Wow It’s the Middle of May!!

May is flying past without hardly a pause to say hello. I cannot believe it is already the middle of the month. While I have been busy trying to adjust to my new job my projects have been piling up. I’m glad it’s Friday!!

I do have some pictures to post…I remembered to take a few.

First, some Chimney Sweep blocks in Civil War fabrics for a swap:

Next a second Quilt for Kids quilt:

Oh and some Silly Cars for swap with Sindy of FatCats. I plan to make “City Street” quilts for my grandsons when I get my new cars:

And last, some fabrics I’ve pulled for Cath’s Raggedy BOM:

Now I’m actually hoping to get to do some more quilting. We will see if I can manage my time well enough to do that!! LOL

Be blessed!!

I haven’t forgotten…

I know it has been several days since I posted last. I have a good excuse…really!! I just started a new job and between working longer hours and battling the exhaustion that comes with learning a new thing, I am trying to reorganize my life and figure out where things fit.

One of those things I am trying to fit in is that trip to the post office!! I have 3 little packages all ready to be sent to their new owners, they just need postage. I have not forgotten! But they may not get into the mail until Saturday.

I hope everyone is having a truly blessed week so far!

Trying to Contact...

Tracy of Fiber Babble, I hope you're out there!! I've been trying to reach you. Please send me an email.

Have a great day!!

A Little Surprise!!

The other day in this post, I wrote some instructions for my 4-to-9 block. I had one name picked out but wasn’t sure which layout I preferred for that name. Gene left a comment saying that he really liked the first layout best because of its symmetry. Tracy said the second block was her favorite and that it looked like little people hugging each other. So true, I had not even noticed it!!

So here they are -

Sliding Number Puzzle

AND

Quilt Fulla Hugs!

Now that these two patterns are OFFICIALLY named I want to thank both Gene and Tracy for helping with the process. But I cannot leave out Pat! Thank you Pat for being the first to comment on the original post and for sending Gene over to have a look.

Now if the three of you would please, please, please send me your snail-mail addies, I would like to send a little gift out to each of you!!

Be blessed!!

Project Progress…

My April UFO may remain a UFO for a bit longer. But I can say that it has officially become a flimsy and is no longer a pile of cut pieces waiting to be sewn together. This is an older Joann’s BOM that was sold in pre-cut monthly kits. I forgot to buy binding and backing at the time, so had to go and pick that up today. Here is a picture:

Earlier I mentioned that I had finally started cutting out hexies and here they are:

Aren’t they cute?! I am using the hexagon ruler from Fons & Porter. My strips are 2-1/2 inches wide and I have quite a bit of 30’s fabric left over to use for this project. This post has the link to the tutorial I plan to follow for sewing my hexies together.

FQ’s from the Sew Mama Sew FQ swap are starting to come in. I will share a picture once they’ve all arrived. There are definitely some beautiful fabrics showing up here!!

I’ve also made some progress on the Chimney Sweep swap being hosted by Nancy at Patchwork Penguin. Here is view of the piles by my sewing machine:

But all of this progress has come at a price…my controller pedal has decided to develop a short. I’ve ordered a replacement. But since I don’t know how long it will take to arrive I have pulled out “old antique”. After a bit of crud removal, oiling, adjusting, and replacing of the needle, I fired her up. SHE RUNS!! No fancy stitches and everything is manual…but SHE RUNS!!

If anyone knows anything about this machine would you drop me a line? I cannot find a date on her, she’s a Belvedere Adler, De Lux Family Sewing Machine, made in Japan. She has her own little sewing cabinet/table and only knows how to sew a straight stitch. Her colors are green and cream. Later I will post a picture of my other old antique…she’s a Singer.

So with “old antique” put back into service, progress will continue…

Be blessed!!

p.s. later I will reveal the results of the quest for pattern choices and names for the 4-to-9 block.

Sliding Number Puzzle

The 4-to-9 block reminds me of the sliding number puzzle. Do you remember those? They were just a little plastic tray with number tiles that you would slide back and forth until you managed to get the numbers in order.

Start with four 4-3/4 inch squares of fabric. I chose four bright pieces. Charm packs work very well for this. Just trim the blocks to the right size before sewing them together.

