Autumn, like the Season

cyclone for Doris

2010-08-05T18:28:00.000-07:00

she wrote a great tutorial...
she sent out fun fabric...
she introduced and inspired me to make something different.

(notice the wind exposing the paper backing of the block...yep, it's paper-pieced)

Her finished piece will be gorgeous.

shrinking my tush

2010-08-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

I love a challenge. Jacquie has come up with a good one and I'm IN. Check it out at her blog.

This challenge is an easy one...I'm a huge addict of the runner's high. (Aka, the endorphins produced and released from exercise.) Running is a part of my life already, but this will motivate me to go further and push myself longer.

Thanks, Jacquie!

made me smile

2010-07-29T22:09:00.001-07:00

blackberry bliss

2010-06-18T20:31:00.001-07:00

breakfast for the past few weeks...

in the mail...

2010-06-08T19:06:00.001-07:00

and another

2010-05-24T19:48:00.000-07:00

Amy's...(this one was so fun to make and I loved the flexibility Amy gave us with the color choices) It'll be in the mail tomorrow.

catching up

2010-05-24T19:22:00.001-07:00

Heather's...

Victoria's...

Jacquie's...(so fun and easy to make...I completed 6)

January Bee Block

2010-02-18T21:22:00.000-08:00

Michele's block was a new experience for me.....very trying, but so worth it. I loved the finished product, but was sweating whether she'd like it. Turns out, she likes it! (Wiping sweat from my brow) Here it is....

quilting bee

2009-12-27T21:52:00.000-08:00

It's been ages since my last post. I've been distracted by Life, but am in desperate need to spend some time creating and dreaming. Fortunately, I made the wise decision to join an online quilting bee in August. Doris, from Threads of Conversation, has been kind enough to organize and lead our group. She's a kind woman and I'm grateful for her invite.

The group is called One Block Over and our first featured quilter is Michele of Calico Daisy.

....it's a new start to a new year and loads of new projects.

size matters

2009-08-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

He asked, "Why is it so small?"
My answer, "because I just wanted to try something new."
"But I can't snuggle with it..."
He wants to snuggle, I guess I'm a lucky girl. I love snuggles too.

t-shirt quilt

2009-08-06T11:44:00.001-07:00

Completed a while ago, but pictured today.

I love these t-shirt quilts. They're so soft. They're perfect for soccer games and practices. Oh, and did I mention, easy to make? The current completed tally is 3, but I have piles of t-shirts waiting for their turn. I made a flickr set for them that can be seen here.

in progress

2009-07-30T17:15:00.000-07:00

19 more needed, 17 are done.....just waiting for my mail to come.

This was initially going to be much larger, but now I'm thinking of keeping it small. 3 more blocks....that is all.

money well spent

2009-07-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

Are there any recommendations for a stamp pad with fabric ink?

they're 3!

2009-07-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

I know two princesses that were born on the same day. One lives in Kauai, my niece, and one lives here in California, my bff's daughter. Both were born to gorgeous, dancing mommies, so they are tiny dancers themselves.

I made them these to do some twirling in.....here's the tutorial. Thanks, Plumtickled! (cute name, right?)

They also got these....the tutorial can be found here. Thanks, Skip to my Lou....great tute. I filled the crayon rolls with non-toxic triangle crayons, so they won't roll off the tables in restaurants. They're so cute and easy that I'm thinking of changing the measurements and making a roll for my make-up brushes. I could use it when traveling. I'll be sure to post a tutorial if and when I get to making one.

Happy Birthday, girlies!
love, Auntie Autumn

beach house quilt

2009-07-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

My hubby and I say we will retire on the beach one day. My beach house quilt will rest on his crusty old-man armchair that he's destined to own. It will be used for our grandkids when they visit. It may even keep my legs warm when we watch the sun set.

I'm 32, so I have years to complete it, but I just can't wait. I started it last night and am hoping to finish it soon.

My inspiration came from this quilt. I've admired it for quite some time. I visit the picture often, waiting for the right fabric. Lately I've been on a mermaid kick.

The tutorial for curved piecing came from this site. It was my first time using freezer paper for quilting. It's awesome and easy. My only additional tip would be to allow the fabric and freezer paper to cool completely, prior to removing the freezer paper from the block. Also, when the tutorial says to use MORE glue......use MORE glue.

Inhale....can't you just smell the salt air?

california is awesome

2009-07-16T08:33:00.000-07:00

While in Kauai I had a moment, just a moment, of homesickness. In that short moment I realized how lucky I am to have spent my entire life in California. Even better, my kids are going to grow up in California too and it's my job to make them appreciate every day of it. True, I've had those thoughts, while on trips in other places, considering moving to other states, but California's bright sun and mild winters are my comfort zone.

