Popping In.....

to say "Hello" so you won't think I've gone missing *VBS* Busy, busy, busy week. Lots of 'senior' type stuff to take care of...appointments, luncheons, etc. I've spent every spare minute machine quilting 'by the ditch' stuff on the Strip Twist. A bit more to go and then borders. I told Betsy yesterday, there is NO such thing as 'in the ditch' to my quilting. Even when I'm SURE it's in the ditch, it's NOT...drat the failing eyesight!!Here's a simple, fun-to-make(with any size squares) double 4 patch. I made this one years back for yet another baby of my DD's girlfriends. I have a picture of little Julia(on the quilt)as a baby, and here, as a toddler. Quilt still lookin' pretty good. I used 2.5" and 4.5" squares in this one. Love those 2 color quilts! Hope everyone is happy and stitching! Hugs, Finn

Table Runner Project ~ Part 4

Sew, sew, sew...such a busy day!Here is one of my completed sub-sections. I have all 8 of them made, pressed and the edges straightened up.
Here are 4 of them placed as they would go in the table runner. Join the side with the biggest light(#1 section) to the same side of another unit. You'll get 4 pairs of them that you then join to another unit on the long side. Now you've got 2 units of 4 each. Join those 2 together and you have the bulk of the table runner. Add a border strip(any width that suits you, I usually use a 4.5" piece. Whether or not you choose to add one on all 4 sides is up to you. I like it with just 2. Layer and quilt as desired. Bind if you like, or do a pillowcase turn to avoid binding.
** Because mine sub-sections were cut at 2", you can see more of each fabric I used. Varying the width of the sub-section is up to you. But sewing WOF(even by mistake) enables me to get more than one runner(if I cut at 1.5", or make a bigger one.
This is so fast and easy you certainly can play around with it. I'll show you my 'put together' table runner tomorrow. Thanks for sewing along with me *VBS*

Table Runner Project ~ Part 3

This is Section #3. Make it by sewing: 1 1.5" light to 1 2.5" medium. Add the 4.5" dark strip, followed by a 2.5" medium and then a 1.5" light. Press to dark. Label as section #3. Set aside.
Section #4. Zipping right along, sew 1 2.5" light to 1 2.5" medium. Add 1 2.5" dark, 1 2.5" medium, and finish up with 1 2.5" light. Section #4 is now complete. Press to dark. Label as section #4. Set aside and get ready to SUB-DIVIDE !
The mini-mystery directions call for cutting each section into EIGHT(8) sub-sections of 1.5" each. That is what is pictured in the table runner I showed. Today, because I screwed up and sewed the full WOF, I'm going to cut mine in 2" sub-sections. It will be larger than the 16" X 20" original pattern. It's a good chance for me to see how much bigger, etc.
Now, if you are zipping along, and you have ALL your sub-sections of 8 1.5" strips cut, you can start joining them up *VBS* You are going to be making EIGHT(8) sets of strips. Taking one from each WELL LABELED pile, join a #1 to a #2, then add a #3, and finally a #4. This is now one subsection. It should be approx. 4" X 10"...not sure if that includes the seam allowance or is the finished measurement...I have it written on the pattern in pencil. Just a reference point as to size.
If you've gotten this far, hopefully you are TIRED, or have to make supper or pick up the kids and I will have time to sub-cut mine and get back to you.
Once you've got your 8 sections made and pressed don't do anything but play around with them...LOL I'll give you the final directions in my next post, as to which sides you sew together. Or if you are as clever as me, and as good at ignoring directions, please go ahead and "just do it"...*VBS*

Table Runner Project ~ Part 2

Here are the fabrics I've chosen for this runner. The green plaid is possible border on the ends and binding.Correction to my previous post: When cutting, your fabric doesn't need to be WOF(my mistake)This really is a modest fabric requirement project. You only need about 14-15" wide as well as high. So FQ's would work fine..sorry about that. What you'd get from more sewn is the ability to make the runner bigger by making more sub-sections. I'm going to.
Here are my strips...all cut and ready to sew.
This is SECTION #1. Label as such. Sew 1 3.5" dark to 1 4.5" light. Add 1 more 3.5" dark. Press to dark. Set aside labeled #1.
Section #2: Sew 1 medium 2.5" strip to 1 2.5" dark, add 1 2.5" light, and then add 1 2.5" dark again. Finish up with a 2.5" medium. Press to the dark. Label #2 and set aside.
I'll be back with sections #3 and #4. If you are anxious to do more before I get back here, I can tell you that EACH SECTION will get sub-divided into EIGHT(8) 1.5" strips. Be sure to keep the section label attached to the 1.5" strips you cut from the long sections. Isn't this fun?? And fast!

