Today I remembered that I am blessed

Oh I know I'm blessed.  Grew up knowing it and realize it every day.  There are some days which make it harder to remember it because unknowingly I let the negativity of work or whatever push it aside.  Not today.  Today is a great day for when I picked up my mail this morning I had not one but TWO surprises in it.  A great friend sent me a gift card to cheer me up a bit.  It was a nice surprise since it will be very useful when I go grocery shopping this week.  The other thing that blew me away was a medium sized flat rate box packed full of cross stitch stuff.  (Corrected entry)  My new friend didn't have to "get rid of stuff" but instead just wanted to share what she had had been blessed with.   That is such a wonderful thought and idea.  I contacted her and she said she'd send me some things.  I didn't expect such generosity.

I am going to have so much fun going through everything.  There are even some things I haven't tried to do before so perhaps this is a sign that I should try those techniques.  :)

Thank you my friends.

I hope everybody else is having as good a day as I am today.

What's on the wall...and what it represents

I put up one of the quilts that I got from mom on my work wall this week and the more I stare at it (oh shush, I'm working too) I come to realize why I like it.  Yes it has bright colors and it's a design that I haven't done yet but it is also a learning quilt to me.

It has to wrap around the little alcove corner but it still fits pretty well.  This quilt was made by elderly ladies from the nursing home my mom was in.  They had a group of ladies who would do quilting.  Sometimes they would just do a block, sometimes they would do small wall hangings and sometimes the less disabled ones would do something like the above.

I took my ruler today to figure out what size those rectangles and squares were so perhaps one day I might duplicate it and that is when I made my discovery.  Looking at the quilt from a distance, I didn't notice that the rectangle and squares are not all the same size.  The rectangles finished at 2 1/2" x 5 1/4".  A different size to be sure.  Then I measured one of the squares and it finished at 2 1/2".  Not bad I thought.  I moved my ruler to another section of the quilt which I thought I'd get a better picture at.

And that was when I noticed that my 2 1/2" squares are not all 2 1/2" squares.  One time there was a 1 3/4" square.  Sometimes there was a 2" square.  Yet somehow it all fit together.  That is the lesson that I wanted to share.

We aren't perfect.  We stress over way too much in these days and times and we don't NEED to be perfect to get joy out of a quilt.  The squares aren't all the same and yet when you stand back and look at the quilt you don't immediately see it.  Quit stressing about something that is suppose to give you pleasure.  If you like it...you like it.  

Weekend sewing

I wasn't very productive over the weekend but I did manage to get two blocks done.  Yes, that's right.  Only two.  Those two blocks were easy ones to do too.  LOL.

I'm in a facebook group called "Creative Rectangle Quilting".  It a group that is slanting things towards Rectangle.  We'll do other blocks and stuff but we started a couple of BOMs.  One is more for beginners and the other for more Intermediates.  This weekend I did two of the beginner blocks.

This first one is called Basket Weave.  These are 12 1/2" blocks.  The strips in this one is 1.5".

The second beginner block is called Woven.  The yellow star  fabric in this second block is some of the fabric that came from Ghana.  The amount I had is more along a fat 1/8th.

In between doing the two blocks I also tried a new recipe.  It's broccoli rice cups.

I think I should have cooked them a little longer because they didn't keep their shape well after taking them out of the cup cake tin.  They did taste good so I'll try again and cook longer next time.  If it still doesn't work out to well I'll go and just make the recipe in an oven proof pan.

Everybody have a good day.  I'm back to searching patterns with rectangles in it.  Around the Holidays we'll be doing some mug rugs.  :)  Perhaps I should search some applique patterns since there some people who want to try that.

