A Few New Projects

I decided last month that I wasn't going to sign up for any BOM's or Sew Alongs for the new year.   That's sooooo funny.  Because the first thing I did was sign up for Sentimental Stitches Cabot Cuties II. 

Here are the first 5 blocks.  They are 4 1/2" finished.  Talk about stress.  But luckily they are paper pieced.  I made the first block (paper pieced).  Then I made the second block.  It was pieced.  When finished it was slightly larger than the first block.  I double checked and measured the paper pieced pattern and it was slightly smaller than it should have been.  I had to redo the block.  To get it to print the right size I had to print it at 104%.  Odd percentage but it worked.

My sister-in-law Dawn's mother is a quilter too.  We don't see each other very often but when we do we talk about nothing but quilting.  Last time I saw her she said they were moving into a condo.  Much smaller than her house.  While going through her quilting room she came across some magazines and books and some 5 inch strips of flannel.

This was delivered to me on Christmas Eve.  Today I sat down and looked at the fabrics and thought about what I could use it for.  Aha....large tumblers.  This morning I sat down and cut it up using my Accuquilt Tumbler Die.

I ended up with a nice pile of Tumblers.  I dug out  my small stash of Flannels and I'm in the process of cutting it into 5" squares so I can cut some more Tumblers.  Not sure if I'll have enough Tumblers for a quilt.  I may have to buy some more Flannel.....

I hope you are having nice weather.  We were in the 50's and then yesterday we had an ice storm.  Sleet everywhere.  This morning it was in the 40"s and everything is melting.  Strange weather we are having.

Thanks for stopping by.  Have a great day.

Hugs, Cathy

Hope You Had a Merry Christmas

We did.  It was so good to spend time with family.  But I'll let you in on a secret...as much as I enjoy Christmas December 26th is my favorite day.  I can sit back and relax.

I have some quilts to show you.  You've seen bits and pieces and now you can see the finished quilts.

There is 2 pictures of this quilt.  I think Alecia and Jon liked their quilt.  Alecia is my granddaughter and Jon is her boyfriend.

This quilt was for Stacy.  She really liked it.  She told me she wanted a queen size next year.  I guess I had better start now.  Stacy is my son Michael's girlfriend.  They are perfect for each other.

This quilt was made for my grandson Brian and his girlfriend Jess.  The label says it is for both of them...Jess says its hers.

I made this quilt for my granddaughter Ella.  It is big enough to cuddle with Mom or Dad while rocking in the Rocking Chair.

For the first time in 4 years all my siblings were together for Christmas.

Jay, Me, Sharon and Steve.  I'm the oldest, next Sharon, then Jay and last but not least Steve.

We also got a picture of everyone.

Back row: Sharon, Jay, Me, Grandson Brian, Steve, Daughter Kim, Her husband Robert, and my son Mike.  Then Jay's wife Cindi, Son in law Chris, Granddaughter Cassidy, my daughter Kelley, Brian's girlfriend Jess (holding my daughter's dog Bear), Granddaughter Alecia (Holding Sammie) and finally my hubby Terry.  My son Patrick and family were not able to make it. 

Today I'm relaxing...playing with my new brother sewing machine.  Making some 4 1/2" paper pieced blocks.  and getting some applique blocks prepped.  I have 3 more to make and then I am done.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Holidays and lots of hugs, Cathy

Time is flying

Christmas will soon be here.

Speaking of Christmas...my granddaughter Ashley (the hockey player) was asked to her schools Christmas dance.  It was her first dance and first date.

She is turning out to be a lovely girl.  She is still playing hockey and is doing gymnastics at school.


I just got this photo this morning of our youngest granddaughter Ella.  Today is pajama day.  Here she is working her way through a tunnel.

Nothing quilty to share today.  I did however finish my last Christmas Quilt gift. What a sigh of relief.  I was really worried I wouldn't finish it.  The quilt for Ella was put in the mail and is now under their Christmas tree.