Table Runner Project...corrected at 3 p.m.***indicate correction

This is a utility table runner, that uses 3 fabrics plus about a half yard for the backing. It's a quick and easy one, looks good done up in "guy" fabrics if you are doing it for a son or father or uncle. The fabric needs are minimal, using about 14" of 3 different fabrics. If you want one of them for a border or binding(which is what I did) you need more. This one is made from scraps left from my Christmas table cloth quilt. The big quilt goes on the couch and this runner on the coffee table with a pillar candle on it. It's NOT a raving beauty, but a sturdy little pony type that just keeps going and going. This one is already 12 years old and going strong.
Start with 3 contrasting fabrics. You need a LIGHT, MEDIUM and a DARK. Altho you see it works with red and green as long as they contrast. You need at least 14" of each fabric X ***14-15" wide*** WOF(width of fabric)***YOU do NOT need WOF unless you want a bigger runner or more sections to play with***.This amount will make a runner that is 16" X 20" without borders. If you want larger, you'll need to make additonal sections.
CUTTING:
Dark: cut 1 4.5" strip, 2 3.5" strips,and 3 2.5" strips. Stack seperately. Then from the Medium: cut 6 2.5" strips. From the Light: cut 1 4.5" strip, 3 2.5" strips and 2 1.5" strips. Now you've got 9 little piles of strips *VBS* Keep them seperated, they tend to fight.
That's it for the cutting. Keep in mind you might want one of these fabrics for the ends(borders)or binding.

A funny fuddy-duddy kind of day....

but I have energy today...count my blessing for that! The sun is shining and it's a crisp, cold 9 degrees outside. Thanks Darcie!! Seems our 40 degrees of Sunday is only a memory. Speaking of memory...mine is faulty...LOL..I have a 'short circuit' I think...it 'blips' at times *G*This quilt has needed borders for almost a year now...bad Finn! It got them yesterday and a backing I'm sewing today. I will get it machine quilted yet this week, I hope!
And this is a nice little utility table runner I showed last December and promised to get the directions typed up...ya, right...'blip'..see! my brain did it again. Sooooo, here the deal. I'm going to make a new one(or two)as I need it(them)for a gift this year. I'm going to put the cutting directions, etc here and put a 'utility table runner' tutorial label on the posts. You can then find the directions for step by step, WITH PICTURES, by clicking on the label. I'm not sure how else one would do a tutorial and link it??? Any help?? I'll start that yet today so you can go and find 3 nice pieces in your stash...this is a pretty good stash buster. This one is Christmas, but I've done southwest, fishing tackle and apples.
Last but not least, here's what a guilty grandma looks like *VBS* One of my grandsons, and a previous kitten, the one from H---, Tigger. He was capable of bullying my 120# golden into going into the bedroom to hide! He moved on to friendlier pastures. I'd never believe that animal don't "think". When frustrated in his activities, Tigger would go into another room and "unpot" one of my houseplants! Doesn't thrill a person to see their expensive pointsettas laying on the table next to the pot!

You know how one thing leads to another?????

well...I seem to have a very bad case of that this week.This was my Sunday sewing effort. A bag full of plaid sample pieces that got joined up to be a ???? doll quilt? or maybe a new pillow for my bed?? Haven't decided as yet. Obviously I DIDN'T recut them, just joined them as they were...fun!
But the plaids bit me....and before I knew it, I had pulled out my stash of plaids and was cutting for Bonnie's Stretched Stars..*VBS* Yup...finally! I've wanted to for a long time.
And since I was having ALL that fabric fun, why not pull out fabrics for new pair of pillowcases for my bed. The larger pieces of dark red are the already cut cases, and the other fabrics are some of my possible choices for the insert and the accent piece. I should be cleaning house and doing laundry, but I think I'll sew *VBS*

Joy! Joy! Joy!...

