Sunday, October 30, 2011

October Block Swap Adventure

Here's the block I received from my partner for the October Block Swap Adventure.  Janet from Canada sent me this.  Some of the fabrics she hand dyed herself!  Impressive, huh?  I love it!  Thanks, Janet!

And what's a Halloween post without a picture of my little trick-or-treater?  My 4-year old is the little red guitar -- no, I did not make the costume...  This is his whole pre-school class.  Aren't they cute?


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Check out the Connie's Worldly Lil Twister quilt at Quilting by the River.  You could win some fat quarters AND a Lil Twister at:  http://conniekresin.blogspot.com/2011/10/worldly-lil-twister-quilt-and-giiveaway.html

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Saturday, October 29, 2011

Black, White, and Grey Swap

Shoot!  I was excited to open my box in the mail today from Connecting Threads.  The fabric was so soft and silky.  I was excited to cut it.  I got my little 4-year old situated with a new game and went to town cutting everything perfectly on the 5" line to make 5" charm squares.  YIKES!  I cut all my so-I-thought 5" strips by WOF.  When I went to turn them something was wrong.  When I turned my ruler and lined it up with the 5", I was avoiding the other side with a half inch margin.  Crap!  All of my strips are FOUR inches!!!  Back to the drawing board.  Guess I better look for a project that needs something white with a black print and four inches wide.  Dang dang dang.  All the local quilt shops are closed until Monday.  Guess I better hit a local quilt shop Monday while the little guy is in school so that I can get this in the mail for the charm swap.  They are not due until November 7th, but remember... Measure twice, cut once...  That's what I get for being so excited!

I guess I could consider my border for the quilt I will be making from the charms is already cut, if I want to look at it with a positive attitude.


Ella at http://throwawenchintheworks.blogspot.com/2011/10/swap.html, is having a fabric swap, and I've joined up.  It's a Black, White &  Grey Charm Swap.  It's a US swap only, but if  this works as planned, there will be a larger, international scale swap in March.  There are still a few spots open for you to join!

black and white button

If you're interested, go check it out.  I don't know if there are any spots left yet.

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Check out Lily Quilts for a chance to win EQ7!  http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2011/10/christmas-gifts-for-quilters-4-and.html

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Stockings for Kids

Here's two stockings that I made for Stockings for Kids.  They are being sent in the mail from Ohio to Purple Panda Quilts in Virginia today!


Stockings for Kids Campaign at Purple Panda Quilts Stockings for kids
Help a kid that needs a stocking and link up and you could win a cool prize

And here's two more blocks for the October Block Lotto:

WIP Wednesday 10/26/11

Here's the Block Swap Adventure block that I sent to Janet in Carcross, Yukon Territory, Canada.  She likes scrappy blocks alternating light and dark colors.


I didn't really like the way the original block came out because it only measured 12".  It needs to be 12.5".  I added the border.  I didn't think that was fair to send  her this block because of the border, so I sent this block as the bonus block and then sent her a "real" 12.5" block made from the scraps in my Diamond Chains QA quilt.

This is Block #10 from the October Uber-fest.  The tute is at

Block were mailed on Thursday, 10/13/11.  Hopefully Janet has already received them and this post won't spoil the surprise.

New Projects:  1 - Two stockings for Stockings for Kids Campaign at Purple Panda Quilts Stockings for kids
Help a kid that needs a stocking and link up and you could win a cool prize.  Here's where I am on that...all cut out and ready to sew:


I made one block for the October Block Lotto so far.  I have had guesses for bear, koala, and dog... it's an owl...


 As for the Drunkard's Path QA I finished three more sub blocks so that I could make one block.  Since I'm new to curves, it's taking a while, but I am happy with my progress and learning "curves".


I didn't work any on my Diamond Chains QA this week.  I only have 1/3 of it to quilt and should have two good quilting days next week where I can spread it out on the kitchen table and finish--hopefully.  Fingers crossed that will be my main  post for WIP Wednesday next week.

I also completed my We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler block this week which featured paper peicing:
Here's my Crazy Quilt block for the same quiltalong.  I really like the little owl!



