Goodies, goodies, and a few wips

I knew the song lyric thing had to end sometime -- looks like this post is it. I do still have some older projects to share, but all this nostalgia is reminding me that I need to show you the new stuff I bought and am working on.

First up, the goodies I purchased while I was in New Mexico. Mom isn't a quilter, but she does knit. Given my recent knitting jag, I had to hit the local yarn shop, Unravel. They've got some absolutely lovely yarns and super friendly service. In addition to yarns and other knitting goodies, they also have some embroidery and other needlecraft supplies. Since I had limited space in my suitcase, and wallet, I was good. Just these two skeins of cotton/alpaca mix yarns and some stitchery transfers/patterns. I do love those Sublime Stitching patterns -- one is just words and an alphabet, but the other has cobwebs, and gravestones. I'm thinking Halloween here folks. Oh, who am I kidding? I'm thinking my husband would get a real kick out of something from these. In fact, his birthday is coming up....

I also picked these up at the same shop. Two Shashiko (Japanese quilting design) kits and thread. I actually had managed to walk out of the shop without these lovelies -- then I couldn't stop talking about them to my mother. Yeah, I went back. I had to. One is a set of fans, and the other is dragonflies. I really can't wait to try these out, though, the instructions are in Japanese. Hmmnnn...I also can't decide whether or not to do it with a backing or just treat it as a single layer embroidery...I'll figure it out eventually. (Unravel doesn't have an online ordering site -- but, I did find the same kits online here, not that I would try and convince others to join in my madness).

And wouldn't you just know, there is a quilt shop right across the courtyard from the knit shop? Don't you hate it when that happens? Organ Mountain Quilt Shop has a lovely selection of fabrics, notions, books and patterns. I was drooling over their wall 'o Batiks as well as some of the full collections from Moda and Robert Kaufman they carry. Oh my. But, again, I was soooooo good. I only walked out with one little quilt book (on sale for 20% off!) and one little 1/2 yard of fabric. I know, I wasn't sick -- just, well, I knew how much room I left myself in my suitcase. And how many projects I currently have going at home (which I think has more to do with it). I actually have a book review planned for this book (but, hey, it came home with me so that tells you something right there) so I'm not going to say much about it now.

While I was at Mom's I did get some work done. When I was packing, my biggest worry was what to bring on the plane with me to work on. Yeah, I know, I should have been thinking about clothes and stuff -- but, well, I knew I'd have some serious waiting around time. There was the three hour flight, surgery, hanging around at home while Mom was sleeping off anesthesia, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't have any quilting/embroidery handwork prepped, but oh my, I did take some knitting. I already showed you the mitt I finished (which still needs its mate), but I did do some other stuff. I brought Miss Tinkerbell's pink and purple with me and all of the knitting is done. I still need to seam up the other side, get some ribbons for the ties and make the skirt, but, hey, it's for her birthday. I have time.

I also may have raided, borrowed, looked through Mom's yarn stash and got permission to take some lovely cotton yarn she had. I may have also had a look through her patterns and found one that would be perfect for said yarn. And, since I happened to have the right sized needles with me, I may have cast on a sweater for my daughter. And well, since it's easy and fun, I may have gotten a whole lot done on said sweater. Like, darned near 1/2 of it. It's a fun little wrap sweater from this book. It's the pattern on the cover. The pattern is actually for a 12 month size, but Miss Tinkerbell is so skinny, the width fits. So, I'm just making it a bit longer in the length. Since coming home I've finished one of the sleeves and I should have the other one done this week. I'm thinking this one is going to be a lovely little lightweight Easter sweater. I'm being optimistic that the weather will allow for a lightweight sweater for Easter (but I'm not gonna hold my breath).

I also got some great mail while I was gone. This was waiting for me when I got home. A lovely mini quilt from the Calico Cat. This is part of a private swap we're doing -- I still need to get hers out in the mail but it will be done this week. Oh yes. It will be done. (points for the movie reference for this one). I love the bright colors and the cat print in the border :0).

She also sent along a bunch of goodies including some star blocks that didn't make the cut and this little tin full of Moda Cinnamon Stars charms. I'm thinking the mini-quilt pattern in the tin is just about perfect and I feel another mini quilt coming on. Thanks so much!!!

And there was some fabric included to make her a mini-messenger bag like the one I made for my cousin for Christmas. So, that tutorial I was promising? It will be coming up shortly folks! And hey, it's a chance to play with this absolutely adorable Japanese fabric. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! I can't wait to cut into this one -- it's just going to be fun!

I also found out when I got back that I had won a blog contest over at Wool and Company. Since I not only guessed the yarn, but also the pattern, I was the big winner. Ok, so I've done one scarf in that pattern and am working on another -- it isn't cheating. And, well, I've been in the shop often enough lately that I know they're in love with the new Noro sock yarns...still, it's just using my knowledge for good right? So, here's my winnings. A skein of each of the yarns used in the scarf and a pair of needles in the right size to make one of my own. Can I just say yummy? Of course, I should finish a few other projects first...but, oh, the temptation...

