Ima Baglady's Treasures

Retreat 2010-last of the quilts

2010-02-26T16:43:00.004-05:00

Thought I got them all in the last one, but found a couple more photos! I really had a lot of fun this year and can't believe how many of the little projects I got done. Was a great way to work even though I didn't have any big quilts to show. I need another retreat to get the purses/bags done for people!

Retreat 2010-More quilts

2010-02-26T16:19:00.010-05:00

More quilts:

Retreat 2010-Other people stuff!

2010-02-26T15:51:00.009-05:00

Wow - 31 people can do amazing things! I don't know most of the names. I sometimes wish we'd wear badges. But all are wonderful and friendly and helpful and creative....

I HAVE to make one of these! I wanted to go to the guild meeting, but it's hard for me during the day.

This lady is awesome! She helped me at my first retreat when I ran out of binding on my cousin's baby quilt. Her guild has donated more than 40,000 quilts to Project Linus!

From Marti Michell templates.

Same quilter, also from Marti Michell templates. The look so easy this way!

Retreat 2010-part 3

2010-02-26T15:46:00.005-05:00

My other buddy's quilt. She's making it for her son - a big sport's buff. It's her own design and amazing! Baseball, football and around it all is a track out of striped fabric. I can't wait to see it finished.

My table buddy - a sweet lady here with her daughter. They both did beautiful and precise work!

Retreat 2010-part 2

2010-02-26T15:35:00.002-05:00

My friend's quilts: one for a baby. The blue has tiny little bees on it - so cute! She gave me some of her flying geese flip corners to make a mini Sister's Choice block for my collection. I have some scraps to do one for her too.
Gave her my double of the 60 degree ruller runner. She made her own "striped" fabric and the runner since she wanted to make one anyways. The scraps from her discard pieces she put together and gave me in trade for the pattern. It ended up the backing of my Halloween hexagon. The red has really subtle leaf pattern in gold and the gold fabric also had leaves. It looks so rich!

She was making fun of me for climbing under the tableto plug everything in and snapped my picture. Had to get her back! LOL!

Post Retreat Post

2010-02-15T13:33:00.012-05:00

Well, got home from quilt retreat nearly a month ago and still haven't posted photos! Here are my projects. Most have pics, but some don't. Quilts form other people will be in the next post.

I finished:
At least 16 4-patch blocks for the groups charity quilts. (no photos)

7 Table toppers/runners
6 of them were one-sided and one was reversible

5 miscellaneous gifts

4 of the gifts were doll diapers
3 Tiny Sister's Choice blocks (5 inch finished)

2 Christmas gift bags

1 Advent Calendar
1 BOM for the 12 Days of Christmas Quilt (no photo until i do the embroidery)
And 1 dog pillow filled with scraps for the local dog rescue (donated already)

Also started working on a bag for my friend, but with the directional stripes, there isn't enough fabric to do matched fabric straps. Have to rethink that project a little. Might do cording straps out of one of the contrasting colors she bought. That will be interesting.

Grandma and Christmas

2009-12-31T11:10:00.006-05:00

This photo is from Gram's surprise 90th b-day party. She was moved to tears to see her nearly 100-year old sister-in-law. :)

Almost caught up to current time. I need to take a few pics of gifts, but I really haven't had time to work on much of anything.

After my niece's birthday party, my son's birthday party and my cousin's baby shower, my amazing grandmother of 92 years passed away from a massive stroke. She waited to fully leave this word until all her grandkids had left the hospital room. While she was completely unconscious, I'm sure she was watching out for us. She passed quietly with only my mom and my aunt in the room. She was dearly loved by many, many people. I had the sincere honor of delivering her euology. Though I did ask for her help to get me through it without messing up or breaking down!

Gram would never have complained or inconvenienced anyone.
She remarkably visited each of our homes for birthday parties and saw the Christmas decorations. She also laughed and cried throughout the baby shower! We have amazing pictures of her glowing face until practically the day before she died! I am waiting for a few electronic pics so I can add them to this page.

This rainbow showed on the way to Grandma's house (and my folks' house) Christmas day.

Holly glasses from Santa. My dh LOVES to decorate and eat the holly shaped cookies. I think that's the only shape we made this year. We had a deal that I only had to decorate anything not holly shaped... LOL - worked for me!
Our tree. Yes, there is a strand of lights out. Of course, this week it is working.

Haven't seen my brother or his wife in quite a long time, but they were able to drive up to attend Gram's funeral. My hubby and me, then my bil and sister, then my sil and brother.

The three kids. Can you tell we are related?!? lol

Our furkids and pink-kids, as one of my friends would say.

