Summer Sewing QAL

I found the summer stitching project I needed! 

(Not like I need anoottthhheer project, but this one was hard to resist!)

When Paulette, who blogs at Sweet P Quilting posted this new BOM by Pamela Morgan for Moda Bake Shop, I knew immediately THIS was the exact project I've been looking for to fill my summer stitching needs. I spent the morning printing and ordering needed materials.

I "unearthered" my ol' stitch book and box of DMC Embroidery threads...

...and actually found myself a little reminiscent of the days when I was young.  I'd treat  myself to crafty things using my babysitting money. I'd tag along with my mom to the local Sprouse-Reitz Store. (remember those!)  and buy embroidery threads in every color along with this pattern below. (remember when patterns cost 49 cents??) I spent that middle school summer stitching this shirt for myself and was pretty proud to wear it to school in the Fall.

Click here to read all about this new BOM and 

let me know if ya plan on joining...we can stitch along together. 

Our next theme is: FLAGS

My Journey to Quilting...

I grew up in hand made clothes.  Any of us would tell ya, we all remember matching too. (I get the economical fact behind it now, but quite honestly, I didn't then!) My mom had two basic shirt patterns and one basic pants pattern.(I think?) And here we are styling the ol' crew neck tee and pants:

Mid 1970's/On Vacation visiting our Grandparents in Detroit, Michigan.

Another blast from the past of the the four us styling the V-neck pattern (sleeves and no sleeve versions) paired with what looks like the shorts version of the pants pattern. (Like my hat??)

Flintstone Village...on our way to the Grand Canyon, Arizona.

Okay, one more for old times sake:

The Grand Canyon, Arizona, Mid 1970's.

Watching my mom sew throughout my childhood, one can only imagine my own excitement as I myself learned to sew during my high school Home Ec. class. (1980 & 1981)I loved it!!! Man, we had so much fun. Best homework I ever had! Serious....look what I found while rummaging through my own sewing room today...my old "seam assignments!"

I can't help but smile as I create this post, 

reminiscent of my ol' high school self creating these seams for homework:

 I'm telling you, all through high school I made myself many of dresses and only wish I had the pictures transferred to my computer to share with ya. You'd crack up I'm sure! I  mean, I can  remember us girls planning a "dress" day to parade our finished projects around school. LOL!

So fast forward though the college years...when, as a young wife and mother (Early 1990's), I actually found myself buying my very first sewing machine at a garage sale for $50.00.  I cherish these memories of being a young mom, personalizing our very first home by sewing all our curtains and creating matching chair seat covers for our dining room. It was so relaxing to throw in a load of laundry and sew during afternoon nap times. (Even when the girls grew out of naps, I made them rest so I could sew!) Again, I wish I had pictures transferred to my computer.

Fast forward a few more years, and you'll find me visiting my very first quilt store with my Aunt Cela as she made sure I left well equipped to begin my journey as a quilter:

Though the hobby of scrapbooking consumed my time and fulfilled my desire to be crafty during my years as a young mother with a growing family, I did manage to complete two quilts. 

They are: My Sunflower Quilt and Irish Chain.

Finally, as an empty-nester and just completing a big move, in 2009, I jumped into quilting with my whole heart and soul. (I mean I could only create sooo many scrapbook pages of Jackson! )

I took my first piecing class in September of 2009 and made the above Pinwheel Quilt. I started blogging one summer day in June of 2013 and have never looked back! 

(Here's a link to my FIRST POST.) 

  Now, almost seven years and many quilt tops later, 

I continue teaching myself the art of Long-Arm Quilting.

I volunteer as a quilter for Project Linus and 

absolutely enjoy quilting and consider it a true "work of heart"!  

 I'm so grateful for our blogging community, as without our friendships and support of one another, I don't know if this journey would be as much fun and as rewarding.  So thanks for that!

So how about you? 

Who taught you how to sew? 

When did you begin to quilt?

And a big shout out to Jenn. Thanks for the motivation to share my journey to quilting as I link and share with everyone at your Throwback Thursday Linky and Lorna's Let's Bee Social.

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.

That Very First Sewing Kit

Do you remember your very first sewing kit? 

