A few little things

I have had this post floating around in my head for a few weeks now and just couldn't seem to get around to sitting down and posting. A few friends that read my blog regularly have told me that they miss reading about what I have been making, so I'm going to let you see what I have been up to since October!! Wow, how time flies.

These darling little pillows were made by my wonderful co-workers as "comfort pillows". Each has a distinct personality just like the maker and give me love and comfort each time I see them. I work with best ladies and we are a family for sure.

I found this cute bag tutorial at www.noodle-head.com/openwidezipperpouch. I have made a few of these great bags that open wide so you can see what is all the way down in the bottom. They also hold an amazing amout of "stuff". I like mine for holding hand sewing/embroidery supplies. The directions are clear and easy to follow. Anna has many great designs, I encourage you to check her out.

This is "Sparkle" from Fig Tree & Co using Joanna's Tapestry line. I really love this pattern!! I have plans for a Christmas themed one..probably for next year LOL.

Last but not least (for this post , anyway :-)!!) I have been working on this quilt off and on for a few years..finally this Christmas it will be finished..still have the binding to put on but close enough,,right? I think that will be all for today, back soon! Kay

One Foot in Front of the Other

This post is very difficult for me to write. I have been mulling it over and over in my head and have decided to just start writting and see how it goes. Deep Breath.... For the past year my dear husband of 42 years has been suffering from End Stage non-alcoholic Liver Disease. Last November our hopes were high as he was put on the Liver Transplant List. This summer, however, proved medically challenging and sadly on Sept 4 the love of my life passed away. Life will never be the same without his unwavering love, support and great sense of humor. I have the unending love and support of family and so many friends and I will get through this. I am continuing to find comfort in my sewing and have been able to spend some time in the quilt studio. Since this blog is about my quilting adventures I will continue to post my starts and finishes and goings on relating to my craft. I could not, however, carry on as tho nothing had changed when, everything has changed. In my next post I will return to my usual sharing. One foot in front of the other...I can only move forward and he would want it that way.

I will miss him forever, Kay

Another Schnibble's

I am just a wee bit behind now on the Another Year of Scnibbles's projects. I did finally finish July which was, I believe, my choice, so I made Paganini, version #4. I saw this made up in a larger size at a local quilt shop and really liked it. I used Vintage Modern for my fabric choice and used a light grey solid by Kona Cotton that I had in my stash.

I also finished a skirt for grand daughter Stella. I found the mustash fabric on Spoonflower Fabrics. The blue fabric is a vintage piece and the silver and black check is Lakehouse. The pattern is "Olivia Skirt" by Butterfly Kisses patterns. I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend. Until we meet again.. Keep Calm and Sew On ooxx Kay

I am still here!!

I don't know what is happening to Blogger. I have been trying to compose a post this morning and I can only post in HTML. I'm not even sure it will post from here. Well here it goes. I have been encountering many road blocks to updating my blog..this recent one is just the last of many. I was begining to think that maybe I wasn't meant to blog right now?? We continue to struggle with my hubby's ever changing health issues. He is currently in a rehabilitation facility so skilled staff can help him gain strength while monitoring his very complicated chronic illness. Meanwhile, in my "spare time" (haha) I have finished a quilt for my grand daughter's birthday and my secret project , a wedding quilt for my niece and husband-to-be, the wedding is Aug 25, Pam at quiltingsquareone.blogspot.com did anamazing job machine quilting her magic onto the quilt.

This is the finished quilt for my grand daughter Stella's birthday.

Wedding quilt for Angela and Matt. Double Pinwheel using Fig Tree fabrics. King Size!

I will try to post more pictures when I can get blogger to co-operate.

Kay

Breathe

Taking many deep breaths these last few weeks. Since I posted last life has been challenging, I have not found nearly enough time in my "quilt studio" and I have struggled to meet my self-imposed deadlines.

Last week I came across a tutorial for converting a wooden folding table (TV tray) into a portable ironing board. Here is how mine turned out, I found it on Martha Stewart's website..gotta love Martha Right??? 
This took less than an hour to complete. I did buy the table but all the other supplies I already had. I bought this fabric a couple of years ago hoping to make a new cover for my "other" ironing board but I love it on this. I find this size very useful next to my sewing machine and works great with the smaller travel size iron.
Now I can fold up the "big" one and just bring it out when I need to press bigger things..allows much more room in my space!!