Before being in this group I never realized how many patterns have rectangles in them.  That's a good thing.  :)

Free Mug Rug pattern from The Quilt Pattern Magazine

Why is The Quilt Pattern Magazine giving away a free mug rug pattern?  The obvious reason is because they are a great Magazine.  They are also doing it because March 21st is National Quilting Day.  You don't have to buy a subscription to the magazine, although I think it is one of the best buys around.  Requesting the pattern will also put on their newsletter list (which is also free).  They will then email you the pattern.  Just check it out and make up your own mind about it.

http://www.quiltpatternmagazine.com/program/CD-ILQMR/

T-Block from Missouri Star Quilt Company

Have you seen the video from the Missouri Star Quilt Company yet?  I liked it enough that I made a small wall hanging from it.  Here is the link for you to watch if you haven't seen it yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSVORYlQtBA&feature=em-uploademail

For those of you who like written instructions:

First of all the yardage (for the quilt from MSQC):  Approximately (42) 10" squares and (33)  2 1/2" strips (which would include the first border).

For my wall hanging I used nine 10" squares.

So you start off taking your 10" square and cut off a 4" section.

Repeat for all of the 10" blocks.  Make two stacks.  One for the 4" rectangles and one for the 6" rectangles.

I decided to use black fabric for my "T".  I took my black 2 1/2" strips of black fabric (from a jelly roll) and started to sew the 4" sections to it.  Instead of just cutting what I needed, I chained pieced my 4" sections to it.

After finishing sewing the 4" sections to the black strip, I cut them apart and ironed the material to the black side.  The next step would be to sew the 6" sections to the black strip.  Before you sew the 6" sections, you need to decide how you will match them up.  This took me a little bit of time and I will confess that I cheated a bit.  If I found I liked a combination, I kept the same combination for both the 6" and 4" section.  In the picture below, I would have the six inch purple batik paid up with the four inch blue pattern.  Then I put the six inch blue pattern with the four inch purple batik.  Once you have the pairings like you want, sew it to the black strip.

When finished, iron to the black and you should have the base of your t-block finished.

The next step is to sew the black (in my case) 2 1/2" strips to the top of the block in order to finish your T.  If you wish to have the blocks have an illusionary affect, make sure the 6" side is always on the left.  I started to chain this step also but it didn't work out very well.  I had to resew a couple of them because I sewed it to the wrong side.  Perhaps it is best to sew those one at a time.  In no time at all you'll be done with your blocks.  MSQC said to measure your base of your t-block so that you know how much to cut your 2 1/2" strip for the top of the T.  I knew it would be less than 12" so I just cut my strips 12" and then trimmed when I was all done.

The layout should be like the picture below.  All the blocks in the vertical row are placed in the same position.  The next vertical row the blocks are turned up side down, etc.  If you prefer to think of it in terms of horizontal rows, you are alternating where the top of the T is in each block.  The first block the top of the T is at the top of the block.  The next block the top of the T is at the bottom of the block, etc.  Just refer to the picture below.

Sew your blocks into rows and then join the rows.

You should be ready for the first border.  The border is 2 1/2" strips in the same color as the T.  Once again I used the black jelly roll.

That is where I stopped.  The next step according to MSQC would be to add a 5" border to it.  I think that 5" is too large for a wall hanging.  IF I put on another border it would be probably be around 3-4".  I'm not sure if I want to put a second border on.  I stopped here so I can think on it and audition various fabric for the border (if  I do it) or binding.

What do you think?  A second border or not?

Baby Raven

I heard that everybody who saw the Raven table runner (Well Wishers) loved it.  Dan forgot to put it out at the event so he only showed some of the people afterwards and they liked it.  One of those was the pregnant lady who wondered if I would make her a baby quilt since she will be naming her daughter Raven.

Of course that put the idea into my head and I thought this might do.  She wanted the fabric colors to be forest green and dark purple.

I was thinking of putting her name "Raven" at the top and then shrinking the picture of the Well Wishers (2 ravens sitting on branches and holding a heart) down to fit in the bottom border.

Would you put anything on the side borders?

What do you think?

Excited today...

