SewBernie

A quilt in remembrence . . .

2011-12-05T20:24:00.000-07:00

Back at the end of September a coworker (and friend of mine) came to my office and asked me if I sewed quilts for people? to sell? No. no. no. I shook my head, no. I have made a few small baby quilts for expectant mothers at work and when a very good friend retired I put together a signature quilt for her, but I don't take on commisioned work. I have been asked before and always answer no. Why not?

Because I don't believe my quilting skills are professional enough to take money from others for them. I still send out my own quilts over a twin size out to a professional longarm quilter to be completed.
Because I don't have enough time to sew for myself.
Because I am slow, even the most simple quilts take me months to complete.
Because I don't think most people who do not quilt understand the time and expense that is put into a quilt.
And last - because I don't want to disappoint anyone. I would stress about this last point A LOT.

Despite all the reasons listed above, my friend told me she had a good friend who had been diagnosed with cancer in August and that she (the friend with cancer)wanted to have a quilt made for her husband, for Christmas. A Tshirt quilt. Well, after I heard her story I said okay, have her bring me the tshirts and I will try to get it done by Christmas for her. She brought me two small bags of tshirts - she had pinned little notes on them suggesting layout and could I please use all pieces, (some of the shirts had designs on the sleeves). Her only other request was that I put a red back on it. As I started to work on stabilizing the tshirts and cutting them square I prayed for her and I realized she really had put some thought into the arrangement of the quilt top. A couple of weeks passed and my friend from work came in one morning and asked me if I had started the quilt. Yes, I told her, I worked on it all weekend. She began crying and told me that her friend had passed away the previous Friday. I felt so sad for her. After hugging her and telling her how sorry I was I asked her if she wanted me to finish the quilt? Yes, she said, please finish it for her husband. Well, I finished it this past weekend and it turned out very nice. Nothing fancy, I just quilted it in the ditch around all seams. Her husband did not know she was having this quilt made for him. I believe she would be happy with how it turned out and I believe God sent me this heartfelt request from a woman dying of cancer to teach me a lesson.

They belonged to an organization called B.A.C.A. Bikers against Child Abuse. I googled them on the internet. This organization (from what I read) provides a kind of big brother figure in the lives of abused children.
God Bless. Bernie

Tis the Season to be Jolly

2011-12-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

Well here it is 12-01-2011 - lots of neat calendar numbers there. November is a blur, must have been all that pumpkin pie I ate. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I was blessed to have all my children and grandchildren, dad and stepmother, youngest brother and his wife and my nephew and niece all together in our home for Thanksgiving dinner. I loved it. It was a fun day. Before going home, my granddaughters decorated the tree for me.

Oh and look SANTA (in training)

This is my youngest grandchild and my only grandson. His gramma Bernie just had to see him in the Santa suit she bought him!. That is his momma holding him (my oldest daughter), such a good momma. I love them all very much. She brought the quilt I made for him so that I could get some pictures of it. My daughter and her husband did not want to know the sex of the baby before he was born, but I was so SURE it was a boy that I made a boy quilt and all boy baby things. My husband asked me what I was going to do if she had a girl? Well, I said, I will just get busy making girly things. Even though I used a cheater panel for his quilt I built blocks around it and FMQ it and was so pleased with my FMQ for once! This is an oversized baby quilt, but still so much easier to handle under the sewing machine than larger quilts. It is a flannel quilt too (except for the orange pieces), so it is so cuddly and soft. I was happy to see them using it now that the weather has turned cold.

I just let myself quilt whatever felt right, no pattern, lots of swirls or followed the sweet print on the panel. I used light blue thread.

Here is a pic of the back (a flannel I had in my stash for years)

The colors are pastel and it was difficult to get a decent picture, but the colors are not as washed out as they appear in the pictures.

I did get a border put on the tumbler quilt from my last post, but don't think it will be quilted by Christmas (big sigh). I have been working on a T-shirt quilt as a favor for a friend,I will post pics of it and the sad story behind it next week. Adios Bernie

Busy tablerunner, new tumbler Christmas quilt

2011-11-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Ah Well, no takers on the pay it forward - but I have been busy with several projects.

another project I started last fall and just finished up - in time for Turkey day. I quilted it freemotion with a leaf pattern, but then kind of filled in blank areas with swirls. I used the chalk pouncer to mark the stencil and sprayed it lightly with cheap hairspray to hold it on (I read that tip somewhere); but even on this small piece I had to go back and trace over with a chalk pencil as the marking rubbed off with all the scrunching and moving around.

I used King Tut varigated thread in the needle and masterpiece thread in the bobbin. I had to adjust the tension a bit, but was satisfied with it.
I also traded my BabyGo awhile back for a regular size GO and with it came a tumbler die which I was just frantic to try out - so I took out my bag of Christmas themed fabric and cut it all up and laid this out on the bed last night. Whaddya think?

I think it is soo busy it makes me dizzy. Ha! Really, I wanted a scrappy look but didn't haveenough variety to really be scrappy. It is larger than I intended, so it will be the living room couch quilt during the holidays if I can get it finished by December. Absolutely love the GO cutter, these blocks fit together perfectly and there are 144 of them and the GO made it a so easy. Some of that fabric is pretty old, I think it moved with me 11 or more years ago. It always feels good to finish a project. I have seen several Christmas countdowns on the internet - the holidays are just sneaking up on me. I hope to be able to sew a few small gifts for friends at work, my intentions are good, I just need to schedule my time a bit better. Well that is all for now, I want to go visit a few blogs before bed. Adios. Bernie

Pay It Forward

2011-10-25T14:52:00.000-06:00

I've never done pay it forward but awhile back I read this on Barb's blog here http://thanxsandy.blogspot.com/2011/09/paying-it-forward.html

Pay It Forward is simple: For the first 3 people who comment on this entry, I promise to send them something handmade within the next year.
1. I will make a little something for the first 3 people that comment on this post. It will be a surprise and may arrive at any time in the next 365 days (yes, a year).

2. To sign up to receive a gift from me you must play along too. Share the giving love on your blog by promising to send a handmade goodie to the first three people that comment on your blog post.

