Pieces from my scrapbag..

Same old, same old....

2009-07-08T14:39:00.001-05:00

routine here in the Valley. Not much of anything new to talk about or show. Altho the calendar says summer, the weather is displaying autumn. The day time highs are ranging in the 70's(vs. our normal 90's) and overnight temps call for at least ONE quilt! The AC thinks I don't love it anymore in view of the fact that I needed the furnace to run last week!! Ebony and I march onward with the scrap and stash reduction. I've been plugging away at my 10 MAM pieces a day(altho I have missed a few days!) and also trying to complete the needed blocks for older UFO projects. I have a pile that need ironing and sizing. Hopefully I'll have something new to show tomorrow *VBS*
Evening finds me watching a DVD and quilting free form on this little piece. Salmon perle cotton seemed a good color and salmon it is! My family has birthdays galore in July, not the least of who is Hailey Marie. She has reached the one year mark! Several of the DGS's have birthday in July, and also my 2nd DD. Both my DM and my DMIL had July 25th birthdays, having been born the same year, and having married in the same year. Small world, isn't it?

Things to think about over the 4th of July, in America...

2009-06-27T18:12:00.004-05:00

* If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.

* If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.

* If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

* If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

* If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

* If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

* If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer healing touch.

* If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
*****This is one of the many things that "float" from email box to email box, encouraging you to send it along to your friends and acquaintances. I'm not sure who I could give credit to for writing it, as they seldom include that information. It feels "right" as something to think about as we celebrate our independence here in America next week. May all your trouble be small, and all your blessing be large *VBS* Hug a friend!

Waiting for the evening train....

2009-06-26T17:56:00.002-05:00

and perhaps if you were a radio buff, back in the 60's, you'll remember that song *VBS* It's an old favorite of mine. Blue Velvet eased it out of first place, followed shortly after by the non-stop coverage of President Kennedys assination. I got to thinking today, while sewing yet more flannel, about the ways we "pass the hours". And about having missed the longest day of the year on June 21st. My brain was out to lunch I guess. So I am sharing some of what "the hours" are filled with on these long summer days *VBS* This little charmer just hit the pile by my chair, for binding.
And this happy little fellow wandered out from the closet to preside over the center of the table, and protect the milkglass dish that resides there. And then.... back to the pieces....it's always about the pieces, isn't it? *VBS*
Everyone finds their own "best" way to contain the "pieces". Back when my stash was only the size of breadbox..well, maybe a bit bigger, I began using these hospital wash basins to hold scraps. Free,or cheap at yard sales, they were an early recycling effort on my part. At first I sorted scraps by color. It wasn't long before I needed something bigger(on the shelf) to hold all the blue or green or yellow scraps. So the wash pans sat idle. At least they stack! I retrieved them to begin holding the "stages" of MAM(mile a minute)blocks and assorted parts in progress.
That's whats in this picture. One packed down, heaped up, not quite overflowing pan of "beguns" for MAM quilt blocks. It's difficult to tell from the picture, but if I were to guess, I'd say there are 100 to 200 "small beginnings" squashed in this pan. I can pull them out, finger press them and add another scrap, or I can pull them out and press each one before adding another scrap. What I do depends on my mood. I only resort to having to press each one "every time" when I know I am at(or nearly at) the desired size.
I pressed about half a wash pan of those "nearly"s today. And believe it or not, there is another wash pan just as full as this one, waiting in the wings. I do believe I could sew all summer(or at least until the Autumn Equinox)and never have to reach into my stash!! How do you handle your scraps? Do you "cut to size and stack or fill a drawer"? Or are you always in the process of whipping those scraps into shape? Do you ever see the bottom of the scrap bag or basket? I wonder *VBS*

Summertime, summertime....

