Stitchin' Time

Sweater Hooters!! Another UFO Done...

2010-10-21T19:50:00.003-04:00

Aren't these owls cute?!!!

I made them from a
sweater that I saved
from the Goodwill bag
not once but twice!!!

It has been in my to do
box since last fall!

This is the sweater,
a medium of which
I am not anymore
and since It will be
awhile if ever that
it will fit so I have
had plans to try to
make owls...which
I love!!!

I used the sleeves
for the small ones
and wacked a big
one out of the center
of the body!

With a little felt,
buttons, stuffing,
and embroidery
floss.............

An owl family!

So grab a throw
away sweater and
start creating!!!

Happy sewing.............Carlie

Look what I Won!!!!!

2010-10-19T18:34:00.002-04:00

I won the cutest bucket of charming
fall stuff from Olde Corps Primitives.
Head over and check out her cute
stuff.

Thanks Miranda!!!

Placemat Arm Caddy Tutorial

2010-10-17T09:05:00.004-04:00

Since I finished 3 of my UFO's I
decided to sew my arm caddy.
I have had the placements for
awhile to do this with so it could
be considered a UFO too!

I used two quilted placements
that cost around $3 .

Cut the placemat from
each end 6".

Cut the center into
3 pieces. I used the
quilting design to
determine where to
cut. I used the center
as the pincushion.
The other two
pieces will be used
later.

I zigzagged the cut
edges of the big
pieces for the
pockets.

Sew rick rack or used
another trim to cover
the edges. I left an inch
to turn under when I
sew it on.

Pin in place the
piece for the
pincushion and
sew around 3
sides leaving
the last open to
stuff and then
sew it closed.

I also sewed a 20"
piece of rickrack
to attach scissors
under one end.

I sewed rickrack
around the pincushion
and embroidered
flowers with french
knots and lazy daisies.

I made a yoyo flower with
two leaves and attached
with a button.

Sew the pockets on.

I cut the smaller
center piece in
half and zigzag
the edges.

Cut 2 pieces of
felt and place
in the center
between the
two pieces and
zigzag the back
edge making a
book for needles.

Now I am ready
to sew and finish
a few more UFO's!

I hope you have
fun making one.

You can use the
back of the placemat
if you want more
of a contrast.

Happy sewing!.............Carlie

Owl Bag

2010-10-09T22:08:00.003-04:00

I just love owls and have wanted to make
an owl bag for a while.
This is what I came up with first.

I used yoyos and buttons for the eyes
and I had an antique plastic belt buckle
that I use for the beak. I attached it
to the quilted head piece that made
a flap for the bag.

I quilted the wings and used prairie points
for the chest feathers and made an
outside pocket. I also quilted the
piece for the tail. It seemed to look
kinda fishy because of the prairie
points and tail and it was long
and narrow. The next one will be
shorter and wider but I know what
to do now! But I still like it.

UFO Finishes and Fairy Ring

2010-10-07T19:14:00.003-04:00

I finished two pillows to match my quilt and
will have a small quilt top ready to quilt
this weekend!!!

It is a little hard to see in the picture, but
Meghan looked out my front window
and saw these mushrooms and yelled
'Grandma...a fairy ring come quick!'
And sure enough a ring of white mushrooms!
but no fairies sighted..all the pity!

Then looking around I saw a lot of large
yellow mushrooms... this one was neat
with a leaf molded to the top!

Finished UFO Quilt!!

2010-10-03T00:30:00.004-04:00

Yiipee! Got 1 finished and XXXX to go!!
This star quilt was started 2 years ago
when I was teaching my daughter-in-law
how to quilt. She got her's finished!!!

This is a closeup of the rose quilting design.
It was hand quilted which is why I paused
to do other things!!!

An the back is a nine patch. Now I need to
get one more finished so I can paint a
round end table.

Happy Stitching!!
Carlie

I won a Jack-O-Kitty!!!

2010-10-02T08:46:00.002-04:00

Isn't it adorable!!
I won it from Aunt Manny's Creations
She has the cutest things...please check out her blog.
Thanks again Manny!! I just love it and can't wait
to decorate with it.

Fall Quilts

2010-10-01T18:56:00.003-04:00

Got out my fall quilts....

This was last year's UFO...a scarecrow quilt
that only took 9 years to finish!!!

This one was a class I took in Arizona at
The Quilt Basket in Tucson. I loved that shop!!!

This one was a lot of fun to make. The leaves
have a 3-d effect from the prairie points
on the leaves.

This is one of my designs with pillow to match.

I Love Fall!!!!!

UFOs

2010-09-25T13:58:00.003-04:00

Hello my name is Carlie and I am a craft-a-holic!!
I took off two days last week to go through
my 'room' in the basement that had a lot
of my crafts that have been
down there for 10 years.
Having been referred to as
being a 'hoarder' by my daughter every time
that I said 'Someday I will make something
with that...' I let go of a lot of crafting junk.
We had a yard sale and made only enough
to take the whole family but 3 out for
all you can eat BBQ.

