on to the next round

I have gotten back to Jewels of the Night ( my challenge project) and I was able to get the next round finished ...only three more borders to go.

I had also gotten a start on a little Christmas sewing and made thses two aprons and then used the pieces cut away to make a pot holder to go with each apron. I have been hopeing to link up with  a site that Fiona had told me about .... maybe next month I'll be home to do that. The site has a link for making Christmas items throughout the year and postoing them by the 25 of each month .I  will have to see if I can find it later today and get a link going.

My blog will be a little quite later this week as we will be off for a wedding ...... in Cancun Mexico
ahhhhh sunshine and warmth..... mind you with hot flashes who needs Mexico.lol
It has not been a bad winter this year much warmer than usual and hardly any snow where we are. Sew from flooding in the basement 2 years ago to looking for the mosture this year...... things are a changing that's for sure.
Off to stitch a little before work ,
I am getting excited to have this one done and to be on holidays.
In stitches and hugs
Annette

quite weekend for quilting

Well it's been a quite weekend for any quilting , but I have done a bit of sewing for a few others going on holidays with me . And weekend company... love to have the company : ) I guess I will have to check my stuff to see if I need any fixes to need to make any thing before I go. Nothing like last minute sewing. But really I think if I make any thing it will be a wrap for my swim suit cover up.
I hope to get a couple other thinks done before we go and get a good start on a project for grandma coco
( testing a pattern out for her).
I did manage to get 2 Christmas aprons cut out and pressed maybe I'll get those done and have a start on some Christmas sewing and link up with a few other gals I know who are part of that challenge.
Sew for now, it is back to watch some of the curling on TV ....  the ladies are curling this week.
take care
in stitches
Annette

We have a winner

I would like to say thank you to all who entered my little giveaway, and those who just pop over to see what I am up to. It has been a great pleasure getting to know you all.
back to the business at hand .

I was up early this morning checking to see if there were any more entries. Then I did the old fashioned way For the draw........ wrote the names on paper ,cut apart

drum roll........

 and then put in a pot....
..... light shaken and then pulled out a name......

congratulations Fiona from BubzRugz
an interesting fact ..... a year ago she stumbled across my blog and had become my very first follower.Since then we have chatted many times and I feel we have become friends and I hope to meet her the next time we are down under visiting family.

sew as soon as I hear from her I will get her package off in the mail.

And here's to another year of blogging I hope you can all stop by from time to time.....
in stitches
Annette

Valentines Day / one year bloging

Happy Valentines' Day to you one and all.
Well it's been a full year today that I have been trying this thing called blogging.
I have learned alot about the computer and how things work and learned a lot from other blogers/quilters out there as well. I had thought that I was not going to be able to figure this out and then my daughter showed me the blog she does for her class to keep the kids and parents informed. She walked me through getting started and has helpped when I have had a question or two and I have a few blogging friends that have helpped figure other things out as well. And that does not even touch all the other things i have learned from quilting to being guleten free.
I hope to try and keep it up for another year , and longer .

I do a a little to show for this weeks W.I.P.
I have started on a small wall hanging  using spool blocks. My friend Sheila is making one and I had told her I would try to do the same.
Here is what I was able to get started with

the far pic shows the block with 4 spools that I will set with these two larger ones. they will be the center of my wall hanging. I will also add my blog name to the wall hanging to hang in the quilting area.
Still quilting on my challenge quilt , about 1/2 done now.


Sew that 's all for now be sure to check out The Needle and Thread Network link on my side bar .
And if you are sew inclind check out my ppost from a couple days ago with my anniversary give away ( closes midnight on the 15)


take care  and hugs
in stitches
Annette

February FMQ Challenge

Well here it is almost the middle of the month, time to get at my challenge piece for the fmq challenge. I have a link on my side bar sew that you can see what it is all about and join in on the fun of learning.

This month was feathers taught be Diane Gaudynski,   I have admired her stitching for a few years now. I first saw her on Simply Quilts on HGTV with Alex Anderson. I could not get over the detail she can get in her quits with the stitching.... something to strive for.
Sew here is my attempt at this months challenge.

I will practice  feathers often I do like the look and how they fill a space. I do like to add curls and swrils to them.

I have been practicing my fm quilting on my challenge piece called Jewels of the night. I am about 2/3's done, depending on how much I quilt in each border. I have ideas of what I would like to quilt sew I will draw them out to see how I like it and how it will flow.
I have used a technique that I learned from Leah Day over at the Free Motion Quilting Project on using a self threading needle to bury thread tails. Check  her site she has a video to show you how she uses the needles. I have found that when using  rayon thread if you twist it with the cotton before you thread the needle it dose not shred on you.

