Rebecca's Designs

Baby Zoo Quilt With Minky

2012-01-21T15:19:00.000-08:00

Should I define the border or just an over all loopy with animals????? It is loaded an ready to go.......

the quilt is 31 x 42

Fairy #2 Finished

2012-01-21T14:03:00.000-08:00

Help Help Help Quilty Friends

2012-01-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

I was given a baby quilt to quilt for a customer ......... eeeeeegads! The top is regular zoo fabric, the back is minky. Never quilted with minky.... it is so stretchy.

QUESTION ...... HOW DO I QUILT THIS BABY???????????

2012-01-17T06:24:00.000-08:00

http://featheredfibers.wordpress.com or http://www.carlabarrett.com/

Carla Barrett   is having a free blog giveaway and that Carla is holding another Quilt Whisperer Class on January 9, 2012, a creative class on quilting design for all levels of quilters.

Carla still has opening in her class.......   I recommend it to anyone of you that want to learn step by step quilting design.   I met Carla on the MQRS forum a few years ago before she started teaching classes.    She teaches you how to layout quilting design for a quilt, which was very helpful to me.    It is like having your own personal trainer....lol    Check her out, go to her blog and look at her quilting, bead work ( which I can't do), and her cartoons which I love.   I should start drawing cat cartoons with my quilts, that would be fun.....lol

BTW I took her photo shop class too .... which was great!     Be sure to check her out.......

Suzan this would be a great class for you, you wouldn't have to travel to the states.

fairy #2

2012-01-12T08:48:00.000-08:00

Same panel but different borders ....... 12 !/2" border, this will be another fun quilt. I think I will clean house today befoooorrrre I start this one. This one is hard to see markings, so I guess I will draw my design out on paper then mark with pins for registration points

Fairy # 1 Finished

2012-01-12T08:36:00.000-08:00

Still a little problems with the wrist ....... or I think it is in the thumb area, can't hold a pencil right to draw and it is the same when I move my machine. I rely on the left hand to do more of my movements. I'm getting there.....

Fairy Panel #1

2012-01-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

Feathers make for a simple border

OOOOOPPS!!!

I hate SID......... had to rip all of it out, thank goodness it wasn't tiny stitches.

My Trip To Uniquely Yours

2012-01-11T06:17:00.000-08:00

A trip to Sandy's quilt shop outside of Orangeville, Illlinois is a 35 mile ride through the back roads.

This is the road that leads you up to her shop...... A dead end gravel road. The first time I made a trip to her shop I thought I would never find it.......

I would say they have a beautiful layout ...... I know my puppies love it, I let them run the fields

Sandy's shop is in the lower level of their home.

My boys and girl watching their mama........ I had so many window licks by the time I got back to the car...lol

Sandy and her helper. BTW she love the quilt. We were so busy talking a forgot to take a picture of her with it.

With a sweet look she asked if I would have time to do two more for the shows and have then back to her by the 30th. Of coarse I said Yes!! This is the first of the two, a simple fast Fairy quilt. I will feather the borders and outline the fairies, maybe some background fill, depends on the time limit. I loaded it on the frame last night so it is ready to go today.

Yup! It is Finished

2012-01-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

I'm on my way to Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop to deliver this quilt ......

Decided on Fill

2012-01-09T11:16:00.000-08:00

Back on the frame....... I swear this head cold is making my brain fogggy....lol

small crosshatching and lines ...... it's coming to me..lol

Bird Panel Finished I Think

2012-01-08T19:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, here is what I have done so far........ I'm not sure if I should fill in the blue area around the birds and leaves. If I fill in the background what would I use for a fill??????? Do I want a combination of fills or do I want straight lines to set off the pebbles, or sun rays, or hummmmmmmmmm!

All the fruit, leaves and birds are outline which gives definition........

I just don't want to over quilt and have to pick out stitches.....

Guess I will sleep on it ........

Another Sleigh Panel

2012-01-03T11:44:00.000-08:00

This panel I cut the top section off to make a pillow to match the quilt. It is just opposite of the other sleigh panel that I quilted. These are fun and quick to piece, add borders and quilt. This panel came from Uniquely Yours also. I went to the shop to pick up fabric for a doll quilt and spotted the panels on the wall just before Christmas (two weeks before). I made up a couple of these for Christmas gifts, fast and easy. The doll quilt did not get finished ......... Back in the closet until next fall with it.....lol Did pull out a spring quilt to work on when I'm finished with the bird panel. As you can see, I have been busy the last couple of weeks beside showing this house.

Panels for Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop

2012-01-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

This is a panel that I quilted for Uniquely Yours Quilt Shop, Orangeville , Illinois for their quilt shows in Texas next month.

the background fill was little loops to make the flowers and birds pop

My Christmas present from Anya........ love it!!

Metro thread that Anya sent me which I will use on another panel quilt. Love the thread, it has a shine to it and quilts up really nice. It is an embroidery thread........

This is the other panel that I'm quilting for Uniquely Yours. The colors are beautiful in this panel......

Small bead board border to frame the panel

outline the bird with yellow and purple around the plums, not sure how I will quilt the background yet

Simple triangle shape to mimic the triangle in the panel .......

Sleigh Panel and New Puppy

2011-12-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Pieced and quilted this yesterday........ I panel that I cut apart framed, added a strip to the top and bottom then simple quilting. Nice little practice piece to get back into the motion of quilting.

Monte has tears in his eyes, he got a shot for ear infection. He is such a sweet layed back little boy, and he is a mama's boy too!