Today I am excited because the Raven table runner should be arriving in Arkansas for the event this weekend.  Hopefully the bad weather will still get it there on time.  It's nice to be part of the event even if I can't go down for it.  For those of you who wish to get a flavor of a SCA event, this was posted on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ4FQHnEGPg

It is from the SCA Gulf Wars XXII 2013 Camp Life and Battles.  It will give you an idea of what they do at Gulf Wars.

I also finished doing my test pattern for The Quilt Pattern Magazine.  It was a quick little wall hanging but I can't show you yet.  You'll have to wait until August before I can show you that.  I still had problems with the quilting.  I think it is the walking foot.  The sewing machine runs fine until I put on the walking foot.  Then it starts to clunk.  Take off the walking foot and it doesn't clunk.  I have noticed that it doesn't stay "tight".  It loosens up after stitching for a bit and I have to get out the screwdriver and tighten it back down.  I'm wondering if it is the walking foot itself since my regular foot doesn't have that problem.  I have met my immediate sewing obligations so now I can let it rest for a bit and do some more hand work.  We'll see how it goes.

Well Wishers is DONE!!!!!!!

I managed to finish up Well Wishers at 10:30 p.m. Monday.  Not bad since I have to mail it out tomorrow (Tuesday).

Ready for pictures?  Tonight started out with picking out the white thread that had bled over into the back.  I think that was because of problems I had quilting it.  Oh, before I forget...Thanks Kat!  I think that the walking foot wasn't on right.  I'll let you know if it acts up when I quilt the test pattern.  Now, where was I...oh yes, Where I started out tonight.

 Piking out the white thread that came through the back.  A pair of tweezers, Karen Buckley's scissors (super nice pointy blade), and a lint brush were all essential equipment.

1 1/2 hours and it looks a lot better.

Three hours later and I finished the Well Wishers.

Finished size is 51 1/2" x 23 3/4"

I will be mailing these Ravens down to Arkansas tomorrow.  Hopefully the recipient will remember to take a picture of the table once they attach it.  I think I'll add in a color catcher  also for when they need to wash it.  LOL.

Now it's bedtime.  Thanks for stopping by.

I was soooooo close....

The table runner is almost done.  Yes I was suppose to mail it off on Saturday but that didn't work.  Why didn't it work?  Because I ran out of Kona Snow fabric.  I tried to piece it but it wasn't going to work.  I tried to use IT as the middle and duplicate my red border around it but that wasn't going to work either.  So let's recap.

1.  Front went beautifully.  Didn't have problems with the applique or anything.
2.  The back - Didn't have enough fabric
     a.  Tried piecing what white I did have - didn't work
     b.  Used the white for the middle and put red borders on - didn't work - will use that for something else.
     c.  Tried using white in middle and putting two red panels on each side with embroidered design - didn't work - took look long.  Took 4 hours and only had one partially done.
     d.  Used red for all the back - Ta Da!

3.  Get out the batting and start the sandwich.  WRONG!  Where did all my longer pieces of white batting go?  I didn't want to piece it.  Finally found an off white batting which was wide and long enough to use.  The Kona Snow fabric is thick enough that it didn't show through so that was fine.

4.  Start to mark my quilting design.  Check.  Didn't go too badly.  Used a ruler and blue marking pen to draw the grid lines (cross hatch).

5.  Sew.  Ah HA!  Back to getting dissatisfied.

By now you can imagine I was stressing out because I'm behind schedule thanks to the backing problem.  I put in a red bobbin but kept the top white.  So far so good.  I got about half way into the quilting and my machine started to clunk.  Yeah, clunk.  That's not good.  By the time I was down to three lines to complete the quilting, it was clunking pretty good and the walking foot jumped more than it walked.  I plowed on and prayed.

I have to do a test pattern this week so I NEED my sewing machine to be working.  I'm taking Tuesday off of work to try and perhaps clean out my machine?  I've never done that so wish me luck.

Sorry no pictures this time because the recipient of the table runner checks here periodically.  I'll post it after it arrives.