Every year I promise to my girls that we will head to the beach as much as possible during their summer break. Then, we find ourselves running to and fro soccer practices, pool parties, movie theatres and never step on the sand quite as much as intended. This has been the year for us. I've taken every possible opportunity to make the drive to different beaches along Southern California, discovering new places that I've never been to. It has become an obsession for me. I will sink my toes in the sand of every beach along my part of California at some point in my life. I will know California and embrace my home state.

Summer of 2009 hasn't been a productive one for me, in terms of creating. My sewing machine is only getting use on occasion, but my skin is a golden tan and my hair is lighter. My boogie boards still have sand on them and I've been researching different surf classes for my girls and I.

Enjoy Summer. Find local parks to walk in and plan camping trips. Become a tourist in your city. Pick up pamphlets and see your state through the eyes of someone else. Teach your children about their local lakes and beaches. Love your home.

kauai, part 2

2009-07-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

The fabric was wonderful.

happy 4th of july.

2009-07-04T09:35:00.002-07:00

Wishing everyone
good food,
loud fireworks,
a margarita (or two),
and
some fun in the sun.

my part

2009-07-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

Chen,

You said you like, "pink, green, blue and yellow"....and, "anything from the sea".
Then, I went to Kauai to visit this little girl.
Every time we saw a woman swimming she turned to me and said, "she's a mermaid."

I visited some fabric shops looking for "pink, green, blue and yellow", but kept thinking of "she's a mermaid". The perfect fabric was sitting at home, in California, in my stash. So, I picked up some fun flowers that reminded me of sea plants, but used my stash for the rest. The Amy Butler dots remind me of bubbles and the other Amy Butler made me think of coral. The other dots...more bubbles.

I hope you like it. I loved making it.

hugs from California,

placemat swap

2009-07-02T17:16:00.000-07:00

Today I got a great package of goodies from my friend, Chen, of Mushyhed's Sweatshop. She's the greatest. Check out my awesome placemat! I told her I loved circles and circles she provided. What a great gifter. She included all sorts of fun stuff. I can't wait to listen to the cd......maybe with a glass of wine, while quilting. Good stuff.

I love looking at the other swaps in the flickr group. What a fun group.

kauai, part 1

2009-07-01T13:07:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a long journey, so I'm breaking it up into manageable pieces. First, I want to share the stores that I visited.

My hubby, Jasen, deserves credit for his patience. He was my willing guide around the island, taking me from the Southside to the Northside and even visiting the same store TWICE. He took all my storefront photos, while I perused the inside of the stores. That's love.

Vicky's Fabric Shop
(808) 822-1746
4-1326 Kuhio Hwy
Kapaa, HI
Located on the right side of the road, if you're heading North. Don't blink....you might miss it. It passes by quickly. This was my first stop and where I found my bikini print. Vicky's Fabric Shop is great. The girls are friendly and Vicky, herself, will tell you of how she moved to Kauai years ago, from LA. I found great Hawaiian prints and some awesome Amy Butler and Alexander Henry. She also has quilts for sale, along with patterns for authentic Hawaiian quilts.

Discount Fabric Warehouse
(808) 246-2739
3-3215 Kuhio Hwy # 9
Lihue, HI
The Discount Warehouse is a must-go. I spent the most time there and found some great stuff. I bought two Heather Ross prints and some great japanese fabrics. The ladies are wonderful and one, who I never got her name, was so helpful in discussing machine shopping. They have quite a huge variety of machines set up and my new friend gave my loads of advice. The prices are fantastic and when you consider sales tax is only 5% you may want to think about making a purchase and having it shipped home. I considered this.....for a moment.
The store was a little difficult to spot. We passed it twice. It's on the right side if you're travelling South. The shop in front is Two Frogs Hugging. It's a teak furniture store. It may be easier to look for that.

Kapaia Stitchery
(808) 245-2281
3-3551 Kuhio Hwy
Lihue, HI
How cute is this storefront? You won't miss it, so I won't bother to tell you which side of the street it's on. Beautiful quilts hang in the windows, the patterns for them can be purchased inside. At Kapaia Stitchery I found most my Hawaiian prints, Amy Butler, and some other fun prints. There were so many handmade items that I wanted to buy, but I refrained. My husband only has so much patience and it had started pouring "cats and dogs" while I was shopping.
I was inspired by one of their window displays... "The Postcard Quilt". I decided not to buy the pattern, so I could make something a little different from what they displayed. Mine will be smaller, more my sized. I did buy the bundles that were so perfectly matched up for "The Postcard Quilt".

Fabric shopping in Kauai, just my style.

the blackberries are angry

2009-06-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

Southern California has welcomed Summer! The heat has been wicked, but we're fortunate to have a pool. I don't know how I'd get the yard work done without it on these hot days.