3. You must have a blog.

4. After commenting on my post, you have to post this (or similar) on your blog to spread the love.

I try to visit and comment on some of my favorite blogs at least a couple of times a month, and I try to update my blog at least once a week. But I don't want to update it unless I have something to share and my sewing, quilting time is never enough. Right now, I am working on FMQ a tablerunner top I put together last fall (does that sound familiar) HA! I will have some pics of that process to post tomorrow. Adios Bernie

Trick or Treat bags and the Travelling Stash moves on

2011-10-17T14:55:00.000-06:00

Just a few quick pics of the Halloween treat bags I put together for my granddaughters. Grandson got an orange pumpkin onesie because he is too little for a bag :) Also, the travelling stash is making its way to Sarah at http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.com/. So check on her blog for another chance to win.

I used the pattern I had from the Grommet Bags but decided to leave out the grommets and just put straps. I made tubed straps and inserted cotton clothing line to make them sturdier. Cute!

AND THE WINNER IS . . .

2011-10-13T16:51:00.002-06:00

First off - thank you to everyone who left a comment - did my heart good and I hope you will come back and visit once in a while. I took a quick peak of your blogs last night and boy oh boy you all are some busy quilters! I am not savvy enough to use a numbers generator thingy so everyone's name went into a basket and and I had a good friend close her eyes and pull out a name. The name was SARAH. So Sarah Craig please send me your address and I will get the travelling stash on its way to you toot sweet. :) Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Adios, Bernie
P.S. I will post some pics tonight of what I took and what I added.
This is a picture of what I chose, 2 yummy fat quarters, a pattern for candle covers (guess what my friends are getting for Christmas) :) and an interesting piece of yardage that I was smitten with as soon as I spied it in the box.

I also picked out a Christmas Advent calendar cheater panel, which I think my grandkids will enjoy if I can get it done in time.

Here is a pic of my additions.

I put in a pattern for a backpack style purse; a new pincushion; a quilting puzzle; a bag of Sulky rayon thread and a couple of big spools of Superior thread and six fat quarters in addition to some 1/3 and 1/2 yard pieces; some rick rack, some embroidery patterns and a few little notions.

I already heard back from Sarah - she is so excited. Congratulations Sarah. I had to move up to a bigger box, so at some point I think someone will have to split the stash and pick two winners, then there will be three travelling stashes wandering around.

Adios, Bernie

Travelling STASH Drawing and my Halloween quilt

2011-10-06T20:19:00.001-06:00

It will be one week tomorrow since I received the Travelling Stash - Monday is a postal holiday so I have decided to ask anyone interested in winning the travelling stash to leave a comment between now and Wednesday October 12th. I will draw a winning name on October 13th. It is a fun idea. You take out of the box what you like and replace it with like items from your own stash, hold a drawing and pass it on. You must have your own blog to enter in the drawing. United States and Canada only please.
I finally remembered to take a pic of the Halloween quilt I started last August, but just finished quilting in September. It is being used everyday in the living room and is a big hit.

I truly tried to get some pictures of my efforts at FMQ this one, but don't think they came out real well, oh and the backing fabric is soooo cute, had purchased yards of it years ago and finally got to use it. (extra points for using up stash)

I think I have another Halloween cheater panel which will probably find its way into the TS box and I am going to see if I have any of the witchy fabric left too. Adios, remember the Travelling Stash. Bernie

Santa Fe Pics

2011-10-04T10:29:00.000-06:00

These are probably not awe inspiring pics, but it was a beautiful fall day and my husband and I really enjoyed just walking around and soaking in the color and history. We also stopped in Taos, NM on our way home and walked around the Plaza and of course I visited the local quilt shop Taos Adobe Quilting. A fantastic shop, really friendly owner. I purchased a table runner kit with a chili theme. The fall foilage coming back through the mountain passes was absolutely gorgeous, the colors looked like they had been painted on they were so vivid. It was an inspiring trip. Adios Bernie

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Get your own

The Traveling Stash visits Colorado!

2011-10-02T22:29:00.000-06:00

On Friday September 30th I had a big surprise waiting for me on the front porch when I drove up after work .

Yes, the travelling stash arrived all the way from Wisconsin from Barb over at
http://thanxsandy.blogspot.com/. My husband and I were getting ready to get away for the weekend (pics & more on that little trip later), so I didn't even get a chance to open it until we got back home tonight and boy oh boy, so much wonderful goodies it is going to be hard to pick and choose!

There is a long list of previous winners and I want to stop and take a look at their blogs. I will post what I pick out and also what I will be adding! This is fun :) Thanks Barb - Adios Bernie

The most beautiful things . . .

2011-09-21T19:37:00.000-06:00

Just a little something pretty I found when I cleaned and reorganized my sewing room back in July. I love to pick these samplers up when I can find them at yard sales, flea markets, auctions. This particular sampler is so pretty and so neatly done. I need to press it and have it framed. It is difficult to capture in a picture because it is stitched in a very pale pink (whisper pink) on off white. I love the sentiment.
This past weekend was productive in that I also managed to finish quilting and binding the Halloween quilt I started last August (2010). I FMQ it myself - mostly just meandering, a few spiderwebs, stars, swirls. Even though I do find myself getting lost in and enjoying the FMQ, I can't honestly say that I really enjoy it as much as other parts of quilting. I will post a picture of the completed quilt when I get home early enough to catch some good light in the sunroom. Adios. Bernie

Tea wallets and Huntington Hobo Excellent customer service

2011-09-13T19:48:00.001-06:00

September 13th - the middle of the month almost and Fall is in the air here in Colorado, it has cooled down and there is a bit of rain in the evenings, in short, we are having just beautiful weather. Sewing Season ! I love it. I wanted to do a quick update on my blog. My co-workers and I recently had a small personal wedding shower for a friend at work. It was just a few friends and the ladies in our work unit, very informal. We took the future bride to lunch and surprised her. We went to lunch at an absolutely sweet tea house and I hope to post pictures soon. Of course I forgot my camera, but as soon as we figure out how to get them downloaded from the cell phones taking pictures I will post a few here. Anyway :) I decided to make some small favors and while looking for ideas on the internet I found pictures of tea wallets. Perfect! The best tutorial I found was here
http://blog.christyscreations.com/tea-wallet-tutorial/ I modified it a bit (adding three and one-half inches to the length so that it could be folded three ways) and VOILA!

Now, there were 12 of these, but of course my camera's battery was almost dead,so I only got these two shots - I think you get the idea. They were quick and easy and a nice way to remember a fun time. They would make an excellent little Christmas gift for friends dontcha think? I used Mary Engelbreit fat quarters for five of them and when that ran out a little wild Zebra print with a pink fabric leftover from Valentine's Day. Buttons courtesy of my button jars - All out of my stash!

