Cottages done and on to something else...

I finished the cottages yesterday and got them in the mail. I decided since Betsy was the swap hostess, I should include her picture on her cottage too! Looking good, Betsy! Have you been working out?

I did get almost 2 sides of the binding sewn down on the memory quilt last night while watching tv.

Not sure what today will bring...I might start something new. Or quilt something of mine.

Another quilt quilted and on to the cottages!

I got my sister's quilt finished this morning. It's a biggie at 95" x 112". I like this pattern too, even though I just realized the quilt is upside down in the pix. I had it draped over the quilt frame. Well, you get the idea.


It's a very pretty quilt, I will have to take a pic of her and the quilt when I give it back to her. I didn't have anyone to hold it up so I could take a picture of the whole thing.

Tuesday I got the new Beginning Quilting quilt tied and the binding sewn on the front. So now I just need to hand sew it down to the back. Sometimes I sew both sides by machine, but I teach them the traditional way, so have to finish the way I teach it. (heavy sighing....)

I also got the binding sewn to the front of the memory quilt so it needs the same thing...(more heavy sighing....lol). I need to take a couple of good pix of it too, as I haven't yet. Glad I don't have to bind my sister's quilt!

Now to get those cottages finished. I am behind on reading blogs too, so might have to find some time to do that also! I forgot to put that on the list the other day!

Sneak Peek at cottages....

I worked on the cottages for Betsy's swap last night...I think they will be cute. My month is August, so I tried to use nice summery colors....

Then I thought...why not add a pic of me to the cottage...that would really personalize it! It's a little blurry, but what do you think?

I am mailing out the bags today to the ladies who have emailed me their addresses. I have contacted the others, so hopefully will hear from them soon.

I had a great weekend & Monday Madness......

....or maybe it's just in my mind. I have a lot of things I want to get done before I go back to work at school in 2 weeks (yes... we go back earlier than we ever have before...). so my mind is sort of spinning with plans.....
1)I am quilting my sister's quilt now and it is coming along nicely. I will post a pic when it is finished.
2)I finished quilting the memory quilt, so it is ready for binding.
3)I need to tie and bind the new Beginning Quilting model so I can hang it on display. I don't usually finish the displays til after the class because of time restraints, but in this class they finish the quilt this way, so want them to see a finished quilt. I start 2 new Sampler Clubs this week, so will be taking those displays down and there is nothing at the present time to hang up...I haven't really worked on anything new for fall classes yet. So I would like to get it hung soon.
4)I have a T-shirt quilt to make. It probably wouldn't have to be done right now, but since it isn't mine, I would like to get it done.
5) Finish my cottage blocks for Betsy's swap. They are cut out, just need to be sewn together. They need to be mailed out by August 1, so maybe I should move them up the list?
6) I have several projects I want to make for fall classes, just need to get some of this out of the way so I can work on them!!!!
I won't even start listing the cleaning......now on to happy weekend thoughts!
I did have a great weekend. My daughter and I went to Earling Friday, so got caught up on the family. Saturday night my daughter and her friend had a joint birthday party at a restaurant, so I went to that for awhile. 2 of my sisters & parts of their families came too. It was fun. One of them stayed over to go to the zoo so we spent Sunday at the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. It is one of the best zoos in the US and too big to really see it all in one day. My brother, his wife and grandkids joined us also, so we had quite a group. Those little ones loved it.

Above is my brother and his granddaughter...she loved the zoo! Especially the monkeys.
My sister & assorted members of her family... The pictures above were taken in the Rain Forest.
Here we were walking through the aquarium tunnel. You are surrounded by sharks, sting rays and other fish. The kids didn't know where to look next. It is awesome! Guess I should've taken a picture of that too...it was so crowded in there...not really the best idea to go on a Sunday, but it was fun.

I won the Ugly Quilt Contest!!!!

A few weeks ago I entered the Quilting Bloggers Ugly Quilt Contest with my first quilt that I made for my daughter (which ended up a disaster)! I found out last night that I won this beautiful trapunto quilt from Geta Grama!!!! I am so excited as I have admired her work for a long time and will treasure owning this quilt. I want to try her technique of trapunto soon, as she is selling her pattern now. Thanks Geta for donating this prize and thanks to Michele of Quilting Gallery for hosting this contest!