While on vacation so much changed in the yard. The newlywed birdies that made a nest on the porch either moved or are on a vacation of their own. I hope they return. I was looking forward to watching their family grow.

The grapes are only days away from being perfectly ripe. This will be our first year growing an edible harvest. Our area is known for great wineries, so we're in a prime location for growing grapes. No one told me they require patience, as it takes a few years for young plants to fruit well.

Blackberries are troopers. They just grow and grow and grow. They have a dominant presence in the garden, as they can take over if allowed. I love trimming them.......because I eat them while I work. Not one blackberry has made it into the house. They've only been eaten in the garden.

Because I love my blackberries so much my husband decided to make them an arbor from sticks he found at a park. (Mighty hunter) Hopefully, they'll enjoy being given more garden space. They were starting to get grouchy with me as I did a little trimming today. They left those horrible little splinters in my fingers (I forgot to wear my gloves) and I was left trying to pick out splinters with my teeth. Maybe the arbor will be a peace offering.

home sweet home

2009-06-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

It was hard leaving Kauai......I've heard it described as "God's playground" and "Nature's Disneyland". Both are true. I got some great photos......around 1000. It'll take some time to edit that amount of inventory.

Until I can post more, I'll post a photo of my favorite purchase. I visited 3 fabric stores and found some great japanese prints, some Amy Butler, Heather Ross, and much, much more. My favorite purchase was of this japanese bikini print. I'm pretty sure one of the bikinis is inspired by my favorite print, Mocca, by Alexander Henry. I bought one fq on my first visit, then went back and bought the last fq's in the store. They only had 3 more.......

heather ross at joann's

2009-06-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

She's there. Check the quilting bundles.....I brought my coupons and "competitors" coupons. These were the only prints I found at my local JoAnn's, but I'm sure they differ by store. Let me know if you find any others.

*be sure you look at the pre-cut BUNDLES. They're $9.99 (coupons!!!) and come with 3 HR FQ and 2 other prints*

fussy quilt finished!

2009-06-11T18:22:00.001-07:00

All done! Yes, there are many errors on this quilt, but it's DONE and that's the way I like it.

Also, I realized I didn't have any pics posted of the Fresh Air quilt finished. So, here they are.....I really like the binding.

switching gears

2009-06-10T14:32:00.001-07:00

I haven't been spending much time with my sewing machine, but I did manage to start some string blocks. I'm using this tutorial, from Ashley, to do so. Let me tell you, this is my favorite project, thus far. Because I'm just doing a block at a time and using paper piecing for the first time.....I'm really liking this.

Always intrigued with social events of any kind, I joined a swap. It's a placemat swap. Check out some of the inspirational photos. My swap partner is Chen, of Mushyhed's Sweatshop. She is so stinkin' adorable! I'm so lucky to have been matched with this girlie.

As the title states.....I'm "switching gears". Our family is off to Kauai in 6 days and I'm down to the grind. It's time to concentrate on miles and calories instead of thread and fabric. Fortunately, I have an awesome husband who will take me fabric shopping while we're on vacation, so I'm not giving up my fun altogether. I've done my research and found that Kauai is blessed with loads of Japanese fabrics. I'll be happy to report the truth of this matter when I return.

Aloha!

link to 3-column layout tutorial

2009-06-03T11:25:00.000-07:00

The other blogs have it, why shouldn't I? This is how I did it.

buttercup bag

2009-06-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

Made of Pez, by American Jane, in black and white. I was going for that "classy casual" look that a photographer's assistant might like. *wink, wink* My friend has also decided to make a buttercup bag, but I had the intention of making this for her quite a while ago. Time just got away from me. So, now she'll have two.

Happy Belated Birthday, Tanya!

gifting is good for the soul

2009-06-02T22:28:00.000-07:00

I was not 100% today. It was just one of those days.....tired, headache, backache, stuffy head, no patience with anyone other than my cat, so I did my best to keep myself from the world. This gave me time to sit and complete something I've been wanting to do. I can't wait to share. It's a present for a friend that's long overdue. I'll post pics tomorrow......I need daylight to take decent photos. The outcome made my night end on a good note. Now off to bed. Night night.

link to tissue holder tutorial

2009-06-02T21:30:00.000-07:00

Not long ago I made one of these. The tutorial is easy, but you have to mess with the size, depending on the brand tissues you use. I'm making another right now, which is what prompted me to share the link. Enjoy!

quilting connection

2009-05-29T08:35:00.001-07:00

Autumn, Like The Season has been added to Quilter's Qua. Thanks to Connie for the thoughtfulness in including me.

done!