Remember in my last post I mentioned I had a bit of trouble with the Huntington Hobo pattern? I decided to try to email the company and ask for help. I received an email response in less than a day with blown up pictures of the strap insertion! Wonderful, I could see it and understand how to install the shoulder strap. I was very grateful and sent back big thanks in my email response. I really did not expect to hear anything back. Just a few days later I received a letter via snail mail from the same company and they sent me a a little pamphlet with all of their patterns listed and a brand new pattern with COLOR pictures which make the process much easier to follow. I believe they now are printing their patterns in color for just that reason. I have no affiliation with Pink Sand Beach Designs, BUT, I wanted everyone who might read this blog to know I think their customer service is fantastic and I will be buying from them again in addition to making more Hobo's from my current pattern. Adios Bernie

Grommet bags and Huntington Hobo

2011-08-24T17:59:00.001-06:00

I have spent some time in my sewing room on small projects, just don't feel like quilting right now. I tried out two new bag patterns. Like them both, but the purse gave me a bit of trouble, so not sure I will attempt it again. You have seen the grommet bags? Well I think they are cute little tote.

These are sew easy - now that I made a couple of them I am going to play around with changing their size and shape. Now the Huntington Hobo was a good pattern until I got to the part where you put on the strap. Could not figure it out for the life of me, so just stuffed them down and sewed them on the side seam. Also, big boo boo on the outside pocket. Now, I do know what I did wrong, I did the best I could to "fix" it, but it should have been just a small slit had I sewn it correctly. This is a great big purse though, bigger than I think I would carry, so don't know that I would attempt it again. I did get to use all stash fabric on these pieces and the lining for the purse is one of my favorites.

I think a black zipper would have been a better choice, but I wanted to use what I had, also I did not use fusible fleece or any fleece at all. I used a medium weight interfacing on both the fabric and the lining. The exterior fabric is home dec weight so it worked out fine. I have one more pattern I want to test out. I think it is called Juliet and the directions are the best I have seen with clear pictures following the written instructions. This weekend is a long weekend for me, so I hope to spend some time either starting a new project or quilting some unfinished table runners. Adios. Bernie

YoYo Count increased

2011-08-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

I have actually laid out my yo-yo collection and counted them and updated my counter. Since I have no real plan for these yo-yo's I have been making different sizes and shapes. The heart's are small and cute. I have also taught my granddaughter's how to sew them in hopes they will add to the collection. I have a new bag almost complete with pics later, I did one set of straps for it, which came out way too large and stiff so I am redoing them.

98 yo-yo's sure doesn't look like a lot does it?

Thats all for this weekend. OH forgot to add, my son in law brought down an air conditioner for my sewing room and I am absolutely going to love it. It gets unbearably hot in there during midday, since this summer has been so hot I have only been able to get in there early in the morning or late at night (neither a good time for me). I am so happy with it. thank you Chris! Adios, Bernie

Finished bag;; Vintage quilt from upholstery fabric

2011-08-07T20:33:00.001-06:00

No history to tell here, found this quilt at an indoor flea market in Denver, Colorado back in July. Paid $23 for it. I have no idea of the age; but thought it was pretty. It is unusual because it is all hand sewn and appears to have been put together entirely from upholstery scraps. It is a hand sewn with a "thick" thread, I am guessing some type of upholstery thread, it is heavy and it is warm. The backing is a striped, gauzy type cotton, not lose weave, but thin.

I have been letting my husband use it on the couch, it is a generous lap size. There is one small tear in the back. Has anyone out there seen anything like this, can anybody guess the age from the upholstery pieces? I wonder who put this together? I love it. Now about that tote bag I downsized and added side straps to make it less floppy. It came out semi-successful.

Front, inside and back. Before I put it together I traced it out onto freezer paper so I would have a template for future experiments. I like this size. The inside zippered pocket and open pockets are handy and it is still roomy enough to make a good tote. I finished this only to start another patterned tote. Still have much left to do on my daughter's t-shirt quilt. Quilting each shirt individually as the plan is to work on it in a "quilt as you go" type of method.
It is slow going, so to keep from getting tired of working on it these little tote projects are squeezed in. The weekend is too short for me, hope everyone got a little sewing time in. Bernie

Thimble Thursdays, Yo-Yo Along, and Blue Tote in Progress

2011-08-04T20:04:00.000-06:00

I have added two new buttons on my sidebar - one of them links you to Penny's blog, Sewtakeahike and her Yo-Yo along with counter! Neat idea and fun blog. I had to grab it just to start counting my yo-yo's. I started making them just because - they are kind of addictive - now I feel like everytime a put together a few and tuck them in their little tin, its like saving pennies! Ha! The little "yo-yo counter" is cool. I think you could also use it to count blocks for a quilt, etc. Thank you Penny.
If you check out Kathy at Shawkl, she has put out some really neat thimbles for embroidery. She also has lots and lots of other neat stuff and a very pretty blog. I have been wanting to attempt embroidery and these little thimbles got me motivated. Not so much detail I will get lost, a manageble size. I am four months behind what she has posted, but think I can make progress with these. If put together for a miniature quilt top I think I could showcase a collection of souvineer lapel pins I currently have stuck in an old sunhat. You know, I don't do handsewing or handwork, but ever since I started those yo-yo's I have realized how soothing it is, we will see if branching out to embroidery catches on with me. :)

Last weekend I spent some time in my sewing room putting together a tote (modifying a pattern I had previously used) Remember this

Nice enough, but I wanted something smaller, with pockets inside and ties on the side so it wasn't saggy, baggy when empty. So I cut back on the number of 5" squares (actually used 4 1/2" squares because that is what I had in scraps) and added some pockets and a zipper. This is what I have done so far - hope to finish up Friday night. I put the zipper in the lining on one side and pockets on the other. I used a light weight interfacing on the lining and stacked up the exterior on a very thin poly batting. I will quilt it and then put together the exterior and lining.

Adios. Bernie

M&M Quilt Retreat 2011

2011-07-28T21:43:00.001-06:00

I have tried posting three times now and am getting pretty frustrated, hopefully third times a charm. It has been awhile since I have posted, lots of life has happened, my youngest graduated high school, my niece graduated college and my oldest daughter and her husband were blessed with a brand new baby boy (and so we have a new grandbaby).
Back in April I attended a quilt retreat and boy was it a blast. This past weekend I finally added the borders to the quilt top from that retreat.