Mid December

2009-12-31T11:01:00.003-05:00

Getting down to the wire! I still have a bunch of Christmas gifts to finish! I didn't take pics of some of them, but I can sneak some later on at my sister's house. The kids had fun building forts...
birthday party still happened even though birthday boy landed in ER that morning... turns out he had croup. They gave him a breathing treatment and cough medecine. WE followed up with his dr later that week and got more meds for a sinus infection. Or course Mom (me) got it too and I'l STILL coughing!

My own pattern. Made it for my cousin's baby shower. It's based on our great grandmother's quilt from the 30's or 40's.

December

2009-12-31T10:53:00.004-05:00

No photos from Thanksgiving, but we did all have fun! Early December had a Tae Kwon Do demonstration at a Mui Thai fight night. The opposit end of the spectrum was the final Christmas pageant at the daycare/preschool our kids attended. DS graduates from kindergarten this year!

Early November

2009-12-31T10:45:00.002-05:00

These are actually from two trips out! I can't believe the weather we've had so far this fall!

I remember hiking here as a kid. Everything seems so much smaller now :) A friendly family with a huge dog took this pic for us.

Steelers Game

2009-12-31T10:38:00.002-05:00

We bought tickets from a charity auction and went to an early season Steelers game. We had more fun before the game doing all kinds of goofy games! The Steelers did win and we had fun during the game too. The park is amazing - it was our first time there.

Happy Halloween!

2009-12-31T08:55:00.004-05:00

It has been an eventful few months! October - started going to a chiropractor and, whew, it hurts for a bit, but I don't wake up stiff anymore and I can bend and twist! I just now started going every other week. The kids and dh still had their busy schedules too.

All the kids walked together with a couple parents. My dd and I made the puppy costume.

hee hee - I can never resist dressing up! My ds is on the left.

One baby pumpkin from our garden. I forgot to take pics when they were carved!

Tutorial - bag handles

2009-10-03T16:36:00.007-04:00

I hope someone will find this useful! Although I love making bags, I loathe making the handles. I've tried various methods, bought "tube turners" and tried adapting patterns to make them easier. I finally came up with this. Basically, the tube is sewn wrong sides together. Seam allowance is trimmed (only if necessary!) and another one or two layers are added. The multiple tubes are pressed with the seam open. Then sewn to each other with the seam allowance sides touching. Voila! No turning, no interfacing (usually) necessary!

Pressing the seam allowance. I usually eyeball it to make sure it is centered. Sorry about the gross ironing board cover...

The cut strips need to be two times the width of your trim or top strip, plus two seam allowances because it's folded. My trim was 1/2 inch, co I cut the fabric 1.5 inches.
Stitching trim to the coordinating fabric. You can see the seam allowance peaking out a little. I should have trimmed it better. When I was done sewing, I just pulled any stray threads and no one knows the difference ;-) shhh - don't tell on me.

If the trim or second fabric piece are narrow, a serpentine or honeycomb stitch works great! It the pieces are a little wider, a great stitch is the blind stitch so you can catch the top and the bottom at once. I do both edges, then the back of the handles are attractive too. (no pic of that one here. Camera is on the blink.)

Trim to the length you need and attach to your bag as needed. Enjoy!

2009-10-03T16:30:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine bought this fabric and asked me to make several bags for her. In addition to these, there was also a makeup bag and a "travel tray." I've seen the idea a couple places, but didn't have a pattern. I winged it and put my own twist on the style. Next up will be my tutorial on the way I made the handles.

Little gifts 2

2009-08-03T20:04:00.001-04:00

...are most appreciated. We gave the workers each a little makeup bag and gift card to TGI Fridays. One of the four said, "No, I can't take tips." But I know how these things work. The gifts were for "their wives." Then, of course he accepted gratiously ;-) Plus, the crew chief had already accepted his, so I wasn't taking no for an answer - LOL. They were all very nice and kept everything very neat. I felt they deserved a gift for all their hard work.

Little gifts

2009-08-03T19:55:00.007-04:00

A couple other bags that didn't make it past the door. Sold them to some friends. DD is asking for a strawberry bag for her, but she wants to keep the "fringe." You know, the hangy strings from the cut edge.

New Patio is IN

2009-08-03T19:30:00.006-04:00

the loudest helper...
just a little nap...

Our new rose tree - supposed to be hardy to -5 degrees. We'll see...

Corner to the right as you look out the patio door. My baby peach tree. I love these blue pots!

Strike a pose! He insisted on keeping this silly picture. Grass has not yet sprouted and it's gonna be hot this week. We need lots of water.

Looking straight out the patio door.

A little pumpkin. This one has to be 10 lbs already!

An owl from a craft/art show. I wish we had the artist's name. Everyone sees this and wants one.

