This should be great great fun...Can't wait...Check it out...
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Week Three Mini Quilt SewALong

Check out week three over at Fresh Lemons..

Not the best photos..I will switch them out when the sun shines.

I have a confession...Have you ever made something for a swap...sent it off...and then really wished you had been able to keep it.....WELL...
Goal #1: Recreate a mini version of the Red Pepper Full Size Quilt...
This week I have recreated the mini quilt I made for the Doll Quilt Swap 11.. I had bunches of fabrics left over and so I sewed....

Here it is..This is a mini version of a quilt pattern from Red Pepper Quilts.. I have another confession..the quilt that I sent to my swap partner had one little funky quirk..I extended a sashing that was not extended on the original pattern.. In my quilt I made an exact duplicate only much much smaller... Instead of repeated my process I am going to link you to my posts in which I made the original quilt....and third confession...I don't have the binding nor the quilting finished and if I don't post this...I will not make the deadline...



 Here is my "From Fear to Finish Link"
And This is the link to DS11 Finished...

Week Two...Mini Quilt SewALong

My mini quilt for this week is a true true mini... I was part of the Fabric PostCard Swap and, due to major time crunching...decided to meld the two together..I have made two of these mini quilts...one that has gone off to my partner and one that is hanging on my sewing room wall. I have to tell you all that this is a project I started in week one and have finally finished in week two...My hopes are that by week 4, all projects are complete and all new learning goals have been attempted. This weeks finished project is also referenced in my Flicker space.

I thought about what my new learnings should be this week and came up with this list:

1.Try a new project I have not done before; A Fabric Post Card. How many of you have ever tried this new medium..I didn't realize tat it existed until I was searching Flickr for mini quilts to add to my favorites photostream. Next I began checking fabric postcards out all across the internet, there are many many amazing creations out there..I found that they are even for sale on Etsy.... How did I ever miss these little jewels..
And so...... Mini mini is the catch word for this week..A fabric postcard is just that, postcard size, your blank canvas is just 4" X 6". The challenge is to accomplish within those confines your message, but not loose all of the detail. Quilted Post Cards by Cheryl Haynes, Barbara Cooley and Beth Davis  provided me with the basic structure and qualifications for the post card. This little book  had some very nice, very basic design elements already  at a post card size. Pencil in hand, graph paper to the side, I started drawing... to complicated....to small..to large... AND THEN...just right...

2. Bargello style was the goal for quilting technique.  

Ah..hah!!! Finally a design that works....This is a "wonky" bargello "style" background..I happened upon this technique when I was checking out my flickr friends photostreams. I say, wonky, because this is a new technique for me and I wasn't really sure of how to adhere it to the backing. After sewing strips together and cutting 1/2" strips from that, I attempted to sew and flip each of the mini strips to the backing. Maybe not such a good idea...they began to get a bit"wonky" and were difficult to hold the size....but I do think for this project it makes the perfect background...wonkiness and all. As always when I try something new... I have learned a couple of things to not do!!!! and a couple I need to do!!! I really need some more practice with bargello....

My challenge for the swap was to design a summer postcard. Does this background bring summer to your mind? Does it bring a summer garden, a summer ocean or a summer beach???

The background needed a focus that shouted "summer". I found some perfect summer colors, cut out those flower petals and then stopped...OOOPS... How should I outline the iron on pieces? I di a lot of experimenting with a variety of ways to use the  stitches on my old faithful Janome. The leaves have just a basic vein free-motion stitching...The background was free-motion stitched in a wonky pattern leaving the light blue..skyline...empty of quilting...The flowers were stitched with a variety of patterns... blanket stitch, close overcast and filled with tiny x's.. I think it was the perfect embellishment for a fabric postcard going to California.

3. The reverse side of the fabric postcard required a certain framework. I needed to print on fabric and then adhere it to the reverse side.

I found this part a bit of a challenge. I had been experimenting with Wonder Under ironed to the base fabric and then put through the printer (IT WORKS!!!)..But then I wanted to highlight the address, write a note and place a return address...Yikes...spacing is a challenge..(The addresses have been erased to protect us innocence.) leaving the smudge appearance in the photo. Better spacing, better photo next time..

4. Final goal was to figure out how to mail a fabric psotcard.
That was simple...go to the post office...ask for a postcard stamp...adhere...drop of and in several days it finds its home...Honestly, I thought the postman would laugh at me....even in the teeny tiny post office at Coopers Mills they have mailed fabric postcards before...

Check out mini number 2 that I also created this week. A Halloween card that uses this mosaic design process using  a tutorial from Kerry's website. I love this process.  I have used it when making a purse for the PLPS (Pretty Little Purse Swap). Please come join us Round Three will be starting soon.