I even attempted mitered corners cause I wanted the horses to keep moving around the quilt.

My roommates at the retreat - really sweet, talented ladies

And the two wonderful ladies who plan and run the retreat

There were many, beautiful quilt tops put together. It was a mystery quilt retreat and so everyone's quilt was completely different, but the same !

I just love this pattern.
I hope to work some on my daughter's Band TShirt quilt top this weekend and work on a block for my Christmas quilt. Hopefull, this post will take. Have a good weekend all. Bernie

Snap Happy fever and yo-yo's

2011-02-08T22:41:00.000-07:00

Finally, success with the Snap Happy pattern and more bags. The blue flowered one on the end has my sunglasses in it. They are oversized to fit over my eyeglasses, so it was hard to find a case they truly fit in.

I modified the pattern a bit for the smaller bags by adding a seam to box the ends so that they stand up on their own. I am going to try to get a few more made for Valentine's Day. I am sending these to my granddaughters filled with goodies. I have also started making yo-yo's using the Clover yo-yo makers

I am hooked on these too, I might even get over my phobia of hand-sewing. I have a little collection started and a little tin set up with scraps and all I need to sew a few whenever I have a few minutes.

Last night Pueblo West Quilters met and the program was about the internet and all the great patterns, blogs, and inspiration that can be found for quilters. I have their blog listed on my sidebar, so if you are interested in a quilt show, click over to the guild's site and from there a link will take you to the pictures of all the quilts shown at each meeting. It is pretty neat. Our block of the month this year is going to be the same block repeated in different colors each month. This was our February block.

The pattern for this block is also listed in the pictures section. I am hoping to go the the quilt retreat this year if I haven't waited too long to sign up. The weather is still cold and it snowed all day, nothing compared to what other parts of the country are getting, but I sure don't like having to go out in it. Of course, it didn't keep me away from the guild meeting - LOL. I should finish my Halloween quilt just in time for Valentine's Day, just one more area to quilt. Then I really have to find the flannel for my youngest daughter's t-shirt quilt so I can start putting it together. Also, there are baby quilts I want to get started on. I moved a small table into the spare bedroom with hopes of sewing a bit each evening, but so far that hasn't happened. Well, that is all I have for today. Adios Bernie

Snap Happy Bags & Single Digit winter

2011-02-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

Had a little trouble getting into blogger to update, had the thought that everyone is on their computers because of the bitter cold weather we are having across the country. February 1st - today is my oldest DGD birthday. Happy Birthday Arianna! My little sweetie! and Valentines Day is this month. My DS was born on Valentines Day and he is a real sweetheart. My favorite cousin's birthday is the 4th. This particular February 1st is one of the coldest I can remember. It is frigid. The high today was 5 degrees and tomorrow more of the same. Brrrrr. So I made a nice cuppa Earl Gray tea and sit here to share a few pics.
Lets talk about Snap Happy bags. They have made the rounds on several blogs I have read and so of course when I saw the pattern at a local quilt shop I purchased it. I tried to sew one without the pattern and it turned out okay, but thought with the pattern I would get better results.

The white one with red circles was my own attempt without a pattern. Then came the blue/red red/blue. Last is the larger green/brown combo. These are very cute bags, all kinds of ideas come to mind for different sizes, sunglasses case, cell phone, make-up, etc. You can't tell from the pictures, but two of the bags have the measuring tape inserted the wrong way. Don't ask me how I managed that, honestly I must have checked it ten times before sewing it down. The tabs are oversized and I still managed to not get them in the seam tight enough to hold when used to pull the bag apart. Also, my bags are not "sealing" as closely as I want them to. I am going to try to cut the tape shorter and maybe inserting the lining separately to eliminate the inner seam. Maybe the problem is the quality of the measuring tape which I purchased at the dollar store. I examined my husband's measuring tape and it is obviously made of a better quality metal, a bit thicker which would give a better "snap". But I think he would notice if I cut up his good measuring tape so I will have to invest in a good one at the hardware store to try that theory. Both of my DD's thought they were pretty neat and requested I make them one in more "fashionable" fabric. LOL. I have been working on the tshirt band quilt and now have 20 tops, cut, squared and fused. I have been taking pictures and hope to put a tutorial up when it is complete. Stay warm people. adios, Bernie

Mixing, matching, I love the weekends

2011-01-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

I missed the Friday night sew-in, just too unmotivated to do more than read and relax. Saturday mornings are for QVC AM Style while I tidy up my bedroom and drink my coffee. Then 2 sewing shows on the local PBS channel, today is Fons and Porter and Sewing with Nancy, both excellent programs. I was hoping to get into the sewing room this morning, but my glasses are broken and I need to get to the eye doctor and get them fixed before noon when the office closes or I will be near blind all weekend. I have an old backup pair, but they are not quite the same prescription. Remember the fun day I had with friends awhile back? Well, we did some quilt shop shopping and this was what I purchased. I really fell in love with the blue and white on the far left in this picture.

and

I love big florals - and the check/plaid? fabric just went with it. This might turn into another apron, but I am also thinking pillowcases so we will see.
I added the top purchase to fabric I already had on hand

Ummm - no, I think I will pull out the blue and white piece and add a dark green. The mottled red is not really working either. I don't often buy yardage for quilting unless I am looking for backing fabric or a pattern specifically needs it. Again, I am thinking if it doesn't turn into a quilt it might turn into placemats and napkins. I need to get busy now so I can have some fun later today in the sewing room. Adios - Bernie

A new apron and project progress

2011-01-17T23:07:00.001-07:00

This was a good weekend. I finished one apron and worked on the Christmas applique blocks AND started cutting and fusing the t-shirt quilt. There was no model available so here is the apron as best as could be arranged on the back of my sewing chair

The buttons will be added to the top to put a little "tuck" in the bib area, which is too big. but luv the big pink pocket and ruffles. I made the pattern XL which would be perfect for a man (without the ruffles maybe) LOL, so I will make it again for the "guys" in the family to give next year for Christmas. They are all pretty good cooks.
Now this Christmas applique quilt is part of a block of the month I purchased a couple of years ago and just got burnt out on.

I don't know if these pictures will allow you to enlarge them or not, but the pieces are all appliqued by machine using decorative stitches and threads. I am especially proud of my snowflakes.

I completed two rows and quit. I worked on two blocks this weekend and got to the point where I am ready to stitch the applique down, but I think I will work on the entire row and then applique as that requires changing thread fairly often. Below are the two blocks ready to be appliqued.