2009-06-24T12:04:00.002-05:00

has definitely hit WI! After many weeks of assorted varieties of "spring", Miss Summer hit when we weren't looking *VBS* Our 70 degree temps, and rain have vanished and we are sweltering in 90+ degree days and warm, warm nights. And storms that result from the heat. Fun, fun, fun! Oh ya! I'm still hunkered down in 'scrap' heaven, playing with flannel. This first collage is just that...flannel scraps(again!) I wanted mention, as you assemble any MAM block, if you have a fairly narrow strip at the outside edge(as you piece), remember to add the next strip to THAT side. The 1/4th inch will disappear then. If you added it to the opposite side, you will lose too much off that narrow one when you size the block. The completed block(1st pic) is an example of "getting wonky" without 'on point' cutting. Just sew the scrap the way it is, it'll do the wonky for you *VBS* The picture with the scraps..that's all that left of several gallon bags(and one box) of flannel trimmings! I have a few partly pieced blocks there in a bag. If I need more blocks, I'll finish them up. If not, they will wait for some new scraps, that way it all blends together. The fourth pic is of my old Pumpkin Soup quilt. The pattern is Thimbleberries "Sticks and Stones". It's one of the only quilts I've made using a "selected" group of fabrics. I think this one could be quick and easy in assorted scrap also *VBS* Everything is a 2.5" cut. Easy Peasy!
In my determination to get my flannel scraps under control this summer(read USED UP)I'm working with flannel that looks like this. I've been cutting the bigger scraps into 3.5" squares and HSTs and making Tonya's wonky blocks. They are fast and easy and very forgiving.
Smaller scraps from that same group are made in to 4 or 9 patches or fence rails. This quilt will be a row quilt, using all of those. And, *VBS*, a new picture of my DGSs. Summer softball program. GS D is turning 10 in August, his little brother, GS N will be 6 on July 12th. DD#1 went to the baseball game on Saturday, despite the high heat and humidity. I would love to have been there, but breathing is fairly important to me, and I can't venture out when we have heat and humidity. Strangely, cool(or cold)dampness doesn't affect my breating..weird!

Frugal Friday's Experience Speaking....

2009-06-19T11:35:00.003-05:00

and the reasons behind why I do MAM the way I do *VBS* There was an interesting suggestion in the comments about the MAM blocks I posted on Wednesday. One of my readers made the following suggestion: "When you get ready to cut your block try turning your ruler on point...I think it makes a more interesting block. I too am a fan of the MAM block. I love mindless sewing" It's an excellent suggestion and I am in agreement with the reader, it does make a more interesting block. But....

as you can see in the picture of a MAM block with my 8.5" ruler, quite abit is cut away. #1- I could/would have to make the blocks bigger in order to cut on point. Which isn't frugal even if you are working with scraps.#2-many of my scraps aren't as large as the pink(in this picture) I'm trying to get used up. #3-it seems like it would create more "waste", altho it could be directed into new MAM blocks. #4-and this is my MAIN objection and experience, all 4 sides would then be BIAS. I'm not fond of working with bias. Anytime a cut is made on the diagonal, bias becomes the outer edge. Most flannel has a fair amount of stretch already. I could do the MAM on foundation, that would take care of the bias, but defeat the purpose of these MAM quilts which is "utility".
I think the reason many string quilts are pieced on foundation is to take advantage of the stability and piece the strings diagonally. The same with string triangles and diamonds. Even traditional quilt block patterns, when set on point, create the "bias factor" for the longarm quilters pinning them in. Given even a small chance, bias will do it's "thing" and stretch.
Thank you for the great suggestion, reader, I love your idea and the look that gets created, but I gotta cut these guys straight so I can keep them under control. *VBS*

This and that on a Wednesday....

2009-06-17T15:46:00.000-05:00

and, as sometimes happens, I haven't been doing anything very interesting. Some major cleaning and sorting is going on in the sewing room. Major Mess right now!! I have, however, been doing some sewing each day,part of the "clean up" process. Last week I showed you a few of the all flannel Mile A Minute blocks I've been making in an 8.5" size. I thought I'd share a few more ideas or details about how I make them. I think it's sometimes hard for younger sewers to toss all the "rules" out the window. With MAM blocks, the "toss" is fairly essential to a happy outcome. Forget straight lines, forget rulers until the very end, forget straight lines. Just pick up any two scraps that appeal to you, and sew them together. *VBS*
In the first picture of this collage, what I wanted to show you is the 3 small pieces above the blue and pink flowers, and below the blue 3 little pigs scrap. That little strip is 3 pieces of flannel,about 1"+ high and about the same width. I didn't sew the 3 of them together to be FRUGAL. I did it because it adds interest and movement to the block. Many quilters wouldn't bother with pieces that small, I find them valuable in the look of the quilt. It's harder to work in the smaller pieces, more time consuming, but part of my process. In the second picture, I began with the frog square...a scrap that came in with Dionne's last donation. Using it like a log cabin center, I built the block around it. What goes with what doesn't matter much to me *VBS* Sometimes, as in the 3rd pictures, it's just narrow string pieces left from backings. And in the last picture in this collage, an assortment of my scraps, Betsy's scraps and donated scraps. There are baby clothes left from making burp cloths and Sponge Bob Square Pants, they seem to play together very well.
In this last collage we've got pictures with grown up type flannels next to "totally" baby flannel. My MAM blocks often have various pig fabrics. Betsy collects fabric with pigs and she shares scraps with me. I don't aim for the really narrow pieces you will sometimes see in my blocks. If it's an 1"+ I use it. Sometimes the starting point will be a leftover 4 patch, or a couple of 2.5" square Some of these pieces are trim away from making flannel pillowcases. And you probably have noticed there aren't really any red, blue, yellow, green, etc pieces used. The darker, color intense scraps are in a different bag for another MAM quilt. I also toss the plaids, checks and other "country" type colors and patterns into a seperate pile. I seem to have the most scraps left from baby quilt backings. If you make more comfort quilts, or snuggle quilts for adults, you'd probably have more of that type scrap. Making the MAM blocks is also a great way to use up odd colors of thread, where appropiate. I wouldn't sew any of this batch with black or other dark colors.

