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Tuesday, June 28, 2016

The Power of the Web

I've been looking over my Pinterest board. It's really fun to go back and see all the things I've done. Looking to see the number of times something has been pinned. Getting a feel for what others like...


This one stopped me in my tracks!
Re-pinned 1.8K times.

I can't even count that high.
Yep the power of the web.
It's an international world we live in, 
and quilters are the best!
:-)

Friday is July 1
Do you know what that means?
It's MooseStash day to share our
 "In Our Garden" blocks


The boys and I have been busy designing...
We're hoping you love it!
See you Friday.
;-)


Keep on Stitchin'





Friday, June 24, 2016

Let the Fun Begin


Or should I say...
The fun has begun!

Monday was the first day of this year's "Home Sweet Home" experience!

Yes,  I was on the road bright and early to start my collecting.
:-)

Of course we had to go to B-Right-On for the first stop.


If I hadn't got stuck behind a semi that took 2 lights to get thru the intersection, we'd have been the first ones in the shop...
but Deb beat us to the punch. She texted us that she got her hands on the very first kit!  LOL!!


Just minutes behind her were these silly girls, who insisted I autograph their patterns!

I've talked about B-Right-On before, but I've never shared photos of this wonderful shop. 
It's a converted transmission shop that has such character.


There are miles and miles of fabrics.


They have a full line of Accuquilt Go supplies


Loads of panel prints
Notions galore


And many many machines of your dreams!
Yep, I dream every time I walk in the door.
LOL!!

When I tell you they have miles of fabrics...
it's more than any shop in this state.
There's so much that it doesn't fit on the shelves and you find boxes of hidden surprises thru out the store.
Best yet...it's all $8 a yard.  All the latest, top quilt shop quality fabrics.
Even the Row by Row fabrics, and those yummy batiks.
While they have a HUGE inventory of fabrics...
it blows out the doors at warp speed.
Every time I go in, it's all brand new again.
I just love this place!
It's a must for any road trip.


Keep in Stitchin...
and collecting!
;-)





Thursday, June 23, 2016

International Sue does Germany



I must admit, she is my favorite yet.
There's just something about this lil Sue that makes me want to run 
and grab a beer!  LOL!!  Wonder if Sam will be holding one???
(hint hint Marian)
;-)

This little "liebchen"is just too cute!
For those of you who don't speak German...
German to English:   
  1. Liebchen:
  2. Wiktionary:
Not that I speak German either... but I do have a good handle on Googling for information!  TEE HEE!!!

You can join in the fun with this free BOM over at
Seams to be Sew.
All the info is right



Keep on Stitchin'



Monday, June 20, 2016

Ireland Sue...The International Travel Resumes



The Sue's have returned.


Ireland Sue is making her debut!
I've finally gotten a chance to get back to those adorable little ones. Marian over at Seams to be Sew, is hosting this fun-filled free BOM.
They are perfect for us "arm chair" travelers!
;-)


It's never too late to join in the fun!
You can find all the info right...


Keep on Stitchin'






Friday, June 17, 2016

How Can You Say Thanks??


A couple of weeks ago, I won a DJ Inkers clip art set.
The best way I could think of, to say "Thanks" was to put it to use.


How Does Your Garden Grow?


My garden is starting to look pretty darn good.


So I thought I'd break out some of my snow dye fabrics


 and throw in a little photo printing...
That sweet face was just perfect for the project!


So Mary, Mary, just how does your garden grow?

Thanks DJ Inkers, for sponsoring the Opposites Attract Blog Hop.



There are so many opportunities for these adorable kids!

You can find this and much more...




I wish my garden looked this good all year long!
:-)

Keep on Stitchin'






Monday, June 13, 2016

Modern Batik Challenge with Island Batik


June's the month that the Island Batik Ambassadors
 are showing off their skills, with a Modern Theme.

Modern quilts are new to me, so I spent lots of time 
looking at things on Pinterest.
Then that light bulb moment...


Those of you who know me, know that I am a "fabric-a-holic"!
I prefer "that" term, over "crazy hoarder"!
LOL!!
I keep every scrap of my Island Batiks in a giant Ziploc bag.
You just never know when you'll need...
Tell me I'm not the only one with this sickness!
;-)

I sat down and started piecing all those tiny pieces, 
even drawing up a few flying geese to go along!


Here's the results...
My "Everything but the Kitchen Sink" quilt ended up at 24"x30".
Oh, I've learned a lot thru this process.

Far from perfect, but the wonky-ness,
 seems to lend a bit of interest to the design.


That's my politically correct way of saying...
Oh boy, do I need more practice with straight lines!


But, do these straight lines give you fabulous tactile texture.
(If your wondering just why I keep feeling up my quiltie)
tee hee hee


As you can see, I machine quilted it. I know that most Modern quilts are 
hand quilted...but lets face it, I'm not going to live long enough to do that!


I've got this on my dining room table right now.
It sure brightens up the room!



You'll find sleeves on most of my projects.
It gives me the flexibility to hang them, if I choose.