And speaking of finishes. I do have two to report. First up, the Bella quilt. I did get it quilted before I left -- but the binding had to wait until I got back. It's now hanging at the shop, and I have to say it's adorable. It also is one of those projects that looks like it took a heck of a lot more time than it really did (minus the getting sick, getting called out of town, etc.). This one is nothing more than fussy cut letters from the Lakehouse alphabet panel and charm squares straight out of the pack. Add a 1/4 yard of binding and some backing and you're set. The quilting is super simple, but the letters look like applique if you don't know about the panels. In fact, it fooled one of the shop employees for a second or two. A totally fun project and wouldn't it be adorable for a new baby?

I also finished this one (well, kinda, still needs the ends woven in) as a Valentine's present for my husband before I left. It's just a knit washcloth -- but, since he loved the Transformers when he was younger I just HAD to make it for him. He appreciated the humor and that I made it. So, way cool.

Oh, and one last thing (as if this post hasn't gone on long enough -- can you tell I'm still playing catch-up? I was only gone 5 days, you would think I would be caught up by now wouldn't you? yeah, that whole sick toddler thing when I got back kind of put a kink in the works) -- this is a teaser hint for another blogger. Nope, I'm gonna keep the soon to be finish a surprise, but I hope you like the hint!

That is sooooo much more than enough for now. Time for me to dig out my sewing area -- FINALLY! I'll take a before picture so you'll believe me when I say how messy my house gets (not to mention my sewing area if I don't police it pretty regularly). UGH. My kingdom for a cleaning service. Or a separate craft room -- yeah, that would be nice!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas here at Casa de Cornfields. No, I don't have my decorations up yet (isn't it bad enough the stores have had them up since Halloween?? EEEKK -- nope, we wait until AFTER Thanksgiving in this house thank you very much) -- but I have been a busy bee sewing up some Christmas themed items and getting some work on hand made presents done. I don't know why I do this to myself every year -- I wait 'til the last minute (ok, so a month or so before isn't the LAST minute, but you know what I mean) to get all the handmade stuff done and/or underway.


If you're like me -- you also forget about people you know you want to do something for -- but not a full quilt (or, well, projects that are going to require a huge investment of time and/or money). The coworker gifts, teachers (my daughter has 4 teachers who are with her on a regular basis), coaches, family members who you see once a year but still want to do something for...what to do? What to do? Well -- one option could be these little lovelies that I've been working on this week. Fun fabric ornaments/gift tags. The pattern is new from Daisy and Dell (though, I was having problems with their site if you follow the link) and tons of fun to make.


Though -- I will have to say, my ability to overly complicate things may have been in overdrive here. Yes, the pattern does call for doing machine blanket stitching around the fused pieces -- but, seriously, on pieces this small -- I probably should have just let it go. It's not like it's going to be washed or anything. It looks great (or at least I think so) but -- seriously folks. Despite that bit of insanity -- they really are fun to make, and easy enough to use for some of those gifts you're not sure what to give -- who couldn't use a cutie patootie ornament for the tree?


I may even make some more of them to give as gifts (or for myself for that matter). Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that I was making these as shop samples. A case of "one of my favorite quilt shop owners and designers (hi Tammy) went to market and I get to play with the goodies!" And speaking of goodies I got to play with (and another shop sample) -- I FINALLY got my hands on some of that yummy Chocolate Lollipop fabric I've been wanting to play with! (If you don't remember -- there was a bit of a saga the last time I tried to find some) Add in a fun new pattern by an all around wonderful blogger who had two new patterns introduced at market (see the November 6th post) and you've got another fun project to make. This one is both fun and easy -- and I have a 'tween on my Christmas list who may be getting one of these. Thanks PamKitty for such a fantastic pattern to play with!


Hmmn...with all of these shop samples you would think that my claim of getting Christmas presents done was, well, not quite the truth. But -- I have, in fact, been getting some done. Or, well, close to it anyway. Here's a sneak peek of an in-progress project -- more of that lovely Cherry Baby fabric. I got to keep some of the "scraps" when I was making aprons and so I've been turning some of them into pincushions. I've got another "scrap" project cooking with these as well -- I'll see about posting hints on that soon :0).

I've got more projects in the works and some fun stuff I'm working on -- but it looks like this post is getting to be WAAAAYYYY longer than I intended (I really need to work on the whole running off at the fingers thing). So, I will say goodnight for now (despite when this SAYS it was published -- it's after midnight by my watch!)


Oooops, almost forgot to mention -- Anna Maria Horner (the lovely lady who designed the Chocolate Lollipop fabrics) will be on Martha today (Nov. 15th) so check it out!

Service please...

Ok, so it should be no surprise to anyone who has read my blog for long that I love to go shopping for quilt fabric. Really. I do. And it's not just fabrics. Oh no. I love patterns too. And gadgets and notions. Oh, and fabrics. Have I mentioned I love fabrics? Yeah. Given my addiction to quilt shops and their wares, you would think there isn't a quilt shop I don't love or at least appreciate. Well -- I finally found one that on the surface I should be absolutely crazy about, but I'm not.