Quilt Top Auction....

2009-06-12T15:05:00.001-05:00

Our friend San, of Gypsy Quilter Designs is holding an auction to raise money for the batting used in Quilts of Valor. She has created this lovely small quilt top, based on a Little Quilts design. For full information regarding the quilt top and bidding, pop on over to her blog, Gypsy Quilter Designs. It's for such a good cause. The gals who longarm quilt those quilts donate their time and often the batting as well. It would be a great help if the cost of batting could be offset. Make note that this is a quilt TOP, not a finished quilt. You get to add your own personal touch in how it is quilted and bound. The top will go to the highest bidder.

I can't believe it's Thursday again....

2009-06-11T11:20:00.002-05:00

already! Where did the week go?? I haven't been doing much sewing lately, but the cold wet weekend we had, found me playing with flannel scraps. Scraps left from making backings are a "mixed bag". Sometimes they are just bits and pieces, sometimes strings and/or strips. Occasionally they are too big to cut into regular shapes. Those I put to one side and add them to backings. The top I have begun(shown here) will be a mixture of Mile A Minute and String blocks. I'm working in 8.5" blocks for a change.
A short time ago(can't remember which day)brought this lovely gift from my sweet friend Julie in Texas. She had written that she was sending orphan blocks, and tucked in was this yummy "scrap bag" of Moda strips. Rather than be a jellyroll, it has strips of various widths. I'm going to have alot of fun with these, thank you so much Julie!!
And this picture takes no explaination, does it??? Love that nosey cat! Can't even lay strips on the floor without her checking it out! I hope everyone has sunshine in their corner of the world today *VBS*

What's new in the Valley???

2009-06-06T12:56:00.002-05:00

Well, *this* for one thing *VBS* And now you are wondering what is "this"...right? And here's the answer *VBS* I had some CD's that matured in late May. Normally I either roll them into another term, or move them to a bank paying more percentage. Not much point in doing that this year. And then there is the reality of the unending need for "assistance" from my youngest DS. Several CDs have been cashed out on his behalf over the past couple of years. So I did a reality check on ME!!
The conclusion I came to was if I didn't use some of my "house"(sold in 2002)money", it would all be gone, and not for me. I've been driving a perfectly(???)good 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. You've seen it in pictures of my house. I bought when my divorce was final in Oct/1996. It's been a super good little car. Good gas mileage, and has only needed minor repair over the years. But recently it has begun to show its age, and in the past few months that has speeded up. So I decide to see what was out there for a car that would bring me into the 21st century...LOL.
I didn't really expect to come home with this one, a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. It is, however, a one owner car and a non smoker. Driven locally, low mileage and has all the bells and whistles that cost soooo much when new. It drives and rides like a dream and finally...a working AC!!! The price was right, plus they gave me a $1,000. for my Grand Am. Now I don't have to figure out how to get rid of it *VBS*
Probably the best news in the Valley, to me at least, is that I was able to buy it outright and can honestly said "I own this car". I can also continue to claim that I am debt free *VBS*, and that sure feels good!

Road Trip....