2009-05-24T20:59:00.000-07:00

Whew! It's only the second day of a three day weekend and I've had a blast. We've been on the road for soccer all weekend. I was able to complete my mom's gift in the car yesterday. I washed it this morning. It's wonderful.

I visited an out-of-town JoAnn's and found my favorite......Mocca, by Alexander Henry (pictured on left). I bought the rest of the bolt. A little over 4 yards.

My husband was nice enough to take me here, where I found some Lush, Alexander Henry Seagulls that I've been dying to buy, and some other great finds.

Soccer was good, but I'm looking forward to a day at home. Tomorrow I will begin binding this.

What to do next? That Buttercup Bag looks fun and has been on my "to do" list for quite some time.

fresh air quilt

2009-05-22T09:06:00.001-07:00

Guess who's home from the long-arm machine? I love her. She's so pretty. I can't wait to bind her, but know it's going to take some time, due to the larger size.

tips for taking it easy

2009-05-19T21:16:00.000-07:00

The other day I was "all a tizzy" thinking about the reality that I was about to quilt my mom's gift. Quilting just isn't a natural talent for me. However, I began the job.

I sat down and started. Sweat began to bead up on my neck.....this was going to be a long road. I reminded myself who I was quilting for, my mom. This is the lady who cherishes my little pincushion, stuffed with cotton balls, the one I made when I was too young to even use a sewing machine. This thought relaxed me a little.

Music. The room was too quiet. I turned on a newly purchased Dave Matthews album and instantly felt my mood get even lighter. I was on the road to recovery.

The sewing continued. There were a few moments when I had to replace a bobbin or rethink the direction of my meandering, but the experience wasn't as bad as I expected. Positive thoughts and Dave Matthews really helped.

When I finished I decided this was a good quilt to try some "boo-boo" fixes on. Overall, the quilting is pretty nice, but there were a few stitches that were larger than others or the back thread was a little loser than I'd like. I removed these with CARE and then some additional stitches. Then I just ran over that area, backstitching at beginning and end, to create a pretty nice looking "band-aide".

The hand binding is close to done. I will probably finish it tonight and give it a good wash in the morning. My crafting time has been limited, but I really want to see this completed before I head to bed.

i hate this part

2009-05-13T11:53:00.001-07:00

"Hate" is a strong word, so maybe "strongly dislike" is more appropriate. I had to use that title because of the song by the Pussycat Dolls that's ringing in my head.

It's ready to be quilted.......am I? Quilting is always the hardest part for me because I nitpick the stitches. Are they too large? Too small? How's the tension? It's just so much pressure. I'm waiting for it to get easier, but I always get nervous just before I get started. That's usually when I start thinking about my next project.

Aren't these the cutest fabrics? The birdies are Moda's Urban Chicks.....I think the line is Sweet. The florals are Amy Butler's Daisy Chain. I can't wait to bind it. This quilt has taken me much longer than expected. My life has been soccer, soccer, soccer. I need some down time to catch up with this project. Truth be told, this is my mom's Mother's Day gift. For 2009, I swear. *Mom, surprise!*

happy mother's day

2009-05-10T09:56:00.001-07:00

Happy Mother's Day, mommies!
(check out my new pin cushion)

getting stuff done

2009-05-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

This top is finished and was dropped off this morning to be quilted. Waiting is the hardest part.
300 inches of binding, ready for that phone call. I'm hoping to get it back in time to finish the binding and use it in May's Spring to Finish.

These are the start of a new project. Hopefully, something smaller, so I can quilt it myself and finish it without any torturous wait.

happy national scrap booking day

2009-05-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

I support crafting, in general.....so to all scrappers, "Happy National Scrap Booking Day!"

not much of anything

2009-05-02T08:28:00.000-07:00

I feel like I failed at Jacquie's Spring to Finish challenge. I was going to finish so many projects and it just didn't happen. There were a few small successes. This one, which I realized I've never shown the back of, and another t-shirt quilt, and the Fussy Quilt top. The Fussy Quilt will be quilted by someone else, due to the thickness of the fabric, but it's still a finish for me because I can say "I'm done with it". That's 3 entries......do my Spring Chicks count?

This quilt has taken a turn. My husband says I like to take out stitches more than I like to sew. Maybe. The bright yellow had to go. It was replaced with some Heather Ross. I have 6 blocks done, now all different sizes, and I'm stuck. Should I frame them with an ecru muslin or grey organic kona cotton? Will it be a square or more of a thick rectangle?

Tonight is a big night. My girlfriends from high school are starting a craft group. There will be food, fabric, and some scrapping. I'm thinking it's the perfect opportunity to start a new quilt.

lucky me

2009-04-27T14:11:00.000-07:00

Look what I got in the mail this morning! What a great package to receive, even the outside of the package was graced with the cutest owls.