This little angel and tree are facing the wrong direction, I forgot to reverse it when I traced it, but it is okay, I will use a darker thread to outline her so her little feet don't get lost in the snow. :)

Next was my youngest daughter's T-shirt quilt which will be a "band" quilt. Her collection of concert t-shirts. I will need to figure out a layout after getting them all cut and stabilized, because I realized today that I cannot cut them down to one size. Pictures of those will come later, not much to look at now. This is her graduation quilt so I have until spring to get it completed, my plan is to back it with flannel and skip the batting, but now I am not so sure because it is hard to find the flannels I want. Right now I just want to get them all cut out.

I also spent a little bit of time reorganizing fabrics. I usually purchase fabrics with an idea or pattern in mind. It might start out with just a particular color combination or a pattern I want to try out. So, my fabric is organized by project rather than by color. This seems to be working for me except that I really need to label my containers so that I know what is in them. Time is wasted opening them up to look for a certain pattern/project. Hope everyone got some sewing time in this weekend. I'll be checking your blogs. Adios, Bernie

Tablerunner (I think)

2011-01-14T08:00:00.003-07:00

Finished piecing this table topper which was orignally intended for Thanksgiving, but after piecing the blocks I was very unhappy with the colors. I chose a deep, dark pumpkin solid (I blame that choice on all the pumpkin bread I was baking at the time LOL) and just thought it was ugly. It came down to either put it away in a box and never look at it again or finish it. I had just barely enough of the fruit patterned fabric for the outside border and that made a big difference to my eye. It was hard to photograph, the color seems off. ah well, if I cover it with a centerpiece and candles it won't be too bad. :)

This weekend is a long weekend for me, so I am planning to work on the aprons and pot holders I have been so busy cutting out. I also vow to work on at least one block of the Christmas quilt I started two years ago and start my daughter's t-shirt quilt (if I can find the knit interfacing). Adios Bernie

The Very BIG Bag

2011-01-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post a quick pick of the new carry all I put together the past few days. The pattern was designed by Penny Sturges for a charm pack and it was published in the April 2009 issue of McCall's Quilting magazine.

This is truly a big tote, I can see using it for the farmer's market or as a library bag or grocery bag or diaper bag, etc. That is my 19 year old "baby" modeling it for me. :) I still have to topstitch the opening and add a button or snap, I will gift it to a friend of mine to use at farmer's market in the summer. To give you a better idea of size look at it next to my machine -

I used a little charm pack I won at a raffle last year. It is a cute, fast project where you can showcase fabrics. I made mine with longer straps than the pattern instructions because I would rather throw a bag over my shoulder or crossbody. Hope you liked it. Adios Bernie

Thanks to Vesuviusmama & take a look at that potholder!

2011-01-09T22:10:00.001-07:00

It is snowing to beat the band outside and I doubt very much the roads will be decent for driving tomorrow, so maybe I will take a day to stay in and sew. My youngest daughter came home and brought two of her girlfriends with her and so I have plenty of company. We will all be snowed in together.
The new background for my blog now includes and a real booklist (big thanks to Erin at My Patchwork Life for giving me directions I could follow) :) I just finished Christmas with Tucker by Greg Kincaid and recommend it highly.
I also tried to upload my pictures directly from Shutterfly, but not too sure I like that. Big OOOH and AAAH for that potholder, which was practically a whole afternoon project. The matching microwave mit did NOT turn out and after ripping it apart twice, it went into the trash bin. YES, that is a corning ware coffee pot sitting on my stovetop - I make my coffee on the stove and it is soooo good. I did cut out three more potholders and an two aprons, but jumped the tracks and started another project which I already had cut and waiting (I think I will finish it tomorrow if I stay home).
Yesterday was a sunny, if cool day and some dear friends called and invited me to lunch. We went to lunch and then did a little shopping at local antique stores and of course the little quilt shop on the way. It was so much fun and the quilt shop was clearancing out their Christmas fabric, so we all collected some pieces and I pretty much spent the last of my Christmas cash. I seem to have a definite blue streak going fabricwise and when I figure out how to download the pictures from my camera I will post pictures of what I purchased. Adios. Bernie

SewBernie

2011-01-09T21:45:00.001-07:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Pueblo West Quilters

2011-01-06T21:47:00.000-07:00

Well, I have played around a bit with my blog background and settings - taking advantage of the free sites out there. It doesn't look exactly like I want it to yet, but I will keep trying to get it looking nice. I would like to add a book section that shows pics of book covers, but can't figure out how to do that yet. :)
I belong to a group of quilters which meets the first Monday of each month to share our love of quilting. I have been a member of a quilting group for probably 7 out of the last 10 years off and on. I enjoy belonging to a group because it is a huge treat to see everyones quilts at "show and tell" time and also it is a great way to take affordable classes and learn new techniques. We met the first Monday of each month and on the 3rd of January, new officers were introduced, a new block of the month was introduced as well as the pattern for the groups LUV quilts which are made by members to be donated to local charities. This group has grown over the years and I would guess it now has over 50 members. LOTS of VERY talented quilters. I have added their site to my sidebar and if you go to the site and look they have an open photo album where the pictures from each meeting are shared. I think one reason I am a blog "lurker" is I really enjoy looking at quilts and other sewing projects. I picked up two new books for Christmas, one is The Apron Book and the other Miss Rosie's Spice of Life Quilts. Both look really good, hopefully I can share more about them next post.

Bernie

01 - 01 - 2011 HAPPY NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is the year I will post regularly to my blog. I will keep a camera in the sewing room and remember to take pictures. I will make time to create, sew, read, every day. The holidays were wonderful. I am blessed. Welcome 2011. Bernie

Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Salazar December 30, 2010

Neglecting my blog

2010-11-10T22:11:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long since I posted. I have been busy, both sewing and regular day to day "stuff". The two quilts I have been working on are taking way more time than I anticipated. I am still FMQ my Halloween quilt and that is going okay, well truthfully it is frustrating sometimes. Quilting a real full size quilt is a lot different than quilting a small practice piece, but I do think I am making progress. On my last trip to visit my daughter I stopped at a local quilt shop and bought a new toy.