2009-06-02T11:26:00.001-05:00

and what could be better on a lovely June day? Part of being a quilter is the search for inspiration. Most of us have bought quilt magazines at one time or another. Perhaps we make a quilt or two from them, perhaps not. Either is acceptable *VBS* Like many, I tend to keep my quilt magazines until my storage space hollars "uncle", and begs for mercy! Even then, it's hard to part with them. I tend to be a quilter who rarely makes a quilt I saw in a magazine, but am often inspired enough to follow an idea "my way"...scrappy. This old beauty has hung around since 1981. I recieved it in my Christmas basket from Betsy. I'm sure she picked it up in some thrift store. We often share quilting things back and forth.
Just recently it surfaced again, and I sat down for a "look-see". This is the quilt and blocks that gave my mojo a kick in the behind! It has a fair amount of history in the first couple of paragraphs. It was featured in a Nancy Page column by Florence LaGanke in 1933. The block, at the top right, is called the "Road To ------". Fill in the name of your choice. It was sent to Ms. LaGanke from Mrs.A.E. Maslin of Cleveland, Ohio. She called it Road to Chicago because of the 1933 Worlds Fair being held there that year. She made hers in plain blue, dark blue and white. and felt that was the traditional choice. Enter Susie Ennis who updated the setting, as seen in the big picture. The use of sashing and setting posts really changes the outcome.
From looking at the bigger picture of the quilt, you could figure out how to piece it. I was thinking blocks and half blocks until I looked at the follow up page. I was surprised to see its made from a combination of units. The quilt in the big picture is 80.5" X 80.5". She works with increments of 2 1/4"....really ackward in my opinion. If it's a quilt you might like to make, in a traditional manner, email me and I'll give you the yardage amounts. I'm going to do mine scrappy, of course, so no yard amounts needed. Figure out how many of what "parts" and I'm good to go. I have a number of 4 patches already made(from Tobacco Road) and I will begin with those.
I've done the best I can to enlarge and sharpen the "unit" images. Nothing in old issues of QNL scans very clearly. The only trick to this one is to decide what size the 4 patches will be, the rest is easy-peasy! You can ignore the small dark picture under the parts, on that parts page. It's an alternative way to set the blocks and not needed for the quilt in the bigger picture.

Pieces of the past........

2009-06-01T11:46:00.000-05:00

have been hovering all about me this past week. Like ghosts from A Christmas Carol, they drift in and out of my mind. Thinking about rent, and then the first time we tried to borrow money to purchase a home. Remembering that in 50 yrs there hasn't been a time when I couldn't pay my rent or house payment. Gratitude for small remembrances. Lilacs, fresh cut grass, high school graduations, May wedding a year later. Pieces from memory, like pebbles on a beach. People, places, events...most from the past tied to the present time. I've been away, well...mentally at least. I pulled this top from the shelf and made additional blocks to enlarge it.
I pulled this project from a drawer, having forgotten completely that I was going to get it pinned and quilted a few months back. I've made a couple new doll quilts that are on the cutting mat for pinning. I've watched old movies, old NCIS episodes, talked to a few people, made road trips in the rain, and been absent from most of my life all week. Yes, it's an anniversary week and day, and time. And did it bother me? Depends how you define "bother". The calendar and clock mark off the 50 year mark. That's alot of days, months and years......
We were so very young on May 30, 1959. Who knew what the Universe held in store for us? Who worried about it? Certainly not me. I was in love and I was happily planning a "future". Two more years of college, four years in the Air Force. Time, travel and miles spent in building a life, a future, a family. But the 2nd act curtain doesn't always raise on "happily ever after". Things happen. And things did. Things change. The 3rd act curtain finds me here, in the Valley, making quilts, servant to Ebony. And it's ok, and I'm ok. Every once in a while things have to get "harder" so that I appreciate it when they aren't. The Merry Month of May has passed, now, into memory, and it's June 1st *VBS* Is everybody gearing up for summer??? I am.

