Pleasant Sewing Comforts

I love my sewing room...it has all the pleasures of my heart!

Photos of my precious grandchildren...a sweet country hutch from my husband many years ago...Quilts...memorable keepsakes...Memories to cherish and reflect upon as I do my crafts...or take a peaceful nap.

Many of the items on my hutch, take me back in time. The little duck..given to me by my eldest son many years ago..with spending money of his own. Tea pots from luncheons with my friends...favorite photos...a small white bird given a a gift during my cancer journey...journals from friends with notes of meaningful events and people in my life.

This quilt on my bed table is one of my first. It makes a lovely table covering...the clock my youngest daughter gave me with her own money on one of my birthdays many years ago...the white watering can a gift for speaking at a Lady's Mother Daughter banquet one year at my eldest son's church..and the pink candle another cancer journey gift, the sweet yellow rose pin I purchased years ago ...to look and think of my dearest friend and missionary to PNG..SUE.

The mirror on the wall..use to hang in the bedroom my three daughters shared...years ago.

This music box was given to me by my Pastor's wife..she is an excellent seamstress and long time friend.

I store some of my Quilting books in my hutch...and patterns etc. in these
mini suitcases..I love these and would own a million if I could find room!

c

and here is where I store my FAVORITE fabrics...

the hat box holds ribbons and trims.

I love WHITE and the clean, crisp air it gives to a room.

I have more to share..hope you will join me!

Happy Crafting!
HOPE

The JOY of Giving!

My mother received her Quilted Bed Runner today! The JOY of receiving!
She was beside herself...I was so HAPPY.

I had accomplished...my desire!

To hear her HAPPY voice...to know she thought it was perfect..for her Red and White room ...and also surprised at the other little gifts included.

My mother lives...on the West Coast and I'm on the East.

In our family...when we send packages...we have to CALL...and NOT OPEN the pkg..until we can OPEN it while on the phone! WE must HEAR the exclamations of JOY!

She did indeed remark about the DOILY and FLOWER on opening the box! See what a tiny "touch" of a pretty can do!

A sweet friend of mine said...the presentation of a small gift I sent her once...made the entire receiving part so spectacular!!!

It's so FUN.

My sister is the true talented one on this..she has sent me GORGEOUS wrapped packages...and she doesn't just wrap one..ALL of the little goodies with pretty stickers and ribbons...nice little velvet bags...you know!

I just look around in my craft supplies...buttons, stickers..ribbons...little bags...little notes...just look and you'll be surprised at the things you can put on a package...think of a scrabbooking page..only it's the top of your package at opening!!

So next time...Do your package with some added touches of the HEART and HEAR what happens!!

Thanks so all who encouraged me on this project...I'm ready for another!

Yes...it'll be my Sister!

Blessings from the Heart..
HOPE

Quilted Bed Runner...finished!

This is a Special gift for my mother.

A family tradition..is to embellish gift packaging. We not only enjoy receiving the lovelies..but do them up ourselves too. Inside is some other little wrappings for various gifts...I used pinked red check fabric for ties. I sent with the QUILT bed runner..a cookbook my church put together, a tea caddy from our ladies luncheon, a cute bunny tile coaster a friend made that my mother adored..and the little bear with the red sweater...about LOVE and friendship. I'm also known for my Gingerbread baking.

I am so anxious for her to get it!! I'll be mailing it tomorrow..PRIORITY Mail!!

The little dog button...looks like my Schnauzer!!

I had my husband hold the quilt for me...That's a Quilters Pal for ya!

I then rotated the photo to show it's proper layout.

same with the backing....

All went well..until...YES...instead of doing traditional hand sewing on the binding...I decided to go with a decorative stitch. A very nice stitch..but, my supposed..programed tension..wasn't so programed on the back..aaargh. But, it still worked and I was pleased that the front made the cute little flower design.

There are a FEW...."AMISH" mistakes. I read about their Quilts once and they ALWAYS leave mistakes...so not to take all the glory upon themselves..but to GOD who gave the talent to begin with. I AGREE!!

So...with a lot of LOVE and HEART and my CREATIVE (talent from the LORD) I finished my first bed runner. I love the FEEL of a quilt as it gets finished.

I'll post next week a little about some of the things Quilters LOVE about it!

Thanks for following along and the ENCOURAGING comments.

HOPE

Bed Runner Progress!!

This is another attempt at my own FREE MOTION quilting!! Humble.

I wish I had seen Pumpkin Patch Quilters feathers before I began...I was actually quite close to the design...SEE what I mean about no pattern and no one telling me how to do this or that!


I spaced my FREE MOTION 2 inches a part

I just finished cutting off the excess batting...and now onto the binding and special label and little touches.

ALWAYS a crafting adventure with me! But, I must say..I learn a lot this way and find my own CREATIVE HEART in the midst!

