Need An Excuse For A Pedicure?

If you live in the North, you may not be thinking of a pedicure right now.  But if you're in the warmer climate wearing sandals, pedicures are important.  Maybe you have never had a pedicure and need a little push towards this indulgence.  If you are a quilter or a sewist, I have just the excuse for you.

Do you see those thingies separating my toes? You are probably only familiar with them if you have had a pedicure.  They are made of foam and are disposable.  I keep mine in place as long as I can, which means I usually wear them home.

And look what they can be used for - bobbin holders!

So indulge yourself, and go have a pedicure.

Hitting The Road

If you're an avid reader, you make sure that you always have a book to read - well at least one.  If you are going on vacation, you probably bring a bunch of books. If you're a quilter, you need a project to bring - a project that involves hand stitching.  I cannot rest easy until I have my project(s) ready for a trip.  I get it ready days before I leave.  I get it ready before I pack my clothes.  I get it ready before I clean my house.

For our 1,130 mile journey to Key West, my project needed to last me a while.  I made this dupioni  silk flower block using fusible applique a few weeks ago while I was stuck without a sewing machine.

 This is a close up of the handstitching

I originally created it for a friend's quilt show auction, but then I made another.

And then I thought, hmmmm, I like making them so much, maybe I have the start of a quilt. 

I did realize that I was committed to handstitching.

Here are the two blocks that I have prepped for the trip. 

 (Of course, I had to stitch a bit before I packed them into my travel bag.)

I'll add to them as we travel.

There's always an iron available at hotels along the way.

I think this is the start of a great quilt.  I'll keep you posted.

I'm Sewing Again - With A Free Pattern Option

It feels so good to be back at the sewing machine.  I have been working on a few projects.  Today I wanted to share a  project that was my table runner that i made as a test for a mystery quilt get together.  I did it twice, once for my guild and the other was for a  group that I am a member of on-line. The unfinished top has been sitting on my shelf for 8 months.  Since I didn't want to start a new project, this was a good choice for quick!

This is my quilted table runner:

In the body of it, I ignored the seams and did swirly quilting along the diagonal sections.

When I looked at the borders on the sides, I decided that a more geometric design was needed for balance, so I quilted a continuous line triangle inside of the triangles.

I put the binding on by machine.  This is my new favorite method.  Besides being quicker, I think it is sturdier than stitching it on by hand, especially if it is going to be used and washed.  It is a different look - a bit flatter. I do make sure I stitch into the corner - and then back out again.

Here's a LINK for the table runners that were made with my on-line group.  I was very proud of this Mystery project.  I think everyone's top looked so different but very pleasing to the eye.

If you would like a copy of the Mystery Project , e-mail me.  

My Favorite Things

Not a lot of sewing has been going on around here.  I have been getting my projects (aka bins of fabric) ready for our trip to Key West, as well as getting the house ready.  Oh, and I forgot, shopping for gifts.

Most of you know that I love riding my bike, especially with Bailey.  My friends have picked up on this and I have received lots of great gifts with a bicycling theme recently. Some are handmade and others are bought.  No matter which, I love them all.

Thanks Dina.

 Alex and ANi bracelet

 and a gorgeous silk dupioni pouch for the bracelet. Thanks Terry.

Thanks Debbi.

Notecards

A handstitched needleholder

with hand dyed wool.  Thanks Kelly.

One of my readers found this flannel for me. (Thanks Patty.) It was maybe 2 years ago.  I finally got around to making it into a nightshirt.......for me.

And inline with the upcoming start of Chanukah, check out this menorah

Shhhhhh.  It's a gift.

Is there a gift that makes your heart sing?

A Taste of Bali

I am so excited to be able to share my trip to Bali.  I am offering this as an auction item at Calico Cutter Quilt Guild's fundraiser at their December meeting on Wednesday, the 10th

for a limited number of people. 

I have lots of photos and stories to share, plus my amazing husband is offering his services as a chef! He took a cooking class one day while I was at the spa. Maybe he'll even share his recipes.

I bought lots of fabric and he bought spices at the market.

March 20, 2015 is the date.  It's a Friday. 

 I hope that lots of my guild members are interested, although we can only accommodate 8.

 

Let's raise some money for a really terrific guild and group of quilters  

who do lots of charitable deeds and open the doorway to inspiration.