Bella is the new labradoodle who will be 4 months old January 1. What a love bug teddy bear...... She is the most loving and funny pet we have ever had.

Buddy's another story........ A sweet little guy with ADD, smart, good watch dog, and loves his big sister. Bella drags him around like he is a stuffed pet.....lol

A Special Present That I Received

2011-12-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

This came in the mail yesterday from Suzan........ What a surprise!!!

Look at those scissor "Eiffel Tower" Love them ..... I have just the right spot to display them.

Thank you Suzan .......

Little Cabin Finished

2011-12-08T05:22:00.000-08:00

Quilters dream batting, So Fine cream thread in the light areas and peach in the other........ Quilted straight lines in the borders, feathers, swirls, pebbles and what ever I thought of at the time of quilting this freehand. A fun practice quilt again........ Still having problems making my feathers perfect, the hand & wrist still giving me some problems. This was a kit that I bought at one of the shows. Of coarse I had to have it because of the cabins. I'm not to fond of the two floral strips together, I think I would have chose something different. It is a great pattern for a large print that you want to show off and not cut up. This quilt can be pieced in a couple of hours and makes a great quick gift for someone special.

CHristmas Decor

2011-12-05T12:12:00.000-08:00

Suzan's Christmas Tree Quilt

2011-12-05T05:25:00.000-08:00

I just visited Suzan's blog and she finished putting the little bows on the quilt. I love this quilt!! I felt honored that she asked me to quilt it for her . You need to take a look at her blog and see the amazing quilts that she has pieces and quilted. http://suzanspatchworkgarden.blogspot.com/
I bet the grandbabies will enjoy this quilt.......

December 1

2011-12-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

Christ mas ......

time to get the

decorations

I have all my decorations packed and in storage, so I decided I would use some of the things I have around the house. I think I will go with a White theme this year....... cause that is what I have around the house......lol Started at floral arrangement, need to pick up the greens to add to it. My white tulips from the sun porch.... that is a start. I will use my white wholecloth quilt along with the white linens that Joyce sent me. I quess I better get busy, will post photos when I'm finished.

Thank You Card

2011-11-30T06:14:00.000-08:00

How cute is this......... Anya made me this thank you card, I Love It!!!!!! As you all know, I'm a cat lover.....
This is going to be matted and framed to hang on the wall in my quilting room. She is so talented with her embroidery machine.

My Fan Blocks

2011-11-25T07:01:00.000-08:00

Worked on finishing the fan blocks last night, now for the sashing........ I put a little detail design around each fan to give it that fancy look. This quilt will be fun to quilt when I finish piecing it together. I know how I want to quilt the blocks, just need to come up with a design for the borders.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2011-11-24T05:29:00.000-08:00

This is what I worked on today...... was a strange day, quiet, no grandkids around, BUT I did talk to the girls today. They were in the pool and sunbathing, ( "little rats".) on Thanksgiving. So today was a nice day to quilt....... The quilting is kind of hard to see because of the fabric. I'm using a peach color thread So Fine. Something must be wrong with the thread it keeps fraying, need to call Superior cause it is a new cone. It is not the needle, change it to see if that was the problem, but I think it is the thread.

We had turkey roast, it is not like the good ole days when grandma would cook a turkey. It just does not taste the same. Back to eating a healthy salad tomorrow........lol

Early Christmas Present

2011-11-23T15:46:00.000-08:00

Look what I got in the mail today .......... an early Christmas present form Anya. A 3D Threader

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! It is a toy I must play with as soon as I get my quilt off the frame.

I will watch the video and tell you more about it later.......

Wildroot In Montana

2011-11-19T18:32:00.000-08:00

The quilt was sent to Anya in Montana for helping me with the embroidery work that I need done. She has been so kind doing all this work and I felt that she needed something in return. She should receive the quilt on Monday, it will be a big surprise for her as she has not seen this quilt yet.

The design for the quilting came from the the flower and swirls that were in the blue fabric, I just repeated it out in the open spaces. The little dragon fly was just a little add on ( I love dragon flies and butterflies). Not to bad for left & right handed quilting. I consider this my left handed master piece....lololol

Everyday Practice Quilt

2011-11-17T13:52:00.000-08:00

Practice my swirl spacing E2E in the center of this quilt ...... This will be a guy gift, the solid blocks have log cabins and horses. Now for the binding....... need to find someone to bind for me, my hand still hurts when I work with it.

Getting Ready for Christmas

2011-11-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

Making burlap stockings with linen cuffs......... This year I'm thing about a soft blue & white decor for Christmas. I bought these ornament's at Michael's, they will with the one I bought last year.

Bake 15 loafs of Cranberry bread for the holidays...... they will go into baskets for gifts.
two loafs were eaten yesterday. yummmmmmmy

Falling Leaves

2011-11-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

Simple swirls and a tailored border for a man's quilt .... "Falling Leaves"

Our new watch dog center 8 weeks old

A labradoodle " Bella " I don't think they consider them as a watch dog ....lol

Little Cottages

2011-11-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Finally had a chance to put a top together ...... The fabric is Aubrey Rose by Dover Hill for Benartex. As you all know I love cottages.... AND I love toile fabric. This one I will keep for myself ....lol Haven't decided just how I want to quilt it yet, maybe each strip or E2E.....hummmmmmmmm

Remember this????? Will it is finally get sent out to it's new owner who has been waiting forever to receive it. This would make a great Thanksgiving center piece ........ Maybe I should wait until after the holiday......lol EEEEEGADS I will get a phone call now!!

This was the wholecloth that I made for one of my classes and to display at the shows.