But I did keep a lot of my UFOs!!
As you can see my table is full and
this is only a part!!! Yeah I have it bad!
I get excited with new ideas while
I am working on one thing that I
will stop and start something else.

This ATiskit, A Taskit BOM from Bunny Hill
that I have been working on at lunch and I
only have 3 more to go!!

Then I started a small basket quilt to work
on at lunch!! yeah I'm addicted...

Here is two redwork quilts that I designed...
Maybe I will start a freebie BOM with
them so it will get me going to finish them!!

This is another of my designs...a dulcimer quilt.
Someday...

This is a stack n' wack quilt that I took a
class on. I did finish the quilt I made with
the scraps!!! But alas this one isn't quilted
yet...

This is two embroideries that I did to make
pillows for spring...several springs ago...

This is a king-size quilt that I started and got 80%
quilted 11 years ago and then we moved....

My tea pot quilt that is 75% quilted...also
started 10 years ago!!!

SOOOOOO...........now what you ask???
I am airing my dirty and unfinished laundry
so that I will be shamed into getting them
finished....
Does this happen to anyone else???
I also write and have several books
started. It's a illness isn't it???

So I am not going to start anything new
until I finish at least two UFO's.

I will keep you posted on the results!!!

Carlie

Some Finishes!

2010-09-20T17:14:00.003-04:00

This is my small scrap pumpkin quilt.

This is a fall bag I made and use as a small
craft project bag.

I made this out of upholstery samples
using a pattern from a tutorial on
a blog that I can't seem to find at
the moment!

And this is little Emma with her 'Dorothy'
Raggedy Ann!

Have a great day....Carlie

Tshirt Re-do Tutorial

2010-09-11T14:31:00.004-04:00

This is Meghan my oldest Granddaughter.
She spent the night and we decided to
re-do some old tshirts.

This one we cut off the neckline and then
cut it right down the center of the front.
Then with a rotary cutter I cut
strips 1" apart and 3" long on each side.
Then all you have to do is tie the sides
together and you have a neat new shirt!

Then Meghan wanted a shirt with the back
cut in strips(I don't know why but I did it!)
The cuts were 3" apart and almost all
the way across the back.

I made a second one (after she love the
first one so much) of a different color
and didn't cut it so far to the side.

Then I decided to try one for me. So I bought
2 tshirts for $3 and cut off the neckline and
sleeve hems on one shirt...

Then I cut the bottom of the second one into
3" strips.

The I sewed two strips together to make a
large circle...then I sewed a long gathering
stitch down the middle.

Next I pinned the gathered ruffle around the
neckline (that I had already turned under
about 1/4" and stitched). Then I sewed it
on top of the gathering line to the top of
the neck.

Using the same method only using 1 piece
for the ruffle, I did the sleeves...

The finished product...I thought the ruffles
were a little large so I trimmed them down about
1/2" on each side...it looks much better so I
would recommend to cut the strips 2" instead
of 3". I like it a lot and will try another one soon!

Happy Stitchin'...........Carlie

Painting Fever

2010-09-09T19:58:00.002-04:00

I think I have got a painting bug!!!
This little dollar frame from Michaels
got a makeover to match my small chest.

I thought it would b a lot harder wood burning
a smaller piece but it wasn't so bad.
I also did a small shelf but my daughter
Heather liked it so I gave it to her
before I remembered to get a photo.

Now I have plans to redo another small
trunk, end table, and desk. If I can just
get them done before the fever subsides!!!

Have a great day...Carlie

Painting Time

2010-09-05T14:10:00.004-04:00

I finished two painting projects this week.
I seen furniture painted like this at an art
gallery in Biltmore NC. Of course I will
never be able to afford it, but my oldest
daughter said that I could make my
own...so I did!!!

Here is a closeup of the fall side.
Each side is a different season.

Here is the chest before being put together.
I saw a lot of furniture that is very pricey
on 'Sticks Furniture' website.

But since I couldn't afford them I did
my own. And I loved it!!!

Now I'm looking around for more old
furniture to paint!!!

I had an old farm table that had seen better days.
This is the before...

After sanding it down I drew the design
on and then wood burned it.
Then I painted it with acrylic paint.

This is the after...

Aunt Ellie's Quilt

2010-09-01T19:54:00.005-04:00

My husband's Aunt in Connecticut
turned 90 this year and most of the family
went there to celebrate with her.

She collects blue and white china
so I wanted to do a quilt with blue
and white china on yellow fabric that
I had. Sorry the color of the photos
are not good.

This is the back of the quilt.

A closeup of the flowers and butterfly applique.
It was hand quilted also.
I really liked the way it turned out. Aunt Ellie
like it too!

'Nightmare' Weekend!!