Frugal Friday...memory style~Part 3

2009-05-25T11:33:00.003-05:00

One last memory lane post to wrap up the Memorial Day weekend and Michele's challenge *VBS* One more collage of my quilts. And on to the idea of recycled materials in quilts. I have to admit I've never been a fan of recycling worn clothes into quilt pieces. The piecing and hand quilting is a lengthly process and you want the quilt to hold up. Used clothing won't wear the same as the new fabric used. The worn clothes pieces will fade out, wear out and need mending much faster than your new fabric. But...
I have at times and for certain reasons, used recycled clothes. Of course, sometimes the piece of clothing your taking apart might be brand new and un worn or only worn slightly, that works fine. This quilt is one of my first attempts at using orphan blocks and other odd bits. I knew from the beginning it would be mostly, red,white and blue with a bit of yellow tossed in. In order to have enough fabrics with red, I did use some recylcled garments. I made it in 1984 for my 8 yr.old 3rd DS. He still uses it today, and it's held up pretty well. But..it was out of circulation and at my house for a large part of that 25 years. I gave it back to him last summer when he set up his own single household.
This is the second quilt I've made from using clothing. Everything in this top is from a friends DH. He died quite unexpectedly and I offered to make a memory quilt from his shirts. The only purchased fabric is the light blue in the 4 patches. Even the gray setting squares are from one of his shirts. She only sent 4 or 5, and there is not alot of variety in the 4 patches. Back when I first started making quilts I didn't know not to use ALL types of fabric. I had started with a Grandmother's Flower garden and was hand piecing it. I didn't use any really odd stuff like velvet or satin, but I did use some quite loose weave fabrics, and some vintage fabric.And some clothing pieces. Luckily the quilt hasn't had much use over the years and the only hexagons that shows distress and should be replaced are the vintage fabric. I'm not sure if it was the age of the fabric or the fact they are in the last outside row and might have been handled more.
And last but not least, the reason I make quilts *VBS* Michele asked about our connection to the scrap quilts we make. At least that's how I understood what she said. I think, for me, it's largely about memories, and a dash of that "playing" I love. You learn alot about yourself while making a scrap quilt. I can't tell you exactly how that works, but thinking about it for awhile.
One of the best parts is "connection"...I was piecing some 4 patches last week, and while pulling lt. squares, one or two of them were white with little colored stars. Kind of KP Kids fabric. It was the background fabric in the Jewel Box that I pieced and quilted for DGS# 2. The year was 1996, he'll be 13 in August *VBS* I am hooked on the visual connection between B's quilt(1996) and the donation Kitchen Sink(with 4 patches galore) that I am piecing right now. I love being able to think(or more often say outloud) "that piece came from "----"'s quilt. I love saying to friend Jean or Betsy, "that's one your scraps, remember?". I probably could do that if I were to make carefully planned out quilts, but there would be no element of surprise. And I love being a treasure hunter and finding little gems as I work. As you can see, I really do LOVE scraps *VBS*

Frugal Friday..memory style~Part 2

2009-05-23T14:43:00.001-05:00

Continuing on with a memory lane of scrappy quilts, as Michele requested. I hope some of you are playing along also *VBS* Here the one that Blogger snitched yesterday.
Over the years I've been mostly a traditional quilter. But there is that "wild" side just under the surface and the maverick often bubbles up in a playful manner.
I've pulled pictures from here and there and they range from bed quilts to baby quilts and back again. All of my children and grandchildren have my quilts. Some of them love them more than others. All are fairly supportive of my habit...LOL
I'm not as prolific a quilter as Bonnie,at Quiltville, or some of the other gals who blog. I will admit to having slowed down the production pace of years ago. I probably play more than I actually work these days. But given a reason, I can get things finished and out the door *VBS* I don't think any of the quilts today, except maybe the words, have any recycled material in them. I do have a few and I'll show you those tomorrow. It's a bit harder to explain WHY I use what I do, and I'm not sure I really can, except to say that its "the spirit" that moves me at the moment.

Frugal Friday...Memory style

2009-05-22T16:18:00.005-05:00

I received an interesting email from Michele this morning. She blogs at With-Heart-And-Hands, A Quilting Journey. Michele got caught up in the Frugal Friday happenings back during Lent and has carried on in that vein. With Memorial Day fast approaching she suggested we post about making quilts from what we have 'at hand', and using the odd bids and prehaps recycled fabric. I'm going to insert part of her email here, in her own words:"I'm posting today about Everything But the Kitchen Sink and showcasing the concept of Kitchen Sink Quilts and Quilts. This includes scrappy Heinz 47 quilts, I Spy or Gee's Bend themes (where you've actually used re-purposed fabrics) The idea is to encourage all of us all to think frugally and show the long standing tradition of using what you have in any ways that you can, whenever you can.
I'd love to see a wonderful showcase of quilts and quilting across America showing our scrappy nature and ability to combine unusual fabrics to encourage fun and frugal creativity.
Link to the theme above from my own blog post and show me your fun and scrappy quilts...whether it is an ancient scrap quilt, your typical scrappy favorite of all time, a hodge podge assortment of I Spy fussies, or Everything But the Kitchen Sink !
Please contribute this weekend through Monday in honor of my 'Memories' theme (Monday is Memorial Day (observed in the US).
.............................or do so on any and all Frugal Friday posts! along with Finn and so many others!"
So I'm going to do that Michele *VBS* I'm gathered 24 of my Everything but the Kitchen Sink, I spy, and Mile A Minute type scrappy quilts. I've condensed them into 4 collages of 6 each. It's barely the tip of the iceberg...LOL
What I realized as I thought about Michele's challenge is that basically she's talking about ALL my quilts! I've had business type errands today, needing the bank, post office and drugstore. And while working on that stuff, I thought about Michele's challenge. What I realized is that I'm quite sure I only have ONE quilt that isn't my "usual" scrappy style. I purchased 3 fabric in Longmont, CO years ago, to make a particular star quilt I loved. It took me forever to get it finished, and it's a smallish quilt! Lesson learned...don't like to work with pre-decided fabrics, and only a few.
I can actually say, and probably have, that I prefer scraps to stash. Of course one has to use stash, and that gradually adds to the scrap collection...thank goodness!