Now, don't get me wrong. Not every quilt shop is for every quilter. They all have personalities. Some specialize in civil war repros. Others in modern quilt fabrics. Still others in brights and novelties. No shop can carry EVERYTHING, and they shouldn't have to. That's the beauty of this whole quilting thing -- different fabrics for every type of quilter. I accept and embrace that notion. I have been in some shops where I'm not going to find a lot simply because those particular fabrics don't sing to me -- they don't shout at me "Come play with me" or "I want you to take me home". That's cool. Even in shops where I'm not in love with the fabrics I usually find SOMETHING -- a notion, a poor, lonely little orphaned fat quarter that doesn't really belong, thread, needles, SOMETHING. At the very least, I usually find someone willing to chat with, a friendly smile and a hail fellow well met to another quilter -- even if we have very different styles.

And in some shops, you just go WOW -- like a kid in a candy store. The personalities of the fabrics just mesh with your own. All of your favorite designers in one place. Fabrics and colors that sing to you so loudly you almost need earplugs just so you can concentrate on what you want to buy first. You know -- the shop where if money was no object you would take at least a yard off of almost every single bolt. And some of them, you'd take a bolt.

Most shops are a combination of the two extremes. A section or two (ok, or three or four) you love. Some fabrics that you don't -- but that's cool, someone else will. Patterns and ideas -- some you like, some you don't. But usually, usually someone who is friendly and willing to chat. A fellow quilter. And as most of you know, quilters are some of the BEST people!

So why am I waxing poetic about the types of quilt shops and their personalities? Well, I was feeling the need for some fabric therapy the other day. In the midst of my cleaning spree I ran across some old memories that had me feeling a bit blue. They weren't awful -- just the sorts of things that can make you nostalgic and a bit sad. Ones that remind you of losses you would rather not have -- and that you can't do a darned thing about it. I decided it was much to beautiful a day to be in that kind of funk (that is best of rainy cold days when you can have a fit of the blues, NOT for days when the sun is shining in a beautiful blue fall sky and the weather is behaving for a change). Perfect antidote? A drive in the country with the end destination a new to me quilt shop.

As an added bonus, the shop in question had an ad in my newest guild newsletter -- and it prominently mentioned that they carried the new Joel Dewberry line and, more importantly to me, the luscious Chocolate Lollipop fabrics by Anna Maria Horner. (These fabrics are simply delicious folks -- fun, bright, with a twist of serious sophistication -- if you want to see some lovely examples check out Anna Maria's blog -- actually, if you want to be wowed by a seriously talented designer who is also a fantastic Mom -- check out her blog. How she does it all I do NOT know) I've been wanting some of these fabrics for ages -- but, well, I wanted to see them in person. I know, I can order them on the internet - but, well, I like feeling the fabrics and seeing them in person. I also like buying from local small quilt shop owners when possible. I know I can get things less expensively online -- but, well, I like HAVING local small quilt shops around, so -- that means spending money there! So, bonus -- a localish (most shops are at least a 30 minute plus drive for me) that is carrying fabrics that NO ONE else in the area is carrying. WOOO HOOO!!!!

My excitement lasted until I actually got to the shop. I walked up to the only obvious door from the side parking lot and the woman who was loading fabrics into a truck treated me to a weird reception. I was friendly and asked if this was the entrance -- obviously I've never been there before -- and was told that it was the BACK entrance, but I could go in if I wanted to. Um, yeah, that's why I'm here! But, ok, busy lady -- looked like she was getting ready to go vend at a quilt show (and since there's a major show in Madison, WI this weekend -- not too surprising). She actually had to unlock the door to let me in -- which is lovely since it was marked as the handicapped entrance, but, well --

Anyway, one of the first things I did was say I had heard about them from my guild newsletter and I came out specifically for the Chocolate Lollipop fabrics. Turns out she had just put all of them in the truck. Great. Ok, I can come back. It's not that far from my house (35 minute drive or so). And then I was told they would be back on Tuesday -- if they didn't sell out at the show. Um, ok, gee -- thanks. Now, did I expect her to unload the fabrics she was packing for the show so I could buy some? No. Not really. Though, I did think I could have been asked if I knew what I wanted (I did) and if so maybe I could get the 1 or 2 (ok, this is me 3 or 4) fabrics I wanted. I probably would have said not to bother -- but still. I did have the other person working there point out that there was a FQ bundle there in the shop (just about the ONLY Chocolate Lollipop left there btw). The problem being the ideas I have for the fabrics all involve at least 1/2 a yard of fabric if not more. FQs aren't going to cut it.