The other half working hard. Or is that hardly workin'? Patio looks small from this angle, but it's almost 300 sq ft and the glass room is 250-ish - Almost the whole back of the house!

Rain/No rain?

2009-07-25T11:01:00.002-04:00

Ugh - Patio was supposed to start yesterday, but with all the rain, it was delayed to this morning. The guys showed up, unloaded everything and then it started raining. Sooooo, they packed up and left. Now the sun is shining and everything in our yard is dry. Go figure.

Makeup bags

2009-07-23T22:00:00.003-04:00

Hey LG, fellow Goddess of the Universe! Here are the first of your bags. The picture doesn't do them justice - much prettier in person. I think it's funny I like your purse better than mine now. LOL! Still working on a couple more in a different print. Those should be done this weekend and I can mail them on Monday. Enjoy!

Random Pictures

2009-07-11T17:07:00.002-04:00

Some of our new patio furniture. This is a wine bottle rack. Can't really keep full bottles outside, though.
Half of my DH's father's day gift. My friend made the corn hole boards and I painted them, Also made the 8 corn bags to go with the game. I'm still a terrible player!

My baby peach tree. Keeping it in a pot for now. It may eventually go in the ground after the new patio goes in.

More of the new furniture... chaise lounge. I made a total of 9 pillows and 4 placemats. All are out of sun/shade fabric from JoAnn's.

Finally, the bags that I made for myself to take on a business trip. I ended up with orders for a dozen more! Shipped the first one last week. I wish I had time to make them faster! I love this fabric!

2009-07-10T12:31:00.002-04:00

Made this little bag from a pattern I found online... can't remember where - sorry! Gave it to my youngest niece as an Easter basket.

This one was donated to a horse rescue agancy for an auction fundraiser. The bidder paid $25 for it. I was super excited! The straps are my own design - I'll post instructions next time I put them together like this. The bag is from recycled jeans. That's what happens to old faithful jeans when they make you sit in paint!

Lots of pictures

2009-07-10T12:19:00.003-04:00

...to make up for my absence. A lot has been going on around here.

The inside of a bag I designed myself. Sold this to a co-worker after she admired a bag I made for myself. Pictures of that one later.

Outside of bag

Tassel I made because I couldn't find one to match. I asked the lady at JoAnn's for the shortest piece I was allowed to buy... 4 1/2 inches - LOL. That's enough for 3 tassels!

A little makeup bag I tucked in as a surprise for my friend. She'll find it when she opens the package I shipped.

Here's a quick pic of the climatis in my backyard. We're having a new patio put in and the landscapers are also going to clear out this bed. Not sure if they will be able to save this plant - one of the first we put in 12 years ago when we moved in.

Judy's Mystery Blocks

2009-03-08T15:30:00.003-04:00

The dark background/light center blocks. Whew - it took longer to cut them than to sew them together.

Light background/dark center blocks. I think I'm more partial to these. Maybe because I'm supposed to be making a quilt for my sister's sister-in-law's baby girl. Pastels always make me think "little girl."

Mystery quilt

2009-02-28T16:20:00.001-05:00

I couldn't resist posting this photo. We love our dogs and they love us.

Here are my fabrics for Judy L.'s mystery quilt. We're supposed to just pick a bunch of fabrics, not paying attention too much to color choices. If we don't like it in the end, she said she will be happy to quilt them and donate to charity.

Christmas BOM blocks

2009-02-28T16:17:00.002-05:00

1st 2 blocks are from Nancy Halvorsen's book, 12 Days of Christmas. I'm working on them as a BOM at my LQS.
Here is part of the BOM from last year, also a Nancy Halvorsen. This one is Be Attitudes. I have all the blocks made, but still have to do the blanket stitching on the last 8 or 9. My own red, fuzzy slippers sneaked into the shot... Don't mind the floor. It's hideous, I know, but since it's the laundry room, no one ever sees it. Well, at least until now. :)

Baby gift, Crocheted flowers

2009-02-28T16:14:00.006-05:00

The lunch bag I finished on the quilt retreat last month. I have a couple others cut out and ready to roll, but not motivated to finish Christmas stuff right now. I need some spring-y colors!

My great grandmother was a crochet queen! My grandmother has hundreds of these flowers and framed them for each of her daughters, and most of their friends. Recently, Grandma made tiny frames with 2 or 3 flowers in them for each of her granddaughters. The little frame is upstairs. This oval frame is the one she originally gave to my dad's mother eons ago. The colors are still beautiful - this picture doesn't do them justice.