New Project - 1 (Stockings for Kids Campaign (2))

Completed Projects --  4
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler (2 blocks)
Drunkard's Path QA (1 complete block)
Block Lotto (1 block)

Currently in Progress:  7
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler currently caught up
Bluepatch Quilter Mystery Quiltalong (need two stars and one braid)
Victorianna Fabric Party Quiltalong (need to comlete two rows of the same design)
Summer Series Quiltalong (stilll need 6 more random blocks)
Crumb Along with Jo's Country Junction (still making crumbs)
Drunkard's Path Quiltalong
Block Lotto -- Still need to make 8 of 9 sampler blocks



Quilt Tops to be quilted:  6
Duo Quiltalong table topper (waiting on quilting instructions)
Jelly Roll Race - Lap quilt
Oh Susannah! Mystery Quiltalong - California King
Kaleidoscope Quiltalong
X's and O's baby quilt
Diamond Chains QA (FMQ 2/3 done!)


Projects on Hold: 6
Flower Basket Quilt
30"x30" Quilt for the June 2012 quilt show
Charity Quilt for our local quilt guild (2 cut)
I am still a little behind on the Rockin' Robin (2.5 rows)
May Block Lotto Pineapple Blocks to be put together
August Block Lotto African Violets baby quilt to be put together

Stop by and see who else has what else going on with Lee at Freshly Pieced!
WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced


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Saturday, October 22, 2011

We Can Do It Skill Builder Block 15 - Diamond Dash

This week's block involved paper piecing.  Amazing how this block turned out a very nice 12.5" without any trimming!  Whohoo!  Here's my We Can Do It Skill Builder Block 15 - Diamond Dash:

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Drunkard's Path Roly Poly Owl and Block 14 of We Can Do It Skill Builder

Thanks to the neat tutorial by Mary at The Tulip Patch I made this owl from Drunkard's path blocks.  Check out the cute tute at:  http://tulip-patch.blogspot.com/2011/08/gobaby-tutorial-roly-poly-owl-block.html  Mary calls it the Roly Poly Owl Block.  It will be the center part of my Crazy Quilt Block for my We Can Do It Sampler at:  http://sewnbyleila.blogspot.com/  Don't worry about the edges for now.  They will be covered by the crazy blocks.

This turned in to my We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler -- Block 14 -- Crazy Quilt Block
I love it!  I had a Dresden ready to go for the side, but it was just too much.  I'll use it somewhere else.
With fall in Ohio... this is the best lighting we're gonna get for a while.

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Lindsay at Linz Sews is having a cool giveaway.  Win a two week free trial to e-Mealz and give your meals a makover.  It could even match your local grocery store to the shopping list so that you can take advantage of weekly specials!  Check it out at:   http://linzsews.blogspot.com/2011/10/mealtime-makeover-giveaway.html

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Check out Purple Panda Quilts and join the Stockings for Kids Campaign
Stockings for kids
Help a kid that needs a stocking and link up and you could win a cool prize.

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Check out the giveaway and really cute patterns at:
Look at those cute peasant tops and other patterns!  There's also some awesome fabric up for grabs!

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Win a copy of EQ7 -- yes, you read that right... your very own EQ7!
Check it out at The Pickle Dish
link….. http://www.thepickledishpatch.com/store

button w


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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

WIP Wednesday 10/19/11

I finished and mailed the Block Swap Adventure block to my partner in Canda.  I'll post pics of it when I know that she has received it.  I don't want to spoil the surprise.

One of my favorite quilt blocks of all time is Drunkard's Path.  I have made several attempts to do a Drunkard's path quilt, with no success.  The curved pieces were too tricky for me.  After successfully completing the September Block Lotto curved rail blocks I decided to try again.  YES!  Success!  Here's a picture of my first Drunkard's path block that passed my quality control:



All pieces are cut and ready for chain piecing.  There's something very relaxing about chain piecing!  I will make a lazy boy recliner chair cover with this (I think.)