I've been looking over a kazillon free motion sites and now full of ideas for a fun practise session!

HAPPY QUILTING...HAPPY CREATIVE HEART

HOPE

Quilting Treasures

THIS is a Quilting Treasure. My mother recently sent this to me.

She made it years ago...just a FUN little project to pass the time of a day. But, the memories it holds are a treasure. My grandmother now passed on...HER NAME embroidered. FLOSSIE. You don't hear that nickname anymore..FLORENCE was her real name. But Flossie..was grandma.

( I suppose a Dental Hygienist...MIGHT be nicknamed FLOSSIE!!!...and it is noteworthy that my mother was a Dental Assistant for years!!)

Quilting isn't something that has been in my family heritage. So, I was quite surprised when my Mother showed me this on a visit once.

Such cute little touches of her own.

Then YEARS later...I venture myself into the world of QUILTING.

I'm in the midst of QUILTING the bed runner!!

(photo above is with the borders sewn)

It has taken me a while to come up with the Quilting design I wanted. As I said...this is all on my own and no help in someone telling me...DO THIS...and DO THAT! Makes for a bit more TIME in deciding on pattern style, color(s), design and then the overall "quilting". It can be done in one pattern design overall or different "quilting" in various parts of your project.

I have chosen to do one design down the center...and another for the border.

This is the SANDWICH before starting my "quilting".

I'm excited about the backing...a little "touch" of something that I know my Mother will like..it is just "her". This is the FUN of QUILTING...making something so very personal! They truly become TREASURES and more valuable as the years go by.

Like this one...

See you soon with my finished TREASURE.

HOPE

Coffe Cozy!!

In the mean time...while I'm working on my quilted bed runner. I thought you might like to see a FINISHED project I did a while back.
Great gifts for your Coffee Lovin friends and family!

My first attempt was using a famous drive in "M" Coffee cup! Matched the fabric color! I love their Mocha Frappe' with lots of whip cream!


For my Brother in law Dave...on his birthday.

I saw something similar to these on a blog an decided to try my own!! I saved a STARBUCKS cardboard coffee cozy for a pattern and began my "creative" journey!!

and these for my mom and sister...who meet often at the coffee shoppe. Now they can pull out their very own COFFEE COZY!!! oooh la la...


I traced a pattern onto colored card stock. Wrote "my" directions on the top. The LOOP you see, is for placement of....a STRETCH PONYTAIL holder!! Yep...frugal me! Buy them at the $ store and your all set. I recently bought a batch of various colors to go with the fabrics. Instead of just black.

I also purchased at the grocer...disposable coffee cups with lids for the gift presentation. The cozies actually go on "upside down"...so you need this to show how they actually fit on the cup. They do not slide either!!!
My cardboard cozy from the coffee shoppe would always slip.


I sandwiched the top piece with batting. On this cozy, I did a row of two quilted lines on (front) each side. You can use an overall quilting pattern as well..whatever YOU like! Nice option!!

I then placed the stretchy pony tail holder facing INSIDE as a loop (cut the size you want) for stretch over a button. The stretch can be long as I found it then fits various size cups. USE ONE LOOP. The other side will have a button on the front. As seem above in the "gift" photo.

Sew the back and front (right sides together) and leave an opening (one the side)..NOT near the edge)..for turning. When you turn...the loop should be on one side.

SUPPLIES..a Fat Quarter of fabric will make several...or scraps that fit the pattern piece. Cotton batting, pony tail holder...thread...and disposable coffee cup w/lid and your all set to begin your own COFFEE COZY JOURNEY!!


This is actually my practise cozy...love the leather button on this one!

They are also great for those very COLD slushes and stainless coffee holders that can be too hot or cold to handle.

Then stitch opening...and add your choice of button with shank...so loop can go over button.

VOILA... c'est fini!!

HOPE

Work in Progress...Quilt bedrunner

Instead of a table runner....A BED RUNNER!

A Bed Runner goes at the end of the bed and gives the appearance of a full folded Quilt! A great idea! It can still be folded nicely to lay on a chair or shelf. They are easy to interchange with your decor and seasonal changes!!

I recall a Hotel we stayed in last year had a bedrunner, though not quilted. The nice "touch" of color (Sage Green) complimented the white bedding and colorful paintings.

This is a take on the Chinese Coins pattern.

I decided to space the scrappy strip groupings. Usually, a Chinese Coin is in columns of strips. This is for my Mother; she wanted a simple red checked bed runner for her "red and white" room. I had to explain that a Quilter cannot possibly just Quilt a piece of red checked fabric!!! ...well for practise maybe!!


The backing and binding is Red Check.... I have a surprise I'm doing with buttons as well. Buttons are so much fun...with any craft!

I convinced her, I would make it simple in presentation...but it would be creative!! and from my HEART!!

