Happy New Year to All!

Each year I get to this day, the last day of the year, and I wonder where did the year go?  I thought as I aged I would have more time each day.  Instead, time just seems to fly by faster each year.  Have you heard people who retired say, "I don't know how I had time to work".  That is now what I am saying.  I have been retired from the State of Illinois for 3.5 years. 

So I looked back through my pictures and here is my year in review, not in chronological order.

 

In March, one of my bucket list wishes came true.  My Easy Street Quilt, pattern by Bonnie Hunter, was juried into the Rosemont Show in Chicago.  I also had the honor of working for Sew Batiks in their vendor booth at the show.  My friends and I took a bus trip up to the show on the last day

Pointing out some of the secret message blocks hidden in the quilt. 

 

After loosing my Yorkie, Rascal in October 2014, I was heartbroken.  My son and I picked out a new Yorkie puppy in May, 2015.  Meet Tucker, who is now 9 months old and weighs only 3 lbs.  Your literally can tuck him under your arm and carry him around. 

 

 In June, my husband and I celebrated 28 years of marriage and spent a week in LasVegas!

We had a blast trying out some of the many restaurants. 

 

Harry Potter, my Australian Shepherd,  were invited to participate in a reading program at the Tiskilwa Library.  

 

My friends and I made a trip to Shipshewana, Indiana for their annual quilt show.  We participated in a shop hop before the show started.  I got buried in fabric at Lollies' in the basement at their "fabric" happy hour! 

A quick pose with the girls after a long day of shopping and the quilt show.

 

My husband and his horse, Hoot.  We placed Hoot with another family this year.  He is so loved by his new family and we follow him on facebook.  I miss having a horse, but I haven't missed the chores this winter. 

 

Now for the best thing I ever made!!!

This is my son, Aaron.  Four years ago he joined in partnership, creating 815 Productions.  They are a DJ and lighting company.  I love this picture of him inside our local Red Covered Bridge during a wedding photo session.

 

This fall my husband left his career with Coca Cola after 24.5 years.  It was a difficult decision but he is very happy with his new career at Marquis Energy.  My retirement has paid off, as I have taken on more at home so Rod can work a swing-shift and get enough sleep.  If I still worked, we would see very little of each other.  My quilting business in our home is the right fit for our schedules.

Below, we were able to attend our friend's son's wedding on October 31st.  I love this picture of us. 

 

From my family to yours, have a happy and safe New Year's Eve!

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry

Monday Design Wall

Good Morning!  What a Monday morning we are having here in Illinois!  Freezing rain is falling along with winds gusting to 40 miles an hour.  As I sit here at my kitchen island looking out the back door, ice is forming on the deck and wire fencing.  The weatherman is predicting 1/4" to 1/2" of ice coating forming on everything.  I am just praying that we don't loose power.  We may also receive about an inch of snow.  We are spoiled here as we have had a pretty mild winter to this point.

Yesterday we had a quiet day at home after having a large Christmas gathering here on Christmas Day.  We served about 14 family and friends dinner and later played dominoes.

After getting home from church yesterday, I spent the day cutting fabric for Bonnie Hunter's Mystery Quilt, Allietare.  You can find the free pattern and directions HERE.  I worked on cutting the 296 half-square triangles for Clue #1 using the constant grey and neutrals.

 As I am cutting the neutrals, I was also cutting the 2" x 4 1/2" rectangles for Clue#2 and the 3 1/2" x 7 1/2" rectangles for Clue #3.  Some of the neutrals I pulled out to use were less than a fat quarter of fabric.  After cutting the above units, if there was any fabric leftover, I cut it up to fit my storage system, i.e. odd size strips go in the string bin,  2" square, 1 1/2" squares and crumbs.