Mine was received at Christmas many, many years ago. It was from my Aunt and Uncle from back East. (We lived on the West Coast of the United States) And I can  remember thinking that it was the very best present ever....my very own sewing kit! And yes, being the sentimental type, I still have it:

Were you young? A teenager? An adult? When you received your very first sewing kit?  I was young, probably still in elementary school, as I can remember my hands being small as I stitched the contents of this little red basket together:

Oh the combination of yarn, felt and cotton...along with embellishments of ric-rak and buttons...I was hooked! My mom taught me my first braid.  I learned to carefully stitch so spaces didn't show inbetween. I loved having my own little basket of sewing "stuff".

I felt proud to be a little like my mom who always sewed our clothes: (Yes...here you have it, an "adorable" version of myself at five years old. This was my Kindergarten Graduation and as you can tell by my expression, I was a Tomboy thinking: "I hate this hair, this dress, OMG do I really have to wear these tights...they itch!" It's okay...my mom knows, as I got in trouble for running around trying to "smoosh" that beehive down before we even left the house! I probably got a hole in those tights too! LOL!)

Kindergarten Graduation -Arizona 1970

Anyhoo...it's Christmas! Is there a young one on your list you could put a little burlap sewing kit together for? Perhaps you too will plant the seeds of a future quilter. 

(Even if they are a tomboy at heart...ya just never know!)

With smiles!

Val:)

When I'm not sewing...

Tonight found me  sipping wine as I texted with my mom during Dancing With The Stars, both as I baked 5 dozen cupcakes to be turned into frosted turkeys tomorrow. Our Second Grade tradition is to end our Thanksgiving unit of study with a "feast" between our two second grade classrooms. One class makes Indian headbands while the other makes pilgrims hats. Then we join together for a "feast". Quite honestly, I think the kids are more excited that they get to eat in the classroom together, but never-the-less, it's a fun filled afternoon!

Stop back tomorrow for some Thanksgiving cuteness!!!

(BTW....I do miss my summer days of just gardening and sewing....but until then, these moments are precious and well, this is my life.)

With smiles!

Val:)

PS: Yes! Those are fun-fetti cupcakes...of course! :)

Thanks...Gingham Dog finds a home!

So here he will live cozy and safe from direct light in my very favorite book shelf.  

I truly loved the idea of preserving this little piece in it's "authentic" stage. (BTW...I also love that the needle is still threaded and in place.  I know I already emailed some of you about this, but seriously, I STILL thread my needle at the end of the night so it's ready for my next sewing session.)

I know in this modern time of  kindles, and I-pads, books are becoming obsolete but  I still love the smell and feel of an old book. 

Most of these books were collected during my years of teaching and raising a family. So lucky me, not only do I get to pass by my Oh Happy Day! quilt every morning, I'm now reminded of my ten year old self. (LOL!) 

It all just makes me smile!

Thanks so much  for your input ...it's appreciated!

Val:)

A New Hexi Flower

I'm not one to watch a lot of TV but Mondays this Fall finds me hooked on Dancing With the Stars and Castle (Though I usually fall asleep before Castle is over!!!LOL!!) So I use Mondays to work on Hexagon Flowers for my Hexagon Memory Quilt.

This flower represents a childhood memory of my first learning to stitch.. 

The cream hexagons in the middle row of the flower have the very same gingham dog that matches this little dog needlework sampler I had started when I was very young. I love that I still have it. I love the memory of  being so happy and proud that I had my own little hoop and "supplies". I love that when my hands were small they made this. (Well almost, I've obviously had WIP my whole life!!!)

So what do you do when you find treasures like this from your past? 

It's made of linen and stained in a few places. 

  I'd love your input. 

Do I: 

A. Frame and hang it as is?

B. Finish it and frame it?

C.  Finish it and incorporate it into a quilt?

D. Any other ideas?

The answer: I ended up framing and hanging it just as it is.
He ended up here.

With smiles,

Val:)

Label your quilts as they will be treasured!

This cozy little quilt is the very first quilt I ever received. 

It measures 31" by 31" and was given to me as a young mother 21 years ago. 

It was made by my dear Aunt Cela for our second born daughter. 

I treasure it.

I treasure the memories of my babies playing on it.

 I treasure the hand quilting.

 I treasure the hand printed quilt tag.

I treasure the memories of my Aunt.

 Today, my Aunt is in her 80's and battles mental illness. 

I'm so grateful to have this piece of her.

