Resting....

Well, it has been a whirlwind summer for me, with 4-H and several new endeavors for my family.  Trying to get our house fixed up to sell, or live in...whichever The Lord shows us is best has been very time consuming as well.  Today, the house is mostly clean, laundry is running, and I am hoping for some quality, quilty time with this quilt.  (Just as soon as I quit drinking coffee and actually get showered.)

 

Really, it is mostly done.  Still waiting on the binding fabric to arrive, so I might just have time to cut into this fabric.

 



 

I purchased the FMF while on vacation this year.  Just got the stripe this week...the last on the bolt...thanks be. 

 

I am planning on making this pocket bag from the book "Romantic Home Sewing:  Cottage-Style Projects to Stitch for the Home" by Christina Strutt.  It should be a quick sew, and hopefully the perfect cross-body bag to haul my iPad and handwork to soccer this fall.

 

Linking up to Show and Tell Tuesday

Fabric Tuesday

And WIP Wednesday

 

You can visit the many other wonderful projects by clicking on the cute buttons on the side bar.

 

On a more personal note.  my family has been looking for a house with more elbow room in our area for almost 4 years now.  We believe we are seeking God's will in this, but He hasn't provided the house yet.  We go to look at two houses this evening if you could be praying for us.

 

Blessings,

 

KT

Independence Day Decorations

I finished something...and now I am taking the time to blog.  Will wonders ever cease?   Even more amazing is that it is already hanging in my freshly painted dining room in time for the Fourth of July!!

This banner is about 17" x 45" and made entirely of Jennifer Paganelli fabrics.  (If you've visited very often you know she is my favorite fabric designer.)

I used some of the scraps for the back.  The colors were too good not to make the most of.

Behold, my new favorite way to hang a small quilt!  So simple, and I will be able to switch out with a picture or another wall hanging seasonally.

I especially love the table topper to match, which measures about 28" square.

Oh, and while editing, I realized that there are water spots from vacation on my camera lens.  By the time I noticed breakfast was already happening on the table.  The lens is properly cleaned for next time!

Also made scrappy bindings for both quilts.  There is something about using as much as is possible of favorite hoarded fabric that makes me happy.

After marking the quilting pattern with a Frixion pen, I used a walking foot to quilt these gentle waves.

This block was inspired by the work of Amy Smart at Diary of a Quilter.  I love the web for seeking out new and interesting ideas.  With no time in my life for a quilt guild meeting, I rely on the online community of quilters for inspiration and encouragement. 

Linking up to Show and Tell Tuesday,Fabric Tuesday and WIP Wednesday.  You can check out tons of lovely projects and be inspired by visiting the links using the buttons on my side bar.

Blessings,

KT

Tutti Fruity Tuesday

Over in the land of Instagram, the #scrappytripalong was born.  I fell so hard for making this block that I worked start to finish on this quilt.  Such a rarity for me, who has so many WIPs.  Many of these fabrics are hoarded Jennifer Paganelli fabrics that I love.  As I was playing with block placement, four blocks with purple played ring around the rosy...and they were having so much fun that I couldn't bear to break them up.  

From there the colors get softer out to the edge of the quilt.  

I decided to break into my vintage sheet stash to back this quilt.  Since the top was all from fabric I had, it just didn't seem right to buy fabric for the back.  

I love how the soft, muted back plays with the bright, cheerful top.  The bright purple binding is the same fabric that is focal pattern on the front.

I added a border of some OOP Jennifer Paganelli fabric that I bought the last few yards of when I saw them at a quilt shop.  Alas, only a wee bit remains in my stash.

Those who have visited here before know that I often can't resist some decorative stitch quilting.  I did manage to limit it to where the border meets the patchwork.

Full disclosure, I am not a prewasher.  The back had no puckers before I washed the quilt.  It does make sense that it loosened up a bit because the rest of the quilt shrank a bit.  I have no problems with this because it is one of the softest, cuddliest quilts I have ever made.  If this is something that would drive you crazy, you could pre-wash, or not use vintage sheets.

Linking up to Fabric Tuesday and Show and Tell Tuesday.  Please use the nifty buttons in the sidebar to visit all the other great finishes!

Blessings,

KT

Promise of Peace

I finally had some time to finish up this beauty.  Too often I am lured into making bigger quilts, and by the end of the making...I need a rest.  This quilt was just right!  I made the lap version of Rene's Peace pattern.  I used two charm packs of Moda batiks with a little more purple thrown in for fun.  The background is a Connecting Threads solid, Silver Lining.  I really like them, the price is great ($4.96/yd.) , and they feel lovely.  Bonus, many of the colors have coordinating thread that is so inexpensive, and great as well.

The backing is some yardage that I got several years ago while on vacation.  It is a textured silvery purple.  I finished up the quilt with a little straight-line quilting which makes for a drape-y, cuddly, quilt.  The binding is simply a batik in a color that stands out from the colors in the top. 