I really want to learn to FMQ feathers, maybe this will help. Maybe not, but it can't hurt :)

It also seems to me that I need at least two sewing machines set up to be able to keep working on projects, one to piece on and one just for FMQ. The weather is turning cold and snow showers are predicted for tomorrow evening, perfect for quilting and reading and hot cocoa. I started working on a table runner for my table for Thanksgiving. I hope to finish it up this weekend. While I have been ignoring my own blog, I am totally fascinated by everyone else out there in quiltersblog.com. Someday I would like to go to the big show in Houston, the pictures being posted look like it would be a lot of fun. Okay, well, I will have to make a new resolution to post at least once a week with updates, it keeps me motivated. Night all.
Bernie

Retro Bag

2010-10-11T21:48:00.000-06:00

Quite a bit of sewing yesterday and today and quite a bit of "unsewing" because I had problems with my metallic thread and didn't realize it until I had to stop and clean out my bobbin case. Interestingly enough, I didn't really get upset, I was having a good time just doodling. It is going to take some time to fill in the applique pieces, and hopefully it will be worth the effort. If nothing else I figure I am practicing my free motion skills.
Today I worked on and completed my version of a Retro Bag pattern. http://www.etsy.com/listing/58676102/retro-fun-bag-patterns?ref=em, I purchased from Greta's Blog. I added 3 inches to the width of the bag and made the handles longer because I want to use it for a tote for work and also this was my practice run. I am happy with the outcome and can't wait to make a few more in different sizes and true to the pattern (which is much sleaker). She has a picture of a small version, which I think would be a really cute accessory to match the bag. Front and back

The pink areas on the front of the bag are big pockets, the back has a zippered pocket. and the inside

Fully lined, pockets on both sides. I used a piece of a remnant I purchased at JoAnn Fabrics for about $3. It was a drapery remnant. I think her instructions are great, lots of pictures and tips. I had never put in a magnetic snap before and it was easy peasy. NAYY, but check out her patterns and her quilting is fantastic. Happy Sewing. Berning

Scrapbooking Retreat

2010-10-06T19:49:00.000-06:00

I recently went to a scrapbooking retreat at Craftman Lodge in Colorado. My good friend Diane and my oldest DD are both avid scrapbookers and have kind of made me a scrapbooker too. My first love is sewing, but scrapbooking is fun too and similar to quilting with pictures. When I think about it, the memory quilts I have made are scrapbooking with fabric.

Happy Scrappers busy at creating. That's my buddy Diane in the top photo. Here we all are along with the sweet lady who organized the weekend Teri and my beautiful DD (in the red top and white shorts). This was a beautiful lodge, slate and marble all over the place and the weather was perfect.

And last but not least, some of my creations

I completed 12 new pages, which is pretty good for me, but what was really nice was to spend some time just being creative with my daughter and good friend. We thought about planning our own mini-retreats and hopefully that is something we really will do. Happy Wednesday! Bernie

Creative Courage

2010-10-04T22:07:00.000-06:00

Actor Bert Lahr as the Cowardly Lion:

Courage.
What makes a King out of a slave? Courage.
What makes the flag on the mast to wave? Courage.
What makes the elephant charge his tusk in the misty mist or the dusky dusk?
What makes the muskrat guard his musk? Courage.
What makes the Sphinx the 7th Wonder? Courage.
What makes the dawn come up like THUNDER?! Courage.
What makes the Hottentot so hot?
What puts the "ape" in ape-ricot?
Whatta they got that I ain't got?
Dorothy & Friends: Courage!

Cowardly Lion: You can say that again.

That is what came to mind tonight. Why can't I take this

And this

and transfer all of this practice to the real deal? The quilt top I threw together (rather sloppily) just to practice on?

Courage. I am afraid to "ruin" this top with my amateur quilting. I have practiced and practiced, I have several stacks of all my practice pieces, but for some reason I cannot bring myself to put this quilt under my sewing machine needle. I will have to get past this mental block, because I know the only way to really learn this skill is to do it. So I will set Friday as my deadline to put this in the machine and start quilting it. Maybe the great and powerful OZ will give me courage. :)
I have been busy, loving the first days of Fall, loving the cooler weather. We had a nice little mini holiday when my husband's cousin came to visit and then I went to a scrapbooking retreat with my oldest daughter and a good friend and that was fun too. I will be following up with pics on that adventure later. Today is my favorite aunt's birthday and I had a nice long phone chat with her. Happy Birthday Aunt Marion! October is my birthday month too, so I am making resolutions and plans for the coming year. I want to try to work outside my comfort zone in quilting. Here is a sneak peak of one of my current projects.

I am freemotion basting the applique with invisible thread and plan to thread paint it with metallic. I am going to use a wool batt because I want the applique to stand out after quilting without having to do trapunto. Hope everyone is sewing happy. Bernie

Pics from Square in Square class

2010-09-14T21:28:00.000-06:00

Here is Cyndi McChesney (our teacher for the class). She is a certified teacher for this technique and she is great. Here she is showing us how the 1/4 seam is built into the block.

Here are some of my fellow quilters working away.

Here is my friend Mari, she sat down at the kindergarten table to lay out her topper

Isn't it pretty? I should have taken more pics, because everyone picked such pretty fabrics.

Labor Day doings and Quilt Class

2010-09-12T23:52:00.000-06:00

Well, last weekend was pretty peaceful. We never did make it to the Kid's Day Parade due to some misinformation, but the kids did go to the State Fair and we had a nice barbecue and the evenings found me sitting outside on the porch watching my granddaughters jump rope and shoot hoops. OH yes, the tooth fair pillow was a big hit with my GD! We even had a little sewing time together and they got to sew on "gramma's big machine" with gramma sitting right next to them of course.
I have been in a strong high energy mode for several weeks now (what gives?) and have several projects going. I have managed to keep up with the quilt along, doing my practice pieces as instructed. I put together several more practice quilt sandwiches and am going to experiment with what I want to put on the Halloween quilt (which is all pin basted and ready to go). How is everyone else coming along? I see that Erin is following along, she posted pics of her first exercises and they look great. http://vesuviusmama.blogspot.com/
I spent most of Thursday and Friday evening getting ready for the Square in a Square quilt class I signed up for months ago through my quilt guild. I am here to tell you I am so pleased with this method. We had a lot of fun in class, but best of all I felt I really came away with a good product and great results. I had purchased the special ruler and a book years ago at a quilt show after watching a demo, only to get it home and not really understanding what to do and to lazy to figure it out - so - the ruler and book were put away in my ruler basket and there they sat until I heard about this class. Our teacher's name was Cyndi McChesney and she gave us a LOT of information in six hours time. I have known Cyndi for a few years. I met her when I went looking for a longarm quilter to do some of my tops. She has her own longarm business and I have been really happy with the tops she has quilted for me. Long story short -
I would never have attempted these stars on my own. I am so tickled with this I have to share. From this