Sew these into a simple 4-patch block. Your 4-patch block should be exactly nine inches square. Next cut your 4-patch block into 9 three inch squares. This can be done very simply by making two vertical cuts, one at the 3 inch mark and one at the 6 inch mark. Now make two horizontal cuts, one at the 3 inch mark and one at the 6 inch mark.

Let the fun begin…start rearranging your blocks until you find a pattern you like. There are lots of possibilities so play with it a bit. After you have arranged your blocks, simply sew them as you would any 9-patch block. It is so easy!!

Here are several combinations I found:

I’m not sure which I like best!!

Which ones do you like?

I’m Soooo Confused

Winter…spring…winter…spring…winter again – WITH SNOW! Wow what a wild season this has been so far. The weather man says to blame it on “El Nino”…he may just be right. Whatever the cause, choosing what to wear to work each day is a challenge. Thank you God for whoever invented layers. Today it is wet…really wet and it is my last full day at my old job. I start a new job on Monday, a half hour drive from home. It is EXCITING, it IS SCARY, but it IS the work of the Lord and an answer to prayer!!!

I have been working on several different projects: a few swaps and a few quilts. My April UFO has gone from being a pile of pieces to a flimsy and is now at a stand still again…I need to get backing and binding…so it may remain a UFO…at least for a little while. My second QFK quilt kit arrived the day before yesterday. The fabric is soooo cute! And yes I have started cutting out hexies. I found a ruler that helps you cut several different sizes depending on the width of your strip. I found a method for piecing hexies by machine that it oh-so-easy. AND I have the best assortment of 30’s reproduction fabrics. PERFECT!!

I’ll post more details and pictures later. Oh I just remembered that I promised instructions on making the 4-to-9 patch block…I better get that written!!

Have a great day!!

Something Nice

Bonnie over at Quiltville’s Quips & Snips is a recent benefactor of someone “Just being nice”. If you go read her post you’ll get a glimpse of the magic that can happen!!

Enjoy!

I’ve Done it…Just Because

Doing something nice just because you want to will give you a wonderful feeling inside. Now I don’t mean the kind of wonderful feeling that comes from hearing thank you from the receiver of the gift. And I don’t mean the kind of nice that gets other people saying “Wow, she’s so nice”. That kind of nice can easily turn into being nice for the sake of what you get back from others in return for your niceness.

The kind of nice I’m talking about is when you do something for someone who can or will never say thank you. There is a certain sense of well-being and of doing the right thing that comes with it.

There are so many opportunities to just be nice.

So here is my thought: Do something nice…just because…not because you have to…not because it is expected…not to get anything in return…JUST BECAUSE!

But here is the trick: NO ONE can find out it was you!! You must remain anonymous. You must not be seen. You must bless another without any possibility of return.

Go on…I challenge you!! And when you’ve done it will you come back and tell me? Not the details…just tell me you did it! You cannot imagine how good it feels!!

I’ve done it.

I Goofed!

I thought I posted this but now I can’t find it…so here it is, my finished QFK quilt. It has already been sent back and I’ve ordered another kit. These make up so quickly and they’re fun!! If you’re interested in helping out with the project to provide Quilts for Kids, go to the Quilts for Kids website. You can learn all about it and under the How to Help link you can request your own kit!!

Have a great weekend!!

Do You Know What’s Special About Grandbabies?

This is…

Misty Fuse Giveaway

Bradie over at A Quilty Kind of Girl Designs is giving away 5 Yards of Misty Fuse. She’s has also provided a wonderful tutorial showing how she uses it to baste her quilts…read “no more pins”. This sounds positively wonderful. I use safety pins to baste my quilts and while the actual pinning isn’t too horrible, they become a nuisance while machine quilting…you know, stitch, stitch, stitch, and right while your motion is going great you have to stop and remove a pin…ugh!! I would love a chance to win some of this miracle baster and give it a try in one of my projects. If you would like a chance go on over to Bradie’s blog and join in on the fun!!

Blessings!!

A Sweet Giveaway

Over at The Noble Wife, Jacquelynne is having a sweet giveaway to celebrate her new pattern Love Me, Love Me Not. Visit her blog to get in on the fun.

A Swap or two…

Nancy over at the Patchwork Penguin in hosting a swap. You can choose between using Civil War or 30’s reproduction fabrics. It’s going to be great fun. To sign up you’ll need to leave a message on her blog or email her directly. Hope you join us!!

I’ve been participating in another swap with Cecelia over at Sew Quilty. While the swap is closed to new entries, I wanted to share the blocks that I am swapping. It is a no-sew Red-White-Blue swap, therefore it was only necessary to cut the fabrics and package them to ship.

Here is the block I swapped with all participants:

And the block for those who wanted to do a second one:

I’ll share more when I start receiving my blocks.

Have a blessed day!!

A Hexagon Tutorial…worked like a charm….

I found this video tutorial from Kaye Wood for making hexagons…I am fascinated by them but haven’t been brave enough to give them a try. Yesterday I was working on a block from an old UFO…number #10 on my list and I thought to myself… “hey, I bet that technique will work for this block!”

Here’s the block, and yes it worked like a charm…

See those corners on the green block…they’re beautiful…and I didn’t have to work hard at them at all!!

Here’s the back of the block. If you look very closely you can see the two seams that are sewn all the way across and the two that “don’t cross”.

Thanks Kaye for the great tutorial!!

I will try a hexagon soon!!! I will!!

Happy Easter!

I want to take a moment to wish you all a Happy Easter!

This is such a wonderful time to reflect upon the true meaning of Easter, without which we would all perish. Christ came to this earth, born a man, He lived and breathed and ate among us, He taught us amazing things, He loved us deeply.

He was loved by many and hated by many…in the end He was crucified, His body poured out for us, but His love never died. As promised He rose on the third day. As promised He has given us eternal life.

As cruel as His death was, as miraculous as His resurrection is, even more amazing is His gift to us…that if we believe in Him and invite Him into our lives, confess our sins, confess Him as Lord…He gives us the right to be children of God and eternal life to live forever with Him!

He is Risen…He is Risen Indeed!!!

Blessings to you all!!

Just Have to Share This

She’s done it again…over at One Piece At A Time. You’ve got to go visit and read the list. I think my favorite, the one that probably most closely resembles me as a mom (sorry kids) is #16. ‘There are consequences and they are often better teachers than my endless nagging …’ But really, honestly, it IS because I love you!!!

Kelly's (hey that's my name) giveaway!

But not my blog...tee-hee. Seems as I was growing up I was the only Kelly around, not so anymore!!

Go and visit Kelly's blog, she's having a great series of giveaways to celebrate her anniversary.

The Bunny Trail

Sandi is hosting an absolutely 'Springy' giveaway!! Visit her blog here to find out more and begin your hop down the bunny trail.

Monday

It’s hard to believe that March is so close to being over…didn’t it just begin? Or is it just because I was sick last week and sort of lost track of time? It sure is good to feel better!!

For Today, March 22, 2010...

Outside my window...the night is cool and still.

I am thinking...of all the things I need to get done before Easter.

I am thankful for...my health.

From the kitchen...a small sink of dishes is calling to be washed…I think I’ll let them wait.

I am wearing...jeans and a polo shirt, which should have been warm enough but the weather played a trick on me and I spent the day too cool.

I am creating...’no sew’ blocks for a Red, White, and Blue swap!

I am hoping...the weather warms back up…oh Spring, such a fickle thing you are.

One of my favorite things...Hot cocoa stirred with a peppermint stick!!

A picture I’m sharing…My version of Cath’s Gracie doll…

Oh, my QFK quilt is almost done. Just have to finish quilting the outside border and then roll the binding. I’ll post pictures soon.

God Bless!!

Has Spring Sprung?

It sure feels like it!! Blue sunny skies, temperatures in the high 70’s. Yummmm…just wish I was feeling a bit better!

So, for Today, March 16, 2010...

Outside my window...the skies are a clear blue. And I can hear the birds singing their mornings songs while the traffic hums along.

I am thinking...I should take something to ease my discomfort.

I am thankful for...soft tissues, cuddly blankets and hot tea.

From the kitchen...is evidence of playing doctor during the night.

I am wearing...jammies, I haven’t been up very long.

I am creating...quite a pile of tissues!

I am hoping...this cold will run its course quickly, I don’t like being sick.

One of my favorite things...FEELING BETTER!!

Must Read…Must View

While catching up on my blog reading this morning I came across this post on “One Piece at a Time”…it literally brought me to tears!! It is a MUST SEE. After watching the video travel over to the Bride and Groom’s website to see what inspired them. It’s really worth the visit, it is so relevant, and my heart just swells with gratitude for this couple’s un-selfish love!

Hope you’re having a great day!!

QFK Quilt Progress

Well the top is finished for my QFK quilt. I’ll need to go by some batting before I can finish this one. Here’s a peek:

Now back to work…it’s Friday Night “Quilt-In” tonight!!

Look What Arrived in the Mail Yesterday...

About a week ago I sent away for a kit from the Quilts for Kids program. Yesterday the package arrived full of the cutest fabrics all ready to sew together...today I finished the 4-patch blocks and now I am ready to piece together the top for this quilt. What a great way to help make the lives of these little ones just a little easier!!

Things I love about March

...It's the month that my first child was born...
...It's oh so close to Spring...
...The days are noticebly longer...
...It's the season of celebrating Jesus's resurrection!!
...Dress weather is becoming more of a reality (did I say I love to wear dresses?)
...It's the time for dreaming of wonderful out-doorsy things to do, like walking, and gardening, and playing, and going to the zoo!

March UFO Finished!!

Well it is done...the cutting, the piecing, the blocking, the quilting, the binding...the whole kit and caboodle...even the washing, and ready to find its new home with one very special little girl, my granddaughter!

Here it is being inspected by the quilt police *grin*:

Squishy Package Has Arrived!!

Gail over at the Cozy Quilter held a giveaway for reaching her 20,000 visits landmark. And guess what!? I won!! My beautiful candle mat arrived yesterday!!

Here's a peek (or two)...Thank you Gail!!

March - Patchwork Penguin's 2010 UFO Challenge

Over on the Patchwork Penguin Nancy is challenging us to finish our UFO's. March's UFO is #2, which just happens to be my granddaughter's quilt...and guess what!!...It is almost finished!! The machine quilting has been completed and now it's on to the binding.

Here is a picture:

A Blog Birthday

I cannot imagine my blog having a birthday, it is not even two months old yet! But over at Tozz's Corner, she is celebrating her blog's 2 year old birthday...how exciting is that??!!

Happy Birthday to Tozz's Corner!!

Monday - Amazing!

God is so amazing. I love the things He does to show me how much He loves me...like all of the wonderfully encouraging, talented, and compassionate women He has put in my life. I don't know what I would do without your support!! Thank you!!!

Another amazing thing is how the UFO pick for March just happens to be the UFO I need to finish ASAP. Number two on my list, my 4 to 9 baby quilt is on the machine being quilted right now. After that just the binding and a plane ride across the continent to reach its destination...or maybe a trip in the mail....hmmmmmm.

So, for Today...

Outside my window...the skies are clear and cold.

I am thinking...of the amazing things I know God has in store for me!

I am thankful for...the women in my life.

From the kitchen...are remnants of grandbabies visiting.

I am wearing...out this line...so it's time to think of something new!!

I am creating...a mini quilt for March...come on Spring!!

I am hoping...for open doors and miracles.

One of my favorite things...is a really good old (or new) movie.

Be blessed!!

Another UFO Finish

Originally this was intended to be a rag rug, but I underestimated the amount of scraps I had left after trimming the towels and making the shower curtain. Not a problem!!...It makes a great mat as well...and now that is off my list :-D

Baby Quilt Progress

4-patch blocks...Cut in ninths and re-assembled...

Words to Ponder

This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.

I John 1:5-10

Oh Lord please keep me ever mindful of the things that cause me to walk without you...Keep me in the light...thank You that your mercies are new every day, that you are not caught unaware, and that yes Your grace is sufficient for me!!

Monday!

For Today...

Outside my window...herds of giant grey clouds float through the sky.

I am thinking...of how much I love the drama created by the sun, the blue sky, and those giant grey clouds!

I am thankful for...God's grace in my life.

From the kitchen...all is silent.

I am wearing...back into sweats...it is now too cool for dresses!!

I am creating...blocks to swap with friends.