 

I am really excited to be using up some of the fabric and not returning it to my drawers.  First of all, its exciting to have stash that you can pull from (its taken a long time to get to this point).  Second, I like when I use up a piece of fabric (makes room to go shopping).  Third, I have enjoyed seeing the wide selection of neutrals I have been collecting.  I try to be frugal when shopping and only by fabric with a purpose to go with a specific pattern or project.  Neutrals are my one "freebie" when shopping.  This means, I allow myself to always myself to shop for neutrals without guilt.

 

My sewing/texting buddy, Cathy and I have agreed to work on this Mystery quilt together.  We have swapped fabrics.  She also helped me out by giving me the constant grey for the project as a Christmas present.  She was traveling and visiting her daughters out West and was shop hopping.  I was so excited about receiving the fabric as I was being a good girl, staying home and finishing customer quilts.  She is farther along than I am on the quilt but its not a race.  I want to enjoy the experience.  My goal it to have the clues cut out before going to a quilting weekend on January 15th.  My plan is to quilt on customer quilts during the day and work on cutting in the evenings.  Yesterday I made great progress.  The advantage of being behind, I have all the clues printed and can cut all the neutrals at once for each clue.  I don't think I have ever cut a whole quilt out before starting to sew. 

 

Today I am joining Quiltville's Bonnie Hunter's Monday Linkup, Monday Making at Love, Laugh, Quilt, Cynthia at Oh Scrap! and Judy at Patchwork Times. 

 

Have a marvelous Monday!  Be safe out there as you travel in this wintery mix of weather.

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working on Wednesday - Quilt Labels

Yesterday I chatted about the importance of labeling our quilts HERE.  Let me be the first to say that I am not perfect at labeling my quilts.  My labels are attached to many quilts but not all of them.  Let me show you a few.  I started out mostly self-taught on labeling and continue to progress in my knowledge. 

Here is a label cut from a panel of labels that you can buy in your local quilt shop.  I wrote on it with a permanent fabric pen. 

This label is on the quilt front and in the center.  It was part of a Heart Block Swap.  The Heart Quilt was my design with all the blocks received.  Everyone's quilts turned out so different.  Mine was the largest and back then, I quilted it on my domestic machine.  What a task that was considering its almost queen size. You can barely see the label in the center of the quilt.

 

Below is a label that was printed on treated fabric with a paper backing so you can run it through your home printer.   These have become my labels of choice.  I heat set the printing, trim it down to size and sew strips on the sides to frame it.  With the label printed and pinned on, at least the history is still associated with the quilt.  Not the best way to do things but better than nothing at all and it being a mystery.

 

This is how I label most of my quilts now, but I am putting the town and state on them.  I like to include the inspiration or reason the quilt was made.

 

Again, this is not perfect, but it gives the history of the quilt. the inspiration, origin of the pattern, who made the quilt and who quilted it.

 

Here is my label for Easy Street, the 2013 Mystery quilt by Bonnie Hunter at www.quiltville.com or http://quiltville.blogspot.com/.

This label is made to match the front of the quilt.

 

So if you are not familiar with labels, here are a few suggestions.

 

1.  To make a label you can write on fabric with a permanent fabric pen. I prefer the Pentel Gel Roller Pen. Or, print on treated fabric with a paper backing in your inkjet printer.

 

2.  To keep your fabric from moving or stretching you can do a couple of things.  You can put a piece of  blue painter's tape on the back of the area you plan to write, you can iron the shiny side of freezer paper onto the back of your fabric for stabilization,  lay fabric on sandpaper board which keeps fabric from slipping, or use treated fabric with a paper backing.

 

3.  Heat set ink with dry iron.

 

4.  Trim label to size, remember to leave a 1/4" seam allowance around all four sides.

 

5.  Add borders (this is optional). Press under  1/4" seam allowance on outer edges and whip stitch or applique stitch your label to the back of your quilt.  You may add your label before or after quilting.  Talk this over with your longarm quilter. 

 

6.  There is an exception to one of these.  I made labels on my printer adding the baby's picture and all the information about the birth, etc.  After many washings, the labels did wash away.  I suggest you also print the label on paper and give it to the mother for future information.   Maybe they could keep it in the baby book.