Ok, not a problem. This is a quilt shop after all. Even if I can't get my chocolate fix -- there ARE other fabrics after all. And let me tell you -- this shop has some lovely fabrics. Shelves full of Kaffe Fassetts. Really. Current prints, some older ones, stripes, shot cottons, etc. More Kaffes than I've seen in a single place outside of a major quilt show. Full lines of most of their fabrics. And, the Joel Dewbery fabrics. I should have been in heaven! But, well, after showing me where the Aviary fabrics were -- the sales person spent her time, um, following me around the store. Now, you've seen photos of me (well, kind of) -- do I LOOK like I'm a thief? But every time I reached out to pick up a pattern she was staring at me and using body language that indicated I wasn't supposed to DO THAT. A notion, same thing. And she made sure I could see her watching me as I was walking through the bolts of fabric (come on -- they sure as heck aren't going to fit in my purse. I carry a really small purse too.). Now, I suppose it could have been meant as being friendly -- but, um, I'm really not too sure of that. For it to be friendly -- a conversation would have been nice. Chit chat. Ask about quilting? Um, I am in a quilt shop after all. I did mention that I belong to a guild. Nope -- just staring at me and making me feel like picking up a pattern to examine it was a crime. It gave me the heebie jeebies. As a matter of fact, despite the fact that there were beautiful fabrics that I really would LOVE to play with there, the entire store gave me the heebie jeebies. (and we won't even mention the prices -- not just full price, but full urban center pricing which for the area where this shop is located? Um, let's just say it's high. I know fabric prices have gone up -- but, ya know, there is such a thing as being priced out of your market)

Does this mean I didn't buy anything? Oh, yeah, right. Like that's gonna happen. I did get a couple of things. Some of the Joel Dewberry Aviary fabrics, I think these are going to be a bag of some sort -- not sure what kind yet.

And I did get some Kaffe shot cottons -- these I think are destined to go into a little Halloween wall hanging. Though, I need to find some purple to go with them. Maybe something with a pattern as well, but I love the way these feel.

And just so I didn't feel totally chocolate deprived, I got the only piece of Chocolate Lollipop in the store other than the $60.00 FQ bundle (um, I really wasn't planning on spending that much folks -- the other reason the bundle didn't come home with me). It is an off cut fat eighth. Which means it isn't even a full fat eighth. But darn it, I got some of the fabric I went for! Not enough to do much with it -- but some.

I will say the sales person (not sure of what else to call her) did warm up a bit towards the end and help me find this little fat eighth and chat while cutting -- but still didn't make me feel much better after being watched so intensely while I was shopping.

And to get the bad taste from the shop out of my mouth (so to speak) -- I headed off to one of my favorite quilt shops in that area. Their selection of "modern" fabrics is pretty much one or two lines -- and then mostly brights/novelties. They have a great selection of batiks and flannels for kids (adults too for that matter). They have a wall 'o plaids for those of you who love 'em. No Amy Butler. No Joel Dewberry. No Anna Maria Horner. No Heather Bailey. No Kaffe Fassett -- and that's ok. Because what they do have, is the service that was missing in the other shop (and no, I'm not going to name that one).

It's not really fair to compare my reception at the two shops. I've been going to my fav for years now. When I walked in the door I was greeted with "Hi Angela!" by both owners (who were also getting ready to vend at the Madison Quilt Expo btw). Followed quickly by "Where's ------ (insert dd's name)?" I chatted with Stephanie (one of the owners) about her youngest daughter (who is adorable and was running around the shop "helping" Mom -- and is all of a month younger than my own dd) and mine and about quilting in general. She helped me look for a thimble for my newly developed interest in handwork (darn you Tonya and Rose Marie and all of you other talented hand quilters, embroiderers, and appliquers out there). When I mentioned I wanted a color of a line they are carrying but they didn't have -- she took down my name and said she'd call when the bolt came into the store. This even though I told her what I wanted it for -- and I'm only going to buy a yard or two (and since she is ordering it for me -- I'll probably buy more than I need). Nope -- they may not have all of the "cutting edge" fabrics -- but what they do have, is good, friendly service. The kind you come back for. The kind you drive for 40 minutes for even with the price of gas going up again. The kind you look for in a quilt shop -- or at least I do.

And of course, I didn't walk out empty handed. Some lovely denim blue solid -- it may be a skirt. It may be a project I'm thinking of -- but haven't decided on yet. Some may get combined with the Kaffe shots for that Halloween quilt. And a cutie pie pattern for a jacket for dd -- who is crazy for jackets, shoes and hats. My little accessory queen. Did I NEED either of these purchases? Nope -- but that's ok, I did need to buy locally (sort of) and feel good about it. I'll be going back there -- again and again. Even if I can get fabrics I want for less online -- if they carry it, I'll buy it from them. Because service is important. And so is supporting the local quilt shop owners who go the extra mile.

As for the Chocolate Lollipop fabrics I want, and that other shop. Well -- hmmn, the cost of gas to drive 30 minutes there and 30 minutes back -- well, that's just about the cost of shipping if not MORE than the cost of shipping. Z&S -- here I come. Less expensive, less of a hassle, and no heebie jeebies!

Lead me not into temptation...

for I can find the way all by myself thank you very much! Or in other words -- I've been bad, really really bad about buying fabric and am about to go on another crash fabric diet! But oh, did I have fun along the way!