2010-08-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

My 12 year old granddaughter Meghan saw
me painting this week and decided I could
paint her a Nightmare before Christmas bed.
She loves Jack! So she spent the weekend
and we painted her old doll bed that I made
her for her 6th birthday.

I think it turned out real cute!

Even got Jack's dog Zero at the foot of the bed.

Jack and Sally on the back of the headboard.

Complete with Skeleton pillow and sheet, black
quilt, and her three dolls.
All in all a fun weekend!!

The Prodical Blogger Has Returned!!!

2010-08-08T15:07:00.002-04:00

I just saw the cutest giveaway and had to make
time to tell about it. So I have returned from my
long hiatus to try and get back in the swing of things.
With work changes and simply being to drained to post I find
that I have really missed!!! Soooooo on with the give away:

Is this not the cutest thing you have ever seen?!
Susan over at Mouse Droppings is so
talented, I just love all her great creations!
Hurry over to sign up for your chance to win.
Or just go over and browse and let me win!!!

I have been working on a lot of things and will
be posting some of them real soon.

Happy Stitching!!!
Carlie

Christmas Quilts

2009-11-29T21:13:00.002-05:00

I had a great time this weekend making this tree quilt.
It is a great tutorial on Gundrun's World Blog.
It was for the Cross Country Christmas Designer
Blog Hop. They feature a different designer
each day with a free pattern.

Here is a closeup. It is a quilt as you go.
It was so easy and fast...after you sew
the pieces together on the batting and
backing it is done but for the binding!

I made this snowmen quilt a few years ago but
still enjoy putting it out each year. It goes in
the room with my snowman collection.
I'm getting excited to start decorating this
year. So I will be getting it all out in the next
day or two.

Weekend Finishes and I Won Again!

2009-11-16T20:09:00.008-05:00

I finished some pillows this week end...
these are pillow squares I made from
one of Nancy Halverson's Heart to Art book.
The squares are buttoned on so you
can change the pillows with the seasons.

I finished this x-stitch and made a pillow from
it. I love samplers. It is a freebie from Brenda
at Country Stitches. Check out her blog
for awesome samplers and patterns...
With thy Needle & Thread.

This isn't new but I thought I would show it...
just to keep in the season. My crazy pumpkin!

This is my wool pillow I made last year.
I think it was a pattern in Create and Decorate.

Now for the great news! I won another blog giveaway!
I can't believe it! Isn't the blog world just great?
I won embroidered handkerchiefs from Sherry
the LadyShuttleMaker.
Go to her blog..she makes awesome tatting shuttles
and great tatting, plus she has instructions on how
to do it. Thanks again, Sherry.

Finally Finished Quilt and Belated Thank You

2009-11-10T20:52:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy finishing my quilt that
I can hardly believe I let two weeks go by!
I did this quilt for a contest with Better Homes
and Gardens.

I scattered circles on the blue and green squares
and blanket stitched around them. I tried big
stitch quilting with floss in circles to match the
size of the circles. It was harder than I thought
to control the larger stitch length. But I
liked the way the back looks with all the circles.

I had left over circles and made two pillows
to match....

Now for an apology...I never got around
around to showing my cute Halloween gourd
that I won from Lynda at
Haunted Swamp Designs... Isn't it too cute!?

Thanks so much!

Two Great Giveaways

2009-10-27T18:37:00.005-04:00

Check out this great blog for a fantastic giveaway!
Fiona and Twig......

Check out this great giveaway...there is also a Santa!
Go and look at Our Primitive Heart and sign up for the giveaway.

Halloween Finishes on a Beautiful Fall Day

2009-10-25T20:22:00.002-04:00

I started this felt mouse back in September
and got involved with other projects and
she got pushed aside. So after quilting all
weekend and getting the urge to start
a scrap quilt I made myself finish one
thing before starting something new.
Does that ever happen to you? The
creativity bug bites too often for me
to finish projects!

She is made of felt with felt hat and cape.
Her gingham skirt has a slip of orange
tulle that I got from Nan at Ole Crows
Nest Journal when I won her sweet candle.
Nothing goes to waste! I felted her pumpkin
which was the holdup in getting her done,
that and her skirt.

We also went on a ride to see the fall colors
with our girls, Nubbin and Widget since it
was so pretty and sunny. But the bushes
in my own front yard were the brightest!

The 'girls' enjoying the leaves!Hope you have
time to enjoy the fall too!

I Won!!! I Won!!!

2009-10-25T16:56:00.003-04:00

I can't believe I won one of these "gourdeous"
gourds! I can't wait to find out what it will
look like but with I'm sure I will love it!!
I would like to thank Lynda at
Haunted Swamp Designs for this
great giveaway!

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-19T06:41:00.001-04:00

You have got to go to this blog and check out her great giveaway! It is amazing....

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe: It's a Happy Halloween Giveaway!

2009-10-19T06:05:00.001-04:00

Check out this great blog and giveaway!!!!

Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe: It's a Happy Halloween Giveaway!