I've been wrapping gifts, shopping on line and getting some applique prepped.  Sunday is cookie making day with the girls so I need to get my ingredients together.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope your day is going well.

Hugs, Cathy

Plugging Away

Last night I finished the binding on quilt number 3.

I used a serpentine quilting stitch and am so happy with the results. 

So this makes 3 done and 1 to go.  I will start on the last quilt tomorrow.  Once I'm done I will be able to finally take a deep breath and relax.

BTW...I'm typing this post on my new Dell computer.  It's my Christmas gift. 

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

A Day Late

And a few blocks short.  November found me very busy finishing up quilty gifts for Christmas so I only got one block made for my Old Voices quilt.  Luckily I some months I had made 5 blocks so I'm not too far behind.

This is the Berry Basket.  I think it turned out pretty good.


I've finished 2 of the 4 quilts that will be Christmas gifts.  Today I am going to get the backing done for the 3rd quilt.  Tomorrow I start quilting it.  Then I only have one more to go.

Sammie is feeling abandoned....

She is used to sitting on the recliner with me.  Instead she has made herself a little nest by her box of toys.  She's giving me the evil eye...lol

Dreary and overcast here.  Good day for quilting.  Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

Gobble Gobble

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am so grateful for my family.  Stacy is fixing dinner for all of us this year.  So I made her a little quilt to say thank you.''

She really liked it.

I also spent yesterday pin basting Christmas Quilt #2.

The fabric I used for both the front and back is called "Autumn Lily".  The quilt in the background is a quilt I made years ago for our bed.

I'll be busy machine quilting today.  Tomorrow I'll be up early and going to Mike and Stacy's to help with Thanksgiving dinner.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving.  

Hugs, Cathy

Time is running out!

I have 4 quilts that need quilting by Christmas.  One is quilted and I'm in the process of sewing the binding.

I can't show you the quilt yet.  You can see a tiny bit of it.  I wasn't sure about the backing fabric when I first bought it.  But now I love it.  I will finish the binding today.  Then I will have one down and 3 to go.

I've also been working on a Thanksgiving gift.

I can't show you this one either.  It is a gift for my son Mike and his girlfriend Stacy.  They are hosting Thanksgiving for the family.  I will share a photo next week.

To the winners of the giveaway....your patterns are in the mail.

The sun is shining, but the wind is blowing, so it's bright and cold out.  We are expecting snow this weekend.  I hope we don't get much.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend.

Hugs, Cathy

Giveaway Winners

The winner of the Gathering Baskets pattern is:

Gayle (The Middle Sister)

The winner of the Spencer Museum Quilt is:

Doniene

Emails have been sent to the winners.

Hugs, Cathy

GIVEAWAY!!

You still have time to enter the giveaway.  

Leave a comment letting me know which pattern you would like.  You have until Wednesday.  I will choose 2 winners on Thursday. 

The sun is shining here and I hope to get out and go for a walk.  Enjoy your day.

Hugs, Cathy

Better Late than Never

I know I mentioned a giveaway last month....but health issues got in the way.   Then we visited my son up north and I got involved in other things.  Enough with the excuses, right?

Well here it is.  As usual I forget what patterns I have and end up buying another and now I have 2 copies of a couple of patterns.  Your gain.

I must really love these patterns because I have 2 copies of each.  I will be gifting a pattern to 2 people. 

To enter leave a comment letting me know you are a follower and which pattern you would like to receive.  I will pick the winners next Wednesday.  Good Luck.


Each day I am feeling better and have more energy.  I prepped another block for the Old Voices quilt.  I'm also getting a couple of Christmas gift quilts ready for quilting.  I'm also testing some blocks for a magazine...can't say much more.  And am trying to clean my sewing room.  So it's good my energy levels are on the rise.


I got a new camera.  A Sony Cyber Shot.  It is very small.  I do have a bigger camera but I needed something smaller I can keep in the sewing room to take pictures of projects.  So I started playing with it.  In the corner of my living room I have an old wooden ladder.  I have some antique quilt tops hanging on it and some of my stuffed animals and dolls.