Thanks to one and all that voted for me, I appreciate it. I will be drawing the names for the bag giveaway tomorrow, so you can still enter.

Mom's quilt is finished!

I finished quilting mom's quilt yesterday. Since it is a Turning Twenty, with large blocks, I thought it would be fun to quilt using a busier panto. I like this one a lot and think it goes well with the bright colors and fun fabrics she used. This angle makes me think of those tv shows where someone dies and they are looking down on their own body.
Ok back to quilting....here is the back.
and a close-up. I am going to sew with a friend tomorrow. Not sure what I will work on...I would like to sew together the memory quilt blocks. Or maybe I will cut something out....I have a couple I have been wanting to do.

Thanks for all the nice comments about my bags. I will be drawing the names on Friday. You can still comment on them if you haven't already, just comment on the days you want to be entered for that bag.

The last 2 bags in the bag giveaway......

These are the last 2 bags in the giveaway. I will be choosing the winners on Friday, July 24, so you still have time to enter. I will be choosing a name to win each bag from the people who posted on the post where that bag appeared. So you still have time to post on the older posts if you like those bags. Details below. This bag is sort of small and long, but I like the shape and the fuzzy trim. It has a snap closure too.
This bag is the same pattern as the purple one from yesterday, but has this fun, beachy fabric and don't ya love that green polka dot? I do. It has a snap closure and pockets lining the inside.

I cut out my pieces yesterday for the Theme Cottage Block Swap that Betsy organized. August is my month, so after much deliberation, I went for something very summery looking. Standing and cutting doesn't bother me as much as sitting and pushing the foot feed, so I might have to cut something else out!!! Or maybe I will try quilting today...

There is only 1 rule...you have to want this bag for yourself or a friend/daughter to use to enter. Just comment on the days you would like to be entered for that bag. If you want to comment but don't really need a new bag, you can say that too. For example, the people who comment on today's bag will have a chance to win today's bag. If you come along several days into the giveaway, and like a previous bag, you can still enter, just comment on that post. I will not draw the names until I am finished posting all the bags. You can enter every day if you want. This automatically posts to my Facebook page also, so I have had a few people there commenting too.

Bags, anyone? the giveaway continues!

This little bag has pockets and a Velcro closure. If you are a ladybug fan, you will love this one! I designed this bag for some kid's summer camp classes I taught a few years ago.
This bag has inside pockets and a snap closure. It is roomy, but not huge. The can is in the pic to show size. Enter by leaving a comment that you are interested in winning either of these bags.
You can still enter to win the previous bags also, just go back and comment on them in their original posts.

There is only 1 rule for this giveaway, you can see it in the italics in the previous post for July 16.

I worked on the memory quilt yesterday for awhile, but my back was not happy, so spent the rest of the day resting it. Hopefully I will get back to quilting today. We are still having cool weather in Iowa for July....I think it was 82 yesterday. Nice and cool this morning. I love it!

Another bag, busy week and slow going...

This is another small bag. I think these are cute for just taking to a party or shopping when you don't want to carry all your stuff. It is big enough to sneak a pop into the movies, too. This one has pockets, and the closure is hanging through the chopsticks. If you thought you would want more closure you could add a piece of velcro at the top. There is only 1 rule for this giveaway, you can see it in the italics in the previous post.

I have been working on Mom's quilt off and on all week. Because the pattern is more detailed, I have to take more breaks for my back....where is that young back that I used to have? I am getting close so hoping to finish today or tomorrow. I will post a pic then.

One more day to vote for my quilt in the Ugly Quilt Contest if you haven't already. I am doing pretty well at this point, but ya never know...so please vote for me if you haven't already! Also only one more day to check out Sewmeow's great birthday giveaway! She has about 10 kitty fabrics and a bunch of notions as well. She has been adding things every day in an attempt to bring her Followers up to 100. She is close...81... so drop by and help her out while entering her birthday giveaway!

Another bag & I still want to win the contest!

This bag is small. When I made it I thought that it would be nice for parties or taking somewhere you don't want your whole purse. There are pockets lining it for phone, bank cards or cash. The flaw with this bag is that because of the chopsticks, it needs something in there or it will fall over. lol I think some little girl would love it!