Finished and OFF The Frame

2011-11-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

Center block - forgot to finish putting the green touches .......lol

A little added feature ......... I saw a butterfly on Suzan's quilt and thought a dragon fly would look great on this quilt.     Thanks for the idea Suzan!

The quilt is finished, the binding went on yesterday but I can't show it until it is received.    She peeks!!
When she lets me know that she received it I will post the rest of the photos.    The binding is taking a little longer to tack down as it bothers my wrist to sew small stitches.      Oh yes....... when I had the quilt off the frame and taking pictures I noticed in the photos I forgot to finish the center with the green thread.    DORK!!!!

I'M BACK

2011-11-06T21:12:00.000-08:00

It seems like it has been forever since I have quilted ...... The wrist is coming along just fine, had more xrays taken and now wear a splint. The kids are all settled in their new home, the girls are excited about their new school and I'm happy for them. Had another funeral in the family but all is well.
We have had several open houses here, just waiting for the right family to buy the house. So I think everything is back in order and running smoothly ........... finally.

Instead of feathers I kept with the design in the fabric. I plan on using feathers in the blue & green areas

I also decided to fill in the cross hatching .......

NOW back to quilting...... I worked on this quilt the last couple of days, finished up all the white areas and now I'm ready for the green & blue. Should have it finished by Wednesday. This is turning out better then what I anticipated.

THOSE OF YOU THAT HAVE SENT ME E-MAILS, I WILL GET CAUGHT UP THIS WEEK

Arizona or Bust

2011-10-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

Arizona here we come ......... Kids are all packed up and the truck is moving all their belongings this weekend. At least they will have warmer weather then us back here in norhtern Illinois. Now to get back to a little normal life around here ........ I have missed my quilting.

Wholecloth Class

2011-10-20T06:51:00.000-07:00

OOOOUUUCCCHHH

2011-10-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

MY HALF HOUR OF PAINTING ........ FELL WITH THE LADDER ...... BROKE BONES IN THE WRIST. don't yah feel stupid when you do something really STUPID ???? just call me lefty...lol
sure doest hurt.....

have you ever quilted left handed????

Quilt a Little Paint a Little

2011-10-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is my schedule this week ....... quilt for an hour, the finish painting for an hour and pack up boxes for an hour. If I didn't make up this schedule I would not get any quilting finished. My plan is to finish up the quilt within the next two weeks and get it in the mail.

Look at this beautiful fabric that I bought at the quilt expo last month ...... I have coordinating fabric to go with this. As you know I love cottages....... This is another reason I need to get all this other stuff out of the way I NEED to make another top. It's been to long........

My Baby Went to Her First Homecoming

2011-09-28T06:49:00.000-07:00

Hannah's first Homecoming ..... EEEEEEGADS!! I thought she was still a baby, guess I don't want then to grow up. She's Beautiful!! I told her that I was going with her, the first boy that gave her a look I would SMACK! Her reply "Grammmmm"

My girls ( my favorite pic)

Sydney , Hannah, Heather (youngest daughter) Jeanne (oldest) Jeanne's friend and Cammy

YEP!! THEY ARE GROWING UP ....... TO FAST!!

Channing, Sydney, Jordan, Hannah

Cammy in the middle, Channing and Hannah are twins, Jordan is the oldest

These five have so much fun being together. I love being around them. Sydney and Cammy are moving to Arizona in a couple of weeks, that means we'll have to make quite a few visits ........
What a busy month.....

Wildroot Border

2011-09-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

This little flower in the fabric was the inspiration for the border

I drew all the half flowers on, this way I won't have to mark as I go along to get the right spacing around the borders. Decided that a quarter inch lines would make the flowers stand out.......

Wildroot of Montana

2011-09-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

This quilt is going to Montana ........... the inspiration came from the fabric which will be repeated through out the quilt. I drew the pattern that will be place in each corner ( mirror image) plus cross hatching. I drew the design on with blue Mark Be Gone before it was placed on the frame, this way each placement is perfect. I've had this quilt on and off the frame several time to get out customers quilts, this time it will stay on the frame until completed .......... about a week.
Time for basting.....

Bridal Shower Quilt Finished

2011-09-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Ready for the binding ......... Bridal shower is this Saturday, I think there is going to be one happy Bride!!!
This quilt tells the life story of this young bride..... I just love it!

Cardtrick Finished

2011-09-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

Finished and ready for delivery........ It was hard for me not to quilt the sashing, but to keep the cost down that was not touch. The only places that were quilted was the blocks and border. It turned out quite will for simple........

NEXT UP

This quilt is amazing.... It was brought to me to quilt befor this saturday for her sister shower. The photos are of the sister growing up meeting the husband to be and then the engagement. What a wonderful gift!!
Will post more photos when I'm finished. These photos were taken at night with the flash so it doesn't show the fabric very will.

Wholecloth Classes 3 weeks Away

2011-09-17T06:55:00.000-07:00

Tuesday October 11th and Saturday October 15th . I added on October 15th for those that have to work during the week , didn't want you to miss out on a fun class. All the supplies are included in this class, you just have to come, have fun designing and quilting your own unique wholecloth on one of the longarms. What you learn in wholecloth you can apply to your pieced tops. Call " At The Heart of Quilting " 608-313-3324 to reserve a spot. The classes are limited to 10 to give one on one help if needed. Any questions just email me......

SEE YA THERE!

Cardtrick ..... simple swirls for background fill, working on the border today.......... will post the finished quilt later today.

