Winter blues

Tucked away in a Sept. 1983 Country Living magazine was this little gem. I've had the page open for quite awhile and decided to venture on to a new project.

Carefully choosing from my box of 2-1/2" blue squares, I then cut 5" dark muslin squares into setting triangles.

It's important to sew the triangles on in the reverse method, as shown. Then trim evenly along the edge of the blue square chopping off triangle points.

Here's what's been done so far. I'll show the whole top in a few days when it's fully assembled.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

I now know where the phrase "bleeding hearts" comes from.

This little wall hanging is a Mary Ellen Hopkins pattern that I made about 12 years ago. It was found while cleaning up the studio yesterday and I thought, hey why don't I stipple quilt it and call it done. Hah, that's what I get for thinking.

For some reason, 2 of the fabrics used herein are bleeders that I did not initially pre-test. Remember, if a fabric is going to bleed, spray starch will find it. So now I have to take it apart and replace 4 of the hearts. Sigh . . . so much for a speedy finish.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Merry Christmas Everyone

Wishing you and yours a blessed, peaceful holiday.

Weather update?

We reached a low of around 9 degrees here this a.m. There was ice crusted on the "inside" of my kitchen window. Brrr.

I was just wondering what the temps were in your neck of the woods, or beach, or valley, or dale. Please leave a comment with your early morning weather report.

(Photo courtesy of the International Quilt Study Center)

The wonders of technology

Did you know that you can watch quilt-related videos via the Int'l Quilt Study center simply by clicking on the preferred title at Podcast.

I am continually amazed at the wonders the internet brings to us. Wasn't it just a few years ago we would mark our calendars in anticipation of a special guild lecture, show, or book release. Now with the click of a button, these can be viewed on the internet. I can only imagine what will come next.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

(photo compliments of Quilt Study Center)

Baahhhh Humbug

I've picked up a nasty germ known as bronchitis. My Christmas cheer has turned into a Christmas cough so unfortunately, all remaining packages will be late, no cards will be mailed, and all downstairs sewing is certainly on hold.

The good news is it's not essential that I go anywhere. Luckily I can still rest and work at the same time so long as I have juice and cough syrup.

If you have the winter bug, please stay home and rest also.

(photo compliments of the Quilt Study Center)

Chance of snow?

If so, I'll be ready. I hauled in 2 truck loads of wood this weekend. Found a

good deal over in Tennessee so it was worth the drive.

Let the good times roll . . . Christmas carols on the stereo, fabric to choose from, wood to keep fireplace going, chocolate brownies, and a happy dog . . . life doesn't get any better.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A quick gift for your quiltin' pal.

You may find the heart shaped dish in the floral section of Wal-Mart.

On a piece of paper, trace around the perimeter of the dish and add 1/4". Cut out a plastic template of heart-shaped pattern. (Green template in background was cut from unused x-ray film.) Heavily starch a piece of dress weight goods or red cotton. Cut out 2 heart shapes. Cut a 19" piece of middle gusset 1-3/4" wide. Sew a 3/8" seam to connect the short ends forming a circle.

Sew the eyelit trim to 1 edge of a red heart overlapping at top curve. Pin and sew the gusset on one side by following the sewing line for the trim. Attach the back heart piece to the gusset leaving a 2" opening for stuffing. Be sure to align top and bottom points.

Stuff with sheep's wool or fiberfill. Stitch opening closed. (This is more easily done if the pieces are all well starched.)

Before packing, wrap in plastic bag. Then use scraps of fabric trimmings and batting trimmings to cushion bottom, sides, and top. This always makes for a very colorful package!

If you're running out of time, don't worry, you can make one for Valentine's Day.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The 5-minute Christmas tree

Open box, insert little lights, plug in . . . done. (I know this is cheating, but there isn't enough room for anything bigger.)

Thought for the day: When washing xmas quilt, hang on a level clothesline or it will dry katywampus and take all of this December to straighten out.

Ahh yes, this red and white has to be one of my all time favorites.

Of course, I just have to show off my BEAUTIFUL table runner that Pam made for me last year in our Christmas swap. My sleigh finally came out of the box also. I don't think I've seen it since 1999. It was purchased at a craft fair in Georgia many years ago and is one of my favorite pieces.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Annual Fireside Sale at J.C. Campbell Folk School

This morning, my neighbor and I headed out to visit a few friends at the Fireside Sale. This is held every year at the J.C. Campbell Folk School. Local artisans from the area display and sell their beautiful creations.

My good buddy Suzy teaches at the local college, but also creates incredible water colors. This photo does not begin to display how lovely her paintings are. To see more of her work in much better lighting please visit ArtBySuzy.

This grinning gal is Katrina, a metal smith who works primarily in copper. In the background you can see her wonderful moose pins. She also does great fish and other whimsical creatures.

Chuck and Peggy are long time residents of the area. Each of these baskets is made by starting with a tree. They are indeed beautiful and extremely labor intensive. Chuck is also a bladesmith and makes damascus steel knives.

As you can see, Lee and Doug of Birdfoot Ridge Studio are potters. It would take an entire page to describe their lovely work. You can contact them at birdfootridge@wmconnect.com

This smiling trio includes Elmer, Lynda, and Joel, blacksmiths who forge hot metal into phenomenal patterns and make it look easy. Their designs rival anything I saw in Europe. Besides the hand forged tools, they also do such things as custom gates and fencing. Unless you've ever wielded a hammer over a hot flame, you cannot imagine the work that goes in to these pieces. I'm always amazed at what they create.

If you are interested in learning more about the work shown above and need to contact any of the artisans, feel free to e-mail me.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

The Lay's potato chips of quilting

. . . nobody can make just one.

No, it wasn't a cyclone . . . . Mile-A-Minute blocks have taken over. Everywhere.


I did manage to get my longer strips out of bags and in to a bin. These will be for my next string quilt. Ahhh progress. (sort of)

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

An ounce of prevention . . .

. . . is worth a pound of cure.

Back in the days when I typed ER reports, winter often produced a list of casualties. A small patch of ice on the porch or driveway and a newspaper waiting to be retrieved could be a lethal combination, especially for those over 70.

If you keep a small box of rock salt handy and sprinkle just a bit on your steps, porch, or driveway, you may save yourself a trip to the doctor. And if you have an elderly neighbor, why not buy one for them also. For under $2.00, it's an easy gift to give.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .