Sad News

Sorry I have been away so long, I have lost my beloved pup Humphrey Bogart. He was older and there was nothing anyone could have done. He is now in heaven chasing bunnies, chipmunks and squirrels. My mom and dad will have to watch over him now. Goodbye sweet prince, I will love you forever!

WIP Wednesday

I did it. I finished joining (QAYG) my guild's benefit quilt on Saturday. That was a big job, but rewarding. I'm quite pleased how it turned out.

 I think this quilt turned out amazing, especially with no planning other that the emotions surrounding cancer. The Ithaca Modern Quilt Guild has some seriously talented members. I love them all!

I think I like the back almost as much as the front, just different.

QAYG - Quilt As You Go!

 On Sunday I did a little demonstration for my quilt guild (IMQG) on QAYG. I made up some samples to use to show three slightly different versions of the technique; narrow strips, wide sashing and adding borders. I didn't want to just throw the demo pieces in the scrap pile, so I'm making them into a new (and colorful) bed for my Humphrey (my corgi). Here's what the top of his bed looks like.

The orange strips are all joining strips, both the narrow and wide.

The back. The green strips are the joining strips.

I also created a PDF on each of the techniques. You can see and print a copy for yourself - click here.

I'm linking up with Stitch by Stitch for Anything Goes Monday (a day late),  and Free-Motion by the River for Linky Tuesday 

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

FMQ Samples

I'm putting together a little QAYG (quilt-as-you-go) demonstration for my quilt guild (IMQG) today and it required some FMQ samples to join. I had a lot of fun with these.

After the demonstration, I plan to use these to make a new bed for my dog, Humphrey.

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Quick and Easy Table Runner

Flip and sew table runner

 I had about an hour to sew last night and I needed to prepare a project for my Leah Day homework for this week. And you know, it's getting close to Christmas, every project (and homework) has to count! So, I whipped up this cute little table runner all ready for some FMQ  "Paisley Snakes".

I cut backing 23" x width of the fabric (WOF) and a piece of batting approx. the same size

Then I cut a center strip about 11" x WOF and two side border pieces 4.5" x WOF. Centered (by eye) on the backing and batting.

Flipped the borders, pinned and stitched through all of the layers.

You will see the seam stitches on the back. Instant stitch in the ditch!

Pressed both side down. Ready for some FMQ!

In less than an hour, I picked fabric, cut, switched my machine from FMQ to regular sewing, wound a bobbin, stitched up this table runner!

You could put borders on the ends in the same manner, but I plan on cutting mine to a point after I FMQ it.

Now Humphrey is feeling a little left out lately, so here is a little gratuitous picture of Mr. Humphrey Bogart! I love my little Corgi!

Humphrey Bogart!

I'm linking up with A Quilt Story for Fabric Tuesday, Plum and June for Let's Get Acquainted and Free Motion by the River for Linky Tuesday!

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Home Alone!

Mama say it ain't SEW!

My mama is off with her best friend Kate - FABRIC SHOPPING! Oh the horror! She left me home alone! (Okay, dad is here, but really does she NEED any more fabric??)

Cool Adjustable Sewing Table

Acrylic adjustable sewing machine extension table by Sewing Mates - Molalla, Oregon

I've had this acrylic extension table for a while now and have been meaning to share it with you all, it is a VERY cool - it adjusts to fit almost any machine!

The legs easily adjust to multiple heights

When I inherited two Babylocks, I knew I wanted an acrylic extension table. But I was concerned at how expensive they are, especially if I bought two separate tables - one to fit each machine. Then I stumbled upon Sewing Mates Adjustable tables. This was the ticket, a table that could be adjusted to fit both machines.

The table adjusts from underneath, leaving the top smooth.

I always get questions and admiring comments when I take it to a sewing day or retreat. I got the biggest one, 24"x 24", but they come in several sizes. Communicating with the company was absolutely painless, Barbara Geer was delightful!

I'm still waiting to get Miss Ellie (my machine) back from the hospital...soon I hope! I guess I'm going to have to use Miss E (my Esante).

Here's a little peek at my husband's birthday picnic!

Humphrey loves the water!

Family fun on the boat.

Color Me Quilty!

Pat

Sunday in the Garden

I know that this is a quilt blog, but I also know that some of you, like me, are avid gardeners too. I live in upstate/central New York state, zone 5b/6a. Some of the biggest blizzards we have ever had have been in March. Not this year. Look at the difference one week makes.

My Garden March 11, 2012

My Garden March 18, 2012

Lilies

This magnolia tree normally blooms around mother's day!

Humphrey is loving it!

After all, it is his Corgi garden

Snow shovel along side the garden rake and shovel!

This is a really early spring, maybe I had a premonition with my green March mosaic!

Color Me Quilty!


Pat

Honest, The Dog Ate My Homework!

Oh No, mom's coming!

Caught red handed (or pawed as the case may be)!

Okay, I will be honest, Humphrey didn't do anything wrong! These pictures are staged. I just thought these were cuter than showing you 6.5"x 6.5" squares for Quokka Quilts QAYGFMQQAL! The good news is that this is a three day weekend for me. Sew I can get all caught up!

Color Me (and Humphrey) Quilty!

Pat

It Is SO NICE To Receive Handmade!

I have been stitching like a mad woman, making gifts for Christmas, hoping the recipients like their gift . But yesterday I received some pretty wonderful gifts too. Handmade ROCKS!

Peach jam, pickles, salsa and strawberry jam from Melissa! YUMMY!

A FABULOUS reversible hand knit baby alpaca wool scarf from Carol!

These pictures don't do this scarf justice. It is beautiful!

Humphrey still wants to know when Santa is going to bring him a gift!

Color Me Quilty!

Pat