There is only 1 rule...you have to want this bag for yourself or a friend/daughter to use to enter. Just comment on the days you would like to be entered for that bag. If you want to comment but don't really need a new bag, you can say that too. For example, the people who comment on today's bag will have a chance to win today's bag. If you come along several days into the giveaway, and like a previous bag, you can still enter, just comment on that post. I will not draw the names until I am finished posting all the bags. You can enter every day if you want. This automatically posts to my Facebook page also, so I have had a few people there commenting too.

The last 2 days flew by because I quilted a bit here at home, then went to the store and sewed with a few friends. That is so much more enjoyable than sewing with myself! I started a memory quilt I am making for someone. I had class all three nights this week too, so today I am staying home. I do have my every other month get together with friends tonight. That is always fun. I haven't gotten much done on mom's quilt yet, so hope to get a bunch done today. Before I can start I have to unsew a section...not my favorite.

I am still in the top 3 for the Ugly Quilt Contest, and would really like to win....so please, please, please, if you haven't voted, vote for mine...it is truly the ugliest quilt there, I wouldn't lie to you! Mine is called "My First Quilt, a Quilting Disaster!" There is a little story there of how this poor quilt came to be a disaster.

More bags & did you vote for me yet?

These bags didn't want to stand up on their own, because of the wooden handles. They both have 2 pockets inside and are smaller than yesterday, but cute in a sacky, baggy kind of way. I love the beads on this top one, and both are asian fabrics. If you have a preference, let me know. The bottom one is a pale green, I don't think the color came out very well.
There is only 1 rule...you have to want this bag for yourself or a friend/daughter to use to enter.
Just comment on the days you would like to be entered for that bag. If you want to comment but don't really need a new bag, you can say that too. For example, the people who comment on today's bag will have a chance to win today's bag. If you come along several days into the giveaway, and like a previous bag, you can still enter, just comment on that post. I will not draw the names until I am finished posting all the bags. You can enter every day if you want.

I have entered the Ugly Quilt Contest at Bloggers Quilting Gallery. Please vote for me if you are not involved yourself!!!! I would really appreciate it. Mine is called "My First Quilt, a Quilting Disaster!" There is a little story there of how this poor quilt came to be a disaster.

Now I am off to start quilting my mom's quilt, then will go sew with friends for awhile, then have a class tonight...it really will be a quilty kind of day.

A Bag Giveaway....and the Ugly Quilt Contest!

I have entered the Ugly Quilt Contest at Bloggers Quilting Gallery. Please vote for me if you are not involved yourself!!!! I would really appreciate it. Mine is called "My First Quilt, a Quilting Disaster!" There is a little story there of how this poor quilt came to be a disaster.
Call me the Bag Lady if you want, but a few years ago I was doing a few craft fairs and made a bunch of bags/purses. I didn't sell all of them, and since I no longer do craft fairs, they have been sitting here waiting for a new home. Plus I have been wanting to do a giveaway to celebrate 200 posts. So, in the tradition of Pat and others who are redistributing the wealth, I thought I would give them away. These bags have never been used, are several different sizes and shapes & I will try to post a new one every day.

There is only 1 rule...you have to want this bag for yourself or a friend/daughter to use to enter.
Just comment on the days you would like to be entered for that bag. If you want to comment but don't really need a new bag, you can say that too. For example, the people who comment on today's bag will have a chance to win today's bag. If you come along several days into the giveaway, and like a previous bag, you can still enter, just comment on that post. I will not draw the names until I am finished posting all the bags. You can enter every day if you want.
I actually have 2 Blondie bags, they are identical. Both have a nice magnetic snap closure & bead trim. There are pockets all around the inside of the bag to hold your goodies. So for the first day giveaway, you have 2 chances to win!

Sewmeow is still adding stuff to her giveaway over on her blog, go check it out.

Back and Unpacked and Goodies!

We had a great time camping over the weekend, it was especially nice as I was in an AC cabin at night..
When I got home I found a nice fat package waiting for me! I won a Christmas Layer cake and Charm Pack by Freedom Fabrics last week from Kelly over at I Have a Notion.... They are so pretty and luscious....now to think of something cool to make!!! If you have any ideas let me know. I don't have a Christmas quilt, so it might be about time.
I also received the July block from our Cottage Swap. Cindy made the July blocks, and they are adorable! Thanks Cindy I love this block!

Sewmeow is still adding to her giveaway...don't forget to check it out!

Better get busy around here!

