Karen's Fabric Obsession

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

QUILTING BEE: Work in Progress

We were busy bees...

Linda worked on completing her "Saddle Blanket" quilt top.   She had the blocks completed when we met, but spent her time sewing the rows together and completing the borders. 
It is now ready to be quilted, and off the the Longarmer.
I started an entire new quilt from scratch.  I purchased some various patterns from the Quilt Market in Houston last fall, and I choose one design that I thought would go with the new line of Kansas Trouble fabric I just received.
So, I cut...
sewed... 
cut again...


until I was able to complete one of blocks.
I was gun-ho in getting this entire quilt top completed.  Yeah, right!!  Thank goodness, Linda encouraged me to just put together one block to make sure I liked the way the fabric was pieced.   It took me about four hours to complete one block.  Yes, I said FOUR hours.  I cut, measured, and sewed, but the pieces just would not work.  I was growing frustrated. 

We sat together and brain stormed until we found the problem. It was not Operator Error! There was a misprint in the pattern in cutting one of the colored pieces.  Linda made the correction to the pattern, and I diligently went back to my project.

By the end of the weekend, all I had completed was sewing together 436 flying geese (thank goodness for the Wing Clipper by Deb Tucker --- a must have quilting accessory), and 48 half square triangles.  I definitely need some additional sewing time to make some serious progress on this quilt top.   I only wish we had one more day!  

On our last day in Missoula, we rose to a slight dusting of snow and a promise to each other that we will definitely come back soon.

Friday, April 19, 2013

QUILTING BEE: Family Style

Twice each year, my cousin Linda and I try and get together for a little family style quilting bee.  In the past, I've gone to her home or she has came to my home, and we spend our time together sewing. (See this post of past quilting retreat).  I have to confess that I rather go to her house, as she has a  sewing room to die for and she feeds me like a queen! (Its a win, win for me!!)

This year, we decided to meet at a half way point between our houses in Missoula, Montana! I packed the car with my sewing machine, bolts of fabric and other essentials to get through the weekend; and hit the road! 
Linda did some research and found a hotel that accommodates people like us....quilters!
Rubys Inn & Convention Center
Ruby's Inn & Convention Center
We stayed two nights at Ruby's Inn on Reserve Street.  While its an older establishment, the accommodations were PERFECT and we couldn't ask for better hospitality. 

Our room was large enough to host two KING size beds, and we still had plenty of room to set up our sewing stations.
The manager of the hotel even offered and delivered a banquet table to our room for our sewing machines.  We set up the ironing board and transformed a small dining table into our cutting station. 

By 5 p.m., we were set up and anxious to get started.  
A quick mug shot to capture the memory...and we hit the ground running!  
Photo: Trelevean Quilting Bee

To be continued...

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

A TRUE BASEBALL FAN!

Per my daughter's request, I whipped together a little outfit for a friend of hers who just had a little girl.  She asked that I make the baby an outfit (out of a Onesie) that she can wear to all her daddy's baseball games this season.  I think it turned out pretty cute!  Hope she likes it! 

Monday, April 15, 2013

MONDAY MADNESS: Flower Containers

Needing some inspiration?   Here are some clever ideas for gardening ~~
Wood box
Bird cage
Old dairy box
Wheel barrow
Wicker basket
Old chair
www.bhg.com
Recycled suitcase
Wagon

Clever!!

Friday, April 12, 2013

CALENDAR QUILTS


Kim Schaefer's Calendar Quilts Booklet

While color coordinating my piles of scraps, I had an epiphany that I purchased Kim Schaefer's Calendar Quilts pattern last year at the spring International Quilt Market.

Instead of continuing to store (hoard) mounds of fabric pieces, I thought I would try and utilize my scraps, and sew one of the calendar months.

Thumbing through the pages of patterns, I decided I would put together something that was bright and cheerful. I wanted to be able to display it immediately and in celebration of Spring! 

The winner.....May!
     


The instructions were very easy to follow.  I was able to collect an assortment of green fabrics for the border, and I had plenty of tans and creams to construct the background.  Within a few hours, I had the entire wall hanging pieced, sewn and fused together.  I spent a few hours over the next week, blanket stitching (in lieu of satin stitching -- personal preference) all the fusible pieces.  I rummaged through my stacks of larger  chunks of leftover fabrics and batting, and sandwiched my quilt top.  I tackled some free motion quilting (basic stippling) and attached the bindings in order to complete the ensemble.  

I am very pleased with my finished project.   I was able to construct this entire piece of art solely with scraps of left over fabrics.  Masterpiece!

I have just the perfect place for it!
I just need to purchase a quilt hanger, so I can properly display it for all to see!

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

FARMER'S WIFE QUILT BLOCKS

Four more blocks are hand sewn....and the journey continues!

Monday, April 8, 2013

MONDAY MADNESS: Country Music

A genre after my own heart.  I've been a country music lover for most of my life, and I was thrilled to be able to watch the ACM Awards last night..... here are some of my favorites from last nights show!

Darious Rucker -- Love his new hit..."Wagon Wheel"

Little Big Town....."Pontoon"
Keith Urban.   Love him even more now that he is on American Idol! 

Of course, I have to give a shout out for my new favorite redneck family, The Robertson's.

I see Cassidy Pope earning Best New Artist next year.
I love country music!

Friday, April 5, 2013

NEW ARRIVAL: KANSAS TROUBLES

Look what arrived yesterday!  Bolts of Kansas Trouble's new line:  Pheasant Hill!  I'm SO excited.  I am a Kansas Trouble Groupie.  I absolutely love everything Lynne Hagmeire designs.  I believe we could be BFF's!  Not in a creepy way, but at least quilting buddies.

I already have a few ideas for this spun treasure.  Next week, I am getting together for a little "Family Quilting Bee".   Cousin Linda and I are meeting at a half-way spot (in between her home and mine) for some serious sewing time. We rented a large hotel room, bringing our tools of trade, food and drink to keep us energized and hunkering in for a few days of sewing (and, of course, bonding).  I've been contemplating on what project to work on (as I have a few unfinished projects), but I might dive into making a new quilt out of this Pheasant Hill fabric.  So many ideas.  So many choices. (Stay tuned to see what creations we complete)!   

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

DREADED UNCLE SAM

I am known to be a procrastinator.  Not with everything, but particularly in tasks I do NOT enjoy.   For instance, its tax time.  My husband and I do not get luxury of receiving a refund, but we get to partake in paying more money to Uncle Sam. I support the flat tax rate for everybody and I absolutely do not believe anyone should receive a refund over and above the taxes they have paid. I really need someone to explain to me how an individual can receive a tax refund when they haven't even paid a dime into the system.  This entire subject gets me fired up!  Needless to say, I've been collecting our tax papers as I have an appointment with our accountant this week. I am DREADING the news as to how much more I have to pay in taxes.  In the meantime, I have been slacking on all my blogging duties.  Bare with me, as I can't delay much longer as April 15th is quickly approaching.