 

I hope this helps and if you have any questions, leave me a comment and I will try to answer it.

 

I am linking up with Freshly Pieced, Sew Much Ado, and Esther's Blog.

 

Yours in quilting and SNOW,

Terry

 

P. S.  We are having a free snow giveaway.  Please come haul it away!! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday Tip - Free patterns

I had several tips in mind for this morning.  Since I have been working on organizing and cleaning my sewing studio this tip seemed to be on the top of the list.  As you work around your stash you realize you have many scraps and need scrappy patterns to use some of this fabric up.  Of course, using it up is a reason to shop for more. Right!!!

I have listed 6 (six) links to scrap quilts for 2014.  Enjoy!

Many women from my local guild have asked me how I find all these patterns on the internet?  Part of it started with following Bonnie Hunter on www.quiltville.com and her blog.  Then blogs have "Linky Parties" and you start viewing other links to other blogs.  You can spend the whole day going from blog to blog.  So this is where my information is coming from, other blogs.  I have really enjoyed getting to know some of the bloggers by following them and linking up with their parties.

Today I have linked up with Connie at Freemotion by the River.  She is working on the Quilt Doodle Design (listed below.)

On Bonnie Hunter's website there is a whole section of free patterns.  Plus, every year Bonnie offers a Mystery Quilt on her blog beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving until approximately January 1.  This year's mystery scrap quilt was called Celtic Solstice.  Bonnie introduced the colors and yardage amounts in October and started the clues on Friday, November 29th.  Each Friday she released a new clue building units until we were ready to make blocks.  The big reveal was released at midnight eastern time on New Years Eve.  Below is a link to the free pattern.  This will only be free until June 1, then she will pull it off the internet for her next book.

http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2013/10/2013-mystery-time-introducing-celtic.html
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The next free quilt has started with the new year with Cindy at Quilt Doodle Designs.  This is a block of the month for 2014.  I don't have much to hang up after Christmas and this looks great with the first block section.

http://quiltdoodledesigns.blogspot.com/2013/12/bom-2014.html

 

There's a flicker group!  Please join...Every month post photos of your Quilt Doodle BOM finishes in the BOM flicker group for a chance to win that month's prize! Woot woot!    

Don't forget to grab the button too and post on your blog! The more the merrier!
   The give-away for the January block will be announced on January 15th and a winner will be picked on the 31st....

 

http://quiltdoodledesigns.blogspot.com/2013/12/januarys-block-of-month-2014.html

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Last year Country Threads from Garner, IA, had a BOM scrappy quilt where you made two blocks a month, one 6 1/2" and one 12 1/2".  I thoroughly enjoyed the scrappy design and kept up all year long.  The only catch for me was completing the half square triangle units as connecting blocks to finish the quilt.  While cleaning I found a box of  2 1/2" HST and it felt like hitting a pot of gold!!  I don't know if there is enough to finish the quilt but it puts me much closer to a finish.

Anyway, the response was so popular they have started another one for 2014.  They have not shown a picture of what it will look like because they are saying "trust me as we go" with the layout.  I do trust them and will be making blocks out of scraps.  The blocks will be several different sizes.

Country Threads 2014 BOM (trust me as we go layout)

http://country-threads-chicken-scratch.com/?p=3073

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Aurifil Block a Month by a different designer each month.

http://auribuzz.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/pat-sloan-2014-aurifil-challenge-fabric.jpg

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Pat Sloan free BOM called Globetrotting
This has a large, almost medallion block in the center with blocks around the outside.  Love the color choices and fabrics she is showing.  Check it out!

http://blog.patsloan.com/2014/01/pat-sloan-im-happy-to-announce-globetrotting-my-free-block-of-the-month.html

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Patchwork Times by Judy Laquidara

Love the first block.  Check out her color choices and how it changes the appearance of the block.

http://www.patchworktimes.com/2014/01/02/scrappy-challenge-main-post/

 

I hope you have as much fun checking out and participating in these BOM quilts as I do.