****Post A Note: I see blogger cheated me out of one collage picture...so, I'll be back tomorrow with that one and MORE!! Do your scrappy best to join us *VBS*

Wild 'n' Windy Wednesday...

2009-05-20T10:37:00.001-05:00

Never a dull moment weather-wise in the Valley. Our cool gale force winds have been replaced with 90+ degree temps and still more wind. Gusting at 40-50 mph today. Everything is 'movin' in the Valley *VBS* The 90's are not our normal temps in mid May, but the steady sunshine is welcome. Not much new or different at my house, or in my sewing room. It was another quiet weekend for me. I did order this panel of Madonnas from E-Quilter a couple of weeks back. The panel has 8 images, 2 of each of these 4. I'm planning on some summer time embellishment to occupy my hands.
And this is last weeks sewing project. Another of the little Kitchen Sink tops ala Gypsy Quilters idea. I've decided to leave this one square at 44". I have a backing made and hope to get at the ties or quilting later today. Probably for donation, haven't really decided as yet. I had a stack of leftover blocks from making a bigger version of this quilt. I still have a few and am sewing those into another of this smaller size.

The Week That Was....

2009-05-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

and is now nearly over.One of those weeks when you get "stuff" done, but don't necessarily have anything to say...*VBS* Yup, that was this week. Things happened, but not noteworthy. Baby L got his first haircut. The baby curls are gone. Mama cried but Daddy held firm and he now has a big boy haircut. Been there...5 times. The first cut is the hardest. He's a growing, happy, running boy, but still doesn't talk much. He can, but doesn't. Worries Mama, Granny Finn says "keep an eye on his ears".
The road to No Where, that always leads to Some Where, was the road I traveled this past week. I've been watching WI grow green again. It's been an uphill battle, with temps ranging from freezing last night, to 70+ highs in some daytimes. Another freeze warning for us tonight. Luckily, being born and raised in WI, I know better than to plant before Memorial Day. Betsy is heavily into her gardening just now, and Jean has been dealing with some difficult family issues. No kids or grandkids sighted anywhere, and I've stayed home. The sewing room really needed a spring cleaning and that has been happening all week. Projects sorted and bagged, fabric fondled and refolded, and some sewing *VBS*
The weather has really been a "mixed bag". A blue plate special, I guess, with a little bit of this and whole lot of that, and wind, wind, wind that just won't quit. It has blown steadily through out the night, with gust up to 40 mph. Out here on the edge of the prairie, that's alot!! We always have more breeze than in town, but this type of wind is just plain nasty. It sends the garbage cans rolling and any stray ball from a neighborhood child is gone, gone, gone. Kites wouldn't stand a chance. Even the birds are walking...LOL.

It's been a very good week....