I mentioned in my last post that I went to a fabric shop that had a sale on their clearance fabric. I figured I would just look around and see what I could find. I had good intentions, but, did I mention that the sale was $3.00 a yard fabric??? Eeeek! Add to that a trip to another quilt shop since I was so close, and you have more spent than I originally planned and more projects to add on to the need to get done pile.Since I don't want to suffer from my lapse into temptation alone, I thought I would share my finds with all of you. I figure this way I can share the fun!

First up on our hit parade is this lovely burnt orange color rose print fabric. I'm thinking another skirt. I have a great long sleeved wrap t-shirt in chocolate brown that would look lovely paired with this fabric. The only question is whether to add the gores to the bottom or just do a straight a-line skirt? Hmmmn...decisions, decisions. Either way I think it's going to be fun!

I also bought some of the same print in pink. Not enough for a skirt -- but I think this one is going to be a bag of some sort. I've been wanting to do some more bags and other semi-quick finish projects lately and this may just be the ticket. Not sure of the pattern yet -- need to think about it. But some sort of bag is in order.

And to go with it, I found this fun sagey green leopard print fabric. I did get more of this than the pink -- so it will go into the bag I'm plotting and something else as well. Not sure what else, but the color just got to me. And the combo with the pink works really well for me for some reason -- then again, since I've been doing variations on green and pink and white combos for over two years now there could be a reason for that. I think I may be getting into a rut with that combo!

I also picked up this go-along for some panels and charm square packs I bought last winter. What I'm eventually going to do with all of them I'm not sure -- probably a quick and easy type throw quilt to use to decorate. Not that I've been the queen of decorating my house for the seasons lately (um -- I'm lucky if I remember what season it is usually) but hey, I can dream that I will have that kind of life at some point right? RIGHT -- or at least, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!

I also picked up this cute little pattern to make for my daughter. I thought it would be perfect for some of that cute puppy fabric I found with Mom. I figured I would add a nice hot pink ruffle (THAT I already have in my stash) and they would be great little pj bottoms with a t-shirt. The pattern seems super simple and it's by the same woman who did the pattern for the jackets I've made for my daughter and god daughter. Should be one of those fun and quick finishes I've been needing! (famous last words here -- every time I think this the project takes way longer than I think it should!)

At the second quilt shop I hit, I actually was buying some basics. Some thread, some good quality white muslin, and then I found these. Now, some of you are probably looking at this going -- um, Moda Chocolate. So what? Well -- about the same time May Britt was making her lovely little charm square bag (see her post from July 1st) I bought the same pattern. I have a charm square pack of the Chocolate line I bought last fall, but I didn't buy any yardage of the line. And, frankly, while the fabrics are lovely -- they don't really play well with most of the fabrics in my stash. In fact, I think I saw them running and hiding from my stash at one point and complaining about the noise. (have I mentioned lately that I like bright and intense color??) So, I was happy to find some go-alongs so I can make the bag with the charms I already had. See -- I HAD to buy more fabric so I could use up stash. Really. Um -- yeah, I'm not really buying this one either, but I had to give it a shot. Of course I didn't have the pattern with me and bought too much of the fabric for the lining and binding -- but that's ok. I think I'll make a couple of these up and give one away as a gift for Christmas.

So there you go -- my latest fall from grace and newest vow to finish some projects before I'm allowed to buy anything new. *sigh* I really need to get sewing. I've been cleaning and organizing the house and I haven't gotten any sewing done in over a week now. Oh yeah, and I'm still catching up on my blog reading. If you haven't heard from me or I haven't been commenting much -- please, have pity on me, y'all have so much that's interesting to say I'm a bit overwhelmed!!! But, the lack of sewing means I'm going through withdrawals. Maybe that's why I've been buying -- must. sew. need. to. play. Need to USE pretties I buy!

Houston, We Have Flimsy...

I repeat, Houston, we have flimsy. Wooo Hoooo! My vow of finishing my Christmas quilt top last week was a success! It is now at flimsy stage. I love how this one turned out -- the colors are fun, the stitcheries worked out well, and using charm square packs really made this one come together pretty quickly. (thanks to dh for holding this one up for today's photo shoot -- cute toes and all, though I've been assured this is the most he wants posted of himself on my blog -- I smartly refused to promise anything. bwahahahaha)

Now on to the current quandaries about this one. My first problem is trying to come up with a name for this quilt -- some names just come to you, others, well, they just don't. This one isn't. Or, well, one does keep popping into my head, but it just seems. . . unoriginal. The entire time I've been working on this one, I've been thinking about the show Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer. You know, the one with the Island of Misfit Toys? For some reason the elves (though no real physical resemblance) touch off fond memories of watching this show every year -- is it just me? Anyway, add to that the fabric is called "Holly Jolly" and I've been hearing Burl Ives singing "A Holly Jolly Christmas" in my head the entire time I've been putting this together. My first thought is to call it "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" and be done with it -- but, I don't know, it seems kind of, well, derivative? Hmmn, maybe I'm over thinking this one. Any suggestions for names would be appreciated though.