A baby quilt and tiny pillow for a co-worker. She has bought several of my lunch/gift bags, as well as a large bag for herself. The blocks are actually parts of a "book panel" that I got in a grab box from Fat Quarter Shop. I LOVE when they have the grab boxes. They are usually 12 pounds. I've only bought one, but the unusual mix of fabrics has stretched my imagination - even if the bits were tiny. Those small strips have become trim for some of my bags. Or handles. Or were used in quilts. Some were "not my taste" (meaning u.g.l.y., but I didn't want to say that out loud) and I gave them to some friends who really liked them. A fun way to expand your horizons - and about the only surprise I truly enjoy. MOre on surprises another time....

PS - can't post this until after the gift is given. Will be sitting in my drafts for awhile.

Just for us

2009-02-28T15:58:00.006-05:00

I started this quilt about 3 years ago with a surprise fat quarter medley from Keepsake Quilting. I fell in love with the center panel and built my quilt around it. It is all my own design and is the largest project I've worked on. Needless to say, I do not think I am up to the task of quilting it. It will be sent out - hopefully soon! I can't bear to let it out of my house, but I will have to let go for a short time.

Some of the other fabrics are from my mother-in-law, some are from my mom. Most are from Abigail's Quilt shop. Those ladies were great helping me pick colors and fabrics!

The blocks across the top and bottom are modified broken dishes blocks. My great-grandmother had a similar design in a red and white quilt she made out of flour sacks sometime during the 30's or 40's. Her quilt has a sold color center, but I added the contrasting square. I'll get a picture of that next time. You can still read the labels!

Little Pink Houses

2009-02-27T21:44:00.006-05:00

I don't usually join groups on blogs, but this quilt was so cute, I couldn't help it! My DD took one look at the first four blocks and made me promise to let her help when the next patterns are ready. Mama Spark had the idea.

I've seen so many folks post pictures of their irons on their blogs. Since I took these quick picks on my ironing board, I thought I'd add my iron too. I really like this one and paid a pretty penny for it. (Don't tell DH! He would have a kitten if he knew I'd spent that much on something that I don't use except for "sewing and quilting.") It's an Oliso and a long story behind it's purchase...

I had been using my grandmother's iron since I moved into my own house (12.5 years ago). Grandma passed away in early January 1989, so I can only guess how old the iron was before I inherited it. It was awesome! Never dripped or spit, got hot as heck-but didn't scorch anything unless I really wasn't paying attention. It was heavy, but didn't cause any trouble. Hee hee, plus, before I started sewing/quilting again, I only used it on very rare occasions.

Well, enter two new dogs into the house and one of them needs to be near a person at all times. I even have an extra bed for her near my sewing machine. She bumped the ironing board and knocked Gram's iron to the floor - concrete floor. No one got hurt except the poor antique. I bought a cute purple thing at Wally-world. It was light, not too expensive and best of all, it was PURPLE! I sure got what I paid for and tossed it out when it dripped and scorched some quilt fabric! Only 3 months old! Grandma's iron was easily more than 30 yrs old when it bit the dust.

I trudged up to my sewing machine repair shop (Pins & Needles is great!) and they sold me this great iron. Well worth the cost. I don't even have to stand it up. It stays on little pop-out feet as soon as I let go of the handle. My kids love to touch the handle and make it pop up and down. Hey, if only they would do some of hubby's shirts... one can dream.

My own quilt retreat projects

2009-02-08T19:48:00.004-05:00

I designed this bag at my mil's request for a bag to hold her scrapbooks for crops. She is very particular (just like me...) and it took me 6 months to even start cutting the fabrics!

Made this for my niece for an Easter gift. Quilted bags are big at her school and everyone loved the first one I did for her.

This was supposed to be a gift for a friend of mine, but I loved it so much, I couldn't give it away. It's also my first foray into free-motion quilting, so probably not good enough to gift anyways... well, that's what I told myself!

Ahhh - the bulk of my weekend was spent doing the sashing on this quilt. It was started as a BOM 2 years ago and I LOVE it! My son picked the colorway the first month so this will eventually be his. Because it's a BOM, I don't have much extra fabric, but it is asking to be bigger. I'll figure somehting out! I have to confess, some of the pros and the retreat really liked this one too. ;-)

I did work on two other small projects: the replacement baby quilt (see previous photo :) and a small Christmas gift bag. I'll take those pics soon. I had a few other gift bags cut out, but never did get around to finishing them. People were intrigued by my technique and the brand of interfacing I used. I'll take these again to do at retreat. I was hoping to finish several to sell at work. Maybe next time!

Retreat - part 2

2009-02-08T19:38:00.004-05:00

An all wool quilt - very cute!

The tiniest block I've ever seen.

Next two are by my friend - Streak of Sunshine. They go together quickly and she always has a couple on hand for baby quilts.