2009-05-09T11:24:00.001-05:00

in the Valley *VBS* With so many packages arriving, it felt like Christmas...maybe better. Why? Because it was ALL fabric and quilt related! A stuffed-to-overflowing computer paper box from Dianna in Iowa. This is my 2nd box from her. Yardages of fabric,some bits and pieces, some scraps and a couple of quilt tops ready to finish up. It will all get used Diannia, and a big thank you!! I won a drawing for a box of scraps and FQs(and 2 patterns)from Minick and Simpson, a real treat for me as I own none of their fabric line or patterns. Those talented gals design for Moda. Thank you Polly and Laurie! And my "I won" jellyroll from Vickie of Mid-Ohio Knitter's drawing. That's also how I won the Minick & Simpson scraps. I have managed to get some sewing done this week. I got these kitchen sink blocks together for a donation quilt, now to get it pinned.
And the spirit has been moving me to work with the "Improv" idea. I think that is pretty much what I do anyway(with orphan blocks and odd bits) but I've never thought of it as improv. I suppose what I do could be called a method.
I begin with a center block(or maybe not, depending) and then add on. I don't lay this type of piecing out. I sit at the machine, with the "beginnings" in my lap and audition assorted squares(and parts) to see what will fit and what might look good in that spot. I've found that spacers are a big help. You can sneak in some pretty dull bits, as long as there is a brighter place for the eye to rest. I don't measure except with my eyes. If some is left over at the end of the joining seam, I just whack it off with the scissor.Having a pile of HSTs of various sizes is handy, as are strips of assorted sizes.
This is more labor intense and slow, than working with blocks of the same size and lattice. So far I haven't wandered into the block and lattice approach. Must be I like doing the way I do it....LOL

Big A ... Little A

2009-05-04T09:51:00.002-05:00

And what's a granny to do, but smile at my "bookends". The prom pictures arrived in my mailbox last evening. I had already heard the details of the "big night" via telephone in the afternoon. It started me thinking, of course *VBS* Prom time for my own 2 dear daughters...how the years have flown...20+. And now it's time for the oldest granddaughter to have that "Grand March" with a knight of her choosing. And inside the tiny being of Baby A, who's holding her own and growing on the formula substitue, dreams of things to come *VBS* Hope I'm here in 16 years to see her special night.
Proud papa and step-mama trekked to Minnesota to snap "the" pictures, attend the Grand March and then trekked home again.
***Post-a-note: In the best Frugal Friday tradition, instead of spending $$$$$ by the hundreds, my dear granddaughter #1, found that neat black dress at a garage sale last summer for $20. I'm absolutely certain NO ONE had a clue it didn't 'break the bank' *VBS*

And the answer is......

2009-05-01T21:52:00.001-05:00

It's a complicated issue, those labels. Thank you each and everyone who took the time to tell me what you thought, I truly appreciate it. 28 opinions and one email. I seperated the thoughts into "for","against" and "in the middle, both pro and con". Suprisingly the numbers were an even split. Eight votes for each of those three options, and about 6 votes for consolidation, drop down menu, etc. Now, if you know me at all, you know I've given this alot of thought.....and I've made a decision and because I'm Finn, it is a very Finn-like decision *VBS* I'm not a young gal, and while I'm not quite as old as dirt, I'm getting there. And what I have come to realize is my blog isn't just about quilts. The idea of typing "finished quilts" or "applique" won't get you far on my blog. I talk about the quilts I make, but that isn't really the true thrust of my blogging. I blog about my life, for one thing. And what I've seen over the years, both of quiltmaking and of living. There are so many labels because I think about many things, and talk about them. I've made you a collage of my blog.
This is a representation of "Pieces from my scrapbag". These are the bits of fabric old and new, photographs that will fade with age, and the memories that wander through the days of my life and the pieces of my quilts. I can't go clinical, that's not me. I appreciate the streamline look of many blogs, as well as the awesome pictures that can be taken with a better camera, but that's not me either, apparently.
And so I've decided to keep doing what I have been doing nearly four years now, and let my head and my heart lead me where they will.
The people who like my word pictures will still find theme, and fast moving gals can read as they choose and move on. There will be grandchildren and Ebby pictures, and glimpses of life in the Valley. Making quilts is a given, but for me it wouldn't be enough to blog about. I'm not that "into" the new stuff or cranking out quilts. I've cleaned up the categories, as per certain suggestions, because that made sense. I've eliminated some and consolidated others. There is more to do, and I will. I'm coming up on my 4th Blog-a-versary in July, and have written close to 1300 posts. No wonder I have label problems...LOL *VBS*

For my friends and followers....

2009-04-29T09:33:00.002-05:00

I have a question *VBS*What we can do with our blogs has changed soooo much over the years I've been offering you pieces from my scrapbag.
Maybe it's the economy, or the need to be more prudent(or frugal)...I'm not sure, but I've been feeling the need to streamline my blog.
I've managed to put the archives into a compact drop down window. I'm toying with the idea of the "My Blog List" option instead of my long list of places to visit, which surely doesn't include all that I'd like it to.
What's really on my mind is the LABELS. I have them listed as "What Finn Said". And there are A LOT of them, because I've had a lot to say over this past(nearly) 4 years. I'm toying with eliminating them completely...but I hate to, as I feel some of you come back to see a certain quilt or read what I have to say about something...like my quilters mission statement. Is that the case??? If you are a regular reader, or even an occasional reader, does having the category list of posts benefit you???? That's my question for this Thoughtful Tuesday plus one *VBS*

Doing my happy dance.....