The Holly Jolly Santas are sooooo happy! They can hardly wait to hit the mailbox to their new homes. They told Ebby they have been in that gallon bag in the crafting box waaaay tooooo loooong! And Finn is happy too!Would you gals who mentioned them yesterday please send me your snail mail addy? Some of you are new to me(but are MOST welcome here and to the sharing)and others of you have e'd me in the past and I have you in my address book. If you are uncertain, please just drop me the e-mail to be sure.
I'm happy to pay regular postage on these, just knew I couldn't get into the 'over a dollar each' place with them. So no stamps are necessary unless you want to request one of the already 'plump' Santas living here(there are about 12 of them...then it would be appreciated. For experienced sewer(like most of you are)not much direction will be needed. Once you see the flat version you'll have the pattern *VBS* Other than that, e-me *VBS*
I'm at Finn922000@yahoo.com

One of Finn's weird ideas.....

or it could be subtitled: "Thoughts from the CooCoo's Nest" but that's another story...*VBS* I've been over the river and through the woods. I've had turkey and pumpkin pie. I think I'm all set now til it's time for Christmas Ham and fig pudding *S* This is the picture from Wednesday. What I had in mind was to offer as many items as I have to you. A chance to have this jolly little Santa for your tree. I had wanted to send them out as they look here, stuffed! I checked at the postoffice and they are too thick unless I use a mailer and that gets into to many $$$$. So...here's my offer. I still have quite a few of these that are unstuffed. I would love to send you the sewn Santa, a little pattern to cut him a face(fused on over the slit ovening) and an antique quilt scrap beard.That much will go in a regular card.
This is what your Holly Jolly Santa could look like! You stuff his tummy, find a suitable face color, iron it on the stuffed body, and then stitch the beard in place. A ribbon, some holly or a jingle bell and all he would still need is a hanging string...or cut out more of them(using the flat santa as a pattern, and make a garland of them...put a fabric star in between or something like that). He's about 3" high when finished and really cute! Leave me a comment or send me an email...I'll send as many as I have on hand that are already sewn. Beyond that we have to talk!If this all sounds to crazy or weird, just blame it on 'turkey daze'...LOL

WIP Wednesday......

Hurray! I have something to share with all of you and my More Quilting for Fun ring mates *VBS*This is the top I'm working on right now. The 9 patches are from 2" scrappy squares. I'm really liking the contrast.I'm ready to join up the rows *S*
Do you remember back in the summer when I bought this fabric in Hudson? I had NO idea what it would become.
And these 2 adorable squares I received as a gift from Tracey of Oz? They've been waiting for me to get inspired also. Recently Studio Christine asked in 'comments' if Ebby had a quilt of her own....no...she doesn't. She claims ALL of the quilts in the house, and the one I keep on the back of the couch changes frequently due to her sleeping on it every evening.On occasion she must have some litterbox 'leftovers'(my..didn't I put THAT nicely?), and if any smell from her b--- is on the couch back quilt, she gets down and won't lay on it. So I KNOW when I need to switch quilts and wash the offender. (I've taken to NOT putting my best quilts on the couch back any more!) I've decided, based on that comment to make Ebby a quilt of HER very own using the squares from Tracey and the Skillful Cat fabrics *VBS* A new WIP coming soon!
And last but not least, a 'kind of' sharing. Won't tell you about any more about this little 'give away' idea of mine til Friday. Gotta let the TURKEY have his day first *G* The happiest and safest of Thanksgiving to all who observe this day of blessings and gatherings. Hugs to all, Finn

Looking ~ Finding ~ Doing....

Looking for a call from my sister...I'm in the process of picking a stone for the grave at CF...your input is welcome.
And I'm finding sunshine on a cloudy day. Even a glimmer, such as this, is most welcome.
And I'm doing some sewing on the new little Janome..which has NO light and only one speed. Actually fabric costs more than this machine...LOL
When the spirit moves you, as it did me yesterday, after seeing Gypsy Quilters neat 4 patch top, and then Bonnie's neat Pinwheel and Patches, I'm working with my 2" squares, making 16 patches...fun, fun, fun.Not sure what they will 'grow up' to be...but...I'm looking, finding and doing...how about you???

Bright idea for a dreary day....

...you know how that goes??? You're innocently drinking your morning mug of coffee or tea...and you get clobbered with a really great(but weird)idea??? This one is neither all that weird nor great, but in depths of November any IDEA seems important. Please say hello to Miss Goosey-Lucey. Ebby just MIGHT be the lucky receipient of a new name! She's such a nut job! A year later she still runs from the response to her requests. Whether for food, attention, or more CATNIP please, she chirps, she yeowls, she demands, she pleads, begs and makes a nusiance of herself until you get up and "do it"! This morning it was catnip needed on her scratching box. She rarely scratches on her scratching box...mostly she drapes herself over it, rolls on it, lays on it and falls asleep using it for a pillow. It came with catnip which I replenish from a small bag from Target(organic,no less!).
As I got up to tend her needs she did the usual 3 yard dash just in case I as 'after' her.
When I sat back down to sip my coffee I had a brain flash...here, in the fur, was a true Chicken Little of "The Sky is Falling" story. Soooo what to call her? Henny-Penny? Chicky-Licky? Goosey-Lucey? Hmmmmmm........maybe this time of time it should be Miss Turkey-Lurkey???? Ya'll get to vote on the new nick name for Ms Ebby *VBS*

AND while browsing I found a couple of new(or newer) scrappy quilts at our very own Gypsy Quilters blog. Not todays post but down a couple...a really great 4 patch set with corner squares(love it) and the post before that was a wonderful fence rail using everything but the kitchen sink(that might have been in there too *G*). Check them out as your struggle with scrap control. And did you ALL get the letter that our Bonnie is posting a tutorial on crumb quilts? Check that out also for the smaller pieces *VBS*

Notes from a November Day....

..today is a 'calendar' picture day in November...the world around my corner, looks like this. The temps are hovering in the high 30's but snow sputters and spits occasionally. A day for reflecting or reading, cleaning one's stash or baking cookies.
No good news here either, and worse to come with the holidays approaching. At least from this angle it looks good *S*

The new bag pattern I picked up at the quilt show. Not a good picture on the pattern, but the bag is gorgeous. It's embellished along that top row with yo-yo's...an all together neat compact bag. I asked DD#1 if she would like something like that, and I now have pulled jewel tones for the 2.5" squares. Black for an accent and lining I think.And one more from the Hudson Show....a very simple snow ball-9 patch, but with Betty Boop in the center, it was such a fun quilt. One shouldn't underestimate the impact of a snow ball/9 patch if you have a great novelty fabric for that center. And speaking of snowball centers, I saw the MOST wonderful snowball center with an unusual set over at Ms. Jan's blog.
She made it for her newest grandson, Alex and it's a really awesome quilt. Benjamin is pretty terrific too, great picture of him...pop over and have a look. It's back last week sometime..I've master the name linking, but still am unsure how to link you to the actual post *VBS*.
Not much sewing has happened, despite my fervent desire of Thuraday. Friday and the State inspection came and went, and I seem to be in the "move it" mode. Had coffee with Betsy yesterday(deer season has begun...ug!) Stopped at the nursing home to drop of a bag full of puzzles for the residents who like doing them. Ended up having coffee with Jean...LOL.
I have been cleaning and folding fabric in my sewing room today. I've rounded up 11, at last count, tops that needed to be put on hangers and have backing made for them. Those are just the small ones, bigger ones are folded in a dresser drawer. I see that I should get busy and machine quilt up a couple of these smaller ones, and also get a box off to Linda J for the WTIL project. Doesn't look like I'll be running out of things that need doing any time soon.

Doesn't it just figure.....

that after months and months(earlier this year)of "missing mojo", once I'd found the passion again, I'd be tooooo busy to use it???? Yup...one more busy day and then I hope I can 'hit' the sewing machine with a vengence!!In the meantime, here is the 'stash enhancement' I did at the Hudson Quilt show a couple of weekends ago.All 6 are FQ's..and my first charm pak.
I'm not known for having batiks in my stash. I'm not really attracted to them in terms of piecing. I suppose I'd describe my stash as 'potluck' or a happy accidental 'happening'. I have more brights than blenders. Probably an equal amount of lights and darks, and a ton of novelty fabric(many are kids prints). But, as I said, this November has brought changes in me. Along with how I view the world, it's affecting how I see fabric *VBS*. Thus...the additional of batiks to the stash.
My sewing machine has stood quiet this week except for putting a binding on the small maple leaves quilt, so....here's another quilt from the Hudson Quilt Show. I remember that this one was made by Kathy Miller of Hudson, WI. She's also a member of the Stashbusters group at Yahoo. Loved your quilts Kathy!! I think I saw 3 that were yours.
And despite the lack of sewing.....this little quilt says it all!!! I'm HAPPY!

The Number One Reason....

I make quilts *VBS*Remember this one? In the frame in the garage in October? A rainy day weekend's tying effort??
Here is where it went...
And even one picture would be worth a thousand words, right?This little gal is a sophomore at U of M(Minnesota-St. Paul campus). I had made her baby quilt 19 years ago...I think I showed you the shreds that are left of it, last May when she graduated. She was the first of my DD#1's friends to receive a baby quilt from me...seems to make her special, I think *VBS* I love a happy ending!

'Bout time I showed up....

and here I am *VBS*, better late than never I always say! It's going to be a crazy week again. I had my annual physical yesterday..ug! I'm sure I'm not alone in that sentiment! I hadn't fasted(it was 1:30 p.m. after all) so I had to return this a.m. for the bloodwork part. Sure does wreck a perfectly good day. The mammagram still lies ahead(on Thursday) but then I think I'm done for this year!!! Except we have State unit inspection on Friday...so I'd better get to cleaning. But I thought I'd pop in with a couple of 'wonderful weekend' pictures. Remember my little scowl-ey boy from Oct???Well, here he is again. No scowl this time, and he did make eye contact with the camera in just one picture, but NO smile. I fed them at A & W....they liked that, and he ate very well.He's 4 til next July.
And here are his Daddy(my youngest DS) and his brother, age 8. They ate well too!! Everybody was happy, especially Gram, as I had the 3 of them all to myself!! *VBS* And how to make little boys happy???? Well, here's a clue...*S*
Share a couple more of your special quilts with them! Only was one was suppose to be leaving me...additional covers for the older grandson on the left. He chose my 2002 Mile A Minute with a penguin backing....but little brother couldn't stand being left out. And so it seems the 9 Patch Project quilt from a retreat back in the early 1990's is also leaving home *VBS* But I don't really mind all that much...look how happy they are *S*
And this one is for Kathie H. in NJ...*VBS* Couldn't resist showing you what I did with some of those antique blocks parts back in the late 1980's. The vintage I sent you is the real thing...some dating back to the early 1900's. They seemed to call your name, knowing how you love doll quilts, and also the antique look. Hope you have lots of fun with them *VBS* Hugs for Everyone..I'm off to fold laundry.

Frosty Friday Fun.....

and here's a little 'gem' to get us started *VBS* A Hudson Quilt Show quilt..first today!! Apparently this one won a prize...I hadn't noticed until I downloaded the picture. This is a Carpenter's Wheel block. The pattern was featured last spring('06) in an issue of American Patchwork and Quilting. The reason I know is that Betsy chose it to make into a quilt for her Mom. Mom wanted it in pinks and greens to match the bedroom. Betsy is DEFINITELY NOT a 'pink and green' person...LOL, but she made it, and did it beautifully. Mom loved it and the wall hanging to match.In the magazine, I believe it's called "Buggy Wheels". Check your spring issue. And then, what to my wondering eyes should appear.....
..this a.m. as I sewed at the dining room table??? Snow!! Big fluffy flakes. I ran for the camera as it was soooo pretty and unexpected *S*
But, like magic...it was hard to capture on film(unless you have a better camera or more snow!)...maybe you can see those flakes scurrying past. Before it was done, the ground was white and we had maybe a half inch in all. I scruffed through it on my way to the mail box, and gave some thought to buying some winter boots this year. Every year I give it some thought...still don't have the boots tho...*VBS*
I've been busy...have made up a dozen burp cloths for the new grandchild that Betsy and DH are expecting in time for Thanksgiving. AND...I managed to whip up a Sponge Bob pillowcase for the next-to-youngest DGS..he adores Sponge Bob and his pineapple house under the sea. With a little luck I might get to see the boys this weekend...haven't seen them since my birthday dinner back in early Oct. Remember the little scowling boy??? Yup, LOL, that's the one!

Taking Potluck...

which, of course, means you get 'whatever' comes out of the kettle *VBS* As promised, I have a picture of Betsy's 9 patch project.But first you get to see MINE again...LOL...I call it "Looking Old and Feeling Blue".
And here is Betsy's version. We didn't see each others til we were finished. She chose a narrow black border and then a black and white check. I chose a narrow red checked border, and then a slightly wider deep red print. She tied hers, mine is longarmed. Naturally, I like HERS better *VBG*
Since I was up there taking pictures, here is her newest creation. It's the plaid 4 patch in last months American Patchwork and Quilting. Betsy has low regard for 'lights'..as seen in this picture. I love the deep colored orange borders. This one will become a duvet cover.
And one more from the Hudson Quilt show. When I show pictures from a quilt show, it's good to remember I ONLY photograph what is of interest to ME...not the prize winners, or the really dazzlingly awesome ones. Just the ones that I like or that amuse me *VBS* Sounds about right, right????