I will be having my 1 yr anniversary  blogging this week. If you like check out the give away I am hosting.
Thanks for stopping by
in stitches
Annette

Anniversary Give Away

Ribbon embroidery Teddy

close up of stitches

Hard to believe that I have been blogging for a year on the 14th.
 I started on a date that I could remember.
 Trying something different and learning a lot along the way. During the year of blogging I have made many new friends and learned many skills blogging and quilting. I have also learned that the bloggers that I have come to know are very generous and always willing to help you out when in need.
 Sew to celebrate my one year anniversary I am putting together a give away.

It will include ribbon embroidery ribbon .... singles and a couple multi packs

A pattern or two

a bit of fabrics
 and a few other little goodies.

country charm pack

                 
To enter be ( or become ) a follower and leave a comment.
 Please leave contact info if you have a non reply message.

I will make the draw the on the 16 of Feb. Sew you can enter until midnight my time Valentines day...... let's make it midnight on the 15th  as you all might be out with your sweethearts on the 14th.

I will do a random number / name draw.

This is just to say thank you for sharing a little of your day with me.
Good luck to all who enter.
Sew here's to another great year of sharing.
In stitches and seams
Hugs
Annette

lack of stitching

Not much stitching going on here this week.
 A little fmq and extra hours at work.
Sew maybe this weekend I will get something done to share. Hope I do not go through withdrawal, I am used to a little stitching every day.
I do enjoy stopping in on other blogers to see what they are up to. There are some pretty amazing quilters/ stitchers out there.
Sew until next time
Stay in stitches
hugs
Annette

Dragonfly Summer

Progress on the weekend.
I did get a couple rounds of fmq done on Jewels of the Night.
And then when I took a break I worked up the samples from the D9P quilt class. I played with the setting and borders. I think I will add one more border to the little quilt, if I have the right color.  Green or plum?

Dragonfly summer ...58 inches sew far

 I did play with a couple pieces for the one border that I did put on. I only had sew much of each and my first thought was to do two borders that were 3 inches  wide and then I thought that this would work using 6 inch wide borders. I also had one block left sew I made this little runner, just the binding left on it.

.The fabric I used was a charm pack called dragonfly summer by moda.  The borders are another dragonfly fabric, The charms where a gift sew I guess this one is for me. Might just be my camper quilt, or one for the couch to curl up with.                                         

I have a question for you all out there. Have any of you used minky ( or minky like ..... super soft and silky knit type fabric) to back your quilts with.?? What problems did you encounter if any??

I have never tried it. I think it would be great on a baby quilt or even one for a cancer survivor.

Have a great evening.

In stitches

Annette

Spring in February

Another day of melting..... way to early for spring at least here. I do not mind the warmer temps but I do hope that when spring is supposed to come that we have those temps then too.

Another weekend that I hope to work on my challenge quilt and maybe start on a wall hanging.
 One for my sewing area with my blog title in. Sheila and I are each working on one.
 We'll see what happens, as we are also getting some company this afternoon. Hubby's niece is coming to check out some trucks at the dealerships out here. she totaled hers off a little while back, with the icy roads in the city.
I best get going and have some lunch and get ready for a nice visit.

in stitches
Annette

Labels and loose Threads

Well it's Wednesday once again and time for w.i.p's.

This weeks works in progress are a few quilt labels for some baby quilts. I like to use my Brother machine for  these. They get a little large but everyone seams to like them.I have a couple more to make to get caught up and then get the quilts off to the wee ones.

My other project is trimming any stray threads off the back of "Jewels of the Night " quilt ..... my challenge project. I do not want any stray black threads showing through in the light areas of the quilt. After I clean up the back a little I will get it ready to machine quilt.

Sorry to keep going on about this one with out any full pictures. I am very happy with how it is turning out and hope you all will like it when it is unveiled in April .

Well that weather outside is way too much like spring. We drove down to the beach (Manitou Beach) a 5 minute drive. and believe it or not there is a skunk out there, his perfume gave him away.

remeber to check out The Needle and Thread Network on my side bar to see what all the ladies have been up to

in stitches
Annette

Happy Dance ....... piecing done!

Jewels of the Night

I have the challenge quilt all pieced borders finished and now just the quilting to do. It sure takes time to decide what you want in different places on the quilt when you are designing. After changing my mind a couple times I went back to my  original thought and I am happy with it. It id different from any thing I had done before but I feel it works here.

Here is a peek at the border. I will revel the whole quilt in April after the deadline for enters and the quilting will be done then as well.

Sew now that I have met that challenge to myself to have the top pieced by the end of the month. I can do a couple other jobs that I have on the back burner . This is a quilt that I am fmq for a friend. The pattern is Yellow Brick Road. She wanted a meander stitch across the top, I should have it done some time today.