Record Purse, Great Quilt Find

2009-10-17T09:53:00.005-04:00

This is another purse I made for my repurposing class.
I used two old 78 records and a wool jacket for the fabric.
One record was chipped so I sawed it straight across
and did the second record to match.

I cut the jacket apart using the pockets for the
pockets of the bag so I didn't have to make
them! I used the records as a pattern
for the sides plus 1 inch all around.
I used the pockets as a guide for the
width of the purse and sewed a
zipper in the top and handles on the
side. I tried to drill small holes in
the records to sew the record on but
it chipped so bad that I just decided
to hot glue it. My 11 year old
granddaughter Meghan loved it!

Now for my great find! I went to an apple
festival in Erwin, Tenn. It draws a big
crowd so every corner in this lovely
little town has a yard sale during
the festival. At one I saw a pile
of clothes and odd fabric with a
part of the quilt sticking out. When
I asked the lady how much she wanted
for it she paused and I just knew that
she was going to say fifty or more, but
to my surprise after saying that
it was just laying around in the
attic she said $5.00!!! I almost
jumped up and down! Of course it
has a lot of frayed spots and
some stain but I love it. And it
could be a good cutter quilt but
since I already have several and
I still haven't the heart to cut
them up....

Bella Vista Giveaway

2009-10-16T15:40:00.004-04:00

Check out Bella Vista for a great giveaway and a blog with great decorating ideas.

millhouse Primitives Giveaway

2009-10-11T20:58:00.001-04:00

Great giveaway and great blog!!
Check out Mill House Primitives but
hurry the drawing is Oct 12!!!

Gourdous Giveaway!

2009-10-11T20:18:00.002-04:00

Check out these cute gourds
in the giveaway
at Haunted Swamp Designs.
The more that
enter means more prizes.
The drawing is Oct. 24....Happy Fall!!!

Repurposing Twin Bed, Pumpkin, Wool Skirt

2009-10-06T20:23:00.004-04:00

I did a class at church last week on repurposing, reusing and recycling...It was a lot of fun and I found out that I really do use things for purposes than what they were intended...

This bench was a twin headboard and foot board.
I cut the foot board in half and screwed in into the headboard as the bench arms.

Then a board that matched was cut
to go across the front and one for
the seat. I really like the way it turned
out and since it was solid wood it
is very heavy...

I love to shop Goodwill and get old
wool skirts to use...I have made
several pillows from them as
the two crow pillows show...

I don't think this is recycling but
I do think it is repurposing!!!

I made an arrangement in a carve-able
pumpkin and it sit on an old chest in my foyer...

I haven't had a chance to do my
Halloween decorating but
will soon and I will get some pics posted.

Hope Y'all have a Happy Fall!!!!!!!

Tatting Tales ~ All things Tatting (It's an obsession): Monday MONDO Giveaway Part IV

2009-10-05T19:37:00.000-04:00

Tatting Tales ~ All things Tatting (It's an obsession): Monday MONDO Giveaway Part IV

Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe: Freaky Friday Fun Giveaway, WK# 2

2009-10-03T21:48:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Patch Primitives Quilt Shoppe: Freaky Friday Fun Giveaway, WK# 2

Book Bag Tutorial

2009-09-29T22:18:00.005-04:00

This is my first attempt at making a purse out
of a hardback book. I took pictures along the
way and thought I would share how I did it...

First, pick a hardback that has a cover you like and is not attached to the spine. This book was
about three inches thick. I think the thicker the
better as this will determine how room you will have inside.

Next using a craft knife or razor cut the inside
of the book down the edge of the cover page
being careful not to cut into the spine. Do the
same to the back cover page and remove the inside.

Pick out your fabric and fold a piece in half and
place the book on top...opening it to the width
that you would like it to be able to open.

Lay the folded edge at the top ( the widest part)
and allowing 1 inch all the way around...cut out.
Cut two of these pieces for each end of the book.

You will need to sew 1/4" seam or glue the
edges together...I think the next time I make
one I will use an iron on fabric bonding material.
I used the glue gun as I wanted to get it done
fast with no sewing!!

Now you need to measure the front cover of
the book and cut two pieces of cardboard
slightly smaller than the cover...

Cut two pieces of fabric 1 inch larger all the
way around and clip off the corners leaving
1/4 inch from the cardboard.

Lay fabric wrong side up with the cardboard
on top. Put a little glue on each corner and press the fabric onto it. Run a line of glue down one side and fold fabric over it and press down smooth. Do the opposite side next and the the ends.

Do the same for the other piece of fabric and
cardboard. If you have ever made a covered
photo album this is done the same way.

Now measure two pieces of grosgrain ribbon
for the handles and one piece for the closing
tab. You could sew your handles if you would
like it to match. Mine were 24 inches. I cut a
piece 6 inches for the closing tab.

Glue them in place on each side of the edge
of the book. The tab is glued on the back
of the front of the book.