Thanks, Christine! You rock. This is my new favorite piece in my jewelry box. It says "my heart belongs to" and my hubby's name on the back. I'm wearing it right now.

that was fast

2009-04-23T18:57:00.002-07:00

My order arrived! Check out the "goods".

hot, hot, hot

2009-04-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Southern California has been hit by a heat wave. It's been in the high 90's the last few days, which is not very motivational. I've considered moving the sewing machine out by the pool, but don't think she's waterproof. My "fresh air" quilt is still coming together, but rather slowly. It's more like "the air's so hot I'm suffocating". Block #5 was completed last night and the determined size for the blocks has been established at 14" by 15". Rather large, but very powerful.

Amy, at Badskirt, posted about her recent package from Sew, Mama, Sew. And so, I bit. Half an hour later I found some awesome deals that I feel good about. Really good about. Especially this one from the Katie Jump Rope line. Something about this green gets me.

I'm enjoying viewing everyone's quilts from the Blogger's Quilt Festival. It's hard to comment on every quilt, due to time restraints, but I'm trying to get in a few words here and there. Thank you to everyone who's left a comment for me and mine.

Man, alive, it is HOT! Stay cool. Find a pool.

Quilt Festival Spring 2009

2009-04-18T12:19:00.000-07:00

Amy, from Park City Girl, is hosting an online Quilt Festival. Fun, right? My entry was an easy choice. My improv quilt. Due to the first-time experience of improv quilting I have a fondness of this quilt. No rulers, no rotary cutter, no real rules! This form of quilting is a feel-good experience and compliments both red and white wines. (Actually, I found it also goes well with a "so dirty it's filthy" martini!)

There's also a proud feeling of contribution to this quilt. The first block I created for this project was actually sent to Jacquie for Project Improv. Since sending the block I've spied it on the Flicker group. My block has the Alexander Henry Mocca flower and I love it. What a happy print.

I suppose my entry quilt is emotionally satisfying. Kinda crazy statement to make about a quilt, but there it is, in black and white.

a breath of fresh air

2009-04-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

And so the story continues.

Instead of turning off the sewing machine I decided to give her a new purpose. She needed to be cleansed of the negativity that the Fussy Quilt brought upon her. She got a good cleaning with the air can and brush. She was re-threaded and her foot was changed. A new woman.....(if she was human)

An improv quilt is just what the quilting crafter ordered, so that's where I'm at. My machine and I are starting a new adventure together and there's a good vibe in the air.

no more fussing around

2009-04-18T11:25:00.000-07:00

My participation in Jacquie's Spring to Finish event has driven me to extremes. I pulled out an older project from years ago and went at it full throttle. The initial design was from a class I took for a vintage baby quilt. While taking the class it was determined that the weight of my chosen fabrics didn't match, thus throwing off my every stitch. The instructor advised that I take apart EVERY seam and recut the small squares.

And away it went into the dark corner of my closet.

April 2009 the dreaded "fussy" quilt was reborn. I no longer like the color palette, but decided there would be a reward of satisfaction once I finished. I wouldn't take it apart, as advised, but embrace the imperfections of my mismatched corners. I am not a fussy quilter. I refuse to own a fussy quilt. I added thick sashing to make it larger, no longer a baby quilt. My binding color changed to black for a modern touch.

I began the actual quilting.

The tension was off. I couldn't get it right. I sewed and tore apart stitching. I re-basted and tried again. There's just too much fabric to deal with. My little machine was jumping off the table in fear of this monstrosity. No more, I decided, I just can't do it. Off you'll go, Fussy Quilt,(yes, I have named it) to see the long-arm machine.

So, Jacquie, I am cheating a bit. I will have a completed project, but I can not commit to completing it with my own hands. I hope you can forgive me.

big winner

2009-04-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Christine from Chocolate and Steel has used Random.org to choose ME to be the proud winner of her last giveaway. Hooray! Thanks, Christine. You ROCK! I can't wait to wear your art......

stacked coins finished!

2009-04-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

I love it! It's hard to tell from the pic, but the binding is a dark grey. It's kinda small, but will serve it's purpose as a lap quilt. Ahhhhh.....the feeling of completion is wonderful.

stacked coins

2009-04-13T10:04:00.000-07:00

I free-motioned! So badly I had wanted to conquer my fear of free-motion quilting and last night I did it. Using Recess, by Moda, and touches of Peas and Carrots (that was gifted to me by a dear friend) I created a quick stacked coin quilt to work with. I finish the "quilting" process without any blood or tears and didn't even have to use the seam ripper. Today I'll finish the binding and celebrate a victory.