Next Up Customer #2

2011-09-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

Again simple background fill and border

Customer Quilt & Apple Pie

2011-09-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

Finished hot off the frame ...... now onto the next one

The back looks a little interesting ....... pebble & straight lines

This is an apple pie that I baked up with apples that were taken off a apple tree in the yard of a house that we looked at on Monday when we were house hunting. Wonderful apple trees ...... the owner left a ladder next to the tree so we could pick a bag full. Of course I took him up on his offer .....

This is one of the houses that we looked at, very nice, sets on 2 acres, room for my quilt machines.

The boys (dogs) loved it!

Back to Normal

2011-09-11T10:06:00.000-07:00

Shows over back to normal, we were so busy at the quilt expo that I couldn't leave the booth to take pictures of quilts. It was a very busy show this year, it was better the Milwaukee for attendance.

Couldn't sleep last night so I got up and wash jars for the tomatoes this morning. I planted three plants and this was my first picking. These will taste really good this winter.......

now back to some free quilting time and football

Madison Quilt Expo Week

2011-09-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

Working the Gammil booth this week......

Terry working with the Statler....... Me! I take pictures....lol

Dan doing his job........selling

Patches & Petal Quilt shop ....... Lynn's working the booth

Backyard Quilts ........ my friend Kathy the owner

Sheila selling a machine

Customer Quilt

2011-09-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

Quilting this for Kathy at the Gammill dealership, she is behind in getting these quilts out, so I decided to take on a few that were quick and easy. This is the first one, just simple straight lines, pebbles and wavy lines in the border, that's it........ SIMPLE In fact I change her idea of puzzle meandering cause I can not do it........ mine looks terrible. That is one background fill I will not do........lol

My kids left yesterday for Arizona to get their house, they girls are staying here until everthing is in order then will help move their things and get them setteled. I'm not going to be SAD.......boohooo

Christmas Tree Finished

2011-09-02T17:17:00.000-07:00

This will go back to France this week.

This is Suzan's Christmas quilt that she mailed to me to quilt for her. I used Hobbs 80/20 black batting doubled to give it a little more loft. Metro, So Fine thread use on the top and in the bobbin. Metallic on the star. This was a fun quilt ........ I could do what ever my heart desired. I love it when I can have my way....lol

I use adding machine tape to divide up my borders , so much quicker then using the measuring tape "No Brainer"

Back of course!!

The Tree

2011-08-26T05:19:00.000-07:00

Background fill was completed last night, today the tree will be filled with fancy feathers to give it the look of a fir tree. Then will do a little design in the candles to make them stand out. I'm using Metro thread for the first time. It quilts up just like Rainbow ........ had to tie off and bury the threads. Anya sent me a box load of Metro.

The back........ looking pretty good!

Thank you Anya!!! She also sent fabric and a blue tea cup to go with my kitchen collection. Just look at those colors.........

Preparing for the Move

2011-08-25T05:34:00.001-07:00

Yes we are putting the house on the market. We found our new home in upper Wisconsin. I've been soooooo busy these past two weeks. Not only did I get our house painted but I helped my daughter and her family pack and box up their house hold things ...... they are moving to Arizona in October. We will help them make their move also. I'm going to really miss my granddaughters......

Painted the walls Rainwash, a blue green ....... My French Blue! Now to find area rugs.

Christmas quilt that was put on the frame last night........ this was sent to me all the way from France
I wonder who?????

This little apon was in with the quilt also....... Love it!!!! love the colors.

ONLY A MAMA COULD LOVE A FACE LIKE THIS his name is Monte but we call him "BooBoo"

I'M On Vacation Will Return Next Week

2011-08-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Milwaukee Show Set Up

2011-08-10T05:23:00.000-07:00

In the beginning......... Heellllllooooo

Sue's Booth APQS

Pam Clark's assistance

Quilter's Rule

Setting up Cathy Franks's class room . Threading and checking the tension on each machine

Cathy Frank

At The Heart of Quilting

Guess just pop in.......... She is saying Hi Suzan!

Cludia

Penny Roberts and her baby Windy

Just like putting pin stripes on your car....... Love it!!

Sue on the left, Kathy right .... making decisions on thread display while I play with my camera....lol

WIP

2011-08-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

I'm making this quilt for my bedroom, I love the fabric which I've had for a few years. Can hardly wait to quilt this one. The plans are all ready drawn up.........

Suzan, after seeing your sewing space, I created one for me. I would love to have it outside but we have mosquitos here and they would carry me and the machine off. But this little space is next to the screened in porch so when the weather is cool I can have the doors open, almost like sitting outside. I can hear the birds, music and sew. Life is wonderful!!!!

OFF TO THE MILWAUKEE QUILT SHOW

Thread Choice

2011-08-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

My thread choice for this quilt ....... today I will draw my design in the four corners before I lay it on the backing. I want all for corners to match prefect. I need to come up with a different name for this quilt, maybe when I working on it, it will come to me. Good grief, green sleeves keeps popping up in my mind, where did that come from?????

My Work Attire

2011-08-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

Ok Vivian this is mine........lol phone # would be good. You can tell I have been working hard, no threads on the apron.

Bitterroot Valley is on the List

2011-08-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

My plan for this one ........ feathers, crosshatching, flowers, circles, etc

This is going on the LA today, would like to get this quilted within a week. I have more samples to make up for my wholecloth class plus I'm waiting on a Christmas quilt that I get the honor of quilting. My computer crashed and I lost ALL my recent photos and designs cause I didn't back up my file for the last couple of months. DARN! I like my new computer, it has a lot of extra features that are kind of cool. I have skype with built in webcam & mic, just need to learn how to use it. It sure takes up a lot time to download all my programs and info...... I need to hire some help, I just want to quilt and do all this stuff..... You know what I would really like??? is someone to do the house cleaning.... but then I would probably clean the house so it would be clean for her to clean.......lol

Bound and Ready For Class

2011-08-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

It is perfect with my antique dishes and pink depression glass

Lighting was just right to show off the soft green

It started out on a piece of paper just like this........ if you can draw stick people and bubbles you can create your own unique wholecloth. I will make a DVD with instruction on how to design your own wholecloth.