#1 Final project 4" X6" stamped, mailed, arrived!!

#2. The ad that states,"You can't eat just one."   WELL...You can't just make one...Halloween Postcard ready to mail out...

Pop on over to Fresh Lemons to check out all of the wonderful week two projects!!!!

Week One....Mini Quilt Monday SewAlong

Afternoon everyone... I spent a bit to much time deciding on a project and then choosing fabric. I am afraid I have the beginnings of a mini quilt but not a finished project...YET!!!!.
I thought and thought about what my new learnings should be this week and came up with this list:

1.   Redraft a full size quilt to mini quilt size I had attempted this with  Red Pepper Quilt pattern for my DQS11 quilt. It was painful, after many many trials and errors I was able to make a quilt that fit within the size requirements and maintained the patterns design elements. I decided to try this again with this project, only on a simpler scale. The DQS 11 quilt had 5 different design elements to deal with. YIKES..... The Practical Guide to Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman  was just what I needed. Two cups of coffee, breakfast, lunch and America's Got Talent later. I found a suitable challenge.  The pattern for the Rain or Shine Quilt was simple in style and yet, it made a huge statement......It was perfect for my redraft....

2. Creating a paper piecing template.  I have had great luck with  graph paper as of late... I wanted to try my luck at creating a template. I had learned a number of tricks from my previous quilt. I love adding extra spaces for the sashings. I always have a bit of trouble getting those straight... Adding the width of the sash plus two seam allowances gives the opportunity to make a connected piece.  My template at the left shows my coded squares and a bottom sash piece connecting to the next square... It worked!!!!!!

3. Try a quilt pattern I have never worked with.  Rain or Shine is a basic pinwheel design. I have been brainstorming many other colorways and uses for a single block.. I even thought of varying the block sizes..Check out my mini pinwheels... I have 12 complete, 8 more to go until I can think of quilting....BUT WAIT...I have adjusted this pattern enough for now..I just need to choose fabrics....



4. Use a fabric line I was unfamiliar with. I have been hearing about the Denise Schmidt fabrics sold at Joann's... Several weeks ago my curiosity was peaked when a DS Mini Guilt Swap was opened up on Flickr. I purchased some sample fabrics and fell in love with the designs. The nostalgia, remembering many of the projects my grammie Rice had on her sewing table. I pulled out the Picnic and Fairground fabrics and began piecing...My little practice squares (checking for size..... turned into scrappy pincushions(This would make a great little tutorial, maybe)....Oh yes...
The pattern calls for a yoyo in the center...How cute, can't wait to get to that stage...

5. Try out controlled free-motion (Is that an oxymoron?) stitching. I have several books that provide detailed instruction for this technique... I hope I can find a suitable pattern for this little mini quilt when I finish the top.

That was it for week #1, five goals. I completed all (but the quilt) and the quilting. Next Monday I will show you the completed quilt and ...hopefully week twos project.

Check out all of the beautiful week one projects over at Fresh  Lemon Quilts.....

Mini Quilt Mondays Sew Along...

Check out the Monday challenge by Fresh Lemon Quilts. Is challenging those who wish to participate to learn a new technique each week...to share and blog about it. Sounds like fun to me, must be that teacher thing...always looking to learn something new..
Hop on over to Fresh Lemon Quilts

Faith is asking us to join her on 
September 5 (Labor Day!), 12, 19, and 26!!!!!
She has a few suggestions for those mini quilts.....Anything look interesting to you. Join me as I join Faith and group to play with fabric and design.....

My try it out list includes:    
 -Wonky Blocks                              - Hexagons
- Embroidery/Hand Stitching         - Designing your Own Pattern
- Paper Piecing                               - Improvisational Piecing

I can't wait to see what the group members design.... I am sure that there will be a few more new ideas to add to my list.....

Come Join Us..Fun Little Swap

Are there really 21 fabrics in this line?

There is a new swap open on flickr...it is focus on using Denyse Schmidt fabrics..DS fabrics fairgrounds and picnic line are available at JoAnn Fabrics. A good friend of mine loves these fabrics and has been asking me to make a wall quilt for her. I thought this swap might motivate me to collect fabrics and to design a couple of little quilts... Check out the great colors and designs..These remind me of some of the fabrics my Rice Grammie used to make quilts.

Introductory statement for DS Doll Quilt Swap:

This will be an international swap!! Do you love DS Quilts Picnic/ Fairground Fabrics?? Then come join the fun!! Doll Quilts should be no larger than 18" X 18" Sign Ups begin August 14th!! Mailing date will be October 31st..

