label attached. Sounds simple enough, it always does.

Here it is:

And a couple of close-ups.

I really have no idea why I never got around to finishing this one. I really do like it. But like the others, it was started many years ago at a guild retreat. It was a mystery designed by my friend Sue. Guess I better figure out how to get it quilted. Should I do it or have Sue do it. We’ll see.

Enjoy,

NQR–New Car Smell–Love It!

2011-06-04T09:18:00.001-07:00

Don’t you just love the smell of a new car? I know I do and it’s all mine.

I’ve driven a VW Beetle Convertible for many years and although I loved it, the inability to carry much of anything in it was getting old. It was difficult for me to even load a sewing machine in it much less all the other ~~junk~~ stuff we quilters carry. If I was speaking or teaching at a guild it was nearly impossible to fit my trunk show in the car. I often had to switch cars with my hubby which was OK but I know he didn’t love having to show up at the golf course in my girly car with his clubs in the backseat.

I recently rented a car for the long drive to Salt Lake City and back (over 700 miles each way). Although I had reserved a Chevrolet Impala when I went to pick it up they asked me if I wanted a free upgrade to a Crossover SUV. As it turned out, it was a great car to drive on the trip and my sister and I were really impressed with how comfortable it was. So the seed was planted.

I started researching all the Crossover SUV’s out there (there’s a bunch) and finally after doing many, many comparisons I had it down to 4 vehicles. Yesterday was the day for John and I to go look, touch and drive. The plan was to make a decision, come home, do more research on the price and then go back today to negotiate. All that went down the drain when we got to this one. After looking at all the others we both knew instantly, this was the one. It was everything I was looking for, the price was right and we were able to agree on everything fairly quickly and home it came with us.

What is it you ask? A 2012 Kia Sorento. It looks brown in the picture but it’s actually dark cherry with a black interior, exactly the color I wanted. And, one of the best things (and a John requirement) it fits is the garage.

Enjoy,

Finally–My #*@+! UFO is Completely Finished

2011-06-03T06:24:00.000-07:00

It’s big! It’s actually longer than my dining room table and significantly longer than I am tall. After my fiasco with the binding I decided to just use a decorative stitch to sew it in place. I don’t do this very often but in this case I actually like how it looks. And it’s done, including a label on the back.

Here’s a close up of the binding.

and the backing, using left over fabric,

the extra block that found it’s way on to the back,

a piece of the fabric that I used for the blocks,

and last but not least, the label.

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–May 2, 2011

2011-06-02T09:01:00.001-07:00

This is not my original “Around the Block” but one of several that I’ve made since writing the pattern.

It’s a little difficult to see the fabric so here’s a closer look.

And the perfect backing.

This quilt now lives in my grandaughters’ bedroom at my house. I’ve recently redone there room in light yellow with black accents. This quilt works perfect.

Enjoy,

More Laminated Cotton

2011-06-01T20:51:00.001-07:00

These came in the mail today.

Yummy!

Enjoy,

Have I Mentioned How Much I Dislike This UFO?

2011-05-31T18:55:00.001-07:00

I’m sure your getting as sick of seeing this darn UFO as much as I am. Last night I finished quilting it and thought to myself, “Whew, I’m almost done, Yippee”. All I had to do was add the binding. No problem.

I cut the binding strips and decided to cut them 2 1/4” instead of my usual 2 1/2”. It was late (that’s my excuse) so I measured all the way around divided by 40” and decided I needed 3 strips. I started sewing and everything was going just fine until “OH NO” I didn’t have enough strips. I needed 2 more (did I mention this is a really big table runner). So I cut two additional strips, sewed them together and then added them to the end that was attached to the table runner. I finished attaching the binding and took it in to my ironing board where I measure, cut and iron the two ends so that I can sew the start and finish together with a nice neat mitered seam. At that point I realized that the last two strips weren’t cut at 2 1/4” they were cut at 2 3/4”, grrrrrrrrrrr!. Have I mentioned lately how much I hate rulers that have that extra 1/2” added to one side. I’m usually pretty good at making sure which direction I have the ruler turned but remember, I was tired.

I learned a long time ago that when I make a sewing mistake, and it’s late, the best thing for me is to just stop, don’t even try to fix it when your tired. But I do take the time to sit with my trusty seam ripper and rip. So that’s how my evening ended, ripping. Tonight, I’m going to give it another try and see if I can’t get this UFO finished at last. Wish me luck.