The other quandary about this one is how to quilt it. Though, truthfully, this one isn't so much of a problem right now since it's not going to be able to be sent off for quilting (nope, I don't have the talent for this one yet -- and it deserves something better than I can currently do) for a few months at least. Not because of the $$, though that is a factor, but because the top is not sitting comfortably in my flimsy drawer. No, nothing bad happened to it, it is now in its new temporary home. When I went to my newest LQS to pick up a couple of extra charm packs to finish up this one, I brought my elf stitcheries with me (ok, so I wanted to show off a bit -- I'm kind of proud of how they turned out). I showed them to the owner, Tammy, (who is a really sweet lady btw) and explained what I was doing with the rest of the blocks. Unfortunately, I didn't explain it all that well -- but she asked to see them despite my bumbling. I brought in a few of the disappearing 9 patch blocks in a couple of days later and she loved them. She also asked if they could use the top as a shop sample. Knock me over with a feather! (ok, kind of a hokey saying but -- it fits)

To make me equally dumbfounded (you would think someone had stupified me -- sorry, necessary Harry Potter reference -- the book comes out THIS WEEK!!!!!) Laura2 (her designation at the store, not my own weird way of naming her) who plans the shop's classes asked if I would be willing to teach a class on the technique. (I think my answer was something erudite and sophisticated like "um...sure...I'd...yeah") So in September I will be teaching a class on the disappearing 9 patch block and until then, my top will be displayed at the shop (I think it will go up sometime this week but they may wait until they get their shipment of Holly Jolly bolts in whenever that is). Have I mentioned again that I love the new LQS? (and if you haven't followed the links above, and here I'm trying to be all subtle and everything but I did promise to reveal the name of the shop eventually, the name of the shop is Tammy Tadd Designs -- yep, she does design patterns and fabric and the store is adorable -- and no, I'm not just saying this to suck up, really, I was spending money there before any of this happened) I will get a picture of the quilt in the shop when it gets put up!

And speaking of spending money on fabric. *sigh* I'm back on my fabric diet. No new lovelies for me for the rest of this month. I may, just may mind you, have gone a little nuts over some new fabrics that came into the shop this past week. But really, can you blame me? I resisted for a whole 24 hours before I went back to the shop and bought fabrics for the quilt that just would not leave me alone. (I was literally finishing up the Christmas quilt and taking breaks to design one around these fabrics) I do have to go back tomorrow and buy a little more of one of the fabrics -- I bought just enough fabric for my design idea and, of course, made a cutting mistake. But other than that (oh, and some binding for the Christmas quilt when the yardage comes in, and maybe some backing fabrics -- I think I've got a problem here) I'm in a no-buy zone until August at least. Not like I don't have three or four quilts that need to be done. Not to mention Mom's pillows to finish up and other assorted projects to complete. But I can't regret splurging on these -- I think the quilt is going to be fun!

Confession is good for the soul.

At least, that's what Father Jim told us in CCD classes when I was much younger. Then again, he got sent off to seminary after breaking his jaw in a bar fight. So not so sure it was the best advice ;0). But here I am to confess my fabric purchases despite my no-buy vow for the month of June.

First up on the hit parade is this selection of the Moda Chez Moi fabrics. No, these are not a ton of fat quarters. They are something my newest LQS cuts -- 11" squares of fabric (well, ok, there is ONE FQ hiding out of the picture). It's great if you want a little bit of something or, as in this case, a selection from a whole line but not a lot of anything. It didn't hurt that they were on sale buy 2 get 1 free. Plus I had an additional 20% off coupon. Not 20% off of one item mind you, but 20% off the entire purchase. Can I just say I LOVE the new LQS??? (someday I will have to share the name of the shop, it may be coming soon) I think these are going to be cut into charm squares and made into a bag or something similar. And at $.40 a piece for the 11" squares, I ask you, could you resist? And yes, Lisa, I do blame you too!

More fantastic deals? Well, how about $1.00 fat quarters at 20% off. Hmmn. $.80 each FQs. Again. These needed to come home with me. As well as these other FQs. On sale for $2.00 each, plus an additional 20% off. Need I say more? I bought some other FQs, but well, some of them are already at their destination (see, I was buying gifts, really) and I didn't get pics. And others are going off later this week to their final destination. Since the recipient reads this blog, not gonna show 'em!

As for the splurge with my discount for doing the Yo-Yo maker demos -- well, I am still addicted to the lovely Fresh Cut fabrics (I swear I'm going to own at least a FQ of every print in the line before I'm done -- and I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do with them), I may have added to my collection. Who am I kidding? Maybe? Yeah. Right.

Ok, first round of confessions over. Now it's time to look back at the month of June and confess how much/little of my long list of projects I actually got done. Eeeek.

• Mom's pillows -- um, nope. Though I just decided for sure how to finish them this past weekend, so those should be done soon. This month for sure!
• Little girl's dress (still trying to come up with a cute pet name for dd -- I call her kitten, but hey, should be something more original don't ya think?) -- a big old nope here as well.


