Thursday, July 30, 2015

Summersville Finish

Another fabric line I fell in love with about a year and half ago, was this Summersville fabric line.

So I bought a layer cake. Well last week while I was going through my pre-cuts, I dusted this one off  and cut into it using this Snuggly Layer Cake Pattern. (Another quick and easy pattern) 
And, since I'm stash busting right now...I used a simple black I had for the back and binding.
Mine finished 39" x  54".
I quilted it with a simple Bubble pantograph using white thread.
It kinda reminds me of kids playing with bubbles during a hot summer afternoon.
Well, I think that completes my list. Whoot Whoo!!!
Jelly rolls and layer cakes sure are pretty to have laying around aren't they?
 But! I'm glad I finally cut into them and now how some cute quilts to cuddle under. 
Thank for stopping by!

Val's Quilting Studio
Everytime you link and share here at Tuesday Archives you will be entered you into a monthly drawing for a $15.00 Gift Certificate to: (pretty cool huh!)

Winners will be announced the first Tuesday of every month! Thanks for stopping by!

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Tuesday Archives #73: Our Sewing Machines!

Hey Hello! Hello! and Happy Tuesday Archives! 
Val's Quilting Studio
Welcome to the linky party that rejuvenates your old quilting/sewing posts! 
You can always click here to read more about this linky party if you are new to this ol' blog.
And remember, every time you link up counts as an entry for our monthly
 $15.00 gift certificate to Fabric N Quilts. 
Man! I haven't even been through all of last week's scrappy links and here it is Tuesday already!
 How is it some weeks go like that?? 

Well, this week's theme highlights our Sewing Machines.

Have you ever posted about your sewing machine or machine(s)?? If so, dig through those archives and rejuvinate them today. If not, perhaps write a new post, highlighting your "baby". I always keep Tuesday Archives open until Friday and since we are on the letter S, I couldn't resist the opportunity for us to share our sewing machines. This is my one of my "babies".
She's already five years old and does a good job keeping up with my heavy foot! (Hahaha...Tanya I hear you laughing!!) I like her decorative stitches and that she's simple for me to use. 


I also have my little featherweight, which I admittably need to use more.
I like that it's easy to travel with and her old fashion oil smell. (Is that wierd?? LOL!)

And finally, there's Lizzie.
My mid-life splurge!
I pretty much like everything about her. It's taken awhile for me to build my confidence and get over the overwhelmingness of it. But, I also like the challenge that there is just soooo much I still have to learn and try. She should keep my mind sharp for many years to come! LOL!



Monday, July 27, 2015

Mom, Will You Teach Me How To Knit?

Look at his tail!!!! LOL!!! It's wagging so fast it's only a blur!
Funny thing is I don't even knit. I had this yarn aside for my mom when all of sudden I turn around from vacuuming my studio and there he was with it in his mouth! (Note: it was up on a table) He seriously followed me around the house like this for 20 minutes! My husband and I just kept laughing. I geuss he really wants to learn to knit. Anyone think you can teach him? LOL!

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Little Apples Jelly Roll Finish

I have one more jelly roll finish to share. I used the same pattern that I did for the Twin Baby Quilts  EXCEPT: when you read the pattern, I made a lap quilt instead of two smaller quilts. You just have to sort your fabrics into seven sets (instead of two sets of three) of six prints. You'll need the extra set so you'll have four blocks across and five down. (And, I only had to add one strip from my stash.) 

I quilted this one using a pantograph called: Luna as it reminded me of leaves blowing in the breeze.

I also found this cute button flannel for the back and yes, couldn't resist adding the polka-dot binding.

I'm keeping this one for myself. I've been wanting a flannel quilt to cuddle under during those chilly Fall evenings as I enjoy hand stitching in the evenings, watching our favorite Fall shows.
This measures 47" x 70".
I just love this Little Apples fabric line and am so glad it's off the shelf and ready for Fall!
Wow! Three quilts finished in one week! I'm grateful for some summer sewing and those pre-cuts.



Friday, July 24, 2015

Twin Baby Quilts

 One Oink-A-Doodle-Moo jelly roll + this pattern = two adorable baby quilts:
These each measure 36" x 36".

I had this Wonky Pets pantograph and couldn't resist having these fun farm animals dancing across the quilts. I used a varigated green King Tut Thread on the top and a dark green So- Fine thread in the bobbin. Irresistable right!

I added a cute polka dot binding...

...and with the help of one of my second graders (who just happens to be my neighbor), you get a peek at the some of the soft and cuddly flannel I used for the backs. I have to tell ya, he was just so excited when his dad let him ride his bike to the county fairgrounds with me, as he just got his training wheels off five days ago. He picked this "spot by the horses" to take our pictures. So cute!
I think these two little quilts will certainly give the roosters something to crow about don't ya think.
I'm almost through my precuts "to do" list and this weekend I'll post a lap quilt made from this very same pattern using my Little Apples Jelly Roll. Until then, happy sewing and thanks for stopping by!


Val's Quilting Studio
Everytime you link and share here at Tuesday Archives you will be entered you into a monthly drawing for a $15.00 Gift Certificate to: (pretty cool huh!)

Winners will be announced the first Tuesday of every month! Thanks for stopping by!

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

WIP: A New Applique Project!

This is my new "BOM" I'm creating for myself.
I really wanted another applique wallhanging for our other guest bedroom and this one is perfect for the "cabin/fishing" theme of this bedroom. I ordered this pattern online and it's called: 
We Made It Through Winter by Country Thread/Copyright 1995.