Retreat!

2009-02-08T19:21:00.006-05:00

Perfect caption and quote for the above quilt: "This kind of project you have to bring to a meeting like this. You receive the validation you need for all the hard work you've put into it." It was stunning!

Cute table runner by the person who showed me the ropes/shopped with me last year.

This sweet lady showed me how to do continuous binding last year when I ran short of binding on my cousin's baby quilt.

Looks like stained glass, doesn't it? Definitely one of my favorites.

Pretty - another from a friendship trade.

This lady went with my friend and me shopping. This mantel scarf was her own design. I couldn't believe all the work she put into it!

recycled fabric?

2009-01-29T22:21:00.001-05:00

I can't stand to throw away anything that could still be useful, which creates some "discussion" about clutter at home... I have recently cut up a few XXXL chambray shirts that I got from work. The logo was out of brand (means it was OLD!) and couldn't be worn officially anymore. I got huge amounts of fabric from each of them. I'm planning to make some gift bags or lunch bags out of them. I did use some for a lunch bag lining not too long ago. I think my MIL has my photo card with that on on it though. I'll edit later.

I did, however, toss out any strips less than 1 inch wide and any scraps less than 1.5 inches square. That's where today's photo comes in. Those are Sister's Choice blocks that finish at 5 inches! I love them and I don't know why. The colors are sometimes a little weird, but I figure they will help me develop better color-sense in the long run. I'm up to 24 blocks using them as leaders/enders! Hee hee, so far, that would be a 20" x 30" quilt. Enough for a doll, maybe :)

Some of the triangles are from sew and flip flying geese from a block of the month project. a lot of the colors are are from an ancient swatch set. I've tossed a ton of really ugly or weird prints. Some of the pieces are backwords to fit into a color scheme. I've found I needed to add a lot of background bits. Some of the finished blocks don't match much of any of the others, but I am hooked on making them. They will end up somewhere eventually!

2009-01-28T17:58:00.002-05:00

One little bag I made before Christmas. Ended up I used it for a surprise gift exchange at work and filled it with a cute mug and various teas, ciders and hot chocolate mixes. I also added a gift card for starbucks. Guess what I ended up with? A paper bag with a starbucks mug in it... not even a gift card to go with it. I sure hope someone likes what I gave them! I wasn't at work for the actual exchange because I was sick so I don't know who ended up with this cutie. I feel uncharitable about it, but I'm sorry I gave it away without knowing the recipient. Aren't I awful?!? I like to know my fabric children go to good homes!

Random Winter Photos

2009-01-28T17:51:00.003-05:00

Here is a pic of my mom's favorite critter! He stands about 10 feet tall and is made from mostly found items: pipe, chicken wire, green garland and ivy. His head is paper mache and the eyes have real eyelashes. The bids steal his stuffing, but mom is trying to get ivy to grow and fill him in. Isn't he great?

A chair in my grandma's front yard. My DD could not wait to sit in it, but I had to take a photo first!

Here she is making a snow angel... my little angel!

2009-01-28T17:19:00.005-05:00

Here is a photo of my hubby and our two dogs. We had just finished shoveling our drive for the second time and hubby collapsed on his chair. Both dogs promptly hopped onto his lap. He was sleeping so hard that when I went upstairs for a moment, the dogs followed me. Then jumped on top of him again! He never moved. Poor, hardworking gent. I didn't fall asleep. I had to log back on the computer and work... such is life.

Pre-Retreat Jitters

2009-01-28T13:56:00.003-05:00

Will I have enough to do? Will I get bored with what I brought? Will people ooo and ahhh at my handiwork? Will I make any new friends? Will my best quilting buddy friend get sick like last year and not come?

hee hee - does everyone worry so much? Does everyone pack too much?

I'm so excited - I can hardly wait!

2008-12-31T14:35:00.004-05:00

WOW - it's been awhile! Got really busy at work and then got pneumonia on top of all that. Day after Thanksgiving saw me in the ER, hooked up to an IV. 3 rounds of antibiotics later... I'm still coughing, but feeling a lot better. Didn't get any projects done at all since I first felt sick. I have a quilt retreat coming up at the end of January and better get my projects prepped! Not even sure what I'll work on even though I do have just a few, well, maybe quite a few, projects that need some TLC!

I don't think I want to tackle quilting my first large quilt in public. I made enough mistakes last year when I sat directly across the table from the hostess, Mary Huey! I felt like such a goof, but she was charming and helpful. A couple other ladies really helped me when I ran short of my quilt binding - 3 inches too short! They showed me how to create continuous binding with all the seams going the same direction. You could barely tell the few inches were different than the rest! My cousin loved it at her baby shower the next week. :)

Lunch bags

2008-09-26T16:03:00.007-04:00

Made this cutie for a friend at work who wanted somthing either batik or woodsy - this fabric covers both!