To this

and finally this

It still needs to be sandwiched and quilted of course, so this will be another piece I will use for the quilt along. :) More pics of the class in a few days. Just wanted to share before bed. Hope you all had a great weekend. Bernie

Tooth Fairy pillow sneak peak

2010-09-01T20:34:00.001-06:00

Looking around the blogspots it seems to me that lots of quilters are rejuvinated and ready to quilt - the lazy days of summer are winding down unless of course, you live in Australia.:) My oldest DD (and wonderful mother to my two beautiful granddaughters) called to say they might come down this weekend for the state fair. There is a kids day parade on Saturday that the girls really like. There are three parades during the Fair. The big parade downtown to kick off the Fair, the Kid's Day Parade and then the Fiesta Day Parade on the last day. They are all fun, but the kids day parade is the best. It is made up entirely of children and is held in a small area of town called Mesa Junction which is like an old fashioned downtown area with little shops. This parade has been going on for as long as I can remember. I remember being in it with friends (we rode our bikes, which we decorated ourselves) and my children were in it (we built a float out of a wagon for the younges to ride in).
I will post pictures if they come early enough for us to attend. Of course that prompted me to finish up the tooth fairy pillow, so I can give it to -

AMIA

My youngest grandbaby, as you can see she needs it for the tooth fairy! I decided to try to put some ribbon embrodery on it so it is not quite done yet, but I think I can finish it up by Friday. In progress sneak peak.

Close up of my attempt at ribbon embroidery. I will also have to add some sparkly crystals cause my girl loves bling! Then I just need to sew the back on and stuff it.

I free motion quilted the background with loops and hearts, I will try to get better pics when it is all done. This was one of those preprinted panel sewing projects that I keep an eye out for in the clearance bin. The little black heart stitched area will be covered with a little heart pocket for the tooth. I have yet to write anything in my quilt journal book - I should start it with the quiltalong quilt information, does anyone else keep a journal of your quilting? What kind of information do you write in it? I have a few projects I am actively working on right now, I do want to add a future quilts list to my blog list. You know, those quilts that you want to try to make because you like the pattern or have an idea for a particular fabric? Nuff, said for now. Hope everyone is having a good week. Bernie

Quilt Along, WIPS, & Quilt Journal

2010-08-29T23:17:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post, hopefully I will have time tomorrow to post pics. I have pin basted my quiltalong quilt so it is all ready to go. I pin basted on my cutting table as I just can't get on the floor anymore to baste a quilt - my knees just won't do it. I spent a good part of my sewing time today cutting and tracing applique's for the new pattern I am trying out and also did a test run on kitchen towels and hot pad/pot holder for the craft sale for the quilt guild sale. I practiced free motion quilting on a little tooth fair pillow I am making for my youngest granddaughter. So yes, I have been busy.
The one item I did not have for the quilt along was a Quilt Journal, I found a nice little hardbound journal at Kohl's that I think I will be using. I have never kept a sewing journal - usually I use little post it note pads and pieces of scrap paper that I make notations on when sewing, but nothing I keep for future reference. It is a wonderful idea.
WHEW - it feels good to finally have my sewing motivation back again. For the last couple of months I just didn't feel motivated, part of it was all the trouble I was having with my pink and brown quilt blocks, but that is another story :) Hope everyone had a little time to sew over the weekend. Looking forward to the Labor Day long weekend - I will make time to sew for an entire day ! Whoooppeee. Bernie

Free Motion Quilt A Long

2010-08-18T19:06:00.000-06:00

Christina over at " A Few Scraps.blogspot" is having a quilt along and I think I will join, doesn't that just fit in with my throwing together the Halloween quilt because I want a "real" quilt to practice on.? She is giving away prizes too so anyone interested in this should check her blogsite out. Her entry deadline is August 21st, but she didn't say how long the quilt along will be. I hope she gives us some time cause I am sew slow. This will be the first anything I have joined in on so maybe it will help keep me motivated.
Bernie

Estate sale finds

2010-08-15T21:39:00.001-06:00

Thank you for your sweet comments on my fast and dirty Halloween quilt - I have to dig out the backing this week and hopefully pin baste it next weekend so I can start quilting it - this one might just be done by Halloween! I don't know how I did it but I deleted my post after uploading probably far too many pics. Ah well, I will now make this one shorter and I hope sweeter. I must confess to going with a good girlfriend to an estate sale during our lunch hour last week and purchasing a queen sized hand pieced, hand quilted basket quilt and an old sewing machine. Sewing Machine Anonymous, that is what I need. I have a weakness for old machines, especially if they are going to end up at the local dump. I can't fix them, but they are interesting to me. But, no more, I have no place to hide, umm I mean store them. :) Anywho, here are a few pics. OH yeah, I did start cutting blocks for a new quilt today, but more on that later.

Look at the neat little stitches.

It does have damage to the top and several of the blocks, but I am going to try to patch it up as best as I can and put it on display in the guest bedroom. I heart it.

Now, about that sewing machine addiction, really, this machine makes a beautiful stitch, all I have to do is figure out how to get that bobbin case out and how to thread it and oil it and I could use it just for piecing. Right?

It has a Montgomery Ward logo, #30, I am guessing maybe 1940's or 50's? Lots of neat attachments.

Part of what intrigued me about this machine - I never saw one like it before, and it is in such good condition. The bobbin case looks like Ft. Knox, not quite sure I want to take it out yet.

I think I have to unscrew it to take it out. The only thing missing was the manual, but maybe I can find one online.

I hope you all had simply wonderful weekends.

Bernie

Halloween practice quilt

2010-08-10T21:07:00.000-06:00

Well, I finished piecing my Halloween quilt, just for fun, it was fast and dirty, no pattern, no specific plan, just wanted to piece a quilt that I could quilt myself. It will be a gift for my granddaughters.

This is laid out on the floor - you see my cheater panel is set on point - I want to quilt it with that glow in the dark or maybe florescent thread with a spiderweb type design.

