Going smaller...

When I went on our annual quilt retreat last month to Williamsburg, I really struggled with which projects to work on.  There's a king-size patriotic one I'm in the middle of and I also need to paper piece a Lone Star quilt.  However, this time I decided to go smaller.  Instead of spending all of my time on one large project, I'd work on a bunch of little ones and get more instant gratification.  It was definitely the right call this trip!

This is one of those projects.  It will either be a table topper or a small wallhanging and is around 30" square.    The whole project only took one charm pack, sashing and border fabric, and an afternoon to piece together.  The fabric is Collections For a Cause - Hope by Howard Marcus and the pattern is Dora by Me & My Sister Designs.

I've already prepared the backing for this as well so it's ready for me to quilt (as soon as I find the time.)  Because this only took an afternoon, I was able to work on a bunch more projects while I was away.  I'll try to share some more of them soon.

Until later...

Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock. 

Isaiah 26:4 (NLT)

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's been a day of good food spent with friends and family.  I'm thankful for so many things and hopeful you also had a blessed day! 

I managed to finish these table runners/hot pads last night - just in time to use for the Thanksgiving meal.  Not only were they festive, but because they were insulated, practical as well.

New table runner and pot holders

 Due to an unfortunate coffee spill, I already know they wash up really well too!

Until later...

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
To him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever. 

Psalm 136:1-4 (NIV) 

Robbie's Quilt...

Earlier this summer, my mom made two quilts, a blue one for my nephew and purple for my niece.  Since they're fairly large quilts, I offered to help her quilt them.  I've already finished with my nephew Robbie's quilt...

It was hard to get a good picture of it because it's almost 90" square.  I used the Square Spiral Pantograph by Keryn Emmerson.  (That's definitely my go to pantograph.)

Square Spiral Pantograph by Keryn Emmerson

I'm in the middle of quilting my niece's quilt right now and hope to finish it before Thanksgiving.  I'm using a much more time consuming (but very pretty) pantograph on it.

I'm sure my niece and nephew are going to love the new quilts that Grandma made them!

Until later...

Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops. 

Proverbs 26:20 (NLT)

I is for Icicles...

Still alive here.  I've even written a dozen blog entries in my head.  Unfortunately someone hasn't yet invented the technology to transport them directly from my thoughts to the computer!

However, I'm happy to report that during my long absence I've been spending quite a bit of time in my sewing room.  I also got to spend 5 days with some really lovely women at a quilt retreat in Williamsburg, Va.  Fortunately, the retreat fell the week before Hurricane Sandy decided to make her visit to the East Coast.  (I'm still praying for all those recovering from her aftermath as well as the Nor'easter that followed.)

That means I've got lots of quilty goodness to share, so I'll start with the next Snowmen A to ZZZZ block.  (These patterns are by Crabapple Hill Studios and is an ongoing project that both my mom and I are working on - although she's much further ahead!)

I is for Icicles

There are a total of 21 embroidery blocks in this quilt and this is number 8.  So really, I'm almost halfway done.

Closeup of Block I

When I was packing for the recent quilt retreat, I think David wanted to go with me.  He's my sewing buddy and probably thought I'd need his help!  (He's considerate like that.)

David in my suitcase

Until later...

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)

H is for Holly Berries...

So I've finished another Christmas embroidery.  These seem to be stitching up so quickly (much faster than hand applique).

Another 'Snowmen A to ZZZZ' Block

I'm really enjoying working on these while watching the new slate of fall TV shows.  Our favorites right now are Last Resort, Revolution and Ben & Kate.  We've also been watching the local and presidential debates, but not a lot of stitching goes on during those!  We're too busy 'discussing' them to concentrate on anything else.

Closeup of 'H' Block

Moses, on the other hand, has no interest in TV or politics.  She turns her attention to more important things, such as finding the best napping spot.  Recently, she's been hanging out in the dirty clothes basket.  She wasn't too pleased to be disturbed from her slumber for pictures though...

Moses napping in the laundry

I hope you have a wonderful weekend wherever you are!  I'm hoping to spend a good bit of mine sewing.

Until later...

So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 

1 Timothy 6:8 (NLT)

Grandpa's Quilt...

I started this back in May with the hope of finishing it within the month.  Fast forward four months and I've finally completed and mailed off this quilt to my Grandpa...

Grandpa's Quilt

I'm calling it appropriately enough 'Grandpa'.  The pattern is called Bali Boxes, but is now out of print.  It's one of my go to patterns, because it's simple, requires one jelly roll and even after making several of them, I still like the look of it!  The finished quilt is 69" x 76".

I added my Grandpa's name to the top of the quilt.  He's 89 and lives in a nursing home, so I'm hoping that it will help the quilt remain with him.

My Grandpa's Name

I also added some information on the back in case the quilt gets lost or misplaced, so they'll know who it belongs to.  I've heard some horror stories from people who have relatives in nursing homes.

Label and 'lost and found' information

I quilted it using the Square Spirals pantograph by Keryn Emerson, which is a quick and fun one I've used before.

Square Spirals Pantograph

This really is a pretty quick quilt to make.  I struggled trying to find the right font to use for his name and had to wait several weeks for my back to heal before I could actually quilt it, otherwise it would have been done much sooner than it was.  However, the timing is probably perfect now that the weather has started to change!

So, the stats for this quilt are:

• Size: 69" x 76"
• Fabrics: Berry Bliss Bali Pop, batiks for the borders and backing
• Batting: Quilter's Dream Green Batting
• Thread: Aurifil (Piecing & Quilting - Top), Superior Threads (Quilting - Bobbin)
• Pattern: Bali Boxes (out of print) - I made small changes to the pattern
• Quilting - Square Spirals Pantograph - 33 passes & 6 bobbins
• Started: May 2012
• Completed: September 24, 2012
• Recipient: Grandpa Ricci

Until later...

For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.

Jeremiah 31:25 (NLT)

G is for Gifts...

So my dear husband is taking some vacation this week.  He's working on a landscaping project, which (yeah for me) has given me some extra time in my sewing room.  I've actually managed to finish a few projects -  including another Snowman A to ZZZZ block.  (I haven't worked on these since May!)

G is for Gifts

The pattern is by Crabapple Hill Studios.  My mom and I both started these blocks in January.  She's doing hers in blue and I'm doing my version in black.  However, she's much, much further along.  I think she's on the letter Q right now.

A closeup

Working on these blocks is a nice change from hand appliqueing all those bats.  They're also a lot quicker to stitch!

Recently I've been giving the cats catnip on a regular basis.  When David is 'high' on the stuff, I'll find him playing with this toy.  He likes to toss it up in the air and catch it.  He also likes to carry it around in his mouth.  However, whenever he sees me watching him, he drops it and pretends he wasn't doing anything.  I'd love to get some pictures of him in action!

David with his toy

Until later...

I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God. Bend down and listen as I pray. 

Psalm 17:6 (NLT)