Here is my Christmas quilt top. My mil gave me the black pointsettia fabric and the pale green pointsettia fabric and my girlfriend and I traded for the cream colored snoman fabric. It is covering a double bed and looks "big enough" doesn't it? I will have to find a quilter to do this for me. I don't think I'm skilled enough yet on my regular machine.

This chair is featured below with a little bag on it. I thought people might like to see it. My mil gave it to us when she was cleaning out her extra room. I've secretly always loved it! I love my mil too!

This batik beauty lasted only a few minutes on my desk! My friend snapped it up for a Christmas gift for her sister.

Tiny bird nests and pink flowers - very springy. I scored the fancy braid handles at the thrift store, washed them in my machine and they came out awesome! (update: my dd asked for this one for her teacher's Christmas gift.)
My favorite - I might keep it for myself... ;-)

Scrabble Score!

2008-09-03T18:09:00.001-04:00

More bags!

2008-08-31T11:31:00.004-04:00

The bag the "sisters" traded. I like htis one a lot myself. I still can't figure out why some shots are little and some are big. The 2nd one shows my tag: Custom Made by Ima Baglady (from www.Clotilde.com) The last little bag was made for DD's friend's birthday. We filled it with pre-teen type makeup. It was a hit and we made another one for another of her friends, but I forgot to take a photo. It has a bunch of antique buttons and some modern beads stitched to the flap. The pattern came from BHG Quilts and More Winter 2007 magazine.

One more, then I gotta make a few more gifts!

2008-08-30T11:25:00.003-04:00

A quick bag from scraps. I loved the color combination, but I only had bits of each pattern. Mom loved it! Totally her colors.
Made this for a friend at work. She wanted a roomy gym bag and didn't specify any colors. I love this one too! LOL The little makeup bag was all that was left of the pocket fabric. I'm making the best of the 12 lb mystery box I bought from Fat Quarter Shop! (http://www.fatquartershop.com/)
This last one started out as a larger lunch bags fro one of my original customers. She fell in love with the bag I made for her sister, so they traded.

Latest creations

2008-08-30T11:17:00.004-04:00

Not sure why this one is so tiny, but here is the bag I made myself for work.

Here is a special surprise for a special friend. It's in the mail for you! Won't you be surprised? A real antique button that I cleaned up went perfectly with the fabric.

This little treasure started out as a normal makeup bag to keep tissues clean in my work bag. I made the mistake of leaving my work bag on the floor. One (both?) of the dogs ate the corners of the bag to get at the tissues. I was not going to waste my favorite fabric or my awesome zipper application! So I sliced and re-sewed the corners. Kinda looks familar, doesn't it?
More to come!

Summer is over already?

2008-08-30T10:45:00.005-04:00

Wow! Have I been busy. It all started at the beginning of the summer when I took over the training classes that my boss used to teach. As soon as we got back from vacation, we went non-stop at home and work. The kids were in all their summer camp activities (thank goodness hubby was home to cover the driving)! I was working lots of overtime and also making bags to order. I can't ever seem to make extras (a good thing for sure)!

Recently my work partner quit so now I'm doing my boss's job, my job and my x-partner's job... LOL no higher pay either. I don't know how I'm keeping my sanity. Maybe lots and lots of wine... ;-)

The first photo shows the gator that nearly ate our son. Not really, but there was a serious moment of panic! We were looking into the lagoon and DS poked his head under the split rail fence - inches from the drop off to the lagoon! My mom grabbed his arm so quick and hard, I think she left fingerprints!

2nd photo shows my mom propping up a steel pelican we both fell in love with at a local garden center.

Last shot is of a GIANT hydrangea blossom. It had to be as big as your head.

o no

2008-08-12T16:42:00.001-04:00

yipe - two whole months since I posted. I have to download some photos and put them up here. Sorry! Lots going on around here at work and home.

Bags!

2008-05-29T08:50:00.006-04:00

Here is my lunch bag.

Some of these are reversible bags, but are appearing out of order. First is a custom bag I made for a co-worker. I love this fabric - and so did she!

This is the reverse to the pink print bag in the next photo. I didn't have anyone in mind when I made it, but a co-worker claimed it asap when she saw it. She said it was perfect for her mom.
Middle bag is one I made for my hubby's co-worker. It has velvet ribbon straps. The turquoise bag has tiny fish on it. I have this fabric in lime green too.

On the left is a cowboy print gift bag made for another b-day party for DD. She s a social butterfly! The blue/green print is the first lunch bag I sold! It's my own design! The pocket doesn't show up very well, but was a hit with the new owner.