Now for what I have managed to sew this month. Still working on the "secret" quilt, so can't show progress on that yet, but finished my 12 dresden plates for the Bunny Hill Designs free pattern, just deciding on what to use for sashing .

I have purchased a wonderful red and white polka dot for the border.

not the final arrangement!

I recently bought a new book called Sliver Quilts by Lisa O'Neil. The concept intrigued me and when I turned to page 35 and saw the "Stella" quilt...then read that this quilt was designed to celebrate the 4th of July...well I had to buy the book and make this quilt. The reason?? Well I have a grand daughter named Stella and her birthday is the 4th of July :-)..I hope to get this at least pieced together by her birthday and I will add a border to make it a little bigger to snuggle under. Oh by the way, Stella will be 11 this year.

Here is a Baby Quilt made for youngest gran daughter's Kindergarten teacher for her first grand child.
My daughter used the art work made my the children in  the kindergarten classes to make a piece of art to auction at the annual  spring auction this year. Then she printed the art work on transfer fabric by EQ.
I assembled the blocks and machine quilted it just in time for the last day of school. It was a real hit.

 I had to take a break from the Year of Schnibbles that I have been participating in, hubby was in ICU for three days at the beginning of the month total of 7 days in hospital. Had to concentrate on my immediate deadlines and I plan on making June and July next month. I really love the design for June called Leap Year so I hope I can catch up!!
Speaking of catching up.. better get started.
Today's goal...finish piecing the Stella blocks !
Have a great weekend and a great 4th of July!!!
ox Kay

A Few New Things

Well, here we are at the end of another month. The summer is getting closer and closer, at least on
the calendar. I have finished a few projects and still have many more waiting for me to remember them.
I finished  the Year of Schnibbles pattern for May, Doc using 30's playtime as the fabric choice.

I like the vintage feel that this paring has. It seems Card Trick and 30's reproductions are a good match.
My next finish is from the pattern called Victory Garden. I have been working on it off and on all month and when I finished it Monday I realized that it would be done in time to celebrate the Queens Jubilee. I have British roots and family that reside there. I ordered the kit for "Baby Brit" using Cabbages and Roses Northcote Range.

. Today the weather is very grey and raining so hard to get a real good picture. I will take another when it is quilted.
I have also been working on something using Fig Tree and a double pinwheel pattern. It needs to remain a secret for now but I thought I could at least share the first 2 blocks.

So long May and hello June, I hope you bring some sunny days!!
Take care
Kay xo

Summer Day

Dreaming of a Summer Day as a California Girl!!!

April's Schnibble "Summer Day" using "California Girl"

I grew up here in Western Washington and as a teen envied those girls lucky enough to live in California.

Those Beach Boy songs made sun and the beach sound very appealing!! 

This will be a great little Summer quilt to hang on the porch. 

We won't see summer weather here until July but I can dream.

At least my favorite flower is blooming..Lilac. 

I think I will go out and cut a bouquet and enjoy their lovely scent :-)

Here's to Summer Days!!

ox Kay

Planning, Starting and Finishing

Not much to report here at the Studio. Did manage to get "Bibelot" the March Year of Schnibbles quilt finished and quilted before the end of the month..Yea :-).
I used Blueberry Crumb Cake charm packs. I have always been in love with Blue quilts and this fabric line worked just great with this pattern.

I attended the Sewing Expo at the beginning of the month and bought a fabulous pattern at the Shabby Fabrics booth (the best booth there!!!!) from designer Brenda Riddle from The Acorn Quilt Co called "By My Hand",

I have been obsessed with finding what I had in my stash and then supplementing with a few fabrics found at work and on the internet. I was very pleased with what I found that I already had in my collection. This will be a beautiful quilt..I just love that it is a Sampler!!!! I will let you know how it progresses.
I just finished piecing a quilt Stars in the Garden from Shabby Fabrics started last spring. I used some of my Pom Pom left-overs and a Robin Pandolph called Hannah Bella that I bought just two pieces of  ages ago and decided it was time for it get out of the cupboard and into a quilt. I really love the colors in the large floral stripe and used them for my inspiration for the stars.

I also have a commitment to make the Athill Range model for the shop .