Now is the hard part...gluing the end pieces.
Run a line of glue on the front edge and press fabric to it being sure that the fold is even with
the edge. Then do the back edge. Then do the
bottom of the triangle to the spine. Repeat on
the other side.

Now cut a piece of fabric the size of the spine plus
1 inch all the way around and press the 1 inch on
the ends under.

Now starting at one end place glue on the folded
under part and press down over the end to cover the triangle edges. Working your way down the

spine by gluing a little at a time until you get to the other end.

Now to cover the uglies! Taking the covered cardboard piece place it inside the book and

starting at the bottom glue and press in place and hold till cool. Then glue the middle and last the top. Using clips or clothespins to hold the edges
until the glue is cool or dry depending on which
kind of glue you used.

Now the inside is finished!!!!

Now you need to place the flap on the back and
measure where to glue the velcro...keep in mind
that the bag will have stuff in it and that will make the tab shorter. Fold under the end of the
tab and glue it...then glue the velcro to the end of the tab.

Now you are done!!!! ...I wouldn't carry a lot of heavy things in it but it will hold a billfold,
comb and keys. Or this would be great to carry
the book you are reading and your reading
glasses in!!! ENJOY!!!

Sewing Machine Mat Challenge

2009-09-27T15:53:00.003-04:00

So...I was having my morning cup of tea and
catching up on my blog reading when I came
across Jenny of ELEFANTZ and much to
my surprise and dismay I saw a reference
to her sewing machine mat challenge!
I don't know how I missed it in her
earlier post about it!
So...since I had made a cover in her cover
challenge and had been wanting to design
something to go under my machine that
would have pockets and pincushion handy, I
got myself busy and put this together...

I didn't get a good picture and it is not as crooked
as like it looks! But it is a real quick sew once I
made up my mind how I was going to do it.
It is hard to tell from the picture but the rickrack
is not only pocket dividers but is tied to my
scissors and seam ripper (can't see them too
well but they are laying in front of my machine).
Now I won't be able to walk off with them and
have to hunt for them when I am back at my
machine!!! The large pocket in the center
will catch my clippings and threads and the stripes
on the end is two pockets and a pincushion.

On the back I sewed in rubberized shelf liner
to keep it from sliding around while I sew!
Now I can get rid of my old well used thread
catcher and pincushion that was always in my
way and getting knocked off my table.
THANKS Jenny for the challenge, my sewing
room is looking so much better now!!!!!!

Look At What I Won!

2009-09-27T13:32:00.002-04:00

I won!!! I was so excited when I started to
read the winner of Nan's giveaway at
Ole Crows Nest Journal and
scrolled down and saw my name. At first
I thought it had to be another Carlie but
it wasn't and boy was I tickled pink!

This arrived in the mail yesterday all wrap up
in orange tulle (which I have great plans for!)
It was in a pie pan but I put in in my wooden bowl
so I could see the potpourri better. Nan had also
made the cute card.

Best of all is the heavenly smell. My dining room has
never had such good smells in it!!!!!
Thank you Nan for your wonderful candle...I
will think of you every time I look at it:)

Sweet P Quilting and Creations Giveaway

2009-09-24T14:56:00.004-04:00

Check out Sweet P Quilting and Creations for here first giveaway...
she has a real nice blog to look at also!

Finished Fall Crafting

2009-09-22T19:31:00.003-04:00

I finally got a little fall crafting done this weekend...
My pumpkin penny rug was an idea from an old
Create and Decorate magazine that I did my own way!

This small penny rug is from a pattern of mini-pennies
by "The Teacher's Pet" that I got last year (I think!)
I had it all cut out and finally got it done!!!

This little guy I made from a tutorial on
Martha Stewart's web site...it is made from
felt and pipe cleaners.

And my first needle felted 3D...it was so much
fun!! I made the pumpkin first and then I
'felt' like I needed a crow too!!!
Now to put them to use with my fall
decorating!!! Happy Fall Y'all!

Green Fairy Quilts Giveaway

2009-09-21T19:51:00.003-04:00

Check out Green Fairy Quilts for a great giveaway!

Wedding Flowers

2009-09-18T07:06:00.002-04:00

This is what I've been spending a lot of my time
on lately instead of stitching! I made 6 boutonnieres
5 corsages for a wedding on Saturday.

This is the flower girl's basket..

This is one of two topiary to go beside
the steps to the altar...

This is one of four bridesmaid bouquets...

I wrapped and braided the handles...
I just wish I had taken a picture of
the bridal bouquet and pew bows
before I took them to the church
last night...I also did 3 arrangements
and two candelabras...plus 24
centerpieces for the tables and 7
lighted ficus trees decorated with flowers,
tulle, and bows. Whew I'm tired, but not as
tired as the mother of the groom (my good friend)
and the other of the bride who is doing the cakes
and the food.

Great Giveaways

2009-09-17T21:49:00.004-04:00

Such great giveaways! Go to Painting Time Needfuls
and check out her bewitching giveaway.