Have I mentioned how much I dislike this UFO.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday–5/30/11

2011-05-30T07:20:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, I still have the same thing on my design wall this week. It’s changed positions but it’s same-o, same-o.

I’ve managed to get side tracked working on my new bag pattern. I showed you one my samples/prototypes here. Last night I made another one (still working on the details). Isn’t it cute?

This one I used iron on fusible vinyl. Over the next few days, I’ll continue to work on this so that the pattern can be tested and then published.

In the mean time, I really have to get that darn table runner quilted, bound and labeled. I have until my June 9th guild meeting to finish this UFO. Why is it, it’s hard to work on some things and so easy to work on others? Maybe that Stack and Whack was a UFO for a reason. Oh well, bite the bullet Robin and finished it!!!!!!

Head on over to Judy’s Patchwork Times Blog to see what everyone is up to.

Enjoy,

Working on a New Bag Pattern

2011-05-29T20:08:00.001-07:00

You may remember this bag from a while back.

Originally I wasn’t going to write a pattern but at Market several people encouraged me to go ahead and write a pattern. So today I finally started working on it. Here’s my second bag that I made while taking extensive notes.

and the inside.

Kind of cute, don’t you think? Both of these bags are made using laminated cotton on the outside. Tomorrow I’m making one using fusible vinyl that you iron on. We’ll see, and report on, how that works. Stay tuned.

Enjoy,

My Cover Came–It’s Perfect!

2011-05-28T10:00:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, Shannon at Pieceful Kwilter showed her new iPhone cover. Well, I was so jealous I just had to have one of my own. So, I uploaded a photograph of my logo quilt, and wah-lah, it arrived and I love it.

Before,

and after,

The resolution of my photo is perfect, I swear it looks like it’s the actual quilt with all the detail of the quilting and red chalk. Now there’s no doubt who’s phone this is.

Case-mate makes covers for all different phones, not just iPhones. If you want your own, go here, and use the coupon code CM05-AR20 and receive 20% off (BTW, the discount didn’t show up until the very end of the transaction). I'm not affiliated in anyway- just sharing what was shared with me.

Enjoy,

A Fun Day with Marilyn

2011-05-27T06:58:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my BFF and Two Wacky Women business partner, Marilyn and I “had” to go shopping. We started out by going to Robert Kaufman. It had been quite sometime since we’d been there, too long if you ask me. Since we no longer vend at quilt shows our buying has been greatly reduced and what we shop for has changed. We don’t miss the vending but we do miss being able to shop and buy all the wonderful fabric that are available. It wasn’t easy but we controlled ourselves and only order fabrics that have a long shelf life and that we consider basics for our retreats, polka dots, Kona cottons, etc.

Ikea was next on the list. I was looking for glass bottles and Marilyn was just looking (famous last words). I didn’t find the bottles and Marilyn ended up doing more that just looking but we had fun. Since I was in a fabric buying mood, look at my great buys that I got at Ikea, of all places.

This piece is 100% cotton and is 58” wide. It’s a huge print (you’re seeing the entire width), I bought it for a backing but it may just be too gorgeous to go on the back. I absolutely love it and it was only $5.99 a yard!

Another great one. What you’re looking at is a piece 58” wide x 36”. It’s cotton but it’s heavier than your average quilting weight cotton. It sort of a light weight canvas. Perfect for some new bag patterns I have in the works.

Last but not least, this gorgeous leaf print. Again what your looking at is a piece 54” wide by 36”. It too is a kind of a light weight canvas and is destined to end up as a bag of some sort. There we many, many more but I managed to control myself by buying only these three but I can assure you I will be back in the new future to visit this “new” fabric store.

And last but not least, lunch. This time it was at:

YUM!!!!!

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday–May 26, 2011

2011-05-26T06:32:00.001-07:00

Needless to say, I own many, many quilts. Most of them I designed and made but I also have some in my “collection” that were made by someone else. Just like children, I love them all equally just some a little more than others, LOL! Believe it or not, this is one of my favorites and it is one of the ones I didn’t make. This one was purchased in a silent auction at the L. A. County Quilt Guild Quilt Show, several years ago. I think I managed to win the auction by bidding $40.00 (what a steal). There’s nothing like a good old fashion log cabin featuring my favorite red. Unfortunately there is no label on the quilt so I have no idea who made it.