Ready for Blocking

2011-08-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Finished..... blocking and squaring it up today, binding tomorrow, then it is ready for the Milwaukee Quilt show next week. It will hang in the Gammill booth. Named this quilt "Heart of Quilting ". This will be used as a sample to show at the Wholecloth classes in October.

Sample Center

2011-07-31T20:41:00.000-07:00

This baby comes off the machine on Monday

DIL Quilt

2011-07-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

This is a quilt for my son's best high school friend and his wife. My daughter in law made this from scraps that I have given her. She has been piecing and quilting for a year now. I make her draw quilting designs on paper before she could touch the machine, this way she is comfortable with the machine when she quilts. She comes up with some interesting patterns for her quilts. She will pick a theme from the fabric. The quilt was made for a surprise for Aren and his wife for their cabin up in northern Wisconsin.
Shelia use QD for batting, King Tut thread on top for texture and So Fine in the bobbin. She added a red thread in the small border to give the back a little color. Great job!!

Small Background Fill

2011-07-26T11:35:00.000-07:00

I was washing dishes this morning and came upon this glass and a light bulb went off.......   this is what I will
use for the small background fill in the border.   Kind of neat!!!

Little Bit of Center More Photos

2011-07-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

I have no idea as what to put in between those line ........... I have to sleep on this one tonight.

This looks yellow because of the overhead lights.

Congratulations!!!!!

2011-07-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Cadel Evans and to all my Australian blogger friends ......... A great victory in Paris yesterday. What a fantastic three weeks, this is my favorite sport every year. Plus I love it when they show the cities, little towns, and the country side in France ...... just beautifiul!

Sample Center

2011-07-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is going rather quickly......... Will finish the second half today. I will give this away as a class drawing. One thing about whole cloths that they are very forgiving in covering up little mistake or if you don't like the way it looks you can always add in another little feature.......lol I plan on making another one in a soft pink with roses for myself would look great with depression glass.

Still having problems with this computer, can't download and freezes up on me. So if you don't hear from me for a couple of days, I'm having the computer fix or need to get a new one.

Class Sample

2011-07-22T11:51:00.000-07:00

Freehand class sample ........ the color is a soft green.

New Design For Class

2011-07-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

This is a new design that I have laid out for wholecloth class that I will teach in October at the Gammill dealership...... At the Heart of Quilting, Beloit, Wisconsin. I'm getting a little excited for this class, it will be so much fun teaching others how to design their own quilts. These are some of the supplies that I will hand out to the students plus fabric. This will be a one day class on how to draw out your design, transfer it to the fabric, and quilt it.......... Fun! Fun! Fun!

Kitty Quilt Finished

2011-07-20T06:08:00.000-07:00

Finally finished after 28 years......... Feathers, mice in the borders and swirls in the sashing. Cross hatching to keep the vintage look......... Raylene. This will go in the guest room for the granddaughter's to use when they come for a stay over. They boys will think it stinks cause of the girls, need to make them a boy quilt.

Peacocks

2011-07-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

Anya send me this sample of embroidered Peacocks, they are so beautiful. They remind me of French birds. Love those shades of blue......... She is planting ideas in my head for a quilt......lol

Having computer problems..... I think my computer is going to crash, so if you don't see a post for awhile, or get emails from me, that is why. I need to look for another computer, need to decide on what brand to buy this time.

My Little Sleep Over

2011-07-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

Received a phone call crying wanting to come over she missed me.....lol Dropped everything I was doing to spend the day with her. Right!!! She played with the doll house for a couple of hours, made a pillow, did a little sewing, and then we went for a bike ride.

Finished painting the floors and walls ..... walls are a sea foam to match the toile in the coverlet. Need to make white shams and comforter later this year. This is the summer cool look, winter I put up heavier curtains for warmth and rugs. Little side table I bought at an auction for a buck, sanded it and painted it a Dover white...... now to find a small collection of .........hummmmmmmm something to sit on it. I think I have a tea set, need to look through some boxes.

Another Vintage

2011-07-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

                                                                1983 Mustang

The Mustang belonged to Jason's parents.......    his mother was killed 6 months ago and  it has been 2 months since his father passed away from cancer.    The kids brought the car to mom cause mom is a sucker for vintage cars ........   YES!   mom bought the car.     Jason wanted to keep the car in the family and knew it would get taken care of.     I LOVE IT!!!!    Have to come up with a cool license plate name for it.....
Yelo Bird ...... hummmmmmm     MeloYelo .......... hummmmmm
Isn't she beautiful?????     The car too!!   (my youngest)
                       Hey girls wana play Thelma & Louise?????

I acquired the hat also...... kind of cool!!

My remolding job............... my sweet lovable brother came over to help me lay the floor on my back porch. We tore out the old commercial carpet and replaced it with a laminate which is much easier to keep clean. I hate carpet!! now for the base board which I can do myself and the porch will be finished.

