Sunday, September 26, 2010

FINISHING UP

I find myself in the mood to finish up some projects.  I think it is the rearranging of my sewing room that is doing it.  I've been folding fabric onto flats and putting it upright in the shelves. Wow! What a difference it is making and I think it is taking up less space than the tubs.  It is special to walk in and see nice rows of fabric. It actually gets the creative juices flowing...I see combos of prints I hadn't thought of before.  At any rate, I have finished four things this weeks! Whoopee!!! I've already posted three of them so here is the fourth, front and back.  I think it is a cheerful little number and will probably be a Christmas present.

Friday, September 24, 2010

THE THIRD BIRTHDAY PRIZE

Okay, here it is...the third prize for my birthday celebration giveaway.  This has sure been fun. This one goes to Pat in Iowa and is a Friendship Block mini quilt. It can be a table mat, a doll quilt or a wall hanging. I'm pleased with the way it turned out and I got some more practise FMQing! I am really enjoying that I am getting some of these UFO's finished up for the Stashbuster challenge.  Pat, I still haven't heard from you so send me your snailmail. You must be traveling! Hey Kasey  thanks for telling me how to do these links. Easy enough when you know how!

Joining Stashbusters is a great way to help you get your stash under control. They have a UFO challenge where you list your UFOs and then report when you finish some.  It is lots of fun with a lot of good chat, advice and great encouragement. Lots of eye candy in the photo posting.  I think I joined in June and I have finished 5 UFOs that I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't joined.  It has also inspired me to get my fabric organized. It's been a process but I sure am liking it.  I see light at the end of the tunnel and it is not a freight train;  it is the sun coming through that window all those boxes were stacked in front of!
Back to it...see ya later.
Cheri

Thursday, September 23, 2010

IT'S JUST HOW I AM

I could go into all the excuses for not posting the pictures of the prizes before now but let's just suffice it to say it's just how I am.  You are laughing with me and not at me, right?  So here are two of the prizes...
Gladys wins the Autumn Table Runner I made. The top is from vintage 70's scraps leftover from a little extra cash making apron business I did for a restaurant I worked at in the 1970's in Southern California.  Happy memories. The back is more current varied gold fabric simply stripped together. I practised my FMQ on these.


Kasey wins this Patriotic Eagle Table Runner. I made this one from fussy cuts of soaring eagles framed in HSTs of flag print and bright white. The back is a blue and black tiny check.This table runner ends with the white...the blue around it is just the fabric I laid it on for the pic. A blue border would have been nice too.



Pat's win is still being finished up and will be posted promptly. And Pat, I haven't heard back from you so send me your snailmail address.  More later....

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

AND THE WINNERS ARE....

Running out the door but wanted to post the winners who are celebrating my birthday with me today! Pictures of prizes will be posted later today! Keeping the winners in more fun suspense! LOL I promise my next giveaway will be better planned...this one was on a whim!

Throwing confetti at:

Kasey at Fabric & Thread Paper and Pens
Gladys Wahl at the Iowa Farm Report
Pat from Iowa

You will recieve an email from me so you can send me your snailmail addresses.

Gotta go pig out with a friend for liunch.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Wish I'd said that

The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.

Monday, September 13, 2010

SIXTEEN DOLLARS I SHOULD'VE SPENT A LONG TIME AGO

I sure wish I had bought that darning foot a year ago! I'd probably have quite a few less UFO's and more finished quilts.  What a difference it makes.  It is so much smoother.  I can't believe I stippled an entire double size quilt without any foot at all.  This morning I wanted to play a bit with it so I cut some rectangles of some green scraps I had,  layered it with batting and just meandered all over and practised writing some words.  I'd already decided that I would make pet pillows so that I could practise my FMQing. On this one I wrote "I'm a dog! I chase cats, squirrels and birds. I catch frisbees. I'm a dog!"  I liked how it turned out.  I labeled it to go to Critter Care for a donation.The opposite side is a khaki green & has words like "sticks, ball, bacon"...etc...you know things dogs like.  Yep the right foot makes a lotta difference.  See ya...gotta go play somemore.

Don't forget to comment with the word Birthday in it to be in my giveaway on the 21st. 3 people will get to celebrate with me by winning a prize. I;m getting some good ideas for the prizes.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

WHEN UNDER ATTACK

Because many of my sisters in Christ are under attack right now I'm gonna get a little preach on right now. Take it with the love it is offered in....


I love you all and so wish I could hug each one of you right now. We are all under such attack. We are Christians (some of us may not know this yet) and not ashamed of the Gospel. So here is a little of what God says about what we are going through and what He promises. It comes from the Bible in Revelation 12:10-17.

10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

12 Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.