Here is a close-up of some of the fabrics and the quilting. It is simply quilted by stitching in the ditch on the dark side of the blocks and then stippled though out the rest of the quilt.

Whoever you are out there that made it, I love this quilt and am thrilled to have it hanging on a quilt stand in my entryway.

Enjoy,

Oodles of Letty’s Bags

2011-05-25T17:13:00.001-07:00

Today I taught part two of my Magnolia Lane pattern to the wonderful quilters of Leisure World, Seal Beach, CA. You’d think I’d have pictures of Magnolia Lane quilts but noooooooo, I have pictures of oodles of Letty’s Bags. My friend Diane taught my Letty’s Bag pattern to them a while back. Well believe me these lady’s like it. When I got there this morning they had pictures, lots of picture for me and now I want to share them with you.

Thank you ladies for making my day. It was a thrill.

Enjoy,

A Great Day with Friends

2011-05-24T17:49:00.001-07:00

Several of us from my friendship group decided to have an outing today. We started out by going to a wonderful quilt shop in Laguna Hills, The Sewing Party. This is a fairly new store but man do they sell fabric I love. Today I was shopping for some unique fabrics to use in making samples for my newest bag pattern.

Check it out. The first one is a laminated cotton.

I absolutely love each and every one of them and can hardly wait to start making bags.

Next we went to Sacred Moondance. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending how you look at it) they are closing at the end of this week. The owner is moving out of state so everything has to go. This week, everything is 65% off. You should have seen how many bolts of fabric people had stacked up. When we got in line to have our fabric cut I guessed it would take an hour. Wrong!!! It was closer to 1 1/2 hours before we made it to the cutting table. Some of my friends got quite a lot of fabric but I only bought 2. Here they are.

I have not idea why I needed the first one but I really needed it. It is so bright and happy, it makes me smile. The second one is an interesting color (although the picture doesn’t show it). It’s sort of a light celery green. It can be used as a background or the inside of a bag. We’ll see.

After we finally finished shopping we headed to California Pizza Kitchen for lunch. Needless to say, it was delicious. Then finally back home. That was enough for one day.

Enjoy,

Design Wall Monday - 5/23/11

2011-05-23T06:06:00.001-07:00

I think this is making a return appearance on my design wall. This “Stack and Whack” table runner is my June UFO challenge for my guild. It has to get quilted, bound and labeled this week. I also have a couple of patterns that need to be written but this has moved to the top of the priority list.

To see what others have on their design walls, check out Judy’s Patchwork Times.

Enjoy,

Oil Cloth - I Love It!

2011-05-22T18:34:00.001-07:00

I have used oil cloth many times in the past to make various bags. I just love the stuff. Well after eating at the Red Iguana last week in Salt Lake City and seeing their beautiful oil cloth tablecloths I realized that’s exactly what I need for my dining room table.

We have a family dinner every Sunday night, and forgive me for saying this. but, my family members are the messiest people around. I always use a tablecloth on the table and it has to get some serious laundering every time it’s used. So the solution is. . . . . . oil cloth.

Off to M & L fabrics this past week to purchase 3 different pieces, to accommodate the various dining room table sizes.

The most common size is without a leaf. This is how my table is most of the time so I picked my favorite.

Here it is on the table, all set for dinner.

If I use one leaf, this is the tablecloth.

And finally for the times I add both leafs, this is the table cloth I’ll use.

The white is my least favorite but it will look fine when there’s a ton of people here.

My three favorite things about oil cloth: 1) I love the bright colors 2) All I have to do is wipe if off with a damp sponge and it’s clean 3) You don’t have to sew the edges, just cut to size and you’re ready to go.

Enjoy,

NQR - A Graduation

2011-05-21T20:52:00.001-07:00

Today is a non quilt related post.

This morning my beautiful granddaughter Natalia graduated Cum Laude with her BA from Chapman University. The entire family couldn’t be prouder. When she started the University four years ago we had our doubts that she could actually make it in only four years, but she did it and she did it with honors. Here’s some picture of the happy graduate.

A true California girl, sunglasses and all.

Love you my sweet Tali.

Enjoy,

Bloggers’ Quilt Festival

2011-05-20T10:11:00.001-07:00

Finally I have the time and energy to share a quilt and participate in the Bloggers’ Quilt Festival.