This was such a fun quilt to make.  

Now I am on to my scrappy trip quilt, and halfway done piecing the blocks together.  I have everything I need to finish this quilt except the batting.  No idea when I will have time to go get some, but in the meantime, I am loving the process.

Linking up to Fabric Tuesday and Show and Tell Tuesday.  Join the fun and click on the buttons on the side bar!

Pouches on a Tuesday

There is so much going on, and I have so much to share!  But, getting my thoughts and pictures together in a post has been quite a challenge.  Any how, I have gotten these pouches done.  I used Randi's tutorial to make them.  It was a great tute!  You may notice the pouch on the left is bigger.  I made these for a gift, and wanted to use all that I had on hand.  Yup, that great Amy Butler print was a bolt end just lying around waiting its turn.  Perfect girly, but not pink fabric for a very special niece.  Just happened to find the perfect pale yellow contrast in my scrap bin.  Already had the zippers too!  

You know me, pulling out a little fancy stitch for the "quilting".

These are a great way to use up that batting left over after you trim a quilt.  Sorry, I forgot to take pictures of the interior.  It is just solid gray.  You guessed it...already had it...it was scrap.

Anyhow, maybe she will now remember her toothbrush and charging cords when she comes to spend the night!

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday, please feel welcomed to use the button on the side bar to visit the other contributors!!

Blessings,

KT

Happy Finishes

Well, I finished this last week, but life has been crazy. Finally the sun came out when I had time to take pictures. For those just tuning in, this is an embroidery piece my grandma had made many years ago. Well, she must have loved it as much as I do, because it is wearing holes in it. I used fray check on the holes, and spray baste to put it on Kona snow. Next I added the border.

Next my blossom buddy Dee drew a wonderful free motion quilting design. Then I promptly chickened out quilting it for over a year! Recently I found my big girl panties and hitched them up!

;0)

At the bottom the quilting mimics the peacock feathers.

The feathers morph into flowers near the top of the piece. Dee's design was genius, and I just love the way it turned out.

Glad you could stop by for a quick visit. Be sure to use the Fabric Tuesday button on the side bar to check out what everybody is working on!

Blessings,

KT

I Think I Might Live in a Cave

Grainy, dark picture alert.

Recently, after some research and being nearly out of needles, I ordered a few packages of these. While I was at it, I ordered some trial thread. If you let them choose the color, you can get it much cheaper. My needles happened to be a deal too. Bonus! Bless their hearts, they sent me lavender! Well, I was itching to try both out to see what all the fuss is about.

Being a purple sort of girl, I was sure to have something that would do. Needing a little pick me up, I grabbed my Paganelli Pile.

Well, wouldn't you know, one thing led to another. Purple led to pink, blue, and green...

Before I knew it, nine, count 'em NINE blocks done!

One in the incubator.

( Why, oh why did I only buy a half yard of that yummy blue on blue print, Pretty Please, Sally?)

After I get the tenth one done, I am going to go back and finish some of my other WIPs. This Paganelli quilt is just for my own selfish entertainment. I never understood what people meant about savoring the quilt, until now. I want to take my own sweet time!

On the left are fabrics to still incorporate into the Paganelli quilt. In the middle are the Hunky Dory blocks I am about to finish off. I may just leave that perfect pile of Paganelli out to sing to me while I sew.

Oh, and the needles and thread, like butter! I will try to keep you updated as I use them more.

Be sure to visit all the other entries for Fabric Tuesday by using the cute button on the side bar.
Edit:

1. Hunky Dory Quilt--14 blocks to go.

2. Grandma's Peacock---nearly done!!

3.  March FMQ Challenge--not yet begun.

4.  Paganelli Pop--new project, 10 blocks down, countless to go.  NO Deadline.

5. New commitment.  Baby quilt for missionary trip.  Undisclosed destination, deadline--SOON!

Also linking up to WIP Wednesday.

Blessings,

KT

This Week so Far

Disclaimer: my Internet is down at my house and I am eating breakfast at McDonald's. I hope my blogging ap and Blogger play nice, because this is my third and final attempt to publish.

This is my FMQ Challenge for February. I am really not waiting until the last minute. I doodle during the month, then actually get to the FMQ. This month was a little intimidating for me. Feathers! To hide my learning curves I chose some gorgeous fabric. Sneaky huh? ;0)

I finished this up Monday night. I am not sure that you can see the quilting any better on the back. Sorry.

Last night I finally completed the quilting on "Grandma's Peacock". Tonight I hope to make the sleeve and attach the binding. Maybe I can get a proper picture of it hanging on the wall by Friday.

There is no other progress, other than housework (and a sorry little of that) at my house.

Linking up to WIP Wednesday, FMQ Challenge, and maybe Fabric Tuesday (if the linky is still up). You can use the buttons on the side bar to visit a wonderful world of quilty progress!

Blessings,

KT

Fabric Tuesday

It's been awhile since I played along with Fabric Tuesday. I miss it!