This week I am working hard on one main project -- the Diamond Chains quiltalong.  Here's the link so that you could do one too. http://tildastwistedlife.blogspot.com/.  I used one of Leah Day's FMQ patterns from this week.  It's called hearts and swirls.   It is 2/3 quilted now.  I am experimenting with FMQ and have committed to doing the whole quilt in FMQ -- you gotta learn somewhere.




New Projects:  1 - Drunkard's Path QA

Completed Projects --  1 and 2/3...
    October Block Swap Adventure block
FMQ'd 2/3 of the Diamond Chains QA California King

Currently in Progress:  7
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler (need to make this week's block)
Bluepatch Quilter Mystery Quiltalong (two stars and one braid)
Victorianna Fabric Party Quiltalong (need to comlete two rows of the same design)
Summer Series Quiltalong (stilll need 6 more random blocks)
Crumb Along with Jo's Country Junction (still making crumbs)
Drunkard's Path Quiltalong
Block Lotto -- Still need to make 9 of 9 sampler blocks



Quilt Tops to be quilted:  6
Duo Quiltalong table topper (waiting on quilting instructions)
Jelly Roll Race - Lap quilt
Oh Susannah! Mystery Quiltalong - California King
Kaleidoscope Quiltalong
X's and O's baby quilt
Diamond Chains QA (FMQ 2/3 done!)


Projects on Hold: 6
Flower Basket Quilt
30"x30" Quilt for the June 2012 quilt show
Charity Quilt for our local quilt guild (2 cut)
I am still a little behind on the Rockin' Robin (2.5 rows)
May Block Lotto Pineapple Blocks to be put together
August Block Lotto African Violets baby quilt to be put together

Stop by and see who else has what else going on with Lee at Freshly Pieced!
WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

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Check out the cute paper-pieced pattern giveaway at Lily Quilts!
Giveaway ends 10/26.

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Diamond Chains Quiltalong Progress

Today Melinda is wrapping up the Diamond Chains quiltalong.  Here's the link so that you could do one too. http://tildastwistedlife.blogspot.com/   Here's where my quilt stands.  2/3 of it is quilted.  I have the binding cut and ready to go.  I decided to "go for it" and give FMQ a whirl on the entire quilt!  Bold move, kinda... this quilt will only be used on our bed and I have to learn FMQ somewhere.  I used Leah Day's hearts and swirls pattern from this week.  Here's a pic:





It is quilted from this end up to the needle.  So it is about 2/3 done.  The border is not quilted yet either.  Binding is ready to go.  This is a California King sized quilt.
Tilda's Twisted Life

Thank you so much, Melinda for making this a fun quiltalong!!!  I'm looking forward to the next one whenever.  No rush for me.  I'm still plugging away at the quilting on this one. 

Monday, October 17, 2011

Black, White, & Grey Charm Swap

Ella at http://throwawenchintheworks.blogspot.com/2011/10/swap.html, is having a fabric swap, and I've joined up.  It's a Black, White &  Grey Charm Swap.  It's a US swap only, but if  this works as planned, there will be a larger, international scale swap in March.  There are still a few spots open for you to join!

black and white button

If you're interested, go check it out.
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Stop by and see Melissa to win a layer cake of O’ Tinsel Tree by Robert Kaufman Fabrics at:
http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com/?p=817#comment-3866 so that you can still make that holiday quilt.
 
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Friday, October 14, 2011

Quilt Uberfest Block #10

Here's Quilt Uber-Fest Block #10 made with the few scraps I had left over from my Diamond Chains QA.  You can find the tute at http://www.oliveandollie.com/2011/10/quilt-uber-fest-block-10-spinning-on.html

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Stop by and see Melissa at Happy Quilting for a Fat Quarter Shop sponsored giveaway.  Here's the link:
http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.com/2011/10/fat-quarter-shop-sponsored-giveaway.html?showComment=1318616260632#c1696710168980801471
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Stitches From The Bush is having a giveaway.  You could win  'I'm Charmed, I'm Sure' Table Runner pattern, Rouenneries Deux Charm Pack, 70cm of Oyster FG fabric (for stitching on), 30cm of Rouge FG fabric (for binding), and 1 reel of Cosmo Multi Work Thread. 