More puppies and a mouse

2008-05-23T16:18:00.002-04:00

Here are a few more ofthe puppies I've made in the last year. DD at one point had 5 birthday parties to attend. I didn't have the time to shop for each kid individually, so I made pups out of whatever themed fabric I had on hand. Each kid loved it - especially that DD had picked out special fabric fro each friend. The Deere John puppy was of course for a boy...

DS had to get in on the photos too! His own pup is the middle size that I make. The largest dogs take a whole bag of stuffing! Needless to say, I sharnk the pattern after I figured that out!
Last is DD with her favorite critter. The owl needed a bed. Then "she" needed a mouse to keep her company. The mouse is really cute and the body is barely over an inch long. The things we do for our kids!

Puppies!

2008-05-06T15:42:00.003-04:00

Puppy minis! I made these by hand. The pattern (I'll have to look it up) started out fairly large, but I kept re-drawing it smaller and ended up with little wool felt pincushions about 3 inches from nose to tail. Each takes about an hour from start to finish. I really like the blanket stitched one! I gave most of these as gifts.

Puppies! Real ones this time

2008-05-06T15:14:00.002-04:00

Here are our "fur kids" Kaecy and Breta. Our first dog had died in February last year and the kids ("pink ones" as opposed to "fur kids" as my friend calls them) were clamoring for a new pet. The wound was a little raw and I wasn't sure if I was ready for a new dog, but we researched a few shelters. The whole faily traipsed to several rescues and shelters looking for just the right dog.

We first found a dog that looked a lot like our Penny, but we still wanted to look at another. Of course we fell in love with the puppies the 2nd shelter had! We left empty handed and went to dinner, excited about our new (hopefully!) pet. We couldn't decide! DH and DS wanted the first dog; DD and I wanted the puppy.

We were all a little slap-happy at this time from lack of food and water. DH finally chimed in and said, "We're getting my dog or two dogs." I gave him a look and asked, "What did you say?" He reprated, "We're getting the dog I picked or we take both home." Then he paused. All was silent. He finally blushed and said, "That sounded pretty bad, didn't it?"

Of course we all laughed because we realized we were getting two dogs!!!

The first shelter director visited our house and instected every inch. We were approved! And brought home the tri-colored puppy. She is supposed to be my DD's dog. DD struggled (crying, sleeplesness and drama) with a name. She wanted to name it after me! I finally relented and allowed my nickname, but only if she spelled it out. Thus an hour before I got home with puppy, she created the name "Kaecy."

Both our girls

Here is "DH's dog," Breta. Her name comes from our giddy dinner... He went through a pile of options. Tried naming her after brownish drinks: Latte, Cafe', Mocha after my favorite drink. DD heard that snd piped in, "Margarita?" Smart child! We still laugh over that one! Then DH is saying Cinna (cinnamon), Peppa (pepper), Bruna, Bronna (for brown). Ugh... She's a girl so all the names "had to end in 'a'" - according to DH.

Dinner finally arrives and we digging in, chewing quietly, when loudly he exclaims, "I got it! Breta!" Greta? Like the German name? I asked. No! bread-a, like toast! We laughed hysterically, but the name stuck! Here's Breta helping me make a baby quilt:

blogthings

2008-04-30T16:18:00.000-04:00

http://www.blogthings.com/whatkindofgiftgiverareyouquiz/

You Are a Practical Gift Giver

Your gifts are useful, appropriate, and custom tailored to each person.

In your opinion, the best gifts are gifts that someone will actually use.

Your gifts may not be the most glamourous, but they are always appreciated.

Baby Quilts and Gifts

2008-04-23T15:51:00.000-04:00

Hmmm - I thought I had a photo of this finished quilt. I had made this quilt for a coworker who everyone was sure was having a girl...

Needless to say, they went into early labor shortly after I finished the pink version and had a BOY! I rushed to finish this one and gave it to my friend's sister (also a coworker) to hand over to the new mom.
This last one also came from the same three charm packs as the first two quilts. This is also for a girl. But the mom decorated in the most sophisticated palette of lime, turquoise and chocolate! The quilt matched perfectly and she loved it!
These were made for a work friend's "surprise baby." They had thought they were done, but life had other plans. A cutie-pie little boy. Whew! A lot of work in a matter of a month or so!

pincushions

2008-04-23T15:44:00.000-04:00

The heart shape cushion is from a charm square folded in half diagonally. I've experimented with putting the seams inside the fold and on the corner or simply folding and stitching. I'm leaning toward cutting the bias edge and then stitching 3 sides with part of the top (of the "heart" shape) open to stuff.
Copied this one from something my hubby bought me at a craft show. It was easier than I thought it would be! And went quickly too. Still have to make a few more. Mom has requested one of these.