• God daughter's jacket -- if you have been reading you know DONE DONE DONE. She received it today just in time for her birthday. It fits and she loves it. Woo Hoooo!


• mil's Christmas present quilt. Cut and ready to begin sewing. Goal for the month met


• Background strips for leaders enders project. Cut. Goal for month met.


• My Christmas lap quilt. Started. Way started. All of the initial block sets done. 3 of the 5 embroideries done. 5 Disappearing 9 patch blocks completed. Goal for the month more than met!


• Summer Sorbet -- pushed to July as predicted.


• Practice machine quilting -- well, I did some on gd's jacket. So sure. I'll give myself credit here.


• Dick and Jane. Not even looked at.


• Bags for gifts, nope. But I did make myself a nifty new purse!

Not as much as I had originally planned. Some things done though. Since I'm used to assigning letter grades to my students, I'd have to give my June list and no-buy progress a C+. Hey, that's average. I'll take it. And to close out my confessions of quilting undone -- some in-progress photos of things I HAVE done. The latest stitchery for my Christmas quilt (ignore the running stitches, they are there so I can wash out the markings and still be able to know where my design area is when I cut the piece to put in the blocks) and some of the finished blocks.

Doing My Part to Help the Economy

Or at least, that's what I told my husband I was doing this past weekend. I'm not sure he believes me. That's ok, I'm not sure I believe me. I actually went on a quilt shop hop. These things are dangerous! Especially when 6 of the 9 shops I had never been to before! So, I have lots of pictures of goodies purchased and a couple of pictures of projects I have been working on.

I went on the hop with my MIL and her mother (is that Grandmother-in-law? I think that's what I'll use) who is visiting for the next couple of weeks. My GMIL is a quilter (though my MIL is not) and uses these trips as her annual buying spree. No, I did NOT try to keep up with her -- but well, I kept on finding cute stuff. Our first stop was a lovely shop that is, luckily, too far from my house to make going there regularly an option. Most of their fabrics were reproductions so not too much there to tempt me (thankfully) but I did find these lovelies from the new Moda Peas and Carrots line (I think these may play nicely with my Dick and Jane fabrics for dd's quilt) and some aurifil thread on sale (despite the bright thread on sale, no, there weren't many, if any, brights in the shop -- might be why it was on sale).

Our next shop was also a Bernina dealer. Drool, drool, drool over the lovely machines. A dream or two about being able to one day afford one, and some fun little charm packs. They had just gotten in the charm packs for the new Christmas lines from Moda. These two little Sandy Gervais packs had to come home with me. I have an idea for them, but think I need to go back and buy a couple more. And since right next door is a sushi restaurant -- may even be able to convince dh to come with.

Day one (oh, did I mention this was a four day shopping spree?) ended with our third stop to a lovely shop, which again, if you love antique reproduction fabric -- this is the place for you! I'm not that big into civil war repros -- but my, this shop could convince me to do some work with it! I DID manage to find these lovlies in the clearance area. I originally bought them thinking I would use the blues for a summer dress for dd. She has the most incredible blue eyes -- and well, despite the fact that she's not really a pastels kind of kid -- I thought it might work. I've since found something that will work better (keep reading) but I will find some good use for these. Maybe a nice baby quilt for someone who is having a little boy.

Day two I was on my own with dd in tow. Note -- while my *almost* two year old is adorable and pretty well behaved for her age, serious fabric and quilt shopping is not recommended without someone there to act as child wrangler. Normally this is dh -- but, well, he had to work Friday night so, dd (I really need to come up with a name for her other than dd for this blog) and I were on our own. Luckily we were headed to the shop that is one of "my" LQSs. They know us there -- they've known dd since I was pregnant with her. This helps. So does the box of toys they keep in the book area. And oh, familiarity does NOT breed contempt. They had just gotten in their order of the Heather Bailey Freshcut fabrics! Of course, I had to buy more of the yummies! (THIS is what tells me I'm an addict!) They were also doing demos of foundation by the yard along with the add a quarter rule. Yes, the demo won me over. It's just like paper piecing -- but you don't have to tear anything out. And since they are pre-printed foundations, the prep work is minimal. I've always wanted to try a New York Beauty block -- so now I will (actually I already have -- keep reading). The other shop we headed to on Day Two was new to me and had some fun stuff, but dd had lost all patience with me. I will go back and buy something later -- when I don't have to chase a small girl.

Day three I had dd along again, but I also had MIL and GMIL with -- MIL (also known as Nana) was happy to act as small girl wrangler so I did get to do some shopping! One of the shops we went to on day three is located in a converted barn. Yes, it is far out in the country, but luckily very close to where I live. I only bought this McKenna Ryan pattern (I've been wanting to try one of hers for ages) but I will be going back. They have a nice selection of fabrics (a nice mix of traditional with a few punches of modern) and it's nice to have a local supply of notions and thread.