Firecrackerkid is having a giveaway and
you need to check out her blog with
her great wooden items.

Rooster Inn Primitives is have a great giveaway
of these adorable pumpkins. Check out the great
stuff on her blog .

Felt Mouse and Bird-in-Hand Pincushions

2009-09-17T07:03:00.003-04:00

I have been busy lately working on flowers for a wedding
but had to show some more of my felt creations. I really love
pincushions so I thought I would share my mouse.....

with embroidery all over it....

and my bird-in-hand...

with embroidery on the wings and tail.

AHQU Halloween Queens Giveaway

2009-09-13T11:13:00.003-04:00

Another Great giveaway for Halloween...my favorite Holiday
and my Birthday!!! I have always enjoyed everyone
having fun on my birthday! Check out this sight for some
fantastic Halloween items. The designers are awesome.

KrazyKraftLady Giveaway

2009-09-12T14:39:00.003-04:00

Look at the cute pumpkin that KrazyKraftLady has in her new giveaway!!
Go to her blog and check out her great creations and enter her drawing.

Felt Owl

2009-09-09T22:38:00.005-04:00

I cannot believe it has been a week since my last post.
I have been so busy making flowers for a wedding.
But I did do a little stitching. I made this
cute felt owl. I have started to get a thing for owls!

It is hard to believe that this little guy started out as
a white cat pin! I made several and this one
was stuffed but not finished. I found him in a drawer
and when I picked him up I saw an owl!
I really like the way my mind can work sometimes!!!

Antique spinning Box, Sewing Room

2009-09-01T19:51:00.003-04:00

Here is another view of my sewing room with my new framed bulletin board.
In the corner is an antique cabinet my son and daughter-in-law gave me for
Mother's Day to hold my threads.

This is an antique spinning box...the handle is a drop spindle
which comes off to spin...at least that is what I think it is!!!
Michael and Rachel gave me this also.
I love all old sewing and needle work stuff.

Here is a closeup with all the stuff out...it is real rustic looking.
Has anyone seen one of these before?

Nubbin my sweet little dog loves my clean sewing room and she can get on top
of my sewing table by way of a chair. She was checking out Zoe who has
a new basket to sleep in instead of the fabrics I'm working on.

Zoe was sleeping so sweetly until I got ready to take the picture!
Both of my cats love to sleep in my sewing room and if I
have a quilt on the quilt rack they act as if I put it there just for them!!!

Now that I have an organized room I hate to get it messed up again but
I have too many projects calling ut my name so I have to get busy....

Sewing Machine Cover Challenge

2009-08-29T22:40:00.004-04:00

Well I have finished my sewing machine cover for the challenge with
Jenny of Elefantz http://elefantz.blogspot.com/search/label/Sewing%20Machine%20Cover%20Challenge%20for%20August.
I really like it after I finally chose the fabrics.
I almost went with bright
contemporary colors but they wouldn't have looked
right with the rest of my room. Of course it is a hodge podge of colors but
I have a black, wine, and camel rug and my rag quilt hangs right above
my machine so I went with the colors of my
room...which happen to be my favorite colors!

I made pockets on both sides for scissors and other items. I sew on a
rubber shelf mat to keep my sewing machine from sliding around.
That is the wine fabric under my machine

Here it is all done and since I had a new cover I had to
clean and organize my sewing room a bit!!

Emma's Men's Shirt Dress

2009-08-29T08:47:00.002-04:00

This is Emma and her dress we made last night for
her from an old button up shirt.
Each on we make goes a little faster than the one before!!
Now I just have three more granddaughters to go.

Here is a closeup of the front (which was originally the back of the shirt).
I took the collar off and used it at the top of the yoke and we added two
vintage buttons stacked together.

This was the front of the shirt which makes the back easier since we
didn't have to do buttonholes. It works up fast...I cut the dress out and
handed the pieces to Rachel for her to sew. We made a good team.

My oldest Granddaughter Meghan got a quilted bag with a matching small
zippered bag to carry her school stuff in...sorry no picture yet since she took
it home with her. She likes bags better than backpacks. She is a little big for a
shirt dress but I think I can do the same thing but make it a top instead.

Men's Tie Handbag

2009-08-26T22:59:00.002-04:00

I have a good friend who gave me a bag of ties and when I saw a really cute bag made from ties at a quilt show I decided to try my hand at one. I used 6 ties and opened them out, leaving the large part at the bottom so as to still look like ties. Then I used the smaller end at the top for the tabs with buttons. After sewing them together I used crazy quilt embroidery on the seams.

I used two pieces for the pocket and embroidered it. I have had a lot of compliments on it.

I collect old sewing items and have two tin can pincushion
chairs...just sticking to my pincushion theme!!!!

The Antique Pallet Giveaway

2009-08-24T20:18:00.002-04:00

Isn't this cute!? You could win it at http://theantiquepallet.blogspot.com/ and if I could get the link to work you could just click on it. But check out her sight, she has some great stuff!
I think I finally got it!!