Oh yes, one more thing on the table runner.  NOW there are two small spots on the front--my beautiful front is spoiled now!--and I wonder if I should try to get it out or blame it on mailing it to the recipient.  :)

Another project

I started another project today since I didn't bring my applique in to work.  I'm trying to remember how to do a ripple afghan.  Now this is a major undertaking for me.  Consider it up there with needleturn applique or FMQ good enough for show quilts.  I'm serious.  I can only do one thing with confidence in crocheting (hot pads/pot holders) and even then sometimes they don't come out right.  That's why I usually tell gift recipients "I'm giving you a variety of sizes for the hot pads so you can use them with various dish sizes".  I thought that was a good cover up.  So if you get crocheted hot pads from me don't tell me you know the REAL reason why they aren't the same size.  I prefer to live in ignorant bliss on that topic.  :)

So here is my chain.

How many do I chain?  I have no idea.  I'm going until it looks right.  The pattern says chain multiples of 5 plus 7.  So that's what I did.  I always thought the chain looked like a snake.  I guess it doesn't help that it is variegated yarn.  I'm just doing this to use up left over yarn so it will look ugly.  My colors won't be changing until I end a left over ball of yarn.  Right now this color will be around 3 rows...maybe.  I have some tan yarn that I might use next as well as brown.  After that the colors will look a bit weirder (more weird?).

Once I commit this pattern to memory (IF I do) then I'll go and plan one more carefully.  This one will be used to curl up with on the bed or throw over me while on the computer, etc.

Wish me luck!

What I've been working on...

Hi everybody.  Remember me?  I know it's been a little bit since I posted but that's because I've been busy.  I know...surprised myself on that one.  :)  Most of you know I periodically talk about my friend Dan and his SCA group.  Today is another time.  That's why I've been busy.

The Society for Creative Anachronism is an international organization dedicated to researching and re-creating the arts and skills of pre-17th-century Europe. Our “Known World” consists of 19 kingdoms, with over 30,000 members residing in countries around the world. Members, dressed in clothing of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, attend events which feature tournaments, royal courts, feasts, dancing, various classes & workshops, and more.

You can learn more about them by visiting their web page:

http://www.sca.org/

You'll also see some great outfits on the page.   Dan's group is called The Incipient Shire of Ravenshold.  They will soon become a Shire in their own right and they are a wonderful group of people.  They put on "events" which can include contests (fighting, archery, etc.) and also have demonstrations on how to do things (arts and crafts, fighting, etc.).  They also have great cooks and, as my mother and grandmother would say, they know how to "put on a great spread".  That means they have a long table filled with food and people dressed up in period clothing.  They also have a "high table" which is set up higher than the others.  That is the dignitaries table.  It is an honor to sit there and usually reserved for the nobility that are visiting.  

They are having an event on the 21st of February and when I saw "Well Wishers" from The Quilt Pattern Magazine, I knew I had to make it for them.  I am almost done with it, which is good since it needs to be mailed out over the weekend or early next week to reach Arkansas in time.

Ready for some pictures?  The applique work is done although I might redo one of the eyes of the Raven to make it larger.  

Here are some close ups.

The eyes were to have been appliqued on but I thought it easier (yes I'm lazy) to do a French knot.
Now I have to:

1.  cut down the table runner a little bit.  I always allow extra for any shrinkage from applique work.
2.  add a red border (probably 2 1/2 ")
3.  layer and quilt it (a cross hatch pattern)
4.  trim and add binding.
5.  MAIL IT!!!!!

Table runners usually lay flat on the table.  This, from my understanding, will be attached to the front of the table cloth (the part that hangs down) as a decoration for the high table.  Dan has promised me pictures of it from the event so we'll see how it looks.

Wish me luck in getting it finished.  When it is finished I don't have any rest time since a week later I have to have finished a test pattern.  LOL.  Guess I didn't want to be bored!

I hope you have a great day!