This weekend I finished another t-shirt quilt top. I dropped it off with the long-arm quilter this morning. I now know that I will never quilt a t-shirt quilt myself. The jersey cotton, fused with the interfacing, and fleece would be too thick for my little machine to handle. The cost of replacing needles would be more than my long-arm quilter charges me. I will get that back with my project improv quilt.

To continue with my Spring to Finish entries I'd like to complete another t-shirt quilt top by the end of this week. That would be good.

isn't this something?

2009-04-12T17:31:00.000-07:00

This pic came in an e-mail.......I don't know where it was from, or if it was made using Photoshop, but just imagine walking down the road and coming across something so wonderful. Think of the time involved in making something this size, and imagine how many smiles it would bring. Simply amazing, right?

finished spring chickens....and egg!

2009-04-10T16:48:00.000-07:00

My name is Autumn and I am a midnight crafter.

Last night I completed a Spring Chicken family, including an egg.

The Spring Chicken tutorial was created by Badskirt, posted on Sew, Mama, Sew. The Egg tutorial can be found on retro mama. Thank goodness for online craft geniuses. Without them I would sleep too much.

Happy Easter.......

pieces of handmade birthday gifts

2009-04-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

A carefree bird perched on a handmade apron.....
A glittery zipper pull on my new cosmetic bag.....

me with a big, cheezy smile....(oops, no pictures of that)

scrambled or hard boiled?

2009-04-07T20:30:00.000-07:00

retro-mama posted this easy tutorial on making these darling fabric eggs. Although I really, really would've rather made them with the Peas and Carrots line from Moda, like she did, I settled for my Alexander Henry scraps from my improv quilt. I love the way they turned out. Notice the one, lone, pink "girly" egg....she'll be gifted to a very special 2 year old I know.

Regarding the previously mentioned improv quilt......it took me a total of 5 hours to undo what damage I had done. It is now in the loving hands of my long-arm quilter to be quilted with care and precision. I'll see it again around the 22nd. (Oh, how that seems to be so far away.)

My birthday was last Friday and I received such thoughtful gifts. I'll be taking pictures of them and posting soon. I have a need to share and brag, as two of them were made by friends.....the best kind!

Lastly, Badskirt has posted a tutorial on Sew, Mama, Sew for a Spring Chicken. I'll just add that to my "someday I will..." list.

Did I mention I love "Peas and Carrots", by American Jane, made by Moda? I really, really want to find it. Ebay....no luck, etsy, no luck.....Stinkers!

chocolate and steel giveaway

2009-03-31T14:51:00.000-07:00

I'm an addict.....I can't get enough of Christine's pictures of fun jewelry. I love the whimsy and youth in every piece. One day I will be lucky enough to own one........I'm getting closer, I can feel it.

I encourage you to check out her current giveaway......

thrift store score

2009-03-30T15:39:00.000-07:00

I love these vintage (at least I think they're vintage) fabrics I found at a thrift store. For 95 cents I got a bag of multiple precut fabrics in the cutest patterns. I love the kids playing jump rope and the kitties. So, what do I do with so many amazing fabrics? Make buttons, of course!

On a sadder note, I started quilting my project improv quilt last week. It didn't go so well. I decided to get fancy and try a spiral square pattern.......no good. My fabric gathered and buckled and made me cry. Elizabeth, from oh, Fransson, advised that I could carefully remove my stitches and start over, it would make me happy when I had a better looking project. She's right. My "pro" long-arm quilter advised the same thing and allowed me to borrow her super sharp scissors. It looks like I have a long night ahead. Bummer.

***4/14-I just got back from the quilt store. My daughter saw something that I had missed in all my visits. The cute kitty fabric in a yellow!!! Apparently, it's not vintage, it's Robert Kaufman! Ha, ha.....and now I wonder if any of those great scraps are vintage.***

happy day

2009-03-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

March 21st is National Quilting Day! Happy quilting to you......

so handsome

2009-03-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just can't get it right, but I always try.

I wasn't pleased with the pictures of the last t-shirt quilt, so I gave it another shot. I got some nice pictures, but mostly of my cat.

Meet Stomper. Twenty pounds of pure, cuddly, goodness. My only son and everyone's favorite family member. He rules the house. He eats his kibble with intensity and talks back when talked to. I like to call him "Handsome", but he will respond to any friendly voice.

My family feels lucky to have such a wonderful spirit in the house. He came to us eight years ago, carried by a little girl on skates. She knocked on the front door and handed my husband a kitten. "My mom said to give this to you"........?????? He became ours.

another t-shirt quilt

2009-03-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

This quilt is going to be a hit with my girls. It has shirts from their current soccer club and from events we recently participated in. I'm planning on using it tonight at practice, actually. The colors are bright and wonderful. I concentrated on red and black, but used grey, as well.