I am feeling really good about how much of my stash I have managed to use lately and I will continue to get those ufo's out remember why I loved them in the first place.
Well there you have it!!
Here's to a productive weekend!!
Hope you all find some time to do what you really love!!!
Ta ta for now :) Kay ox

I.s.t.h. February A. Y. O. S.

I have just finished piecing the Feb Schnibbles pattern I.S.T. H, I used fabric from French Generals line
Rural Jardin. I am happy with the "faded" look this line gives to this pattern.

Sugar Shop  by Late Bloomer Quilts using Flower Sugar 

I made this cutie at quilt retreat a couple of weekends ago. I love this pattern and will make it again!!!

I bought the kit for these pincushions last summer and finally got around to making them. Aren't they cute!!!
I'm already planning on making them again with some hand-dyed wool that I have in my stash :-).
The pattern is designed by Verna Mosquera. from The Vintage Spool.

And last but not least, here is a little project using more French General , basted and ready to hand applique and embroider tonight while watching some Brit-Coms on PBS. This pattern came with a greeting card and I have had it in my pattern "stash" for quite some time. I had my French General "collection" out and they just came together like long lost friends..I love it when that happens.....serendipity :-)


Looking back at this post I notice that everything looks very Spring--ish, we woke up to snow this morning and it has all melted now but I think I must be ready for spring!! I know it is a bit early to be thinking about spring but at least I can be ready when it get here, right??

Wishing you all a very hopeful Saturday.....OX Kay

Welcome Home to 58 Berry Street

Happy Groundhog Day everyone.

We have quite a nice, partly sunny, day so far here in my part of  Washington State.

I wanted to introduce you to the next finished block for the Home Sweet Home quilt.
I am a little concerned that this block is brighter than the rest .
The blue photographed much more royal than the actual color. I will move on tho, to the next one.
 "62 Holly Hill" sounds like a pleasant place to call Home!!
More of those tiny strips on the windows, but a very charming house just the same.
Now I just need to select all the fabrics...sometimes this is the most challenging part!!

I"m anxious to start the February Schnibbles.. still need to decide what fabrics to use.
Maybe Valentine's theme??? Hummmmm.
Enjoy the day!
ooxx Kay

PS decided to add this "group shot" of all the blocks together...Nice neighborhood don't you think??
:-) K

A Year Of Schnibbles.....January

Full House is finished, quilted and bound with label attached. Amazing what you can accomplish during a 4-day snow storm!!! I have been happily sewing and occasionally checking the snow totals and the news updates.

Winter Wonderland

Happy "snow  dog" Blue. She didn't want to come in!!

This pattern was such fun to make (thanks Carrie) and I just love the "happy" look that these fabrics from Hide-Away line gives these houses.
Tomorrow it should start raining and life will get back to normal, but I have really enjoyed the opportunity to
sew the hours away. :-)
Making good progress on 58 Berry Street as well.
Stay tuned...more to come.
Stay warm!!!!!
Kay  ooxx

Home Sweet Home block four

Just a quick post today. I have just finished Home Sweet Home block four.This block has been in progress for quite a long time and I'm ready to move onto the next block. 

41 Thistle Hill Terrace

Next stop 58 Berry Street!
This afternoon I will assemble and prepare the fabrics.

FYI: these blocks are from the Blackbird Designers Barb Adams and Alma Allen's
book called "Home Sweet Home".


Hope you all have a great weekend. I hope to get in a whole lot of sewing!!!

Cheers,
Kay XXOO

What is new for 2012

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends!!

Well here we are 6 days into the new year and I'm finally getting back into a routine. I'm ready to start some new projects, finish some in-progress and generally get back into the swing of things here in my studio.
Here is what is grabbing my attention today.
A Year of Schnibbles (check out Sinta at Pink Pincushion) and Scrappy Plate Club (BunnyHill Designs 2012 free pattern)

I have started the first Schnibble "Full House" and it is going to be soooo cute. I have been saving these Hideaway charm packs for just the right project. I'm so excited to see how this will turn out.

I have a great collection of polka dots so I think I will make my Dresden Plates with polka dots like Anne Sutton did.
New Years Day I followed the Planet Patchwork Mystery and even though I was not able to complete all the steps then, I have that project in progress as well.