14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

17And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

He's talking about the Bride, the Church and we are part of that, each woman (men are, too, but right now I feel a real kinship to other women) is part of the Body. We are accused by satan...he uses our loved ones because he knows that will hurt us the most. But this Word says that accuser is cast down and that we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb, which is our salvation, and by the Word of our testimony, which is what we speak. When we get accused we overcome by remembering we are SAVED for all eternity and by what we speak...our TESTIMONY. I have to keep reminding myself when I am attacked..."Oh, no you don't you liar satan, I am SAVED! And I have overcome by that time Jesus pulled me up out the muck and mire." Sometimes I just have to remind myself of a specific time when Jesus did something really big for me. as when He healed my eyes, as when the doctors said I would never have children and I got pregnant...not once but 3 times!!!! As when he healed my hubby from cancer!  Like the prophet was told in the valley of the dry bones, I have to look at this seemingly crappy dead life that appears before me and speak life into my relationship with my husband, I have to speak life into the conversation with my daughter, I have to speak life into the face in the mirror that sometimes even I don't recognize.

Sometimes I have to get out into nature and let the earth help me (vs.16). It helps me see His works, the heavens proclaim His Glory, the earth claps her hands and the very rocks cry out...and I begin to heal. I don't understand how this works, I just know that it does. The Word of God is alive and it will bring healing to you...healing to your body, healing to your mind, healing to your emotions and healing to your relationships. I know that Jesus Christ loves me and He thinks I am special, that I am the apple of His eye and a Pearl of Great Price and that He has a plan for me. I know the same thing about each of you. He loves you with unfailing love. When the attack comes against you Praise Him...sing...you will start out barely eeking the words out but as you continue, He will strenghten you because He inhabits the praises of His people and in His presence is our joy and strength. and you will overcome all that is against you because if the Lord be for you, who can be against you? Arise and shine for our Light has come! Notice in vs 14, He gives the woman all she needs...do you think He will do less for you?

Read Jeremiah 29:11-14 (And if that is not enough, read Psalm 139 my favorite)

Jer 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.

I love you, each and everyone of you, but better than that, God loves you...He sent Jesus to save you and the Holy Spirit to encourage and teach and comfort you.
Blessings of peace and prosperity in all areas of your life,
Cheri
PS: If you don't have a relationship with Jesus, please let me know and I'll help you see how you can.

Friday, September 3, 2010

The Right Foot

Looking at the quilting on the Critter Care Quilt has brought revelation to me.  I have so many UFO's because I don't really know how to QUILT.  I know how to piece but I am just learning how to quilt.  I'm still a novice student of the quilting part of quilting. LOL  And I long for a Quilt Machine.  They are big so not sure where I would put it.  Hhhhmmmmmmm...

When Helen commented it could be dangerous to not have the right foot, I believed her.  Have you paid attention to how much this gal has produced in quilts the last few weeks? You can read it here http://helenquilts.blogspot.com/  (yes, I know I need to learn how to link better...patience is a perfect work, you know)  Anyway, Helen knows her stuff.  So off I went to find a foot. First I went through all my boxes of attachments to see if maybe I had a univeral one that might fit.  Lots of folks know I sew and teach and they give me stuff...everything from pins and needles to old treadle machines.  Lots of times machines come in that don't work any more and I always keep the attachments.  I have several machines that i use, so when I decided I was going to quilt I thought I would use the one I am most familiar with to leave set up as my quilting machine.  This machine has been a work horse for me. I know it's rumbles and grumbles and know what it can and can't do.  And it is a favorite because my husband bought it for me...he actually went the distance in the buying of it but that is another story. Maybe he'll buy me a long....oh my, can't even put voice to that yet.  Gotta get better.  Back to the right foot...

Didn't find any in my collection so I couldn't even have changed machines if I had been so inclined.  Next stop  the sewing center near me.  They had several but wouldn't sell me one without trying it on my machine which I didn't think to take with me...even with the part number which I did have with me.  I think the feet they showed were all used...they sell Janome and Husqvarna fairly exclusively and sort wrinkle their noses at any other although they do work on them. But since they are close to where I live I have decided to just have fun with the fact that they will be snooty.  I always manage to mention that I have several wonderful working machines that were free and I really appreciate it when they have a part for me.  I keep eyeing the long arm they have set up to try out and always say "No, I better not be tempted that way." when they ask if I'd like to try it.  Bet if I bought one they would be more friendly.  Anyway, today I will take my machine with me but since Joann's sale starts today and I have a gift card from my daughter, think I will go there first. Need a new rotary cutter and they have all their quilting notions up to 50% off and I got an email yesterday for an extra 10% off. win-win!!!  I can always go by "Snooty's" on the way home.