Now for new cushions slip covers with matching pillows

This is looking into my computer room from the porch. I love opening all the windows and letting fresh air breeze through out the rooms

Cottage Rose

2011-07-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

Another project that I want to complete this year....... was going through my mother's things that I need to pass on to family members. Came upon her collection of miniatures that will go to my oldest daughter. Mom never had a dollhouse she just collected tiny miniatures. I bought this doll house at a flea market a couple of years ago for my youngest granddaughter who plays with this every time she comes to stay over. I decided to model this after my cottage home for an heirloom for Cammy, this way when I'm in heaven she will always have gram ma's house to play in and hand it down to her daughter's.

I painted it yesterday and just waiting for the wiring. Once that is installed then up with the wall covering. Will post as I go along with this project.... Will apply the rest of the shingles today, then debate as to what color stain to apply.

My First Quilt

2011-07-12T16:20:00.000-07:00

This was my very first quilt I made when my daughter was 7yrs old and never finished. I removed all the hand quilting ( one block), took off the wavy borders and put them back on right. It is now on the frame ready to be quilted ...... My youngest daughter will be thrilled when she sees that I have finished her quilt which will go to her daughters ...lol I also made a matching doll quilt which I finished because it was fast and easy.

Jim's Quilt Finished

2011-07-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

This is a service quilt that I made for Jim. Jim is a retired police officer who was diagnosed with cancer and just finished up with his treatments. So far so good for him ...... He loves to camp and fish, thought that he would like the theme of the quilt. I didn't quilt this heavy, just simple free hand leaves throught out the quilt blocks. QD wool, so fine top and bottom. Surprise! Surprise! for him today.......

Compass Quilt Finished

2011-07-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

The quilt will be used as a wall hanging so I gave it a map look with texture of hills, rivers, mountains etc.....

I will Take a Break From my Blog For Awhile

2011-07-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

A close friend of mine, received a phone call yesterday morning that her daughter in law was killed........
I was with Kathy when she received the phone call ...... The daughter in law leaves behind a husband and 2 1/2 year old baby. Today it was hard for me to focus on quilting or anything. Tomorrow I will cook up something to take to the family.

The black quilt is almost finished, just have the variegated thread left to quilt in the compasses. Will post a picture in a couple of days ........

My Quiet Space

2011-06-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

This is where I sit in the early morning, have a cup of tea, listen to bird, music, read. It is so peaceful and fresh this morning...... It also is a great place to sit and come up with designs ideas for the house or quilts. Just finished up painting the bedrooms, now need to make a dust ruffle for the bed, then will post pictures of the finished look.

Back to working on Jane's quilt this morning, should have it finished by Friday...... I hope!!

Mondays WIP

2011-06-27T05:11:00.000-07:00

Work in progress ..... nice fresh rainy morning, a good day to finish up this quilt for Jane. This is what I have quilted so far. I'm using a double batt of Hobbs black 80/20, black so fine top and bobbin. Will use variegated in the compasses.

My Class With Master Quilter Sharon Schamber

2011-06-25T06:11:00.000-07:00

Northern Illinois Longarm Guild brought Sharon in for a day to go over show to design your quilt. A Master Quilter she is ..... I was in such awe of her work, unbelievable, jaw dropping work. She shared her new creation that she has been working on since February, another award in the future. I was just lost for words, the only word that kept coming out of my mouth was WOW! LOOK AT THIS! WOW!
My friend Coleen who went to the class with me would look at me and WOW! would come out of our mouth together.
As for the class, it was so informative, my brain ached by the end of the day with so much more information from her. She is so down to earth and fun to be around, wished she would have been my big sister..... (I grew up with four brothers) . Here are some show & tell pictures.... Enjoy!!

Out side the doors of the class room they were anxiously waiting for the moment for the doors to open

Setting up the room...... Deb and Sharon loading the machine

Still waiting....

Finally the doors open .......

Deb introducing Sharon

The class begins...

Sharon looking up info for Terry...... No! that's not wine, it's water .

She is soooooo much fun to be around, love her sense of humor

Ohhhhhh, my head hurt, felt like it was going to burst with so much info.

Show N Tell

I showed my quilt from her online class, which she love and gave a great comment

This is just a few of Sharon's new creation

look at the detailed applique work, it is so tiny, amazing!!

These are just a few of the 186 pictures that I look that day.

Thank you Sharon for all the wonderful information you shared with us that day.

"YOU ARE AWESOME"

Look What I Got Yesterday

2011-06-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

When I arrived home yesterday form Sharon's class in Chicago I had these little packages sitting on the table from Suzan and Joyce just waiting to be opened ....... Look at what I got!

Bruynzeel pencils from Joyce to mark my quilt. The box color matches the French Provencal table cloth that is re-edition from and old design "made in france". You gals are soooo good to me......

Thank you so much!!!!!

I can see that fabric quilted up into a whole cloth ..... hummmmmm! Wouldn't that be beautiful???

Oh yes, my Christmas tea and Blue Garden tea which I love, can not get that over here. The flavor and fragrance is wonderful. I love the smell when it is brewing, the house smells so good.

Pepe my Beta

he is trained, I can pet him

notice how Pepe matches the fabric.... good job Suzan!

Spending A Day With Sharon Schamber

2011-06-22T19:23:00.000-07:00

You can not believe how excited I am for tomorrow. I have waited three years to have a class with Sharon. A dream come true!!!! I remember the first time I saw this quilt in 2007, I just had to find out who she was and more about her quilting. So I wrote her name down to check her out on the Internet after I got home from MQS. After I check her out and saw a picture of her I could not believe that I spoke with her at the show in a booth with another person and they were talking quilts which I got in the conversion with them. I couldn't believe that this lady knew so much about quilting, it was Sharon. I started buying her CDs, books, practicing feathers, took an online class in whole cloth, and now I finally have a class with her. Tomorrow I will take lots of pictures, ask questions, and learn as much as I can from her.