This is my “Robin Quilt” and was made many years ago as part of an on-line round robin. Here is a picture of most of the quilt. It hangs on the wall in my entryway and has a piece of furniture in front of it but I think you get the idea.

I hand appliqued the center “Robin” block and then sent it literally around the world. Here’s a better picture of the center.

A close-up of the first border added.

The second border (done by my sister Melinda).

The third border that was done by the organizer of the round robin.

The forth border was added by a women in Israel.

And the final border was completed back in Florida.

I’m sure by now you’ve noticed the fabulous quilting, it was done by Melinda, a fabulous customer long-arm quilter who just happens to be my very favorite sister. This is no doubt one of my very favorite quilts even though I only made 1/5 of it.

A big thank you to Amy or organizing this.

To see the rest of the Blogger’s Quilt Festival, go to Amy’s blog here.

Enjoy,

Trunk Show Thursday - May 19, 2011

2011-05-19T07:44:00.001-07:00

As I was putting quilts away after Quilt Market I decided it was time to share this one with you.

It is made from my “Magnolia Lane” pattern but this time using some very different fabrics than the original. Here’s a close-up of the fabrics.

Don’t you just love those polka dots? And finally a picture of the backing that I stumbled across. Perfect, I do believe.

Enjoy,

Letty’s Little Bag

2011-05-18T21:43:00.001-07:00

Check out the cute bags Jeanine McNeill made.

Her email to me said:

Had fun making these. Hardest part was finding black grommets.

Jeanine

Thank you Jeanine for sharing the picture.

Enjoy,

A Day to Decompress

2011-05-17T20:27:00.001-07:00

This morning started off by unloading the car. It’s amazing how much stuff was packed in there. I then had to return some padded flooring and drapes that I borrowed by Sheri at Quilt Cupboard. Thank you, thank you, thank you Sheri, I really appreciate it. Next Melinda and I headed over to Marilyn’s to take some things and pick up some things. Then we returned the rental car, stopped at Wienerschnitzel and then back home. That’s about it. We thought we would sew but instead we just lazed around.

So, I don’t have much to share with you today. Instead I’ll share a few pictures that you haven’t seen yet.

Here we are in the booth on the final day. That’s me on the left and Melinda on the right. Don’t we look cute in our “same but different” aprons.

The show closed at 4:00 pm. We then packed up but of course you can’t get a vehicle anywhere near the loading dock. So, here’s the stuff sitting on the sidewalk at the back of the convention center. Melinda stayed with everything while I walked back to the hotel and pick up the SUV. I wasn’t able to pull up real, real close but it wasn’t all that bad. We just hauled everything, a little at a time part way down the block and threw everything inside.

I can’t begin to tell you how tired we were afterwards but not too tired to go have a nice dinner a P.F. Chang’s. Here was the highlight of our meal.

Ahhhhh! It was so good. I think it was called the Wild Cat Martini. It was so good, we each had two. After all we were walking (not driving) and we deserved it.

Tomorrow, hopefully we’ll get some sewing done, fun stuff, not samples for Market. Yea!!!!!!

Enjoy,

As Dorothy Said. . . . . .

2011-05-16T20:15:00.001-07:00

Dorothy did it with three clicks of her heels, it took me over 700 miles behind the steering wheel, but either way “There’s no place like home”.

More tomorrow once I’m rested up.

Enjoy,

Spring Quilt Market–Almost Over

2011-05-15T06:15:00.001-07:00

I’m sitting in my hotel room this morning looking forward to my final day at Market and reflecting on the last several days. So far it’s been a terrific experience. I’ve met so many wonderful people, gained a bunch of new customers and spent some quality time with my sister, Melinda. Melinda has been blogging about Market so you might want to check out her blog and see it from her perspective.

This morning I thought I’d share with you my purchases from Sample Spree. Some of this is mine and some of this is for Two Wacky Women retreat door prizes and sales.

How I managed to carry all of this is beyond me. I guess I wasn’t as tired on Thursday as I am now. Here is a picture of the coveted Moda Bag. These are always given out with Moda purchases at sample spree and they are different every time. This one features Utah. It’s a huge bag that can hold lots of “stuff”.

Well it’s time to get a move on, take a shower, have some breakfast, put my apron on and plant a smile on my face.

Enjoy,