2009-04-26T22:23:00.003-05:00

as Ebby looks at me as if I've gone mad!!! I won!!!I won! I won! I won! I almost never win anything, but I won!!Many thanks to Vickie E. of Mid-Ohio Knitter for having this wonderful giveaway! She has a wonderful blog with lots of great quilts, not to mention she's had two of her creations in Moda's Bake Shop series, and another reveal is coming soon *VBS*Moda has some great projects to go with their fabric lines.

What's on my mind today....

2009-04-25T11:11:00.002-05:00

and taking a minute or two to thinking about it. This lovely panel and fabrics are from about a year ago. I've mulled them over and over and finally I'm ready to slice and dice(I think!).
Belated birthday wishes to my beautiful younger sister who hit the magic(?) 62 on April 6th. A picture from 60 years ago, The Pony-Girl with our Mom *VBS* Happy Birthday K !
And my ongoing decision making dilemna....those DARN UFOs. I've pulled 9 into a collage. Some of these are on hangers, the log cabin and the bow tie still need blocks added. Six months now and I haven't touched that logcabin...bad Finn. The strippy ones are new, two of four strippys waiting for quilting. And I've spent serious time making a detailed list of my "Beguns"...kind of like the a Honey-Do list, but friendier. The trouble is....the list numbers are up to 64, and that doesn't include finished tops. It's not that I really NEED 60+ more quilts in my life, but I have this disease....LOL, maybe you've heard of it????

Another great giveaway....

2009-04-22T17:52:00.002-05:00

From a lovely and talented blogger, Vickie E, at Mid-Ohio Knitter. Vickie has had one of her patterns featured in the Moda Bake Shop section of Moda fabrics for some time now. Recently another of her designs was featured. To celebrate she's giving away this great bag of Moda scraps aka A Jellyroll. Link on over and say hello to Vickie, she has a really neat blog *VBS* Thanks Vickie!

Following the parade of quilters....

2009-04-21T12:58:00.004-05:00

I couldn't resist joining them *VBS* Amy has hosted a worldwide quilt festival right here on the World Wide Web ! I signed on today at #453. The requirements are that you post a picture of YOUR favorite quilt(all comers welcome), tell about it and link back to Amy's blog.Very probably anyone who has visited my blog,over the past 3 years,has seen this old favorite, "Riding the Orphan Train, Heading West". The blocks used in the quilt are just that,orphans, left overs from other projects, rejects, and a spare parts, added to help them all play together. I think I made it in the late 1980's. I took this picture while I still owned my home. That got sold in 2002, so before that.
It's not made to a specific size, but very much "it is what it is". I utilty quilted it with perle cotton, and as desired, in multiple tread colors. Emphasis on whimsey. It was created in a time when Liberated Quilting was an infant, I believe that Gwen Marston's Liberated Quiltmaking was on the market, but I hadn't seen it as yet. It found very little favor among the quilters I knew and associated with. I was quite surprised at how wonderfully it was accepted here in blogland. Like the Ugly Duckling, it came into it's own, and I love it! *VBS*

Bits and Pieces...

2009-04-16T17:39:00.002-05:00

a little of this and a little of that *VBS* Over the past week I have gotten another strippy top together. Still haven't gotten it pressed or a backing made, but soon. Beyond this, in the sewing room, I'm back at work on the Jacks over Six blocks for Tonya and Bonnie's Fungly Challenge.
The little basket I started for the crochet with fabric post, is finished and currently holding the pins from a nearly finished quilt.
Last weeks mail brought me this charming little heart, cut from an older Double Wedding Ring quilt. My friend, Julie, of Julie K Quilts, sent it to me. She had found it at a local quilt show. Local means Texas *VBS* Thank you so much Julie, I will be creating sort of a collage and using this nice recycled round maple frame. It just happens to have a curved glass and I've been wanting to use it for something special.
I had a lovely Easter with friend Jean and her family. The weather was clear but cool, and no snow, thank goodness. Thank you all for the nice Easter wishes *VBS*