You know I had just bought my machine and was a beginner quilter

My Aprons

2011-06-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

This is a little preview of what my aprons will look like. I went with the simpler look that Anya designed for me. It really looks good and I'm soooooo excited! These are for the class that I will be teaching in the fall.

Moving On To Next Project

2011-06-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

Next quilt project..... My friend Joyce made a quilt "Meet Me In Paris" , I love that quilt pattern, so I decided to dig the pattern out of storage after having bought the pattern a couple of years ago. Now I'm really inspired to make this quilt. Tuesday I will take my granddaughter shop hopping to find the right fabric for this quilt. I want tiny flowers just like the butter pad for the quilt. Came up with a neat quilting design for the quilt too. Thanks Joyce!!!

Elderbery Lane block and ready for binding

Webster just taking it easy , he is such a mama's boy

Please Help With A Decision

2011-06-18T16:03:00.000-07:00

My friend Anya is embroidering my aprons for me and I can't decided which one to choose ......

Which one do you like????

Elderberry Lane Finished

2011-06-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

Here it is ....... Before

After

Ready for the LA

2011-06-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

OH MY!!! now how do I quilt this??? .......hummmmmm and this needs to be finished by Friday.

Sheila's Car Quilt

2011-06-15T07:21:00.000-07:00

These is what we have been working on this week......

The car quilt was quilted by my DIL for a graduation gift for this weekend. She did a beautiful all over freehand quilting with her own design. It turned out really great!! I told it really pays to practice on paper so it will stick in the memory...... and she didn't think she could draw.

The other quilt I'm piecing and quilting for a customer today. Yes we are back at quilting for others, I'm feeling great and everything is back in order. Thank goodness!!

Background fill

2011-06-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Center motif

Border

background fill ..... had to go with pebbles in order for the main design to stand out.

Elderberry Lane

2011-06-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

All most finished, just the background fill and off the frame.....

Decided to call this quilt Elderberry Lane after my grandparents. That was the name of their farm and this reminds me of them, the leafy vine and berries. My grandmother would have love it......

Back to the WC

2011-06-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

Started to cut the lawn this morning but it got to hot.... Decided I would play with the whole cloth for awhile, need to finish it up this week. Made a few boo boo but you would have to look really close to find them, but who cares ..... that is why I call my quilts my originals.....lol
Just spritzed with water to remove the blue marker, waiting for it to dry then will finish up with the border and background fill.

I'm stuck as to what I should quilt in the center ...... any ideas?????? The hearts will have cross hatching but I forgot about the center ...... hummmmm Ideas please??????

Northern Illinois Longarm Guild

2011-06-05T07:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend I joined the Northern Illinois Longarm Guild. The group meets every other month just south of Chicago, Wheaton, Illinois. Hour and half trip for me, but worth the trip. The group brings in a Master educator for hands on or lecture for learning techniques. June 23rd the guest speaker and teacher will be Sharon Schamber ...... My Hero!!!! Master of quilting!!! Love, Love, Love her work. Of course I will be there front row and center picking her brain on quilt designing. They just might kick me out just to shut me up ......lol I would love to have a week with her just to eat and sleep quilts. Hummmmm ...... maybe I should just invite her over, I would do the cooking....lol

Kathy, owner of At the Heart of Quilting http://www.heartofquilting.com/ was guest speaker yesterday. The topic was on threads and maintenance of the longarm. Very interesting, I learned a few things about machines that I didn't know..... Helped her out with quilting supply orders at the end of the meeting. Nice way to purchase thread and parts for the longarm with out paying for shipping. That is a big plus for the group.

Kathy announced that I would be teaching a class on whole cloth, man you cannot believe how fast my head swung around..... like what???? She had them fill out a sheet if interested, couldn't believe the response, so I guess I will be teaching a class. This should be fun, just need to set a date. More on that later.

Jim's Quilt Top

2011-06-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Pieced this together over the weekend for a good friend that just went through chemo treatment. Thought I would surprise him with a quilt. He's a retired police officer that loves camping and fishing. I think he will like it ..... I can just see him getting all mushy .....lol

Lines & Meandering

2011-06-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Added small meandering around the leafy feathers to make the design stand out and have a point for the lines to stop. I chose straight cross hatching as there are so many curves already in this quilt. It adds a little more interest. Time to take a break and get the cookies baked.......

QIP Quilting in Progress

2011-06-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

I've gotten this far the last couple of days, planted flowers and cleaned house in between. This morning I will bake peanut butter cookies for the big guys camping trip, then I will have the rest of the day for quilting.....
Today I will add the outlining and small meandering around the leaves to make the standout and lines for the border. I have to outline or you would not see the quilting as the thin stitches would get lost in the quilting.

Dorothy Came in From Oz

2011-05-31T05:45:00.000-07:00

Dorothy came in from Oz again this year, this time she brought Toto....... Planted most of the flowers yesterday. Sure was hot here, 92. Didn't get any quilting done yesterday, turned the machine on and that was it. Today I will have to make up for lost quilting time.

Buddy

My Busy Sunday

2011-05-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

Loaded and ready to go......

I marked a half inch registration mark all the way around the quilt to leave room for the bind. I didn't want to quilt all the way to the edge, just a reminder for me.

I will finish all the main leafy feathers today then add the crossing hatching and lines.

I made Tamales yesterday too!!

