November 21, 2011

Bento Boxes


Here is a little peek of the start of my Bento Box blocks for a swap due in January.  I love how you can be completely random with these but I must say, I really enjoy piecing.

I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

November 18, 2011

Deal of a Lifetime

Have you ever had a deal of a lifetime? Well I believe that I just happened into one.  A woman had purchased this machine with the intent of retiring with it and making all kinds of wonderful goodness.

But alas, the Bernina 830 came out and her heart was set on the new one.  This machine is only a couple of years old and well maintained and I just couldn't pass it up.

 I have been trying out the buttons and features and was so excited to take one of the first owner's classes that I was ready to go to class on November 8.  The class isn't being held until December 8th. Whoops - good thing I have an understanding boss who let me change my vacation time.

There are so many features I have no idea I have but it will be such fun discovering them.  My most anticipated feature is the embroidery package. I can make monograms and do quilt labels and personalized tea towels and the list goes on.  Do you have an embroidery machine or a sewing machine with am embroidery feature? What project do you most enjoy?

November 17, 2011

November NuBees Blocks





These are my blocks for November NuBees.  I picked this block for the University of Illinois quilt. Andrea is making a surprise quilt for a big U of I fan and I wanted the fabric to really show up.  This block took longer than I expected to make but not bad for my first friendship star! Making those HST's took a while but I discovered the sew it all around and make 4 cuts method instead of draw the line, sew twice, cut and only get 2 HST's.

November 16, 2011

The Flannel Quilt

My niece lives in a cold climate and needs a warm quilt so I am almost done with this one for her.  I used lavender, gray, yellow and white.  Last week an evening was spent using applique to affix her name and make it personal.  Flannel is a different sort of material for me.  It seems to stretch a bunch.  Before embarking on my first ever flannel project, here are the popular tips I collected from various websites and I believe they served me well.

When working with flannel:

  • pre-wash fabric in hot water (to minimize shrinking)
  • use magic sizing, not starch
  • press all seams open
  • use a 1/2" seam allowance
  • begin the project with a new needle

November 14, 2011

Spider Web Block

This was my first time working with batik fabrics and some of them are really bright. In my mind, they were always a bit dark and not cheery but I was wrong.  This block took a bit longer than I expected but I finished it up so that I can mail it to the owner.  One more item removed from the unfinished list - yeah!

November 12, 2011

Adding to the Stash


You really can't have too much fabric, so in the spirit of keep my stash robust I ordered more. Actually, what started this is my NuBees swap.  One of the girls is making a University of Illinois quilt so I wanted to surprise her by ordering some true U of I fabric for her block.  Since I was ordering college fabric, I just couldn't pass up the chance to get some more Husker fabric and low and behold - a new print has come out (top left). I had never seen it before and of course didn't want my Husker stash to be missing any print so I ordered some up!  This was my first time ordering from Bear Paw but I was pleased with the transaction and love my new fabric! Eventually I think I will make a Big 10 Quilt, but deciding on the best pattern has proved challenging for me. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

November 3, 2011

What is Behind that Label?

Last Friday she came home with me and I can't wait to take her out and discover all that she does. Last weekend I ran out of time.  I was so busy vacuuming baseboards and into the cleaning grove that all I got to do was unzip the bag, look and zip it back up.  This weekend though.....we are going to spend some quality time together.  Check back for more details on the deal of a lifetime.