I am happy with it and I know the girls will love it. I have been in a slump as far as sewing and I am not sure why exactly. The quilt group I belong to is having a craft sale in October and we (members of the guild) are supposed to donate items for sale. I just don't know what to make. They have asked for small items that can sell for $20 or so. I thought today maybe some eyeglass cases or table runners? I don't know. I did purchase at Walmart a couple of Elvis apron panels and figured I would make those for the craft sale, they only cost me a couple of dollars each from the clearance bin and I think they are cute. Even though it is still hot here during the day, it is cooling down in the evening and I feel an early fall this year. Well, looks like computer is just about out of battery power so I will log out for now. Bernie

Freemotion quilting

2010-07-18T23:24:00.000-06:00

It is late Sunday night - work tomorrow - and it was a very busy weekend, I did manage to get a few hours in my sewing room today. I have been practicing my freemotion quilting and even though I laundered this practice piece (wanted to get the chalk out of it) I think you can see the design pretty clearly in these pics. I used just regular old school chalk to mark this stencil design. This probably is not technically freemotion since I used a stencil, but I wanted to try it.

This is the front and the pic on top shows the front with the back flipped over. I serged the edges.

The stitch length is looking much better, more consistent I think with several weeks of practice. I am using Superior thread in both needle and bobbin, So Fine which I believe is 60 wt. I have already made a new quilt sandwich in pink fabric and will be trying marking out squares with chalk and see if I can freemotion a consistent design across the quilt sandwich. The batting on this piece is 80/20 cotton poly. The next one I am going to use wool batting.

I also finished piecing five more blocks in my pink and brown. That makes 12 blocks completed, but I am still struggling with the 1/4 inch seam allowance, I have tried several different set-ups, but either come up too small or too large. I am going to try to figure out what I am doing wrong next session. I think too I will change my presser foot so that I can adjust the needle. Does anyone else struggle with that "scant 1/4 inch?" OH YES, the big news is a new JoAnn Fabrics has opened at the mall. I made a trip today to use my 40 percent off coupon and check it out. I hope it makes a go of it as we have not had a regular fabric store in town for many years. Well, better sign off for now, I want to go check out what everyone else has been doing :) Bernie

New Quilting friend Texas Quilt Show

2010-07-10T21:00:00.001-06:00

I made a new quilting friend on my trip to Texas in June to attend my nephew's graduation and visit family. Her name is Elaine G. I met her through my very sweet niece who just happens to be friends with one of Elaine's daughters (another delightful girl). The girls got us togehter and we all went to a quilt show. We had a wonderful time and went to lunch after the show and then she invited me to her home to look at her beautiful quilts. She does redwork and had several wall hangings I loved and also showed me a batik beauty she had just completed piecing in fall colors. Very pretty. Here is my new friend.

and a few pics of the quilt show we attended.

I think Elaine voted for this one as her favorite. There were many talented quilters displayed and every row we walked down was full of eye candy. I was especially taken with a black whole cloth quilt with some star appliques that was quilted with decorator threads and every inch covered with the most fantastic quilting.

Check out this dragon

Close up of the scales and quilting.

I can't figure how to get my pics all the same size, hope you can see some of the detail. Look at the pieced leaves on this last one and the cat in the corner. Cute. Well, hope you enjoyed the show. I will come back and edit when I find my souvineer postcard to give credit to the quilt guild that put on this wonderful show. Bernie

The 3 hour block and Halloween treats

2010-07-08T20:11:00.001-06:00

Well, I had not been in my sewing room for over a month and was really wanting to get back to it - so at 3:30 pm Sunday afternoon I decided I would work on my pink and brown quilt top. This one is for me, but it is slow going. I have to think hard (ouch) about it, one block at a time - because I have my own idea for how it is being put together. And I don't have a design wall, so I have to lay it out on my cutting table, then write down how the next block should be done. So I pieced the next block in row one and when it was complete the measurements were all off (too small), so I did something I NEVER do. I took it apart and sewed it together again, but then it was too big, so I hacked off more than I should have only to realize the colors were in the wrong place! So I took it apart AGAIN and sewed it back together again.

okay, success finally, but I was so tired of it by then, I worked up the next block and quit for the day.

You see my little tape labels for the first row? Those are supposed to keep me from getting too confused :) The pic above shows the pattern beautifully, it is a scrappy quilt and I have collected the fat quarters over the past 3 years. It started out just brown and pinks, but I have added green. I am going to have to figure out a way to put up a design wall if I want to keep it going.
I also pulled together my little stash of Halloween fabrics and cheater panel. I want to put together a Halloween quilt, just something lap size, which shouldn't be too hard with the cheater panel. I think the grandkids will love it.

The striped piece has glitter running through it and the bright orange is supposed to glow in the dark.

I have no idea what pattern I might use. Something very simple. I don't really want to cut apart the cheater panel, so it will be the center and I will work blocks around it to fit. Famous last words How hard could that be? HA.

Yet another picture of the Graduation Quilt

2010-06-28T19:17:00.003-06:00

Here is Daniel holding up the quilt with my dad (his grandfather). Most of you from myquilt blog have seen this quilt and are over it by now I am sure. :), but this gets me going again. I will have the next few weekends to do some sewing, then my sister is coming to visit and we will go up to Denver for the last week of July. I signed up for a Square In a Square class through my quilt guild, that will be jump starting my fall quilting (the class is in September). I also am going to a scrapbooking retreat at the end of September. Any scrapbookers out there? My oldest daughter and a good friend of mine do scrapbooks for a hobby, I just kinda tag along, but it is fun. I am also going to try to take some pics with my husband's camera, it is a bit fancier than mine and maybe I can get some better pics posted. We have been having very hot weather here in southern Colorado, but thats okay - I don't much care for the cold of winter so I am not going to complain too much.

Lets try this one more time

2010-06-22T23:38:00.003-06:00

Well, I started this blog with good intentions, but then promptly got very busy and just haven't had much time on the computer and zero time in the sewing room. I did get to go to my nephew's graduation and had a grand time visting family. I have not had time to download all the pictures I took, but will post one soon. The quilt I made for him was a big hit. I knew he liked it when I saw him showing it to some friends of his. I have more to share (a new quilt friend and a quilt show), but this is just my quick attempt to get back into blogging. I will have more time this weekend to catch up and maybe even get into my sewing room! YES.

New to Blogger from My Quilt Blog

2010-05-05T11:25:00.000-06:00

Well, here I go, trying to recreate what I started on myquiltblog, which is closing down. I hope to reconnect and make new blogging friends. I will continue to try to journal my quilting and have decided to add sewing and crafting to this new blog. Bernie