Then I will start to plan what I want to quilt on the Challenge quilt.
In stitches
Annette

All together

Well I have the challenge quilt all together just have to decide what I want on the last border. I think some applique. It is just over 90 inches square in size. Have the backing picked out just have to piece it. might have to do that while I am thinking over a couple ides. No picture just yet I will post one after the cut off date of April 15.
I guess I might have to find another project to do when I get this one complete. I do no think that will be to hard if I just try to finish a few that are started and work on the ones promised this year.
Off to stitch
   take care

In stitches
Annette

Off to Humboldt

This afternoon a friend and i went off to Humboldt to check out Haus of Stitches One of our favorite quilt shops.
There we found a few pieces of fabric to help finish off a project or two. I did find these for myself. The bottom three are to finish off my challenge quilt and one to make a Christmas item for next year.

At the Haus of Stitches we found that the conference schedule are ready. Wendy had given each of us a few. one to study and a few to share.

Sew now I will mark my calendar and start to pick a class or three. I will have to call another friend as we had talked about doing some together this year. I am looking forward to it already.
We where also told that the challenge projects are starting to come in. Way to go you early birds!
 Oh to be that organized.

Sew that was the fun part of my day today. Tonight I hope to finish the one border that I am working on and maybe get a start on the last border....... I just might make that dead line that I set for myself.
Take care
in stitches
Annette

Great quilts Ladies

The class went very well the students all get gold stars.
They turned out some nice work either a runner or a quit  and some both or doubled up on what they made first.
Sew with out further a due here is a class photo and a few of them hard at work.

9 Patch with a Twist 
aka
D9P

Well that is most of the gals at work. They all loved to see the different color choices and amount of color used. The look with using only 3 or 4 fabrics changes the quilt sew much. A few made an extra quilt after seeing the possibilities.

Sew once again Great job.I hope you continue to play with the block to see what else you can come up with.

In stitches

Annette

W.I.P. Wednesday

Well not to much to show just a little of the border that I am working on. Two sections down and only 38 to go as well as the corner units. I have given myself a goal date for the end of the month to have the challenge quilt top finished. I just might make it. It all depends on if I keep changing the last border. I think I will try to keep it simple and add only a few details to add to the over all quilt. I will unveil the complete top in April after the dead line has past. I have really enjoyed working on this quilt. It has made me step out of my comfort space and explore and play. I have learned more about my EQ7 program, and I am sure I will learn more as I continue to play with my fabrics.

Tonight is the second part of the D9P class. the ladies should get the tops all ready to quilt and may even try to machine or hand quilt in class. The next set of D9P classes have been set for Feb 8 & 15. I know space is limited sew we will have no more than 8 in the class. I think we are almost half way there.
I learn a little more each time that I teach from the students. And I get a little more comfortable teaching as well. This is also outside my comfort zone ...... but to grow I think you have to at least try.
Sew now I am off to make a couple samples for the class for quilting and binding.
Have a great day ( the sun is shining and the snow is a melting)
Check out my side bar for the link to The Needle and Thread Network to see what the other Canadian Gals have been up to.
in stitches
Annette

seeing stars

Working on the stars for my quilt.
Almost done only a few more to build, then it will be off to the next round.
I decided to add a extra border from when I started. I guess that's the nice thing about designing ..... you can change it up and that's okay.
I am looking forward to seeing what it looks like with these next two rounds on.
Well I'm off to finish up
In stitches
Annette

warming up

-15 when I looked at the temp this morning.... much nicer that -30+ which it was all week. It will seam like spring out there...... such a crazy winter this year with blizzards then melting and rain and then the deep freeze sew I think it looks like it might be back to normal seasonal temps for a while.

The first part of the D9P class went well. I had 9 ladies taking it for my first class and sew far we have 3 signed up for the second class which will run on the 1st and 8th of February. The ladies did sew well that most if  not all of them will be able to start quilting at class if they chose to do sew.

adding borders

Here are a few samples of their color and layout choices. Some used only 3 or 4 fabrics others a charm pack or they made up their own combination a 9 fabrics. Each choice is sew different from the next all with great results. Great work ladies, I'm very proud of what each of you have done sew far.( I did not get a pic of each one just yet , hopefully next week)

As for myself I will work on my samples a little more and get a sample for an intro to free motion quilting for the class. I hope to work on my challenge quilt again this week end as well as getting a little housework done.... where do those dust bunnies come from?????

This afternoon I will be helping a friend baste a quilt. with a  couple other ladies. She said it is a large one and would love the help. She had a good friend piece the quilt for her and can hardly wait to start to do the hand quilting which she loves. She had decided last year that she could no longer do the piecing but still wanted to quilt. Sound like she found a solution.