It's a little fuzzy...so I need to practice more.

In my sewing room I came across some scraps left over from an Accuquilt project.  I need to trim them up but I put them up on my portable design board. 

I think this will make a cute Doll Quilt.

Today the sun is out and it's 52 out...with no rain in site.  I think I will try and get out and take a walk.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day.

Hugs, Cathy

Old Voices New Impressions

Another month another 4 blocks.  I did something a little different.  I added 2 blocks designed by Lori Smith.  

My Strawberry plant.  The stem fabric is black with white, green and red running through it.

The green I used is a sage green.  It looks like antique fabric.

This is the first Lori Smith block.  It represents our dog "Sammie".

This is the second Lori Smith block.  It represents Terry and Me.

All 4 together.

I put all the blocks together on the design wall.  Some months I made 4 and some 5.  Here they are all together.

I'm so glad I joined the sew along.  I am so happy with the blocks.  And I think my Lori Smith blocks go quite well with the rest.

I know I mentioned a giveaway.  I haven't forgotten.  This year hasn't been good to me.  I went to the doctors complaining of no energy.  Blood tests showed that my sugar is high and my thyroid is low.  So an adjustment in meds was called for.  Slowly getting the energy back....but very slowly.  We decided q trip north to visit my son's family would be just what I needed.  So we are here till next week.  When I get home I promise to get the giveaway posted.  I have 2 great applique patterns to give away.

Till then take care and thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

Country Roads

Yesterday I finished my version of "Country Roads" sew along designed by Lori of Humble Quilts.  She always chooses such fun quick projects.

I already have this hanging on my living room wall.  I only wish I had chosen a different color thread to quilt it.


Here is a photo of the back of the quilt.

This some of the fabric I won from Barb at Fun with Barb from a giveaway she had.  It worked perfect for the backing.

Be sure to check out Lori's current post.  She posted photos of some antique quilts she saw in France.  I LOVE the first quilt she showed.  I already let her know it would make a terrific sew along project.

The weather here has been on the cool and rainy side.  However, today the sun is shining and the temps are up.  I have windows open and am enjoying the day.

Thanks for stopping by.  I hope you are enjoying the Autumn.

Hugs, Cathy

My Favorite Time of Year

I'm an Autumn Baby....  This is my favorite season.  My Birthday is in October so to celebrate I'm going to have a giveaway in the middle of the month.  More info on that next week.

I've been working diligently on my "Old Voices New Impressions" blocks.  I got 5 blocks made this month.  Be sure to check out Karen's blog where I will be linking up to share our blocks.

This is the rose block.  I love it's simplicity.

My bird block.  It looks like it is drinking nectar from the flower.

My wreath block.  It is not in the cranberry quilt on the back of the book.  I am using it in replacement for the string of pearls block.  

This is by far my favorite block.  Strawberry Planter.  I love the fabric I used for the planter.

And my final block for the month.  Not sure why this one is blurry...oh well.


Tilda at Huckleberry Stitches started our Quilt a month again.  This one is called "Use a Napkin Only for Your Mouth".  Strange name but I liked it.  It was suppose to 3 blocks by 3 blocks but I had a great fall charm pack so mine is a bit larger.

Recently Fun With Barb had a giveaway.   I WON.

The magazine has some really wonderful patterns.  Barb threw in some wonderful fabrics.  Can't wait to fine the perfect pattern to go with the fabric.
Thanks so much Barb.


Recently my son's girlfriend lost her beloved cat Bela Marie.  She had her for over 12 years.  She was so sad at this loss.  She posted pictures of Bela on facebook.  I copied the pictures and made her a remembrance quilt.

She now has it hanging on the wall where Bela's climbing tower used to be.


I've been working on Humble Quilts Quilt Along.  I'm going to finish the 3rd step and will post a picture of my quilt next week.

Well, thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy this wonderful Autumn weather.

Hugs, Cathy

All's Well

My test turned out okay.  I have to do it again in 5 years...ugh.