Puppies!

2008-04-23T15:34:00.000-04:00

Well, not real ones. I'll show my real fur kids another time. My aunt gave me a pattern for puppies and I reduced it to save on fiberfill! (Yes, I am a little cheap...) The dogs turned out cute and were very helpful when my daughter was invited to 5 b-day parties within 4 weeks! She is truly a socail butterfly! I've made these several times for gifts and then reduced the pattern dramatically to make mini pincushions. I even gave one to a sour instructor at my first official (i.e. paid for) quilt lesson. She did cheer up, but I never got the idea that she really wanted to be there.

Darn - can't find the pin cushion pics. I'll try to add them later

2008-04-22T13:43:00.000-04:00

Here are a few little bags I made for my kids and my daughter's friend. Owl fabric for the girls and pirate fabric for my DS! Note the manly "sword holder" on the pirate bag. They all use them all the time. I think I would change the pattern slightly (or the instructions!) if I make them again. Something didn't line up quite right.

Still catching up

2008-04-22T13:28:00.000-04:00

Here is my 2nd quilt. It was made for special friends of ours who had to move away due to job relocation. Shortly after they moved, they found out they were expecting a baby! Soft colors for a little girl - again using a http://www.quiltville.com/ pattern: Smokey Mountain Stars.

Photos of nearly recent Treasures

2008-04-17T13:21:00.000-04:00

It pains me to be adding photos so late after the items were created. I hope to catch up over the next several days/posts. This quilt is made from a pattern on http://quiltville.com/weedwhacker.shtml - Bonnie's Quiltville.com blog - Weed Whacker! (still trying to figure out the links...) She does such amazing work!!! I fell in love with the pattern and knew I had to make it for a special friend. A friend of mine got me re-started in fabric collection and quilting. Same friend was trying to have a baby and I made this for the future baby. From the beginning I named it "Bright Hopes" and with each seam, I thought good wishes for my friend.

At the time I finished the top, my mom and I met my friend for lunch. The running joke was to immediately ask if she was pregnant yet, but for some reason I didn't that day. Halfway through lunch hour, I mentioned working on my first people-sized quilt. (I've done a pile of dolly quilts... more on that in the future.) She asked, "Who's it for?" I said, "You, of course." She got a tear in her eye and said, "How did you know?" LOL - Mom and I didn't "get it" at first! Yep, my friend was finally pregnant! Talk about timing!

I used various fat quarters, scraps I had on hand and tied them together with colorful sock-monkey themed fabric for the background. (Five Funky Monkeys, I think) It is quilted with a monkey in the middle and echoed around it. It was finished a little overe a year ago. My quilt holder is artiste extraordinaire DD. She's very creative all on her own and was excited to be tall enough to hold it up! I almost forgot the creme de la cream! It has vintage RED satin binding! It washes up beautifully - I tested it prior to putting it on the quilt, of course. I think it came from Grandma's coat lining stash - Gram is an incredible seamstress and, between her and my mom, taught me from childhood about precision (Gram) and fun/anything goes (Mom)!

Hello!

2008-04-04T09:17:00.000-04:00

I've been a sewer, crafter, quilter for years, but bags have always intrigued me! How do you get the corners to look smooth? How do the folds made the bags do "that"? Wow those colors are awesome and I want it too!

I love the whole creation process and bags are fun becasue they go quickly and small changes in a pattern can mean a big deal in the end result (good or bad!) Little bits of leftover fabrics and scraps of trim go a long way on a bag. Nothing gets waster because you can always do a tiny pouch or wallets from the bits.

Throwing away usable fabric makes me cringe. I didn't know what to do with my canvas-type slipcover that was in sad shape. I put it in the trash can, pulled it out, put it back i nthe garage can, pulled it out... LOL There had to be 10 yards of fabric there! Some was worn and tired looking, but I made more than a dozen grocery sacks out of it! See, I couldn't bear to add it to the landfill AND I no longer need to answer, "Paper or Plastic?" when I shop (nor do my Mom and Sister!)

Recently my Mom has gotten involved in an animal rescue organization and asked me to make a few things for auctioning/sale. MIL sent me a bolt of great neutral slipcover fabric (woo hoo no expense! Gotta love that!) Several people at work have asked me to make lunch bags and I just finished a great spring-y work bag with makeup case to match. (My DS said, "Wow - that is a wonderful bag!" - he's only 4, but has great taste!) I'm having fun, but no photos yet. The camera is on the blink and we're looking for another. Hoping to post pictures here soon!