My biggest problem..is making QUILTS without patterns!! aaargh..WHY? Oh WHY? do I do this????? Patterns are PLANNED and have the measurements all figured out for you!!! and How many of EACH piece!!!

NOT ME...nooo. I have to decide as I go...then remeasure... cut and square up..

Measure twice ...CUT ONCE!!! A Quilt motto!!

I have to lay out my tools. A friend made me the beautiful..rotary cutter holder! Could also be used for eye glasses...she being a QUILTER...

it's for ROTARY CUTTERS!!

I LOVE my rulers!! The long one has a lip that fits over my cutting mat and keeps it from sliding as I cut and keeps it straight. Sooo important in Quilting.

I'm in the midst of this project as I write. I am hoping to finish this weekend and get it in the mail. I'll post the finished BED RUNNER on my next post.

Thank you for stopping by....

and remember... A FAT QUARTER IS NOT A BODY PART!!!

answer:(a 22 X 18 inch piece of fabric!!)

Have A Creative Heart kind of day!!!
HOPE

Work in Progress

I ADORE this Quilt pattern and fabric!!!

It is what is known in Quilting lingo...as a QUILT TOP...and a WIP (work in progress) or UFO (unfinished object---don't like this phrase!!)

I'm in the process of "Quilting" ...I would have liked to have done this one by HAND, but my health issues at the moment don't allow me. Thus...OUTLINE stitching. I haven't decided on the border "Quilting" ..so if anyone has suggestions...say on!!!

In my admiration of this lovely top...my SWEET friend..making this for herself..decided to send it to ME! What a treasure! The friendship and the Quilt top.





I had even sent her some of the fabrics in the top!! Amazed at how she put them ALL in this...Says a lot for her EYE for COLOR! A MUST in Quilting..you have to have that one or two fabric "POP" to catch your eyes..and give them also a rest in the overall viewing of a Quilt.

(hey I really do know SOMETHING about the art of Quilting!!!)

I have other projects in the making as I am able...always a SOCK MONKEY!

(You can read of my health updates and prayer needs at my other blogs)

THANK YOU FRIENDS for following my blog and the encouragement it gives to keep CREATING FROM THE HEART!!

Blessings to you..
HOPE

My First Amish Quilt Block

It's been a while since I've been able to do my Block Swap with my online Quilting group. The block for this month was chosen by last months winner..and this block is a WINNER itself!! I would love to have a quilt made up of the various blocks that have been made, they are so pretty.

We use to swap with a partner each month, but decided it would be more fun to make the blocks then put names in and draw a winner from all the participate.

I'm participating this month!!! so I'm in the hat too!!! How exciting!

The gal who chooses the block pattern also picks the colors. She chose black with a yellow star and another bright tone on tone. Some already done are pink, purple, green and blues. It will make a beautiful quilt!

This one was a challenge with so many pieces...my first time making Flying Geese..not hard at all. This was the good one!


I do have to practise more on my points not getting sewn over...but Practise makes perfect and perfect practise makes perfect!!!

I hope you enjoy the photo and inspired to do some quilting!! I have several WIPs..Works in Progress...that need some attention!!

Sock Monkey's took over!!! and HOPE totes....so soon I'll be back to my Quilting routine!

My Creative Heart...is busy planning the Spring Ladies Luncheon again...I can't wait to share how Cheerful it is!!! Can't show you til after April so stay tuned!!

Blessings..
HOPE

Tulip Quilt Block

This is a tulip block...first time doing this one. A challenge, but glad I'm doing these. It helps with bravery!!

It looks a little "wonky" on a couple corners..but once sewn these will straighten out. This is for my Quilting groups block swap...one person will get all the blocks made..a variety of colors and prints but same block. This Quilt is going to be very pretty!!



This block ruler...really helps. Line up your block to make sure it is Square and then as you can see..IF the smaller blocks fit in the proper place...you did it RIGHT!

which spells...R..E..L..I..E..F



Now...to go work on my other quilting projects that are yelling at me...

Don't forget us!!

I have a couple of throws to get done..my cottage quilt...finish a lovely quilt top given to me as a gift...a table runner...Quilts for ALL my family members...

Yep..I think I'll be busy for quite some time...all wrapped up in doing things with A CREATIVE HEART...and soon to give away with LOVE. All but the lovely Quilt top gift!...that's mine to keep...and I love it!! I'll post that one later when finished.

Hoping you have a Happy Creative Heart Day!

HOPE~

A Soldier Returns HOME!!

This is the label I penned and another Quilter made for my son's Patriotic Quilt my group made for him while he served in Iraq.

He arrived HOME safely TODAY....a HAPPY 4th Of JULY!!!

Thank you to all my readers who have prayed for him this past 15 months.