This one went to my "expert" long-arm quilter. She did a great job. I decided on red thread for the quilting to create contrast. Love it! And a strip of color down the back.....so perfect.

Go Hawks!

happy st.patty's day!

2009-03-17T11:15:00.001-07:00

feeling lucky?

project improv quilt

2009-03-17T08:34:00.000-07:00

I finished the top and am working on the back......I'm so happy with it so far. It's so bright and cheery.

wish list

2009-03-16T21:36:00.001-07:00

I began dating my husband when I was 17 and he was 19. He was quite the "artist lacking a canvas", so he found canvases in the most unusual places. I would sit and watch the most detailed pieces of art appear from cans of spray paint that clanked around in his backpack. These earrings and necklace remind me of those days. My birthday is coming up and I think I might treat myself and get one of these treasures with my husband painting my name. Memories.....

it's almost st.patty's day!

2009-03-14T16:30:00.000-07:00

So delish......the leprechaun made an early visit to eat them up.

diaper cake tutorial

2009-03-12T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not too handy in the kitchen, but this cake is easy to make. I've seen different variations of the "diaper cake", but choose what looked like the easiest. In the past, I've layered the diapers over a tube, one by one, layering and layering, until I got the size cake I desired. That method worked fine, but required extra hands holding the layers together. Rolling the individual diapers and wrapping them in rubber bands works great. I only needed the extra hands when I was tying the ribbon around my layers.

Here's my steps for a two-layer cake, using size 1 diapers:
1. Roll each diaper and wrap with a rubber band. Watch that you keep the rolls tightly rolled and your ends are even. They need to be at the same height when placed standing on end.
2. Use a little more then half of your rolls to create the bottom layer of cake. Wrap with a thick ribbon and tie.
3. Cut out a paper plate or cardboard to the width you want your top layer of cake. I used pinking shears for a decorative edge. You could also cover with scrap booking paper or lace for more detail.
4. Cover plate with enough diaper rolls to your desired width. They should almost cover the plate.
5. Wrap with a thick ribbon and tie.
6. I used fresh rosemary to decorate the top, but any fresh flowers can be used. Tuck the stems in the rolls just before presenting to guests.

project improv block

2009-03-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

I'm sending off my block in tomorrow's mail to Jacquie at Tallgrass Prairie Studio. It will soon join others and be part of something much bigger. I'm so excited to be part of something so wonderful. Thank you, Jacquie, for the opportunity.
I love these blocks and have made more for my own improv quilt. The color combination makes me happy. Check out the pictures on Jacquie's blog of some of the finished work. Aren't they beautiful?
My project improv quilt will be a nine-square with white sashing. The back will be white with a little independent block and brown binding. It's currently my favorite wip (work in progress) and I've put aside a t-shirt quilt to focus and finish on my "red and aqua".
The quilt along is progressing and Oh, Fransson has posted the next step. Honestly, I'm still undecided on my fabrics. I received all my fabric purchases in the mail and LOVE them ALL. I'm thinking of breaking them up and using them in different projects. I can use some solids as fillers for the quilt along. My thought is that I can create focus on my favorite fabrics by keeping it simple. DECISIONS! I'm horrible under pressure.
My birthday is approaching and my mom bought me a new sewing box. It's actually a jewelry supply box, but I've converted it to my needs. I spend an hour carefully arranging my thread, needles, and other supplies in there. I'm in love. It's perfect. My mom was very generous to let me use it, as my birthday isn't until April! I think she knew it would be pure torture to keep it from me.

Time to rest......hugs.

a lesson in color

2009-03-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

Oh, Fransson! has posted a wonderful explanation in color schemes. This is the second part in the "quilt along", but could be useful for any art. I will refer to this post in any room redo or even garden planning. The pictures in this post are bright and beautiful.
I can't wait to get my fabric.......I've been e-mailed that it's on it's way, but I had to purchase from four sellers. Hopefully, all the packages arrive around the same time, so I can check my palette as referenced in the color post.

flower power

2009-03-05T08:52:00.000-08:00

This quilt finished at 58"x58", a nice larger lap quilt. The flowers were all hand appliqued and cut from wool. I found the wool at my local craft stores and thrift stores......some were initially pants. It's funny because I made the four detailed squares first, without a clue what they would become. They just looked so fun to make. Later, they asked to be made into a quilt, which I happily did. Of course, the finishing work was done by my "pro" quilter, who owns a long-arm machine. I'm still too coward to free motion quilt something this large.