Click here to join and fill out the survey...You have until September 2, 2011...Hurry...This will be great fun....

Arrived Safe and Sound in England DQS11

Thank-you Vicki for such a lovely posting about the quilt. I am so glad it arrived AND that you liked it..
Check out Vicki's post and read her fabulous blog...

A close to my first DQS swap... I do hope I am invited to participate again. I had great fun, met lots of people, learned lots, cried some...but enjoyed myself !!!! Thank you Susan and Vicky for making the month of August exciting.......


The beautiful quilt on the top is hanging in 
MY STUDIO...

and the quilt I made on the bottom has a new home in England....

HAIKU Mug Rug Swap on Flickr

I have really enjoyed being able to create these mini works of art (or experimenting with different styles, designs, mediums, fabric) called Mug Rugs. This past month I needed to create a Haiku that fit my swap partners style. Then I had to translate it into a mug rug.  I went through a whole design process, collecting fabrics that I thought were a part of her chosen color palette, developing a theme, writing a Haiku, and then sewing the final project.

A.  Audition Fabrics...............B.   Pencil Drawing 
Is this bright enough? Perhaps not...back to the stash....

A.   The responses from fellow flickr members was favorable that I had a palette that was A ok...Off to procure a bit more Dr. Seuss, a couple of contrast colors and something a bit swirly.....

B.    Next pencil, paper, draw, reject, draw again. I wanted to post a bit of a "SNEAKY PEAKY......" on my flickr post but I didn't want to give away the final design.

 Pattern and fabric in hand I made my way to the cutting table. Pins and scissors and scraps began to fly...I stopped....YIKES....How do I put the Haiku on the mug rug???? I had been reading about this nifty paper that you can print on using your computers printer... Off to Joanne's, I found many many types of printable fabric I purchased the Avery ).  I loaded the printer, typed in the Haiku, chose a font and hit print...

I was amazed, if only I had purchases a new ink cartridge  it might have been a bit more bold...but alas...Haiku is in its intended place on the little mug rug...

My curiosity was peaked...Joanne's is 45 miles from home and a bit pricey...Could I find another way to print on fabric and what would photos look like..HMMMMMM.......  

• Step one: Stiffen the fabric so that it will go through the printer without the dreaded jam...
• Step two: Attach the fabric to something that will keep it flat and allow the printer to move easily
• Step three: Easily attach what you have printed to your project

Keep your fingers crossed.  I grabbed the wax paper, the fabric and the iron. I didn't have any luck with this process. I couldn't get the waxed paper to stick.  I will have to research this method a bit more.
I needed a project in the mail ASAP...SO.......I pulled out my can of spray starch.  (I had used this method when working with a process in which you need to develop sharp curves,could it work here?)  and a piece of basic muslin and headed for the ironing board.

Multiple sprays and much ironing gave me a fairly stiff piece of muslin. Step one accomplished. Step two and three were accomplished with  a bit of "Wonder Under" by Pellon. I had added this to the photo paper after printing to attach the Haiku...Why not get rid of one step? The Wonder Under provides the stiff paper backing  and allows you to attach the fabric easily to whatever project you are working on.. I headed for the copier..dropped the copy on the bed..hit print and it worked... Check it out below!!!!! These were postcard backs needed for a fabric postcard swap!!!!!

No more afternoon frantic runs to Brunswick... I have 2 cans of spray starch, bunches of fabric and a bolt of Wonder Under purchased with a 50% off coupon.... YEAH..Just a bit of Yankee Ingenuity paying off...

Here it is the Big Reveal....I was able to take out names but there are still some pretty significant clues if my swap buddy checks my blog.......

If you want to see a bit more of these check out the flicker posts....

DQS 11 Received The Most Amazing....

....little quilt. I am in awe of the talent, time, creativity, and thought put into this little gem..Take a look at the wonderful package I received. Susan is not only a talented quilter, but also dabbles in other art forms...Check out the amazing card and handcrafted envelope she added. I am so amazed that I was chosene to be a newbie in the swap and to have received this beautiful quilt. .Many many thanks to my swap partner Susan MZ Fuller (Flickr )who has an amazing set of work on flicker.

This is the sweetest card made by Susan...Check out the envelope(she also made that)...There is a teeny tiny quilt on the front porch.... Thanks bunches you are a very talented person....

Susan had read that I loved fall colors... This is a wonderful fall charm packet with matching ribbon..just waiting for a project..
Thank you thank you....

Ok...All of this wrapped in an LL Bean box... Each little piece is wrapped and sealed with a cute little sticker...Love it love it...