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry

 

Design Wall - Celtic Solstice Progress

Its Monday!  We have all been so busy with preparing for Christmas and now for New Year's Eve.  Our neighbors are having a the annual New Year's Eve gathering so I only have to make a salad.  My husband loves 24 Hour Salad and that's what I will take.  The reason it is called 24 Hour Salad is it takes 24 hours for the flavors to meld.  I will share the recipe in a future post.

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas!  Ours was a quiet day at home and you can view it here.
In as much as we are all talented in quilting, creating, and crafting, the best thing I ever made is my son.  I am so thankful he is healed and living a productive life since his car accident two years ago on Christmas Eve.

Since we didn't have a house full of company.  I have been able work on quilting memory quilts and cutting out Celtic Solstice clues.

Here's the Chevron clue cut out and laying in a Sterilite tub.

 

Even  had to use the calculator to total it up.

 

Have a few parts sewn.

 

I may not have all the clues done.  But I have a great amount of PROGRESS!!!

The cutting takes forever, but the sewing seems to be going more quickly.  Sure could use a person to do all the ironing then I know I could go faster.  I am thrilled that I am making better progress in keeping up.  Over the next couple of days should be able to make further progress as it will be quiet around here.

 

Today I am linking up with Patchwork Times and Quiltville.

 

Are you working on New Year's Goals?  I am!

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry

 

 

 

 

Design Wall

Baby, its cold outside.  Its official, its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  In Illinois, it has been bitterly cold and yesterday it started out with flurries.  This morning the yard is carpeted with a blanket of fluffy snow.  The neighbor broke out the snow blower and the City is plowing the streets.  We might have 2".

Yesterday I went to church but came home and snuggled in for the rest of the day.  First, I worked on cutting out Clue #2 for Celtic Solstice. It only take 488 of each piece, i.e. 488 yellows/golds, 488 greens, and 488 neutrals.  I also worked on Clue #1 (its all cut out).

Then I realized that Tuesday night will be Garden Club at Quilter's Garden.  I hadn't quite finished my BOM.  The incentive to finish my block each month is a drawing for a $10 gift certificate if you finish you block. So stopped working on Celtic Solstice and finished the final block for this BOM.  I have the finishing kit for this quilt but haven't gotten to it with all the cutting for Bonnie's quilt.

 

Next I moved on to the Country Threads BOM for 2013.  I had printed off the directions on the first of the month, but they found a mistake and I was waiting for the correction.  They gave the same cutting directions for both blocks.  Below is the 6.5" block.  I have really enjoyed this quilt because it is totally scrappy.  I have used stuff out of my stash (which it has only taken 20 years to have that kind of stash).  LOL

 

Today I have linked up with Patchwork Times and Quiltville's Snips and Quips.

 

Have a motivational Monday!

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry

Design Wall & Celtic Solistice Status Report #1

Whoop, Whoop, I survived the Thanksgiving weekend and Black Friday.  How did you do this weekend.  Got leftovers yet and all your shopping done?  I didn't think so...but if you were busy working on Celtic Solstice you have a good excuse.

We went over to the neighbors for a yummy Thanksgiving Dinner.  I took a Grape Salad (see the recipe tab for the recipe).  Then we got our exercise by playing games on the Xbox.

The design wall is a little light today.  I have been quilting on a small quilt sent to me by Donna J. from Hayward, WI.  The quilt will be donated to the Washington Tornado relief.  This beautiful quilt is white, pink, pale green and yellow.  It was hard to photograph.

 Above is the pretty back.

 

The thread is Confetti Pastel by YLI and the pattern is Flutterbys by Handi Quilter. 

Slowly making progress.

I need just 110 more blue pieces.

I am looking forward to linking up with Bonnie and see what everyone else has accomplished and the color choices.  I am planning on meeting Cathy K., my sewing budding, to buy the backing for CS today. 

 

I have also linked up with Patchwork Times and check out the quick gift tutorial at A Quilt Story.