I think my practice projects are going to be solid or small print quilt rectangles that I can "scribble" on with free motion writing and make into doggie and kitty pillows.  This baby needs one.



Dont forget to put "Birthday" in your comment to be in the giveaway drawing to celebrate with me on the 21st.
Stay tuned!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Critter Care Quilt

Don't forget to comment with the word Birthday included to get an entry in my Birthday giveaway. Three lucky folks get to celebrate with me on the 21st.  Not sure what I'm giving away yet but it will be nice and fun!
I spent the afternoon sewing.  Wonderful time and a finish!!!! I had promised a small quilt to Critter Care for when they do a Blessing of the Animals in October and told Jean I would have it by the middle of September.  Wahoo!!! I am early for a change.  This one was fun. I think you can click on the picture to get a better look


 Lots of memories of Beany Baby Days when I was sewing for a little company who made Beany accesories. We sewed day and night for monthes.  When Beany craze ended my friend gave me all the left over fabric as my last paycheck. I came out way ahead on that deal. Boxes and boxes of special die cut pieces. This particular bunch were die cut in the shape of footballs to sew together as Beany Bean Bag chairs.  I had cut the ends off the foot balls and cut 4" quilt squares and sold those on eBay for several monthes. but had these odd shaped triangles left.  Last week I sewed them together and then used my 4 1/2" ruler that has a 45 degree angle on it to make 2 1/2" HST.  I was going to just put the yellow blocks in between the HST windmill blocks but it was way too much yellow so I did the X's in a correlating green, using the first few steps of making an asterick block.  It was also a good chance to practise my free motion machine quilting...just doing a continuous circle in each block.  I'll get braver with joining the stitching between blocks but for this one I just stopped and started for each.  You know these colors really match better than these pics show.  Maybe when I post it will look better.
 I did free stitch the label along one side on the narrow border.  Now that was fun!!! The rest of the border, I just did loopie-lous. I think I am going to make a bunch of small quilts and practise writing free hand. I really enjoyed that. My quilting is improving but I do need to get a quilting foot.  I just took the foot off and am quilting with dog feeds down and no foot at all so it gets a little jumpy sometimes.  I'm envious of those who have such nice even quilting from the get go.

The back of this was fleece and the circles showed really well.  It's a cozy little comforter...just sandwiched right sides facing and turned. No binding.  Soon I'll tackle that but I will put it off as long as possible. Certainly no pro but I am having a ball.

Good Incentive to Work Fast!

Ok, that incentive to go sew made quick work of that pile that was in front of this shelf. Looks better doesn't it? The pile was sorted and moved to either it's appropriate place in our abode or into the yard sale stack.  Most of it is in the sale stack. YAY!!!! The things on this shelf will all go directly into the sale. All except for those 4 plastic containers on the second shelf up, which hold my button collection...well, some of my collection, there's a few more in the sewing room.  Once this shelf is empty, the shelf itself will go onto the backporch to store yard work items.  The big roll of white paper will go into the sewing/craft room.  And then...and then  tadaaaa...I will have access to the hall closet again just in time for winter coats.  That fur coat hanging there is real fur.  I need to do some research on it and see what it is valued at. It was donated to our church. since I do a little eBayin' they asked me to see about selling it. The funds will go to our food bank and a bit for sewing class supplies.   Anybody have any info on fur?  Or a good place to start my research?  It is a full length Lark Lynn Furr and has a beautiful diagonal design.  And is in terrific condition.  If anyone knows anything I can take better pics.
I'm off to the sewing room for awhile. Don't forget to comment with the word "Birthday" in it for another chance for my giveaway to help celebrate my 21st Birthday...oops...I mean my birthday on the 21st...LOL!

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions

Today is my sewing class day at the church.  However I got an email early this morning that the baby has a fever (just teething) and has been fussing all night, keeping everyone up so my star (and only at present time) student will be staying home today to sleep while the baby (and Mom) sleeps.  So that gives me a FREE day...do I finish cleaning and sorting the yard sale stuff or do I sew here at home?  Such a hard choice.  Do I give in to what I love or what is really needed?  Maybe I can do a little of both.  I'll clean this morning and then sew this afternoon at the same time I would have been teaching.  That would be the right and fair thing to do, right?  Someone go lock the sewing room, please. And don't open it till 12:45 and only if you see that bunch (pointing vaguely toward the corner) of boxes have moved from the sort pile to the yard sale stack. There are so boxes in that pile...a little stuff just got piled on top.
Don't forget to leave a comment with the word
"Birthday" to be entered in my Birthday month giveaway between now and Sept. 21. Three lucky winners get to celebrate with me!!!