God bless you all..
HOPE~

Quilt Blocks

The CHURN DASH QUILT BLOCK



This has been my latest project for a Quilt Block Swap I belong to. It's good for me, because it makes me challenge myself and I find each time satisfaction in knowing I could actually do the block!! This churn dash is suppose to be for a MAY Picnic Quilt top.

There have been several that I would NOT have chosen for myself to make...but glad I did in the long run. One...I will probably never make again!!! The card trick block...of course I chose several colors versus some ladies chose only two.

I thought..."Why not challenge myself..one more time!"

Boy did I!

Here it is... in the makings..



Lots of NICE triangles!


A neat trick for triangles ... draw a line down the center of one square with the other square (right sides together) and then sew a 1/4 inch seam on each side of the line...then CUT down the drawn line...and VOILA...you have to half squares!



slowly coming together...


This is what I love about QUILTING... it is like putting a puzzle together!

I have always enjoyed doing puzzles...and this is even better! A QUILT IS BORN!



The Finished Block... Card Tricks


The ladies that I swap with are wonderful friends who encourage all stages of Quilting. There are NO QUILT POLICE! WHEW~~~ If it's a little off...we do what is called...FROGGY sewing...no problem...we'll MAKE IT FIT! Somehow it works every time and no one knows the dif! (oh..have to confess) ..I made this TWO TIMES! now you know why I don't plan on again...my fault. I had a pattern printed out to follow...the squares were to be 5.5 inches. I then followed the calendar pattern picture because it had the 4 colors...however!!! the calendar pattern called for a 5 inch square. (OPPS)

Now I have several triangles...left over. That's what "PIECING" is all about! Save those extras...or "boo-boos". They can make a QUILT!!

I started Quilting...wow...nearly 5 years ago! I guess I better get busy...I am behind by about 2 years in projects!! Stay tuned...if you can wait that long..

My UFO's... *unfinished objects*...uh...um.. I mean...WIP's *Works In Progress* are set aside and ready and willing to be finished...

....any day...any day...

Try it...you'll like it!!

HOPE~

Faded Memories Cottage Quilt

This a peek at the beginnings of my Cottage Quilt using the disappearing nine patch. The fabric collection is from Faded Memories by MODA. It is a lovely array of soft colors. I am normally not a pastel person...but for my sewing room it is perfect. The blues match my beloved hutch perfectly!



When using this pattern...you first cut the desired size square. I chose 6 inch. Then sew them in rows of three and stitch together creating a NINE PATCH block.

Then taking your rotary cutter...cut right down the center squares both horizontally and vertically...and VOILA... you have now FOUR very nice patterned blocks to arrange to your liking.

I will add wide white rick rack when I start sewing the blocks together. I think it gives it the cottage touch! and perhaps a little nostalgia, since rick rack seems to be popular now...as it was...waay back when? 60's-70's perhaps, when I was doing my first sewing class in junior high!

This is what I am hoping it will look like when I finish!


Maybe this summer some time! I have had wonderful interruptions with family visiting and at this present time working on our ladies luncheon set for this Saturday. I will be posting photos next week. Sooo...as I progress on my quilt, I'll post photos and hope you enjoy it as much as I am making it.

The fabrics are so peaceful and sweet that it makes each step a pleasure!

Now, I know why I LOVE to QUILT!

Happy Quilting!
HOPE

The Cottage Quilt

In the midst of having the flu bug....I managed to help my daughter make a quick quilt throw. The pattern is called The Disappearing Nine Patch. It makes the cutest quilts! I too am currently working on the same quilt(twin) in a pastel collection called "Faded Memories". She liked mine so much, we decided it was perfect for her also.

I searched for over a year for the perfect "Cottage" pattern to no avail...and then...I happened upon this one by a blogger! Thanks to Sarah at Anyone Can Quilt. Her blog is one of my favorites to visit. She is a fantastic Quilter and writer. And so...there was my pattern. PERFECT.

I love the blue with red roses fabric my daughter chose. It also went well with my blue hutch!! No chance of talking her into giving it to me...Oh well...the memory of us making it together will stay with me forever.

Choosing fabrics for a quilt is like going to the candy shoppe! The colors and prints almost jump out at you and say

"TAKE ME"

and me! and me!

The blue and rose and cute red print was the perfect touch for that "Cottage" look. My daughter is going to hand quilt. Normally you wouldn't attach the binding, but since she is in the middle of moving, she can quilt as she travels.



I'll give you a hint. I did give her some of my fabrics as well...(see the plaid, and the green stripe and some of the light blues)... and so really...I do have some of her quilt in mine and mine in hers! Each time we cuddle our quilts..we'll have each other to hug! That is what I admire about Quilting! So much LOVE goes into each creation.



I'll post again ...soon.

My other daughter is on her way to visit. No, we won't have time for another quilt. I so wish we did. But, we will have time for plenty of hugs!!

God bless you with a creative heart that gives!

HOPE