Now, with that said, the book did NOT include any pattern templates. After, reading the book three times, I  finally headed down to our local print shop where I think the owner is always a little humored when I come in with my quilty projects. I knew what size I wanted the quilt to be and using all his little mathmatical tools, finally determined the pattern needed to be enlarged 400% to be the 57"x64"size I wanted. Whew! Got that done and I smiled as I left with him exclaiming in the background: 
"Be sure to show us the quilt when it's finished."
Once I got home, I took the three mammoth pieces and taped them together. I then divided the pattern into BOM sections as you can see above. Ohhhh...and I couldn't wait to dust off  my basket of plaids, checks, and homespuns to start sorting!!
(Jackson looks a little bored huh!?). 

I made notes to self....as once the school year starts again I may no always remember if I'm to trace the pattern on the shiny or dull of the freezer paper? Or, do I iron the pattern to the right or wrong side of  the fabric? I'm covered! Notes taken.

I have my "July" section cut out...
...and will work on preparing the applique pieces for this cabin block above.

So the fact I've missed applique, brings me to question, why do we like our hand stitching so much?
For me, I enjoy using the freezer paper method. It brings out my eight year old self who loved playing with her paper dolls:

Seriously, remember cutting out their clothes? Folding the little flaps over so they'd stay on the doll? Even making your own clothes for them!? Okay, my younger readers, I get you may have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about...hahaha) But, I do think Betsy and Tina would be proud...as when I applique it reminds of these days my younger self use to play with scissors and paper.

And, I do have to admit, Dodie from My Three Sons was my favorite...
probably because I too, was a freckled-face tomboy with crooked pigtails!
Anyhooo, I'm sure looking forward to having something to share at Slow Sunday Stitching  as I continue to share my progress with this applique project and get inspiration and tips from you as well.


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Tuesday Archives #72 : Scrap Quilts & Projects

Hey Hello! Hello! and Happy Tuesday Archives! 
(Look at me, late to my own party....I slept in....but that's okay, I keep the linky open till Friday.)
Val's Quilting Studio
Welcome to the linky party that rejuvenates your old quilting/sewing posts! 
You can always click here to read more about this linky party if you are new to this ol' blog.
And remember, every time you link up counts as an entry for our monthly $15.00 gift certificate to Fabric N Quilts. (Like Tanya got fourteen entries this week...way to go girl!)

This week's themes are is: SCRAPPY QUILTS & PROJECTS! 

QUILTS:

I know I'm not alone when I say there's nothing better than turning scraps... 
Click here to hop over to my scrap organizing ways.

...into quilts!!
You can read about my scrappy hexi quilt's process by clicking right here.

PROJECTS:

I thought it might be good to have quilts and projects seperate?
Click picture above to check out my tutorial.



And let's not forget a few scrappy events going on out there to participate in:
Quilting is more fun than Housework I'm participating!Scrap Dance Quilt Along
Happy Scrappy Tuesday!
Val:)



Monday, July 20, 2015

This week: Pre-cuts

I'm in the mood for some easy, productive sewing this week...and I can't think of  a better way to do that than with pre-cut layer cakes and jelly rolls I've had sitting around for way too long!
 (Man, I only wish I was talking about the bakery type of cakes and jelly rolls!)

This isn't exactly a design wall picture, but this is what my sewing machine looks like this morning:
Notice my scrap bins are starting to overflow. Yah! That means a scrappy quilt is on the horizon!

So as I "Keep Calm and Carry On" , one of the best ways to obtain a goal is to share it, exclaim it to the world. So with that said, here's my quilty goal list for the next two weeks:
1. Summersville Layer Cake Quilt  DONE! See it here
2. Oink-A Doodle Moo Jelly Roll Baby Quilt(s)  DONE! See it here.
(The pattern I found had me making two baby quilts from one jelly roll...score!)
3. Little Apples Jelly Roll QuiltDONE! See it here.
4. Cut/Mail Kate Spain Christmas Charms for swap DONE!
5. Saturday Sampler Block DONE!
6. Finish stitching August Wool Banner
8. Finally, prepare fabrics and patterns for  new applique project  DONE!(Wed. post)

Happy Sewing Ahead!!

Tomorrow's theme is: Scrappy Quilts & Projects

Val's Quilting Studio
Everytime you link and share here at Tuesday Archives you will be entered you into a monthly drawing for a $15.00 Gift Certificate to: (pretty cool huh!)

Winners will be announced the first Tuesday of every month! Thanks for stopping by!

Sunday, July 19, 2015

I don't think I like...

Crazy Quilting....
I liked the stitching but am just not motivated with all the little wool pieces.
Everytime I start to work on this, I find myself missing my applique stitching.
Hmmm....geuss I'm learning about myself that I just don't like small. PERIOD!
Not when I'm piecing and I geuss, when I stitching! LOL!
I've also learned that when I'm trying something new, to start small and try it out....rather than getting all caught up in the moment and buying all the seasonal kits available! (Oh my!)

So once again, I find myself ready to:

 I have a special offer for your slow stitichers:

I'm selling the above Summer Sampler for $20.00 and that will include the sampler I already started!
I'm selling the sampler kits below for $12.00 each (originally $19.95 each)
I'll offer free shipping. (in the US only...sorry)
Buy all three for $40.00 and that includes the sampler I started.
Email me at: vworksofheart@gmail.com if you are interested and have questions.
Kits include Crazy Stitches preprinted, water soluble stitch guides, patterns and directions. No wool.
Aughhhh....my creative Karma is cleared. Now onto some applique!

Val's Quilting Studio
Everytime you link and share here at Tuesday Archives you will be entered you into a monthly drawing for a $15.00 Gift Certificate to: (pretty cool huh!)

Winners will be announced the first Tuesday of every month! Thanks for stopping by!