Scrappy Works for Me

 We finished a few quilts one morning for Project Linus. This was my favorite. I love scrappy randomness that has a bit of order to it. Just like life.




Make it a Wonderful Life!

Day of Service

 We recently had a day of service to put help Project Linus. Here are a few of the quilts that will be given to people who need a little love.

 This one is hand pieced, donated by someone who had done a lot of work. Nan quilted it and I sewed on the binding. It's a bit wonky, but I hope someone will love it.

We did several strip quilts- simple and colorful. We had young boys and girls helping too. Some of them had never sewn before. But they did a great job!

Make it a Wonderful Day!

Cowboy Quilt

I've been busy with so much this summer, but I've had time to finish up a few quilts that have been sitting in the closest WAY too long! This one is made from a thrifted cowboy fabric, a few homespuns, and a couple of other stash fabrics.

The top has been finished for a few years. And I had the backing ready, along with the binding. Thank you to Terry for the long-arm quilting.

I made it with the plan of donating it, so now to find it a good home….

Make it a Wonderful Day!

Decades Double Irish Chain

This is a quilt I started before I was a quilter. I think it was a "Quilt in a Day" pattern. For me, that meant DECADES, not days.... I got the top made alright, but then it sat unquilted in my closet for YEARS.

The colors are sort of a sea-foam green and white, but it's old enough I don't remember why I thought these were the colors I'd like. I really like more of a bold-is-beautiful color pallet. This fabric must have spoken to a mood I was in at the moment.

The backing is a solid that reminds me of a Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt from the 30's, and the binding is a from my stash…it looks like it might be from another completely different decade ('90's?), but the color was close-ish, so I went with it. The quilt measures about 50x50, and thanks to Terry for long-arm quilting it for me.

Now to find a good home for it. There are lots of people who might want a lap quilt or a baby quilt, even one that's been stashed in my closet for too long. Unfinished quilts don't keep anybody warm. So I'm really trying to get quilts finished and moved out into the world so they can be put to good use.



Make it a Wonderful Day!

60 for 60

I've been knitting. Quite a bit. But not on needles. Nope, knitting needles and I don't get along. I start out okay, but then I just get tighter and tighter and pretty soon, I can't get the stitches off or the needle in. But loom knitting works for me.

I bought this Nifty Knitter ring at a thrift store (Value Village), along with the three larger sizes that come in the set. I paid less than $5 for the set, but if you buy a new set, expect to pay $15-$20. This is the only size I've used so far, but that's because I have a goal in mind. I am making 60 scarves to donate by my 60th birthday. I've made 41 so far, so only 19 to go before July 24th.

Loom knitting's been around for a long time- as far back as the 16th Century. It may have begun as finger knitting. (I always wonder how people figure out things like this!)

I remember making a "corking" spool when I was in grade school. It was a red wooden spool with four nails pounded in the top. The knitted cord was created in the center hole of the spool, making a long rope that could then be sewn together in a spiral to make a trivet or other such item. I liked the calm process even then.

Each scarf if double thick with the tube sewn closed on each end. They vary a bit in length, but they all are about 64 inches long and about 5 inches wide.  I use Lion Brand Homespun yarn, available at craft stores. (It's the 6 oz. size, 185 yards.) It's a very soft yarn, easy to work with, and comes in a variety of colors, as you can see. I fold up the finished scarves, tying them with a bit of the same yarn to keep them neat and organized.

My grand girls all have made scarves and hats knitting with these rings- the youngest is 6, so that gives you an idea of my knitting skills. :D

Maybe I'll see if they'd like to make scarves to donate too, in honor of their birthdays. They wouldn't have to make as many as I am, that's for sure!! But it's fun to have a goal to work toward that helps others at the same time. These scarves will be given to homeless men and women- a touch of love along with the warmth they'll provide.


Make it a wonderful day!  (And Happy Birthday to our son Ryan, serving in Afghanistan. We love you and miss you and can't wait for you to come home to us.)

April Quilt Group

Our little quilt group met at Marsha's this month. We'll start off with a cheery Granny Squares quilt by Helen...

And here are some stars by Helen too...

These are for our Sew Day on May 11th for American Hero Quilts. We're making star blocks in advance, but will design and piece the tops that day. Remember, You are Invited!!

Terry brought an adorable soft book that she made for one of her granddaughters. She used Helen's scraps. (You should see us as we scavenge through each other's leftovers!!)
I love the story line of this little book- parents who love each other...

 

The pages are illustrated with fussy cut fabric....

 

And the last page has a cute photo of Amaya.

 Terry stitched the page units next to each other to create a wider spine. That helps the book close flatter.

 She also brought some BEAUTIFUL Aboriginal fabric for us to admire...

 And since Terry always has some handwork or embroidery going, she shared a panel from a Halloween blackwork quilt she's started.

 Terry did the long-arm quilting on this panel quilt by Ardith...

 And look at this Pooh Toile Ardith used for the backing!

 Helen made this scripture and applique quilt a few years back. She brought it for someone who was asking about it- love all the details.

 

And another oldie-but-wonderful quilt by Helen. Love the tiny striped borders so much!

Here's a new one by Helen- this time it's a Black and White Rail fence quilt with a fun yellow backing...

I brought my two current finishes: Big Apple Baby and Four Square... 

Barbara brought these cute cake blocks from a block exchange she's doing with her second quilt group...

 And Kareena's put together the top made from our block exchange. It whispers spring, don't you think?

 Thanks Marsha for hosting us with a delicious lunch! (No food photos-too busy eating!)

Make it a Wonderful Day!

Ten Thousand Quilts

American Hero Quilts has given over 10,000 quilts to injured US military. That's amazing. And sadly, more are needed.

Our quilt group is hosting a  
Community Sew Day and Pot Luck Lunch on Friday May, 11th. 

We could sure use your help!!

We're working with 9" finished blocks. (That means 9 1/2 inches before it's sewn into the quilt.)
I know it's short notice, but maybe you have time to make a block or two and get them in the mail to me this week. Blocks need to be in red, white and blue. Or red/blue. Or red/white. Or blue/white. Or use ivory or tan  instead of white. Our quilt group is making a variety of star blocks like the Ohio Star in the photo. We can work with whatever you send, as long as there are no metallic or glittered prints.

If you don't have time to piece a block, you can still help out! Send fabric!! It would be awesome to get some red or blue squares already cut to 9 1/2 inches!!

If you're in the area, come join us from 10-2. If you leave me your email, I can send you the mailing address or answer your questions.


Make it a Wonderful Day!

Leftovers and Ribbits

I found some leftover 9-patch blocks in the closet, and they had to be put to use. Immediately. I don't know why. I framed each of them in another polka dot, leftover from the backing of a quilt made for one of my g-girls. Then some white sashing. I've got the binding ready- it's a bright red, and the backing will be another shade of green polka dot.

And here's another baby blanket, thrifted flannel frogs. I don't know where this one will be donated, but there's always a need, so it will be nice to have one on hand!

Make it a Wonderful Day!