Lastly, I just couldn't help but recycle that
fabulous "Island Batik" ribbon.
Yep...they just keep me coming back to their incredible batiks!
Check them out for yourself.
:-)

Keep on Stitchin'




Friday, June 10, 2016

Simply Sign Me


I'm excited to announce that I am co-hosting a Signature Block Swap
with Marian of Seams to be Sew.

We "sew" love all our blogging buddies and internet friends.
Having a signature swap is just a little way of keeping them close to our hearts, don't you agree?

Marian has come up with some fabulous ideas...







The rules are simple...other than blocks needing to be 4 1/2" unfinished, there are no rules. You pick your block, you pick your colors, you make it all about "YOU". 
You can sign it with your name, date, city, state, country, area you live, URL, blog name, or phrase that says "this is me".
You can use a Pigma Pen to sign it,
You can embroider, machine embroider,
whatever your heart desires.



Were giving you plenty of time to participate.
Signups will be until Sept 9th, and blocks won't need to be mailed until March of 2017. That gives us all, plenty of time to get thru the holidays stress free. 
;-)

Once signup's close, we will know exactly how many blocks 
you will need to make. 
You'll send them to me along with a stamped, self addressed envelope. I will separate all the blocks and mail them back to you!

Easy Peasy!
Don't you want to play along with us???

The lovely Ms. Marian has all the details posted right
HERE

And you can sign up 

We've got a  Flickr group
to show off our blocks as we work on them

We've got a Facebook page
too!

Oh that Marian has thought of everything!
So what are you waiting for???
We're waiting to hear from "YOU"
;-)

Keep on Stitchin'
(and signin' those blocks)







Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Queen of Hearts

Queen of Hearts!   Yes, I've been smitten ever since I saw these adorable designs from "Brooks Books".


With the opening of the "Alice in Wonderland" movie a couple of weeks ago, they had a sale.
Did someone use the "S" word?
I was on it!
LOL!!!

I downloaded it right away and started stitching.
I just couldn't seem to put it down.
But whew...this old age thing sure has its drawbacks.
There are a couple of tools that are a must for me.


Clip on Magnifiers.
They are fantastic. Way better than that goofy thing 
that hangs on my neck.


This wonderful battery operated flexible light.
My sewing buddy Joi, gave us all one for our retreat.
It's great for stitching on dark cloth, 
especially when using black thread.

Now I'm on to the the rest of the "cast".


:-)

Strangely enough, I've found that it's been great physical therapy too.
My thumb muscle hasn't been the same ever since I broke my wrist.
Who knew that counted cross stitch would be the key. 
Daily it seems to be getting better.
Whoo hoo!

You can check out Brooks Books Etsy site

I'm in trouble again...
I just found these guys!




Will this madness ever end!
LOL!!

Keep on Stitchin'









Thursday, June 2, 2016

Opposites Attract Blog Hop


Welcome to my day at the Opposites Attract Blog Hop.

As soon as Marian announced this hop, I knew just what to do.
It's been a long time, since the "moose" boys caused a little havoc...

... their back!
;-)
...with this "opposites attract" table topper.
 (approx. 18" x 29")

A few years ago I took a Gail Garber class, 
on designing curvy flying geese. 
Her classes are really fun and you learn "sew" much. 
I know it might look difficult, but with a few tools...


...she's got you on your way.


The most valuable is the flexible curve ruler.
Yes, most fabric stores carry them.


Start out by drawing a curvy shape.


From there, add in some lines


 Then pencil in all the flying "meese".
Oh, I know you think you've read this wrong, but after a very long discussion, I gave up. 
My boys are surrounded by flying "meese"!  
No dictionary recognizes the word...
But these guys insist, the plural of Moose is "Meese"
If it keeps em happy, I'll give em this one!
;-)


NOTE: I should have added a 1/4" seam to the outside of my pattern...
Now, I'll have to remember when I trim, to allow for it.
From here, just cut out the pattern and start the paper piecing.
At some point where it's convenient, just cut the pattern and allow
seam allowances on both ends, so it can be seamed back together.


With some trial and error...
I've found that for me, it's easiest to use a light weight interfacing. 
Stitch around the inside of the geese.
Turn, give it a good press, then hand applique to the background fabric.
You can see, in this photo,
the seams match up perfectly that way.

A big round of applause to Marian at "Seams to be Sew", for another fun hop. She is the glue that keeps us all together, and you know 
how much, we all love that!
Also a big thanks to the Fat Quarter Shop and to DJ Inkers for their 
generous daily give-a-ways!


You'll find entries for them, at the bottom of this post.

As for Gail Garber... she quite the inspiration.
Check out some of her works

Please visit my fellow bloggers...
and check out their opposites

June 01

June 02

June 03
MooseStash Quilting (your here)

June 06

June 07

Oh, and if you haven't seen enough...

I've been playing with editing color on my photos.


No I haven't stitched all these...


Just playing on the computer...


Oh my gosh, it's fun!


Now that's a whole bloomin' herd!






 Keep on Stitchin'