Top finished & getting ready

Well, I finished the top for the Beginning Quilting class yesterday....taa daa! I like this pattern that it makes, though there are others. Now at some point I will have to layer, tie and bind it as that is how we finish it in class.

We are going on a family camping trip to Crawford Creek Park near Battle Creek, IA this weekend. One of my sisters has a camper, but most of us don't. Luckily, they have 3 nice cabins we can rent. We went last year and had a blast, so we are just hoping that it doesn't storm while we are there. We have had so much rain lately. There is a lake right by the cabins, so very relaxing. My whole family (I have 5 brothers and sisters plus many nieces and nephews) can't make it, but there will be plenty there to enjoy. My husband is staying home...he doesn't enjoy camping!

Sewmeow is still adding things to her giveaway, so stop on by and take a look!

Rain rain rain

The cats are hiding in the basement as it is thundering and lightning and pouring down rain. This is the craziest summer ever, so much rain. Not that I am complaining, because what usually happens is that it all of a sudden it stops and then no rain the rest of the summer.

I have been working on a new quilt to use for teaching Beginning Quilting in the fall. I have used the same pattern ( a version of a nine-patch) for the past 6 years, so thought it was time for a change. Wanda suggested I use the Double 4 -patch, so I am taking her advice. It is easy and offers chances to match up, but not so tricky that it will cause them to give up! Plus it makes a couple of interesting patterns. I have the blocks made, now to sew them together. When I teach this class, they make if from start to finish, so learn to layer, tie and bind also. So I don't want the quilt to be too big or we would never get it finished.

I got the binding put together for the baby quilt, now to get it on!

Don't forget to stop over at Sewmeows for her great birthday giveaway. She is adding a new item every day. So far there have been a lot of kitties.

Baby quilt quilted...now for the binding

I got the baby quilt quilted yesterday, so now need to piece the binding and put it on. I think I will go scrappy and use the colors surrounding the quilt blocks. I need to make a label too, but want to wait til the baby is born. They know it is a girl, but I want to wait for a name. This panto went pretty quickly and is nice for a baby, I think. I haven't done this one before.
I had to take my car in this morning as the check engine light came on last week. It is running fine, so I hope it isn't anything big. I am going on a family camping trip next weekend, so want to make sure nothing's wrong.

I am not sure what I am working on today...I have a quilt of my mom's I am going to quilt next so I might get that on there. I just don't know.

Don't forget to stop by Sewmeows for her great giveaway. She is adding something new everyday...Kitty Buttons were added today!

I got it finished...& Happy 4th!

I got the quilting on this quilt finished this morning...I like the way this panto interlocks for an allover effect. The blocks for this quilt were won in a block lotto giveaway I hosted last year for the people coming to my monthly classes at the store. We used stripes to look like threads. I thought they turned out so cute that I want to make a quilt like this too.
The lady who won put them together and wanted me to quilt it for her.
Here is the back. Now what should I do?

Don't forget to stop over at Sewmeows for her great birthday giveaway. She is adding something every day. There is kitty fabric......

Off to quilt....not the baby quilt....

Here is the flannel I got to back the baby quilt...isn't it adorable? Can't quilt it today, though, as
I got a different quilt loaded and started yesterday, so need to finish it. I am using a new panto so it might be slower going.

Sewmeow is having a birthday giveaway...check it out! She has kitty fabric!

Now to find a back!

I sewed with friends yesterday, and finished this quilt top for my soon to be born great niece. I had some pink flannel to back it, but it has a flaw so I will have to go find something else. I thought bringing out the bright colors in the kids print would accent the blocks, but it might have taken over. Hopefully the baby will wear it out before she knows enough to judge it. It might keep her awake at night, though.

She has a brother who is about 1 1/2 yr. old who doesn't have his quilt yet because I just made it recently too. So I want to get hers finished so I can send them both.
I bought several of these panels a few years ago as they make nice kid's quilts. I used about 1 1/2 yds. of it so it was big enough to curl up in. I stitched it down to a red fleece back so it would be soft, but flat enough to play on. Simple but nice for a boy to play cars on. Since I am so slow with his baby present, he is probably getting to be the perfect age to play with it. Good timing???

In my defense, they live in Arizona and haven't been back here since he was born, or I probably would've gotten in gear sooner....deadlines are always helpful (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).