The quilt...What can I say...it is amazing.... I feel so lucky to have this hanging on my studio wall...

DQS 11...FINISHED!!!!

This little piece measures 13" X 13" finished...The original pattern inspiration was a full size quilt "Bricks and Stones" from Red pepper Quilts....

Here is the final project...On its way to its new home across the ocean.....

Just a few added extras to make my swap partners package special...I am passing on the pattern I purchased and used as inspiration  "Bricks and Stones" from Red pepper Quilts, 5" squares of fabrics used in the project( over 30 different designer fabrics ad Moda solids were used to create this little piece) , a pin cushion made from left over squares and some fun pins....

You can check this out at my flicker space......

You can also check out many many amazing quilts that have been created in this swap. I feel so lucky to have been accepted as a newbie swapper... I have uploaded a series of photos into the previous post...Hopefully I will have time this weekend to put up a little tutorial. The redrafting part of this was the most difficult..once that was done...it was just plain fun to make this...I have to confess, I ended up making two because of all the starts and stops, scraps and extras left around...It was a bit difficult to part with..I do hope my swap partner will like it...
Check out the random photos on the DQS 11 page....

DQS 11..The Adventure Continues....

From checking out SP's favorites....searching for patterns....stressing over fabrics.....and enjoying every minute ...The journey continues....Click here to check check it out......

Sewn Spaces Swap (SSS)

I have become, I think, a swapaholic...finding a spot to invite challenges, meet new people, and spend time (that I crave) in the studio.

My assignment for the Sewn Spaces Swap, create a needle case (never made one of before) for my swap partner (SP). Check out my SP's Flickr pages, web pages and determine her likes and dislikes...and then to create... Stressful moments....

Click here to check out my mosaic, see the needle book journey and 

perhaps (in the near future) find a tutorial. .....................

DQS 11 (That is... Doll Quilt Swap on Flicker )

Again, I find myself in the many many days since I found a moment to blog. The first few weeks of my modified summer vacation have always been filled with family, finishing leftover things from winter, setting up summer programs for students......BUT....this year has been extremely busy with family issues and house nightmares. I found a little creativity peaking through by joining several of the Flicker Swap Groups.... Check out the button on the right......DQS11...This is a very active, creative and outrageously  talented pool of quilters. The group focuses on small, no larger than 18" X 18" (9"X9") quilts... They set up theme, develop a set of structured rules and then open the sign ups to join in the swap..... I was so excited when a swap partner Flicker Mail was sent to my lowly address...
I will be Blogging, I know a bit late, about my journey as I learn more about my DQSP( Doll Quilt Swap Partner)...

Click here to read more about my adventure!!!!!.........

Pretty Little Pouch Swap....

Wow! I was one of the first 100!!!!. I am so excited to be a part of this swap. I just created a mosaic of the most amazing little pouches and here it is.....Can't wait to get started....

If you want to check out any of the amazing creators of the pouches here are the links below.
1. sidelock pouches in teal and black, 2. "Trees" collection, 3. Scooter Pencil Pouch!, 4. Vintage fabric purse with handle, 5. half & half pouch, 6. pretty little pouch swap from mle bb, 7. Sakura drawstring bag - Orange and Yellow - Japanese Art Craft 1, 8. small drawstirng bag, 9. My pretty little pouch!, 10. Zipper pouch with orchids and butterflies , 11. Apaixonante!, 12. Large box pouch, 13. Wallet with Linen, 14. Change purses from OCD, 15. sidelock patchwork pouches, 16. olive green mayan woven fabric

Mug Rug Swap "TWO"

A bit of a sneak peak... I forgot to upload earlier.... Fabrics have been chosen from this pallet, cuts have been made, seams have been sewn... A mug rug was developed in secret... The stamps are to be bought, the additions gathered and off it must fly across land and sea.... Gotta go..Have a great day everyone...

Familiar fabric line? I added two luscious linens to the mix..What do you think?

 

Add caption

Callie's Closet Summer Set

Summer has finally arrived in Maine. It was time to think of summer aparrel. This criss cross jumper is a simple, quick and versitile addition to a little person's wardrobe. I added a pair of upscale multi-ruffled pants to give it a bit of whimsey.

Criss-Cross jumper is Reversible

A Great Giveaway...Check it out...

These ladies create the most amazing patterns for children. They are giving away three of thier newest patterns. Hurry this ends on 6/08/11. Click here to check them out.