 

Yours in quilting,

Terry

Celtic Solstic is Off and Running!

Have you entered the fabric giveaway #3.   You can still sign up HERE!  Be sure to read the instructions and complete the steps:  leave a comment and become a follower.  Thanks and good luck!  I will draw a random winner tomorrow.

Have you started your Celtic Solstice?  I have started the cutting process.  240 units with neutral background and 140 with orange background.  My goal:  to cut all the pieces before beginning to sew.  Secondly, to chain piece all the units.

I am labeling the amount in each stack so I can keep track of how much I have cut.  The neutrals are all cut and I am working on the oranges.  Then onto the blue fabrics.  So far I am really thrilled with the colors.  The neutrals have really taken down my stash in those colors, which means there is room to shop for more.  I also have been cutting up the leftovers for Bonnie's method of storing my stash.  I am ending up with an assortment of 1.5" strips.

Can I get all my units made in time for the post tomorrow?  That's the mystery question right now.  It depends on how many interruptions I have.  I am trying to load a quilt for Washington Tornado victims also.  I have the pattern picked out called flutterbys along with a pastel variegated thread.
I am using a computerized longarm so it can quilt while I cut for Celtic Solstice.

Peddler's Way Quilt Shop in Washington, IL is having their Anniversary Sale over the next three days with 25% off almost everything.  I would like to deliver this quilt I am quilting and buy the backing for Celtic Solstice.  Can it be done?  Stay tuned.

I hope everyone enjoyed the Thanksgiving weekend.   Safe travels to those who are on the move.
Blessings to all. 

Yours in quilting,
Terry

Giveaway #2 in Preparation of Bonnie Hunter's Celtic Solstice

Tune in tomorrow for Giveway #2.  I will be giving away two fat quarters that will help some lucky winner add to their stash for the scrappy mystery, Celtic Solstice.

Chat with you tomorrow.

Yours in quilting,
Terry

Bonnie Hunter rocks in Illinois!

What a busy day.  Rod was released from the hospital after 6 days of fighting a skin infection in his face.  Woo Hoo! its so good to have him home and feeling so much better.

I was able to attend my class today with Bonnie Hunter (www.quiltville.com) called My Blue Heaven.  Today started out by Bonnie going around to each student and making sure we all a perfect quarter inch seam allowance. I bought a couple of Bonnie's rulers that help you set up your scant 1/4" seam allowance.

 She then taught us to use the Easy Angle rulers and the Companion Ruler.  The My Blue Heaven pattern is a free pattern on her website.

After lunch we had a show and tell session.  Everyone of you are so inspiring.  Some of the pictures are Bonnie's patterns and some are not.  Please enjoy the quilts as much as we did. :)

 Below are the show and tell pictures of the quilters that wouldn't be able to stay for Bonnie's trunk show.

Now the back....

Below is made of tiny 9 patch blocks that finish 1 1/2".  This quilt in in memory of the quilter's sister (in the yellow shirt).

Jackie, with big smile, was our host and treasurer of the guild.  This is her version of Weed Wacker.

The quilter in the lavender took this quilt class on Craftsy as a beginner class.  She's not a beginner anymore! :) Good job.

Dot Kuffel below in lavender.

Brown bag quilt below.  What a fun idea.

She is a snowbird and finished this large quilt in her motorhome.  Really?

I got to show Bonnie my Majestic Mountain quilt.  I took this class from Bonnie when she was in Arlington Hts., IL right after having my gall bladder out.

WooHoo, Easy Street.  Bonnie liked my border fabric, corner stones and green flange.

One more pic with Bonnie!

Below are my four blocks that I completed in class.  The last picture from show and tell is a beautiful blue and cream quilt that is a work in progress.

Thank you to IVQG, Shelley Serby and Jackie for being gracious hostesses.  Thank you to Bonnie Hunter for being a great teacher, quilter, and mentor.  I am honored to know to you.

Have a great weekend!

Yours in quilting,
Terry