I have been admiring these cute x and + blocks popping up all over the Internet. There is supposed to be a great tutorial (I have it marked on Pinterest) but the site wouldn't show on my iPad. Being too lazy to go get my laptop out, I just made up my own dimensions. I am loving the scrappiness of this top!

This binding is leftover from the quilt that hangs near my table. Since this will be a table quilt for that table, the matching bindings will work nicely. No idea why, but I almost always make way too much binding. It turns out great because I end up feeling like I've gotten a free pass when I use it on another project!

I am considering making a new ironing board cover and playing along with Randi. My cover is looking pretty ratty. Between the spray starch, scorch marks, and holes, my Jennifer Paganelli Casey Scroll cover has seen better days. (Insert lip quiver here.) Since my board is not standard, and I am pulling fabric from stash, I am going to have to tweak the dimensions. My current cover is all in one. This time I am going to make the pad separate from the cover. Hopefully that will only mean making a new cover next time instead of the expense of a new pad every time.

Be sure to click on the the Fabric Tuesday button and visit everyone's fun contributions.

Blessings,

KT

Bird Litter

Didn't notice the brand of this stuff until I got it home.  :0)

I have no bird, so why would I need litter?

It is all because of this pincushion I made several years ago.  It has had it in for me from the beginning.  I have wanted to love it,  but love shouldn't hurt.  Everytime I reached for it, it drew blood.  The pins reach all the way through.  After pinning and cutting out 55 pieces from my Amy Butler Field Bag pattern, I had enough!!

Let me introduce you to my bigger, badder, better pincushion.  There will be no more poking of fingers in this house!  I used an orphan bitty block that was too small, and some scraps, and well, bird litter.  Now don't freak out on me.  It is just crushed walnut shells!

A little Paganelli on the underside, because, well, I know it's there.

What do you think?  I love it.

My next post will be an update on that bag.

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday, use the button on the sidebar to check out the other contributions!

Blessings,

KT

(sounds like:  KAYTEE)

;0)

A Quilt for Joy

Nope, haven't done anything about the ugly green desk.  Too busy sewing!!  ;0)

I have been needing a dust cover for my sewing machine, Joy.  In fact, I have even had this fabric folded in a cute little pile, for months.  All of the sudden, last Friday was the day!  I worked on it between housework, and playing with friends and family over the weekend.  Last night I finished its cute little skirt.

The rainbow strips were leftover scraps from another project, and they were just too sweet not to stay together.  When I realized how well they went with the main print, I just knew.  I just love the sewing machines on this Alexander Henry print.  Lately Sandi Henderson's Henna Garden prints have been finding their way into almost everything I do for myself.  Love them!

Another fussy cut, but why not?

This is the back.  Because I pieced the front, top, and back as one piece, those sweet sewing machines are standing on their heads!  This is the only thing that I would have done differently.  (Yup, more Henna Garden!)

Thought a little Michael Miller Dandy Damask was too fun not to add.  The pleated ruffle was added because I made the thing too short.  Glad it happened, because Heather Bailey's Tiled Primrose was perfect to pull out those bits of blue in the main fabric and make them pop.

Over all, I am thrilled Joy's new quilt!  It really neatens up the space when I am not sewing.  And it is so colorful and happy!

Linking up with Fabric Tuesday.  Use the cute button over on the sidebar to visit all the other fun projects being shared!

Blessings,

KT

Late, but Thrifty Fabric Tuesday

Those who regularly put up with my weird ramblings may recall the doo-doo list I had when my sewing machine decided to take an extended vacation.  Well I am trying my best to stick to it even though this is calling to my Neptune stash.

So, this quilt is finaly finished and bound.  Made entirely from crib sheets and recieving blankets, the batting is an old cotton thermal blanket.  The only thing that I bought was a yard of the blue fabric for binding.  Only used less than half a yard.  Total cost would come to about $5.00.!!  Yeah!!!

Back.

Used this quilt as a chance to practice FMQ in a meandering pattern.  Fun!!

This quilt is already broken in, even though I can't was it up.  (Dryer is now on vacation!)

Since the dryer is in a coma, and the laundromat cost about $55.00 a couple weeks ago, there was need to shorten some play jeans.  Since I noticed that our denim picnic quilt is starting to fall apart I decided to prepare the denim as I come across it for a new picnic blanket.  Cut it into charm squares.

Used odd charms that I had laying around.  This winter I plan on scavenging the denim from the old quilt to make some more.  This is just the beginning!  No cost here, I already had this stuff laying around.

This is my answer to disappearing coasters.  All this fabric was scrap from wall hangings and such for the same room.  Binding was leftover as well.  The back was stash, and I pieced the batting from scrap.  Total cost...

Sick of all the dark ipod photos?  Sorry!

Be sure to visit all the other Fabric Tuesday entries by using the cute button on my sidebar.  Now I am going to get something hot to drink, soak my binding finger, and do the same!

Blessings,

KT