The second stop on day three was a shop I *thought* I had been to before -- really small town, how many quilt shops can there be? Turns out I was wrong. The shop I had thought it was had closed and this new one had opened. This is good. The former shop was not one of my favorites and, frankly, was one I hadn't gone to often since I seldom found anything there I wanted. The new shop has some really cute fabrics and a few patterns I liked. I don't know if it will be a regular stop for me, but it is one to keep in mind as it is so close. I found the pinks and greens which I decided suit dd much better for the dress I want to make, and the red and white fabric (you can JUST see it peeking out in the back there) was just because I liked it.

Day four it was MIL and GMIL and me without small girl. Dh kept her with him at home so we could go to the last two stops. The first stop of the day was a shop I had never been to -- and oh my, I am still giddy over my purchase! (this is two days later, so you know it's good) Again, quite a few traditional quilting fabrics though she had a really nice selection of novelty prints (I was very tempted by the red skulls on black and a fun halloween print) and I got to see the new Folklorique line from Fig Tree, oh my. Not my usual colors, but lovely. Much better seen in person. Now, for my fantastic find. I splurged at this store. I bought yardage. I rarely buy yardage -- a single yard yes. But unless I KNOW I need it, I rarely will buy a lot of something. There are exceptions. This lovely Amy Butler fabric (Ginger Bliss from when she was with FreeSpirit) was hanging out in the clearance section. It had been reduced to $6.50 a yard and had a further 75% off sticker. Um -- that means this fabric was $1.63 a yard (US). Ummm --- pre-cut fat quarters were on sale during this hop for $1.75 each. Can we say I'll take the rest of the bolt?!? The same for the coordinating stripe! So, 4+ yards of the floral, 2+ yards of the stripe, and less than $12.00 US. Shopping karma -- must love it! Oh, and I may have also bought some fat quarters...just maybe mind you.

After this wonderful find, we were ready to end the shop hop with just one more stop. The last one was a stop I hadn't been looking forward to. It is a shop I have been to several times before and, well, this is another one I was unimpressed by. I rarely found things I wanted, the owner just seemed to not want folks in her store for some reason -- am I the only one who has been to a store like this and just felt like not going back? Again though -- I was in for a VERY pleasant surprise. The shop must have changed ownership because -- WOW! This was the only shop on the hop who carried Kaffee Fassett fabric. Oh, and the lovely Amy Butler Lotus line, and oh, oh, oh, so many others. This from a shop where previously I had had to look hard to find things I wanted to purchase. And they had pre-cut 1/2 yards on sale buy one get one free! Oh. My. I just had to pick up the Kaffe 1/2 yard and an Amy Butler stripe. And get a couple of other things cut as well. (yes -- more Heather Bailey, I have mentioned I'm in love with this fabric right?) They had all three (Kaffee, AB and HB) displayed together and it is amazing how well the three lines play together -- it's giving me ideas which could be dangerous!

And just so you don't think it has been all purchases and no sewing -- well, I have a few finishes and a new project underway! The first finish is dd's pants to go with her cutie patootie Fresh Cut top. The pants turned out really well -- and again, I couldn't get them off the child! Yahoo! (please ignore the stains on the couch and the hole in the slipcover -- really. please? I do have a replacement cover, I just need to spend the time and put the new one on.)

I also finished my MILs mother's day gift. This pattern from this little bag was from the Quilts and More Fall/Winter '06 issue. My MIL bought the fabric, but I made the purse. And while I was at it, I just had to make one for myself. I did modify the pattern a little bit. The original called for the straps to be 13" long finished. Um, I don't know about you, but I need a bag I can put over my arm. My MIL requested that hers be even longer. Easy enough to accommodate, and they turned out wonderfully (even if the photos don't show it -- it was late when I finished them and I just took the photo rather than wait for the morning). I even had the button forms to do the covered fabric buttons tucked away in my stash. I think they were from a project I did over 5 years ago -- so yahoo for me! Busting some of the notions stash!

And finally, I got to work on Mom's mother's day gift. While she was here, she reminded me that she would STILL really like the pillows I promised to make her for her "new" living room couch. Of course, this was something like three years ago -- but, hey, who's counting? I had the fabrics she had picked out in a box -- you know, one of those PIGs I've mentioned I have tons of? But, well, originally the fabrics were supposed to go into some Ricky Timms Convergence tops that I would turn into pillows. Problem here -- I've made one or two of these. They're fun. They turn out well. I don't want to make another one any time soon. So, what to do? Well -- take the fabrics, and my new foundation-by-the-yard -- and here you go. A few NY Beauty blocks for Mom (who is a NY beauty herself) and they will make a fantastic pillow. I'll make a few others -- probably something more modern but that will go with the NYB. I'll post the progress on these as it happens.

So that's it from my corner of the world -- if you are still reading this, you probably deserve a medal (or at least a chance to enter the shop hop prize drawing). Sorry I don't have anything to offer right now -- but stay tuned, there may be something soon. I'm off to work on those NYBs and try and get another finish going!