I am hoping...we have more rain...I really like it when it rains.

One of my favorite things...is when God surprises me!!!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...the "Opportunistic Optimist". This little flower has enjoyed and taken advantage of all the rain!!

Tuesday - Simple

Outside my window...it feels like spring. I know it's too early, but I can dream.

I am thinking...of all the amazing things that God shows me when I least expect it.

I am thankful for...the innocent and generous way that small children show you their love. Warm hugs while they pat your back, gentle kisses, a little snuggle with soft breath. I am so grateful for the little ones in my life.

From the kitchen...the dishwasher is churning away.

I am wearing...okay I think it is time for this line to be replaced. But I will say that it was warm enough to wear a dress today. I love wearing dresses, they make me feel beautiful!!

I am creating...many little piles of finished quilt blocks.

I am going...to need a bigger workspace if I keep starting more projects.

I am reading...Woman of the Bible.

I am hoping...to finish two quilts for my grandbabies before the end of March.

I am hearing...the purring and meows of a happy cat.

Around the house...there is still evidence of little ones having been to visit.

One of my favorite things...is the frankness and honesty of a 5-year old.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...Raindrops on Flowers

How I Made the Eucalyptus Scarf

This scarf was very easy to make so I thought I'd share how it was done. If you use my pattern to make a scarf will you please leave me a comment. Thanks!!

Materials:
Size 8 (US) knitting needles
1 skein Stitch Nation's bamboo ewe yarn in Eucalyptus (use two for a longer scarf)

My finished scarf is 37” long by 7” wide. I really like them a bit longer than this, but this length works just fine.

Cast on 30 stitches (actually any multiple of 10 will work, so cast on more if you want a wider scarf, but remember you’ll need more yarn if you make it wider).

*Work in the garter stitch (knit every row) for 2 inches…I hate keeping track of rows unless I absolutely have to, so I didn’t. Instead I used my 6” clear acrylic ruler and measured from the start of the pattern to right below the knitting needle.

**Work the Basket Weave stitch for 1 ½ repeats
R1: knit
R2, 4, 6: K6, P4
R3, 5: K4, P6
R7: knit
R8, 10, 12: P4, K6
R9, 11: P6, K4
(Repeat rows 1-6 for the half repeat)

Continue alternating between the Garter Stitch and the Basket Weave patterns until the scarf has reached the desired length. Make sure to end with the Garter stitch pattern.

IMPORTANT – because the Basket Weave pattern starts with knit row you need to make sure that you start the second row of the pattern on the correct side…you should start R2 from the same side every time. If you don’t, you’ll have some of your patterns showing their right side and some showing their wrong side.

It’s that easy!!

Monday - and more rain on the way!

It is supposed to be the most dramatic storm we have had to date. The storm itself is predicted to be much colder and the snow levels much lower in elevation. Only tomorrow will tell for sure!

After a busy weekend I have some finished projects -

The first:

What is Love Stitchery from Val Laird. The stitching is done. The blocks will be incorporated into a quilt of disappearing 9-patch blocks.



















The second:

My February mini-quilt for the challenge Sandi is holding for her SeasonsBOM Yahoo! group. It also counts as a finish for Nancy's Patchwork Penguin: 2010 UFO Challenge, number seven on my list.



















The third:

A Valentine pincushion. The tutorial for this very cute "Simply Geometric" pincushion can be found on the Polka Dot Pineapple.



















for Today, February 8, 2010

Outside my window...all is peaceful and calm. There is no evidence yet of the predicted winter storm.

I am thinking...of all the lovely friends who take the time to share of themselves.

I am thankful for...my health today.

I am creating...so grateful that I can create. Thank you Lord!!

I am going...to visit my grandbabies soon. How very exciting.

I am hoping...that you all are truly blessed!!

Thank You for Visiting!!

Jenny, Sandi, and Ruth,

Thank you so much for visiting my blog and taking the time to leave comments! It is very encouraging to hear from you. I am still not quite sure just how this blog will shape up...my plan is to share my projects while they are in progress and when completed...so you are here at the beginning with me and we will discover this blog's identity together. :-)

- Kelly

A Finished Scarf

The bamboo/wool scarf is finished. I think it will look lovely with a black sweater! or navy blue...or?...