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Check out Hockey Mom Stitchin' Hobby at http://cadurst.blogspot.com/ for a giveaway package of stitchery items.  Her little house project is sooooo cute!

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The Rough quilter is giving away two scrappy quilting books!  I love scrappy.  Hurry, the drawing is on Saturday, 10/15.  Check it out at:  http://roguequilter.blogspot.com/2011/10/more-books-to-give-away.html

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

WIP Wednesday 10-12-11

Whohoo!  I made it through the back of this quilt without having to run out and buy more fabric.  I even found something in my stash for the binding.  That is one of my goals for the rest of the year is to work with what I have for the most part unless something special happens.  Enough talk.  Here's the pieced back.


Awsome group of people in this quiltalong.  Here's the link so that you could do one too. http://tildastwistedlife.blogspot.com/ Melinda is very helpful with layout and design. 
Tilda's Twisted Life

New Projects:  ZERO -- Something must be wrong with me!

Completed Projects -- 6!
    Diamond Chains quilt along piece back
        We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler block 13

Currently in Progress:  7
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler (currently caught up)
Bluepatch Quilter Mystery Quiltalong (need to do last week's star and one braid)
Victorianna Fabric Party Quiltalong (currently caught up)
Summer Series Quiltalong (stilll need 6 more blocks)
Crumb Along with Jo's Country Junction

Quilt Tops to be quilted:  5
Duo Quiltalong table topper (waiting on quilting instructions)
Jelly Roll Race - Lap quilt
Oh Susannah! Mystery Quiltalong - California King
Kaleidoscope Quiltalong
X's and O's baby quilt


Projects on Hold: 6
Flower Basket Quilt
30"x30" Quilt for the June 2012 quilt show
Charity Quilt for our local quilt guild (2 cut)
I am still a little behind on the Rockin' Robin (2.5 rows)
May Block Lotto Pineapple Blocks to be put together
August Block Lotto African Violets baby quilt to be put together

Stop by and see who else has what else going on with Lee at Freshly Pieced!
WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced




 

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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Diamond Chains Quiltalong Top Done

Finally my Diamond Chains Quiltalong TOP is done.  I hope to work on the back today, but I know it won't be complete.  Four year old is home from school today and full of fun.  Luckily Melinda at Tilda's Twisted Life is giving us another week to work on it.  Hopefully this extension will be the motivation I need to get it done.  This quilt top is really growing on me.  I wasn't super thrilled with my purple choice, but I'm really getting attached to it.  I started trying mitered corners for the little border on the front last night.  One wrong cut on one piece and it's back to the regular border style for me.  Grrrrr.  Oh well, I don't think it would have made a difference on this pattern.  I plan to FMQ the top with varigated thread.  Crossing fingers and toes!

Look at those beautiful changing leaves in this Ohio background.
Here's a closer look at the small border.  There will be more of this on the back along with some purple pinwheels -- since I'm addicted to pinwheels lately. 

GIVEAWAYS

Making Rebecca Lynne is having a giveaway.  You could win a cute little pouch designed by Rebecca & some of her generous destash. 
Linda at Stray Stitches is having an awesome giveaway sponsored by the Fat QuarterShop.  It is open until 10/17/11 at noon.  Check it out at  http://straystitches1.blogspot.com/2011/10/im-back-with-giveaway.html -- Welcome back, Linda!!!
Hilachas is celebrating her one year blogiversary with a giveaway.  You could win  a prize pack of batiks representing the 8 Crayola crayons in the box plus some other goodies.  Check it out!

See Snoodles at http://lilypadquilting.blogspot.com/2011/10/muse-day-jellyroll-giveaway-sponsored.html?showComment=1318344800065#c6705272777738651987 to win a muse day jellyroll.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Block 13 - We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler - String Block

Here's block 13 of the We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler.  It is a string block.  We learned to use paper (foundation) to keep the fabric from stretching.  This block has a lot going on with it.  But it looks great in the whole group!  Another great choice, Leila!

BWS tips button

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Thursday, October 6, 2011

Duo Quiltalong

Here's the progress I have happily made with the Duo Quiltalong.  Top is complete!  Fabric for the back has been selected!  AND the quilt sandwich is made.  Coming up... instructions for the machine and hand quilting.