I traveled Mexico for about 28 years and learned how to make Tamales and other delishes meals. The methods of cooking are very basic and simple. Here is the recipe for the Tamales

1 cup masa
2/3 cup lard ...... yes I use lard ( can subsitute ) but I like the flavor and it is something I don't eat everyday
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 1/4 cup lukewarm chicken broth (sometimes they use water ) again the flavor for me

Lard is whipped until really soft .....( like whipped cream)

Chicken broth is added to the masa and mix together until is like play dough. Sometimes I have to add a little more liquid to get it to the dough stage.....

Now the masa and lard are mixed together ..... in Mexico it is done by hand or wooden spoon.
I like using the mixer.

Now were ready to make Tamales

Pork is cooked in the oven until it falls off the bone. Garlic, salt, and onion for flavor, a little oil poured over the pork, then bake. Shread the pork ( could use chicken also)

Mixture of Chile's, Dried Ancho and Guajillo are steamed, seeded, put through the blender to puree..... garlic, cloves, & oregano are added for flavor.

Combine the chile's and meat mixture together, simmer on low heat so the flavors blends.

I prepare my meat a couple days ahead , shortens up the time for making the tamales.

The corn husk are soaked in hot water to soften them....

add a table spoon of mixture on the corn husk and spread out...

next fold over and press the mixture slightly.....

fold the bottom in

fold over again....

Wallllaa you have a tamale

Tamales are layer in a tamale pan with water in the bottom of the pan. The tamale pan comes with a wire stand that sits in the bottom. (Do not fill with water or the wire stand.) Layer with the left over corn husk and place on the stove, bring water to a boil, then turn to low heat and steam for about two hours. Let the tamales cool down a little...... Now they are ready to eat. I double the recipe, made 6 dozen.
You can use anything for a filling. They also use cheese or fruit.

My family loves Mexican food. Great for a Holiday......YUMMMMMM!!!

Fresh " Pico de Gallo"

Finished Up The Hexagon

2011-05-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Finally got this baby of the LA. Used 100% cotton batting, King Tut thread for the top and So Fine in the bobbin. Did a simple feather meandering over all, bead board border. Now I can move on to the WC.

Working on WC

2011-05-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

This is how I transfer my design on to the fabric .....

Starch the fabric heavy first ...... it makes it easier to mark on the fabric, the fabric doesn't move or stretch when marking. I learned this from Sharon....

fold the fabric and mark my center using blue marker.....

Most of my technics are from Karen McTavish, Judy Woodworth, and Sharon Schamber. Karen and Judy both design with stencils. Sharon draws on paper, which is up my alley..... cause I like to draw my own designs. A class with any of theses gals is really great, you can learn so much from them.

my set up.... I need a big studio

lamp under table

then I mark each section.... I tape the drawing to the fabric to keep it in place

when I'm through with the first section then I move on to the next

I don't mark the cross hatching and the background fill until I have quilted the main part of the design.

The veins I like marked a little darker then the leafy feathers, this way I can change the shape of the feathers if I want. When I have to heavy of a marking, it is distracting to me....

Working On WC Design

2011-05-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

This is one section of whole cloth that I designed and will quilt next week after I get it marked on the fabric. This will be a trail ...... before I start my favorite design. Today I will have the design blown up 200 % or more ..... will post it later so you can see what I'm doing.

I had the small design enlarged to 24" and 18"..... I'm going to use the 18" size which will make the quilt 36" then I can add borders. I marked just the main leaf lines with a sharpie so I can see it through the fabric. I will use white Kona cotton for my fabric choice. Once I have the main lines drawn on the fabric then I will draw the leaf feathers. I can see a difference in my leaf feathers from a year ago, that is why I will redraw them....... I haven't decided on background fill yet, will decide once it is on the machine and quilted. I think I will use this for a table cloth for my granddaughters wedding shower along with the beautiful crochet table cloth that Joyce gave me.
This would make for a beautiful combination..... right Joyce!!

My Classes

2011-05-18T06:05:00.000-07:00

First class was on Wednesday with Kim Stotsenberg and a new friend that I met for the first time at the show....Joyce. Joyce is the gal that sent me the beautiful linens and brought me a beautiful crochet table cloth. Kim showed how to fill in triangles, borders and blocks with her feathers. I won her "Just Leaf It" book. Kim's blog http://sewnsewquilting.blogspot.com/

Next was DeLoa's class filling in the stencil. Very interesting class!! DeLoa's son getting her ready for the class.

Then Judy Woodworth painting class. Judy husband Will showing how to paint on the whole cloth....

Of corse I had to drop my brush smack on to the cloth..... can't remove the paint either....Oh willlllll...

More Photos MQS ENJOY

2011-05-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

This quilt was so Beautiful

MQS PHOTOS

2011-05-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

First Time Ribbon

2011-05-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

As you remember last December I showed you a Christmas quilt I was working on to go with my Christmas decorations that I named "Mama's Christmas Cookies". Will I decided to enter it into a quilt show to have it judge then I would know what I needed to do to make improvements in my quilting. I couldn't pick it up on Saturday as I was on my way back from MQS in Kansas, so one of the girls from the guild kept it until I could pick it up this morning. When she handed it to me she stated that I won a ribbon and asked if anyone called or informed me..... Noooooo! WOW! what a surprise, I didn't expect this one. I won third place in the wall hanging. All the remarks were great, just one little minor thing...... I need to improve on my piecing. I had cut a few of my points off....lol Now I know what to watch.

Reportcard...... feedback ...lol

Next will be my daughters wedding quilt and a whole cloth I'm working on. GEEEE I FEEL GREAT!!!