In stitches until next time
Annette

W. I. P. Wedensday Jan18

Well today my w i p is to get a few other ladies to have their own w i p's.

class samples

class demos
 prepped and ready to go

I will be teaching a class for our Community College here in town. We will be doing what I have called a 9 Patch with a Twist a k a Disappearing 9 Patch. I have made this one for a few years and have enjoyed it and the ease of making it. Sew when I was asked if I could teach a beginner class this is the one I thought of. I have my own directions but have also included some from Rachel at www.psiquilt.com. She did grant me permission to use it in my hand out for the class and I will have a sample made from it there. Quilters are the best .... thanks Rachel.

 Rachel is a busy mom with a lot on the go, but she finds time to quilt , design and share with us. I did participate in quilt along that she had in ......2010 or was it 2009..... the Pinwheel quilt along. I doubled mine up and still want to add some side borders just to make it a little wider.

Pinwheel quilt along in progress

Remember to link up and check out the what the others have been up to at The Needle and Thread Network
Take care out there.... today it is freezing out there -30 before any windchill
In stitches and a warm quilt
Annette

Challengeing

While working on my challenge quilt I seam to be finding out what a challenge project is all about. I 'm I giving myself too many choices for color and fabrics or not enough? And what about design ideas, finished size and sew on. At times I think I am over thinking the choices and when I just get at it I am liking what I am seeing and some times I have to cut a few different pieces because the one I thought would work just does not do it for me. It takes a little more time than I thought time that I thought I would be sewing but it is time well spent. I am happy with the work sew far and will continue to make the challenge project grow a little more. I do think I am running out of a fabric I will have to call and see if they can save me a piece. My personal goal is to have the piecing done by the end of the month.   Wish me luck. Sew it is onward with the challenge.
We'll see how this goes I just may have to do this again.

Here's a sneak peek
Sew that's all for now
In stitches
Annette

New fav tool / W I P Wednesday

This is a new little tool that I found in my stocking this Christmas. My hubby had a little to do with it
 I call it  a Hubby toe and foot saver the red neck version
It's a telescoping magnetic wand ...... with a light ..... he was not able to find the batteries sew he bought a small flash light and got out the duct tape....... gotta love that duct tape and all it's uses.  Hubby sure hopes that it replaces his feet as my main pin catchers/finders.

Sew now it is hanging from the  ceilling down stairs on the frame work sew that it is handy ( my sons idea). I just know that magnets and computerized sewing machines do not mix. Sew if you happen to have a red neck hubby toe and foot saver keep it away from your machine.

We were away last weekend sew not much in the sewing/quilting front has been done. I have started on my challenge quilt and picked up a little more fabric to work with it. I have been using my EQ7 to design my quilt and have been working through some of the lessons with Sheila.
 I will post just a peek of what I have done sew far.

I just heard today that the class that I offered to teach will be a go for the next two weeks. I should be alot of fun seeing what the ladies create. With thier permission I will post some the the pictures as the work on thier projects.

Be sure to check out the link on the side bar for The Needle and Thread Network.

I hope to get a couple quilt lables stitched out this week and put on baby quilts that I made last year for gifts.

Well thats all for now ,
stay in stitches
Annette

A busy start to the new year

It's been a busy week , working and trying to get started on my challenge quilt for the stitches conference., as well as starting the FMQ challenge.
Well I did get started on the quilt and changed my mind once on it already.
 I have the FMQ posted, I know I posted early, and know I will practice it through the month and then add it to my sampler quilt. I think I will post a little later next month after I practice and make a pretty sample , which is what the intent was on the host blog. I am glad sew many have already posted and popped over to check my quilt out. It will be fun seeing what everyone is doing and how much they improve.
I have also been working on my EQ7 working through the lessons with Sheila and designing my quilt for the challenge. Sheila and I thought it would be good to work through the lessons at the same time just to keep on track and get it done. And it is always great when you bounce ideas off a friend. A home work buddy sew to speak.
The weather here has been very spring like water running down the street and winds that make you think you should be out flying a kite. We also had some lines cut in the area sew we with out phone/Internet etc. for a day .... it was after 10 pm when the lines where fixed. That makes it twice in only a matter of about 6 weeks.
Take care
In stitches
Annette

2012 FMQ Challenge

Has started  The 1st post was up yesterday. (Link on my side bar)
Video instruction on how to stitch out  a nice leaf pattern.

 step one practice drawing what you are going
to stitch

I feel this challenge is a good way to get more skills developed in my free motion quilting.

2 step practice stitching it out

I would like to feel more comfortable using a variety of designs in my quilting , right now I  seam to only use a few that I feel very comfy with.Sort of stuck in a rut. Sew as they say it's time to step outside of my box and explore what is out there ..... at least stitch wise. And learning with all of you out there and with a variety of teaches will be great. And not to forget there will be give aways , I think each month.         
                  What's not to like.
             I have put the sampler together  with only the border to add.

a scrappy sampler to practice on
might have to make a nicer one later


It's never to late to join up .Pop over to sewcalgal to join in the fun .

In stitches
Annette