Friday Night Sew Along: Update May 20, 2011

Wow! This inspiration was what I needed to finish up my Styles Stitches(written by Amy Butler) Challenge(hosted by jemjam) Bag.. I have to get better at photographing my progress as I sew. I completely missed snapping photos of the great pockets I added to the interior of this pleated clutch...Thanks to all of you Friday Night Sewers.... Can't wait to see what you all made... Check it out at handmade by heidi

Swaps and more Swaps... Great fun Great Inspiration

Kids Clothes Week Challenge Update

Awesome Giveaway at Leona's Quilting Adventure Blogspot CHECK IT OUT.....

What an awesome giveaway Leona is sponsoring..... Have you ever wished for someone to cut those tiny lines, to make them straight and all the same? Wouldn't it be great  to make sure all of the mini squares for your quilt are even, so that when you put them together you have perfect seams..I can't get those applique pieces to all look the same. I think this tool, the Go Baby! might fit the bill..

This is what Leona says... 

• This was taken directly from her blog....

• Now onto the fun stuff!! One lucky winner will win one adorable and portable, Go Baby Fabric Cutter, with a choice of three dies!! How much more fun can it get?!! 
• Winning this Giveaway is Easy Peasy:        Go to Leona's Quilting Adventure

• Visit the Accuquilt website,
• This giveaway will end on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at midnight Eastern Standard Time. Winners will be announced Sunday, May 22, 2011! Have a Happy Monday and Happy Quilting!!

Just a bit of bragging needed.......

Here in Maine we have many famous characters, but none so famous as "Togus". Togus is a very large orange Maine Coon cat who  assists our local newscaster, Don Carrigan in reporting the news on Channel 6.

Togus is much more than a just a news partner, he is a cat with a tale to tell. The tale of a Maine Coon Cat, a lucky Maine Coon cat who was rescued by Don and Donna Carrigan. A Maine Coon cat  who found a loving home in the Walpole Woods.

The tale was written, but it was only the tale. Togus and Don  needed an illustrator, someone to bring pictures to their words. It just so happens that my husband, Thomas met up with Don one day. They began chatting, as only Maine men can chat.....and from that chat came a partnership. Thomas began to collaborate with Togus and Don to illustrate their tale. The book was published, the book signings began to happen, the Togus sightings were reported and the excitement grew from the Walpole Woods.

Just had to do..... a bit of bragging..........

Check out Togus' website.....
Follow Togus on Facebook .......
Pick up a copy of this lovely story to share with you children and grandchildren...

Check it out at....www.togusthecat.com

Thank-you Cheryll..... Mug Rug Swap Arrives.......

My first "ever" gift from a swap has arrived. Thank-you Cheryll !!!!!

I was so excited to find this package waiting at our local Post Office.... I live in a small town on the coast of Maine.  It was raining when they went to deliver and so they kept the package until I could pick it up...

I love the fabric, the colors and the essence of Australia.....

Not only a mug rug, but also fabric Cheryll used to create the mug rug.... A great calendar with photos showing wildflowers of Australia...

Thanks again Cheryll, because of your generosity I think I might enter another swap.... I love being the recipient of something someone has created just for me .....

Thanks to Cheryll for snapping a few photos of the mug rug package I sent her way. I only thought of this after having posted the package.

I am afraid that I need to work on the sophistication of my rug rugs...Mine was very simplistic.
So off to make a few practice rugs, to practice new skills and stretch my learning curve (I have several secretaries at the office, my practice pieces might just become gifts!!)..
Cheryll again, thanks for the inspiration....

First Mug rug swap sent...
What was my process?   I made 5 practice pieces, yes five.  I do love strip quilting so it was great fun to choose fabrics, check lines and stitch away. I did take these little canvases to another level by making fabric of stripped pieces then cutting those into strips and putting them back together. It is all about the fabric, the size of pieces and the finished product...

And then in this swap came the packaging...What to add to the package, how to package for Australia, what might my swap partner like?


I thought a few post cards of where I hail from might be fun and so Pemaquid, New Harbor and Damariscotta vistas were packed.  Easter Peeps and Cadburya are musts. I tried to put a blueberry mug into the package, but was unable to fit everything on...... and so Grammie Rice's blueberry coffee cake took its place. I make a crochet necklace from ribbon yarn that we have dubbed SeaClase because of the color ways sparkling like ocean water. A few decorations, a bit of fabric (my favorites) that I used in the rug then off to the PO for international mailing..  Yikes...listing everything for customs....Thanks to my post-person we filled out forms, chose deliver and the package arrived at its destination.

A bit of fun, a bit of searching the internet for a pattern and then a bit of pattern making. I just had to find that one more thing to add to the package.  What better item to add than a tea wallet. I designed this one from several I had seen on line and as purchasable downloads...Kinda liking my design......Might even be a wallet that could have multiple uses....