Little Girl's Dress From a Button Up Shirt

2009-08-23T15:40:00.003-04:00

I spent Saturday at Goodwill hunting through bins looking for men's button up shirts with my daughter so we could make dresses for my Granddaughters from a tutorial I saw on craftsters with http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=94114. This was one result. We also made a headband scarf from one sleeve.

This is the back of the dress which was the front of the shirt, minus the pocket. The back of the shirt becomes the front of the shirt with the yoke...

Here is my cute Kaleigh with the second dress with a vintage button between the collars which are hard to see on the patterned shirt. We didn't ruffle the straps on this one.

We made a headband with yoyo and buttons to match.
This shirt had two pockets
which we used to make a small handbag to match.

Isn't she cute in her new dress?!! This was so easy
and we have several more to make
(5 granddaughters) and we might even try to make big
girls top. I will try a tutorial with the next one.

Sunflower Arm Caddy and Basket Pincushion

2009-08-21T22:58:00.004-04:00

This is a wool armchair sewing bad/pincushion.
The baskets are pockets and the sunflower is the pincushion.
My scissors fit nicely in the pocket and I have used an eyeglass chain to
attach it to the pincushion and it is always handy.
One leaf is a needlecase.

This is the other side and I sewed a bee button on the flower.

Here it is laid out flat.

I did a similar sunflower pincushion and attached it to the top of a basket.

I made a large stuffed bumble bee as another pincushion on the other side.

I seem to get in a theme and wear it out before I get tired of it!!

Penny Rug Pincushion, Needlecase

2009-08-20T18:59:00.004-04:00

I really love penny rugs so when I saw a pincushion done in one I knew I had to try one.
I'm sorry I can't remember where I saw one but it wasn't my idea.
I started with a needlecase...

Here is the pincushion with penny "pins"...it is hard to see the pins
but they are hanging in the air on the right!!!

Here is the set with my hand-crank sewing machine.
I collect old sewing machines and old toy sewing machines. They were bought with the hopes of opening a quilt store and using them to decorate it...maybe someday!!
The machine sews good and I made curtains, comforter, and pillows
for my daughter's room when my electric machine broke.
The only problem was that it was hard to hold the fabric with one hand
and turn the crank with the other.

I made a scissor fob with a large penny and a pin roll with small ones.
Below is a closeup of the scissor fob.

Some of my small quilts

2009-08-18T19:28:00.004-04:00

I thought I'd show some of my smaller quilts. This is a rag quilt that I took a class in when I lived in Tucson. It is hanging in my sewing room. I also love Wizard of Oz hence the dolls on the shelf!

This is a miniature quilt with 1" x 1 1/2" squares. It is on one of my little sewing machines that I collect. The felt rooster pincushion was from a pattern in an old Country Sampler pattern (I think!)

Sorry for the glare. This hangs above my bed. I love basket quilts and I framed it when I work as a framer at Michaels Crafts. It fell a couple of weeks ago and it looks like it shifted a little in the frame. But I will need to take it apart to fix it and I don't have the time right now!

No Matter Where I go...I ALWAYS Meet Myself There!

2009-08-16T10:36:00.004-04:00

Isn't this bag lovely? You can win it at No Matter Where I go...I ALWAYS Meet Myself There! Go to Jo's web site and check out all her beautiful things.
She also has some great items on her Etsy site:

Snail Pincushion

2009-08-15T22:21:00.002-04:00

This is another felt pincushion...do you sense a theme?! I have been on a creative binge when it comes to pincushions and needle cases. I have a lot more that I will post when I get photos. This snail turned out alright but it doesn't want to sit upright too well. But I like it's smile and the embroidered flowers on its shell...

Asheville Quilt Guild Show

2009-08-11T21:49:00.003-04:00

These are a few of my favorite quilts from the Asheville Quilt Guild show.

This one was machine thread painting.

I thought the quilted Dresden plate design was really nice.

I love basket quilts.

Ladybug Pincushion

2009-08-09T20:48:00.006-04:00

I just love Ladybugs....so I had to design a ladybug pinchusion.

I made a needlebook on the bottom...isn't it cute?

KrazyKraftLady Blog

2009-08-08T19:24:00.003-04:00

Check out this blog ...http://thekrazykraftlady.blogspot.com/ for a cute pear giveaway. she has a great blog.

My Family

2009-08-08T11:44:00.007-04:00

I thought I would introduce my family! Here is Booker the only male pet we have.

This is Nubbin my sweet Yorkie-poo and below with my Yorkie Widget.

This is my Cat Zoe keeping an eye out for critters in the yard.

These are my beautiful granddaughters and future stitchers!
Emma, Meghan, Kaleigh, Mandy, and Lily.
Grandma's Girl's

I really have enjoyed blogging and find new ones to enjoy everyday check this one out... Terry's blog http://terrytreasures.blogspot.com/ and sign up for her giveaway. She has a real nice blog and some cute designs.