Duo Quilt Along Flickr Group
Check out everybody else's progress!

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Win a frosted ruler and some other goodies at a giveaway at

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Wednesday, October 5, 2011

WIP Wednesday 10-5-11

If you want to win cash prizes for taking daily surveys, check out this link.  It's not a lot of money, but it's FREE!  http://www.instantcashsweepstakes.com/invitations/ref_link/317461

Here's my favorite block this week!  Love this little house...  It's block 12 of the We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler from http://sewnbyleila.blogspot.com/  LOVE the skills I am building in this QA!


I also made the bonus block #2 using the waverunner design.



Here's where I am in the Duo Quiltalong.    I'm making a Christmas table topper.  There's still plenty of time to join at http://gapquilter.blogspot.com/ and/or http://contented.typepad.co.uk/contented/  I love my sewing skills on this block.  Everything is nice and even and square!  This fabric is from my garage sale stash finds.  I'm excited to learn how people hand quilt -- just a little though!  That's why I made a table topper.

Another set of instructions came out yesterday for the Victoriana Design Fabric Party QA.  http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.com/VictorianaQuilters/BlockoftheMonth/VQDFabricParty.htm  Here's what mine looks like so far:.  (It's folded in half for the photo).

September was a fabulous month for winning quilty bloggy things!  Here's a big thanks to my sponsors!

Kate's Arty Bits Blog  http://katesquilting.blogspot.com/  (Paris Cafe Pattern)



Quilter in the Gap  http://gapquilter.blogspot.com/  (Spice Blossom 28 pieces of 10" squares SET!)



Jenniffer's Sometimes Creative Life  http://jenniffier.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-memories-suite-giveaway.html  My Memories Suite software!



Pattilousquilts  http://pattilousquilts.blogspot.com/  (My son was excited to see the Santa fabric arrive!)




One Piece at a Time  http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/  (This one was August.)


Productimage-picture-appliqu-pressing-tool-78_jpg_450x450_q85

New Projects:  1  Duo Quiltalong (all caught up and now awaiting quilting instructions!)

Completed Projects -- 6!
    Diamond Chains quilt along top
    Victoriana Quilt Designs Fabric Party Rows 5 and 6
    We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler block 12 and Bonus Block #2
    Duo Quiltalong Top (table topper)

Currently in Progress:  7
We Can Do It Skill Builder Sampler (currently caught up)
Bluepatch Quilter Mystery Quiltalong (need to do last week's star and one braid)
Victorianna Fabric Party Quiltalong (currently caught up)
Summer Series Quiltalong (stilll need 6 more blocks)
Crumb Along with Jo's Country Junction

Quilt Tops Awaiting backs and to be quilted:  5
Duo Quiltalong table topper (waiting on quilting instructions)
Jelly Roll Race - Lap quilt
Oh Susannah! Mystery Quiltalong - California King
Kaleidoscope Quiltalong
X's and O's baby quilt


Projects on Hold: 6
Flower Basket Quilt
30"x30" Quilt for the June 2012 quilt show
Charity Quilt for our local quilt guild (2 cut)
I am still a little behind on the Rockin' Robin (2.5 rows)
May Block Lotto Pineapple Blocks to be put together
August Block Lotto African Violets baby quilt to be put together

Stop by and see who else has what else going on with Lee at Freshly Pieced!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced




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My name is..........

Kathy's Quilting Blog - why? Dawn from As Sweet as Cinnamon is asking just that question. She is offering a giveaway prize if you blog about your name and link up to her blog.

Not so original...  My first name is Kathy and this is my blog where I show my creative side.  I seriously started quilting in January, 2011, and wanted to document it.  New2Quilting was available in Blogger, so I took that.  My blog's name is not an exciting name as Distant Pickles or Flying Blind on a Rocket Cycle, or Tilda's Twisted Life.  Just plain Jane and to the point.  Thanks for asking...
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To win a fat quarter bundle, check out the great giveaway at Lily Quilts
http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2011/10/christmas-gifts-for-quilters-1-giveaway.html

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