With that said, I have not labeled all my quilts.
Today I  PROMISE to to label each and every quilt from this day forward!
We will never really  know it's influence, how far it will travel nor how much it will truly be treasured.
I do know the recipients of our quilts will treasure those labels.

I'm linking up with: Willit at heysislookwhatimade because though I don't have
a label to share, I'm hoping to be inspired by everyone else to
 find a simple, cute way to label my quilts.

Here's a tutorial I found by Kelly Young:
Quick Labels-The cute and easy way!
(Linked with permission...thanks Kelly)

As Nike says: Just DO It! We need to don't ya think...

With smiles,

Val:)

Inaugural Piggy Bank Savings= Money for Fabric!

Create yourself a "mini" fabric savings fund!

Two years ago I bought this little silver piggy bank to collect laundry change (and extra change from around the house). Last summer, he was full and I cashed in at $102.45! I, of course, put my "savings" to good use and stocked up on fabric!!!

Well, once my husband found out how much I saved in my  little piggy bank he started his own "bank of change".But, he also read somewhere that if you throw in a dollar or even five dollar bill once in a while, you can literally double your savings.

So this morning we went to one of those Coin Star machines at the grocery store and cashed in! 

• His jug was full and came to $97.71 in coins with a five dollar bill and five one dollar bills. Grand total of: $107.71! 
• My little piggy was not very full of change (as I was just putting most the change from around the house in his  jug).  I had a grand total of $12.81 in coins. But! I had $40.00 in bills. You know what that means: $52.81 for fabric shopping!!! Woot! Woo!  
• In one year of saving change and throwing in one and five dollar bills every now and then, we had a grand total of $160.52! Serious! 

But now I'm wondering, are you a "coin saver" , and if so, comment if you have cute piggy bank too? 

Onto...starting our Annual Piggy Bank Challenge: 

Well, our "change banks" are now empty and Bill has exclaimed that the coin saving "competition" in on! As when we were walking out of the grocery store, he turns to me and says: "Don't put anymore money in my jug, let's make it a contest to see  who can save the most change by next summer!" I'm thinking: "Okay...but does he remember I'm the one with little stashes of money everywhere?"

My "penny pinching" history:

I've always been a saver. Aside from my pig above, I also have my "Loose Change" jar....which filled quickly when the girls lived at home, especially when our youngest worked in a coffee shop and would sometimes forget a tip here and there in her pockets.

 I don't blame you if you are laughing right about now. I'm kinda laughing at myself as I write this post. But, I do admit, my piggy banks are my "bonus" funds. For some reason, I've always loved having a piggy bank.

Below is a picture of  my very first piggy bank. Serious! I use to love how it was the color of a penny and shaped like a shoe. I use to really  love that I needed a "key" to open the bottom. Now THAT in itself  made saving money fun! This little shoe secured my babysitting money and allowance. LOL!!

Aside from fabric, I do enjoy using my yearly "coin savings bonus" to purchase that new rotary cutter or beautiful pair of Geiger scissors. When I was young, I'd treat  myself to crafty things. I guess you can say crafting has always kept me sane. I mean, I remember using my "savings"  to tag along with my mom to the local Sprouse-Reitz Store. (remember those!)  and buy embroidery threads in every color and this pattern: (remember when patterns cost 49 cents??)

 I spent that middle school summer making this:

 

And I remember thinking I was something else when I wore this shirt to school the next Fall. I thought I was pretty talented. (Typical middle school confidence!!LOL!!) Ironically, it was that seventh grade year I took my first Home Ec class and started to learn how to sew!

So, as the saying goes: a penny saved is a penny earned. 

Please comment and share: what would you treat  yourself to with a "coin savings bonus"of  $52.81?? Annndddd....remember to share if you are a coin saver and love to use a piggy bank too!

Happy Saturday and happy coin savings!

Val:)

Love this Fabric!

Just had to share what I bought this morning! I couldn't resist this fabric by Aneela Hoey: 

I bought 4 yards of it! 

Not sure what I'm going to do with it, but it reminds of the summer vacations we spent at my Granny's ranch. I'd spend entire days outside eating strawberries from her garden, playing fort in the hay barn, looking for kittens, begging my aunt to let me ride a horse and reading books in trees.  

I'm thinking this will make a cute back to a lap quilt?? 

Who knows, all's I do know is it makes me smile! 

Okay...now it's time to get sewing.

Val:)