"Quilter's Stimulus Package Give-a-way"

2009-08-06T19:47:00.001-04:00

New giveaway at Faithful Quilter:Elaine's Journey. check out her blog for her "Quilter's Stimulus Package Give-a-way".

Butterfly pinchusion

2009-08-05T20:38:00.003-04:00

I thought I would show my felt butterfly pincushion/needlecase/ scissor fob.

The wings are the needle case.

The body is the pinchusion. I really like the way it turned out.

Journal covers

2009-08-04T06:43:00.007-04:00

This is a quilted journal cover I made for a contest at All People Quilt's quarterly challenge.
I really like the way it turned out but the directions were a little small or my seams were a little too large because I had to cut down my journal which was a composition notebook. So if you go there to get the free pattern I would add an inch to the measurements. My daughter-in-law Rachel, came out too small also. The contest was to be done with a friend. Rachel's is the blue one.

I found another great giveaway at http://www.pumpkinpatchprimitives.com/ . Check out the cute wall hanging.

Jenny of Elefantz giveaway

2009-08-03T21:07:00.003-04:00

Jenny of Elefantz is having a Christmas package of stitches giveaway. She has the cutest Christmas trees designs...check her out!!!

Throwndown Bag for contest.

2009-08-02T23:05:00.004-04:00

This is the bag I finished today for the Throwdown Bag contest at Tiny Seamstress.
I decided to go with fall colors since it is just around the corner. I made 3D flowers and leaves to go with the design on the brown cloth.

It was hard to get a good photo with an empty purse. I will try to improve my picture taking
in the future. I was working on a deadline and just finished at 10:00. And I wanted to get
this posted before I go to bed.

I lined the bag with a bright stripe and brown pocket on the inside. The back has a smaller one for my keys. I hate hunting at the bottom of my bag for my keys.
Check out the tiny seamstress for a lot of cute bags.

Oragami Bag

2009-08-02T08:58:00.000-04:00

I finished a cute origami bag that I seen on Jo's "No Matter Where I Go...I always meet myself there!" blog. She does beautiful Crazy Quilt work. You should check out her site if you haven't already. She has a tutorial on this bag and a link for the pattern at "My Little Mochi" blog.

This is the other side. I did find out that you have to be careful where you embroider because you can lose some of your designs in the folds, so pre-fold before you start and see where the best place to start and stop your stitching will be.

This is a close up of the YoYo and covered button. I embroidered it after I covered it.
My 11 year old granddaughter Meghan loves anything oriental so of course she like the idea of an origami bag so I am now teaching her how to embroider and sew. We spent yesterday getting a sewing kit ready for her and letting her embroider on a needle case and strawberry scissor fob to practice her stitches before starting on her purse. She is doing real well.
Meghan and Lilly, who is going to be six, have both showed interest in embroidery. Meghan has been stitching and crocheting for a while but Lily just got a small kit recently. I did have a little bit of reluctance to giving her small scissors because she had cut her hair and her sisters in the past. Hopefully she is over that stage!

felt embroidered pincushion

2009-07-31T22:25:00.000-04:00

I finally got my pictures taken and hopefully downloaded to my blog!
This is my chinese style pincushion. the butterflies are made using the bullion, pistol, and blanket stitch. It was embroidered on two 4" squares of felt with a felt covered button in the middle and floss tassels on the corners.

Shop Hopping, Blog Hopping

2009-07-11T19:59:00.000-04:00

I just got home from the Carolina Quilt Shop Hop and it was great. I got a lot of fat quarters and loads of ideas for future projects. My daughter-in-law Rachel came with me and we traveled over 200 miles but it was great fun. All except the 2 miles in one hour that we went because of a wreck in Waynesville. This made us1 hour behind and the last quilt shop we got to in Greenville, SC at 5 minutes after five only to find it closed, but the great ladies saw us peaking in the windows and let us in and stamped our passports and they were great. That was at Viking Says Sew and Quilt Shop.
I enjoy reading other stitchers and quilters blogs and when I figure out how to make my list I will put them on my blog page! I love Blog Hopping!
I have been busy getting together some embroidery quilt patterns that I am designing and will post pictures of some of them when they are finished. Happy stitching!

2009-06-25T19:40:00.000-04:00

I am still trying to get this going! I am so busy getting new designs finished and more new ones pop into my head all the time. This is very frustrating and exhilarating at the same time since I work full time and there never seems to be enough hours in a day to do all that I need to do. I will try to get some pics in this weekend. Happy Stitching!

New to Blogging

2009-06-20T08:21:00.001-04:00

This is all new to me but here goes! I wanted to start a blog to showcase needlework that I am designing and to get to know others who love the needle arts. I will be posting samples of what I am working on from time to time and will try to have some free designs available. Have a great day and enjoy stitching!