On a different note.  I had a few messages saying they couldn't see the skulls in my Busy Betty quilt.  They are in 3 colorways.  Red, blue and aqua.  I did a closeup for you.

Can you see them now...lol

Hugs, Cathy

A Cool and Sunny Sunday

Michigan weather is so unpredictable.  One day it is 85 with high humidity and the next it is 49 degrees in the morning with an expected high of 65.  That was the temperature this morning.  Next week it is going to be in the 80's again.  Oh well.

I finished my 4" Bow Tie blocks for Barb at Fun with Barb.  I joined in both groups.  Reproduction fabrics and bright modern fabrics.  I hope to get them mailed out next week.

I had ordered a 21 piece 10" Stacker of Riley Blake fabric from Craftsy.  I was "La Vie Boheme" by The Quilted Fish.  Definitely out of my fabric comfort zone.

I used a pattern from the book "More Layer Cake, Jelly Roll & Charm Quilts" by Pam and Nicky Lintott.  The pattern is called Busy Lizzie Quilt.  And with the fabric I chose it is Busy.

It is a cool fabric line.  If look closely there are skeleton heads.

I also started a new quilt.  I cut out the pieces using my Accuquilt cutter.

I bought some scraps backs recently.  All of them were in soft grays and whites and prints.  I pulled anything with gray for the churn dash part of the block.  I had purchased a fat quarter bundle of background fabrics.  They worked perfectly in this quilt.  The blocks are 12" and hopefully I will get a few more done today.  But....

Today is my prep day for my test tomorrow.  I'm not big on a liquid diet.  I'm hungry.  I hope to make it till the morning....lol

Enjoy your Sunday.  Thanks for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy

I Know....

I haven't been around lately.  I've been up and I've been down, I've been busy and I've been idle.  But now I'm here.  Almost didn't make it.  I recently downloaded Windows 10.  I love many aspects of it, but when I went to download new photos it took forever to figure it out.  Any way I did and here we are.

It's the end of the month and time to post photos for the sew along I'm doing with Karen at Log Cabin Quilter from the book by Jenna Kimble "Old Voices New Impressions".  Each month we work on 4 blocks.  Last month I got 5 done.  This month 4 blocks.  I find that as I work on the blocks I don't really like them.  But once I am done and have pressed the blocks I love them.  

This block is called Beth's Bird.

This is Morning Glories.

This block is Tulips.

The last is Cherries and Strawberries.  I just finished this one yesterday.


Like I said I've been up.....We went and visited my son and his family in the upper peninsula for a week.  Normally when we head north the temps are cooler.  This time it was HOT and HUMID.  And they don't have air conditioning. But it was so wonderful to see them.  My granddaughter was done with hockey, but signed up for Tennis.  She plays for the High School.  Yep...she is in High School now.  Where does time go.


And I've been down....I was sick with food poisoning...or so we thought.  Still having problems so my doctor scheduled a Colonoscopy...ugh, for Sept. 14.  I think the stuff you have to drink is worse than the procedure.


I still managed to get a few things done in the sewing room.

This is a quilt top I made from blocks I received from a block swap I participated in with Bumble Beans.  The blocks are made with made fabric.  

I also manage to make this little quilt.  It will fit on my quilt table frame.  It is 13" square.


I joined in on the bow tie swap Barb at Fun with Barb.  I joined in both groups. Modern and CW Repro fabrics.  I have my bright Modern fabric blocks made. $40 sets.  I have the fabric cut out for the Repro blocks.  I so enjoy Barbs Block swaps.  The last swap was 9 patch blocks.  It is nice to see all the different fabrics everyone uses.

Now I need to pick out the next four blocks for the sew along and get the pieces prepped.  Get my background fabric for the Repro Bow ties cut out and start sewing them.  I have one gift quilt almost finished and then I have to start quilting it.  So much to do and so little time.

I hope you have enjoyed your summer.  I'm so looking forward to Autumn, cooler weather and changing colors.  

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Hugs, Cathy