The "quilt along" will be my first. I am completely committed to trying out my hand at free motion quilting for that project. I'm actually looking forward to it.

chocolate and steel giveaway

2009-03-04T23:30:00.000-08:00

This beautiful jewelry is worth checking out. Be sure to enter the giveaway, as well.

quilt along fabric search

2009-03-04T23:10:00.000-08:00

I went to visit my local quilt shop at 5:06 tonight, barely missing the closing. It was the only chance I had to get over there and I didn't realize they closed at 5. Too bad. So, I decided to "etsy". It was my first etsy experience, thus far I've only window shopped. With a mission in mind I felt determined to find the perfect combo. Success! I found so many wonderful sellers with great choices. I went with........I'll share that when they arrive.

quilt-a-long

2009-03-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

I'm definitely participating in this quilt along. It looks so fun and will be just enough of a challenge with all the different style blocks. It just started, so everyone can jump on in......find directions here. I'm heading out to shop for my fabrics. With any luck I'll find them in town.....otherwise, I'm ordering online.

free motion quilting

2009-02-28T17:32:00.000-08:00

There are so many great posts on free motion quilting, but I've never had the nerve to try. One of my favorite online discussions is found here on flicker. However, the idea of ruining a quilt top that I've invested so much time in making will get my stomach turning fast.

Here's my story. My 11 year old daughter has a book report she's been working on that involved making a quilt out of fabrics that coordinate with portions of the book she read, Cracker. The problem? I didn't have the time to send this crib sized quilt to my "pro" quilter. So I went back online and reread all the blogs I could find. Then, I decided to have my daughter go at it. (Kids will try anything.....they have nerves of steel)

She's a natural! Lesson learned....this can be done. It's just a matter of jumping in. My daughter finished the quilt in 1 hour. It looks great. I'm so inspired by my girl that I feel silly that I didn't try sooner.

freesias and citrus

2009-02-26T16:36:00.000-08:00

I had to take a day off from life yesterday, so I found myself in the garden. It needed some weeding, thinning and loving. It's been a while since my last visit and I was pleased to see my freesias in full bloom....ready to come in and fill a vase. The lemons are huge, waiting to be passed out to friends, and the kumquats smell fabulous! Overall, the garden is full of smells....just a reminder that Spring is heading our way.

extraordinary portraits

2009-02-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

My family portraits were beautiful this year.....and so much fun to do. I've received enough compliments that I wanted to give a "shout out" to my talented photographer.

Melanie Smith is located in Southern California and is willing to take your family to unique and wonderful locations. For my appointment I told her I was looking for something "barn-like" and soccer fields. She nailed it. We drove around town to locations she had previously visited in preparation for my family's photo shoot. Our family will cherish the memory of that day.

If you're not able to visit her in California you can check out her website at melaniesmithphotography.com.

felt fortune cookies

2009-02-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

My daughters and I made 100 of these for Valentine's Day. However, I would make these for any occasion......birthday parties, bridal and baby showers, new year's party etc. The girls cut out 5 in. circles from felt and I used a fabric glue to adhere matching pipe cleaners down the center. They were left out to dry overnight. In the morning I folded them to the proper shape and placed 2 herseys kisses and a fortune inside. Total cost....under $15 for 100 and I still have supplies to make more.

Project compliments of Martha Stewart.

burp rags for gifts

2009-02-20T23:06:00.000-08:00

These were finished last night. It seems that all my friends are having boys this year. I used organic cloth diapers and sewed on strips on flannel in the center. The ends have a decorative stitch, just for fun. I know, I know.....not a very exciting gift, but they are practical and so easy to make. I was thinking of including a note with them, "roses are red, violets are blue, your baby will spit up, all over you." Tacky or funny?

soccer shirt quilt guilt

2009-02-20T22:45:00.001-08:00

I began this quilt years ago. The idea came from a quilting magazine that I no longer have. With soccer players in the family I have many, many shirts that are near and dear to our hearts. This idea was a great way to treasure these memories without holding on to outgrown shirts.

The shirts are backed with fusible interfacing, so they can be sewn. The remainder of the quilt is flannel.....to keep that snuggly feeling. The quilting is stippling, which was done by an expert with a long-arm machine.

This quilt was such a hit with the family that I have just finished another one that needs to be quilted by my "expert". I am working on my third and have piles of other shirts that will soon become sideline blankets. I've decided to group them by the years. (ex. 2006/07, 2008/09) Ironically, the colors group well this way. Lucky me!

autumn, like the season

2009-02-20T20:50:00.000-08:00

So, I love my name, but have constantly had to remind people what it is. I've discovered that giving someone something to link it to has helped. It started when I was a server at a local restaurant and greeted my tables with "Hi, my name is Autumn, like the Season, and I will be your server tonight." It seemed to work and I was no longer getting the "Amber"s and "April"s. I didn't have to correct people with an embarrassed giggle. It just worked and still does.